Shopping for a new netbook or laptop...

Yeah, we Mac bigots are obnoxious about it, right?

As Prpixel says, the hard drive size isn't important if you're really not going to download or rip much music. RAM is important, though, so that you can increase the streaming buffer size as high as necessary to avoid stops and starts. It's generally very easy to install RAM yourself and you can often save quite a bit of money by starting with the basic laptop configuration and buying the RAM separately. More RAM is always better.

Here's what looks like a decent guide to setting up a laptop for listening to streaming audio and it's PC specific. http://www.cajunradio.org/faq.html

FWIW, I have Windows-based laptops made by Sager and by Asus, and I previously owned another Sager. All of them have been very reliable (the first Sager failed after 6 years of heavy use), and I've been very pleased with their performance (running Windows XP; you'll want to go with Windows 7 if you choose a Windows-based pc).

Most of the Sager models are overkill for your purposes, but you might want to check out some of their less expensive models (around $700 plus options). All of them provide a SPDIF output, which might result in better sound quality through your DAC than using USB would (particularly if you might ever want to play back uncompressed music files, as opposed to internet radio).

Powernotebooks.com is probably the leading Sager dealer, and is exceptionally good to deal with, as you can see by checking out their ratings at Resellerratings.com.

I have insufficient experience with Macs to be able to comment on them.

Regards,
-- Al

Apple clearly makes beautiful hardware, but for those of us who have jobs which are not in graphic design, post production, or advertising, Windows still dominates the market.

Are any Apple users above running Windows? I would consider an Apple for Windows, particularly after recently having my third Sony VAIO break.

In the meantime, I have had great success with Lenovo S10 netbooks.

Although slow with a small chip, they are dirt cheap, very well made, with a clear screen, decent keyboard and never miss a beat.

I've spent a lot of time with HP's (3 in the office/house). They have been amazingly reliable. Personally, I like Media Player over the overly restrictive itunes. I get tons of flexibility to do things that Apple would have ethical issues with...

As I understand it, if you're a tweaker and into optimizing a playback program like Foobar with optimizing plugins, changing settings etc... then a Windows operating system is the better choice.

These people are very very passionate about their sound. This may be unfair but it reminds me of the solid state vs tubes argument. The windows people being spec "centric".

It's also about 30-40% cheaper.

Although then you have to deal with endless new operating system ugrades (per year or two), anti-virus sccans, slow start up etc.

Every inexpensive windows system I've had has crashed, or severely slowed down over time. Probably something to do with the way the operating systems function, software compatiability etc.

If you're just into plug and play. A user (computer for dummies) friedly interface. A computer for simple life style stuff (pictures, music, movies).

Apple is the way to go. You don't need anything fancy, since you're not really needing a lot of processing power to play music and watching a photo slideshow when the in-laws are over.

Although, I'd imagine you'd want at least a 120-160 gb internal hard drive. The smaller the quieter though, and if you're going to buy an external hard drive anyways then never mind.

Just something quiet.

If I were you, I'd look on Craigslist and look for a Mac Mini, especially if you have a TV near your system. Some even come with small LCD monitors. LIkely $300-500.

They leave virtually no footprint. It's like the size of a small brick. You can get external hard drives in the same shape. Quite aesthetically pleasing.

I would think you would want the mini-toslink optical out. In which case you want one of the later intel Mac Minis (doesn't have to be core2duo...but a intel core processor.. supposedly the older ones are better). Use a Vandenhul Optocoupler II (mini-toslink to toslink cable.. thus no adapters $100) glass cable.

IF you're sure you'll never use the optical output and only USB out, than the PowerPC chip G5s are fine, and super cheap ... like $200-300.

If you're using an external DAC, the soundcard shouldn't matter at all. But I'd imagine that apple's hardware (connectors etc) are of higher quality than a $300 notebook.

And btw, should you have a problem or question with you Mac OSX, google is your best friend. Less but more diehard-geek users, easier to find answers to your specific question when searching the vast WWW.

If you do buy new, use your gold or platinium card to double manufacturers warranty (works in Canada).

This is from my experience. I hated computers before, my macbook opened up a whole new world to me, it was so smooth and quick, searching the net was more convenient, thus I did it more, learning (and shopping.. read audio nervosa...) more. More confidence, equals more fun.

Yes, I am biased. Get a Mac Mini (used preferably off Craigslist).

happy hunting.