Some of my co-workers have asked me for recommendations regarding new Mac computer models this holiday season.
As far as Mac vs PC (Windows), I prefer Macs. This is coming from a guy who has used Microsoft operating systems since the early days of DOS and has provided tech support for every variation of Windows. The Macs, although not perfect, are simply more reliable, secure, easier and more enjoyable to use on every level. Especially if you are going to use it primarily for photos and music. The iLife suite is superior to anything else bundled with Windows computers. I'm not impressed by the upcoming Windows Vista. It is more bloatware than anything else with a shiny new interface that looks more like the Mac. For more Mac vs PC, just search Google:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=lang_en&q=mac+vs+pc&btnG=Search
As for this year's models, here are my suggestions:
For an iMac desktop model, I would not necessarily go for the least expensive model. Spend $200 more for a total of $1,199 and get the 8X dual layer DVD drive, twice the RAM and a better graphics card. You'll have a system that should last you a long time. A 160 GB is huge and 1 GB of RAM is very ample for Mac OS X. The Dual layer DVD will let you store over 9 GB on to a disk. $300 more will get you the 20 inch model with a 250 GB hard drive. The 24 inch model is extravagant, but has a great screen.
Some people may be concerned about the all-in-one design, because it is not as easily upgradeable, but they come with everything you would need. Adding more storage is fairly easy with a USB or Firewire external hard drive. Otherwise, I find most people do not upgrade components in their computers. For those that do, they should be looking at the Mac Pro line. However, the 24 inch model would probably be sufficent for many graphic and web designers. The pro line is more suited for video editing, 3D design and animation. A positive attribute of the all-in-one design is that it takes up very little space. There is no tower to get in the way. If you really want to eliminate clutter, opt for the wireless keyboard and mouse then you'll only have a single cable running out of the back of the iMac which is for power. Well, make that two cables, you'll need the ethernet cable for an internet connection, unless you go wireless with that too, since it does have a wireless network card built-in.
For a laptop, the MacBook is a good deal. Once again, I would recommend spending a little extra money on the next model up ($1,299) because you will be happier with it longer, because it has twice as much memory (1 GB vs 512 MB), a slightly larger hard drive (60 vs 80 GB, still half the size of the iMac's) and a dual layer DVD burner. Why do you need a DVD burner? You may not, but making DVD's of your vacation and holiday photos to share with your family and friends is cool and easy to do with iPhoto and iDVD - you do not even need video or to open iMovie. Plus, the dual layer DVD is great for backing up those photos and the music you convert from CD's or buy from iTunes along with your other documents, such as, taxes, resumes, recipes and so forth.
The 13 inch wide screen is smaller than the 17 inch of the iMac, but I like the portability of a notebook even around the house. However, to be wireless at home you'll need a wireless router, such as, the AirPort Express Base Station with AirTunes. However that costs $130. For half the money you could get a LinkSys, DLink or NetGear wireless router.
Both models have the latest Duo 2 Core processors and built-in iSight cameras and mics.