So, you're interested in joining the Apple Computer bandwagon? Many consumers are switching from PC to Mac as a result of the iPhone, iPod, and iPad halo effect. In other words, as consumers recognize that their iPods, iPhones, and iPods our excellently made and easy to use, consumers recognize that these traits are also important when buying a computer.

However, there are many types of Macs. There are entry level Macs, travel Macs, consumer Macs, and professional Macs. No single Mac is right for everyone (that is why they have multiple models).

There are a number of important questions to ask yourself before buying a Mac. For example, do you want a desktop or a laptop? What will you be doing with your computer? What is your budget? All of these questions are critical when deciding which that is right for you.

And, the answer is often indicative of Apple's philosophy: no solution will be perfect. However, the solution you decide on will "just work".

Desktop or Laptop?

The first choice you need to make when buying a Mac is whether you need a desktop or a laptop. If you will be doing a lot of traveling, then consider a laptop. In fact, the MacBook Pro is considered the flagship Mac computer. However, if you already have a travel computer and will not need to carry your Mac around, consider a desktop. Dollar for dollar, Mac desktop are more powerful than Mac laptops. An iMac for $1000 is more powerful than a comparable MacBook for $1000.

What is Your Budget?

It's no secret. Apple products are not cheap. Apple makes them money by selling hardware, and they do not mind asking for a premium price for a premium product. As a result, you can expect to pay no less than $1000 when buying a Mac computer. However, if you *are* on a tight budget, you can go for a Mac Mini.

I'm not too many costs around $700 and, while significantly less powerful than the MacBook for the iMac, it is a valid option for those wanting to dip their toes into the Mac world without spending a lot of money. Keep in mind, however, that if you buy a Mac Mini, you must supply your own keyboard, mouse, and monitor. These are not included.

What Do You Want to do With Your Computer?

Most people believe they need more powerful computers than they actually require. Unless you are doing heavy video editing or software compiling, you do not need a multicore, top-of-the-line processor in your computer. Processors are good enough for many people already, so you do not need to splurge on faster CPU speeds. However, RAM is often a limiting factor for speed.

As a rule of thumb, most professional users will opt for the MacBook Pro or the Mac Pro, depending on whether they need a laptop or a desktop (respectively). Most consumers, on the other hand, will choose either a MacBook air, a MacBook, or an iMac. While there is obviously some overlap, these are general rules of thumb.

If you are switching from a PC to a Mac, you may be worried about the amount of stress involved in switching from PC to Mac. However, if you buy your Mac from an Apple store, you will be able to get hands on support (called One-to-One) during your switch.

Just be sure to keep in mind what your actual needs are before buying a Mac computer. A Mac computer, if treated well, should last three or four years before starting to feel obsolete. So, even if you spend $1,500 on a laptop and it lasts three years, that's $500 per year. For what you receive for this value, you receive incredible value for your money.