So you’re thinking of switching to the Mac. You’ve been reading these articles for a year now, and you’re right there, teetering on the edge. But there’s one thing holding you back. You still believe that it’ll be prohibitively expensive to switch, that all your old stuff won’t work, that you’ll need to buy all new software, hardware, etc. Over the next two weeks, let’s explore the costs together, piece-by-piece, of “converting” a typical home PC system into a Mac. This week we’ll focus on hardware - next week, software. I think you’ll see that your fears are unfounded.

Computer. Every Mac made today comes with at least a “Combo Drive”, with which you can play/burn CDs and watch DVDs. For a little extra $$$, you can get a “SuperDrive”, which can play and burn both CDs and DVDs. All Macs come standard with ethernet, USB ports, FireWire ports, video-out ports (for connecting to a second monitor or a TV), audio in-and-out ports (for external speakers), and internal 56K modems. We’ll get back to the computer itself at the exciting finish.

Printer. If your printer is no more than four years old, it most likely connects to your computer via USB (Universal Serial Bus). Even if you’re connected via an old parallel port, you may well have an unused USB port on the back of your printer. What about drivers? You know, that pesky software that runs the printer that you had so many problems with on your PC. Every Mac comes pre-loaded with hundreds of drivers for the most popular printers. If it’s not pre-installed, you can download the driver for free from your printer maker’s website. Are you out of luck if you have a really old printer with no USB connection? Nope. If your printer’s that old, especially with all the recent low-cost advancements in photo-quality printing, well, you need a new printer anyway. The answer is simple – just get a free printer. Many Mac retailers, especially online catalogs like MacWarehouse and MacMall, offer free printer promotions (as well as free RAM upgrades, free software, etc.). So, worst-case cost to you: $10 for a USB cable.

Cameras and Camcorders. If your digital still camera has a USB port and cable, it’s most likely compatible with your Mac. Plus, you have the added bonus of not having to use that crappy photo management software that came with your camera (or your PC). You get to use iPhoto, the best-of-breed, that came installed on your Mac. In the off chance that your camera won’t connect to the Mac, the memory card inside it probably will, through a USB-based memory card reader (around $30). What about your camcorder? Due to Apple’s partnership in the creation of the FireWire standard, every digital camcorder on the planet works with Apple’s iMovie (another best-of-breed application). And, as I mentioned earlier, every Mac comes standard with a FireWire port, meaning you don’t have to spend extra for one, like you may have on your PC. Worst case cost to you: $30 for a memory card reader if your camera won’t connect, or your printer doesn’t have a memory card reader already built in.

Speakers. Already have a fine set of speakers for your PC? No problem. As long as they connect to the computer through a standard mini-jack or USB, they’ll work just fine. Did you have to install an upgraded audio card on your PC to get better sound? No need on a Mac, as its core audio support is superb. Cost? $0.

Next time we’ll get into software, and find that what you don’t use, won’t hurt you.

© 2004 Peter F. Zimowski