From Windows to Mac - Black Friday Sale

Simple Living · Nov 23, 2007

I'm posting this here, instead of on the tech forum, because it's very time sensitive (today only!) and I'd like as many responses as I can get.

I hate Windows with a passion that burns deep within my soul and has the redhot intesity of 2,000 burning suns. I'm tired of the fatal errors and reboots and viruses and endless problems that they cause. :Headbang:

I'm switching to Mac. :TheWave:

Mac never has sales, from what I understand. Today is Black Friday and they are having a sale. It's not much of one, but it's something. Basically $101 off. Where I live, that would pay for most of the tax ($112.92). Not bad. If a sale at least pays the tax, I'm happy.

My question is this: I don't really need to buy this pc today. Do you think I would be better off waiting until after Christmas (or even next January when there might be possible price breaks)? Is $101 in savings NOW worth it?

I'm looking at the 24" iMac 2.4GHz. Normally $1,799. Sale Price $1698 $101 Savings.

What I will be buying today is their Office 2004 for Mac for $149 with a $100 Mail-In Rebate. They never offer rebates on software either and it's a today only deal. I use Word a lot, so this software will be great. It's a one day sale only.

maestrowork · Nov 23, 2007

Personally I don't think $101 is that much of a saving. It's less than 10%. However, the 24" iMac is gorgeous (plus you can still run Windows on it using BootCamp). I would say, go for it either now or later. I also have Word because I'm used to it -- but I didn't install the other Office stuff. I personally prefer the iWork 08 apps.

Simple Living · Nov 23, 2007

maestrowork said:
Personally I don't think $101 is that much of a saving. It's less than 10%. However, the 24" iMac is gorgeous (plus you can still run Windows on it using BootCamp). I would say, go for it either now or later. I also have Word because I'm used to it -- but I didn't install the other Office stuff. I personally prefer the iWork 08 apps.

I figured the $101 pays for most of the tax. Given that they don't ever have sales to begin with, I couldn't decide if this was enough to just buy it now. Do they do price reductions in January on "last years' model"?

I checked out iWorks 08 and you're right. I'm getting that. It's $79 usually, but on sale today only for $68. Again, not a huge savings, but if it pays for the tax, it's ok with me.

EDITED ASK: Do you go for the extended warranty? $169 for three years.

maestrowork · Nov 23, 2007

If you don't need the Mac now, just wait... they MAY have some deals before or after the holidays.

iWork is Apple's office suite. It's not as comprehensive as MS Office but that's why I like it -- it's not bloated. It's simple. iWork comes with three apps: Pages (word), Keynotes (presentation), and Numbers (spreadsheet). It's only $79 -- it's a steal.

If you don't buy the iMac now, at least get the MS Office deal -- it's a good deal -- if you really think you will get a Mac in the near future anyway. Do know that it's a 2004 version (and it doesn't seem like Microsoft plans on upgrading it soon).

Williebee · Nov 23, 2007

A hundred bucks is a hundred bucks. But it wouldn't surprise me if there aren't some sales opportunities after Christmas, at least if all the so-called economic forecasters are correct.

I was going to say that I'd save my money on the Office package, but I don't think that OpenOffice is available/stable for Macs above OS10 yet.

It is a sweet unit, though.

maestrowork · Nov 23, 2007

Not sure about stability, but OpenOffice is available on the Mac via the X-Windows platform (the Mac runs on A/UX).

I've tried it -- it's a bit clunky (but free). I still prefer iWork

ages for what I do.

scottaz · Nov 23, 2007

MacWorld Expo is in January, and Apple usually announced now/updated models. If you don't mind buying a computer that may get a significant update in a couple of months, then by all means go for it today.

MacMall.com also has deals on current and older models.

The Applecare extended warranty is a good deal. For me it is never an option, but a necessity.

Deleted member 42 · Nov 23, 2007

Wait.

There will be deals after MacWorld in January. There have been for the last twenty years or so.

Be sure to check Amazon's prices too, and if you're deserving of an educational or government discount, check that; it doesn't take much to be applicable.

Deleted member 42 · Nov 23, 2007

maestrowork said:
If you don't buy the iMac now, at least get the MS Office deal -- it's a good deal -- if you really think you will get a Mac in the near future anyway. Do know that it's a 2004 version (and it doesn't seem like Microsoft plans on upgrading it soon).

