Technology

Many people have asked me advice on what computer they should buy next. Today I got an email:

“I have put off buying a new computer but no longer. We absolutely need another computer that works in our home. You asked me to give you a price and you could suggest a computer. Well, I don’t know the price of what we want to spend but this is what we want.
We want a computer with word for homework- reports etc. Internet access. We don’t need any graphic for games. Basically we want a computer for them to search the internet for homework purposes and type reports and homework projects. We don’t want it to be a notebook yet, maybe in the future but not yet.”

My first statement is:
How much money do you have set aside in your budget? I can find find a computer for every budget. The more money available the faster the librarian and bigger the book cart & book shelf! For tighter budgets we will stick to the basics.

My second statement is:
Learn the basics about what is in a computer. It will help you make educated decisions. I have written a long explanation here The Computer & The Library or look at the image below for a refresher:

My Answer: We are going to the Mac store. REALLY? a MAC! YES!!! It is time to change!
Watch MAC commercials here.

Sorted by PRICE low to high:

Mac Mini Combo Drive
Price: $599.00
Librarian: 1.83 GHz Core 2 Duo Processor
Book Cart: 1 GB memory RAM
Book Shelf: 80 GB Hard drive

Mac Mini SuperDrive
Price: $799.00
Librarian: 2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo Processor
Book Cart: 1 GB memory RAM
Book Shelf: 120 GB Hard drive

The Mac Mini is a great upgrade computer. It is a small box 6.5″x2″ so you can take your old hunk-o-junk off your desk and have new found real estate! Don’t forget that this is JUST the computer box. BYODKM — bring your own display, keyboard, and mouse. There are little plugs and it can be a great family computer. Check the specs in greater detail online at the store.apple.com/mac-mini

iMac 20-inch
Price: $1,199.00
Librarian: 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo Processor
Book Cart: 1 GB memory RAM
Book Shelf: 250 GB Hard drive

iMac 20-inch
Price: $1,499.00
Librarian: 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo Processor
Book Cart: 2 GB memory RAM
Book Shelf: 320 GB Hard drive

iMac 24-inch
Price: $1,799.00
Librarian: 2.8 GHz Core 2 Duo Processor
Book Cart: 2 GB memory RAM
Book Shelf: 320 GB Hard drive

iMac 24-inch
Price: $2,199.00
Librarian: 3.06 GHz Core 2 Duo Processor
Book Cart: 2 GB memory RAM
Book Shelf: 500 GB Hard drive

The iMac is a great new computer! Your viewing pleasure can be on a 20 inch or 24 inch display. There is no box! It is all in the monitor! The CD comes out the side of the montior and all the plugs are on the back of the montior. Check the specs in greater detail online at the store.apple.com/iMac

MAC PRO. The Fastest, most powerful Mac. Ever.

Mac Pro

Starting Price: $2,799.00
Librarian: Two 2.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon Processors
Book Cart: 2 GB memory RAM
Book Shelf: 500 GB Hard drive

This is a computer for professionals. It truly is a beautiful on the inside of the large sleek silver box. There are many, many, many features that add many many dollars to the total price. I was able to configure the top of the top of the line computer costing $24,646.00. If you want to enjoy dreaming check the specs in greater detail and start configuring your own computer online at the store.apple.com/mac-pro