Apple to Windows...Questions

My experience with Windows based computers is that to keep them working adequately (ie. half speed or better) I need to reinstall Windows at least once per year - wiping everyting on the HD out.

That is a common experience among Windows PC users, but it can be avoided by following some basic good practices. Admittedly, doing so requires time and attention that is mostly unnecessary with Mac's.

I have had numerous Windows XP computers in use in my house for many years, as well as one Windows 7 computer. Every one of them works very fast, very stably, and as well as when it was new. And I have never had to do a re-install of the operating system on any of them, even when the hard drive containing the operating system has failed (I use a drive imaging program).

For a summary of those practices, see my post here.

In this case, though, I do second the suggestion of a Mac Mini, unless the computer would be used for additional applications that would make Windows and/or a more powerful computer the better choice.

Regards,
-- Al

Just get ready for a lot of downtime, conflicts, viruses, worms, malware and other problems with your Windows computer. I would definately buy an external hard drive for these files (which will make them easier to copy over anyway). My experience with Windows based computers is that to keep them working adequately (ie. half speed or better) I need to reinstall Windows at least once per year - wiping everyting on the HD out.

Why not just replace it with a $600 Mac Mini and avoid any possible issues?

However, iTunes runs just fine on Windows and will play anything in your curent iTunes library. You just have to copy the media over and your iTunes library, and you are "in business."

-Paul

You can get a copy of Max (freeware for Mac) here, and do bulk conversion of your AIFF files to FLAC, or most other formats that are PC-friendly. Max is also (arguably) a better ripping software than iTunes. It uses CD Paranoia for error correction, which is much more vigorous that iTunes in that respect. In some instances I've had audibly better rips from Max than from iTunes. Good luck with your transition. I'd agree with Albert about backing up, which should be routine for everyone regardless of their circumstances. Always a good idea to have a backup off site too if possible.

The current version of Windows Media Player will play AIFF files, but I don't know if there is a remote app for WMP to use on a cell phone.

The most important thing for making the transition will be for your audio files to be on a medium that can be read by Windows - not the standard Macintosh file format. I suggest backing up your audio files on DVD or on an external drive that has been formatted in a Windows compatible format. The Mac can format a drive as MSDOS(FAT) or ExFAT using Disk Utility, and you will be able to save files to a disk formatted this way.