Home Computer Buying Guide: Apple

By Jonathan Berohn

This is part 3 in the Home Computer buying guide series. This time we turn our attention to Apple.

When Apple first introduced the original Macintosh in 1984 as a different option from MS DOS, the graphical interface rang in a whole new era of personal computing. Unfortunately for Apple, the combination of their poor business plan plus Bill Gates’ ability to learn from his competition has strongly positioned Windows as the dominant player in personal computing. Recent years and new innovations, however, have started to bring Apple back. If you think you might want something different, Apple at least warrants a look. Personal disclaimer here: I’m writing this on the 5th Mac I’ve owned, so I’m a bit biased. But that will give you an idea of the loyalty of Mac users. There’s something about a Mac that keeps us coming back.

Pros

Before you even consider buying an Apple, though, there are a few things to keep in mind. On the plus side, you get to escape—at least a little bit—the Microsoft stranglehold on the world of personal computing (as reinforced by the notion that the abbreviation for that term—PC—has come to mean only an Intel-based machine running Windows). Apple also makes really good stuff. Their computers are fast and powerful, their accessories work well with their products, and OS X, their system software, is a bedrock of system stability when compared to the Jell-O that is Windows.

Cons

Naturally, the Apple innovations come at a price. Now, if you are considering top end name brand stuff like Hewlett Packard and IBM, Apple compares favorably. In entry-level machines, though, you will always be able to find better deals on the PC side of things. Even if you can reconcile yourself with the cost, though, Apple still has one major downside—software compatibility. Have no fear. If you buy a Mac, you can also buy the standard software like MS Office and all that. If you like a healthy diversion now and again, though (and who doesn’t?), you’ll be disappointed in the lack of games and entertainment software available for Mac. The situation is improving, but it’s still pretty frustrating when you are 2 generations back from your PC gaming buddies.

Apple Models

Apple has made a concerted effort to make their machines more affordable these days. Their low-end eMac and iMac desktop computers provide all in one solutions with built-in monitors starting at $799 and $1299 respectively. These are great little computers, but the problem with any all-in-one solution is that it is just that. You get what you get, and you can’t upgrade. If you want to get into more flexibility, Apple G5 towers start at $1999 and go up from there. Here you get the best Apple has to offer, but you start to pay for it. The same options are available on the notebook side. The bare bones iBook starts at $1099, while the more powerful PowerBooks start at $1599.

To Mac or not to Mac

To me, the final question comes down to this: do you want to use Windows or the Mac OS X? If you are buying solely on price, you’re almost always better off with a PC. Don’t buy a Mac unless you really want a Mac. Now, from my experience, if you check out a Mac, you’ll at least think about wanting one. Just go into with your eyes open—and your wallet to. Once again you get what you pay for.