A Good Starter Mac
I've been a PC user for about the last 18 years. I'm seriously considering "making the switch" but could use some advice on the best Mac for me, as well as the cheapest place to purchase it. Here's what I'd like to do with it sorted by frequency from most frequent to least frequent:
- Surf the web
- Java development using Eclipse
- iPhone development
- Play an occasional game of World of Warcraft (I don't need graphics settings on high, just needs to be playable.)
- Edit some graphics
- Word Processing, Spreadsheets, etc.
- Record multi track audio (Garageband)
- Potentially edit some video (1080i from MiniDV cam)
I'd prefer this device be portable which is why I like the MBA, but I could deal with a more bulky laptop, or desktop if that's what's recommended. Obviously I'd like to keep this as cheap as possible. Under $2K would be nice. I'd also like it to be able to network with my existing PCs if possible (access file shares, etc.) I have both wired and wireless LAN all throughout my house.
Thanks!
- Surf the web
- Java development using Eclipse
- iPhone development
- Play an occasional game of World of Warcraft (I don't need graphics settings on high, just needs to be playable.)
- Edit some graphics
- Word Processing, Spreadsheets, etc.
- Record multi track audio (Garageband)
- Potentially edit some video (1080i from MiniDV cam)
I'd prefer this device be portable which is why I like the MBA, but I could deal with a more bulky laptop, or desktop if that's what's recommended. Obviously I'd like to keep this as cheap as possible. Under $2K would be nice. I'd also like it to be able to network with my existing PCs if possible (access file shares, etc.) I have both wired and wireless LAN all throughout my house.
Thanks!
Custom Built, Windows Vista, Pentim IV 3.2Ghz. 2GB RAM, iPhone, iPod 60GB
