Hmm.... so getting a new computer, eh? Let me see.... let me try to work up some simple comparison between Mac and IBM compatible.... General application: I don't think either of the two hold any advantage over the other when it comes to straight word processing, or spreadsheet or database stuff. Both computers have very nice software for practically anything unless you get into very professional stuff... like desktop publishing or heavy-duty graphics stuff (where Mac would be more advantageous) or heavy-duty scientific calculation (where IBM would be a better choice).... But it seems to be all you really want is a computer to do word processing and telecommunication.... and both are fine choices. Environment: For operating system, I think Mac is a bit better than IBM. IBM has come a long way with its Windows environment to make itself easier to use... but as Crystal said, it needs more improvement. Mac is definitely an easier machine to work with. I heard OS/2 for IBM is a great improvement over Windows... but I'd still go for Mac for its inherent ease of use. (it's an automatic gear, as someone said =)) Hangul: IBM is better in this regard. Especially since you are in Utah. If you were in Korea, I think you could get a lot of help in installing hangul and everything.... Well, a lot of people on network are using IBM with hangul to communicate, so it'll be a lot easier for you to get help if you had IBM. Maintenance: I think both computers can give you a fair amount of headache if something goes wrong. Worse yet, I think both computers give you just about equal risk of losing everything if something did go wrong. So..., I guess my point is that neither are better than the other in this regard. Graphics: Used to be Mac's strong point, graphics in computer attained a very high level of standard in both Mac and IBM. Both are equally excellent. Sound: Mac, no doubt. With its built-in sound chip, you can't beat Mac in this arena. IBM has some nice sound cards, but it adds to cost (but sometimes bundled in, as in Gateway 2000 case) and doesn't blend in as nicely as Mac. If you'll use the computer for anything musical, Mac is the way to go. Entertainment: IBM, no doubt. While Mac is gaining ground in entertainment software, it can't beat IBM's arsenal. You'll find just about any kind of game for IBM. The only kind of game Mac fares better than IBM is, I think, networked games, thanks to Mac's built-in networking capability. Networking: Mac. Its build-in AppleTalk denies IBM any chance of competition. Of course, IBM is well capable of networking with extra hardware.... Mind you, we are not talking about modems here. We are talking about LAN and those heavy-duty networking stuff. And I doubt that this is much of your concern.... Price: Ahh... the bottom line.... While Apple decided to drop Mac's price like twice a year, I think you get more power and performance with IBM compatible than Mac for the same money. Companies like Gateway 2000 build reliable IBM compatible with a lot of bundled software... A better deal than with Mac. So my advice?: It really depends on what you wanna do.... Personally, I would go for a Mac in your position... assuming you can find someone to help you with getting hangul working on your Mac. Mac is really a fun machine to work with. If you never worked with computers before, Mac is definitely the way to go. However, if you are familiar with the workings of computer, I recommend you seriously consider IBM as well. You really do gain more control over the computer with IBM than with Mac. But that also means a bit of headache and some effort to understand your system. But it's worth it, believe me. (A word coming from one happy IBM user) Ok... I guess that's about it. Good luck finding the right computer for you~~ Tivor jcp2@cornell.edu "Life is a music. So make it good and make it heard."