Im going to make the switch but which comp. is right for me????

[ioremac]

For what you want to do, it sounds like an iMac or eMac would suit you fine. However, keep in mind that the Sims 2 has not been announced for the Mac platform yet, and if it does, it will have pretty high system requirements, and most likely wouldn't run well on either of those systems.

I doubt they wouldn't release on the mac platform since its pretty well know that ea games cares about their profit margins alot. Has for system requirements Im pretty sure my tnt2 graphics could handle it since ea games wants to make everyone could play this game. If it doesnt come to the mac Im pretty sure it will be ported to consoles sooner or later. Since im a console gamer I really dont care much for 100fps Im fine with a stably 30fps.

 

[Stolid]

Well now I have some questions. SOme may seem stupiud buit I have never touched a mac in my life so Im pretty much a virgin so to speak. I have sort of noticed that the osx doesnt have a start button so how will I reach the programs that are not in my dock?? Also I might use the normal apple mouse so how can I get right clikc to work?? Is there a control panel so to speak?? Does a mac have to worry about spyware??? Thats all for now I guess.

Use the finder - its sorta like explorer. You have one big directory called 'Applications' for launching just a program; you can also launch it via opening the file you want to work with through your home directory (a la My Documents or ~/ in Unix)
Right click == option-click but is rarely /required/ - just conveniant
Control Panel does exist - it looks like a light switch for an icon.
Spyware is a concern anywhere but just like Windows its damn easy to avoid by watching what you install

 

[JasonL]

Right now on the special deals section of the applestore site I'm seeing new 1.8 (SP) G5 systems with SuperDrive selling for $1899. I'd think that that might be just the thing for you. That way you have something that will last a while, have quite a bit of upgradability and still be fairly easy on the wallet. Good luck.

Jay

EDIT: also, I don't know if you are a student or not; but if you are don't forget to price out your systems with the educational discount...it saved me almost $500 on my PB and its related accessories, software, etc.

 

[Sabbath]

Everyone has their own philosophy, and all we have to go on is our own. I, for example, buy the absolute /top of the line/ but keep the system far far longer than most people. So I tend to suggest something a bit higher than most people will need for their tasks because of the reason I purchase that way -- you're always surprised at something you end up throwing at the system and wish you'd gotten TotL when you got the system. Plus I've made it a matter of course to suggest new architecture's (viable of course) when they're out. 64bit /will/ break compatability in the future if people take advantage (in other words, compile it with 64-bit expectation). Mac is, at the same time, famous for legacy support and famous for requireing the latest and greatest. I don't expect it to be that 'every program will require G5s in a year' by any stretch; look how many programs no longer release/support OS9. Heck; some Apple apps require 10.3 now. Architecture changes work the same way, and are more expensive to 'correct'; so it'll take a /really/ tight requirement or knowledge of short-term (less than a year) for me to suggest the G4 right now. I might be wrong; but you still get a better machine. "Safe than sorry" I suppose.
Save for a little while longer, get the new architecture and be safe. It is, of course, his money but he asked for suggestions and that's my thoughts.

I completely agree with your logic and wish I could shop that way. I merely wanted to point out that other options are viable as well. A lot of mac users tend tohis g have a lot of money and hence recommend top of the line stuff (Im neither saying you have a lot of money or recommend the stuff incorrectly). Its just there are other options, for those of us who simply cannot afford a G5 (I'm a student and have no ability to save for longer as my ability to save is negative during term time!). I didn't want us to mislead this guy, give people all the options and they'll make the best choice for themselves.

 

[rdowns]

Well now I have some questions. SOme may seem stupiud buit I have never touched a mac in my life so Im pretty much a virgin so to speak. I have sort of noticed that the osx doesnt have a start button so how will I reach the programs that are not in my dock?? Also I might use the normal apple mouse so how can I get right clikc to work?? Is there a control panel so to speak?? Does a mac have to worry about spyware??? Thats all for now I guess.

You can put any program you want in the dock. You can also put a folder (directory) in the dock with aliases (shortcuts) to any applications and/or files you want. You can also access your Applications folder through the Finder or there are many menu bar programs (icon sits atop the screen and is always available to you) to make launching apps easy. I use TigerLaunch.

Macs support two button mice but Apple doesn't make one. While not required, I find a two button with scroll wheeel preferable. To right click on a Mac, you hold down the control key while clicking.

Spyware and virii are pretty much non issues on a Mac.

 

[blackfox]

Ioremac...

It has been posted that PM revisions are to happen at the end of March
...and while I always take these with a grain of salt, the single G5 (1.6 and 1.8) should be quite a steal after that...and I would go with a CRT monitor (at first), I have always found them to be superior to LCDs anyway (w/ the exception of looks and eye-strain)...I do not recommend G4 systems at this point...
(BTW It has been *rumored* that display revisions are upcoming also, if true, in a few months you may be able to get the now-current 17" LCD for less than $500...but that is just a speculation) Good Luck mate...

 

[hulugu]

Well now I have some questions. SOme may seem stupiud buit I have never touched a mac in my life so Im pretty much a virgin so to speak. I have sort of noticed that the osx doesnt have a start button so how will I reach the programs that are not in my dock?? Also I might use the normal apple mouse so how can I get right clikc to work?? Is there a control panel so to speak?? Does a mac have to worry about spyware??? Thats all for now I guess.

Is there an Apple Store nearby, or a CompUSA? Or even a college computer store? If yes, go there and play with the machine for a while. Just to answer your questions: the Finder (open by clicking on the HD icon) or click on GO on the top of the screen and choose Applications, or hit Cmd-Shift-A. There's more flexibility and options to do this. Mice, they work very similarly to Windows, while Apple ships machines with 1-button mice, you can use just about any aftermarket mouse, including MS's Intellimouse, and all the buttons, scroll wheel, etc. will work.
The equivalent to the Control Panel is a white box on the dock with the Apple symbol and a light-switch labeled System Preferences.
I'm not even sure if Spyware exists for the Mac, someone here might know, but it is rare if at all. Also, IE for the Mac is a mediocre program, but you can use Safari (which comes preloaded) or DL Netscape, Firefox, etc.
I can't say it enough, go play with one and ask questions of the sales people: mess with the Finder, use iTunes to go to the iTMS, just fiddle with the System Preferences, etc. You can learn from us telling you, go mess with it.
Also, with regard to which machine you should get, decide on your budget, the high and low. Then make a decision about whether you need expandibility or convenience or portability. I see you want a powerful desktop and frankly I think the Powermac is a lot of bang for the buck, and I believe they will be upgraded on March 23. This means two things, number one more powerful machines, but number two older machines will come on sale from Powermax.com and Smalldog (just to name two resellers, you can also check out the Refurb site on Apple.com) to you may be able to find a G5 1.6 or a Dual 1.8 for less. Use your old monitor until you feel like getting a new one and you get a very powerful machine with a lauded chip that has a long future with lots of expandibility (MIDI cards, etc.) that you may need if you get serious about GarageBand and want to do more.
If you want a smaller machine with an integrated screen get an eMac and save your money for a guitar, etc. but understand that any integrated machine has its limitations and you may be in the market for a new machine in a year-or-two.
Either way, Macs rule, good luck.