Nothing is worse than going to the computer store and being bamboozled into more computer than you will ever need. While things like DVI input may sound useful in the store, you may not even remember what its use is down the road, let alone ever use it. Knowing what is offered will help you sort through things you must have, things it would be ncie to have for possible future use, and things you will never need.

Bigger is not always better. Just because they offer a billion gigabyte version doesn’t mean you need it to just check your e-mail and chat with your son in college. Determining how much processor speed and memory you really need is the first step in deciding what computer to go with. Most likely the more speed and memory you need the more likely you are to choose a desktop. Laptops simply don’t fit as much in their slim, sleek cases. Salespeople love to talk about how fast or how much memory a computer has but you may not need it all.

Price is always a factor as well. The bigger the memory, the faster the processor, the bigger the screen, the more it will cost. While you may not want to squint at a small twelve inch screen you may not need a twenty inch screen either. You may not need a terabyte of memory if you only check e-mail and don’t save much. You may not need the upgrade to the fancier software.

But can you trust the salespeople to tell you the truth and help you select the proper computer for you? Most salespeople work on commission when it comes to computers. Even if they don’t get a commission, they most likely get a bonus based on which system they sell. This means it is in their best interest to sell you the biggest, best, most expensive computer they can. Even if its more than you want to spend, more than you can use, and not what you had in mind at all. And worse yet, if you get home and realize your mistake there is often a restocking fee, up to 20% of the sales price.

By utilizing the knowledge offered on Buy the Right Mac you can get the information you need before you go shopping. You can decide if you want a desktop or a laptop and possibly the exact model. This means you can make the salespeople help you get what you want, and not the other way around.

The first thing most people notice about the Macbook Air is its design. A popular commercial for the MacBook Air shows the laptop being taken out of a manila envelope to a trendy song and opened up. The dimensions at the hinge are 0.76 inches (19mm) and a mere 0.16 inches (4mm) at the leading edge. The case is the Mac silver color with black keyboard keys borrowed right out of a Macbook black case. The screensize is also identical to the MacBook allowing for the keyboard to be fullsize and the screen to have plenty of room to view applications. The screen is LED backlit to allow immediate full brightness, as well as automatic dimming based on ambient light via a sensor next to the built in iSight camera. The keyboards are also LED backlit to allow for better usage in dim conditions.

One of the most noticeable differences between Macbook Air and its bigger siblings is its lack of an optical drive. While it has replaced this with the ability to use the optical drive of any nearby PC or Mac. Remote Disc works by installing software on both computers and sharing any data file or software files. Mac has even updated the boot software to allow for a boot via Remote Disc should you ever need to reinstall the OS. Remote Disc however cannot be used as a remote DVD player or CD ripping interface. They do offer the option of buying a SuperDrive to regain this functionality.

The Intel processor was custom created to be 60% smaller physically to fit into the smaller space. However the lack of space does not effect the speed overly for the average user. The battery is not user replaceable, similar to the ipod which allows for better use of limited space inside. The one hatch door holds a headphone jack, a USB 2.0 port and a micro-DVI port. There is also a choice between a normal hard drive or, for added durability, a solid state drive. There is no Firewire port for the first time, instead the Remote Disc will help you migrate your files from your old Mac to your new Macbook Air.

The Macbook Air has a mercury and arsenic free LCD substrate, the case is all aluminum, and PVC free internal cables which have allowed it to move toward becoming “greener” a marketing pitch which will not be lost on the many Mac fans. It is definitely a step in the right direction for the new generation of Mac fans who know only of iPod and iPhones and don’t recall such things as the Apple II E computer. A Macbook Pro may still be the choice of the hardworking graphic designer but legions of college students and frequent commuters will be toting the Macbook Air about to save themselves from bigger, heavier models.

The Macbook is a beautiful laptop. Weighing in at five pounds (2.3 kg), its not too heavy, but also not the lightest. Its only about an inch thick and features a 13.3 inch screen which isn’t the smallest and the graphics are decent despite being integrated.

The Macbook was the first portable offered by Apple that has a glossy display in contrast to the average anti-glare display. While it may sometimes have lighting reflection problems it does show crisp colors and pixel by pixel details which are essential for graphics to be realistic. It also featured a new keyboard which was sunk into the casing instead of above it. The keys are also one piece instead of removable by themselves, which creates a very different feeling.

The outside is a polycarbonate, a type of very-hard-to-break plastic. This makes the outside as glossy as the screen inside, and it’s this look that has become associated with Apple products in many consumer’s minds. Macbook is offered in white or black with a slight price difference as well as different technical specifications available for the different units.The Macbook is latched with a magnet, which means no more latch to snap off, get stuck, or need replacing due to wear. The power cord of course is also magnetic, which means no more tripping over the plug and watching your computer skid across the living room.

