Forum Moderators: travelin cat
When I got this computer, I didn't mess with it much at all, didn't update anything, didn't install anything crazy.... as a result it has worked pretty well for over 2 years. My only complaints are that I'd like a better screen and I'd like to surf faster.
I'm not dying to learn OSX... and learning/troubleshooting a PC with no help sounds even worse. I was thinking about just getting another powerbook so I might be able to be a little more portable, share software and my usb zip and printer and firewire cd burner.... then wait a little while longer before I got a new desktop. Then I thought a used PC laptop just for surfing might be a good idea so I could do all the stuff I can't do on a mac (like use the G toolbar and other SEO software)... but I just dont know if I want to go in that direction
I think the bigger issue is my connection.... satellite seems to be the only way to go, but I've been a little worried about getting that set up right too.... I dont know anyone with a Mac that has set one up.
any thoughts or advice? FYI I'm not somebody with tons of time on my hands to play with a bunch of stuff and when it doesn't work says ' how interesting', so I'm leaning towards a 1-2 yr solution.
1) Better/bigger screen: You could just buy a bigger monitor and connect it to the iMac. It would be cheap and easy-- 17" CRT monitors are easy to find for under $250.
2) Connection: Unfortunately, you are stuck at 56k for now. (I assume your phone lines are only allowing you to get 28.8, as the iMac has a 56k modem). Satellite for the Mac is supposedly coming, but may be a little ways away.
3) Portability: A laptop or PowerBook would solve this problem. Question is, do you really want to spend that much money on a new computer for just that convenience? You still will not get a bigger screen, and will still have to shell out more money for a faster internet connection. If you go used laptop option, you will have to make sure you get one new enough to have a USB port, if you want to use satellite internet.
4) Windows software: You could easily run VirtualPC to solve the Google toolbar and SEO software problem.
Overall, my professional opinion is to keep the iMac you have, buy another monitor and VirtualPC, and wait for DSL, cable modem, or satellite. But, that is just my humble opinion.
A satellite connection seems the only way to go for you. Sorry I dont know how simple is set up.
If portability is just a maybe why not simply replace the iMac with a eMac [apple.com]? (1100$) You can install VirtualPC (300$) on it and experience all the "joys" of Windows. (I recommend windows 98 second edition with 60 000 bugs fixed from previous version) Give at least 2 gigs of drive space to VirtualPC
If portability is important, try a recent used PC laptop. Pre owned portables can hide treasures of pre installed software. Most laptops have USB but you wont have many choices with firewire. Some PC cards can add this feature. You will probably find Windows drivers for your printer and zip drive on the web.
<added>bodine, can you please tell us how to wire the external monitor to the iMac?</added>
...tell us how to wire the external monitor to the iMac?
Sure!
Step 1: Connect the monitor to the iMac.
Step 2: Plug-in the monitor to a wall outlet.
Step 3: There is no step 3!
;)
Seriously, the "DV" (digital video) models had VGA out, mirroring the internal monitor. The original iMac did not have that feature. However, I have heard of adapters that do allow VGA out...
Didn't know that!
But this will still max out at 1024x768/75Hz?
the satellite option (or 'non-option') sucks.... I didn't know it wasn't available yet.
...maybe I'll go for a phat screen.... sounds pretty easy.
Used PowerBooks can also be a good deal. You can get a used Pismo G3 PowerBook for under $1000 if you look around, with better specs than your iMac (400 OR 500 MHZ G3, I think).
You will learn that many many apps designed for Unix are being ported over to run on Mac OS X so you can have applications for free. Don't want good well tested software then pay for Windows software :) an iBook with a Airport card is all one needs.
Adding a 17" monitor to your iMac will not give you more workspace. The video circuits of your Mac limits it's output to 1024 X 768 pixels. You will only get the same space but see things a little bigger on a screen next to your iMac.
Here is what you can get from the upgrade to the eMac.
40% more pixels on a hight quality .25 dop pitch flat 17" CRT.
Mac OS X plus digital video, sound and picture software.
A 300 % performance boost.
A CD RW
and more [apple.com]...
If you think someday your iMac is obsolete, and dont really need mobility, the eMac is the logical upgrade.
thanks for the input, folks.
OTOH, PC notebooks are getting pretty cheap, DB...
Just bought this Dell laptop last night:
Mobile Pentium® 4 1.6 GHz-M, 15.0 UXGA Display
128MB,DDR,266M,1DIMM
32MB DDR 4X AGP NVIDIA® GeForce2 Go™ 3D Video
40GB Ultra ATA Hard Drive
Floppy Drive
XP Home Edition
Network Card
56K Modem
Fixed 8XCD-RW/DVD Combo
Norton Antivirus® 2002, 12-month subscription
$1658 + ups and sales tax
Laz, I just read a post about the Sony that was less than favorable. What makes me think that the review might be worth considering was the fact that it was just an off-topic lament about the shortcomings he had experienced, not a rant. Maybe you should do some deep searches and see what you can turn up?
But i will keep on going with my search.
Anyone have any tips?
