Shopping for a Mac Computer

Kathy Bishop wrote to ask about using a Mac in Panama. First, I have no experience with Macs, though I think they are the best choice for a non-technical user who just wants to use a computer with the least hassle and not have to constantly worry about the latest email virus threat. I won't bore you with all my reasons why, because there is plenty of information available on the internet. This is about where you can buy one and where you can get it serviced.

Apple has two Mac stores in Panama City, one in Plaza Pacifica and the other in Plaza Sonoma on Calle 50. Both are well stocked, but you may have to visit both stores to see everything they have in Panama. Each store has eager young assistants to help you choose a suitable computer. A small caveat here; before shopping for ANY computer, Mac or otherwise, do your homework and find out if the computer you have in mind is suitable for your needs. Those eager young assistants may well have different ideas about what is important than you do. The one I talked to insisted on telling me how well the new MacIntels will run Windows XP, even after I made a cross with my fingers and hissed like a vampire at him.

You can find the local Mac website at http://www.macstore.com.pa/. The store on Calle 50 is the service center, and both stores also have a nice assortment of iPods and peripherals. You will find Apple prices in Panama higher than in the US. The least expensive Mac Mini is priced at $723.95 plus tax. The online Mac Store (http://www.macstore.com/category/Mac_mini/PM_CN_MM.html) lists it for $599.00. Only you can decide if local warranty service is worth the 21% surcharge.

Multimax (http://www.multimax.net/) also carries a limited line of Mac computers. They have stores on Calle 50, in Albrook Mall, and on Via Ricardo J. Alfaro (Tumba Muerto).

Macs should work just fine with Cable and Wireless and Tutopia (free in PC) dialup Internet service, and most broadband services. I don't know if they will work with the abominable USB modems that Cable and Wireless has been using in their cheapest ADSL plans, but I don't recommend them for any type of service. Pay a bit more and get a good modem that connects to the ethernet jack.

Movies - Cars the Movie

We don't go to the movies often, but most times when we do, it's some kid movie that Henry IV wants to see. Friday was no exception and we went to Extreme Planet, next to Bennigans, on Avenida Balboa to see Cars. We were seated in the small VIP theater, which doesn't have all the amenities of the large theater, but does have the big, comfortable recliners. Unfortunately my viewing pleasure was marred by a thoughtless patron in the row in front of us who reclined all the way back and spent most of the movie playing with her text-messaging cell phone. There is nothing like a bright LCD screen just below line of sight to distract your attention.

For a kid's movie, Cars is a blast. The plot is nothing new, having been done a million times in one setting or another. Cocky young superstar NASCAR racer who thinks the world revolves around him and who needs no help from anyone gets in trouble, meets beautiful girl. Adopted by goofy sidekick, he discovers the gruff old judge is actually one of the first heroes of NASCAR, learns his lesson and becomes a true hero. Think of The Mask of Zorro and whatever the name of that Tom Cruise, Hero Racer movie was. I'm also pretty sure I saw Roy or Gene do this plot from the back of a horse. Whatever, this is basically a kid's movie, remember? The plot is unimportant, but the computer graphics are truly awesome. The scenery is so well-done that occasionally you will think you are looking at real trees, and some of it is breath-takingly beautiful.

Anyone who loves 50s~60s era cars will have a great time identifying all the makes and models. Sidekick 'Tow Mater', is an early 50s International Harvester, and there's a '49 Merc Lead Sled, and a '59 Chevy Low Rider among many others. For NPR fans, Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers (Tom and Ray Magliozzi ~ http://www.cartalk.com/ ) put in a cameo appearance and the cast of voices includes such greats as Paul Newman, Cheech Marin, and Mario Andretti to name only a few. The Internet Movie DataBase (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317219/) has more information, or see some clips on the Disney site. (http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/cars/) One small complaint about Disney. The site apparently presents a menu based on where your ISP is located and from Cable and Wireless I was unable to see anything but the Europe specific sites, which are incomplete and show the movie to be released on July 28, not June 30, when we saw it.

If you want to take the kids or grandkids to a movie that you too will enjoy, I highly recommend this one.

The website 

We have some new listings and will be posting some gorgeous back-country acreage, two with houses and two raw land in the Cerro Jefe highlands. All four are over 2500 feet elevation and this is 4X4 country. A little closer to civilization, we have a charming doll-house cabin on a small lot and a large 3 bedroom on 1000 square meters in the Altos de Cerro Azul development. Check the website later this week.

Service and Assistance for Retirees Who Want to Live in Panama