[shellshocked]

"Don't make an emotional choice. Make a rational choice."

Not giving a lying company money IS RATIONAL.

Checking out alternatives is also rational. Macs are a viable computer. I know, I am a 20+ year software engineering veteran. I am just in a pinch to discover if maybe the Mac is a good enough choice when running minor Windows apps. If so, I can check availability tomorrow at the Apple store.

All the Office apps she can get Mac versions for from Microsoft. It seems Virtual PC will do just fine on the Mac to run Windows apps. Even if she choses a Mac, she still might get that card and picture under the tree until the Mac is available, but at least Apple will say so and not lie about it.

[Petronski]

I understand Apple notebooks are great, but if you're looking for a wintel notebook, why would you bother with Dell when you can have the best?

The IBM Thinkpad.

They also have an outlet store for refurbs and off-lease products.