Considering a Mac

From wsj.com

Q. Who should consider a Mac?

A. Pretty much every average consumer (has money) using a computer should at least look at the Mac.

It combines gorgeous hardware with an operating system that is superior to Windows, with better built-in software.

It can even run Windows programs if you buy and install a copy of Windows.

And you won't be vulnerable to the vast array of viruses and spyware that threaten Windows users. Only a handful, so far, have been written to run on the Mac operating system, OS X.

Q. Who shouldn't consider the Mac?

A. People playing cutting-edge games should stick to Windows computers, because there are far fewer games written for OS X. Apple doesn't offer hardware tuned for serious gaming.

People looking for the lowest-price low-end PCs should also avoid the Mac, because Apple's cheapest model, the Mac Mini, costs $599. And, it is BYOKMM - Bring your own Keyboard, Mouse and Monitor.

Q. What desktops does Apple offer for consumers?

A. Apple's main consumer desktop is the one-piece iMac, which is the best (but expensive) consumer desktop on the market. It comes in four models, with built-in 20-inch or 24-inch, flat-panel screens at starting prices ranging from $1,199 to $2,299.

Q. How about Mac laptops?

A. There are two. The entry-level MacBook has a 13-inch screen and a starting price of $1,099. The high-end MacBook Pro comes with either a 15-inch or 17-inch screen and starts at $1,999.

Apple currently doesn't offer a smaller laptop for road warriors.

Q. What minimum specs should I look for on a Mac?

A. All Macs come with at least one gigabyte of memory -- twice the minimum required for the new version of OS X, called Leopard.

If you can, get two gigabytes. Apple charges a lot for extra memory, but you can buy it for less at stores and online providers.

Macs use the same dual-core Intel processors and graphics systems as many mainstream Windows computers; and, as with Windows, you shouldn't pay extra for greater processor speed.

The iMac comes with at least a 250-gigabyte hard disk, and Mac laptop hard disks start at 80 gigabytes.

Apple offers much larger disks as options, which you should consider if you store a lot of photos, music and video files.