[geeks] Advice on buying a new Mac

[velociraptor]

On 11/13/06, Dave K <davek08054 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Therefore, I'm looking at the "bigger" Mac Mini:
>     * 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo
>     * 512MB 667 DDR2 SDRAM - 2x256
>     * 80GB Serial ATA drive
>     * SuperDrive 8x (DVD+R DL/DVD1RW/CD-RW)
>     * Mac OS X - U.S. English
>     * Intel GMA 950 graphics
>     * Accessory kit
>
> I'm assuming I'll be able to use one of my Samsung 204B monitors, right?
>
> What options should I go for:
> Is 1 meg of RAM enough, or should I go for 2?
> Is there any special benefit to adding a bigger disk internally,
> versus using external/network storage?
> Should I go with the Apple keyboard/mouse, or 3rd party?
> What actually is iWork, and is it worth $79?
> And what about AppleCare?

What are you going to use it for?  Do you have disk or video intensive
tasks in mind?  Do you want to dual boot some x86 OS?  What kind of
software do you anticipate using?

For myself, I'd be hesitant to buy a Mini, b/c of the I/O bandwidth
issues.  For a casual user (web, email, lightweight media use--no
ripping), it's fine.

I, too am funds limited, so don't anticipate purchasing an x86 Mac for
a while.  A G5 desktop or a loaded G4 desktop is a good option in that
case and a bargain to boot, if you carefully shop for a well-priced
deal.  A lot of G5's on the used market will still be under Applecare,
if that kind of thing worries you.

=Nadine=