swap to imac, or stick with windows

[graeme123]

Seriously thinking of swapping to an Apple imac system, but all I've ever used is Windows in the past. Part of the reason is "cosmetic" i.e. to get rid of huge hard drive on my ancient PC. Graphics looks great on Apple MAC too. But as I only realy surf web, send emails, use word, and listen/download from iTunes, is investing �800 for basic 20in Apple Mac system a wise move. I'd appreciate hearing about people's experiences who have recently made the change. Is it easy to "pick up" i.e. not physically, but the different technology. I'm booked onto a 1 hr intruduction workshop next Sat at Meadowhall Sheffield.

Many thanks for your time
Graeme
York

[ACtheTROLL]

personally ... no way ... macs are pretty ... expensive

but the world uses windows ... freeware ... hardware ... malware ... all windows.

if you change you'll have to start again ... if you do buy kit ... it may or may not support mac ....

I have a box of screwdrivers ... all colours ... fit every type of screw I'm likely to ever need ...
why would I throw them all out ... and then buy a new white set?

[graeme123]

Many thanks AC

Still pretty confused. I get such conflicting advice from so many people. I might just use the commpletely inexact science of seeing how may "pro" versus how many "anti" replies I get! Not a very good way of deciding whether to shell out �800+ but decision making never was my strong point. A decent lap-top might even be a better alternative.

cheers again
Graeme
York

[Richard1966]

I made the switch last october and am typing this on a mac book. I wish i had made the swap sooner.

Yes macs are more expensive and yes some (but only some) things don.t work on macs. You will either have to buy a specific mac version of word �99 or the option i took, buy iworks for 55. This allows you to save docs in a word for mat so they can easily be swapped with PC's running windows. My office uses windows as our national IT team will only support windows but I often do work from home on my mac and email to myself in word format. No problems.

There are differences in the way that windows and macs work but these are relatively small once you get going. I have no problem switching each day when i go to work and then when i come home again.

Enjoy the introduction session, and let us know what you decide.

[graeme123]

Cheers Richard,

Much appreciated. You've confirmed pretty much what I suspected. It seems a bit daunting at times (or lazy, depending on how you look at it!). But my inclination is to bite the bullet . I will let you know how the workshop goes.

Regards
Graeme
York

[fo3nix]

Expensive computer are actually Sony computers, not Macs.

Macs are similarly-priced to same-spec Dells or Acers, etc. They just don't do the really cheap models for �300 like you can get with other PC brands with Windows.

If you are, or perhaps have a near relative that is a student at uni, then you can get a good student discount (you need to be connected to the campus network). Perhaps �100 or more.

Should you switch? The question is really why you want to in the first place. If you just want a nicer computer to look at, and Windows does everything you could possibly want, then perhaps it's not worth it.

If you're fed up of having to run spyware-checking apps and anti-virus programs etc. every week just to keep your PC 'maintained', and just want an easier life (and are prepared to pay for it), then go for it.

It'll take your a week or two to really get used to it. Small things. You'll find yourself moving the cursor to the right of a Windows to close it with the "X", when it's a red light on the left of a window on a Mac. Little touches.

The training is very good though. Run by the 'geniuses' at the Apple stores, that are employed and trained to know almost everything there is to know.

[ACtheTROLL]

lol fo - a real trouper.

got to say richard seems to be working despite having a mac - not because

Forgot about this
http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/
whatever we think .... it's up to you

(you'll have problems with games as well)