Re: Making the switch

In article <cwkollertwo-D70954.12404911042008@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
Craig Koller <cwkollertwo@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

In article <FqOLj.14$Dl.3@xxxxxxxxxxxx>, "Dylan C" <no@xxxxxxxx> wrote:

I've all but convinced my wife that our next computer will be a mac. One
factor stands in the way: cost.

In order to keep a handle on the budget I'd like to get a mac mini, but I
have a few concerns about the hardware. I've never been a fan of 5400 RPM
hard drives and I've heard that the mini's video system may struggle while
running WinXP with Parallels or VMWare Fusion.

I'd like to know if anyone out there with a mini can comment on its
performance and overall "snappiness" (including Parallels or VMware
issues).
I'm thinking there shouldn't be much of an problem. I have an old 466MHz
iBook Clamshell running 10.3 that runs circles around my 1.5 GHz Win XP
laptop. Of course its no Mac Pro, but its 8 years old.

Also, any guidance on VMware vs. Parallels?

-Dylan C

Except for the G5 models, I'd recommend a used or refurbished Mac,
hands-down, to get the most bang for your buck. Craigslist is the best
source, whereas the Apple Store refurb discounts (with full warranty)
basically eliminate most of the savings when you add sales tax.

To clarify, that first line should probably have read "Except for the
PowerPC models". At this stage, you really want to make sure you get an
Intel Mac.


To get a 7200rmp drive, I'd go with a late-model iMac with maxed RAM -
17" 1.83GHz iMacs are going for around $700 in Los Angeles right now.
I've used Parallels without issue, but believe that VMWare is fast
becoming the front runner based on reviews from colleagues. For an
occasional Windows user like me, it's just not a big issue.

Have fun.

--
Alan Baker
Vancouver, British Columbia
"If you raise the ceiling four feet, move the fireplace from that wall
to that wall, you'll still only get the full stereophonic effect if you
sit in the bottom of that cupboard."
.

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