I've been a PC user forever. My son converted over to Mac and is telling me that he will never go back to PC. I'm tempted. I've looked at the new iMacs and the PowerBooks and they are sweet. I love those window-sized screens on the iMacs. Damn they are expensive! I don't mess with software-- although I understand that I could load a Windows platform if I wanted. I send email and surf and used mostly web-based programs for business. Should I hesitate? Last chance to save me from a mistake if that's what you think...
I'm a lifelong PC user, but after using some of the newer Macs in the computer lab where I go to school -- I promise you the next computer I'll buy will be a Mac. I'm thinking about taking out a special loan available to students and buying a Mac laptop.
I'm with your son. I love Macs and will never go back to a PC again. I use them at work, have my own at home and TRYING to talk my wife into switching as well. Just a suggestion though, if all you are doing is basic computer stuff (net, email, etc) I would try to find a nice eMac on ebay. It's where I got mine. You can probably find one for around $400-600 that would be perfect for you. Just make sure it has Mac OS X on it (it should), has a combo-drive in it (CD/DVD/RW/DVDRW), and has at least 500 mb of memory (preferably a gig) and you are all set. Good luck and welcome to the life of no spam and viruses.
Thanks... and that sounds like a great idea... but I think I'm hooked on those over-sized screens. I'm middle-aged and my eyesight is starting to go; I don't wear glasses yet but I'm thinking that those oversized screens will be easier to read. I take it that these over-sized screens are newly available; I didn't even know about them until I went shopping. I'm also having neck strain due to leaning forward to read online (among other things) and I'm thinking the iMac iMax might help out there too!
I'm also waiting in line to be converted. My next computer purchase is going to be a Macbook, probably in the next few months. I don't need one, but I can't wait to get one. I played around w/ one in a Mac store for about 20 min and I was convinced that I wanted to take a chance and switch. Although I frequented Mac message boards for awhile to keep up on upcoming releases, I got so tired of the cult-like, homer attitudes that I only briefly check them to see if there's any news on Macbooks. It's ridiculous, half the time they're putting down other products for the hell of it, and they somehow rationalize every Mac development/problem as a positive.
I just got a Macbook a couple of weeks ago. This is my second Mac. I sold my iBook before law school, but now the school supports macs and I decided to go back after my Thinkpad started acting up. The new Intel Macs are sweet. If you don't want to spend too much you could get a Mac Mini and use your old monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with an iMac. I think the Macbook Pros are overkill. My sister has one, and I like my Macbook better. But, whatever model you get, you'll most likely be happy. I smile every time I pick up my laptop.
Mac-Forums - probably the least active, but one section is dedicated to people switching from pc to mac Both are very active and informative, just beware that some posters worship Steve Jobs. AppleInsider ThinkSecret
