[csm_spuds]

I'm buying my first Mac--a MacBook--this weekend, but I need a little help with choosing some of the specs. Here's a run down of what I need/want:
1. All of my work stuff is window's based (i.e. Microsoft Office). Which of the Windows for Mac packages do I need? I don't need the full-blown version - just Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
2. I have several programs (i.e. Quicken, Final Draft screenwriting, etc.) that are windows based. How can I ensure these programs will run on a Mac? Do I have to buy new Mac versions?
3. I plan to use both direct connect (i.e. cable broadband) and wireless options for my laptop. What type of router(s) do I need - this is where my limited knowledge of computers becomes a problem. Can I buy the aiport extreme and use it for my broadband hook up (i.e. direct to ethernet cable) while I'm at my desk? Or, must I use a router supplied by my cable provider? If not the airport extreme, is there another router that can serve both as a direct connect and wireless router?
Thanks in advance for your help.

[kyle16]

i bought a new macbook a few months ago for work-based tasks and i think my specs would work well for you.
2.0 Ghz intel core 2 duo processor, 2GB of Ram, 120GB hard drive and you may want to consider a mighty mouse so you wont have to use the trackpad for work related things.
as for your microsoft office concerns i would reccommend the student and teacher addition of office, it includes word, powerpoint, excel (which is what you are asking for) with 2 more applications that you would not need. Microsoft messenger and entourage (mail application). This will set you back $150.
for your network connection the airport extreame would work for your needs, if you have 802.11n (new wireless standerd) than the airport base station will work perfectly. when you want to directly connect your mackbook: just plug your ethernet cable from the base station into the macbooks ethernet port but if you have gigabit ethernet cables, the base station does not support it.
Hope this Helps.

[Brettcamp]

Before investing in MS Office for the Mac, give NeoOffice a try -- it's free, open source, and handles most MS files just fine. You can always buy MS Office, or Apple's much cheaper iWork (which can handle Office docs well but presently lacks a spreadsheet), later if Neo isn't adequate. If you want to run Final Draft etc in OSX, you'll have to buy a Mac version. But I think (I've never done this myself) you can run them in Windows on your Mac if you use Parallels or BootCamp.

[csm_spuds]

Many thanks for the input.