🚀 go-pugleaf

The iMac includes 10/100T ethernet and a 56k V90 modem.

Appleworks includes a Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Database (a proper
one, not cobbled out of a spreadsheet!) and a Graphics module.

To share facilities between the iMac and a PC requires either PC MACLAN
on the Mac or Dave on the PC.  Either will then let both machines use
the filestore and printers of the other.  Note that although the Mac
will "see" the .exe files on the PC it cannot run them.  However most
documents can be opened on the Mac although produced on the PC.  For
greater compatibility you might want to consider MS Word for the Mac.

A USB to Centronics adaptor will probably work for you, but there is
probably no suitable driver if the printer was not intended for use with
the Mac.

If your printer has an AppleTalk socket (mini-Din 8 pin) then you could
connect it off the ethernet via an AsanteTalk converter box.

HP do make a JetDirect connection box for some of their printers to
allow them to be connected to an ethernet network although they only
have a parallel port.  You would do well to view the HP web site to see
if there are any suitable drivers which you could download.

Prices are unlikely to change much between now and the end of January,
although nobody knows when the next model will be released with a better
spec and thus force down the price of existing models.

Macs need very little support so you may find a "box shifter" mail order
house has the best prices.  On the other hand, if you really want
support included then you will need to pay full price from an Apple
Centre.  See the adverts in the back of MacUser magazine for sources and
prices.

Vernon



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?
> 
> 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.
> 
> Does it come with a modem?
> 
> Would it be easy to connect up on an ethernet network to my PC?
> 
> Finally, what's the best place to buy one (price and support wise) and
> should she wait till after Christmas?
> 
> Ta for any info.
> 
> - MDW.