The article “Introduction of iMacs raises computer debate” that appeared in the Monday, Nov. 30 Daily contains several incorrect statements and misconceptions that I would like to point out.

Mr. Wilhelm’s statement that Apple’s iMac “operates off a mainframe” is completely false.

The iMac is not a “network computer” in the sense that the industry and media have come to use the term.

It is a self-contained, fully functional Macintosh computer, just like any other desktop or portable model and is capable of running any of the existing Macintosh software.

It is designed to provide the easiest and quickest way for its users to “get on the ‘Net,” but this is a fundamentally different concept than that of the network computer.

The quotes from some of the ISU students interviewed for the article should also be clarified.

It is important to note that while “you don’t need to know any commands” to use a Macintosh, the simplicity and ease of use of the MacOS in no way limits the productivity or versatility of the system.

It’s easier, but it’s also powerful. Quite a combination.

Jason Koelker’s comments are also not entirely accurate.

He states that “not many people use them [Macs],” and that “developers have moved their focus away” from the Macintosh.

On the contrary, there are over 55 million Macintosh users!

Additionally, a survey conducted by the Georgia Institute of Technology showed that a full 28 percent of Internet users access the ‘Net from a Mac.

Does this really constitute “not many people?”

To an extent, it is true that some developers have abandoned the Macintosh in recent years.

However, there are well over 10,000 Macintosh software products, including popular “cutting edge” games like Unreal, Starcraft and Myth 2, and the most common productivity suite, Microsoft Office98, which boasts 100 percent transparent compatibility with its Windows equivalent.

Truly, there is more software available for the PC, but how much MORE than 10,000 does a user need?

Mr. Koelker’s comment that Macs “cannot compete because they are not as functional,” demonstrates a clear misunderstanding of the platform and the operating system as a whole.

The new systems from Apple support the emerging USB peripheral standard, offer optional DVD drives and accept state of the art graphics acceleration hardware for publishing and 3-D gaming.

Finally, tests performed by BYTE! magazine have shown Apple’s 300 MHz G3 model outperforming a comparably equipped 400 MHz Pentium-II by nearly 100 percent.

Macintoshes are not only functional, they’re FAST!

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Justin J. Goeres

Graduate student

Mechanical engineering