1st mac for dad

[DJTJ]

Hi all.. I need to get my dad a mac for xmas. Me reloading his pc every month because so much spyware gets on there is getting really annoying. Here's my thoughts on what to get him. I was going to get him a 12 powerbook with a 20 inch screen, wireless key and mouse. That way, he can carry the laptop with him everywhere, and have a nice setup when hes at home. After some thought, I was wondering if I can get him the 12 ibook? Will it drive the 20 inch screen? I know it will be powerfull enough for his needs, but will it drive the screen? Thanks.

 

[adk]

I know you'd need to download screen spanning doctor which technicall voids your warranty... probably not the best plan for your dad since it sounds like he doesn't know much about computers. Otherwise Ibook is only capable of mirroring 1024x768. If you really want to get him a laptop get him a powerbook, but why not a simple Imac? a 20" imac runs what, $1700? A 12" PB is $1500 + $400-$500 and then KB and mouse...

 

[p0intblank]

Does he absolutely need portability? If not, then I agree with adk. Go for the iMac 20". He'll be impressed with the all-in-one design, no doubt.

 

[osustudent]

agreed with the two guys above ...

another thought: my college roommate has taken his 17" iMac over to friends' houses on several occasions to study and such ... while it is a desktop, it can be portable

 

[g^3]

you are getting your father a very nice gift. the ibook only has a VGA output, you need to get him a monitor that is compatible with VGA, the apple displays are not. if you are planning on getting an apple 20" display you should get the powerbook. the powerbook has a DVI output that is compatible with the apple displays.

 

[ortuno2k]

If he doesn't need the portable, get him an iMac.
Very nice choice.

 

[GorillaPaws]

iMac all the way. It's probably the best value Apple has to offer right now, and portability is overrated IMHO- most people just wind up leaving it on their desk/in the bag, and what's the point of that (of course some people genuinely need the portability, but many really don't).

 

[gnasher729]

Hi all.. I need to get my dad a mac for xmas. Me reloading his pc every month because so much spyware gets on there is getting really annoying. Here's my thoughts on what to get him. I was going to get him a 12 powerbook with a 20 inch screen, wireless key and mouse. That way, he can carry the laptop with him everywhere, and have a nice setup when hes at home. After some thought, I was wondering if I can get him the 12 ibook? Will it drive the 20 inch screen? I know it will be powerfull enough for his needs, but will it drive the screen? Thanks.

How is his eyesight? 12 inch iBook has tiny pixels. Mac Mini + 19 inch LCD (1280 x 1024) is best for some people.

 

[NYmacAttack]

I would also go with the iMac. All in one keeps it simple.

 

[DJTJ]

Ok guys, thanks for all the replys. The imac isn't a soloultion, as he needs portability (we live on a boat all summer) So here's what I did.

Got him a 15 powerbook - Hope there's no lines...
A 20" cinema display
Wireless key and mouse
Brenthaven shoulder bag

And my mom got my lil bro a 20 imac isight. All in all a good day at the apple store

 

[Bubbasteve]

The iMac, no doubt about it. He will be extremely impressed with the design and the little space it takes up

 

[RebelGood]

My dad is 82 and I got him a 14-inch iBook and set up wireless in his house. He loves it, plus he takes it when he travels.