[Hodog16]

Hey ya'll,

I have been waiting for the iMac rev B and like most, I am very pleased with the upgrades. My four year old Dell Latitude is showing its age. I have a few questions as this will be my first Apple:

1) Is all non-Apple RAM the same, or should I avoid generic brands? I know I'll need to get PC 3200 RAM, and there are some nice deals on dealram that are a lot cheaper than Apple.

2) Is Applecare worth it? Any problems people have had with their new Apples?

3) Is there a two button bluetooth mouse available for Macs? I searched a bit and it seems like companies like Microsoft and Logitech's bluetooth mice are PC-only. I know Apple is rumored to be working on it, but I haven't heard of a release date?

Thanks for any help and consideration!

[Randman]

1) Get third-party ram. Apple's is over-priced.

2) A/C is arguable for a desktop. But you have a year from your date of purchase to get it so you have to time to think it over.

3) Logitech and M$ mouses work fine with Macs. I use the Logitech Optical Trackman with my mini and often with my PB. Love it.

[nickw311]

1. Get third party ram but make sure it is a good name brand.
2. Apple Care paid off for me when my iPod broke, btu that was only $59. I do not have AppleCare on my Mini because desktops are less susceptible to getting broken.
3. I use a Microsoft wired mouse... I would assume a BT one would work fine.

Good luck with a new iMac

[Commodus]

Logitech's MX900 will work with Macs without drivers, but there are a couple of catches. First, there's no off switch on the MX900. You can't check the box that says "let Bluetooth devices wake this computer," because the mouse can and will wake the system from sleep if you do that.

Also, the buttons beyond basic three (left, right, middle) won't be usable for their intended functions without using an app like Gamepad Companion, and Gamepad Companion is impractical as it needs to disabled/enabled every time the system starts up. You can bind them to Expos� or maybe even Dashboard, though.

So in short, don't get the MX900 - it's too much of a hassle for the price. I'd get the Radtech ( http://www.radtech.us ) BT510 mouse instead, or else keep to a wired mouse/keyboard combo.

[CaptainHaddock]

Despite what Commodus says, I use the Logitech MX900 and highly recommend it. I can bind the extra buttons to Expos�, which is good enough for me. (I don't know how I lived without that!)

I did check the box to let Bluetooth devices wake my computer. My procedure when putting my iMac to sleep is to put the mouse on the charging cradle, and then use a keyboard shortcut to put the computer to sleep (command-alt-eject).

[azt33]

I also have the Logitech MX900 and have bound all the keys to Expos� and Dashboard, and use it without any problems. I actually recommend it, but keep in mind that YMMV.

[Hodog16]

Thanks for the input guys. Radtech looks like they have some nice accessories. I do like the fact that the Logitech has a rechargable battery. I guess I'll take it one thing at a time.

[CharlesS]

Yeah, you'll definitely get a better deal with third-party RAM. However, not all non-Apple RAM is the same. Get RAM from a good brand like Kingston, Crucial, or Viking. Avoid the no-name crap because it is crash-on-a-stick.

[Hodog16]

I think I'm going to go with a Samsung 1 GB for the RAM. Something like $150 from OWC, I think that's reasonable. It's about $20 more than the generics but worth it from what you guys are saying.

I've spent the rest of my time today researching computer speakers (Altec Lansing versus Klipsch versus Creative et al.), going to check some out in person tomorrow. Buying a new computer and everything it entails is fun!

[Krusty]

Originally Posted by Hodog16

I've spent the rest of my time today researching computer speakers (Altec Lansing versus Klipsch versus Creative et al.), going to check some out in person tomorrow. Buying a new computer and everything it entails is fun!

Take a look at the Logitech z-2300 too.

[cenutrio]

I would recommend to look for memory at:

http://www.ramseeker.com/

You can get 1 GB chips from $80-90. I've bought from those companies for years now to upgrade all my lab computers and never got a defective chip. Most of those companies provide a life time guarantee.