Apple Mini has a major caveat

Dear Apple Fan:

Sorry for the bulk response, but when I mention anything involving the Mac (excuse me, Apple) platform, it's easier this way. (You folks are a lot like the Amiga crowd used to be . . . it makes life exciting, anyway.)

Based on the e-mails you have sent, just pick and choose your issue and select your response:

1. Regarding my comment that the new Apple Mini computer at $499 is not accurately priced because it does not include anything, keep in mind PC keyboards are not USB; some PC mice are not either, though they can be. (USB mice in the PC world come with a little green adapter that make them PS2; it just depends on the PC's age, the BIOS and a host of other factors.)

Regardless, with Dell advertising entire systems for $399, surely even the Mac faithful will agree that the Mini is not cheaper than a Windows PC. If not, we need to add math lessons to the column, and no one wants that.

The Mini is a lovely pricepoint for an Apple product, but don't expect to plunk down $499 and go merrily on your way unless you already own the mouse, keyboard and monitor. If you don't and you have to buy them, you may want to consider a more powerful Apple. There, is that better?

2. What I have said over and over in my column for years was that the Apple platform is less hassle, more elegant and a better design. I say the Windows platform is cheaper and more universal. (And it's a darn shame about the Amiga.) Can we shake?

3. Yes, my 40 GB iPod battery lasts about an hour, is defective and, yes, it could be replaced under warranty because I have owned it a year or less (it would cost $99 after the first year).

Hundreds of you were gracious enough to point out Apple's warranty program, but here's the deal with the warranty. You mail Apple your lovingly cared-for iPod and they mail you back a refurbished one that some kid MIGHT have had in a mosh pit.

So, you don't get back the same iPod you send in. So you have to gamble. What if the one you get back was in there for a huge disk failure or has a grunged-up case? Sure, you may get back a better condition one than you sent, but you may not.

4. The reason there are fewer viruses written for the Apple platform is the same reason there are fewer viruses written for the Amiga: There are fewer Apples. It is less fun to write viruses when (relatively) no one gets infected. It's like blowing off cherry bombs in the desert — what's the point if no one can hear them?

5. Windows does have that right mouse button, though.

WEEKLY WEB WONDER: Read the Apple soap opera Apple Turns at www.appleturns.com for the latest.

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James Derk is co-owner of CyberDads, a computer repair company, and a computer columnist for Scripps Howard News Service. His e-mail address is jim@cyberdads.com.