Like many others, I'm a long-time PC user who is ready to make the switch to an Apple. I've been considering it for the past year, as my current computer is an HP desktop that is ~5 years old. I saw the iMac shortly after it came out, and fell in love with its clean design, and the clutter-free lifestyle it offered. However, this summer I had decided an iBook would be best for me (entering college this year). Now, however, I've changed gears once more and decided an iMac is perfect, and feel purchasing an iBook next semester/year to be the better alternative, hopefully after Apple makes the transition to Intel. Right now I intend to buy it off the Apple Online Edu Store, as I feel my student discount will give me the iMac cheaper than I could get it from anywhere else. Lurking on the forums for a while, I've been able to glean a far bit of the information I've been looking for, but I had a few questions left.
First is regarding the iMac itself: I know that the Revision A has suffered from several heat-related problems, and that Rev. B is a great improvement..but was it good enough that you feel Apple isn't working on a Rev. C right now? Not a planned upgrade that will take place at the end of the cycle, but one specifically to correct any other recurring problems?
Second question is regarding my personal network setup. Right now, my wireless network is through a D-Link DI-624 Router, which is connected to DSL through my computer. My printer, HP Officejet 6100 All-In-One, is also shared wirelessly on the network, also through my computer via USB cable.
When I get an iMac, I am planning to redo my network so that the D-Link is conected directly into my DSL modem. I want the printer done likewise, but I see no way to connect it as the router does not have a USB port. So, I was thinking the best solution to this problem would be an AirPort Express Station, which would allow me to not only keep my printer "contained" (ie no cables running across the room to my iMac, etc), but extend the range of my network to provide better coverage for my house. However, the description of the Base Station..
"If you already have wireless at home, powered by an AirPort Express or AirPort Extreme Base Station, you can easily extend the range of your wireless network by connecting a second AirPort Express to it."
...seems to imply that the AirPort Express will not extend a wireless network powered by, say, my D-Link. Is this just a misunderstanding? I had thought the AirPort was compatible with existing networks, and vice-versa?
I've also heard that mixed networks see a decrease in perfomance when compared to an all AirPort network, as the entire network is then .11g.
Final question(for now
) is regarding some accessories, namely keyboard and mouse. My goal here is to keep the iMac and my computer desk free of as many wires as possible, so naturally I will be opting for a BT keyboard/mouse, and would like the official Mac product, so long as 1.) it is considered of good quality for its price, and also preferably 2.) I can find a good 2+ button mouse that would not be too much of a contrast to it. Also, a question about the built-in speakers..I am planning on eventually hooking my home theater system up to AirTunes and listening to my music from there, so I am assuming the built-in speakers are perfectly suited for games like World of Warcraft? I don't need loud 5.1 surround(my Xbox is hooked up to my theater system, as will my Xbox360), just good enough for WoW, maybe some video chat, etc.
First is regarding the iMac itself: I know that the Revision A has suffered from several heat-related problems, and that Rev. B is a great improvement..but was it good enough that you feel Apple isn't working on a Rev. C right now? Not a planned upgrade that will take place at the end of the cycle, but one specifically to correct any other recurring problems?
Second question is regarding my personal network setup. Right now, my wireless network is through a D-Link DI-624 Router, which is connected to DSL through my computer. My printer, HP Officejet 6100 All-In-One, is also shared wirelessly on the network, also through my computer via USB cable.
When I get an iMac, I am planning to redo my network so that the D-Link is conected directly into my DSL modem. I want the printer done likewise, but I see no way to connect it as the router does not have a USB port. So, I was thinking the best solution to this problem would be an AirPort Express Station, which would allow me to not only keep my printer "contained" (ie no cables running across the room to my iMac, etc), but extend the range of my network to provide better coverage for my house. However, the description of the Base Station..
"If you already have wireless at home, powered by an AirPort Express or AirPort Extreme Base Station, you can easily extend the range of your wireless network by connecting a second AirPort Express to it."
...seems to imply that the AirPort Express will not extend a wireless network powered by, say, my D-Link. Is this just a misunderstanding? I had thought the AirPort was compatible with existing networks, and vice-versa?
I've also heard that mixed networks see a decrease in perfomance when compared to an all AirPort network, as the entire network is then .11g.
Final question(for now
) is regarding some accessories, namely keyboard and mouse. My goal here is to keep the iMac and my computer desk free of as many wires as possible, so naturally I will be opting for a BT keyboard/mouse, and would like the official Mac product, so long as 1.) it is considered of good quality for its price, and also preferably 2.) I can find a good 2+ button mouse that would not be too much of a contrast to it. Also, a question about the built-in speakers..I am planning on eventually hooking my home theater system up to AirTunes and listening to my music from there, so I am assuming the built-in speakers are perfectly suited for games like World of Warcraft? I don't need loud 5.1 surround(my Xbox is hooked up to my theater system, as will my Xbox360), just good enough for WoW, maybe some video chat, etc.
