Want to buy new desktop computer - suggestions?

[David B]

My computer is an outdated P.O.S. & it's time for something new. I still prefer to sit at a desk at home with a computer so I think I still want a desktop. Do you have any suggestions? I'd also like some good speakers.

[LordOfTheThighs]

If it were me, I'd jump on a 27" iMac. My dad bought one a few months ago. Mind you my dad is 72 tears old, and he made the jump.

My 5 year old 24" iMac is still chuggin' along.

I like how Apple's software and hardware mesh together.

But I've drunk the Apple flavored Kool-Aid .... and its GOOD.

[gorch]

No system is perfect. They all have there inconveniences, pros & cons. Today there's almost nothing that can't be done with either plattform. If you want to find your pwrsonal solution. Check what you have in the house, what's the environment, friends, business, and then decide where you want to go within your budget constraints.

The power of tablets to me seems underestimated. The app world is largely developed. Even MS Office is available. Just as an example: take the iPad, one regular size bluetooth external keyboard, connect it to a large screen, add an USB hub for the tools and you have a combined desktop and mobile solution, permanently online and cloud connected with no snyc hassle. Well don't forget the printer. The world is not paper free.

95% of your tasks and entertainment will work with that solution. What's worth to invest the other 5%?

Want to play a certain game? Use a greater DAW?

[Tres Aardvarks]

The power of tablets to me seems underestimated. The app world is largely developed. Even MS Office is available. Just as an example: take the iPad, one regular size bluetooth external keyboard, connect it to a large screen, add an USB hub for the tools and you have a combined desktop and mobile solution, permanently online and cloud connected with no snyc hassle. Well don't forget the printer. The world is not paper free.

95% of your tasks and entertainment will work with that solution. What's worth to invest the other 5%?

Want to play a certain game? Use a greater DAW?

Most computer users have no reason to buy anything more than a tablet these days. We discussed moving to Surface Pro tablets for our account managers so they didn't have to drag laptops around.

[scottcald]

As far as switching, it's not hard. My wife's an accountant and she seamlessly goes from Windows at work to a Mac at home. If you use keyboard shortcuts, in general, the control + other key will map out to command + other key on the Mac. And if you click a menu, the key commands are all there.

@chromium, I've never had issues with a Mac connecting with a Win server. As far as Linux, try making the shares available to the Mac as AFP if you haven't already.

Also, Apple has a nice refurb section on their store website. You can usually save 10-20% off new. Same warranty as new too.

I agree with others that depending on your needs, you might be OK with just a tablet.

Hope that helps.

[Bennyboy-UK]

Hello chaps, reading this was useful as our old laptop was dying on its arse, refusing to start up, and was in the menders to backup everything up before taking it out and shooting it.

I took the plunge and went MacBook Pro, and it's lovely to use. I'm learning how to use it, but enjoying the experience.

[ib2010]

The latest Macs are absolutely beatiful machines. Smooth operators, and practically invisible to the user.