I've been looking at computers all morning, and seeing that for a PC, Dell seems to have the best deals going. However, it would be my third Dell, and while they have been okay computers, I keep hearing how wonderful Apples are.

So, let me ask you Apple guys and girls a few questions.

1.) Can I run my Windows programs on the iMac without any problems? I use Excel, Word, and PowerPoint alot. (Basically, I want to load my Microsoft Office)

2.) My kids have tons of PC based video games. Will the iMac run them?

3.) My company has only Windows based PCs. If iMac will run Excel, and I wanted to bring a spreadsheet home from work to finish at home, will I be able to transfer the data from the pc to the iMac with a "jump-drive" without any problems?

I'd really like to hear what you're finding as far as downsides go with the Apple. Is it worth the money?

 

They are worth it. There is a program called Virtual PC you would need to buy to run Windows Programs. It installs Windows onto your Mac and lets you run either Windows or Mac OS. so all of your PC $#it will work with a Mac IF you get Virtual PC (it's a little over $100 i think)

 

Thanks. If that's all I need to keep running the software I already have, then I will probably pull the trigger on that iMac.

 

If you're getting an Intel-based iMac, you can run Windows and Mac on the same computer. The only problem is that you have to reboot, and choose Windows when you want to run it. If you do not wish to reboot to switch to Windows, Parallels is the answer.

Right off the Microsoft website, "Note: Virtual PC does not run on Intel-based Macs." So, if this is a NEW Mac with the Intel chipset, then you can't use VirtualPC. But, Parallels does the same thing. So, I say go for it! I enjoyed all the Macs I have owned in the past and am currently running a tri-boot system on my IBM-based PC. I've got Windows XP, Vista Home Premium, and Mac OSX. All on one box.

 

There is a Office for mac software. You can make a xls or doc send by email or jumpdrive and open it in your work using your Office for windows.

If the games are to heavy, 1st check if they run properly in Mac Book, if not I'm sure they would run in the Oac Book Pro.

 

Will do. Thanks for the info guys!

 

On the Intel based macs... You can run Windoze two ways. 1)Boot Camp (free download?) ... 2) Parallels $79. Boot Camp allows you to Dual Boot (run Windows or OSx but not at the same time). Parallels is cool because you can use both operating systems at the same time and there are modes where you see the Mac desktop and each PC program opens in a different window. If you have to VPN to your work you can use the Windoze side to VPN and work and be free to use the Mac side anyway you want without going through VPN for internet connection.

If you want to run PC games (especially the games that want to take over your whole screen) you will definatly want/need to use Boot Camp. Parallels will run most games (except the ones that take over the whole screen) and I would think Boot Camp is more stable. I have a few memory crashes in Parallels.

Virtual PC was for G3, G4, and G5 processors. When I read your post I was surprised to find this was a recent thread.

After using Virtual PC for years, I find that Parallels is faster and a bit more stable. I do not play PC games, so I have had no reason to download Boot Camp.

Good luck!!!