new iMac G5 - any comments?

[NewJeffCT]

Cross posted from the Lounge where I got almost el-zippo for responses.

>>>
While browsing in Comp USA this past weekend, my wife & I saw one of those new all-in-one Macs for $1,299. It is the one with the computer built into the 17" monitor.

Since when I'm looking at dell.com or building a PC online, the price typically comes to over $1,000 when I upgrade to Windows XP Pro, plus an LCD monitor, more RAM and a 2nd CD/DVD drive, is there any reason not to go for the new Mac since I'd likely have to buy a new Dell in 2-3 years.

The only extra Mac expenses I have would be speakers & MS Office for the Mac (guy at Comp USA said $150 for Office) and an external DVD drive (to play mini-DVDs)

Any drawbacks to the new iMac G5 vs the PC?

[LeftCoast]

1. I just switched from PC to Mac

I got one of the Mini's which has a G4 processor. I have found almost no problems in switching over. I spent the money for MS Office which helped in the conversion. Other than a few games, I've been able to do everything on the Mac (and more) that I needed.

:hi:

[reprobate]

2. Of course there are drawbacks to switching. Big ones.

In my case they involved forgetting everything I'd ever learned about working with and building windows machines. None of it applied to the mac, which will take a new learning curve. Of course, the curve is short, as my friend who just switched said: "The OS X system is just so rational."

Another disadvantage is that my dog no longer has to cower under the bed as I screamed at the machine when it crashed or lost my data unexpectedly.

And there's the drawback of never getting to run a spyware bot on the system again. Darn, I miss windows. NOT.

Seriously tho, Jeff, my major thought after switching was that this is the way computing should have been all along. Looking back, I think that Steve Jobs biggest mistake was not licensing the Apple OS to other companies at the beginning. If he had, I believe that there would be no Windows to curse us today.

Try it, you'll like it.

[NewJeffCT]

3. went to dealmac.com

still trying to figure out if there iMac G5s there are the NEW ones advertised on the website, or older versions? I can't tell.

[reprobate]

4. If it has the eyesight camera built in it's the new one.

Look for a small hole in the face of the iMac above the screen.

[MalachiConstant]

5. if you're thinking of getting one

i would check out an apple store or try apple.com. if you're a student or a teacher you get a pretty decent discount on most things that they sell. sometimes the other retailers (macworld, macmall, etc.,) do throw in some extras if you buy from them though. but i'd check the apple store first.

[NewJeffCT]

6. Thanks

I will check them out.

[stopbush]

7. I bought mine at CompUSA on Halloween. It's running

beautifully...and silently. The built-in camera is cool.

I've always had a Mac at home, usually a PC at the office. I love Mac, tolerate PCs.

I think the price he gave you on MS Office is way low. Better check that out.

[dpbrown]

8. Almost everyone buys the "educational" version

And that's the price for the educational version.

[complain jane]

9. I think Apple's running a deal on it right now,

I just brought home my new G5 the night before Thanksgiving, they had a special deal where I could buy office for $149 if I bought it right then and there with the puter.

I don't need it so I didn't do it but if I thought I'd use it I would've gone for it.

Instead I'm saving my pennies for the 23" cinema display, better graphics card and a ton of RAM.