Jean Parrot -> TOM WALKER said the following
 on 9/23/2011 6:41 PM:

 TW>> Plus no matter how tyou look it there is FAR more nice
 JP> software for the PC platform, and a lot of it FREE...

 JP> You got that right, Tom. Everybody here knows my opinion on
 JP> this subject, why spend more and do less on a machine ? The
 JP> Wormies that run around here are stock, nothing was ever added
 JP> to them from day-one not because they came fully equipped,
 JP> nope, because the users are just happy doing not much after
 JP> spending much.

Hi Jean.  I sense frustration with your family.  You have demonstrated
competence in things-computer, yet the family embraces something you don't
recommend.

Maybe get exposure to other people that use the Mac products and find out
what they are doing with them.

As you know, I ended up with a used iPod Touch (via eBay) as my mp3-player
upgrade. I know for a fact that I would never pay the price for a new one.
You are right, the high price of many Mac products seems out of league for
many people.  I don't have much hands on experience with other Mac products
(except with a new MacBook, the brushed aluminum design) and now with an
iPod Touch, and I have to tell you that I am most suitably impressed with
the hardware design.  I like the form-factor, smooth lines, solid
construction, and comfortable fit into my pant pocket. And.. except for the
high-reliance on iTunes, the independent UI software of the Touch is well
thought out.

Perhaps the Mac-minions are suitably impressed with the quality of the
product line and desire to experience that.

--- Thunderbird 2.0.0.24 (Windows/20100228)