Should we get an iMac, iMac mini or replace our 5 year old PC w/ a newer one?

Mac. Definitely. Don't think that Macs are more expensive. When it comes down to cost of software, upgrades, anti-virus, repairs, time-saved, you're saving a bundle with a Mac. Even for basic use, it is NOT overkill.

You will be very happy that you switched to Mac, and after finding some good apps, learning the slightly different keyboard shortcuts, viewing some Apple tutorials, etc, you'll never look back.

The simplest solution would be to get the iMac. It's the all-in-one package and works awesomely. The only thing is, the current model has a super-glossy display, which you may or may not find annoying.

Another option is to get a Mac Mini (they're not too expensive), and if you get Snow Leopard on it (I'm not sure if it's pre-installed on the Minis yet) it'll be plenty fast even though it has some lower-ish specs (relatively speaking). If you do that, you're going to have to also get the keyboard/mouse/external monitor (LG makes some great ones btw).

So what's great is that yes, you will not have to worry about any viruses! Full disclosure, there are some trojans for Macs (not too many, only found at the wrong websites, and they can't install themselves automatically either), but Apple has started building in some tools to block those now.

You'll really love how things print. You get a pretty little pop-out to choose options, and you can see things like an actual preview right in the print dialog.

Mail is also great, and it has some really need tools (like you can right-click on words and have the Dictionary tell you what it means, you can hover over things like addresses and add them to contacts in the Address Book, etc.).

For Internet, Safari is nice, simple, and fast. I personally use Firefox because it has so many extensions like Adblock Plus, but to each his own.

For pictures... many people love iPhoto. It is truly a powerful program. I *personally* prefer Picasa because it seems to be snappier and a little more user friendly, but iPhoto integrates nicely with the other programs and has some special features (like Faces).

So yeah, go with the Mac (iMac unless you don't like super glossy screens) (and maybe wait a few weeks because they may be refreshing their iMac line soon). It's an investment. If you get a new PC you're just going to have the same problems with it after a few years.

Please get the iMac, you will regret getting the PC... What you do on ur PC you will be able to do on ur iMac even better. If you really use ur computer for family pics the iMac will also be a better choice, there is a software called iPhoto it organizes ur photos by events, dates, faces (the software has face recognition and it is really helpful when trying to find a pic of someone, http://www.apple.com/ilife/iphoto/ ), the internet software is also very advanced and easy to use but if u really like firefox it is also available for free, also when downloading things off the internet there are very few viruses for Mac and u most likely will never get one... there are very good, kool, and fun features for Mac and it really doesnt take a long time to get use to the Mac software

there is also alot of downloads from the apple website that are free and very useful http://www.apple.com/mac/

I'd recommend a mac for ease-of use, very low crash rate, and reliability.

I have a mac mini connected to my TV (faultless after 3 years, and still going strong). It's used to surf, watch DVDs - and view photos. The Apple remote control helps to make it easy to use for these purposes... and of course it works as a computer. Works best with HDTV if you are permanently connecting it this way. Otherwise use a mac keyboard along with any mouse or display.

well if you don't min paying 50% more than you should, than by all means buy a mac, Its not my place to tell you to throw money away, but really the money you save on not buying a mc could be put to better use fueling a homeless man fire... I would go to a local computer store and decide how much money you want them to send, and than have them custom build you a PC to what you want, you will save a lot more money this way and get A LOT more performance.

Now to anyone who says Im being stupid or one sided, I do have a macbook pro as well, and its ood for my media design work, but thats about it, and it was riddiculously overpriced...

when I sy a "local store" I dnt mean best buy or circut city, I mean an actual computer shop tspecializesises in computers, going to best buy might save you some money, but not as much as a real computer store, trust me if you spend 1k on a PC or if you spend 1k on a mac, the PC will run circles around the mac, it will run circles so hard and fast around that mac that that macgoingging to go back home to china and cry to its parents (who are 16 year olds payed about $45 per month) It might be "designed in California" but its MADE IN CHINA

Macs are MADE for exactly that: pictures and video, internet, file editing, etc.

No more viruses. That's it. It's based on a robust and stable Linux framework with a very intuitive interface.

If you're into pictures, you'll love iPhoto '09 (only available on Macs). There is a terrific facial recognition technology that really works! I have thousands of pictures, and it really helps finding people on my photos!

If you have the space and the budget, get an iMac. If you get the one with the wireless package, you'll have only 1 cable on the back: power. That's it.

