Apple Owners feedback/experience/opinion?

I can't recall running into anyone who regretted switching to Mac. Personally I'd never go back...

BUT, TIMING IS EVERYTHING:
As you said, Leopard (OS 10.5) just came out.You Might want to actually want to start with a machine running Tiger (10.4), or wait a couple of months. 90% of what's great about Leopard is already in Tiger. I understand some of the machines shipping now still have Tiger installed, but get free Leopard disks. And most will surely run Tiger (if you wish to 'backgrade')

Why?!?:
I wouldn't go with 1.0 version of anything - but especially system software. Even if Apple put out the world's first bugless 1.0 version, there will be some software/hardware which either has some issues or at least doesn't take advantage of the newer system. Bear in mind problems will be miniscule compared to Vista's - but you're talking about learning a new system, while it's going thru it's own growing pains.

Just check with Apple or other dealer when purchasing.

Should you decide to make the move, read on:

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PURCHASING ADVICE
Firstly, If you have an Apple Store near you, spend some time down there, the folks are amazingly helpful (and seem specifically trained NOT to do hard sales pitches), you can spend some quality time playing with the machines.

They also offer all sorts of transition services (many geared toward Windows switchers), free classes, And an amazing 'One to One' training option ($99 bucks - for weekly individual lessons for a year: this is an astounding deal. can't imagine it'll last forever). If you're a reasonably saavy computer user you wont NEED special assistance, but it'll get you up an running and more confident faster.

Your choices: A couple things to consider...
Although the iMacs garner most of the attention, you actually get more bang for your buck in buying their 'Pro' machines. (particularly if you've already got a monitor). More ports, larger hard drives, excellent expansion, better vid cards, faster processors (the macPros use Xeon processors -- including xeon quads: varooom.)

What IS nice about the iMacs: the teeny footprint, elegant looking enuf for your living room - and darn near portable.

As far as the MacBook Pro's go... they're great, but like all laptops You're still paying more for less. So unless you desire the portability go with an iMac or MacPro. I don't know if they still make MacBooks, but I'm personally not a fan of lower end laptops.
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Good luck - alixandra

xandra wrote: »

I can't recall running into anyone who regretted switching to Mac. Personally I'd never go back...

That's a slightly loaded comment. I know plenty of people who gave Mac a shot and decided it wasn't for them, and I know plenty of people who share time between Macs and PCs and prefer PCs. I agree that none of those people "regretted" trying the Mac, but it's still a matter of preference and not as cut and dry as so many Mac fans would like us to believe. I'm glad you're happy with your purchase, and Apple puts out a fine product, but you gotta be a little more honest with your comments.

I think this thread in and of itself shows that many Apple owners are of the belief that they don't need 3rd party security or anti-virus. This view may not be openly encouraged by Apple, but it is fostered by it's 'no comment' stance to security questions. I love Mac for many things, but this avoidance is a disservice to it's loyal buyers.