Which Macintosh computer to buy? I'm torn between the new Imac 20" or a G5 Tower (with a Mac 20" monitor.)
117860
Apple announced a while ago that all future Macs will have Intel chips. Now, there are already numerous Macs available (depending on your country) with an Intel chip (x86, the same one is used for many Windows computers), including an iMac (2x faster than iMac G5) and the new MacBook Pro (4x faster than a PowerBook with G4 processor). I think it will only be a matter of time when they will release an Intel version of the G5 Tower.  \n\nSome software might not work as fast as on a PowerPC G5 (since PowerPC software has to be emulated on Intel Macs, but they say it is barely noticable), but numerous software developers have already announced to make so-called universal versions of their programs (which work on both PowerPC and Intel Mac as fast as possible). Adobe is expected to release Intel versions of future versions of their software next summer (Apple released Intel Macs faster than anticipated). This might cost you a lot of money if you already use many Adobe or other software. Most software vendors do provide a free update to an Intel versions though, I think you should check beforehand.\n\nUnfortunately, this does not mean that you can install Windows XP (it uses 'old firmware' not present in an Intel Mac I read in a magazine) directly on a Mac. However, it is announced that the next version of iEmulator (1.7.9, which enables you to run Windows 95,98, 2000, or XP on your Mac) will use the Intel processor for better performance. The update will be free for current and future users. I think VirtualPC (a very expensive emulator made by Microsoft) and possibly other emulators, may have an Intel version in the future as well. Furthermore, Windows Vista (the next version of Windows), may run on Intel Mac computers directly. This version is rumored to use the new firmware present in Intel Macs.\n\nRegarding the screen size, that totally depends on your needs. Personally, I do some amateur image editing as well and I have a 12 inch screen. I think if you are a professional, the bigger the better.
1138343
Is this a question, or were you just stating a (pretty) obvious fact.  People are going to pay more for color, that's just how people are (I wouldn't) and I probably wouldn't get a MacBook either, not because I don't love it but because it doesn't have (or even offer) a dedicated graphics card and I am not going to pay $2000 for a base MacBook Pro.
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I'm not the most proficient Mac user but if your looking for basic fulfillment of your needs then a Mac Mini or the basic iMac will fit the bill. I'd go with the iMac personally. but for the best quality and efficiency the Power Mac G5 is the best choice.\n\nHowever, now that Intel is starting to create better processors that aren't just faster but are more reliable and windows has a Media Center Spec. O/S, I would seriously look into an Intel OR AMD based media center PC.\n\nThe macs I mentioned go for between $600-$1300 (USD)\n\nAnd the Intel's, depending on Configuration, can go anywhere from $700-$1500 (USD) for a decent configuration.\n\nPersonally I choose Windows over Mac because for components within a computer it is much more compatible. the Apple O/S stalemates you to just a few options that can limit productivity. but it can really fall on personal preference.\n\nMy second source will bring you to a very good PC that is based on an Intel chip set and can run Windows Media Center 2005. it goes for $690 (USD) not including tax and shipping and handling.
65992
There are many types of macs depending on your budget and use.  If you are a video, photo or audio professional, for example, a dual-G5 is great.  No need to move over to the Quad or Intel processors yet since the programs haven't been yet tweaked to get the most speed out of them.  For an all around great machine on a budget, the iMac is an all in one tha fits the entire computer behind a 2 inch thick flat panel display.. and it has a webcam built right into the front!  The cheapest option if you have the peripherals would be a mac mini.  Just plug in your monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers .. and even your firewire devices .. and off you go!  Check out apple's site for more.
277888
The biggest difference between the two is preference.  But being a computer science major on a college campus, I've heard my share of the debates.  So I'll try to sum up what I know.\n\nMacs are good computers (and whether mac users like or not, a mac is a "pc").  Still, there are plenty of pc makers that make equally good or even better computers.  One of the biggest plus's for apple notebooks is the batter life.  However, when bying a Mac, know that you will pay roughly about 1.5 times what you would pay for a pc.  Straight up fact.\n\nThe operating system is very simple to use, though it is far from being perfect.  In fact, over the last two years, Mac OS X has have 3 security vulnerabilities for every one security vulnerability that Windows XP has had.  Note that only about 5% of all computer users have Macs, so if you are going to be doing a lot of collaboration with other people, you may want to take what use into account.\n\nSoftware, well almost any software that you will need is available on PC.  Adobe Paintshop, video editing software, all of these kinds of major products are usually available on PC.  The downside is that Windows gives you the control to bogg down your system with undesired programs (this is not the fault of Windows but merely that of the user) where as Mac does not give the user very much control.\n\nThat sums up a lot of things.  On a personal note, my next notebook computer will probably be a Mac.  I value the battery life, and they are well built computers.  However the only reason why I am considering getting a Mac is because they will be able to run the next version of Windows (which comes out in the later half of this year).\nI hope that this helps you.\n\nAnd for those Mac users that are offended that I said that Mac OS X has security vulnerabilities, here are the facts:\nhttp://secunia.com/
711917
You really should spend an extra $100 to get the Macbook. You can get software to make the mac turn into a PC and it is amazing, no spyware, the fastest computers ever, and they are extremely durable, I've dropped mine about 5 tiems and it has never broken once. Join Apple users and benefit! PC's are bad, Apple is good!!!!!!!!
