Need Help from the MP3 Geeks.............

[MrDan]

I'm seriously considering switching to a mac when my current machine dies ... then again, for top of the line specs 9 months ago, I spent $1200.  for comps on a mac would be like $4000.  that's really the only reason I haven't switched yet.

still don't like itunes though

[spc]

I absolutely love the reliability of my Mac.  It hasn't crashed a single time.
The thing to remember when switching to a Mac from PC is that a mac with similar hard statistics is going perform significantly faster than the PC and much more reliebly.
If you are seriously considering a Mac, go to Apple.com, and check out their refurbs.  They do a very thorough inspection of every refurbished machine and update all software. I believe they have a few MacPro's refurbed.
They have an iMac (desktop, all in the screen) refurbed for $700 with 1.83ghz core 2, 512mb Ram and I believe a 160gb hard drive that I'm thinking about buying just to have something to store my media on. Upgrading Ram in all the macs takes a matter of minutes, a couple quick screws a flick of a lever and push

[MrDan]

The question is, will it play a brand new video game like Crysis or GRAW2 that has major requirements ...

[spc]

Here's the specs of a refurbed MacPro for $2200
(note if the game is windows only, all Mac's can run bootcamp these days)
2- 2.66ghz quad core xeon processors
1gb RAM (expandable to 16gb and yes the cheap shaZam! RAM works just fine)
250gb hard drive (3 more HD bays for expansion)
16x superdrive (writes/reads in all current formats)

[spc]

forgot to include, that they all have warranty's and are all eligible for AppleCare
GeForce 7300 graphics card

[spc]

Keyboard and mouse are including along with all documentation and software and a DVI-VGA converter

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nplm=FA356LL/A

[spc]

The only thing I will say:
These computers aren't specifically designed for video games, the aim is more towards media editing and creation.

[bettingpython]

I refuse to load itunes on my good machine ... which is also where the 350gb of music is.

I assume you have a networked environment, I tunes on my wifes computer access the music stored in an as/400 netserver windows directory via a mapped network drive.

Again never had an issue there, how many people actually have their own personal mini computer to test on though.

Never had to dump from the pod back into iTunes but it's supposed to handle 2 way synching. Guess I will have to try it. Last but not least do yourself a favor and use iTunes 7.5, the latest version has been rock solid so far.

[spc]

+1 BP.  iTunes 7.5 is practically flawless and yes you can 2 way synch I just did it with my mother's iPhone when she finally broke down and bought a Macbook.  Took seconds to do.

[MrDan]

ok - so same gfx card i got a year ago.  which means no new high end games which require an 8 series card.

i'd use my own keyboard/mouse assuming i could.  the 20" dells are dvi/vga/svideo so that's a nonissue.

$2099 for a macbook pro built out similar to my current machine minus the tb raid.  didn't find anything for $700 and not sure if a mac is worth double what i paid .. but i'm intrigued.

[spc]

you can add the Raid card in, not a problem.
The $700 iMac sold out pretty fast, go figure.

[MrDan]

I refuse to load itunes on my good machine ... which is also where the 350gb of music is.

I assume you have a networked environment, I tunes on my wifes computer access the music stored in an as/400 netserver windows directory via a mapped network drive.

Again never had an issue there, how many people actually have their own personal mini computer to test on though.

Never had to dump from the pod back into iTunes but it's supposed to handle 2 way synching. Guess I will have to try it. Last but not least do yourself a favor and use iTunes 7.5, the latest version has been rock solid so far.

Ya - had a network running till the router fried.  Just got it back yesterday after a week at Netgear and 2+ with DHL (fuckers).  Last time I tried, the 2 way syncing didn't work but I haven't tried on 7.5 - installed since the router died.  I'll give it a go.

As for the raid - any hardware issues throwing what i currently have in?  might not be space for the 4 raid drives .. dunno.  And I use the machine heavily for gaming which is why the mac was never an option until recently (maybe?)

[CndnMax]

Never had to dump from the pod back into iTunes but it's supposed to handle 2 way synching. Guess I will have to try it. Last but not least do yourself a favor and use iTunes 7.5, the latest version has been rock solid so far.

As long as you dont have auto synch enabled you can switch around music without it deleted everything on the ipod when you use it on another system or try to add music that isnt on hte computer- learned that the hard way.   

[Jughead]

Well I got the Mach Speed Onyx.Well I think it Sucks.Maybe it's just me but I have been able to transfer from Napster to Windows Media Player and Actually onto the Player but it won't Friggin' Play.I've transfered several CD's and they Play Flawlessly.It must be because of the 7 day free Trial. If I ever get it figured out I'll be one tickled Mofo.

[frankieG]

My 1 gig Nextel works great.  49 bucks if I remember correctl

[Jughead]

Oh OK Vista Sucks and Napster sucks just as Bad.A little Misleading.I thought for $15 per month I got to Download unlimited Music BUT you have to pay Per Track.

[spc]

iTunes?

[Jughead]

I think I got it covered now. Me and this POS Should get Along now.

[yamahonkawazuki]

itunes is teh suxorz

[trumpetguy]

Back to the original thread --
Woot! has the Sansa 4GB e260 today for $49.99 + $5 shipping.  Pretty good deal (same as I paid a couple of weeks ago).