 | Apple iMac MB323LL/A 20-inch Desktop PC (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD SuperDrive)
Won't ever go back -- 2009-01-05
With all the reviews I doubt that mine will ever be read. But here goes anyway. I'm a baby-boomer who has used a PC since the early 90s (remember DOS?). Well, being set in my ways and apparently happy with all the viruses, crashes, and just plain frustration of Microsoft, I hemmed and hawed about making a switch. WHAT TOOK ME SO LONG? I'm totally in love with my iMac. It's my baby. At first I tended to over-think things, knowing all the rigamarole of Windows. But the Mac is full of the "DUH!" factor.
One thing that can't be emphasized enough is Apple's outstanding customer support. I've had to use them twice. The first time was because Best Buy's Geek Squad who set my iMac up for me misspelled my name! Apple's tech patiently walked me through correcting the problem. Which is something else I want you to know. If you are in the least computer literate, you can set up your Mac quite simply. I wish I'd trusted myself in the first place.
The second time I used the Apple tech was with a glitch in my two games (also Apple) that occurred after I downloaded an update. He stayed with me trying to figure out the problem, which he did after a half hour. Being on the phone with tech support isn't my favorite pass time, but I actually had fun with this one. I could tell the tech enjoyed his job, and we laughed and groaned our way through fixing my problem.
So to sum it all up, I'll never go back to Windows without a fight to the finish.
First Time Mac User -- 2009-01-05
After my third Dell Hard Drive failure and losing half of my pictures due to a failed backup, I had to try something. My wife and I bought this in November and though she's not 100% converted, I still enjoy the novelty and ease of operation of working in the MAC world. I still try to right-click now and again, but I'm getting the hang of it. iphoto is nice and organized and utilizing mobile me is a good way to back up my photos and files-so far. I still plan to use a PC at home for some things like certain music downloads or gaming. However, the additional fun that MAC adds is a big bonus.
The other thing I like is the service you get at the apple store. They're very interested in getting you the right product for YOU. They TEACH you. They LISTEN to your needs. You'll find a level of service there you won't get at Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.
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 | Apple Mac mini MB138LL/A (1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1 GB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, Combo Drive)
Staying MINI with the MINI -- 2009-01-02
hey folks. hope this inspires you in case you had not thought of this before.
it has now been nearly two years (02-2007) since this diminutive beauty has been attached to a samsung lcd tv in the bedroom with the included dvi connector. since i already had an urban rebounder trampoline in the bedroom :o) and have enjoyed fun aerobic "bouncing" and working out on it since 2005, the idea came after many months of using the mac mini for pretty much e-mail, web surfing, online banking, and other quick application uses/etc. {i.e., no longer lugging a laptop into the bedroom area for these purposes}.
this baby is now used for FREE www.youtu___.com music and exercise video sessions. there will never again be a need to purchase those workout dvds we tend to use 3-4x [right, folks???], only for them to become expensive paperweights. i simply go to the website and watch all those wild music videos [e.g., for the last several weeks, i have been playing Beyoncé's "single ladies" vid dozens of times over 'til i nearly pass out from physical exertion...in a good way :o) ]. other times i opt for, you may or may not know, the extensive collection of ab workouts along with stretching, toning---you name it, you can probably find it---and ALL free and looking beautiful on a widescreen.
i hope if you are reading this, you are inspired in the new year to try something different with your exercise routine -- or to, @ least, begin one. this product has allowed us to take these activities to a totally new level. coupled with a wireless keyboard/mouse, this was a true no-brainer purchase in every sense.
in closing, for those of you who have both macs and pcs, SURELY you have also realized the added benefit of how quickly macs boot up and allow you to start WORKING. this mini {from turning it on to clicking on the "mentioned" website above} TAKES ABOUT 22 SECONDS, whereas my pcs {xp/vista} usually do not even allow clicking on an icon to smoothly open an app until almost TWO MINUTES. AND, unlike my pcs, the macs have NEVER crashed...EVER [(cough) can you say vertical integration???]. so, overall, even though i paid a lot more two years ago for this mac mini, it was well worth it and there is no longer an excuse to NOT work out AND stay healthy since it is attached to a BEDROOM tv.
take care, everyone, and Here's to Your Health!
