[shibumi]

As a PC user who's getting VERY frustrated with having my Windows updates interfere with (or completely disable) various features on my system (my printer was the most recent casualty!) I'm curious about Mac.

System recommendations? Prices? Sources?

[Swordmaker]

System recommendations? Prices? Sources?

The Macintosh eMac is available in a 17" (16" viewable) starting at $795

The new iMac G5 is avaialable starting at $1295 in the 17" Widescreen version.

The desktop G5 Tower is available starting from $1495 up to $2995

All of these run OSX.

For sources I suggest trying CDW.com's MacWarehouse.

[egf]

Sources: might try SmallDog in VT - smalldog.com. Near a major metropolitian area? - try Microcenter - microcenter.com for locations.

[Glenn]

Sources?

Buy refurbs from smalldog.com. I've purchased from them twice and their service is great. The refurbs are fully warranted and you can purchase AppleCare for them (a must for serious computerists).

[stockpirate]

As long as you do not have a need to run any popular software on your computer a Mac will work just fine for you. lol

{]:-)

[Question_Assumptions]

If you want a desktop and want something cheap, take a look at the eMac or new iMac (if you want a G5 64-bit processor and a small desktop footprint). But I really suggest you take a look at the iBook, even if you don't currently have a laptop. It's a rock-solid laptop that's competatively priced with similarly equipped PC laptops (and quite possibly a better deal than most). The new iBooks have a G4 processor and 32MB of video RAM which would hold you over. It also has one of the best wireless networking antennas around built in (you can add wireless networking as an option). The Apple Safari browser also does a good job of blocking pop-ups and other annoying web tricks but they also include a copy of Internet Explorer for the Mac if you really need it for something. They also give you a great email client that has features for tagging spam and such.

If you need Microsoft Office for any reason and decide to buy a Mac, see if you can find a place that will offer you a special deal on Office for the Mac (the high-end version also includes a Windows emulator so that you can run Windows software, in an emulator window, on your Mac). Office works really well on the Mac and I've only noticed one minor and obscure incompatability with the Windows version (having to do with how Windows and Macs handle end-of-line characters). Despite my dislike of Microsoft's operating system, Office is worth having if you do a lot of word processing or work with spreadsheets. If you don't, Apple's AppleWorks includes word processing and spreadsheet functionality.

[Paulus Invictus]

After two years with my trusty, no freezes, no worms, no viruses, no problem iMAC G4, I have done the download and am happy as a clam in hot sauce. And it plays the great music of the world while I read FR on the big 17 incher too! My most sincere condolences to PC owners, but it's Christmas and one should be benevolent. My cousins with PCs are included in this wish, but they are so busy, they tell me, curing PC glitches they hardy have time to enjoy the Season.

[Joe_October]

Throw your crappy HP printer away and buy a decent printer and that won't happen. Try a Brother or Canon printer.

[AZLiberty]

If you have a full-time student in the family, they can get a discount through the Apple Store for Education.