🚀 go-pugleaf

Matt Wilson <matt@zamboodle.demon.co.uk> wrote:

> My Mum is rather taken with an IMac (and so am I - don't want to have to
> answer support calls about GPFs if she buys a PC!).  We had a Mac SE a
> long time ago (now part of my museum collection).
> 
> However, what's the 'hidden' costs of owning a machine with no removable
> media and none of the old style coms and lpt ports - i.e. How do you print
> from the thing?  I have a spare HP Deskjet 600 Black & White printer, as
> used on the PC which I could give to Mum.  I presume it could work on the
> IMac - USB to Centronics adaptor though?  Drivers? How much are drives for
> it?

For backup and transfer of data, you have the option of uploading files
to an internet site (use your own webspace, or try
<http://www.imacfloppy.com>) or buying an external drive of some
description. Most people would normally prefer an external drive for
security and speed, and your USB options (with guide prices) include
floppy (�70), Zip (�90), Superdrive (�120), CD-RW (�270), fixed HD
(�250-350) and optical (�330).

A USB to parallel adaptor goes for about �40. Check the driver list
before you buy, but the Belkin adaptor looks like it should work
<http://www.belkin.com/products/product_index/USB/usb_catalog_pages/F5U0
02.html>.

Alternatively, look at bundle pricing. A MacWarehouse catalogue is in
front of me, and they'll sell you a G3/350 Blueberry iMac with floppy
drive, printer (Epson Stylus 740), game controller, USB hub and 4
'great' games for �895+VAT. Other dealers offer similar packages.

> It says it comes with Appleworks, PageMill etc.. so I presume letter writing,
> plants & recipes cataloguing, that sort of thing will be possible with the
> bundled packages.

AppleWorks is a general works package, which can do WP, drawing,
painting, spreadsheet, database and comms. Many users (including myself)
find that it suits nearly all our needs in these areas. See
<http://www.apple.com/appleworks/>.

> Does it come with a modem?

Yes, internal, 56k.

> Would it be easy to connect up on an ethernet network to my PC?

Built-in 10/100Base-T autoswitching ethernet. In order to transfer data
between the Mac and the PC you will need some extra software running at
one end or the other. See <http://www.macwindows.com/> for more detail.

> Finally, what's the best place to buy one (price and support wise) and should
> she wait till after Christmas?

Do you want to walk into a shop and buy one, or are you happy to buy one
over the net? If you're near a branch of John Lewis you will find they
offer excellent service (the iMac has been their top selling computer
ever), but they will not match mail order prices. Alternatively
<http://www.apple.com/uk/wheretobuy/> will help you find a local dealer.
A Mac magazine will allow you to compare prices and deals, or have a
flip around the internet. Apple do sell computers direct
<http://www.apple.com/ukstore/>, but don't expect the best prices.

> Ta for any info.

No problem. uk.comp.sys.mac is generally busier if you're in need of
more info.

> - MDW.

-- 
Mark Etherington
mark@roxley.demon.co.uk