Awesome little pc -- 2008-12-18
I can't believe how I suffered struggling to use Vista. This machine does everything I need far easier than Vista could ever hope to. And it is whisper quiet. I had to bump the RAM to 2GB which is the only thing that stops me from giving it 5 stars. Make the switch to the Mac and OSX and you won't be sorry.
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 | Apple iMac MB325LL/A 24-inch Desktop PC (2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD SuperDrive)
Won't ever go back -- 2009-01-05
With all the reviews I doubt that mine will ever be read. But here goes anyway. I'm a baby-boomer who has used a PC since the early 90s (remember DOS?). Well, being set in my ways and apparently happy with all the viruses, crashes, and just plain frustration of Microsoft, I hemmed and hawed about making a switch. WHAT TOOK ME SO LONG? I'm totally in love with my iMac. It's my baby. At first I tended to over-think things, knowing all the rigamarole of Windows. But the Mac is full of the "DUH!" factor.
One thing that can't be emphasized enough is Apple's outstanding customer support. I've had to use them twice. The first time was because Best Buy's Geek Squad who set my iMac up for me misspelled my name! Apple's tech patiently walked me through correcting the problem. Which is something else I want you to know. If you are in the least computer literate, you can set up your Mac quite simply. I wish I'd trusted myself in the first place.
The second time I used the Apple tech was with a glitch in my two games (also Apple) that occurred after I downloaded an update. He stayed with me trying to figure out the problem, which he did after a half hour. Being on the phone with tech support isn't my favorite pass time, but I actually had fun with this one. I could tell the tech enjoyed his job, and we laughed and groaned our way through fixing my problem.
So to sum it all up, I'll never go back to Windows without a fight to the finish.
First Time Mac User -- 2009-01-05
After my third Dell Hard Drive failure and losing half of my pictures due to a failed backup, I had to try something. My wife and I bought this in November and though she's not 100% converted, I still enjoy the novelty and ease of operation of working in the MAC world. I still try to right-click now and again, but I'm getting the hang of it. iphoto is nice and organized and utilizing mobile me is a good way to back up my photos and files-so far. I still plan to use a PC at home for some things like certain music downloads or gaming. However, the additional fun that MAC adds is a big bonus.
The other thing I like is the service you get at the apple store. They're very interested in getting you the right product for YOU. They TEACH you. They LISTEN to your needs. You'll find a level of service there you won't get at Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.
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 | Apple iMac MB324LL/A 20-inch Desktop PC (2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD SuperDrive)
Won't ever go back -- 2009-01-05
With all the reviews I doubt that mine will ever be read. But here goes anyway. I'm a baby-boomer who has used a PC since the early 90s (remember DOS?). Well, being set in my ways and apparently happy with all the viruses, crashes, and just plain frustration of Microsoft, I hemmed and hawed about making a switch. WHAT TOOK ME SO LONG? I'm totally in love with my iMac. It's my baby. At first I tended to over-think things, knowing all the rigamarole of Windows. But the Mac is full of the "DUH!" factor.
One thing that can't be emphasized enough is Apple's outstanding customer support. I've had to use them twice. The first time was because Best Buy's Geek Squad who set my iMac up for me misspelled my name! Apple's tech patiently walked me through correcting the problem. Which is something else I want you to know. If you are in the least computer literate, you can set up your Mac quite simply. I wish I'd trusted myself in the first place.
The second time I used the Apple tech was with a glitch in my two games (also Apple) that occurred after I downloaded an update. He stayed with me trying to figure out the problem, which he did after a half hour. Being on the phone with tech support isn't my favorite pass time, but I actually had fun with this one. I could tell the tech enjoyed his job, and we laughed and groaned our way through fixing my problem.
So to sum it all up, I'll never go back to Windows without a fight to the finish.
First Time Mac User -- 2009-01-05
After my third Dell Hard Drive failure and losing half of my pictures due to a failed backup, I had to try something. My wife and I bought this in November and though she's not 100% converted, I still enjoy the novelty and ease of operation of working in the MAC world. I still try to right-click now and again, but I'm getting the hang of it. iphoto is nice and organized and utilizing mobile me is a good way to back up my photos and files-so far. I still plan to use a PC at home for some things like certain music downloads or gaming. However, the additional fun that MAC adds is a big bonus.
