Tom,

Opinions vary as to which system is better, and you'll probably get as many 
different answers as there are people on this list.  Regardless of all that, 
though, you need to look at a few things:

1.  You're using Windows at work.  Although it's true that there are 
programs which allow you to use PC files on the Mac and vice versa, you're 
bound to run into instances where things don't go as they should.  Ask 
yourself if you really want to put up with those kind of surprises, keeping 
in mind that you won't see them coming.

2.  No matter what learning curve there is for switching to Vista, there'll 
be an even bigger learning curve if you switch from Windows to a Mac.  Are 
you up for that?

3.  You mentioned three programs: JAWS, Duxbury, and K1000.  These are all 
Windows programs, and are not supported on the Mac.  Mac has its own screen 
reader, but it definitely isn't JAWS, and whether it works well or not, 
you'll have to learn it.  Duxbury used to be supported on Macs, but the 
company has dropped Mac support in the interest of doing a better job in the 
market where they get the most revenue.  I don't even know if there is a 
program equivalent to K1000 for the Mac.

To me, the important issue is whether you're considering a Mac as a way to 
avoid dealing with VISTA, or whether you want to switch to the Mac because 
it's a better machine for the tasks you want to accomplish.  If the former, 
I wouldn't waste your time.  If the latter, you have to decide whether the 
improvements are worth the time and effort it will take you to master the 
new environment.

Steve

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "T Behler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 10:33
Subject: switching from windows to mac


> Hi, all.
>
> I know I'm about to show my ignorance, or shalle we say, lack of knowledge
> here, but figure I'm among friends and still have the ability to learn, so
> here goes:
>
> Probably within the next year, we are going to need a new PC for the house
> here, and I'm seriously thinking of a mac, rather than going through the
> pain of making the switch to Vista, as yet another windows-based operating
> system.
>
> My problem, though, is that the University where I teach still insists on
> Windows, which means that my office PC would be a windows machine, while 
> the
> home machine would be a mac.
>
> I know there are programs that allow you to swap files between windows and
> mac machines, so that probably could be worked around.
>
> My main questions, though, are with regard to adaptive technology.
>
> 1.  Does Jaws have the ability to work with macs, and if so, would I need 
> a
> completely separate program and user license for that, in addition to the
> windows-based Jaws I'd still be using at the office?
>
> 2.  Do programs like Duxbury and the K1000 have the ability to work with
> macs, and would I be looking at separate programs and licenses there too?
>
> The new computer purchase for home is still about a year away, so I have
> some time to think about things here, but I guess it's never too late to
> start thinking about what's best.
>
> If you don't want to clutter up the list with replies to these questions,
> feel free to e-mail me off list at:
>
> [log in to unmask]
>
> Thanks as always for your help.
>
> 73 from Tom Behler:  KB8TYJ
>
>
>