Calling all Mac users...

So I need a "Mac" computer (whatever that exactly means) primarily to be used for creative writing, though not by me. There will also be a minor requirement to upload photos from a digital camera but not particular need for PhotoShopping, etc. And in the long term, there's a small possiblity that it may be used to create short video clips like you might see on YouTube.

Being completely unknowledgable about such things, I'd be grateful for comments, concerns, recommendations, or any other information that might assist me in choosing the right machine.

Thanks.

A Mac Mini is your standard entry level computer... It's relatively cheap compared to others... You best bet might be to go to an Apple store and try out few of the different models...

http://www.apple.com/getamac/ has more info

Thanks.

Probably shoulda mentioned that I'm looking for a portable (notebook/laptop) version.

IMHO, for your needs, a basic MacBook would be more than enough.

Are you sure....... ?? None of your listed requirements exclude a PC laptop.

MCM.

Or you get a MacBook and Parellels, and then you have both a Mac and a PC!

I would agree, a MacBook will handle all of what you have listed with ease.

I assume there is a reason why it has to be a Mac? If so, one more vote for a MacBook.

It's a, hmmm, well, gift, I suppose, for a, uh, hmmm, friend.... her requirement.

I'm now on my 3rd Mac laptop in the past 12 years - currently using a 13" MacBook which also has full (via Bootcamp) Windows XP loaded by my IT people, which makes me fully connected to work (Hurray )

As others have posted, the current Macbook is the way to go in new Apple laptops, and you can get excellent deals on refurbished (but still fully warrantied) Macbooks at the online Apple Store. If you absolutely must have a new laptop, and have a University affiliation (and I'm not sure how closely they verify these things) you can also click through the Educational area of the Apple Store and save $50 to $100 depending on the laptop. The other thing most people don't realize is that Applecare (the extended warranty) is also discounted for Educational customers. Use the money you save to upgrade the RAM.

If you don't mind truly used (ie not eligible for extended warranty) and you want small, look for a used 12" Powerbook which at 4.6 pounds was the lightest Apple laptop, and likely to remain so for the foreseeable future, or a 12" iBook which was a few ounces heavier but will be more affordable (if you can find one). Both of these with appropriate RAM upgrades will handle the work you've described.

Murm

Yes, you should've mentioned you wanted a laptop up front...makes a big difference in functions and cost.

Otherwise, the mini hasn't been upgraded with Duo2 chips, and really isn't any more cost effective than the basic entry level all-in-one 17" iMac at C$1099 once you start adding on the appropriate monitor, keyboard and mouse. If you need a DVD record drive, add another $200 to the base price for the couped up 17" version. It has just about everything this person could want, albeit you'd need Office2004 or some other suite of applications. (If a student, they can buy Office for about $170 and get a $30 mail-in rebate.) Another addition (at $150) is EyeTV which will feed TV signals into the Mac for viewing while working, or even recording.

The laptops are nice and serve their purpose, but money-wise the iMac is the way to go unless you want the portability versus desktop larger screen. Of course, they will handle video nicely, and we've even edited professional productions with Final Cut Pro on a PowerBook, so even the new base level Intels will do this.

Bought my iMac about a month ago and have no regrets, nor even buyer's remorse. CompuSmart will throw in an iPod with their iMacs and laptops, and also have printer combos at a good price. Or do it all online at the Apple Store...don't know if there's a physical store in Vancouver yet. Or head down to Seattle and buy it there for a few dollars less than the Canadian prices, with tax, etc.

Wait to buy until late January - after MacWorld Expo in San Francisco. If there are new models coming out, they usually show then. Typically, faster processors etc etc for the same or less money.

A MacBook sounds perfect for your needs. I would go with the higher processor speed (currently 2 gig dual core), ensure that it has the SuperDrive and at least 120 gig hd - black or white. Aside from Office, it will have everything you will probably need considering the iLife suite of applications.

Enjoy :-)

For a Web site, FlyerTalk has an unusual high number of Mac users, and of course fans. I think you'll have no problem finding plenty of advice including that above.

There are actually many threads existing about advice for potential Mac users in both Travel Technology and OMNI. It is highly likely either forum will get you additional advice on this and perhaps even more tips on how to save with your purchase and pitfalls. The member above is correct about MacWorld coming up in a few weeks and that does sometimes generate a lineup change.

I'm going to relocate this thread into Travel Technology where I'm sure many other FlyerTalk members will enjoy offering additional information for your decision.

I do have a tip since i have bought laptops for all my nieces and nephews for school and they use theirs in the very same way you describe your needs - if you carefully watch the "reconditioned" sales part of the Apple Web site i think you'll find some really great bargains. These are like new and come packaged as such but had been taken off the assembly line for additional repair or demo units that have been returned to brand new condition.

As a footnote: The House of Miles is entirely Mac and have been so since we started with a 512e in 1986. The early days of FlyerTalk and to this day, some or all of the servers used for serving flyerTalk have been Apple servers. Yes, we drink the kool aid.

Good luck, i think you've made the right decision to go with a Mac (raise my hand to admit bias).

P.S. and to save you from Mac head insults, i have made Mac an upper/lower case word. All caps insults some Mac heads!!!!!

One other thing, to do any serious video work on the laptops, even the top end models with larger screens, you really need to have a second larger screen monitor. So consider the additional cost if this is one of the primary purposes.

As for Canadian versus US pricing, it is minimal for the Macs themselves, and generally reflects the US$-C$ relationship. However, software is another matter, save for current sales on the Student version of OFFICE which is competitive. Otherwise, it is the GST and PST that makes for a greater hit on the pocket up here. If you can do a ground run to the US, you'll save enough in taxes to pick up a few accessories. (If you're after the full OFFICE, or even the upgrade version, AMAZON.COM -- the US site -- has the best prices, and are still eligible for the current Microsoft rebate.)

And yes, if you can wait two weeks, there may be a slight price drop as a result of new models, but I doubt anything major to the main lines already out, including the new MacBooks and the basic iMac. If anything, the major hardware change will come to the MacMini line, moving into the Duo2 Intel chip to conform with the rest of the line. Otherwise, it will be iTV that will be unveiled in San Francisco.

Not sure if MacBook is for you. If you don't need laptop (i.e. smaller screen), I would suggest the iMac, either 17 inch or larger....excellent value. If you don't need WinXp, the standard configuration is more than enough, although for photoshop, more ram is always better.

Upcoming MacWorld, unlikely any updates for MacBook or MacBook Pro but as others posted, if you're not in a rush, wait it out.

If you do plan to install WinXp, go to thread that is titled '$1000 laptop' and read my post on suggested reading, eBook on various alternatives (bootcamp, parallels, VMare), etc.

UPS just rang the doorbell to deliver new MacBook - but it's for one of my staff who is making the plunge to the light side and I promised to set things up for him. So plan on having some some fun next few days ( i have G4powerbook, G3iBook and G3iMac but all several yrs old and waiting for possible 12" macbook pro in spring????)- although do not plan to install WinXp just yet. Want him to learn Mac OS - for his needs, I don't see reason for him to ever go back to WinXP, etc.

Happy Holidays to all.