[Speed Gibson,
Monday August 15, 2005 at 2:25pm]
Somebody Stop Me!
The power of the Dark Side is strong this month. I have never been an anti-Mac bigot, but their high prices, limited software titles, and Apple's own seeming disinterest in seeking corporate sales (meaning I use Windows at work) have kept me in the Windows-Intel side of the home PC debate. I've also been a great fan of Visual Basic in all its forms, from Release 1 in 1991 to Visual Studio 2005 (.net) now.
I wasn't really looking, but someone has me looking at the new e-Mac as recently souped-up this year. It's an unprecedented bargain by Apple standards: 512 RAM, 160 GB disk, and a CD/DVD/DL ("SuperDrive") burner. But it's also a fifty pound integrated unit with a 17 inch flat screen. At $999, about half the sleeker flat panel iMac, that's something I can overlook.
Now this will be our second home PC, replacing an old Windows 98 relic. But what if I like it? Next year, do I replace my workhorse Windows/XP Sony VAIO with a Mac? What if the family starts whining to use my Mac? And as a blogger, do I care one way or the other?
Save me, somebody! Tell me why I shouldn't cross over!
I wasn't really looking, but someone has me looking at the new e-Mac as recently souped-up this year. It's an unprecedented bargain by Apple standards: 512 RAM, 160 GB disk, and a CD/DVD/DL ("SuperDrive") burner. But it's also a fifty pound integrated unit with a 17 inch flat screen. At $999, about half the sleeker flat panel iMac, that's something I can overlook.
Now this will be our second home PC, replacing an old Windows 98 relic. But what if I like it? Next year, do I replace my workhorse Windows/XP Sony VAIO with a Mac? What if the family starts whining to use my Mac? And as a blogger, do I care one way or the other?
Save me, somebody! Tell me why I shouldn't cross over!
Sorry, I hate that line too.
Apple is switching to Intel chips, and from what little I've read, 2 things may happen. Strictly my speculation!
1) Macs will be able to run more, not all but more Windows software. Don't hold your breath since Jobs is not exactly eager to break 5% market share due to his franchise/licensing fees that he makes developers pay to write software for Macs.
2) Macs will now force developers to support another platform, since the new chips would work differently and most software you may own (for Mac) would not cross over. Rumor is that a new OS with a 2nd version of classic is in the works to take care of that, but it is kind of a pain.
I know you'd be happy with a Mac, just watch out with the eMacs and iMacs, they are not the most flexible machines to upgrade. Due to their compact cases, there is little to no room to expand.
http://www.tech-recipes.com/apple_mac_tips964.html
http://www.uneasysilence.com/archive/2005/08/3937/