MAC users

mrsoc

We are strongly considering buying a MAC.  We want a desktop, as we do have a laptop for how little we might use it.  Any recommendations on must haves?  We use the computer mostly for internet, pictures, video, and a little bit of word processing (simple household stuff).  TIA!  We were trying to find a way to get rid of our TV, get the 27" and use it for both, but there is no way to get the local news ...that is the only reason why we keep cable.

AmyRI

I really love my mac, but I think you'll overpay to buy a mac if you just use it for household stuff. Macs are expensive because they have big processors and run complicated programs quickly. If you don't do anything that requires fast processing speed (programming, lots of programs at once, gaming stuff) you can get an adequate PC for a lot less money.

That being said... if you get a mac, you'll want to get Microsoft Office for it. I use Firefox instead of Safari for a web browser and have found it to crash less and operate faster. I can't stand iPhoto, because it doesn't save your edits to the actual files. I use Picasa (a google program) instead. Similar interface, but it actually saves files instead of just storing the edits within the program.

I wish we could get local news on our computers, too. We'd love to ditch cable. We only pay for the local channels because our antennae doesn't get good reception, but it's still $18 a month for those crappy 12 stations.

emoflamingo

AmyRI:

I really love my mac, but I think you'll overpay to buy a mac if you just use it for household stuff. Macs are expensive because they have big processors and run complicated programs quickly. If you don't do anything that requires fast processing speed (programming, lots of programs at once, gaming stuff) you can get an adequate PC for a lot less money.

I agree. I have a Mac, but I usually end up running 2-3 of the Adobe suite at once. If I didn't do that stuff, I wouldn't need a mac.

AntiBride07

Given what you will use it for, a Mac Mini would be your best bet. They are the most reasonably priced and aren't as "loaded" as the the other Mac desktops. Instead of getting rid of your TV, use as the TV as the monitor.

mrsoc

Thanks ladies!  I rally appreciate the input.  It has gotten us thinking about other brands.  We really like the all in one (lot less cords), especially with a 10 month old who is VERY interested in cords.  Thanks again!

hopscotch.

If you get one and need Microsoft Office, don't pay for it...go visit OpenOffice.org and download that...much better alternative.  I use it and it works great for all my MS Office needs.