marci, Apple recently released to the general public the $1,099 eMac, which was originally designed for schools. It's like a larger iMac with a 17" screen and a G4 processor. It's not as slick as the new G4 iMac with the LCD display, but at $1,099 for a G4, it's hard to beat. As far as their processor speeds, and how they compare to Pentiums, Apple alludes to something they call the Megahertz Myth. In this presentation and elsewhere, the gist is that their PowerPC G4 chips handle more instructions with less horsepower, but I guess it also depends on the kinds of apps you run. Alas, this is all moot if you need pc compatibility for work (there's a product called Virtual PC, but some reviewers have said that it's still kind of a work-in-progress). I too am a serf in the Microsoft fiefdom At any rate, good luck in your search wajaba
Thanks, all, for the heads up wrt Sam's cc acceptance policy. If I do buy at Sam's, I'll just have Citi send a BT check to me in my name and pay for the pc with cash. I don't think they carry Dell there... Kiyi and Scott... thanks for the info re tech support. I am far more comfortable holding my own with a Mac (i.e. no tech support), but if I have to buy an IBM pc, I want to have access to all the hardware/software tech support available. I've heard that Dell tech support is top notch, so I think I'll check out the Dimension 8200 desktop (with a flat screen b/c space is at a premium in my home). I don't need a notebook to transfer files - just a CD and CD burner. Wajaba - thanks for the heads up re the eMac. I will check it out. I agree that the new iMac notebook is a smooth looking machine. But (waaaaaaa/whine) I want their wireless networking as well and that puts me over the top budget-wise. It's $299 for the airport base station and $199 for the airport card. But the airport is sooo cute. Speaking of wireless networking, does anybody know??..... A techie friend at work mentioned that since I live in the path of a literal airport (the final descent path goes over my house) and since I have resulting interference from TV and radio waves b/c of it, that buying wireless networking where I live is a waste of money b/c it won't work correctly. Is this true? I'd have about 2 walls between the base station and the pc if I got it. Thanks,
