As stated above, the best solution is to 1st figure out what you need the computer for; just surfing the web, email, blog updates, word docs, etc… or do you need the higher end functions like picture editing, gaming, home theater server; do you need a laptop or would a desktop work just fine (ie. don’t need the moblity). 2nd thing is to consult a friend or trusted resource (not a sales-person) about what you need and your budget for the machine. 3rd, go online and research (with friend if possible) what computer meet your needs(function and budget). I’d say to spend an hour or 2 doing this and get as much information as you can. An informed buyer is better at cutting through the BS spouted by the sales people.

As for Mac vs PC, it comes down to preferance these days. Both Windows 7 and Snow Lepord are good OS’s (if you do get a PC, ensure it DOES NOT have windows Vista). If you can, play around with both before you make a desision.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/PuppyLinux-ScreenShot-070215-2.png

Once you have such a slim system installed, even your older hardware will do fine. I would recommend having a friend who has an idea what Linux is about, though.

Also, on those occasions when we need to access Windows-only services, we just run Windows via Boot Camp on our Macs. So far, so good.

I’m thinking not based on what you are doing right now, but that could be a factor in the MAC vs PC debate that while many things are available to both I know of several programs used by my local police forces that must be run on a PC, these are not your usual civilian programs so were not talking about the version of office here.

So if you are not bringing any work home with you to these then It becomes mainly an ease of access to support/purchase…if thats from a Mac vendor over a PC or vice versa its what works for you the easiest.

I think the computer is what you are able to do with it….neither can claim total dominance over the other…but they sure have rabid fans that will stand by their brand.

Good luck on your search either way, if your happy with the system then it is the right one.

I’ve had to use them both for work
up until last year. Since 1991. I was sooo
happy to no longer have to use PC!
I gave it the 1 finger salute on it’s way out!

I look forward to turning on my Mac!

It’s simply genius.

oh! And make sure you get Apple Care, it’s
a serious warranty. Worth it.

Hope you make the right choice.

lol I can’t resist same for dogs, would you want a Chihuahua (all bark and no real bite) or greyhound (all speed but no real body endurance) or Great Dane (good intimidation factor, but lacking in the speed and hard to fit in a normal sized vehicle or house), naw you want PSD Hondo (Good size, endurance, speed, intimidation factor and very lovable(towards you)

First figure what you want to do with it. As a silly example, if you were a music composer, the best software is only available for a Mac.

Next you decide on the size…
Then go to the various websites for the software you want and make a list of all the recommended specifications (type (PC or MAC), memory size (don’t worry about DDR2 sdram, DDR3 etc, to you it doesn’t matter), minimum size / speed or specialty video cards and processor speed. You can ignore hard drive size, anything you buy today will have more than enough. print out those specifications and take them with you when buying

Once you have that, the next decision is Laptop or Desktop. Price is the main factor here. however, don’t fall for the ” Oh buy a laptop because you will be much happier and can cart it with you”. If you are perfectly happy working at home and have no inclination to go mobile, then save your money. by the time you pay for the accessories and maintenance contract the difference is significant.

Operating system will be decided by the above, no matter what you will have to relearn alot of stuff as Windows Xp to 7 or some of the older Apple Operating systems to Snow Leopard is quite different as well. I won’t even mention Linux as you can’t get support from the maker and I doubt you want to geek out enough to be comfortable with it.

now that you know what you need add some more memory for a reserve, and it’s time to shop.

First, unless you are really computer savvy you want to ignore the cheaper ones and no name brands, You want someone that stands behind their product. IMO companies like Lenovo (IBM), Apple, Hp/Compaq, Toshiba, Dell and Acer have long histories and good service. You can Google online for what people think about each (Just remember that all have whiners who are not happy and will complain loudly)

If you are getting a laptop, you want an extended warranty. They can only be fixed with manufactures parts and usually at their depot. Weather you opt for on-site 24 hour service or not is a personal decision. If you do not be aware that your computer may be gone for as long as a month if you have to send it to a depot for repair. Also get the manufacturers extended warranty, not the stores, even though they will pressure you. If the store goes bankrupt say good bye to the the warranty and most of them will just forward it to a depot for anything more than the most basic problems. Also for your laptop check that your insurance policy covers it for loss outside of your home, usually you have to pay for a rider if you have it anywhere except your home or personal vesicle.

If you opt for a PC (Windows based computer) I strongly suggest Windows 7 over Vista.

If it is just for Email, Web surfing, Blogging and saving pictures, almost any machine at Staples or the Apple store would work for you, no need for a top of the line machine. If you or your spouse is into gaming, video production or anything specialty, then it’s a whole new ballgame, and you really need to look closely at the specifications.

Accessories:
First verify if your present accessories (Printer, Camera, Webcam) is compatible with your operating system and new hardware that you are considering buying. Don’t be surprised if it is not, this way you can budget and it may tilt your decision one way or another between Apple and Pc

in either case I strongly suggest buying 2 USB external drives to use for backups (one at home and one at a friends or relatives(off site)). I am sure you have lots of photos and personal stuff you don’t want to loose in a theft or a fire or Virus outbreak, off site covers that.

If you buy a laptop and plan to bring it with you at work, buy a laptop cable lock so you can attach it to something, so if you have to jump out of the vehicle and the door stays open (Yeah I know regs say close and lock the door, but in a officer down or someone shooting at you , that reg tends to go out the window and it may be a while before you remember to go back and secure things), it doesn’t grow legs..

Also buy a second power supply for your laptop, they are not expensive and guaranteed you will loose one or damage the cable sooner or later if you use your laptop on the go

For a laptop a docking station is nice, but not a must have, just make sure you have external video connectors and you can then connect a larger monitor and USB keyboard and mouse. Grin you may need a USB hub depending on how many outlets the computer has.

Monitor, Get he best one you can afford, your eyes will thank you.

Software don’t forget a good antivirus / antimalware package

Hope this helps
Kay

All you really need to know is how much you’re willing to spend, and what types of bells and whistles you need. Any computer can surf the internet, play Youtube videos, and do word processing, so let your price just determine the quality of the machine, and whether or not it comes with a built in webcam, or a really nice keyboard.

Think of it like most people do when buying a car, you usually have a budget, and you choose the one that feels comfortable, is the colour you want, and has the A/C and heated seats. If the car salesman started telling you the size of the grip on the tires and the guage of the steel in the frame, you would likely walk away.

As far as the PC/MAC debate goes, from what I hear the MAC is going to be a better quality machine for the price you pay. Sure, maybe there aren’t as many SODIMMs, but who cares? It still surfs the net, and it’s less likely to break down. You may have to learn how a few things work differently, but they both do the same job. Plus, people will think you’re hip.

And hopefully it won’t run software by either Apple or Microsoft until they learn what the word choice means.