i mac computer

[shyamwestwind]

Hi Guys
I might get an i-mac dirt cheap. Its working fine and comes with two speakers , but I have no clue about the workings of an i-mac.
It looks like this and I think its a 2002 model !!
I have my normal PC with Microsoft XP and I am, if I may so, quite savvy with this format.
I heard the i mac is very good for music (creation, editing, etc)and good for picture and video editing and though this might be n old outdated model, I think I should be able to use it to its limited capacities.
Can anyone tell me someting about this and your honest opinion of its capabilities, what software is required etc, what I should check for etc etc etc.
I have absolutely no clue but I do want to know and investigate.
HELP PL E A S E !!!!!!!!!!!

[rainbow]

Hi Shyam,
I'm a Mac user and have one of the current models of the iMac range. I bought the second version of the original iMac as my first computer in 1999 as a complete novice and have stuck with the Mac rather than venture into PC ever since. They are intuitive, reliable and pretty well virus free ... so ideal for internet use. They were always the first choice for pro/industry use in music production and creative media and I personally have no regrets in choosing the Mac platform. The model you are considering is a very good option especially if you can, as you say, get it 'dirt cheap' and if the speakers are Mac add ons they will be great sounding (possibly Harmon Kardon?) ... the iMac has inbuilt good quality sound system anyway:)
In the early days of the iMac software options, though excellent, were few ... however these days with operating system X there is now a wealth of really first class software available. Your model will come with a whole bundled package of software which will probably have the usual work related stuff like word processing/spreadsheets etc covered by the old Works software (comparable to microsoft Word) however these days the iMacs come bundled with a suite of the funstuff software called iLife which includes GarageBand for making/recording music and similar apps for photos, films etc and you will probably want to consider upgrading to the current version of the operating system maybe Snow Leopard and purchase the current version of iLife suite of software for the funstuff and iWork for the workstuff ... check out the Apple Store online and check out the vids and tech details on the software etc ... should get you started and give you a very real insight into the world of the Mac and the possibilities.
The model you are considering is an education standard and is to be found in schools all over Britain ... the hardware is solid and reliable ... you just need to spend a bit on upgrading to current software and maybe later additional memory and you will have an exciting alternative to your current PC setup. A word of caution though ... if you are savvy with your PC setup and it does want you want already then maybe consider playing safe and try the Mac alongside your PC rather than replace it ... you've then got the best of both worlds/operating systems:) Go for it mate!!

Best regards ... Rainbow:)

[shyamwestwind]

Thanks so much for the info ........ I feel real good about it now and though I still havent got it with me, I'm already excited about it and am waiting to learn the workings.
Yes I will lokk up all the info on this on the net and would be grateful if you could lead me to any useful links on this particular model.
Will I be able to upgrade this ? Are the software you mentioned reasonable ? Do you suppose I can use it straight away for creating music ?
One important query ........... if I have the WiFi connection can I use the mac to connect via this to the Net ?
Thanks Rainbow !

[rainbow]

Hi Shyam,
Much of what you ask is answered by a visit to the Apple Store on the net (just google apple store for your locality) current software prices ie iLife, iWork and OSX Snow Leopard (Operating System upgrade) will all be listed ... also check out Mac Users forums (again just google).
Yes you will easily be able to upgrade just by purchasing the current software ... just check that your model is currently running OSX which is the first of the current OS ... if it is still running OS9 then you will probably need to check on proceedure for upgrading as there will probably be a series of updates (which should be free to download I believe) so that you get to OSX in first instance and then you should be able to upgrade to current OS by purchasing current software. iMacs ,as I said earlier, are ideal for the internet so if you have a WiFi connection you should be able to connect OK (Check out your internet service provider ISP re instructions for connection).
I've always used Macs as I say but I'm no expert and a confirmed technophobe, but if I can, I'll help steer you in the right direction (if I know it myself that is:)
Lastly, yes I believe you will find GarageBand very intuitive and easy to navigate and you should be able to be making music recordings real quick ... always assuming you have a suitable music interface to get instruments and mikes connected to your computer ... once again check out what is available on the Apple Store pages on the net (under music software and connectables).
Just a thought ... if you check out your local best newsagents they likely stock the current Mac Software 'genius guides' for MacOSX and iLife ... the iLife version is good for tutorial articles on getting familiar with GarageBand (as well as other software in the iLife suite) and will show you how to get connected etc

Good luck and happy researching ... Rainbow:)

[shyamwestwind]

Thank you Rainbow.