Opinions from the Apple crowd.

[Rex_Tremende]

Option 1: 24 inch Imac 2.8 Ghz model. I love the footprint and real estate size but I really really dislike the glossy screen. Would upgrade to wireless keyboard and mouse and I would upgrade the ram myself.

I moved from a Dell laptop (first my own, and, when that one died, then my office issue) to this one. Apart from some of the flexibility I was used to in navigating Windows, I really enjoy using this machine. So quiet! The remote back-up time machine makes more noise than this thing. And fast! I am so impatient now with my Windows laptop at the office. I don't really have a complaint about my iMac.

I have the glossy screen, but the matte was an option at the Apple store. I forgot to specify, so I got glossy. It was what I wanted anyway, because the colors are so rich. For the few hours of the day where I have strong glare from the windows over my shoulder, I simply tilt the screen down a few degrees, and I don't even notice the surface of the screen.

Now, about the mobility issue...

I thought a long time before buying this over a laptop version. But at the same time as I got this, I also consolidated telecom/internet services, going from a landline/DSL (Cincinnati Bell), mobile phone service (Sprint), and rabbit ears to an iPhone and AT&T service and Time Warner cable for the internet and TV (so many channels, so little content!). For what I use the internet for on the road (and in extended blackouts), the iPhone performs quite well.

The only thing I don't do now that I used to is to set up my computer in the kitchen to chat/surf/XMTS while I'm cooking or doing other chores.

So I gave up cooking and chores.

Regards,
Rex.