Yes Bill. This is all in fun.

I went to Wal-Mart’s web site. I saw no "PC's" anywhere near the price you quoted. All in that $ range were DVD-ROM drive. I see nothing that will Burn DVD's. I supported my clam with a web link, please show me a link to any complete system with comp, or better spec's than Apple's eMac. And will Burn (not read-only) DVD's. Oh yes, please make sure it comes with 3 USB ports, 2 FireWire ports, Modem Port, and a 10/100BASE-T Ethernet port too.

Even if you could fine me (us) a link, I think Mike summed it up nicely. You'll have to spend big $$$ for good (high-end) software to make and burn high end, high quality DVD's, movies, photo albums, MP's players, etc... So no. Your really not spending more $$. In fact, I would say you spending more $$$ to by a "PC". And again, Apple's is right out of the box, loaded, and ready to run.

Its true what Mike noted about the colors. All Mac's these days are white, titanium, or brushed aluminum looking. (Note: I think there are no more Titanium PowerBooks). But still. What was wrong with putting a little "color" in ones life? A little "style". Do they all have to be boring sand, or black looking? Bill, please don't tell me you ware the same color of clothes each day!!!! Just kidding my friend

Mike also noted the USB port issue. Good point. Oh, who invented USB? Hum..............oh yes, that would be Apple. Along with today’s very fast "FireWire". Coming to most PC"s soon.

As for OS X. Bill with your noted UNIX history, I would think you'd be in "PC" (I mean Mac) heaven. Its built on UNIX. Open the terminal, and type away!!! Please review this site: http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/unix/