Welcome Mac lovers

[Sandy Berger]

I have a Mac right next to my PC. So you might call me bilingual. Or perhaps that makes me ambidextrous? In any case, I like Macs and I know you Mac folks are extremely loyal. So we have created a new message board just for you Mac aficionados. Feel free to post your question and comments here. Welcome to all!

[Curtisar]

First time here, trust I'm posting in the right location.....
First a simple Q - I'm in the market for a new computer.
When is the best time of year to purchase?
Where to buy?
2 - Have only used Macs, current using  an original 233 iMac upgraded to max of course.  Thinking of a MacBook 13.3"-2.2 GHz, core 2 duo/2MB/160GB/SD.
For the price,(+$200) is that much better than the 2.16 GHZ w/1MB/160GB?
I think the Macbook Pro has too many bells and whistles I do not use, for the  $$$.
I also think the 13" is more convenitent than say a 17" for travel sake correct?
sorry so long...
thank you.
Curtisar

[Sandy Berger]

Curtisar,
It is hard to give a best time to buy a computer because many things influence the price, like new hardware, etc.

Mac World is in January. It is rumored that new Macs will be introduced then, but you can not be sure of that. You may want to wait to see if there is a new computer and/or a price adjustment.

If you want to buy now. The core 2 duo will give you the best of what's out there now and should have excellent longevity. You probably won't see a big difference in the speed of the processor. Of course, 2GB of memory is better than 1. If you do Photoshop or video editing, it will be good. If not, try 1 GB, knowing that you can easily add more memory later.

For me, the 13" is better for traveling. First, it is lighter. It probably has longer battery life. It is also more usable in cramped places like on airplane trays.

Hope this helps.