How to Choose a Macintosh Computer

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Consider your budget and your usage needs relative to both your present situation as well as envisioning a possible future scenario relative to your work habits.

   Keep in mind the option for upgrades and expansions for your Macintosh computer.
   
   Do you travel and want the flexibility of a portable computer or do you prefer a desktop model? When considering your usage needs look at the types of work and projects that you will be using your Macintosh computer for.
   
   Do you need a computer primarily for word processing, email and browsing the Internet? Then perhaps a less expensive, basic model would meet your computing needs.
   
   Are you an avid music and video enthusiast that enjoys downloading songs and games onto your computer? You will want a Macintosh computer with quality graphics, a fast processor and additional storage space to save all your favorite downloads from the Internet.
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   Step 2: Apple offers the following PC range/product line.

   Home consumer Desktop
   - iMac (built integrated into the monitor).
   
   Workstation
   - Mac Pro (tower).
   
   Small form factor hybrid desktop
   - Mac Mini.
   
   Laptop/notebooks
   - Macbook Air, Macbook Pro, Macbook. , The keyboard for these 2 models is a separate unit much like a traditional desktop model computer and is unlike the more compact style of a laptop. , The Mac Pro offers users options for additional core processors, faster graphics and additional ports that will provide you with more display options. , It is portable but unlike a laptop needs a separate keyboard and monitor.
   
   Consider one of the more portable Macintosh model computers if you are a frequent traveler and need a small, lightweight computer that you can carry with you for business usage. , These models fold shut when not in use and open up much like a book with the keyboard on the flat surface and the monitor aligned vertically upright much like a television. , Students may also prefer the portability of portable Macintosh computers.
   
   Models include the MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models. , If you live near an Apple store, take a trip to do some comparison shopping and get a first-hand look at the many models of Macintosh computers that are available.
   
   Ask the Apple store representatives any questions that you may have during your shopping trip.
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   Step 3: Ask yourself if you have a stronger preference for a desktop model Macintosh computer such as the iMac or Mac Pro Tower.

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   Step 4: Contemplate purchasing a Mac Pro only if you need a powerful computer with room to input additional hard drives

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   Step 5: video cards and the option to increase Random Access Memory (RAM).

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   Step 6: Mac Mini is a small form factor (SFF) hybrid desktop.

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   Step 7: The other Macintosh models offered by Apple are laptop models where the monitor and the processor are contained within 1 unit.

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   Step 8: Laptops.

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   Step 9: Visit Apple's online store to learn more about the many features and options available on Macintosh computers.

Detailed Guide

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