462405
MAC is a more unique kind of computer.  It tries to be different and looks as if they don´t have a strong competitor offering what they offer.  But you are right!  They are not too different from all the other PCs!  MAC stablished itself as a very good option for graphic designers, artists and architects, becuase in the past, MAC computers gave the best overall performance for those needs.  Right now, there are PCs of many brnads that offer the same.  I wouldn´t buy a MAC.
276930
I chose the PC over the MAC many years ago.  At that time software was my main issue.  I was essentially an experimenter, and was interested in having access to a large number of varied programs.  If you had a PC you could choose from dozens of word processors, spreadsheet, etc.  If you looked to shareware the selection grew exponentially.  On the other hand a MAC had one of each application available.  At the time I would enter a store to buy software and find rack after rack of PC programs and half a shelf dedicated to the MAC.  It was like buying an early Ford  automobile, you could have any color as long as it was black.\n\nNow I stay with the PC because of inertia.  I have experience with the PC so I am in my comfort zone.  I don't see any reason to change at this time.
725441
Definitely the Macintosh!!
1171248
Mac, definitely.  I don't know where to begin, concerning reasons.  First of all, I think the best feature is that although a PC has separate hard drive and monitor components, a Mac comes in one piece.  You just need a keyboard and a mouse (which are both USB compatible) and it works great.  Plus Macs have more voice activation, they are easier to navigate, they come with a built-in microphone, and you can update the system software so that you don't need to buy new hardware to get a better computer.  Plus, Macs have bigger screens and better layouts and controls.  And get this - a new program lets you use Mac hardware for PC software.  Not bad, huh?  Down with Windows.  I rule.
161940
Apple iMac G5 w/built in 20" LCD screen\nDoing nothing\n97 watts\nMonitor dimmed\n84 watts\nMonitor sleep\n62 watts\nCopying files\n110 watts\nWatching a DVD\n110 watts\nOpening a bunch of pictures\n120 watts\nComputer sleep\n3.5 watts\nhttp://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/computers.html\n\n\nThis site says savings of $150/year\nhttp://www.ivanhoe.com/science/story/2005/06/22a.html
1099562
To be honest the macbook pro is not that much better than the macbook, considering the price difference anyway. If you need more than onboard graphics get a pro, if not then the macbook is still badass. I bought a pro, and it's amazing, but the only reason was because i could do with 2 firewire ports and it has an expansion slot which can be used for firewire.\n I'm a video editor and the extra screen space on the pro is useful, but i've heard the macbook still runs final cut really well.
1179362
Unlikely, just sell the Dell, there are plenty of people who will buy it. Then look for good deal on the Mac. Be prepared for the sticker shock initially when purchasing and especially when wanting to upgrade hardware or software. Also get used to having no real choices in these matters.
22049
I think, with your requirements, you should go for a dell or, if you want a really good one, get IBM.  Windows is much more compatible than mac.  You'd be giving up quite a bit if you decided to get a mac.  The mac has good graphics and speed in all, but in the long run, the Dell is best for you.
554774
i tryed to send you a email but some how it did not go through so i am "answering" here. you are very ignorant about macs. i have worked with a lot of pcs both fast and slow, and never had any thing but problems with them. all pcs are junk compared to macs. macs never get viruses, have the best hardware in the world, and have been rated the best computer of any price. they last long, have all good software, pcs have a lot more software but most of it is junk and if you got rid of all the bad stuff there would be less for pc than theere is for mac. i know what a good computer is and you dont. i will never use a pc again. my mac is the best computer i have ever had, and when i need a new computer i will get a mac. PCs STINK.
1135323
PC or Mac?\n\nif it's Mac, go for a Power Mac Dual-Core G5, fully loaded with RAM\n\nif it's a PC, go for\nProcessor: Intel® Pentium® D Processor Extreme Edition 965 w/ HT 3.73GHz 1066MHz FSB\nMotherboard: NVidia nForce™4 SLI™ X16 Motherboard\nVideo Card: Dual 512MB PCI-Express x16 NVIDIA® GeForce™ 7900 GTX - SLI Enabled \nRAM Memory: 4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 4 x 1024MB \nHard Drives: 1TB (500GB x 2) Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7,200 RPM w/ NCQ & 32MB Cache\nCD/DVD-ROM: 16x Dual Layer DVD±R/W Drive w/LightScribe Technology\nSound: Creative Sound Blaster® X-Fi® Elite Pro High Definition 7.1 Audio with XRAM Technology\n\nin either case, choose a Cintiq 21UX Monitor.  It replaces the mouse, as you actually draw on the monitor like you would a piece of paper.\n\nCheck it out at www.wacom.com
1151561
Get the best Mac you can for your budget.  The MacBook should be sufficient for what you need.\n\nBut if you think the Mac is less vulnerable to spyware or viruses its just a matter of time.  If you carelessly surf and don't protect your machine, then the same thing will happen.  Windows is more vulnerable because it has such a larger audience for users and potential damage than Mac.  But there were major virus outbreaks a couple of weeks ago aimed at the Mac as well.