Want to learn OSX.
 

Ok so here it is quick and simple. I'm a computer tech and I know PCs in and out and work with them every day. I want something new. I want to learn mac and will probably want to use it as a main portable computer after I get to know it but I also don't want to spend $1,000 on something that I'm not 100% on yet. I was told to try out a MacBook and just put some more memory in it and it should work fine for what I want to do. Anyone else have some suggestions? The discount through my work isn't great for apple products (almost nothing) and I can't even find a decent refurb on apple.com. Help. =)

If you figure out how to become proficient with something you don't own, that your employer won't supply, and without sleeping at work, please let me know. That would have saved me many bed-head mornings at work in my younger days.

Check with your local Mac dealers for the refurbs. Mine had a few just before Christmas and I was very close to buying before I fell for the c2d.

Amazon also carries refurbs.

You could also go the used route - newspapers, craigslist, etc., but I'm sure you've noticed laptops, especially mac laptops, hold their value too well.

Have you dabbled in linux at all?

I did dabble in linux for about 2 weeks. I understand how the interface works and a few commands but I want to learn OSX so that I have a better understanding of the two major platforms and can work on them both. Linux users usually don't need help from tech's.. they need help from other linux users. (I have only had one person EVER in the entire time that I've worked as a tech, come to me with a linux problem, and it was only because he wanted us to install Ubuntu on his laptop cause he didn't know how. I did... and he came back 3 days later to have me put windows back on it)

Depends how much you want to spend. You can get a mac G4 tower for around $250 on ebay (with osx) and introduce yourself to it that way. I've seen g4 powerbooks around $450. As far as learning how to use osx, I think its so intuitive that anyone can figure it out very quickly. I can't imagine anything easier than learning how to use osx. For the finer points, just get a good reference book.

Where have you seen these? This would be great.