I am in the market for a laptop...I'm currently waiting for an iBook update, so I can get a deal on existing models. <br><br>But then I came across a Dell ad....$559 for a 14" notebook with roughly the same specs as the $999 iBook. Since I just need it for e-mail and Internet...I'm mighty tempted to pull the trigger and buy it. <br><br>That's half as much as the iBook....and it even comes with a free printer! Hell...Firefox is Firefox, right?<br><br>

I own an iBook and a G4 desktop, but let's face it. Ca$h is Ca$h. If I'm not mistaken, that Dell also comes w/wireless? I saw it and was tempted myself, just to have something I can take to meetings.<br><br>In my office, my Mac stuff is actually frowned upon and a distraction at meetings.<br><br>-------<br>Aren't you a little old for post-modern nostalgic irony?

<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr><p>Hell...Firefox is Firefox, right?<p><hr></blockquote><p>Firefox numero uno]best product of 2005 (PC World Magazine)<br><br><br>

I'm using FF in XP right now, and it rocks the Casbah.<br><br>

I keep telling myself the same thing... but I'm always reminded how much easier it is when I take the iBook on the road with the camera to download the photos directly into iPhoto where I can add keywords, etc. Then I think about syncing my address books and mail to Mail on my G5 desktop. Then I think about the fact that I don't have spyware, adware and viruses on my iBook... then I think that the few hundred bucks I save getting the PC just isn't worth it.&#10;<br><br><br><br>CreativeGuy: For your "fix" of design software tips, tricks & commentary.

If you're smart and careful you can easily avoid all the nonsense that goes along with Windows- but you're right, one shouldn't have to think about it- and the few extra hundred you spend on a Mac is like buying peace of mind...<br><br>Back in Black...

Yeah, baby!!!<br><br>Windows = insanity.<br><br>- alec

I customized the Inspiron 1200 (advertised at $549) to better match the $999 iBook. With 1Yr Ltd Warranty, 1Yr Mail-In Service, and Technical Support (even though I strongly recommend 3 years for laptops. My Applecare on my PB has paid for itself). Especially where Dell buys its components from the lowest bidder of the month. Also add an extra battery. Dells have notoriously low battery life. <br>I didn't bother adding XP Pro since the XP "Home" version may be all you need. And that $549 notebook is now $856.<br><br>

Next thing you know you'll be offering your services to Al-Qaeda ...buying a Dell is treason. The only reason to even consider it is if its free or the company buys it for you. Don't waste your money on a Dell! We rid our company of the final Dell last month. Even their "high-end" laptops were junk compared to the IBM Thinkpads we replaced them with. <br><br>I know you came from the PC world so it probably isn't as big of a deal to you. I have been on Macs since the early 90s and only used PCs to test sites, multimedia, etc. I hated them for the short time I even had to spend on them doing that. That being said, I received a free PC from a neighbor for gaming with him.He works for a memory company and they were tossing it out. He loaded it with spare goodies he had laying around and as biased as I am against PCs its a pretty solid system. XP Pro, 1 GB RAM, 128 MB ATI, 2.7 GHz P4. And yes Firefox is Firefox no matter what the platform which DOES rock the Casbah!<br><br>So...being the Apple fanboy/zealot/mavin that I am I personally would wait for the iBook. <br><br>

My wife needs a new laptop and we are also waiting for the new iBooks. She received the Dell flyer in her mailbox at work and it has taken some serious explaining why we need to go for the iBook.<br><br>