Mac Computers??? Desktop or laptop???
 

I'm looking at maybe getting a new computer. Trying to decide on either a laptop or desktop. (I have both) Hubby steals my laptop all the time and plays games :rolleyes: So I actually use my desktop more.

I'm looking at the Macs. Any tips and advice on these? Anyone have their desktop?

Thx!!!

Love my MacBook. It took a while to get comfortable with

Thanks! I just bought a HP Photosmart printer. Would it be compatible with it?

Can anyone else give me their opinions on Mac? I'm leaning towards the imac at this point. Are they fast? What about my breeding contracts that I have saved in Microsoft works???

I used to have an I-mac...I loved it! It's so easy to use, that it's almost confusing, if that makes any sense :)

Now we're on a desktop PC at home, and I have a HP laptop for work.

I'm not an objective person to answer because I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE my Macs. I have both a laptop and desktop.

I must tell you though, that I have only used Macs since I started using computers in 1988. I did have a PC for 2 years during that period and I hated it with a passion. So again, I am very biased toward Macs

I think they are so easy to use - I do know that those used to PCs, sometimes have trouble adjusting to the Mac - but others say the transition is a breeze. I can tell you one thing though, it is much easier to go from PC to Mac than from Mac to PC (at least for me).

Regarding your Microsoft Works documents, I'll have to let someone else answer that. I do know that you can go back and forth between Mac and PC with Word, Excel, and Powerpoint with no problems at all. I do it all the time with people at work and around the country (sending documents through email) Most of the people I work with around the country use PCs, I'm the rare Mac person and I never have any trouble with their documents.

One fantastic thing about Macs is no more viruses! To me, that's more than worth it!

I will also tell you that I've had 4 Macs since 1988 and never had any problems whatsoever with any of them. I've only used Macs at work and also never had any problems with them in the last 15 years.

Good luck with your decision!

wow! Thanks so much! That was very helpful. Is there one you would suggest? I store ALOT of pictures, my music and I do interent. I want something fast.

Also do you know if I can use my new printer with it? Its a Hp Photosmart D5345 and I have a Linksys router. I'd need them to work with my new imac.

Thanks!!!

I tried to chat on apple and they are closed! :(

Sorry, I don't know if the printer will work or not. BUT! I recommend a mac. I've had a PC my whole life and I'm sick and tired of them. My next computer (hopefully this summer) will be a mac! I can't wait to own a mac. They are easy to use, and especially great for fun things like photos and what not. If you're a gamer (which I doubt), then PC is better. My hubby and I like to play video games, so we'll always own a PC for gaming... but I'm ready to get a mac for everything else. I want a MacBook.

I just got my MacBook 2 weeks ago and I love it!!! This is my first mac and I will never go back to pc. As for your microsoft works documents ... As long as you get the same program for your mac ... I think you can still use it. I bought vmware fusion which allows me to run windows xp. I need Internet explorer for online classes. Pm me if you want more info. And yes I am pretty sure you can use the printer :)

I have been a lifelong user of Macs!! I have an HP printer, and it is compatible. I would definitely go with an IMac Desktop, if I were you!!

I have both a linksys router and HP printer and both work fine with my Mac, although my HP printer is a different model than yours.

I have high speed internet at home and my desktop Mac is lightening fast! The laptop is a bit slower but it is 4 1/2 years old.

The iPhoto program that comes with the Mac is a GREAT picture program - I don't think you will be disappointed in it at all!

If you live near an Apple store, you can get walkup genius bar help - for free. For $100 per year, you can get even more detailed help. I have a friend who is learning to do some very sophisticated things with her Mac and she goes to the Apple store all the time to learn new things.

When you get an iMac account, then you can create all sorts of cool things - just go to the Apple site and look what you can do with it. My friend has created all sorts of picture albums with text and then you can just buy the album and it comes in the mail. It is so cool!!! You can create webpages and heck, I don't know what all you can do, but it is way cool!

We have an IMac now. We were tired of crashing PC's that died in just a few years. It is FAST!!!!!! Very fast! Huge harddrive, I store all my digital pics on it. My husband hates the Mac though. He really misses PC's. He's used to all the software we had on our PC's, and has been unable to find something he likes as well for a Mac. Not sure about your contact list. I just re-typed all our email contacts into the Mac. So far, we've had the Mac less than a year, and I can recommend it highly (husband would say differently though. LOL. :rolleyes: )

I love my Macbook and I will never go back to PC!! My current desktop is a PC and it is dying and when it goes I will get a MAC no question about it!!