The new version is in late alpha

Simple Living · Nov 23, 2007

maestrowork said:
If you don't need the Mac now, just wait... they MAY have some deals before or after the holidays.

iWork is Apple's office suite. It's not as comprehensive as MS Office but that's why I like it -- it's not bloated. It's simple. iWork comes with three apps: Pages (word), Keynotes (presentation), and Numbers (spreadsheet). It's only $79 -- it's a steal.

If you don't buy the iMac now, at least get the MS Office deal -- it's a good deal -- if you really think you will get a Mac in the near future anyway. Do know that it's a 2004 version (and it doesn't seem like Microsoft plans on upgrading it soon).

It's definitely the 2004 version. I'm definitely getting a Mac in the very near future, if not tonight. So, end price: $49 for the 2004 Office for Mac and $68 for iWork 2008. Will just have to choose. iWork seems more user friendly. (I hate making software decisions.)

Simple Living · Nov 23, 2007

scottaz said:
MacWorld Expo is in January, and Apple usually announced now/updated models. If you don't mind buying a computer that may get a significant update in a couple of months, then by all means go for it today.

MacMall.com also has deals on current and older models.

The Applecare extended warranty is a good deal. For me it is never an option, but a necessity.

Very helpful, thanks. They may update certain models, but wouldn't they also charge more then?

My needs are pretty simple. I'm a writer, I use the internet, e-mail, plan to create my own media rich website, photoshop a few photos and play a very occasional pc game. Even if updates occured, the iMac 2.4GHz is more than I need and can grow into. (Right?) I'd like to get the 2GB Memory, though.

Deleted member 42 · Nov 23, 2007

If you're going to be exchanging files with others, like editors, MSWord is awfully standard.

That said, I like iWork very very much. I also like the 49.00 MarinerWrite, which does just enough and can open / exchange MSWord files.

The thing about MSWord is that editors often/publishers often/offices often use the Track Changes and Comments features, and those just don't translate to other word processors.

Deleted member 42 · Nov 23, 2007

Simple Living said:
Very helpful, thanks. They may update certain models, but wouldn't they also charge more then?

My needs are pretty simple. I'm a writer, I use the internet, e-mail, plan to create my own media rich website, photoshop a few photos and play a very occasional pc game. Even if updates occured, the iMac 2.4GHz is more than I need and can grow into. (Right?) I'd like to get the 2GB Memory, though.

The thing is that when they update they drop the prices on the current models.

I buy new macs in January, because of MacWorld, or June, because of the Developer conference.

If you already have, as a Windows user, an LCD monitor, USB keyboard and mouse, you might want to look at a Mac mini; it would be fine for what you have in mind.

citymouse · Nov 23, 2007

I have iWork on my 2006 iMac. My editor has MSword on her PC. W had no problems tracking changes from me to her or from her to me.

BTW you will love your iMac. The man who does my covers uses a Mac (of course) and he pushed me for years to get one. I kick myself that I dumped so many $$ and time propping up a parade of PCs over the years.
C

ORION · Nov 23, 2007

I switched over 3 years ago and never looked back -I love mac- I have a Powerbook G4 and a macbook that can do both mac and windows- I do have office for mac because it's easier with my agent and editor. I don't know how much you save buying in January. But if you want to take it off this year's taxes - that's a consideration.

maestrowork · Nov 23, 2007

Right, the mini is another alternative if you already have monitor, mouse, etc. But the iMac with the 24" screen is gorgeous! (I want one) I really do prefer iWork over MS Office for Mac. It can read and export Word files. But if you do a lot of Word track changes then you may want to get MS Word (however, Pages also have track changes~~, but it's just not compatible with Word~~).

ETA: citymouse seems to verify that track changes in iWork/Pages work with MS Word, too. Nice.

Simple Living · Nov 23, 2007

Ok, I've thought about it. I considered everyone's responses and I think I'm going to wait until after the expo in January. Even though $101 is $101, I don't want to jump on that when there could be more of a price reduction on some models later.

Even if it doesn't pan out. It will only be $100 more. Also, I'll probably go with iWorks instead of the 2004 Office for Mac. One of the reasons I'm switching to Mac is for the ease of it. Since it's only an $11 savings, I'll wait to buy it, too. Thanks everyone.

