If you're considering an ipad, go to the mac store and play around with one to see if you like it and it fits your needs. I thought one would be great, but it doesn't really work for me - so I'm saving up for a mac Air. But if you only need internet, pictures, email, etc, it might be good.

They are nice, I wouldn't mind having one...just can't justify it.

hesitations about trying to use an iPad as a replacement, but I always do have my laptop (hell, laptopS - a Powerbook and two iBooks!) for stuff that can't be done on an iPad. Plus, that keyboard might drive me nuts. You're right - I should go down and play around there.

A MacBook Air is my ultimate fantasy! Hope you can get one soon!

Thanks!!

But the Apple Bluetooth keyboard works well with the iPad.

When you say the *new* OS, do you mean 10.7? Why would that be important? Do you need it to be compatible with other CPUs running 10.7? Will any version of OS X do? Does it have to be an Intel Mac?

If you don't *absolutely* have to have the very latest OS, you can get installer disks for older versions of OS X on eBay. Even 10.6 is fairly cheap. Just be sure it will run on the processor you get. You can pick up older Macs on Craigslist and from various used Mac retailers -- http://lowendmac.com/ is a good place to check stats and suppliers.

http://lowendmac.com/deals/best-os-x-10.6-prices.html

http://lowendmac.com/deals/best-ibook-g4-prices.html

If you have to get something that's really new (Core 2, runs 10.7) about all you can do is look for Open Box/Demo specials or refurbs.

http://www.smalldog.com/category/Apple_Closeouts/

http://eshop.macsales.com/Search/SearchPromo.cfm?Ntk=Primary&Ns=P_ID%7c1&Ne=5000&N=5915&Ntt=OWCFeatured

I've made multiple purchases from both vendors, was able to return items when needed. YMMV.

After my first Powerbook was stolen, I decided to never again buy NEW so my subsequent Macs have been Craigslist finds.

I don't have to have zingiest anything, just have to be able to upgrade to the new OS to access the iCloud, I think. I currently have mac mail (mobile me or whatever they're calling it) and that goes away pretty soon. My current iBook (that I paid $50 for when I dropped my last Powerbook too many times and did something to the video card) won't be able to upgrade. So nothing extra fancy, just not the dinosaur I've got now.

I'm eager to check out these links you provided!

Thanks again!!

Oh, it still functions. Just a little hard disk problem I can't address right now.

You might also check out http://www.wegenermedia.com/cmb.htm . I bought an iBook G4/800 from them. It died (mfr's defect on board) way outside of the warranty period, but still a good deal, considering.

If money really is an issue, do you really need a mac? I like macs, but it's my increasing impression you're paying for design and style, not performance. The OS is nice but the company is a pain about connectors and various other things. For cheapo, I'd buy an acer aspire one and put linux on it. Usually run $250, but I was seeing the dual cores with 1G ram @225 about a month ago. The ipad starts @500 and the macbook air @1000

if I did, I'd have other resources for that.

Yes, money is an issue and although I don't NEED a Mac, it's what I want. If I get a PC, I'll be constantly thinking "I wouldn't have to do this on a Mac" (like I do at work all the time ).

I remember when Acers were the hot thing -- like 1990. It was the first BLACK monitor I'd ever seen -- too cool!

I'm not even considering a MacBook Air - I know it's waaaaay beyond my financial ability, plus, THAT I'd be paying for the design and style. Regardless of what I ultimately get, it will undoubtedly be used and not the latest, greatest anything.

Thanks!

Since you say you'll only be surfing and emailing with it, it could well meet your needs.

I have some iPad experience and like them. I have a first gen and a second gen. My first gen is wifi only, my second gen is 3G and wifi. If you can forgo the 3G, these can be had pretty cheaply. A first gen wifi-only can be had for about $200.

With iOS5, these are fully iCloud compatible. Apps are plentiful, cheap, or free.

I actually find the keyboard okay. I am a very bad three finger typist and can get by on that keyboard as well as anything else.

It can almost replace it with lots of workarounds, but practically speaking it's a device that you have in addition to the computer unless your computing is only about certain things the ipad does well.

To save money check out the refurbished section of the Apple store. That stuff is like new and has full warranties.

And if you wanted to add access to your home computer, you could add GoToMyPC.

http://www.ipadcoverwithkeyboards.com/


rocktivity