The other thing I like is the service you get at the apple store. They're very interested in getting you the right product for YOU. They TEACH you. They LISTEN to your needs. You'll find a level of service there you won't get at Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.
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 | HP EX475 MediaSmart Home Server (AMD Live, Windows Home Server, 1 TB Hard Drive)
New models coming soon -- 2009-01-02
This is an excellent product. However, I've been in the boat before when I order something, get it, and then find has just been replaced. HP is coming out with two improved Media Servers in a month or two (Feb?). They are high rated (beta reviews) - improved CPU, 2GB memory, improved software and funtionality, and better fit for Mac users.
HP EX745 for $949.87???? -- 2009-01-01
Yow! 400 bucks OVER list price for an HP EX745 seems a bit steep to me. I hope it's either a typo or a bug...
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 | Gateway GT5694 Desktop PC (AMD Phenom X4 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 640 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium)
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK PERIOD!!! -- 2009-01-03
I have been watching this item for some time. I bought it on Christmas day and it came 3 days earlier than posted. I use this with my 40" lcd tv and it looks awsome. Don't short yourself use the hdmi it is amazing looking at the picture difference on a 1080p lcd. We uploaded family movies in no time and burn to dvd. Vista software is ok, just need to update the drivers for your formats. I have no hesitation in purchasing another one on amazon. The great thing about the computer is the setup is easy. There are no programs preloaded you have to take off like the aol, msn, games, or other advertised software. Only 3 items on the desktop. I am a casual gamer and this fits the bill to a T. We stream tons of tv for free on-line thanks hulu.com and abc, nbc, cbs. Most have hd channels that are amazing. GO AHEAD PULL THE TRIGGER you can't find a better deal. I have been telling everyone I know about it, I'm that excited about my deal.
The people who posted bad reviews must not have really bought this item. Thanks Gateway our family thanks you for value pricing
Great value -- 2008-12-27
I got this system because I couldn't build one like it for the price. I opened it up for Christmas. Came well packaged with a large quick install guide on top. After hooking up all the cables it powered up and ran fine. The fans are so quiet you can barely hear them running, very nice.The mouse and keyboard are good quality. The cheap speakers that came with it even suprised me, they sound a lot better then my Wife's laptop speakers. I hooked up the system to my HDTV with the HDMI output and it worked fine. Downloaded my video camera using the firewire port. Everything runs great so far. I ended up addind another 4GB of memory so I now have the maximum of 8GB. When I opened up the case to install the memory I noticed everthing was installed very neatly, all the cables were dressed nicely. The quality of the components seems very good, the hard drive is Western Digital and the DVD burner is Sony/NEC. The case is compact and attractive. I am very happy with this system, very good quality for a rock bottom price. The only complaint I have is the BIOS does not allow for any over clocking. [...]
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 | HP EX470 MediaSmart Home Server (AMD Live, Windows Home Server, 500 GB Hard Drive)
New models coming soon -- 2009-01-02
This is an excellent product. However, I've been in the boat before when I order something, get it, and then find has just been replaced. HP is coming out with two improved Media Servers in a month or two (Feb?). They are high rated (beta reviews) - improved CPU, 2GB memory, improved software and funtionality, and better fit for Mac users.
HP EX745 for $949.87???? -- 2009-01-01
Yow! 400 bucks OVER list price for an HP EX745 seems a bit steep to me. I hope it's either a typo or a bug...
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 | HP IQ506 TouchSmart Desktop PC (2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5850, 4GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, Vista Premium)
HP TouchSmart - Avoid HP Products at all costs!! -- 2008-12-23
If you value your sanity, avoid buying HP products. I made the mistake of buying an HP TouchSmart IQ504t PC and it has never worked. When it arrived, the system booted badly and never was able to work effectively. The touch screen did not work and neither did the wireless mouse. It turns out that the batteries which were sent with the system were bad. After putting new batteries in the mouse, I still could not get the touch screen to work. After considerable phone time with technical support, it turns out that the cameras running the screen were defective. I had to wait to have HP arrange the return, wait to have the system repaired, and wait for the computer to be sent back. When it arrived, the case was damaged and the computer had to be returned again. If you want a computer that actually works, buy anything but HP. I had a similar experience with an HP printer, so my feeling is that defective products are the norm at HP.