A good selection of input/output slots are available. including the MagSafe power cords, Ethernet, digital out, Firewire, USB 2.0 (two of them), and audio in/out. While an analog modem is not included it is available as an USB add-on. Also on board is an iSight camera cleverly designed into the computer so you barely notice it. The scrolling TrackPad allows for nice navigation without a mouse and can even be set up to mimic the two button right-click should the user want. Also present is an IR sensor, useful to some, overlooked by others. The iBook speaker circles have been replaced and moved out of view with the Macbook, which is a sight for sore eyes. Macbook also has the AirPort Extreme 802.11 wireless which makes for an enjoyable wireless laptop experience.

The Macbook is pre-loaded with Mac OS X v10.5, which includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, iTunes, and Xcode Developer Tools. It also comes with iLife ‘08, which includes iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand. You can find out more about both on Buy the Right Mac’s other pages.

With all these great features you can see where Macbook is the jumping off point for other versions such as Macbook Pro and Macbook Air and sets the bar in features for other Mac products that came after it.

The Mac mini will give you a lot of expansion options not normally found in a budget conscious computer. Two USB 2.0 ports and a FireWire400 allows for added peripherals to enhance your computing experience. There is a also a DVI interface that supports VGA to allow for a variety of display options. With the built-in 56K modem and ethernet, you’ll be surfing the net in no time.

Included with the Mac mini is iLife’08 which is Apple’s consumer media applications suite. You will be able to organize, share and enhance your photographs with the iPhoto application. You can easily create a movie with iMovie and then turn your movie into a professional DVD with the iDVD application. GarageBand will allow you to create music and podcasts. Publish your new media creations online with .Mac and iWeb.

Front Row provides a full-screen media experience that is powerful but easy to use, with intuitive menus and superb graphics. Just like using your iPod, you will be able to easily browse through your stored photos, music or videos to find exactly what you want. The quality of your audio content will surprise you on a system this budget friendly. Even with lower end speakers, the analog and digital audio comes through with clarity and the audio line-in allows you to recode both analog and digital, as well.

There are two main advantages to this systemi: the small size and the small price. With many people living in small spaces these days, the tiny size of the Mac mini is a welcome relief and highly recommended by Buy The Right Mac. No longer is a large space needed to set up a workstation. The Mac mini is also easily portable due to its light weight, so you can take it from one location to another quickly as long as you have the rest of your setup (monitor, keyboard, etc) in both locations. For budget conscious consumers, the Mac mini is the least expensive Mac thus far and is, by far, more powerful than similarly priced PCs.

There is one drawback noted with the Mac mini and that is that you must already have the peripherals in order to use the mini out of the box. This is an excellent starter system for users who are new to the Mac experience. If you’re an average home computer user who wants to be able to email friends, surf the internet and listen to music, the Mac mini will meet your needs easily and with flair. If you are a power user or gamer, visit Buy The Right Mac to see what other Apple options there are for you.

Packed with Intel Core 2 Duo processors, speed is a given on this machine. Almost any application, including video or gaming, will run quickly and smoothly with an iMac. From the standard ATI Radeon HD graphic card to the optional NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS, you are able to reach a graphics intensity and clarity that isn’t available in a lower end Mac.

High speed wireless technology is built into each iMac, offering the option of connecting every computer in the house for a home network that allows each user to surf the net, play games or music and whatever you desire - all simultaneously. You would be hard put to find something that won’t attach to your iMac. There are three USB 2.0 ports on the machine and two more on the Apple keyboard. On top of all that, there is also both a FireWire400 and FireWire800 port to use for all your higher speed needs.

The SuperDrive allows you to burn CDs and DVDs, back up data or create music disks. Using the SuperDrive and the iDVD software (included) allows you to burn any movies that you make into a DVD that you can share with others to watch on your television. Built right in to the top of the iMac frame is a barely noticeable iSight camera to use with the iChat, iMovie or Photo Booth software, also included in the iMac setup. The iMac comes with iLife’08 pre-installed which includes the afore-mentioned software.

There are a few drawbacks to the iMac. Remember that you are not going to be able to change out the iMac’s hard drive on your own so decide from the beginning what you need. If you are not sure how much hard drive is enough, go with the largest one that you can afford. It will keep you from having to upgrade too soon as other applications continue to get more intense or having to add an external hard drive to clutter up your desktop.

If you are someone who likes to tinker with the guts of your computer, the iMac will probably disappoint you. Much of the hardware is either soldered to the motherboard or inaccessible to the average user. Obviously with the integration of the CPU and the monitor, you will not be able to upgrade one without also doing the other. If these drawbacks apply to you, go back to Buy The Right Mac to find the right system for you.

