hi all after deciding on a macbook pro and not regretting it the time has come to upgrade the desktop and we have three options:

a w7 all in one pc with 23" touchscreen

a w7 desktop pc

or an imac 21.5"

now im not bothered about hard drive size as this computer will be used for my sons school work so needs to be good for that!!

any input is much appriciated as im swaying towards an imac but swmbo needs convincing to spend that kind of money lol

If you're considering windows you may as well wait for windows 8.

Haven't even looked at Windows 8 stuff yet, presumably it's more touchscreen stuff? Since I'm still looking for a decent laptop I may wait until it comes out then pick up a Win7 one cheap

If you like the mac book pro, there are some reasons to convert all over to mac. Sharing, software, app purchases, familiarity between systems and so on.

SWMBO is right to be needing convincing, the imacs as good as they are, are basically an expensive option. Also consider though a mac mini with a external screen, a 21 -> 24" screen can be had quite cheaply.

Windows 8 is just a mess, I've deleted the VM as it's just wrong for a UI.

Nothing wrong as such with win7 on almost any of the machines you can pick u at any of the retailers and e-tailers.

One question to settle, it, how old is your son (don't answer) and is he likley to say Dad I want to play <insert latest game> that requires windows. If not then windows I'd say has had it's run, it's the only reason; ok apart from two applications (photshop and xen client), I keep it.

The odd ball might be to consider linux, ubuntu etc. It's easily as usable as windows was /is / will be and can be as plain as mac.

Put 1k in front of me now, I'd have to buy something windows based and put ubuntu on it. But I do own two macs, one from 2006 which just isn't getting tired enough to replace. I'm also willing to invest in tweaking ubuntu to make it as easy(ier) to use as macosx.

Also final thought, consider the refurb stores, apple, dell etc all have them. Stock is loaded early, can be hit and miss and possible a bit bare at the moment with students returning. On that note, you should be able to get a good (forget) % discount from Apple.

Possibly more questions than answers there...

footnote, comparable to the imac in base specs barring gphx, but if it's for schoolwork...

http://www.dell.com/uk/business/p/vostro-260/pd?oc=d102621&model_id=vostro-260

Lifespan = 2-3 years on this, mac should be 5.

+budget for Antivirus etc, 10-40 a year, more as you'll want to secure your sons internet, unless you can lockdown on your router/modem from your isp.

+budget for Antivirus etc, 10-40 a year, more as you'll want to secure your sons internet, unless you can lockdown on your router/modem from your isp.

Not really necessary anymore, MS do some very good free tools for online security; Security Essentials for antivirus duties and Live Essentials with Family Safety for web filtering. So over the course of ownership can probably save £200 or so just by using these tools rather than subscribing to Norton 360 or whatever comes bundled, for ~£50/year or whatever it costs now.

I'd go for the iMac everytime.

It's just a MUCH nicer user experience :p

:yes:

How to receive the education discount

If you are a student, teacher, lecturer, administrator or other staff member in education you qualify for special discounted pricing on Apple computers, software and select third party products. Quantity limits apply

As you are buying for a student you can get a discount, I would give Apple a call and find out how much. Likely to be between 5% and 10%, I have seen deals where college students get closer to 20%. You can also keep checking the Apple refurb store (on their website) discounted prices, fully warrantied kit that you can take out 3 year AppleCare cover on.

Most retailers are not able to offer the student discounts, you have to buy from Apple direct.

thanks for all the info its alot to take in lol!! i do enjoy my macbook pro and i find it easier to use and we have iphones and ipads so the imac would go nicely with these however my wife isnt so used to mac as she has a windows 7 laptop for browsing and she would use the desktop for work as would my 10 year old son. i dont think i would get any student discount as he is too young but ill be trying lol.

I have a Windows machine for work, & recently traded a Windows laptop + Android tablet for a MacBook AIr ( the best money i have ever spent in all the years i have used laptops). GIven your already broad base of Apple products you would be probably better staying with this product.

While windows machines are cheap I have have found that the amount of 'scare ware' on widows machines does slow them down, which you dont need for the Mac.

Agree with above, shop around for a refurb.

imac

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