Replies

You can order a Dell with a high end card.

A better video card isn't even an option for the cheap $400 Dell. But speaking of upgrade options, let's get that cheap Dell up to the abilities of the $500 Mac mini.

$71 - Windows XP Pro (to get closer to OS X)
$53 - Combo drive
$71 - CD/DVD software to go with the drive (to match the included Mac software)
$23 - Decent audio
$27 - Firewire card
$44 - WordPerfect Office 12 (to compare to Appleworks)

That $400 computer just went to $689, easily enough to get a keyboard and 17" monitor for your Mac mini. And you haven't even bought a decent video card for the Dell yet.

First of all, I would not buy a cheapo Dell; but even less would I buy a MAC that does even less.

Just to question your additions: Ditch the WordPerfect/DVD software 'cause you get simply download freeware that works fine. Secondly, even-though I personally have an audigy 2 with a creative megaworks 7.1 system, most people are happy with their onboard sound. So, even that addition is a little shaky. For a system like that, firewire isn't even needed.

So, your additions are really brought to question.

And then again, the real difference between XP pro and the Home addition are aspects that are generally not used.

So, the Dell gives you a simple rig that can adapt to most other applications and hardware while the MAC gives you browsing and email with hope that your favorite game finally makes it to the MAC even-though the experience will not be the same.