Hey Mac users...convert me!

[huskerlaw]

I currently have a 3-year-old Dell laptop. It was the top of the line at the time (30 GB hard drive...of which 1.58 is now empty, Pentium 4, Mobile CPU 1.60 GHz, 320 MB RAM). It's glitchy, has virus issues, and basically I hate it. I'm thinking about getting an Apple iBook G4, but I'm a complete Mac-idiot. Basically, I want to know what specs I should be shooting for.

I use my comp mainly for internet, word processing, and looots of music/video files. The only game I typically play is Sims 2, which I realize is not Mac-happy, but thankfully the Dell isn't entirely dead yet.

The specs on the Mac I'm looking at are: 1.33 GHz (not happy that's lower than my current comp), 256 MB RAM (also lower), 60 GB hard drive. I'm also trying to decide between the SuperDrive and the Combo drive. Is this going to be a strong enough computer? Should I be concerned that the RAM is lower than what I have now? It comes with Apple Works...I'm going to want to get Office for Macs, right?

Ok, finally, I'm considering buying it from Best Buy. Politics aside, is this a stupid move? I like the fact that their service plan would allow me to drive like, all of 4 blocks to get it repaired. I live NOWHERE near an Apple store.

Thoughts? Input? Sell me on the Mac!

[Deja Q]

1. And you'd rather get a $800 Mac (or mac mini after you buy the essentials)

:popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:

Just buy or download a Linux distro. For internet, word processing, and MP3s, you don't need to waste money in such a tasteless manner.

Oh, Linux has runtime executables for The Sims, Unreal Tournament (and 2003 and 2004 editions), Doom 3, Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Quake 3, and others. With an Nvidia card, you'll run faster than windows. Avoid ATi, they make crap drivers for Windows so you know the Linux ones will be even worse...

:popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:

[jayfish]

3. Would You Care To Post Some...

benchmarks of the Windows beating game performance you speak of? Also, ATi stopped making junk drivers (for Windows anyway) about two years ago.

Jay

[alfredo]

2. Sims 2 should be out for the Mac in

June.

Music and video is the Mac's strong suits.

Before you go to office, look at Neo Officej and look at Apple's new iWork. Pages and Keynote2 look pretty good.

I would add more RAM You want at the minimum 512. The Super Drive would be a nice touch. If you buy now you will get a great deal on 10.4 "Tiger." I am looking forward to Tiger. It looks like a killer upgrade.

BTW, Dell are big time Bush supporters, Apple and Steve Jobs are solid Democrats.

Once you are comfortable on the Mac, install Linux on your Dell. Sooner or later you will want to play around with the UNIX underpinnings. Use the Dell for that. You will see a lot of similarities under the hood. UNIX based OS's are very straightforward, very logical.

Unlike Windows, you will have access to the world of a huge catalog of UNIX based software like Scribus, Inkscape and other fine Open Source titles. You will have access to all the UNIX programming tools for free.

iMovie is a terrific application and so is Garage Band.

[MalachiConstant]

4. ps:

don't buy it from bestbuy. chances are they can't service in in store and send it to a regional service facility. typically, you'll be without your computer anywhere from 2 weeks to a month. not to mention the fact that their service department (geek squad) is a complete joke. they rip people off left and right, 30$ diagnosis fee ridiculous pricing , and long waits.

if it was me i would check to see if there is an apple store in my area, or order it from the apple website. if you have some affiliation with a school or university you get a fairly substantial discount as well.