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I am going to jump in here and give my bit of advise. Keep in mind, this advise is coming from a Mac Snob, so of course, I'm going to be biased. I do also have PCs and was a PC user up until 3 years ago.
I will reiterate what Elle Casey suggested... check out the refurbished macs on the Apple website: http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac. My 27" iMac was purchased 3 years ago, refurbished, with full warranty. I have been told that the refurbished models are actually better because they go through more rigorous testing.
It is my PERSONAL opinion that you will get the mac and end up LOVING it. But again, that's on a personal level - some people end up hating them. Usually, if you're open to learning new things, then you'll end up loving the Mac OS X and the entire environment.
Lastly, and most will not agree with me, but I suggest getting the applecare plan as well (their extended warranty plan which is only available if you buy either a new or refurbished model that is still under the normal manufacturer warranty). My iMac began giving me a few minor issues about a year ago. I took it in and because I had applecare, they took care of EVERYTHING for me. I didn't have to lift a finger (other than carry the massive thing into the store).
So, when it comes to buying a Mac, my suggestion is to buy refurbished and purchase applecare - you'll end up loving the computer so much it'll be your primary machine in no time!
If you do happen to buy an older model on Craigslist or similar - here's my experience and advise... Several months ago, I decided to buy a MacBook Pro from someone I knew (who I just happened to run across on Craigslist). I was able to go to his house and try it out, play with it, use it for a bit, and make sure it had the latest OS X installed. Check the condition, make sure the battery life is good, make sure the charger connection is good (plug it in while you're there... make sure the charger is also in good condition). If someone is too imatient to let you play with it before buying it, then they don't deserve your money. My MacBook Pro is a 2009 model and I still paid $500 for it (which was actually a steal considering they were selling for close to $750 on eBay). Keep in mind, buying an older model like this will not get you any sort of warranty. If something goes, it goes and you're SOL. Macs actually use the same hardware manufacturers as PCs do now. It's their operating system (mac vs windows) that actually makes the major difference when it comes to performance and longevity.
Lastly, and I suggest this to ALL PC and Mac users - BACK UP YOUR DATA! (shouty capitals absolutely necessary)
That is all. Hope this helps you make your decision. Good luck!
I will reiterate what Elle Casey suggested... check out the refurbished macs on the Apple website: http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac. My 27" iMac was purchased 3 years ago, refurbished, with full warranty. I have been told that the refurbished models are actually better because they go through more rigorous testing.
It is my PERSONAL opinion that you will get the mac and end up LOVING it. But again, that's on a personal level - some people end up hating them. Usually, if you're open to learning new things, then you'll end up loving the Mac OS X and the entire environment.
Lastly, and most will not agree with me, but I suggest getting the applecare plan as well (their extended warranty plan which is only available if you buy either a new or refurbished model that is still under the normal manufacturer warranty). My iMac began giving me a few minor issues about a year ago. I took it in and because I had applecare, they took care of EVERYTHING for me. I didn't have to lift a finger (other than carry the massive thing into the store).
So, when it comes to buying a Mac, my suggestion is to buy refurbished and purchase applecare - you'll end up loving the computer so much it'll be your primary machine in no time!
If you do happen to buy an older model on Craigslist or similar - here's my experience and advise... Several months ago, I decided to buy a MacBook Pro from someone I knew (who I just happened to run across on Craigslist). I was able to go to his house and try it out, play with it, use it for a bit, and make sure it had the latest OS X installed. Check the condition, make sure the battery life is good, make sure the charger connection is good (plug it in while you're there... make sure the charger is also in good condition). If someone is too imatient to let you play with it before buying it, then they don't deserve your money. My MacBook Pro is a 2009 model and I still paid $500 for it (which was actually a steal considering they were selling for close to $750 on eBay). Keep in mind, buying an older model like this will not get you any sort of warranty. If something goes, it goes and you're SOL. Macs actually use the same hardware manufacturers as PCs do now. It's their operating system (mac vs windows) that actually makes the major difference when it comes to performance and longevity.
Lastly, and I suggest this to ALL PC and Mac users - BACK UP YOUR DATA! (shouty capitals absolutely necessary)
That is all. Hope this helps you make your decision. Good luck!
