PC to MAC? coming soon? will i cry or jump for joy?

[Jammo the OrganizedFellow]

So my wife says she would get me a new computer for Christmas.
I mean, it's only fair cause I bought her one when we were just dating years ago, and now we been married a year in January 2007, she owes me one - RIGHT? LOL
She knows I'm a picky finicky fool, so it's a few days past Christmas cause she knows the better deals are yet to come.
Together, we been spending time on tomshardware.com & newegg.com.

We've managed to piece together a great model for under $1,000, including 19" monitor.

Problem is, I somehow how got sidetracked, as is common with my ADD, and started browsing Apple.com. I really dig the MacMini http://www.apple.com/macmini/
I took their QuickTour: http://www.apple.com/ilife/quicktour/
I AM JUST EFFING AMAZED!!!

Here's where I'm at right now:
the 1.66GHz model  for $574 @ MacMall (http://tinyurl.com/faneh) +
19" LCD monitor $199 @Costco, where i work (http://tinyurl.com/wa3ya) +
$100< keyboard/mouse combo = $875+/-

that about right?

I spent the past hour or so viewing http://www.apple.com/ilife/quicktour/
My main concern (originally), as you can imagine, is losing my PC apps. Especially everything I've been able to get from this forum: Mouser, Skrommel, etc.

<< UPDATE: i just came across Parallels (http://www.parallels...en/products/desktop/) so everything seems to be falling into place! >>

It's included with the bundle from MacMall, link above.
I should just spring the extra $155 for the hgher of the two 1.66GHz models and get the one with Double-layer SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW), shouldn't I?


<< i think i already answered most of my own questions, I'm just extremely OCD+ADD and I can't stand having to re-adapt to a new environment. i just hope this is as amazing as everyone makes me think it is >>

I think my local Circuit City or CompUSA is an authorized Apple Retailer, so I may visit them this weekend.
Nothing will be decided till we return from our Vegas Vacation in January. 1st wedding anniversary

[Jammo the OrganizedFellow]

Nothing will be decided till we return from our Vegas Vacation in January. 1st wedding anniversary

-jammo (December 27, 2006, 11:28 AM)

hhmm, maybe i'll make a few $,$$$ while vacationing? then THAT would be GR-eat!

[mwb1100]

<< UPDATE: i just came across Parallels (http://www.parallels...en/products/desktop/) so everything seems to be falling into place! >>

-jammo (December 27, 2006, 11:28 AM)

I know someone who uses Parallels, and is quite happy with it.  Also, VMware has gone into some sort of Beta testing for a Mac version of VMware Workstation, so you'll probably have that as an option, too.

If you do go this route, let us know how it works for you (I've been thinking that my next machine might be a Mac, since they seem quite capable of running Windows apps, too).

[f0dder]

Just don't expect to be able to run games or really demanding stuff in a VM...

Ask yourself if you're going to spend most of the time in parallels running windows apps - if so, don't bother with a mac.

[Jammo the OrganizedFellow]

Just don't expect to be able to run games or really demanding stuff in a VM...

-f0dder (December 27, 2006, 06:18 PM)

oh no, i know VMWare is really demanding CPU intense app. I plan on just getting the smallest of the minis with the Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW).

Ask yourself if you're going to spend most of the time in parallels running windows apps - if so, don't bother with a mac.

-f0dder (December 27, 2006, 06:18 PM)

naw, i know Macromedia Fireworks for web development/design is available for mac.
I'm certain there are equal applications for MAC for just about everything i use. i just haven't looked yet.

<< looking >>

i just found KeePass, MindManager > FreeMind, Firefox, ColorSchemer, XAMPP > MAMP, TopStyle > CSSedit.
so far, just found them in like 4 minutes. quick googling.

<< EDIT: found some more great PC replacements: FileZilla > Transmit, Audacity,  >>

so, overall, i think imma have a hard time adjusting, but i've heard just SO MANY good things about mac switcheroos ... i want to be a success story. lol