Apple Mac Pro Dual-Core Xeon 5150 2.66 GHz

Pros: Superb Operating System, Speed, Scalability, Support

Cons: A Little Pricey (but worth it)

Summary: I bought my first 'PC' in 1977 and worked my way up to running a sophisticated 46-node Windows NT network for several years, so I had some trepidation about buying an 'Apple.' I initially made the move because of irritation at having to update 'Windows' virus protection every day and having to reformat hard-drives infected with viruses, worms and Trojan horses.

The MacPro is like having the Space Shuttle in your room, with the looks of a Porsche and (when you look inside) the build of a Ferrari. Out-of-the-box I found it so easy to use, moving from being a Windows user to an Apple user was a snap. One example was setting up a RAID system for fault tolerance. The Mac O/S X operating system makes it a breeze to configure, so easy that it surprised me.

Want a 2-button 'Windows' mouse? No problem, just plug one into the many available USB ports. Want to be able to continue running 'Windows?' Just buy a $79 program called 'Parallels Desktop' or Apple's free 'Boot Strap' program and you can do it... side by side!

As a network manager, I did not buy a lot of Apple computers, because they did not run a lot of 'Windows' programs... but now that these machines have been built using Intel chips and can run 'Windows' software as well, I consider these machines far superior to any PC's I have researched at the same price.

I bought a lot of DELL and GATEWAY computers, and my personal opinion is that they were affordable but 'throw together' inside. Not impressed. I was always having to fix something (maybe part of why their market share has dropped so quickly)?

The MacPro was not designed as a kid's 'gaming machine,' so I don't expect that. I do a lot of photography, and the 'Aperature' program sold by Apple is incredible (but I also run Photoshop on the same machine). With my Apple LCD display, I just click a 'button' on the screen and it instantly changes settings for Photoshop's standard ( as well as several other configurations built in).

My experience with Apple's Support Team has been only positive. In fact, happily, when I have called the Tech people they actually sound pleased that you have called, and pleased to be able to help you. No 30-minute waits to connect with them (you know what I am talking about if you have ever owned a computer you bought from anybody else)because they are always on the line within 1-2 minutes of my dialing the Support number.

There are perhaps better machines out there, but I bet not for less than $8,000 - $10,000. This is a computer that is so much fun to use, and so good at delivering the goods, you may not come out of your room for the first 30 days.

Add to this the ton of free software 'Widgets' on the Apple site(one gives me constant readings on the weather forecast... another my stock market... another turns the computer into a seismograph... etc)its really quite amazing.

Because this was to be my first-ever Apple computer (after owning, building, and fixing Windows PC's for almost 30 years), I spent 3 full months researching desktop computers. I just kept coming back to the MacPro, and now using one have validated my good decision.

Want more RAM? It takes 8 Gigabytes of it. Want more hard-drive storage space? The MacPro takes up to FOUR 500-Gigabyte SATA 3Gb/s drives that just slide into drive bays (no wires or cables to connect).

Goodbye Ford Pinto... Hello Toyota.

Goodbye 'Windows'... Hello MacPro.

Incredible machine ! Your friends will want to come over to see it.