Great all-in-one computer at a great price -- 2008-12-22
My wife and I decided to buy the HP Touchsmart IQ506 to use in the kitchen to help us stay organized. Our kitchen has a built-in granite desk with no holes for wiring. At first I was planning to get a mini-ITX, but when I came across this product, it looked perfect. My wife and I have used it for about 3 weeks and are very happy with it. The unit looks great and every detail about it makes it convenient and easy to use.
First, about the touch screen--it is different technology from a typical tablet PC. On the plus side, the screen can accept input from any form of touch. However, this means you can't rest your hand on the screen for stability--even when using a stylus. So you have a lot less precision. There is also no pressure sensitivity--just on or off. On my older tablet PC, I can draw just as naturally as with a pencil and paper, but on the Touchsmart, it takes effort just to write my name or draw a stick figure. This type of touch screen is ideal for pressing buttons or dragging things around but not for writing or drawing. It's main strength is that you can perform simple tasks without pulling out a mouse or keyboard or even a stylus. (If you plan to use a stylus to draw or write, I'd recommend a tablet instead). The screen also supports two simultaneous touch points, but since there doesn't seem to be much software that uses it, the multitouch is a little hard to appreciate--but neat to have though.
The display is large, bright and crisp. The speakers are surprisingly loud and clear for their size. But obviously if you want deep base you'd want to get external speakers (on the back there is a line out and a digital coax out).
The Touchsmart applications that come preinstalled look very sleek and are easy to use. The calendar and notes applications allowed us to get rid of the whiteboard, calendar and magnetic stickies that were cluttering our refrigerator--our number one reason for buying the computer. Except for basic kinds usage, their functionality is a bit limited, but they are fun to use though. The "slide show" function of the photo application looks especially good on the large display.
A few problems I ran into...
1. When I first turned on the computer, the touch screen didn't work. I tried everything, rebooting, etc. The calibration wouldn't even work. I figured my unit was defective and was about to call HP, but then I tried running my finger along the inside edges of the screen, which caused it to suddenly start working. Since then it's been working fine.
2. I also had a problem with the volume control on the right side of the screen. One time while holding it down to turn the volume all the way up, it apparently got stuck (volume kept going up). It wasn't stuck physically, but behaved as though it was. Rebooting didn't fix it; I had to unplug the power. This only happened once.
3. When I first tried Windows Media Center, the performance was quite bad (hard drive churning and freezing up), but after a day or two, it seemed to work better.
Overall though, I have to say I'm really satisfied with this product. The unit isn't perfect but it does a great job filling a specific need. And for the price, you can't beat it.
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 | Apple Mac Pro MA970LL/A Desktop (Two 2.8GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon Processors, 2 GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, 16x SuperDrive)
One of the Best Computers I have ever bought -- 2008-12-19
This is my 3rd computer. Had a Compaq Computer, a Dell Computer and now the Apple Mac Pro. This is one of the best computers i have ever purchased in my life. Seamless Operating System. MAC OSX is the best and Years ahead of its time. It makes me think how did i ever used Windows!!! Vista is the real reason i switched to mac. After Vista came out Microsoft fell off. Vista is garbage, Office 2007/8 is garbage, and now theres talk of Windows 7?? Looks no different from vista. Just another quack product to milk the consumer.
Anyway Back to MAC Pro. Nice design, Very Quiet (You will never know its even on). Ultra fast. If you need RAM don't buy it from apple. Get it from OWC. They use the same ram apple uses just 60% cheaper.
Now to the Cons. The only real con's is the price. $2500+ is a heavy investment for a computer especially in these hard times in the economy. But to me its worth the price. You really get what you pay for. I would not mind spending $2500+ for a piece of mind. zero to no virus,spyware, and regular headaches of the common PC user is well worth the price.
Operating Windows Vista on the Mac Pro-Priceless! -- 2008-12-16
After years of struggling on PC's from Windows 3.1 to Vista this is the answer for all of those issues.
Setup via Bootcamp was a breeze and it is one fast and silent machine!
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