Forgoing an iMac

As much as I would like to buy it, I'm leaning toward forgoing a purchase of a 1 Ghz iMac. I do have my 700Mhz flat panel iMac up for sale; at two days to go on the auction, the bids are less than a third of what it would take for me to let it go. I've been looking at a different approach, one that would require less cash outlay but get me pretty much where I want to go. A company named MCE Technologies (http://store.powerbook1.com/mceindvsupup9.html) works with some service centers to install SuperDrive upgrades into your flat panel iMac for only $279. There are two in Houston near where I live; I e-mailed both of them last night looking for true costs and a good estimate of how long they'd need the machine. I'm hoping to get answers from them today. If they look reasonable, I also intend to see if I can upgrade my hard disk while they've got the case open. I can get most of the capability I'm looking for at only a fraction of the cost following this route. Not sure what I'm going to do, yet; it depends whether my 700 iMac sells.

More details are being reported about Apple's up and coming music service. While the service will be formally announced in a few days (April 28), it's being reported that they have signed "The Eagles" and "No Doubt". You'll be able to download albums for $10 or songs for a buck. You'll be able to play the songs on up to three Macs and an unlimited number of "registered" iPods, though no one has yet explained to me what "registered" means. You will not be able to e-mail songs or transfer them to friends' computers.

Am I interested in this? I'll wait and see what the reports are before I answer that question. If it's more convenient and economical for me to get music that way, I'll use the service. If it's not, I won't. Simple as that. To all you computer manufacturer and software service and music industry execs, I say this: Make it easy, convenient, and efficient, and I'll buy your service or product. Make my life a hassle in any sense, and you're gone!