[Dell Switcher]

As a very probable switcher from the Dell from Hell, the new iMac 17 with the increase in processor to 1GHz, video RAM to 64 MB, and system bus to 133MHz answered 3 of my major concerns.

However, there are several issues that I would appreciate clarification:

(1)value of added internal bluetooth module (currently do not use PDA or digital camera)?

(2)impact of "audio line in jack" related to my desire to enhance sound quality since I play music CD's and DVD's

(3)recommended software for utilities and antivirsus...Norton, Disk Warrior,????????

Thanks for any help for PC struggler!

[scottiB]

Welcome...

Regarding BlueTooth, according to Apple's page:

...The easiest way is to have the Bluetooth module built in at the time you order your system. If you decide after purchase that you want Bluetooth capability, you can easily plug in an external USB Bluetooth adapter.

It sounds as if Apple's BT module is not user installable--at least not easily. It would probably be possible to do, but for $50 I think it couldn't hurt the resale value--and you might purchase a new cell phone. You never know.

The line-in is good for capturing audio from an external mic, stereo, or anything else that uses (either native or 1/8th inch cable adapter). It was missing for awhile, but has been reinstituted. My iBook doesn't have a line-in, so to digitize my albums, I need to use a USB adapter to get the audio-in, for example. In fact SoundStudio is included for sound recording.

I recommend DiskWarrior emphatically. A new version for X will be released shortly. It has saved my bottom too many times. I once advocated Norton, but I don't anymore: the disc utilites corrupt more than heal. For anti-virus, I like Virex. While I've never encountered an OS X virus, I have spread Outlook klez (I think it's called) to others. For me, Virex is worth the peace of mind; eventhough, I may never need it.

I recommend signing-up for .Mac. Part of the package includes Virex (downloadable from your iDisk), and there are monthly updates. While one can find all the different compenents cheaper from other sources, the ease of use and elegance are worth it to me (the recent outages, notwithstanding). You get a free 60-trial period; use the heck out of it and decide for yourself.

I understand your trepidation: a co-worker finally made the switch to a 12.1" PowerBook. For the past year, he'd asks me questions everyday about being a Mac owner and user. After having it for the past week, he mentions why he hadn't done it sooner. It's a good thing he didn't or he wouldn't have the PBook.

Post here often. There are many knowledgeable people with wide and various experiences. There's rarely a question that can't be answered.

Have fun...

[Lebodde]

Originally posted by Dell Switcher:

(1)value of added internal bluetooth module (currently do not use PDA or digital camera)?

(2)impact of "audio line in jack" related to my desire to enhance sound quality since I play music CD's and DVD's

(3)recommended software for utilities and antivirsus...Norton, Disk Warrior,????????

A hearty welcome indeed!

1) Not much value unless you use a properly equipped external device such as phone or pda. Useless for me.
I had to chuckle at ScottiB's mention of the resale value. The words "computer" and "resale value" do not belong in the same sentence.

2) If you "play music CD's and DVD's", you would do that using the internal superdrive. The inline audio jack is not needed for it. It's only needed for hookiing up external analog audio devices such as a record player or radio or microphone.

3) Good suggestions from ScottiB on Utilities and .mac. But one benefit you will immediately enjoy coming from Wintel is that the virus scares are FAR less common in the Mac world. In the last five years I haven't had a single one. Just make sure you erase any app that has anything to do with Microsoft from your HD as your first step when you receive your computer. That's what I alsways do. You can use Safari, Mail, Appleworks, etc... to do just about anything M$ wants you to send them money for.

[BrunoBruin]

As scottiB noted from Apple's site, you can always add the Bluetooth external adapter later. So you can pay $50 now on the chance you'll need it, or pay $50 later when you have a use for it. It's just a teeny thing that plugs into a USB port.

I too put in a vote for .Mac. The integration with the OS and with the various Apple apps really make it easy to do things like share photos, post Web pages and so on. It also allows you to easily back up files (either to your iDisk or to CD or DVD). Besides, you get a mac.com e-mail address, and how cool is that?