#Person1#: Can I help you?
#Person2#: Yes, I need to buy a computer for this semester. I was told it is cheaper to buy computers here.
#Person1#: Well, you heard right. You can get an excellent deal on a new computer here. We have great discounts for students.
#Person2#: I don't know much about computers. But I know I want a desktop computer with a lot of memory. And I need a printer.
#Person1#: Well, first let's consider your computer. Here, for example, is a system I highly recommend--the Power Macintosh G3. It comes with 64 megabytes of total memory.
#Person2#: Is that a lot? Sixty-four?
#Person1#: Yes, it is. It should be enough for any student needs you might have. What department are you in?
#Person2#: History.
#Person1#: Well, so you will mostly be using word processing, for writing papers. I recommend the Corel Word Perfect program for word processing. We can talk about software later. Let's talk about your
#Person2#: Thirty percent?
#Person1#: Yes.
#Person2#: Wow. That's really good. And you think this is really a good system for a graduate student?
#Person1#: Yes. It's an excellent system.
#Person2#: Hmm. Hey, wait. This has an Apple on it. Is this an Apple computer?
#Person1#: Yes, it's a Macintosh. It's Apple. Macintosh and Apple are the same thing.
#Person2#: I don't want Macintosh. I want PC.
#Person1#: I'm sorry, but our university computer center only sells Macintosh equipment.
#Person2#: What? Are you serious?
#Person1#: Yes.
#Person2#: But nobody uses Macintosh!
#Person1#: That's not true. Most of the students and professors in the university here use Macintosh. They find it is better for writing and word-processing, and that is what students mostly do. Ma
#Person2#: Yes, I'm from Taiwan.
#Person1#: Well, I know that in most Asian countries Apple is not very popular. But here in America, especially in universities and publishing companies, Apple is very commonly used.
#Person2#: But I need a computer that can handle writing in Chinese.
#Person1#: There are several Chinese writing programs you can use with Macintosh. Chinese is no problem for Apple.
#Person2#: Hmm. I think I should ask some of my friends for advice before I make a decision. I'm sorry.
#Person1#: No, don't be sorry. It's reasonable to ask your friends. But believe me, most of the students here in the university--Asian students included--most of them use Apple.
#Person2#: Well, thanks for your advice. I will probably come back later.
#Person1#: You're very welcome. Here is my card, if you need any help.
#Person1# wants to buy a desktop computer with a lot of memory and turns to #Person2# for help. #Person2# recommends the Power Macintosh G3 system. When #Person1# notices the Apple logo, #Person2# tells #Person1# that's Macintosh, and it's popular among students. #Person2# needs a computer that can handle writing in Chinese, and #Person1# says Chinese is no problem for Apple. #Person2#'ll ask friends' ideas and decides later.
buying a computer