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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

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.

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).

Although the question is on topic here, this group is pretty much dead
now that uk.comp.sys.mac exists...
 
> 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?

I think it's called Powerprint and comes will all the bits you need, it
costs around 60 quid I think.

> How much are drives for it?

A USB zip drive is about the same price as a normal PC one I think.

> 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?

Yes.

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

If you buy a copy of DAVE, yes.

> Finally, what's the best place to buy one (price and support wise)

I don't ever use tech support, Usenet seems quicker and better but for
price Dabs should be quite good but I have little confidence in their
support people, I suspect Gordon Harwood's would be a good choice, just
make sure they have it in stock when you order.

> and should she wait till after Christmas?

Normally I'd suspect the machines will be upgraded within the 1st
quarter of next year but they are already fine machines, they've not
long been upgraded and if the speed goes up on them then they will be
competing quite hard with the G4s which seem to be a bit stuck,
personally I don't think waiting will give much benefit.
-- 
-> The email address in this message *IS* Valid <-

In article <01bf3e84$b5be0e40$0100007f@lightning>,
"Matt Wilson" <matt@zamboodle.demon.co.uk> wrote:

> 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?

I would recommend that instead you invest in a USB printer.  They
cost around UKP150.  This will give you a trouble-free solution which
simply works.  USB is neither serial nor parallel and adaptors are
not simple.

> How much are drives for it?

Under UKP100.  Are you sure she'll need one ?

> 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 includes word-processing and database modules.  They will
easily cope with letter-writing and simple catalogues.  Since
AppleWorks includes HTML-editing, I would recomment that you not even
bother to load PageMill.

> Does it come with a modem?

Yes.  56K built-in.

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

I'm not aware of any problems connecting iMacs to ethernetworks.
You may have a problem with your PC.

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

The best place support-wise is to buy direct from Apple.  Then you
get your support from Apple and the dealer can't engage in a
finger-pointing exercise.  Prices change very fast at different
dealers.  Try John Lewis'.  I see no point in waiting until after
Christmas.

Simon.
-- 
http://www.hearsay.demon.co.uk | John Peel:
No junk email please.          |  [My daughter] has modelled herself on you.
                               | Courtney Love:
                               |  Oh, I'm so sorry.

In article <1e2cb56.sm5njsal5784N%mark@roxley.demon.co.uk>,
mark@roxley.demon.co.uk (Mark Etherington) wrote:

>> 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.

John Lewis *do* match mail order (& web) prices, so long as you make sure
you include the p&p charge.

They also have a two year guarantee, which makes them a very good place to
but from.

Paul

In article <B472A8CB9668F19BDD@g3.durrant.co.uk>, paul@durrant.co.uk (Paul
Durrant) wrote:

> In article <1e2cb56.sm5njsal5784N%mark@roxley.demon.co.uk>,
> mark@roxley.demon.co.uk (Mark Etherington) wrote:
> 
> >> 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.
> 
> John Lewis *do* match mail order (& web) prices, so long as you make sure
> you include the p&p charge.
> 
> They also have a two year guarantee, which makes them a very good place to
> but from.
> 
> Paul

Just my twopeneth worth but I'd agree with Simon and Paul. Box shifters
have, in my experience, been known to re-sell "fixed" product and your
rights are a bit grey in that area...Choose somewhere WITHOUT a tech dept
then it should be new!

-- 
Nick Ward / Zanders Creative Technology / http://www.zanmusic.demon.co.uk
Get 3 FREE MP3 Tracks and preview all of our CD "Full Frontal Dublotomy"
ONLY �4 / $5.99 via http://www.mp3.com/artists/16/ghosts.html

Matt Wilson 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.

Hi Matt

Think your best bet is to go to PC World where you should find about 5/6 Imacs all
lined up and waiting to be played with.
Well the one in Harlow has that amount which did surpass me !!!!.
Your only trouble is finding an assistant that can help , I do know they do have
them but if the are available is another matter.
All the ones I talked to gave me a sideways look and said " well sir are you sure
you want a machine that easy to use" or words to that affect
I think USB supports all the things you need but I am no expert so get expert
advice first, everything seems to USB nowadays or firewire.
Good luck in your Imac hunting.
Your welcome to email me and I may be able to help but no promises im not an
expert just an Mac enthusiast


regards

Phil
Starmax user

philip <philip@bengio.demon.co.uk> wrote:

> Matt Wilson 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?

USB, USB, USB...  It's much better for pretty much everything than
Centronics and RS232 ports (when I say `better', I mean cheaper, *much*
faster, longer range, easier to set up, and so on).  The only serious
problems are related to its newness - there's not as much USB kit around
as there will be in another year or so (there's plenty, but USB hasn't
quite taken over yet), and some of the driver software (especially from
Epson) is pretty buggy.

> > 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?

Driver software is the tricky bit; HP doesn't make drivers to use that
particular printer with a Mac, but you could buy (for about the cost of
a new printer) a commercial package to do the job.  Chuck's Printer
Driver is a shareware driver that *might* do the job, but I wouldn't put
money on it.

> > How much are drives for it?

You can get an external floppy disc drive for somewhere in the region of
�100-�150 IIRC.  It's got a CD-ROM drive so you *do* have removable
media availale.

> > 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.

Yep.

> > Does it come with a modem?

I think they all do; certainly the first iMacs had built-in modems.

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

Umm...  The physical connection is no trouble; the software side of
things is less straightforward.  What *exactly* do you want to do?  Some
people set up ftp servers and do stuff via TCP/IP between Macs and PCs
on that basis (yes, really).  There is commercial software available if
you want more straightforward filesharing and stuff like that.  It's not
something I've paid much attention to myself.

> > Finally, what's the best place to buy one (price and support wise) 

In my experience, after-sales support is pretty poor unless you pay
extra for a dedicated support package, and even then it's likely to be
ropey.  I'd be inclined to use uk.comp.sys.mac for any advice and help I
needed...

> >and should
> > she wait till after Christmas?

Yep; the longer you leave it, the cheaper they get...

[snip]

Rowland.

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