[Lael]

3 1/2s are more reliable than re-writable CDs, which right now would be the only thing that can replace them.

I have to agree with you.

I have three active PC's, and without 'Boot Disks' [3 1/2" Floppies], the rebuilding of my P II 450 Gateway [Windows 98 Svp #1], P III 800 E-Machine [Windows ME], and even the P4 1.7 GHz SONY Vaio Digital Studio [Windows XP] would be impossible!

That having been said, I will ask at the class being held this Saturday at the Mac Resellers what to do about interfacing the Floppies with the G5 I hope to acquire in the near future!!

The cost, both in Software,

[discostu]

My understanding is that externals can be acquired.

[ibbryn]

Lael,
Forget about the floppies for your Mac-to-be.
I move between a Mac G3, Dell laptop and Dell desktop. Get a little USB hd. Costco has the the SanDisck Cruzer - $50 for 256 meg. Work fine on all platforms.

On a different note, can someone please tell me which is better for self defense: .45 or 9mm?

[Lael]

The cost, both in Software,

Please pardon the Gateway crash!

The cost, both in Software and time, has become prohibitive.

I hope to migrate to the G5 at some point!

[TomRose]

The Mac doesn't require a floppy "boot disk". You simply boot from your installation CD - much easier.

If you have data on floppies and need to get that info to your new Mac, simply copy the info to your PC and either burn a CD of all the info, email it to yourself, or network the to computers and transfer directly.

Also, many times I've seen companies give away a free floppy drive with the purchase of a Mac - they are $30 or so dollars otherwise. Bet you could get one on ebay for more like $10.