And backups are really a breeze with Time Machine: just plug a USB drive (okay, that makes a second cable...), activate Time Machine, and presto! Instant backups, nothing else to do!

I've had my Macbook Pro for about 1.5 years and I just LOVE it! I worked on Windows for 15 years+ and I'm not going back soon to Windows. Too many frustrations, too many reinstalls to remove viruses or correct corrupted software. Now, with my Mac, it just works.

Good luck!

get the mac, dude

you will be so happy you did

I would install linux for exactly what you want to do. Free, lacks viruses, secure.(your computer is still decent). If you have to buy a new one, get a PC and not a Mac..

PC=Variety of specs, options, quality, prices, vendors, support

Mac=One vendor, limited options, still more expensive. Look below for more information..

Today, Macs use a subset of PC hardware. Why spend extra to get the same CPU chips, graphics cards and OS X isn't as secure as you think..

Don't believe the lies that Macs are better than PCs at graphics/animation.. Dreamworks Animation http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/ under studio click on Technology of Animation, an independent film maker I know uses PCs, a graphic artist I used to know uses PCs also.

A number of PCs can also run OS X (Mac OS) http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=os+x+on+pc&bt... as well just that Apple makes it illegal in order to get Market share.. The reason why Mac can run native Windows is because it is using a subset of PC hardware,

If you decide to buy a Mac for running Windows, you will still have to get the same virus/spyware protection, and run into the same issues as a regular PC.

Now is a Mac worth buying for OS X?

I say: NO... for the following reasons...

QUALITY/PROBLEMS

Contrary to belief, Macs are not better quality. Apple also has been changing suppliers to try to "lower the price" and thus lowering quality. Even with the lower prices, Macs still cost more, they spend a higher percent of budget trying to make it look pretty, and marketing.

Sample of problems: Overheating Macbooks, OS X- not responding to keyboard, some units with 16bit screens, etc. Apple statistics are misleading since Mac users with problem machines are more likely to go out and buy a new computer than PC users. Apple is lowering prices which means you can expect lower quality than in the past. Apple had switched the manufacturers producing parts. OS X also has problems slowing down.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10020263-17.html

http://www.tuaw.com/2008/08/01/apples-quality-dwin...

http://www.appledefects.com/

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/os-x-operating-sy...

http://cybernetnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05...

Repairs are more expensive than PCs since the IMac, Mac Mini are compact units, and Apple charges a premium for their services. Some repairs can be done by another repair service but the compact design of the computer causes problems.

With an IMac, if the problem is with the monitor, the whole computer would have to be brought in.

IMac and Mac mini lack expansion.

VIRUSES

Mac OS X has viruses (and significantly on the rise), a friend of mine has a virused Mac. As more users use Macs, more viruses will come out for it. Especially when users think "they are safe".

http://infosecurity.us/?p=4005

http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2008/07/m...

http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/poll...

SECURITY

Mac OS X was hacked in 2006 less than 30 minutes, and within 2 minutes in a contest in 2008, and within 10 seconds in 2009. In 2008, Linux and Vista were not hacked until another day when restrictions were lowered. Vista was next, and then Linux. In 2009 Windows 7 fell shortly after the Mac but Linux was unscathed.

Macs are standardized with Cameras, if your Mac gets hacked, the hacker can turn on your camera with more ease.

Please Note: All OS's have vulnerabilities.

http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/security/soa/Mac-OS-X...

http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/03/27/Gone-in-...

http://www.infoworld.com/article/09/03/19/Research...

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Finds-Iro...

PRICE

A similar equipped PC is much cheaper to purchase than Mac. Lets use Dell (but you can compare with another PC Brand if you like)

**(LAPTOP)

Dell Inspiron Laptop Starting Price: $500

Ending Price: $500

15" Screen

CPU: 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo [5% slower]

Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD [Not as good/fine for general use[

Memory: 3GB DDR2 SDRAM [75% of ram)

Hard Drive: 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (same)

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx...

Cybperpower Notebook Xplorer X5-2900 Starting Price: $755

Ending Price After upgrades (not including 5% rebate): $860

15" Screen

CPU: (upgrade to) 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (+$100) [FASTER]

Graphics: Nvidia GFORCE 9600-GT 512MB [MUCH FASTER/BETTER CARD]

Memory: 4GB DDR2 SDRAM [MORE MEMORY]

Hard Drive: (upgrade to) 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (+$5) [LARGER HARD DRIVE]

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Xplorer_X5-2900...

