I really think that your decision will be based upon what you really
want/need out of a computer system.  If the computer that you currently have
meets/exceeds all of your current and anticipated needs, then I'd be hard
pressed to recommend buying a new system.  If you think you might want/need
a faster machine but want to be able to run your current apps, I'd look into
getting a newer G4 system with OS X.2.  That way, your system migration
should be much easier, with the added benefit of running an OS that sits on
top of a BSD kernel.  You can also install Yellow Dog Linux if you want the
full Linux experience.  If you want to go straight Linux and want a new box,
then you might look into getting a PC with Mandrake pre-installed from
www.walmart.com.

This is just one man's opinion.  Let me know if you have any questions.  I
have a good friend who is a HUGE Mac-head, so I can always pick his brain if
you decide to go with a new Mac solution.

Gene

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-kclug@marauder.illiana.net
> [mailto:owner-kclug@marauder.illiana.net]On Behalf Of mike neuliep
> Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2002 3:28 PM
> To: kclug@kclug.org
> Subject: Need help with decision.
>
>
>
> KCLUG people:
>
> I've been asked to post this anonymously for legitimate privacy reasons.
> If you think you can help this person, please e-mail back the list and not
> me.  This person will read the list and perhaps respond back to
> you in private.
> Thank you!
>
> 	Mike Neuliep
>
>
> I'd like the advice of all the KCLUG group members about my next (and
> probably final) choice of a computer system (workstation) after a move
> I'll be making in the near future (I estimate between 3 & 12 months),
> to an Assisted Living Facility in the KC Metro Area.
>
> Should I -
>
> #1 Keep the system I presently own? This is a PowerMAC G4/400, 15"
>     Studio Display Monitor, and a HP LaserJet 2100TN Printer, assembled
>     on (and around)  a 48"-wide AnthroCart.
> PRO: I've used this OS for about 2.5 years and like some of the
>       software applications.
> CON: Not Linux, OS/2 or Amiga. As this was only to be a "temporary"
>       computer when the workstation with Linux pre-installed I bought
>       in 1999 turned-out to be defective. I didn't bother to learn much
>       about how the Macintosh computer hardware is all inter-connected.
>
> #2 Either buy a workstation running Linux or a dual-boot with windows
>     or have the computer built by someone in the Metro area, but who? I
>     think I should begin with either Mandrake or SuSE.
> PRO: What can I say?
> CON: OS is presently unknown to me. I have used a shell account with
>       local ISPs using SunOS for 8-10 years, so basic operations are
>       known, but Windows is a complete unknown.
>
> To further assist the list members to make an informed opinion I must
> tell you about my physical/medical condition. I'm 60 years old and in
> a wheelchair because I have no sense of balance, no involuntary
> reflexes from the waist downward and poor coordination, all due to an
> unknown medical condition.
>
> No matter which option I choose, I'll have to hire someone to set-up
> the computer hardware at the very least, so I'm open to any
> ideas/thoughts/suggestions concerning this matter.
>
> Thanks a lot!!
>
>
>
>
>