ALEX: Can I help you?

SHERRY: Yes, I need to buy a computer for this semester.

I was told it is cheaper to buy computers here.

ALEX: Well, you heard right.

You can get an excellent deal on a new computer here.

We have great discounts for students.

SHERRY: 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.

ALEX: 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.

SHERRY: Is that a lot? Sixty-four?

ALEX: Yes, it is. It should be enough for any student needs you might have.

What department are you in?

SHERRY: History.

ALEX: 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 hardware first.

We have a special deal on right now.

I should tell you about it, as it only goes until next Tuesday.

If you buy one of these fifteen-inch color monitors with a Power Macintosh G3,

you can actually get 30 percent off the usual sale price.

SHERRY: Thirty percent?

ALEX: Yes.

SHERRY: Wow. That's really good.

And you think this is really a good system for a graduate student?

ALEX: Yes. It's an excellent system.

SHERRY: Hmm. Hey, wait. This has an Apple on it. Is this an Apple computer?

ALEX: Yes, it's a Macintosh. It's Apple. Macintosh and Apple are the same thing.

SHERRY: I don't want Macintosh. I want PC.

ALEX: I'm sorry, but our university computer center only sells Macintosh equipment.

SHERRY: What? Are you serious?

ALEX: Yes.

SHERRY: But nobody uses Macintosh!

ALEX: 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. May I ask where you're from?

SHERRY: Yes, I'm from Taiwan.

ALEX: 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.

SHERRY: But I need a computer that can handle writing in Chinese.

ALEX: There are several Chinese writing programs you can use with Macintosh.

Chinese is no problem for Apple.

SHERRY: Hmm.

I think I should ask some of my friends for advice before I make a decision.

I'm sorry.

ALEX: 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.

SHERRY: Well, thanks for your advice. I will probably come back later.

ALEX: You're very welcome. Here is my card, if you need any help.