[NPMUG] Recommendations for a Mac, Please!

[Ralph Waechter]

List Friends,

I have an iMac model 4,1 vintage 2006 or 2007, running 10.4.11 on a 2  
GHz intel Core Duo, with 1 GB 667 MHz ram.  Three school age kids and  
spousal use is pushing me toward getting a second computer (other  
than the Windows-based, Lenovo laptop that I bring from work which  
has severe limitations imposed on it by the IT gods of my employer)   
-- and a Mac it will be.  The questions I have include:

Recommendations on another iMac versus a laptop MacBook -- My own  
bias is for a desktop as I have this sense that laptops are more  
vulnerable to damage and I fear my kids taking it places I can't  
find!  I may just be too 'old school' and should see things  
differently.  My kids would want the MacBook, but that kinda drives  
me away from it.  :-(  Possibly, I need an adjustment in  
perspective ...  Your experiences on these matters would be greatly  
appreciated!

In either case, recommendations for a model that would suit second  
family computer needs (lots of internet, lots of documents, lots of  
email, lots of photos, lots of music -- sound familiar to any of you  
out there?).

Should I upgrade to 10.5 on my existing machine to better interact  
with a new one?

How does one handle email (a huge usage on the current machine) with  
two different machines?

Any other recommendations for a 2 Mac family?

Finally, I am looking for recommendations on a printer.  I have a  
Canon Pixma MP500.  It is not wireless/bluetooth.  I'd like to move  
in the Bluetooth or wireless direction.  I have a wired & wireless  
network at home (though I confess to being less than facile with  
it).  I see lots out there, but honestly, with kids printing, cost of  
ink becomes a real issue.  I'd love to find a solution for everyday,  
mainly B&W printing that gives cost efficiency, but (even with a  
second printer for this latter task) have available a very good photo- 
quality full color printer, with easy scanning/copying capability  
(don't need fax).  Any recommendations here would also be appreciated.

Thanks for any and all comments a d suggestions!

Ralph
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