Mac Computer

[wolfgame]

Need some advice

My kids need a "new" computer...so I am thinking of giving them mine and getting a mac. I was looking at Imac (i think thats what its called....the one with the 24" screen).

1) When will they have newer models...dont want to buy one right before new models are released. When were the current models released?

2) Is it pretty easy to move files (music, pictures, word documents) to the mac?

3) Any advice and are there any good forums you recommend where there is info on this.

[hacker17]

1) The current models haven't been out very long so now is great time to get an iMac.

 

2) It is very easy to move your files to a new mac by using an Ex HDD

 

C) A great place to go for information would be the "Switcher Hangout" at Mac-Forums

[Rabidpenguin45]

My kids need a "new" computer...so I am thinking of giving them mine and getting a mac. I was looking at Imac (i think thats what its called....the one with the 24" screen).

 

1) When will they have newer models...dont want to buy one right before new models are released. When were the current models released?

 

2) Is it pretty easy to move files (music, pictures, word documents) to the mac?

 

3) Any advice and are there any good forums you recommend where there is info on this.

 

Now is a great time to get an imac because of apples back to school program. If you purchase any imac you get an ipod nano(150-200 value) for free, or a ipod touch(8gb 300 value) for free, or 300 off a larger ipod touch. So you could get yourself 2 new apple toys now... for the price of one.

[wolfgame]

For the back to school promotion.....I am not in school, do they require you to prove that you are a student or affiliated with a school?

[ickgolfer]

My kids need a "new" computer...so I am thinking of giving them mine and getting a mac. I was looking at Imac (i think thats what its called....the one with the 24" screen).

 

1) When will they have newer models...dont want to buy one right before new models are released. When were the current models released?

 

2) Is it pretty easy to move files (music, pictures, word documents) to the mac?

 

3) Any advice and are there any good forums you recommend where there is info on this.

 

i got a mac for school and i love it.

 

1)like someone else had said, the new model are still new which means they will remain the newer models. Even if 'new' models do come out, chances are they will be the same computers with slight chances to the internals.

 

2)changing files over can be easy depending on how you equip your mac. Music and pictures is easy regardless, but documents from MS word, powerpoint, excel, etc, may be a bit more difficult. If you get MS Office for Mac, they will all transfer over with ease. If you dont, and get the program i have, called iWork, the only transportable documents will be from MS excel. all other documents will be useless. (this means i highly recommend getting MS office for mac.)

[Rabidpenguin45]

For the back to school promotion.....I am not in school, do they require you to prove that you are a student or affiliated with a school?

 

Yes, you have to either be affiliated with a school, your wife has to be affiliated with a school, or a kid of yours in school(college).

[agoodgolfer]

They look for proof of enrollment. Some retail chains can authorize education discounts and promotions - but you'll probably need to order it through a schools computer store or an apple store. The discount is pretty easy to get.

 

As someone else said, mac-forum is the way to go.

 

As far as when to buy I'd suggest reference this site:

http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#iMac

 

Apple is pretty much like clock work - they try to release every so many days. Macrumors keeps track of it for you and lets you know when to buy and also any new promotion or news about the specific item.

 

From macrumers:

Product iMac

Recommendation: Buy - Product recently updated

Last Release April 28, 2008

Days Since Update 50 (Avg = 211)

 

 

CDW

[bunno_ben]

once u go mac u dont go back!

pc's are just a poor imitation of the mac OS, inferior in every way.

[texashigh10]

We just did this with our two macs... don't know how it works with going from pc to macs...but if it is remotely as easy as it was from mac to mac transfering files is EASY. All we did was conect them with a firewire cable and everything was transferred in a couple of hours...

 

But when yopu get a mac you will wonder why you ever had a PC, they are SO much better. And any updates will just be something that thew average consumer will not need/notice...

[hacker17]

I couldn't pass up this chance sorry :russian_roulette:

 

That's really not funny. ;)

[texashigh10]

I couldn't pass up this chance sorry :russian_roulette:

 

You mean idot test...whoever would want confusion over simplicity and ease of use while still performing EXCELLENTLY is and idiot.

[nevinem]

Hacker17 if I have personally offended you, or anyone else for that matter I am truly sorry, I just found it and thought it was funny. I will take it down if you would like?

[tekmiester]

They are great computers, but mot as upgradable as stand alone models. If you are ok with buying another one in 3-5 years, then it shouldn't be an issue.

[nevinem]

I couldn't pass up this chance sorry :drinks:

 

You mean idot test...whoever would want confusion over simplicity and ease of use while still performing EXCELLENTLY is and idiot.

This is very late(compared to when you first posted, but I just actually looked at what you posted) how is windows for the most part not simple, especially when it's the most commonly used OS in the WORLD????????? I am not a graphic designer nor am I a Producer( or anyone who actually needs the quality functions of a Mac) so I ask how are you an idiot for not wanted an overpriced media hyped monster ? Most people who own Macs of any sort will never utilize the proggies or functions that make a Mac a Mac so again I ask why would someone be "and idiot"(quoted exactly). If you own a Mac cool, but if you think the everyday functionality of any Apple computer (lappy or Desktop) out performs a PC for the price you my friend are "AND IDIOT" QFT

[BitByTheBug]

I have been using macs all my computing life - you are making a wise decision.

 

Actually though, I would consider buying the kid the mac, unless he/she knows how to take care of a pc - mainly, not getting viruses/system maintenance.

 

Some folks have already posted a great forum for those making the switch. The ones I use most frequently for any questions are MacRumors and InsanelyMac. Lotta knowledgeable folks on there.

 

Good luck

[wolfgame]

They look for proof of enrollment. Some retail chains can authorize education discounts and promotions - but you'll probably need to order it through a schools computer store or an apple store. The discount is pretty easy to get.

 

As someone else said, mac-forum is the way to go.

 

As far as when to buy I'd suggest reference this site:

http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#iMac

 

Apple is pretty much like clock work - they try to release every so many days. Macrumors keeps track of it for you and lets you know when to buy and also any new promotion or news about the specific item.

 

From macrumers:

Product iMac

Recommendation: Buy - Product recently updated

Last Release April 28, 2008

Days Since Update 50 (Avg = 211)

 

 

CDW

 

 

I see now that the product is mid-cycle....and have heard rumors that the new imac will have a different chip set.

 

I have tried a few forums but cannot get a response. Anyone have any info to help me out here?

 

Thanks

[civicSQ]

I own 3 24"iMac 3.06mghz for my work and a 17" imac and macbook and iBook at home...so I think you know where I stand on this one :rolleyes: