confused --- indecisive --- need help

Well...I've moved from the hardware forum to the Apple forum. I've heard a lot from the PC/Windows folks...now I'd like to hear from the Apple folks.

I currently have a Gateway desktop that is moving to my son's room. My wife wants me to get a laptop. So, after much hair-removal from the top of my scalp in frustration, I think I have narrowed it down to either an Averatec 6130 or an Apple iBook. I have about $1300 to spend.

I mainly do web-surfing, MS-type word processing, light gaming (any backgammon programs for Apple? [ ] ) I connect to an HP all-in-one printer and have only dial-up service right now for internet.

So.....I would love to hear from some folks on this forum as to your opinion...Apple, Averatec...or would you care to choose from another category? [ ] Please help.....I don't have much hair left.

Thanks in advance.

 

well, i'll try...

if i were you i would probably go with the averatec, because there is always a question " do they have this for mac" in my view. also, macs are definetaly more expensive than regular windows pc, thats for sure, and i'm pretty sure averatec's r pretty cheap. i don't know anything about their quality (really, all i know is that they sell them at Staples) but i have never seen any complaints about them so i dont think they are bad machines. thats all i have to say. hope it helps

 

iBook. Averatec has poor battery life and, i believe, integrated graphics. I know you mentioned light gaming, but if you want to watch encoded video or anything like that, a halfway decent gpu may be necessary.

 

teknerd does have a point there, battery life n video n all that. the i book is definetaly a more reliable system than avertrec so it is now entirely up to you, but i think i changed my mind, u should go for the ibook, unless it is outside your budget.

 

Hey!

I went through the same dilemma as yourself in regards of choosing between the averatec and ibook. i chose the ibook b/c the price drop and included wireless took away the advantage the averatec offered. the two downfalls of the averatec i didn't like were:

1. crappy screen!! the ibook wasn't the greatest either but it is slightly more contrasty than the averatec.
2. build quality is much better on the ibook, better construction, better keyboard and better plastic used as well.

however to be fair the advantages of the averatec,

1. price, you can still save money going with the averatec
2. programs. easier and cheaper to get pc software.

so, in the end you can't go wrong with each choice. good luck!

 

Good comments here, just thought I'd put my Canadian 2 cents worth in here:
1. When you compare equal featured and equal quality computers, Apple really is not that much more than the rest. I own and use both Mac and Windows based computers.
2. Local stores don't stock as much Apple software, if at all, mainly because it is a small market share and shelf space is expensive. Given that, for as long as I have known Macintosh computers, the majority of Mac users get their software through mail order, or through downloads off of the internet. That said, there is a very loyal community of programmers that are developing all kinds of useful programs and utilities as freeware or inexpensive software that you can find at Versiontracker. It's one of my first stops when looking for a specific piece of software to solve a specific problem. I'm sure there's a backgammon game there!
3. Tech and hardware support for Apple is among the best in the industry.

You mentioned an HP all-in-one printer, you may want to look into whether there are drivers available on the Mac to fully support it, some all in one devices have only printer support on the Mac. Don't just rely on HP for this information, check for any downloads at www.versiontracker.com as well. I thought I had an unsupported Canon USB scanner until I downloaded the VueScan plugin for free, which works beautifully with Photoshop!