Many of my favourite posters are Mac users.
Feel a group hug coming on...
Bluebear: Must be driving you bonkers... hope they get their act together soon.
KatieMac: Thanks for all the info.
OK - surfing - Safari is ultra stable and handles tabbed browsing like a dream. There have been complaints that it didn't handle certain banking Web sites. I don't know if yours are amongst them. In Tiger (the new OS) there is a Safari update that specifically addresses e-banking security requirements and so if it doesn't work now, chances are it will work in Tiger.
Post here maybe another Natwest / Abbey banking Mac user could confirm it works / doesn't.
I spend HOURS surfing per day on Safari with DOZENS of web sites simultaneously open. Total dream. You will be stunned.
Excel available in Mac Office. I have this, it works. I used to spend hours doing complex Excel stuff but these days I don't. It handles Web queries very nicely (which I use) and seems quick and stable with large files. Should be fine. There is a new version of Office for Mac (called 2004). I only have vX (which was current till very recently). I don't know if it has changed significantly.
Ref: time spent advertising - not quite sure which apps you might need / use. Do clarify.
Office is cosy but I bet you love your own space. Laptops mean you can escape to a different room / garden / shed and still be online (if you have WiFid the house). Desktops allow much faster processor speeds and extra hard drives if you need terrabytes of space. (Mine is 60GB I think which is more than enough for me).
I'd probably suggest either - Mac Mini plus reuse / buy screen.
or iMac - all in one sexy looking, not really 'expandable' (ie. with odd PCI cards etc.). No wires needed (apart from power) - has built in Mic, speakers, WiFi option etc.
Laptop - keeps desk very tidy. Can be used abroad / away from home / on train. Compact. Fold away when not needed. My choice. I see them as good value even if they're more expensive initially as I can have a powerful computer wherever.
Can you post digicamera and I can try and google for compatibility ? I've found Macs plug and play instantly with an enormous number of cams. If it didn't you could always plug your compact flash into a little do dacky and suck off the images that way: v. fast). I run a Canon Ixus 400. Plug it in and iPhoto launches automatically and the import is a dream.
Ripping CDs is a piece of p*ss. Visit if you're in the area (whether you want to buy or not) and I'll teach you to rip in 60 seconds. I've upgraded the BIOS on the Superdrive to burn at twice speed (not sure if this is as fast as a current Powerbook. I think it is !). Mine can burn DVDs as well as CDs but must admit have never done this as don't have a camcorder.
iTunes on the Mac is sweet. Your dh will be addicted. I have an iPod if you want to see it synch a CD you've just ripped (only takes 15 seconds).
I will be gutted to see this Powerbook go - esp. if it's before I get my new Mac mini / 12 inch portable for travelling. This big screen has an excellent resolution. and the size is very comfortable for those who spend too long on the 'puter. Highly recommended. The current ones are faster (in terms of Ghz) and have other features. I'll post exact differences so you are clued up whether you buy new / second hand / mine or someone else's.
Are you in Nth London for Pesach ? We're free that day. Do CAT.
I scan with a Canon LIDE35. Ultra slim. Fast. Decent Mac driver. Can demo. Some other scanners are not as compatible. Post your model and I'll google if that helps.
Have a good think. It's a lot of money and a big change from a PC but I think you'll be delighted.