Q: I am planing to buy a new computer because the one i have isn't the best. The computer i want to buy is the Apple iMac but then i saw the HP TouchSmart which makes me want to get it. Which one should i get? Please tell me what you think. Here is the link for the iMac: http://www.apple.com/imac/ Here is the link for the HP TouchSmart: http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/series_can.do?storeName=computer_store&landing=desktops&a1=Category&v1=All-in-One%20PCs&aoid=13197&kw=hp+touchsmart&tafcjnef=fy08&ppc=CCp21081409
A: I am a computer person because I have to be. It is a necessary evil, something I must put up with. I am not a programmer or analyst. I can give you my reasons as a parent and a wise consumer. I decided on the iMac for a couple reasons. The operating software will be relevant for the next 5-7 years. Apple supports it's operating systems by upgrading the existent one and the changes are compatible with your harware application with ease. That means the hardware can be relevant for more than 2-3 years and software purchases can be kept to a minimum or maximum. As a user of Mac and Windows, the Mac is more intuitive. I want my school age child to be computer literate and comfortable with technology. Mac OS software meets her where she is in her development and doesn't take away my time to teach her how to navigate. This should tell you something about the learning curve. I also have a windows based application. It works fine and it will be good for 1-2 more years because of the rapid change in software applications and the hardware falling out of step in it's capabilities to run the next best thing. I hear VISTA awaits me. I might let it wait a little longer for all of the snafus it still has in it's applications. Separately, I have wondered why people would pay more for iMac than any other brand just as capable. What I have learned first hand, is that Mac initially provides all of the technology needed and it works seamlessly. They make the chips and roms from their shop. This is a quality control best practice. Others will have stickers just below the keyboard from all of the different parts suppliers from other companies that are the sum of it's parts. It seems this is where the competition comes up short, because they cannot synchronize who will be updating what when. To futher add to this advantage, due to the unique iMac operating software it is not as prone to computer viruses, jumping and other misdeeds. It doesn't mean it can't happen but you can purchase the Mac and not have to immediately secure Norton Virus Protection, McAfee etc. in the same buy. For us, the service has been outstanding and I have to say it has not been called into action, but a few times. Which brings me to my final point. If I am going to spend my hard earned money, it is against my law for it not to work. Thou shalt work! And so, I would say that the HP TouchSmart works and the iMac work. If all else where even, ask yourelf and others, which operating software will remain relevant longest with my purchase? How easy could a school age child pick up on the features of the program? How easy can you pick it up? And last but not least, you get what you pay for. What are you getting with the HP TouchSmart; and ask yourself the same question with the iMac. It will be iMac. P.S. You can get a refurbished iMac add a full warranty and it would cost less than a new iMac and possibly less than a new HP TouchSmart.