Re: purchase of apple

[jrepp@cyberenet.net (John P. Repp)]

In article <4s9gv3$3kt@nh1.well.com>, dhasen@well.com (David Hasen) wrote:

> This is the first time I've posted to this newsgroup.  I am thinking
> seriously of switching from IBM to Mac but am unsure about which Mac I
> should get.  Graphical capability is important to me, as is speed.  I have
> have a laptop but think a desktop is probably my best option.  I probably
> can spend up to about $2,500.  Any thoughts?  And, if this is not the
> proper place to post this query, if you all would tell me where I should
> post, I'd appreciate it. Thanks very much. 
> 
> --David Hasen

David:

The best place to post is to comp.sys.mac.wanted.  However, I do have a
suggestion (or two for you).  These suggestions are assuming that you have
a VGA/SVGA monitor for your IBM and will be for CPUs only.

1. PowerCenter 120MHz PowerPC 604 chip, 3 PCI slots, 8/850/4xCD/L@ Cache $1995
2. PowerCenter 132MHz same as above with 16/1GB

If you can go a little higher you can get:

3. PowerCenter 120MHz PowerPC 604 chip, 3 PCI slots, 24/1GB/4xCD/512K L2 Cache,
   15" Sony 15SF Trinitron Monitor, Global Village 28.8k Platinum modem, 
   extended keyboard and mouse, Microsoft Office 4.2.1, and a bunch more
   software.  You can also add an internal Iomega Zip Drive.

I am not a representative of PowerComputing (the company that makes the
PowerCenter), but a Mac user for over 4 years and if I were going to buy
another PowerPC equiped Mac I would buy one of these.  Unfortunately I
rushed in and got the 7100/80 and the PowerBook 5300.  Both of these are
fine machines, but I would have liked the increased speed of the
PowerCenter.  However, let me note my recommendations by saying that the 3
computers above are NOT daughter board upgradeable like the Apple's
PowerMac line (at least to the best of my knowledge they are not).  If you
want an upgradeable PowerPC equiped Mac you will have to go with the
PowerMac 7600 which starts new at $2995.

Your best bet would be to get a copy of MacWorld or MacUser and look in
the back at the "classifieds".  There are always new deals on Macs, deals
on "older" PowerPC Macs, etc.  Just be sure to get a PowerMac as there
have been almost no new developments for 680x0 chip equiped Macs and I
recommend getting a PCI Mac (not NuBUs like I got).  The upgrade cards
(like video cards and DOS cards) are more readily available, are cheaper
and faster.

If you have any comments on the above or need any more advice just let me know.

THE OPINIONS EXPRESED ABOVE ARE MINE ALONE SO I HAVE NO ONE TO BLAME FOR
THEIR USELESSNESS EXCEPT MYSELF.

-- 
**********************************************************************JOHN P. REPP                    :               jrepp@cyberenet.net*
*Drexel University               :     st92j0wh@dunx1.ocs.drexel.edu*
*Mechanical Engineering Student  :   http:\\www.cyberenet.net\~jrepp*
*Class of 1997                   :                                  *
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