I'll jump on the macwagon. That's all I've ever owned, also, so my comparative opinion is worthless.

I will say this: I had an ibook and loved it. But we spilled something on the keyboard and fried it. Oh, I replaced the keyboard against the advice of the techs and got it up and running, but it was never the same. For that reason alone, I got an iMac desktop the next time. Love it. And I can spill away on the keyboard and just replace the keyboard.

The iMac comes in a 20- and 24-inch screen, which is huge, but the hard drive is built in the monitor. I have mine set up on the kitchen table. It's a little bulky when company comes over (rarely), but it's convenient as heck. With a wireless iPort, your printer can be in another room.

I got the 20" with the extra memory for $1,499, but the basic model is $1,199. I love the extra memory for video editing.

Here's the stats on the version I got:
2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2GB memory
320GB hard drive1
8x double-layer SuperDrive
ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB memory
Ships: Within 24 hours
Free Shipping
$1,499.00

And if all that hasn't sold you, check out the picture. Photo Booth is the coolest software ever.

I just bought a Macbook about a month or so ago and I love it!
I can't see ever going back to a desktop! The only thing I miss is having a big display, but it doesn't bother me at all like I thought it would!
I have an HP Photosmart that I bought with my Macbook, it's not the same model as yours. I googled your model and it looks like it's compatible.

I have the Macbook, I know the Pro is faster and the display is a little larger. I wanted that one, but couldn't afford to spend the money for it. I think this one is fast enough though, at least for me!

Ok I forgot another question. I have Satelite internet. It should hook up just fine to an imac, right?

Ok, I'm going to sound real stupid BUT, how will I know if I have the same program for my mac? Is there a Microsoft program for mac?

Hi Brenda, I don't have a Mac but I really want one. :D I've never heard anyone complain about them. I got a new pc about a year ago and I really wish I would have went the mac route. Good Luck!! Hopefully I'll have my mac one day. :p

More great info thanks!!! Question, I noticed on the mac site when you place your order they offer another photo software program for $199. Is this needed? What does the program do that comes with it? Can you use any other photo software with the imac. I do alot with photos.

Thank you!!! Great info!!! Hey so you got the 2gb memory? Would the 4 be over kill? I just store pictures (LOTS) and music and some video too. I was looking at the one you posted.

What about my other programs like photoshop and stuff like that? Can I load them on there? And internet? Will I see the same stuff I see now? (sorry to sound dumb!!!)

Yeah you have to get the Mac version of programs, like Word etc. Macs are pretty much compatible with all printers/hardware/ so you should be fine in that department, I also have an HP printer and it works fine.
One suggestion though, I noticed you said you stored ALOT of pictures, and while my laptop holds tons, you might wanna get a desktop if you need alot of storage. Especially if you play any games (like sims?) def get a desktop. Good luck! Once you go mac you never go back ;)

Thanks :) Yes I'm leaning towards the desktop. Where do you buy the mac compatible software? Is it expensive?

I'm excited :) Do Macs normally outlast pc's?

I'm pretty sure I'm getting one...just scared to push the buy button! LOL Should I just do it???!!!

Oh and can you get better deals on them other than the Apple store??? anywhere online or Best Buy?

Apple® - iMac® 2.66GHz with 20" Display - MB324LL/A

Is this the one you got alaskayorkie?

Do you have any family members that are college students or work for companies that offer discounts for employees at different places?
That's the only route I know of where you can purchase an Apple at a discount price.
Oh, you can check on the Apple site at the refurbished computers:
The Apple Store (U.S.)

Yep they have Microsoft program for mac. I think the whole set is 150.00
it's the 2008 version. If you got to apple.com/store and click on mac softwear on the left hand side you'll find microsoft. Not a stupid question at all :) I know a lot of mac users so i was asking them all of these same kind of questions lol :)

Any last opinions/help???

anyone know how fast they ship? Like if I ordered today when I'd get it? I can't get thier chat feture to work to ask them questions.

They ship very fast! I ordered mine on a sunday evening and got it by tueday afternoon. Are you getting the i mac or macbook? either way you'll love it :)

I'm going for the desktop. :)

Is there anything I should order for it right away that I will need? Software etc?