what we have, and what we do not?

[Karen Lewellen]

Hi everyone,
I am at a point now where I will be getting a mac, likely a laptop, and 
even more likely a generation or so behind as in not a macbook.
I could meet this need a different way, but since I use a mac for my radio 
work am more inclined here than in some other fashion.
So, I want a clear idea of what I can expect to be able to do, and what 
will still be a problem.  this way I buy knowing in advance if I must say 
plan to use the machine for only certain functions, or expect more.
for example, I know that speech does not work as my last reading with a 
real word processor, I am sorry but in my dictionary text edit is not one 
of these grin.
recent posts suggest that one can have firefox as a browser, and I did 
know that this is not the only one.
the pro tools door is still closed, my major reason for the hold out, and 
something that may still send me looking elsewhere for my portable needs.
How about terminal communication, ssh telnet etc?  I know this isnot a mac 
thing, but I wonder if I will be able to say use my mac to reach my Linux 
shell for example.

I am a bit old fashioned preferring just one or two computers that manage 
all my desires, not a room full of them grin.
so, in a positive way, I invite the list to share their pros and cons with 
vo as it stands now?

Thanks in advance,
Karen