Well bugger me!

[NickFitz]

What's a Mac?

Are they similar to real computers?

Better than that - they run OS X

And of course, if you need them to be a "real computer" (by the demotic definition thereof), they can run Windows as well - and do so at the same time as running OS X.

And, of course, they can also run Linux - at the same time as running OS X and Windows.

And they can run whatever flavour of BSD you like, at the same time as running Windows, and Linux, and OS X.

Although with OS X (a fine Unix implementation) on there, there isn't much point in running Linux or BSD. You can still run Windows to cope with the loser applications, if you're desperate to do so.

So, to answer your question: Macs do have similarities to what you think of as "real computers", but they have a major advantage in that they can do everything those "real computers" can do, and much more besides.

I personally can't think of any reason to buy a lesser computer - after all, even if I wanted to run Vista, a Mac would run it better than the other available hardware options.

Still, if value is an issue for you - well, what do you know, the Mac hardware is still cheaper on the quality versus price tradeoff.

If, on the other hand, cash is an issue for you... I believe http://dell.co.uk/ have a remainders shop somewhere. It's good if you think computer systems can be valued in the same way that dented tins of baked beans are.

[DS23]

amen to that brother

it is thanks to brother fitz that i saw the light late last year

halleluljah!

[scooterscot]

When do people think the next Macbook Pro will make an appearance? Rumours are that it will use a quad processor...

I've been looking for a reason to replace the viao for a while now!

[HeliCraig]

When do people think the next Macbook Pro will make an appearance? Rumours are that it will use a quad processor...

I've been looking for a reason to replace the viao for a while now!

I believe MacRumours were reporting Oct 14th. (here)

[DaveB]

When do people think the next Macbook Pro will make an appearance? Rumours are that it will use a quad processor...

I've been looking for a reason to replace the viao for a while now!

The rumour mill has been working overtime on this one for a while. General consensus is that announcements will be made some time in the Autumn. Biggest changes are expected in the Macbook range rather than the Pro's. Aluminium chassis and moving the spec closer to the current Pro.

[Spacecadet]

Better than that - they run OS X

And of course, if you need them to be a "real computer" (by the demotic definition thereof), they can run Windows as well - and do so at the same time as running OS X.

And, of course, they can also run Linux - at the same time as running OS X and Windows.

And they can run whatever flavour of BSD you like, at the same time as running Windows, and Linux, and OS X.

Although with OS X (a fine Unix implementation) on there, there isn't much point in running Linux or BSD. You can still run Windows to cope with the loser applications, if you're desperate to do so.

So, to answer your question: Macs do have similarities to what you think of as "real computers", but they have a major advantage in that they can do everything those "real computers" can do, and much more besides.

I personally can't think of any reason to buy a lesser computer - after all, even if I wanted to run Vista, a Mac would run it better than the other available hardware options.

Still, if value is an issue for you - well, what do you know, the Mac hardware is still cheaper on the quality versus price tradeoff.

If, on the other hand, cash is an issue for you... I believe http://dell.co.uk/ have a remainders shop somewhere. It's good if you think computer systems can be valued in the same way that dented tins of baked beans are.

Another quality unbiased Apple plug from NickFitz

[voodooflux]

Although with OS X (a fine Unix implementation) on there, there isn't much point in running Linux or BSD. You can still run Windows to cope with the loser applications, if you're desperate to do so.

applications like VS2008 upon which much of my income is based. And Warhammer Online

[DaveB]

applications like VS2008 upon which much of my income is based. And Warhammer Online

Is Warhammer any good? Still playing WoW at the moment having tried Conan, which was crap.

A Mac client for Warhammer has been mentioned as a future development.

[voodooflux]

Is Warhammer any good? Still playing WoW at the moment having tried Conan, which was crap.

A Mac client for Warhammer has been mentioned as a future development.

I've not played any of the other MMORPGs so I'm new to the genre and can't rely draw any comparisons, but from what I've seen of the game so far (just a couple of evenings really) it looks rather impressive.

I saw the question about a possible Mac client raised on the FAQ, so hopefully it's something they're working on.

[bogeyman]

When do people think the next Macbook Pro will make an appearance? Rumours are that it will use a quad processor...

I've been looking for a reason to replace the viao for a while now!

Quad processor eh?

Let's hope it doesn't double up as a toasted sandwich maker then.

The old Powerbook 'burned balls' syndrome and all that.