opinons on mac's

[driftdevil]

I'm looking for a new home computer and am thinking of going with one of the mini mac's or the imac 20 inch. Any opinons on these?

[Shoefly]

I switched a few years ago and won't be going back, especially with the new intel chipsets that let you run Windows (if you need to). I'm a pretty heavy user, and I haven't had the need to use windows since I switched.

Check http://www.dealmac.com for the best prices..

[redmenace]

The iMac is a deal if you're starting from scratch (nicely integrated, 20" LCD) but if you've already got keyboard/mouse/monitor then the mini keeps those from going to waste. Try and visit Apple store at Willow Bend and see if one system suits you better than the other. If you're looking for reviews and tests, check out macintouch.com and macworld.com .

[HudsonHawk]

Despite the fact I have dispised macs from years of supporitng them in corporate america, I have to admit I am impressed with the OS X and newer.

I will never own one. But for people who dont care to learn about what they are working with. Its a good thing.

[Shoefly]

But for people who dont care to learn about what they are working with.

You must mean: For people who don't care to be *forced* to continually learn about what they are working with?

[jolberry]

Macs rule! Of course, that is all I have ever owned.
I would go with the imac and stay away from the mini. Just my

[redmenace]

Despite the fact I have dispised macs from years of supporitng them in corporate america, I have to admit I am impressed with the OS X and newer.

I will never own one. But for people who dont care to learn about what they are working with. Its a good thing.

[MadMerv]

I've been using MAC's for the last thirteen years and have been very happy with them. Most graphics designers prefer them, and for a long time, they had the best software packages. Don't know if that has changed 'cause I like what I have and haven't had the need to upgrade. The best thing about them: I've only ever heard of ONE virus on A MAC, and I've never had one!

[HudsonHawk]

would you care to clarify your point? I don't see how that is

[Magma]

I have to agree with the masses. For what I do(Video Editing) it is the way to go. As stated with the new intel chips, you have that option for windows if you need it.

Jaime, if you want one weekend or even this friday as I am off, you can swing by and check out the system at the house

[jrj512]

When I bought my laptop, I was considering a Mac, but the price drove me away. I bought a Toshiba Windows-based laptop instead. Aside from that, the Mac is probably a superior machine for home use. I will likely look at Macs again when it comes time to replace this laptop. I doubt you'd go wrong choosing either Windows or Mac.

[CraiginTX]

I'll throw my hat in with the Mac folks as well. I've had my PowerBook for a couple of years now - and IMHO, you can't beat the Mac for typical home use. For web surfing, photos, music, movies, etc - it is SO easy and SO elegant - it has Windows beat by a mile. FWIW, I was in Redmond, WA last fall and saw a demo of the upcoming Windows Vista - I didn't see anything I can't already do better with OS X.

I was about to buy another Dell when I decided to take a good look at the Mac - and at the time, feature for feature - it was the same price as the Dell. OS X is awesome, and while the bundled iLife suite may isn't the most capable stuff in the world - it does everything I need it to do, far easier than I usually think it will be. I use MS Office on my Mac and sharing files with my PC at the office is transparent.

So definitely take a look at the Mac. The days of Macs being a pain relative to PCs in terms of software availability or file sharing are long gone. I'll admit that PCs have come a long way in the stability department, and generally cause fewer problems than they used to - but I find OS X to be more stable, easier to maintain, and more fun to use than XP.

YMMV and all that,

Craig

[Mathews2004]

We set up a new Mac Book Pro at a client. Win XP and OSX dual boot. Best of both worlds! I will probably buy one for my wife for Christmas. Then I can get my powerbook back!

[Titus]

Opps... looks like Dell isn't the only one that's been using Sony's fire prone batteries.

[tailchaser]

Nothing against Mac's at all. If you're not tied down to some PC application or another, a Mac is a great idea - especially now that prices have gotten better due to the switch to Intel hardware.

Edit: Politically incendiary comment removed by moderator. Carry on.