I'll be getting a new computer

[nancylebov]

I haven't been posting lately because I've been borrowing Heather's computer when it's available. I'm going to be getting some money to get a new computer, and the arguments in favor of a Mac seem to be less vulnerable to malware (especially important since I'll probably have broadband), good for graphics (something I want to get into for my business), not significantly more expensive than PC's these days, more stable operating system. Afaik, there are no major arguments in favor of getting a PC, but I'm willing to listen if I've missed something.

Also, it may be a clue that I've got dozens of anti-Windows slogans (and am looking forward to more about Vista), and only one anti-Mac slogan which I actually looked for out of fairness.

I'm not sure how much money I'll have to play with, but I'm interested in recommendations for good low-end Macs. I think I'm not going to be doing anything computationally ambitious (I'm not a cutting edge gamer and I'm not going to be making movies). I'm also interested in recommendations for good Mac software, espcially if it's free. It should be much less necessary, but is there a Mac equivalent to Go Back, or should I just not worry about it?

Comments

[whc.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I guess the 3x price factor is about right. I spent $250 on an emachines PC that included everything but the monitor. I don't recall ever seeing closeout deals on Apple hardware.

[metahacker.livejournal.com]

You're not looking in the right spot. E.g., Small Dog typically has refurbs and last-year's-models for significant discounts, and has excellent customer service.

To the parent post: Macs are more expensive. You get what you pay for. If your time is worth above-average money to you, it quickly pays itself off.

[avram]

But was the model you bought equivalent to the Mac that Crazy Cajun bought? I'm looking at the eMachines and Apple sites right now, comparing Mac minis to eMachines desktops, and I note that only the most expensive of eMachines's models comes with the dual-core CPU that all Mac minis come with, and their cheapest model lacks the DVD-burning drive that all Macs come with.

Granted, if you want a minimal machine, and saving money is a high priority, then you might be better off skimping on features and getting something like that.

[whc.livejournal.com]

Ah, I didn't realize the Mac Mini had the dual core processor.