Simple Living · Nov 23, 2007

ORION said:
I switched over 3 years ago and never looked back -I love mac- I have a Powerbook G4 and a macbook that can do both mac and windows- I do have office for mac because it's easier with my agent and editor. I don't know how much you save buying in January. But if you want to take it off this year's taxes - that's a consideration.

Actually, this was a part of my consideration. I don't want any write-offs for this year. I do want them for 2008.

Serena Casey · Nov 23, 2007

I second the motion to get AppleCare. You're not likely to have huge problems, but if it's needed for some reason, you'll be glad you're covered.

I'm looking at the 24" iMac 2.4GHz.

I'm green with envy.

scottaz · Nov 23, 2007

Simple Living said:
Ok, I've thought about it. I considered everyone's responses and I think I'm going to wait until after the expo in January. Even though $101 is $101, I don't want to jump on that when there could be more of a price reduction on some models later.

Even if it doesn't pan out. It will only be $100 more. Also, I'll probably go with iWorks instead of the 2004 Office for Mac. One of the reasons I'm switching to Mac is for the ease of it. Since it's only an $11 savings, I'll wait to buy it, too. Thanks everyone.

Good choice.

After you get your mac, you might want to check out Scrivener. It's a great little piece of software developed especially for writers. And inexpensive (about $40).

You should also get an iWork trial pre-loaded, to see if you like it. I use Pages (part of iWork) in order to maintain some MS Word compatibility, but I use Scrivener for all my writing.

Good luck!

Simple Living · Nov 23, 2007

Serena Casey said:
I second the motion to get AppleCare. You're not likely to have huge problems, but if it's needed for some reason, you'll be glad you're covered.

I'm green with envy.

My concern about AppleCare is because I'm planning to move to a state that doesn't have any Apple stores in it (per Apple). I'd have to ship it to get it worked on. I hate doing that. But, I think it would be worth it in the long run. I'll be getting it.

Deleted member 42 · Nov 23, 2007

Simple Living said:
My concern about AppleCare is because I'm planning to move to a state that doesn't have any Apple stores in it (per Apple). I'd have to ship it to get it worked on. I hate doing that. But, I think it would be worth it in the long run. I'll be getting it.

It really is worth it, and there are lots of non-Apple stores that are certified by Apple to support AppleCare. Pretty much any college computer store, for instance.

The shipping option is often quite fast, by the way.

Deleted member 42 · Nov 23, 2007

maestrowork said:
Right, the mini is another alternative if you already have monitor, mouse, etc. But the iMac with the 24" screen is gorgeous! (I want one) I really do prefer iWork over MS Office for Mac. It can read and export Word files. But if you do a lot of Word track changes then you may want to get MS Word (however, Pages also have track changes~~, but it's just not compatible with Word~~).

ETA: citymouse seems to verify that track changes in iWork/Pages work with MS Word, too. Nice.

It looks like it does, but it actually doesn't -- there's a truncation issue, and a file size issue.

And yeah, the 24'' screen on the new iMac is lovely. It seems so huge at first ...

gp101 · Nov 23, 2007

I love my G4 laptop. Safari is a great browser. And Word for Mac is better than the PC version, I think. Get the Applecare. I didn't and regretted it when my superdrive died a year later (I had used a third-party chip when I increased my ramm and this apparently caused the problem). They're expensive to fix if it's a major problem like mine. My friend says that the cost of replacing the screen on his laptop was alone worth the price of Applecare.

Serena Casey · Nov 23, 2007

My concern about AppleCare is because I'm planning to move to a state that doesn't have any Apple stores in it (per Apple). I'd have to ship it to get it worked on. I hate doing that. But, I think it would be worth it in the long run. I'll be getting it.

I have to ship mine if I have problems, because I live 5 hours from the nearest Apple Store

and 3 hours from the nearest authorized reseller. I do have to pay the shipping, but since everything else has been covered, I figure it's a good deal.

From Windows to Mac - Black Friday Sale

Simple Living

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

Simple Living

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

Williebee

Capeless, wingless, & yet I fly.

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

scottaz

Silence! I kill you!

Deleted member 42

Deleted member 42

Simple Living

Simple Living

Deleted member 42

Deleted member 42

citymouse

fantasy dweller

ORION

Sailed away years ago

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

Simple Living

Simple Living

Serena Casey

User Titles Rock

scottaz

Silence! I kill you!

Simple Living

Deleted member 42

Deleted member 42

gp101

Serena Casey

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