windows shopping
I’m still borrowing the wife’s machine while I try to decide what to do about replacing the dead laptop. I’m really tempted by the new Apples, although they seem a little expensive. I’m talking about the ones they have now that allow you to run Windows. Although I wonder why that is so important to me since it is getting away from Windows that is part of the appeal in the first place. I guess it’s the safety net aspect, since I’ve been using a PC all my life. (Uh, I mean ever since I’ve been using a computer. I just realized there are people who honestly could have made that statement. I’m getting off the subject, though).
Something else is that I cannot just have a laptop as my only computer. About 80% of the time I use it sitting at my desk and a laptop by itself is terrible from an ergonomic standpoint. I had taken to using the old one hooked up to an old 17-inch CRT. I could do that again but do I really want to spend money on a fancy Apple laptop and then watch it through a six-year-old CRT? And getting a new display in addition to a laptop is definitely not in my budget.
So, if I stick with the Apple Intel models that leaves me with a choice between the iMac and the Mac Mini. Back where I do my daytime gig some have started using a pair of Dell displays for a desktop, which works really nice. I could get a couple of those and a Mini for about what it costs for the iMac with the 20-inch display.
Which brings me to a question. What is the deal with the camera in the iMac, anyway? Why do I want a camera aimed at my forehead all the time I am working? Would anyone really use this more than about 5 times? Am I the only one who is missing the total coolness of this? I suppose that if I have to have it explained to me then I’ll never get it.
April 13th, 2006 @ 1:29 am
My Daughter the geek, got a mini mac and LOVES it. DOes not run windows on it though. ANd she uses the camera ALL the time, and TRUST ME you dont want to go there!! SHe left her files on my PC when she moved and some of the guys she video-chatted with were not DRESSED!!!! SHOCK!!!! (she is almost 39, I can not censor her!)
April 13th, 2006 @ 1:30 am
And Hey, If you have been commenting on my blog, I dont know why they dissappear? I just figured you were really busy and had not been around.
April 13th, 2006 @ 1:18 pm
The total coolness of the camera is if you have friends, relatives, or coworkers overseas which you wouldn’t get to see otherwise. Or, as Mary Lou points out, if you like to get naked on the internet.
I used my PowerBook G4 as my only computer for several years. Then when the screen died I hooked it up to a monitor to use it. That was not comfortable. I’m so glad I got an iMac G5 with a huge screen for my last birthday. I don’t mind not having the laptop as I now spend most of my life at home.
April 13th, 2006 @ 1:20 pm
I use a Mac iBook, as you know. My wife has a camera on her iMac. She visits each afternoon with our daughter on the west coast, and they get to see each other as they chat. It’s just like Instant Messenger, only with pictures.
April 13th, 2006 @ 7:47 pm
Ah, thanks everybody for explaining the camera thing. I guess I’m a “slow adopter” of new-fangled things. I remember when I used to say, “why would anyone want to carry a telephone around with them all the time?” Now I feel lost if I accidently leave home without the phone in my pocket. Soon it will be the same with the video messenging. I am going to try to keep my clothes on though.
April 13th, 2006 @ 8:21 pm
I would never buy anything but a laptop, but then I’m a rolling stone. I’m thinking of the new Macbook Pro, except for the problems I’ve heard with them. Whatever it is, it has to last six years, like my last new purchases.
First thing I’d do if I buy a Macbook Pro? Disable the camera.
Good luck with decision.