Get on Track--Buy a Mac

By Phil Vigil
I have been a Windows user all my life: I never even considered using a Mac. The main reason was that Macs were never very popular and far too expensive for me. But, after using a Mac for about a month, I knew I would never buy another Windows-based PC! I like Macs better because they rarely get viruses and they run almost perfectly without crashing.

Apple Computer really started to make an impression in 1998 with the release of the iMac. The iMac was the top selling computer in the U.S. with a record of 800,000 units sold in one year. In 2001 OS X came out with cool 3D effects and a modern design that really brought Macs out into the open. By 2004, the iMac, PowerBook, and iBook had been released.

For those trying to save money, Apple has now made it quite easy with the new Mac Mini with Intel. The Mini is less than six inches wide and starts at just $599. (You must buy display, keyboard and mouse separately.)

You can also buy the new iMac with Intel. The whole computer is the size of a 17” or 20” display. If you want a desktop computer with a lot more power, you will want to buy the PowerMac G5. Like the Mac mini, you will have to purchase a display, keyboard and mouse separately.

If desktop computers are not your thing and you’re leaning toward a notebook, don’t worry–Apple has a fine selection of quality laptops. The newest addition to the Apple product line is the MacBook with Intel Core Duo. The MacBook starts with a double 1.83 processor, 512MB memory, and 60GB hard drive for only $1,099. The MacBook Pro features an aluminum case, MagSafe power adaptor, backlit keyboard, and built-in iSight.

If you’re a Windows user, you will have no problems switching to a Mac. Macs are compatible with many more types of hardware than Windows computers are, and Macs have their own version of Microsoft Office. If you have Windows programs or games that you want to run on your Mac, you can download a free version of Boot Camp Beta. Boot Camp allows you to run an entire Windows operating system on your Mac.

For more info on Apple Products go to www.apple.com/store

For more info on Mac games go to www.apple.com/games

For the best prices on Macs go to www.macmall.com

If you have comments please send them to karen.dusek@sjvls.org