emac - recommended?

paulad_4

we need to purchase a new computer that will be used for internet, kids' schoolwork, games, graphics/artwork and general still/moving images. Budget around £600 (ish). have looked around at different pc's including Dell, but also considering mac - has anyone got opinions on emac (good or bad!) based on own experience?

tips on good deals/packages would also be appreciated

thanks

Figment

Bit more than your budget (well 50% more actually) but take a look at the G5 iMac. Superb bit of kit. Don't compare the spped directly to that of a PC, as macs use RISC processors. A 1.6GHz Power PC processor is something like a 2.8Ghz Intel (I've got the G4 iMAC which is 1.2GHz and it's every bit as fast (and more stable) as my 2.4GHz PC)

Only downside is, because it is "all in one" you cannot transfer the monitor to a new machine in the future.

messiah_2

Ok, first, I'm a mac man so I may be biased, but for around the £600 mark I don't think you can go wrong with the eMac. It will work straight out of the box flawlessly, rarely, if ever, crash and the ingenuity and simplicity of the operating system will have you and the kids whizzing around apps and files in a matter of days.
You also get quite a decent software package bundled as standard. You are less susceptible to virus' and you get to sneer down your nose at the poor PC relations with their lowly curves and lines. Ok, maybe a little too far with the latter remark.

In terms of deals, if you, or anyone you know, is a student (18+) or a teacher/lecturer, you can shop at the Apple Education Store and get some decent discounts.
For example, the top spec eMac is currently £699.00 at the Apple Store. If you go to the Apple Ed Store, the same eMac is £656.83. Both prices include delivery.

I have always found Cancom to have good Mac deals, and there is one for the same eMac at the moment here;

http://www.cancomuk.com/products/searchresults.lasso?code=54051C&show_detail=Apple%20eMac%20G4/1.25GHz%2017%22%20CRT%20256Mb/80Gb/8xSuperdrive/%20Enet/Radeon%209200/56k%20%5BClearance%20Item%5D&fromlist=yes


Hope this helps!

paulad_4

thanks for advice - your ideas/suggestions v much appreciated