In supporting the wide range of power users the Macbook Pro comes in a couple of different variations, both by physical size as well as internet specifications. The fifteen and seventeen inch models offer variation dependent on whether a larger screen is needed (or wanted) and can be very useful for people using the Macbook Pro for graphic design who may need multiple windows open at once. There are also a couple different processor speed choices, as is standard in most laptops. The Macbook Pro comes in an aluminum case which sets it easily apart from the standard Macbook.

Some of the most useful features include the MagSafe power cord. As the name suggests it uses a magnet, which means it won’t drag your laptop if you should trip on the cord. Instead it will just pop out. Another popular feature brought over from the iPhone and iPod Touch is the Multi-Touch technology. No more plain scrolling or tap-clicking, now you can pinch, spread and flip your way through your favorite programs and applications.

Along the sides of the Macbook Pro you will find such useful goodies as FireWire ports, USB 2.0 connections, Ethernet, DVI, audio in/out, and a Express Car port. While Express Cards aren’t the most used feature they are a nice option compared to nothing. If the largest seventeen inch screen option isn’t enough for you the DVI connection will allow you to connect to an Apple Cinema Display, even the thirty-inch one.

The MacBook Pro includes the built in iSight camera as do all Macbooks, it also includes stereo speakers to allow a true audio experience compared to others with one speaker. There is a built in microphone and digital audio on both the input and output sides, which rounds out a true multi-media experience. Speeds are faster than the previous PowerBook G4 on many software applications as well as casual browsing and usage.

The Macbook Pro is pre-loaded with Mac OS X v10.5, which includes Time Machine, Boot Camp, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, iTunes, and Xcode Developer Tools. It also comes with iLife ‘08, which includes iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, and GarageBand. 30-day trials of Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac and iWork ‘08 are also included.These can be read about on other pages on Buy the Right Mac.

One of the programs many Macbook Pro users will want to use is Adobe’s image software, Photoshop Creative Suite. While the more intensive uses may still be a bit taxing on the system, the ability to process Photoshop is much better than the standard Macbook.

MacBook Pro has obviously been made for the power laptop user and it shows.

The Mac Pro comes standard with a minimum of 2 GB of RAM which is plenty for the average user. However, for intensive applications like Photoshop to maintain speed along with the regular system software, you can end up needing quite a bit more than that. The Mac Pro has room to expand up to 32 GB of RAM, more than enough to cover the RAM needed for intense graphic, audio or video work.

The expandability of this system is one of its best features and advantages. There are five USB 2.0 ports, two FireWire400 ports, two FireWire800 ports and two Gigabit Ethernet ports on top of the front-panel headphone jack, analog line level inputs and outputs and optical audio inputs/outputs. Need more graphic power than the standard model? Simply pop in one of Apple’s graphic cards, like the awesome NVIDIA Quadro FX 5600, to the double-wide, 16-lane PCI Express 2.0 graphics slot and enjoy the incredibly realistic graphics in all their glory.

Particularly for those who need a lot of storage space, the Mac Pro has support for up to four internal SATA II drives. Each drive has its own dedicated channel and functions completely independently. You could actually end up with an absolutely incredibly huge 4 TB of internal storage if you added in four 1 TB drives. Audio, video and graphics industry professionals may never need to delete anything again with that much space! I wonder how many games you could save with 4 TB of space?

Buy The Right Mac does not recommend this system to everyone as state-of-the-art does come with a rather high price tag, but for anyone who depends on computing power for a living or hardcore computer gamers, this system delivers all the power and options you will need for a very long time. This system definitely makes sense for anyone who works in software development, architecture, CAD, graphics, audio, video, modeling or science as it has the juice you need.

• Pages ‘08 is the word processor component for all your letter and document needs.
• Keynote ‘08 will help you create superb presentations quickly and easily in multimedia.
• Numbers ‘08 is your typical spreadsheet application, but with an Apple spin to it.

The iWork suite has a number of possibilities both for work and for home. There are no complicated tutorials needed to learn this new productivity software. The intuitive interface makes creating documents, slide show presentations and graphical spreadsheets a snap. Since it is integrated with other Apple applications, you will have the ability to include all sorts of media types for documents and presentations that are professional as well as stunning. Oh, yes, and these documents work with Microsoft Office for ease of transition.

For home users, iLife will simplify handling all your media types from photos to video. The application also provides for a greater ease of interactivity in today’s social web environment. This suite does so much that it can be addictive so Buy The Right Mac does recommend that the more RAM your Mac has, the better off you will be. Here’s a rundown on these great tools:

• iPhoto makes it easier than ever to organize your photos by grouping them by Events
• iMovie will help you create a movie in literally just a few minutes
• GarageBand is a top audio composition and podcasting application
• iWeb offers many ways to create a unique, customized website of your own
• iDVD is a super easy way to create a DVD of your movie or slideshows
• .Mac Web Gallery will have you sharing your content in just a click of the mouse

To use it to its fullest extent, Buy The Right Mac recommends that you use a fast Mac to run iLife on - you’ll need at least 1GB of memory and a 1.9GHz or better processor especially for the video handling in iMovie. You should know that there is an annual subscription fee associated with using the .Mac web services but it’s not necessary to use the iLife bundle. The iLife suite is now being bundled in new Macs but is also available to those who want to upgrade at a reasonable price.

