Computers:

Wow, Apple has finally done what we geeks have been asking them to do since Macintoshes first became interesting with the advent of Mac OS X!

For the first time ever you can now buy a Macintosh without a monitor (allowing you to chose one you like, or use one you already have), without a mouse (so you can pick up a lovely little iOpti Jr 3 button mouse from Macally), and for less than $1000 (U.S.)!

Check out the new Apple Mac Mini! For $803 (Note: this has been reduced to $728 as of July, 2005) you can get one with 512MB of memory, an 80GB drive, a SuperDrive to author DVDs and CDs, and Airport to connect over WiFi. You'd only need any USB mouse, USB keyboard, and VGA or ADC monitor to make yourself an awesome little machine.

If you use a Windows box now, and routinely bug me for computer support - expect me to tell you to just get one of these. You won't need support any more (since OS X "just works") and you'll be much happier not dealing with Microsoft's crappy bloatware.

If you order, here are my recommendations:

The Apple Keyboard (USB - used to be called the Pro Keyboard) is fine, and at $29 from the Apple Store or online, well worth it. Any USB keyboard will do, but having Apple function keys is very nice, as are eject and volume keys on the keypad. Do not bother with the Keyboard & mouse combination deal, the Apple mouse sucks.

The Apple mouse sucks - worst design since the silly hockey puck mouse it replaced. Get an iOptiJr from Macally instead, or spend big bucks on a Logitech Mouseman.

For monitors, Sony has always made the best CRT based monitors, but the LCD world is very different and I stay away from Sony (note: this is beginning to change, Sony's 3rd generation of LCDs is finally catching up with the rest of the market).

Do not waste over $400 on the full GB from Apple - that is outrageous and they know it (Note: this is only $175 as of July, 2005; still pricey, but much closer to the mark).

It looks like these use 2.5" notebook drives, so the upgrade to 80GB is reasonable.

Airport Extreme card is reasonable if you want WiFi and have a hub, though wired ethernet is already in the box.

If you ever think you may want to write a DVD to send to your relatives, get the super drive.

I tend to skip AppleCare Protection Plan on desktops, but I strongly recommend it for Laptops and Notebooks (they get abused more).