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

[thatcrazycajun.livejournal.com]

Stipulated that Apple can be obnoxiously monopolistic; this is largely because Steve Jobs is an elitist who wants his company to be "the innovator." In his mind, you can't be that if you let everybody and his brother copy your specs and make clones. This has long been a source of aggravation to me and other Mac users.

On the other hand, there is this to be said for keeping tight control of the hardware: it increases hardware reliability and software stability. Apple products just work, right out of the box, far more often than Micro$oft's or their partners' "Plug & Pray" or "Plays for Sure--NOT!" equipment. And when you have to write an OS and drivers for gods-only-know-what-and-how-many peripherals made by everybody and his brother, it vastly increases the likelihood of problems.

Your point about Internet Exploder and LookOut--err, I mean Outlook is well taken. That may be one reason among many that Apple now bundles its own Web browser, scheduling and mail apps with the system.

As for the attitudes of Mac users, stipulated also that some of them can be unthinking Kool-Aid drinkers and obnoxious asshats. So can many PC users. I personally find a far larger proportion of bigots in the Wintel world than among Mac users.