[Cinderellausa]

I am leaning towards purchasing an IMAC. I have owned Dell computers for years. Will it be easy to learn? How is the tech support? I am sick and tired of dealing with anti-virus and security software, therefore I thought this would be a nice change.

[linskyjack]

There are tons of threads on this---the Mac is very easy to learn. There are plenty of good tutorials on Apples site. It use to be that the switch was made more difficult because many people owned a ton of Windows based software and would have to repurchase it in order to move over. Now, you can run both Windows and OsX on the same computer so there really isn't any reason not to switch.

[Headrush]

I'd say the new 24" iMac is the one to go with. The specs on that machine should handle pretty much anything you can throw at it now and for the future.

It is close to the same price I paid for a Dell XPS 420 with similar features but has the option of running either OS legally.

[PhoenixLocksmith]

You know, I could go into the Pro's and Cons, but the bottom line is that once you go Mac, you never go back. The software isn't difficult to learn, Apple tech support [over the phone & Live in person] is AMAZING!

[cfink001]

You can run Windows Vista or XP on a Mac operating system with BootCamp, however, for $80 you can run a purely brilliant program called VMfusion that makes integration seamless. I'd choose a Mac, although I'd have to say for their hardware specs, it's a bit pricey for what you get.

[PhoenixLocksmith]

I haven't used VMfusion, but I've used Virtual PC in the past. It allows you to run a session of Windows directly within your Mac OS

[pelokwin]

I started my computer life on windows and I am a Mac user for just about a year.
It was sooooo easy to learn, I think it is a better OS and like the folks above said now you can run win. in Mac
I got three words for you GO FOR IT!!

[ferrija1]

It takes a few days to really get going, and get past the time-wasters like the Dashboard, but then it's quite a seamless and intuitive experience. I'd say to go for the Mac and remember that you can always go back to....uh.......that other operating system.

[macfan777]

Definitely go with the Mac. One of the first things you'll notice is the intuitiveness. For example, when uninstalling an application, there'll be no more going through complicated menus and huge lists and uninstallers and options and hitting "Next" a dozen times, you just drag the program to the Trash. That kind of thing is what makes OS X such a "transparent" and enjoyable OS - it doesn't get in the way of what you want to do. Coming from Windows myself, I guarantee that not having to worry about keeping Windows running and simply letting the computer handle the details puts a whole new light on using a computer.

Also, check out http://www.apple.com/findouthow/mac/ for a bunch of great Mac video tutorials - it's probably the fastest way to get acquainted with the various programs and such.

[Cinderellausa]

Thanks everyone!

[ferrija1]

What did you get? I have to know.

[Cinderellausa]

Nothing yet. I looked at the IMac today. Amazing.

[macfan777]

Yeah, I've got the 2.4 GHz 20", and it's an amazing machine. I haven't had a single crash since when I got it in early December, and I run a webserver, Folding@Home, heavy video apps, Darwine, etc... The only thing that's crashed has been Office 2008!

[SweaterVest014]

I would definitely go with the Mac. As a matter of fact, I'll be upgrading my iMac to Leopard and 2 GB of RAM when the shipments arrive in the next few days!