I think we've established in the past that there might be something dodgy with your iMac, as people still use older Intel Macs without a problem.

2GB has been fine for me as long as I haven't wanted to start virtualising stuff or doing shed loads of intensive graphics.

The desktops aren't very competitive, the Mac Pro is very expensive, mainly because it only comes with workstation processors and memory, there is no "desktop" option for normal people - this is an old story and nothing that hasn't been discussed a million times before. The iMacs are a little better, the Mac mini worse...

As to MBP and fashion statements, I wear C&A t-shirts, I just need it to function, I don't really care how it looks. I like OS X, the MBPs don't look bad, but they don't look good enough to hand over 3 times as much for an "equivalent" (technically) running Windows and in a toughened plastic case...

I can understand your sentiment. Though it is down to choice. Yes the mac mini does look expensive as does the Mac Pro. If I had the money that might be an option, but multiple iMacs is preferable for me. The MBP and MBA are expensive but it is the Applecare that puts me off. It is really expensive for the laptops. Much better for the iMacs.

Applecare is much cheaper if you can get to the education store, the rule son which are rather.. lax.

As to the MBP's being expensive, yes they are. However everyone I know who has had one said they were the best made laptop they ever had. Some of Apple's stuff definitely is expensive almost for the sake of it, but the MBP's apparently you pretty much do get what you pay for.

Jon

I have had a Powerbook and MBP and they were both incredible. In fact the powerbook was actually cheaper than the HP or Toshiba equivalent machines. I was actually looking to switch because of the problems with Windows, and my circumstances meant that a switch to a whole new OS was not going to be prohibitively expensive. I also got a top of the range iPod as the same time.

I like the new mini too. Was toying with building a hack but I dont think there is any point now, it will never look that smooth after all and prob cost as much.

Looks like the store is down again.

and up again