hmm I have three computers running vista, a desktop that is never shut off, my new laptop which is never shut off, and my old laptop is running it now. never had a problem with anyof them so I don't know how you can say vista is a problem. it is slower than people would like but the most friendlyest software there has been untill win7.

also your test you linked to is garbage, everthing he does in win 7 has to go through a subset of instructions and drivers to make it work with the mac hardware.. thing that might slow it down a bit? the author even says multiple times that it is a unfair test for win 7. you need to start reading things befor you link to them, as all the stuff you have posted so far just show how apple users will fuge numbers to make the apples look way better. wanna see something impressive.. try find a copy of BEOS 5 and install it on your mac, or a PC as it will run properly on any platfor from a clean state. it will make both win 7 and snow lepard look like slugs. problem was BEOS fell victom to Linux Warp OS2 and Win95 advertizing campains but it is still one of the best OSs I have ever played with. only problem is that after spending over 23mill fighting MS in court they went bankrupt.

as for more intuitive.. I guess if you have never had a computer mac might seem more simple.. if you have been using a PC for 20 years it wouldn't.. I found it weird and not very intuitive so that argument is a to each his own and what one person finds simple another doesn't. personaly I don't see how you can get any more simple than clicking on a icon, or if there is a program you don't use very often, you hit start then click on the name of the program.. hmm guess that isn't obvious to some people.


Steve

I think the whole argument is getting silly. Basically, if you can afford the Mac buy it. You won't regret it as it will just work out of the box. If the budget is really a major constraint you should get one of the cheaper Windows machines as it will likely still do the job for you and you will have a few bucks in your pocket.

But to argue that Macs are unreasonably overpriced or the Windows machines are significantly slower is just silly. Neither point is right. You pay a bit more for a Mac to get a better UI and a better integrated and more hassle free system with a bit more useful included software. Windows will work for you too but you will always have more worries with viruses and potential hardware incompatibilities because of the wide variability in hardware in the Windows world. IMO Windows is also far less intuitive and elegant to work with then the Mac OS and you can be more productive on the Mac because of it but I'm sure others will feel differently. It's a matter of opinion.

Both of the links I have given show that the Mac OS is faster than PC. If you challenge their criteria, that is fine with me. I'm not here to convert anyone. It sounds like you enjoy a challenge. Apple will let you down every time if you are looking for a challenge.

And the result is;


http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/produ...baa8b63f96en02

Many thanks to all who contributed to the thread. Hope its helpful to others also.

Steve, you and SF were pretty convincing and I was pretty close to the purchase of the HP I listed before. I stopped in today and the $1300 iMac was on for $1149 plus free $100 set up.

Was just to hard to to say no. :lol: No particular reason. Just appealed to me and what I need.

Now to figure it out and get things transfered. Grabbed a 4g Flashdrive.

You would have been happy with either choice. Enjoy your new computer.

thats not a laptop, I thought you were looking for a laptop?

Steve

Congrats. You will love the iMac. It's a great machine!

Steve. If you remember back a page or two, the iMac was in the equasion as the only alternative to the larger laptops. Thats why SF, linked the Dell desktop in one post.

Although not take anywhere portable like a laptop, you can pick it up and sit it any place in the house with only a power cord to plug in and very light.

FWIW, I am NOT, one of those who will say a product is great just because I bought or own one. And speaking in general here, not just computers, which are not my best subject. :lol: So if it does not live up to the hype, I will say so. And I have owned 5 previous pc desktops to have some comparison with.

So I have 14 days to purchase extended warrenty. 4yrs. @ $300. You guys still figure most problems are in the 1st. yr. anyways.

I would find out what the cost to replace a screen is on it.. if it is way more than the insurance the get the insurance.. after all the screen isn't the magical apple product that will never break down :mrgreen: just kidding..seriously though being a all in one like a lap top is , I would very seriously concider the extended warenty. there are some other benifits to FS watenties also like a preformance guarentee ect.. you never know if you are going to get a power surge or what ever.

Steve

Extended warranties are pretty much established as a rip off and nothing but profit for the seller like Future Shop. Usually if something is going to go wrong it will happen in the first year in which case FS just has it fixed under the manufacturers warranty. Costs them nothing. I would pass or buy Applecare from Apple itself if you really want an extended warranty.