04-21-2009, 03:31 PM
Hi,
I am tech support for my family, which means I spend a ton of time reinstalling XP on all my cheap siblings computers because they won't listen to experience and spend a little more for a computer that is not junk. Anyway, my 82 year old mother just asked me to get her hooked up to the internet... I think so she can keep closer tabs on her trouble-making youngest son who is adicted to IMing on facebook and playing Mafia wars.
She has limited experience with computers... mostly solitare on my old PM 6100 I handed down to her about 10 years ago. I'm thinking upgrading to a 20" iMac... fewer cables and buttons, but with a big enough screen for her failing eyesight. But, I have no experience with iMacs. I own an MB, an MBP, a Mini, a G4 tower... but have never bought an iMac.
Money is a factor... although it shouldn't be, but she is very thrifty and will flip out at anything over $800-900. Looking at used iMacs, I think I can get something in that range, but cheaper is better. Are there any models to avoid? I noticed some G5's with the built-in iSight, which would be a nice feature to have for possible video conferencing. I'd like to stay Intel, but if I can save $150 or so, is that worth it? Are G5's beginning to fail or have other problems?
Also, I live 150 miles from her. What options do I have for remote control of her system from my house? I know I will get the call that her computer doesn't work, even though it's just the mouse hiding off screen...
TIA
I am tech support for my family, which means I spend a ton of time reinstalling XP on all my cheap siblings computers because they won't listen to experience and spend a little more for a computer that is not junk. Anyway, my 82 year old mother just asked me to get her hooked up to the internet... I think so she can keep closer tabs on her trouble-making youngest son who is adicted to IMing on facebook and playing Mafia wars.
She has limited experience with computers... mostly solitare on my old PM 6100 I handed down to her about 10 years ago. I'm thinking upgrading to a 20" iMac... fewer cables and buttons, but with a big enough screen for her failing eyesight. But, I have no experience with iMacs. I own an MB, an MBP, a Mini, a G4 tower... but have never bought an iMac.
Money is a factor... although it shouldn't be, but she is very thrifty and will flip out at anything over $800-900. Looking at used iMacs, I think I can get something in that range, but cheaper is better. Are there any models to avoid? I noticed some G5's with the built-in iSight, which would be a nice feature to have for possible video conferencing. I'd like to stay Intel, but if I can save $150 or so, is that worth it? Are G5's beginning to fail or have other problems?
Also, I live 150 miles from her. What options do I have for remote control of her system from my house? I know I will get the call that her computer doesn't work, even though it's just the mouse hiding off screen...
TIA