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^CI DIDN'T KNOW YOU COULD DO THAT WITH A COMPUTER!

^CMAC VS. IBM--HOW TO CHOOSE By Dan Gutman

Superman had Lex Luthor.  Churchill had Hitler.  Al Capone had Elliot
Ness.  And Apple and IBM have each other.

If you're thinking of buying a personal computer, most likely you're
thinking of an Apple Macintosh or IBM compatible.  The truth is, ANY
computer can perform just about any computing task, but each brand has
its own strengths and weaknesses.

It's impossible to choose the perfect machine for each reader without
meeting you and understanding your needs, but here are a few
guidelines...

--If "user-friendliness" is your main concern, you probably should go
Mac.  Using icons, a mouse, pull-down menus and windows is the easiest
and fastest way to learn how to use a computer.  "Power users," on the
other hand, usually prefer IBM.  They find the cutesy Macintosh system
gets in the way of real work.

True, you can use Microsoft's "Windows 3.0" to simulate the Mac
experience on an IBM, but Apple built the Macintosh from the ground up
this way, and it is simpler to buy the original.

--If you already use a PC at work, you probably want to go IBM.
Businesses are overwhelmingly IBM-oriented, though Macintosh has made
some inroads in the last few years.

--If you plan to design newsletters, brochures, or other documents,
you probably should go Mac.  The Macintosh was designed with graphics
in mind.  Similarly, if you plan to use the computer to make music or
art, Mac has an edge over IBM.

(If most of your computer work will be creative, take a look at
Commodore's Amiga before making your decision).

--If you need to share disks and data with other people, you probably
want to go IBM because more people have them.  It IS possible to
translate data between the two formats, but it's easier to swap
information when you're working with the same type of computer.

--If cost is your major concern, it's a toss-up.  Until recently, IBM
had it all over Mac, but the recent release of the Macintosh Classic
(seen as low as $699) has evened things out.  Once again, check out
the Amiga.  It gives you more bang for your buck.

--If you need a computer mostly for word processing, it's a toss-up.
Virtually any brand can do the job as well as any other.

--If you want a computer for your young children, you probably should
go IBM.  Most new educational software is released in IBM format
first.  Also consider the Apple II line, which is still very popular
in schools.

For older children, it's a toss-up.  Some colleges prefer IBM, others
Macs.  In any case, it doesn't really matter what you decide--your
kids will probably tell YOU which one they want.

--If color is important, you probably should go IBM.  The low-end Macs
only produce black and white images, and the color Macs are quite
expensive.

--If portability is important, you probably should go IBM.  There are
dozens of excellent IBM compatible laptop computers, and just a few
Macintosh compatibles.

--If you worry about what happens if the computer should break down,
both Apple and IBM have excellent service--but be wary of IBM CLONES.
Of the hundreds of companies selling inexpensive IBM compatibles, some
are unreliable, dishonest, or will go out of business after you've
purchased your computer.

--If you care about image, Mac and IBM have distinct personalities.
IBM is corporate, businesslike.  Macintosh is hip, youthful and anti-
establishment (despite the fact that Apple is a Fortune 500 firm that
long ago replaced the hippies who founded the company with corporate
executives).

---

HOTLINE: If you end up with a Mac, "Hardball II" is here, just in time
for baseball season.  This is an incredible simulation of the National
Pastime...

Thanks to Janet Attard for clarifying a few points in the rules for
deducting personal computers on next year's taxes:  You don't need to
show a profit in three of five years if you can prove your business
intent...You can't deduct your PC at all unless you use it 50% of the
time for business...

Smith Corona and Acer have teamed up to release seven new IBM
compatibles, aimed at first time users and designed to be extremely
easy to use.  Several of the models come with software in cartridge
form, which is rare in desktop computers.

Prices range from $999-$1899.