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The single question most frequently asked of me is "What kind of computer should I buy?" With the holidays coming up, I hear it even more frequently. So each year around this time, I re-examine the query. I've found it's a good thing to do since computer products change so rapidly within a one year time span.

Remember that anyone answering that question without knowing anything about you or your computer needs is not doing you any favors.

The first choice is PC or Macintosh? Points to consider in the Mac's favor are ease of setting up (the iMac), ease of use (the Mac's operating system Mac OS 9 as opposed to Windows98) and speed (the G4 models are the fastest personal computers to date). Points to consider in the PC's favor are the availability of more software and hardware products and there are more PCs than Macs out there. So chances are you will have the same kind of computer in the workplace. If you plan to take data back and forth between work and home, this could be a strong consideration.

If you choose a PC, make sure it has at least 64 megabytes of memory, a 3 gigabyte hard drive, a 24X or faster CD-ROM drive, a 17 inch color monitor and a graphics acceleration card such as the Voodoo III card from 3Dfx. It should also have an AGP port. An AGP port allows for faster graphic abilities. Newer computer models have this built-in graphics port designed only for video attachments. One of the nice features of AGP is its ability to use your computer's existing memory in addition to any it might have on the card to enhance graphics performance. Your PC should also have at least two Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports. Many of the newer peripherals such as printers and scanners support this faster means of communication and connectivity and is destined to eventually replace the slower serial and parallel standards.

If you choose a Macintosh, make sure it has at least 64 megabytes of memory, a 3 gigabyte hard drive, a 24X or faster CD-ROM drive, a 17 inch color monitor and a graphics accelerator card such as the ATI Rage 128 3D accelerator card. All the current models have USB and FireWire support.

Don't get a laptop computer unless you absolutely need portability. Notebooks cost more than their desktop counterparts, are not as expandable, many products that are available for desktop models are just not made for laptops and most hardware bought for a notebook costs more.

Happy shopping.

Mac mouse is in poor shape

Owners of the latest generation of Macs usually have one complaint in common: The Apple mouse. Specifically, its shape is the problem. It's round. Normally it's easy to feel a mouse's orientation of direction but with the round disk-shaped mouse, it can be hard to tell by mere touch. It's shape also leads to ergonomic problems such as fatigue in the hand and wrist. But instead of investing in another mouse, Macally has come up with a novel solution. The iPocket is a translucent ice blue and white teardrop-shaped piece of plastic. It fits over the round Mac mouse and snaps securely into place. The result is a mouse that looks and feels like a standard mouse that fits snugly in the palm of your cupped hand. $19.

Macally (800) 644-1132 or (626) 338-8787 www.macally.com