Hmm. My sister just wrote to me asking about buying a new computer for the family and wondering if they should buy a Mac instead of a Windows PC. This is what I replied:
've got to say, changing to the Mac was a great
choice for me; I simply love it. It doesn't fall over, I don't have to
bother with antispam and virus stuff and the hardware is very elegant.
The ONLY downside I've had is that moving windows round on screen is a
bit more difficult on Macs - you can only drag the bottom right-hand
corner of open windows, not any edge like you can on a PC. That still
grates.
Apart from that, absoultely no reservations at all, period.
I did buy a program called Parallels which allowed me to install
Windows XP on my Mac to run Windows software. The only software I use
it for is Microsoft Money which doesn't exist on Macs. It allows me to
run both the Mac software and Windows at the same time - Windows in a
window on the Mac, if you like. However, the current Macs now all ship
with a program called Bootcamp for free which allows you to run
Windows - but not at the same time, you choose when booting up which
you want.
If you have to run Microsoft Office stuff, you may want this deal. I
use a free Office suite now called NeoOffice which is 99% compatible,
but I only do basic word processing and spreadsheets now, nothing
complicated - I don't have to swap Word files with others and so on.
You may need this ability.
All the software that comes with the Mac is good; Garageband works
fine, I understand, but it's not my bag, man. Philip should look at it
first and see if it has the capabilities he needs.
One of the reasons I moved was because I was buying a new laptop
anyway and it would come with Windows Vista, so I'd have had to learn
a new OS anyway. I reasoned why not learn Mac OS anyway, as I was so
pissed off with Microsoft for all the stupid little changes they made
anyway. I'm sure I made the right decision.
Mac hardware isn't cheap in the sense that there isn't a £399 Mac with
everything on it you get on a PC; but if you're spending, say, £1000
then the comparisons are very good - Mac hardware is about the same as
on a PC and made to a higher quality standard. It looks fantastic too.
http://www.apple.com/getamac/movetomac/ is interesting, and
http://store.apple.com/Catalog/uk/Images/routingpage.html where you
can get deals for being a teacher/student. It would be worth going to
a store if you have time to see the machines and try them, looks like
Brum or Brent Crossmay be your nearest though
http://www.apple.com/uk/retail/ - the people working there aren't like
the drones in PC World, they really do know what they're talking
about. Take Philip along and get them to demonstrate Garageband, for
example.
Hmm. I'm starting to be an evangelist, I can see. Frankly, I'd do it
if I were you, I know I'll never, ever, ever buy another Windows PC
now.
As for spec, whatever you buy get at LEAST 2GB of RAM memory - 3 or 4
is better and not expensive now, and at least 500 GB of hard disc,
preferably two that size. Pix, video and especially music take up lots
of room.
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