Macbook Starting laptop Price: $1000

Ending Price After Upgrades: $1200

13" Screen (SMALLER)

CPU: 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (SLOWER)

Graphics: Nvidia GFORCE 9400 256MB

Memory: (upgrade to) 4GB DDR2 SDRAM (SAME)

Hard Drive (upgrade to) 320B Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (SAME)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MC240LL/A?mco=...

**(DESKTOP)

PLEASE NOTE: I compare Apple Mac's vs Dells best deal. If you really want an all-in one the Dell all-in-one has more ram, wireless keyboard and mouse and equivalent to $400 for free making the Imac still more expensive when you matching specs. Personally I don't think the All-in-Ones are a good choice, and consider them overpriced, lack expandability and repairs both more expensive and require the entire computer.

PS: Apple knows that they need to make Macintosh look different than PC so all Macs except the Mac Pro will not have a tower option. Apple's low end lacks expandability but it makes the Mac "look different", if Mac had a tower for low-end, more people would realize the similarities between the two.

Dell: ($700)

CPU: 2.33 GHZ Dell Inspiron QUAD (4 Processor) CORE

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: 4GB Ram

HARD DRIVE: 500 GB hard Drive

OPTICAL DRIVE: 16x DVD/CD Read/Writer

GRAPHICS: ATI Radeon HD 512MB

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx...

The Mac Mini since it has no monitor, keyboard, mouse, very skimpy on options and setup and is not the best deal... The IMac is better price than the Mac Mini.

IMac ($1300)

CPU: 2.4 GHZ DUAL (2 Processor) CORE (SLOWER CPU)

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: (upgrade to) 4GB Ram (SAME)

HARD DRIVE: (upgrade to ) 320 GB hard Drive (LESS HARD DRIVE)

OPTICAL DRIVE: 8x DVD Reader/Writer (1/2 speed)

GRAPHICS: Nvidia Geforce 9400M (APPROX SAME BUT LESS MEMORY GAPHICS)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MB417LL/A?mco=...

ADVANTAGES WINDOWS :

Aprox 90% of the market is Windows and most PCs have windows already pre-installed.

1) Some websites require Internet Explorer, to run IE on Mac you really get ies4osx which is the Windows version of IE running really buggy and illegal if you don't have a legitimate copy of Windows.

2) Supports more devices (printers and other things you hook into the computer).

3) More business software/games

4) Want the dock on OS X (Mac)? google/yahoo rocketdock, objectdoc.

5) Used by businesses.

ADVANTAGES LINUX :

1) FREE (most versions are)

2) Install software by either 1) Synaptic Package Manager, 2) Add/Remove 3) Opening a .deb or .rpm file (depending on distribution)

2) Like the Mac OS X effects? go yahoo/google COMPIZ FUSION which can do any cool effect a Mac can do and many ore....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Fbk52Mk1w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3gkX9HDfEE (there is no flickering when you use it like on the video, not sure why the person has the flicker)

3) Mac OS X Doc? google/yahoo Avant Window Navigator.Cairo Dock, http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3rf5q_cairo-dock...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0hzi22g2DE

4) It is FASTER/MORE SECURE to surf on the internet

5) Some Windows programs work with Wnehq/Crossover (also avail on Mac, but why pay $$$)

Instructions how to download, burn and boot http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-u...

Dual Boot Instructions http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_...

Equivalents to ILife

http://www.jakeludington.com/ask_jake/20070830_ili...

http://www.xsellize.com/showthread.php?t=20518

FREE Windows Stuff

http://www.comodo.com/products/free_products.html

http://www.iobit.com/

http://www.ccleaner.com/

ANTI-VIRUS

Avira Antivir (FREE) for 2009 personal edition is free (there is a paid version) the free version was rated the best by consumer reports 2009.

http://www.free-av.com/ Avast (Free- Click under Free Software and download Avast Home Edition) http://www.avast.com/

ANTI-MALWARE

Windows Defender (FREE)

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamil...

Malware Bytes (FREE) Limitation - No Realtime protection on free version.

http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware...

Super Anti-Spyware (FREE)

http://download.cnet.com/SuperAntiSpyware-Free-Edi...

LINUX INFO:

http://distrowatch.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.desktoplinux.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.ubuntu.com/