MobileMe services can help you stay connected and in sync from work to home and back again. This new suite of web applications that work with Apple’s MobileMe service can coordinate your emails, calendar and contacts from your home computer to your work computer and even your cell phone. The information is stored on an online server and will automatically update all your devices whenever you make a change.

Final Cut Studio is a must for video and/or audio professionals as it integrates film, motion graphics and audio in one post-production tool. There are six major applications as well as several smaller applications contained within Final Cut Studio 2:

• Final Cut Pro 6 is a real-time editing tool for DV, SD, HD and film.
• Motion 3 is a real-time motion graphics design application.
• Soundtrack Pro 2 offers advanced audio editing and sound design tools.
• DVD Studio Pro 4 allows authoring, encoding and burning of professional DVDs.
• Color is a color grading tool.
• Compressor 3 allows multiple format for video projects.
• LiveType 2 is a very nice text animation tool.
• Cinema Tools 3 has several specialist tools for film processing.
• Master 2 is a distributed processing tool.

The other professional suite that Apple offers is their excellent music production suite, Logic Studio. This set of tools also encompasses several different tools in the one integrated package:

• Logic Pro which is the master audio editing software.
• Soundtrack Pro 2 allows editing and creation of soundtracks.
• Apple Loops Utility for creating custom loops.
• Wave Burner Pro is the CD mastering tool.
• Compressor3 is for audio and video data compression.
• Main Stage for live performances.
• Studio Instruments offers synthesizers and sampler.
• Studio Effects helps create audio effects.
• Studio Sound Library is huge collection of samples, loops, etc.
• Impulse Response Utility creates custom convolution reverbs.

A stand alone application, Shake, is Apple’s image compositing package that is frequently used in video and film post production to deliver visual effects and digital compositing. It operates on a node-based system which allows for greater flexibility to the post-production team. Shake has been used in many recent films to help create visual effects and offer a seamless film experience. Some of these include the Harry Potter movies, The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Incredibles. This application’s main strength is that it works very well with the high resolution formats used in modern film productions.

With the new MobileMe service, you can coordinate with other members of the production team. You will be able to access all of your devices from the one interface through your mobile phone through its new suite of web applications. All the members of the team will be able to sync all of their devices to matching deadlines, contacts and even emails as needed.

Lets look at some of the good things about both platforms. PCs are the general platform of choice in many places. They are in our schools, our workplaces and our homes. Its been a long time since Macs were the computer of choice. However if you walk into a graphic design office, a newspaper or a film studio you are more likely to come across a Mac than a PC. Macs come in cute cases, have cute names, and even cute software names. PCs have the longest relationship with the Microsoft suite of products. Macs have the cute icons and widgets on the desktop.

But what about the bad things? PCs are know for their ability to pick up viruses, worms, and other malware. Macs can be devoid of optical drives to fit the small cute package. Either could be considered intuitive or not depending on how you look at things. Many of both have power cords that aren’t magnetic, and clasps and pieces that break based on usage or poor design. They usually only come in white, black and shades of grey for Macs.

Choosing between a PC or a Mac, for most people, is like choosing between chocolate and vanilla ice cream. However for graphics, movies, music and virus protection Mac is the clear winner. And many of the new features in PCs are patterned after Mac software/interfaces and not just created themselves. The new MacBook Air also offers a clear step up in terms of thinness in a laptop, and the magnetic closures and power plugs make for easy usability.

There is also no longer the issue of not having Microsoft Office on your new Mac when you switch. Macs now support all the familiar Office programs just as well as your PC did. Maybe better when you look at the lack of viruses. So instead of having to relearn everything you can feel secure in your familiar Office programs on your new Mac.

There’s also the issue of Vista as an OS versus Leopard. Microsoft has seen a lack of users embracing their new Vista OS and many have rolled back their computers to XP instead even with the support on XP expected to be stopped in the near future. Mac’s new Leopard OS has had none of the issues of Vista, running without issues on all the systems they market. So when choosing a computer you could struggle with Vista or fly with Leopard.

And did we mention the seamless integration with your iPod? After all iTunes and iPod are Apple products. And your new 3bg iPhone? Also an Apple product that fits better with your Mac than your PC. And since iTunes works just as well on Mac laptops and desktops as iPods or iPhones you can use your downloaded movies, music and content in more places than ever with less fuss.

Every year sales show more and more users are switching to Macs. Why don’t you let Buy the Right Mac help you choose which Mac is right for you and make the switch?