So I want to buy a Mac.......

[Stargate199]

Sorry, I haven't been around lately, I've been busy. So anyway, I have finally had it with Windows. I almost cannot stand Windows anymore, so I think I will get a mac. I am going to keep my current laptop, so I will get a desktop. Here's the deal. I have a nice monitor, keyboard and mouse so a Mac mini would be a good option, however, they have not been updated in over a year, so would getting an iMac be any better. I would be getting a lower end iMac (2.4GHz) and I would gain a descrete graphics card instead of the GMA950 on the mini. I don't really do any gaming at all. Most of my stuff is internet and documents. So which is better, the Mac mini or an iMac for what I want to do?

[mgo]

I would be getting a lower end iMac (2.4GHz) and I would gain a descrete graphics card instead of the GMA950 on the mini. I don't really do any gaming at all. Most of my stuff is internet and documents. So which is better, the Mac mini or an iMac for what I want to do?

From my own personal experience, I "drank the Apple kool Aid" and discovered that the Mac does not measure up for my needs. Like you I do lots of documents and Internet things and pictures and multimedia.

By far, Office 2007 and other Windows type programs are much better than the Apple applications. I sold my high end Mac Book Pro pretty fast after discovering its many shortcomings.

[GomJabbar]

I have not used a MAC, so I don't have any input there. However you might consider giving Linux a go first. I use Mandriva Linux and find it quite capable. You can boot a Linux Live CD and give it a test run before installing anything to your hard drive. Running off of the CD is slower than off of the hard drive, but it is a fully functioning OS with many applications already there. There is no money involved except the cost of a blank CD. Most other Linux distributions also offer Live CD downloads.

http://www.mandriva.com/en/download/free

[Stargate199]

I have tried linux, I just can't get the drivers to work correctly. I even tried talking to the linux geeks at school (some have built their own distros BTW) and just won't work consistently. I just want a little desktop to complement my laptop. My school just got a bunch of new macs (iMacs and some Mac Pros) and I really enjoyed using OS X. I can get access to MS Office for Mac, so I am not too worried about office. I feel like OS X 10.5 is more stable than any version of Windows I've used. I like XP, but I always have had driver problems on every sytem I've owned (USB flash drives sometimes just refused to work on XP). I currently use vista, but it just feels bloated, but yet is remarkably stable.

[underclocker]

From my own personal experience, I "drank the Apple kool Aid" and discovered that the Mac does not measure up for my needs. Like you I do lots of documents and Internet things and pictures and multimedia.

By far, Office 2007 and other Windows type programs are much better than the Apple applications. I sold my high end Mac Book Pro pretty fast after discovering its many shortcomings.

Exactly my experience. I bought a MacBook, tried it for a while, then realized it was as complicated as Windows to use, sometimes more so. Then I sold it. At least Macs hold their value rather well.

[joester]

Not sure this applies to your area, but I was given a Mac 13.3 and no power supply (busted LCD). The O N L Y shop that serviced Mac's would entertain letting me "borrow" a power supply long enough to ensure it would even attemp to boot wanted $20 to test for POST.

Rediculous. They told me they wouldn't charge the battery, but would test for POST only.

One of the moderators here offered to "loan" me a charger, but I'm considering offering it up for parts trade instead.

Joe

[Stargate199]

Yeah, if there are no Apple stores around, it can be really hard to get a mac serviced. that why I'm lucky to have a couple of Apple Stores near me.

[ajkula66]

I've had my fair share of exposure to Macs, although I've never owned one, and will say just one thing: having seen a MacBook opened up for surgery, I don't think I'd ever want to own one for that reason alone...you need a microscope to work on it.

And I'd second the suggestion of giving Linux a shot. I'm not a Linux guru by any stretch of imagination, but have managed to get it to work for me in 95% of the applications...

My $0.02 only...

[Puppy]

Mac Air http://www.wulffmorgenthaler.com/strip. ... 6d7ce2d948

[denisky]

How about getting a thinkpad and install Mac OS on it? Is it possible?

[RealBlackStuff]

How about getting a thinkpad and install Mac OS on it? Is it possible?

We have a whole Forum dedicated to that: OS-X on a Thinkpad.

[Wentworth]

The screen on the new 24 inch iMac is great, the keyboard sucks not that good for typing.

[xeres]

I've had my fair share of exposure to Macs, although I've never owned one, and will say just one thing: having seen a MacBook opened up for surgery, I don't think I'd ever want to own one for that reason alone...you need a microscope to work on it.

I have opened quite a few and I have to agree: surgery on an iBook/PowerBook/MacBook is not for the faint of heart. Some models are easier than others. There are quite a few good guides for taking apart a iB/PB/MB out on the InterWeb. With an expired warranty, I'm more likely to operate; most of the surgery was to install bigger hard drives.

I recently acquired a T41 - what shocked me was how accessible the hard drive was! Dang!

And I'd second the suggestion of giving Linux a shot. I'm not a Linux guru by any stretch of imagination, but have managed to get it to work for me in 95% of the applications...

After I replace the hdd, I'm installing Linux on the T41. Haven't decided if it should be dual boot OS or single boot OS. But, that's for another forum.