Where To Buy

[gordypix]

Thanks peeps........will start digging those sites

Still can't justify a MAC cost right now although I have spent a lot of time on them and know how good they are for PIX.

The right PC will be fine also for what I need + all the other stuff I would need it for and I have all the software to stick on it already.

[scionic]

If you (think) you can't afford a Mac then I'd suggest building your own PC. That's the best way to go in your circumstance.

A decent name brand PC (not a budget crap model) is no cheaper than a Mac. Period. Dell, HP, Compaq might sell you a big impressive looking box and a cheap CRT monitor but performance and feature-wise they don't offer any more value than a mac pound for pound. Do some cross-shopping if you don't beleive me.

You should probably build your own PC, mate. The PC that gives you the "same" as a a comprable Mac for less money is either a lie or cheaply made or it's home built. Go with the homebuild option in that case.

If all you do is process pictures with Photoshop and the stuff you described, a Mac Mini with maximum RAM is more than adequate. Don't make the mistake of comparing PC ghz to Mac ghz. Different processor families. A 2 ghz G5 is formidable.

That's £339.00 minus monitor for the Mac Mini

Or for £1,200 you could have a 20" digital LCD iMac G5 with a 250 gb serial ATA HD 512 mb RAM and a DVD-RW / CD-RW loaded. And the entire computer takes up less room than the average 19" monitor. £1,200 complete package, take it out of the box and start your Windows-free life.

....or build your own PC ( a better move for some)