Due to Technical Difficulties...

[mainpa]

ARGH - I've been having troubles with my PCs. For some reason, Skype can't hear my microphone, and I can't for the life of me figure out why - since all the other audio programs can. I'm also having issues with my DVD burner - and I'm getting frustrated. Though it probably shouldn't surprise me, since this computer is one I built myself - and if

Comments

[sfeley]

Very cool, MA. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Macs aren't perfect, they have their annoying quirks too, but in my experience they're more stable. They tend to accumulate fewer problems over time than PCs do, and they're much closer to Just Working than anything else I've used.

As for what to buy: this is actually a case in which the limited product line is a strength. >8-> Except for the Mac Pro (which is more powerful than any of us needs) they all have similar processing capability, so the main question is what form factor you want. If you need something you can take out of the house, the $1100 MacBook is a fine machine and fits everywhere. If portability isn't important, get the $1200 iMac. The more expensive ones get you bigger screens but the added value is a diminishing return. If you're really on a budget you could get the $600 Mac Mini and use your current monitor and keyboard, but I have to warn that you may get frustrated with it sooner and want to upgrade. Don't settle for less than 1 GB of RAM, and

[mainpa]

I think I will be happy - after 15 years, I'm going back to the Mac. And thank you so much for the run down - I now know exactly what I want, and have gotten prices, so I'll be prepared when I actually go shopping. All there is a bit more researching on upgrade post purchase, but I'm hoping that won't be an issue.