what should i buy? im new to apples ive only used windows in the past but i like osx when i tried it out at frys. i will use the computer for: internet surfing, email, chat, word processing, cd burning, and listening to music, dvds. what do you think i should get?

get the eMac, I'd say. optimal for what you want. check here:

www.apple.com/emac

17" iMac is ever so slightly different from standard beige boxes for a few dollars more than than the (also excellent) eMac - definitely worth a look

I guess I'd go with the a flat panel iMac (LCD size doesn't REALLY matter to me). My thinking is like, "This is my first Mac, isn't it sweet looking?" The eMac, though I'm sure it's great, just doesn't have the "wow factor".

Absolutely agree my man - good on you!