Which computer?

[09vGT]

Well, my old computer finally bit the dust. Its 5 years old and I have had numerous problems with it. Every computer we have owned has been Windows, but now I'm really curious about getting a MAC. Just wondering which y'all prefer. The Mac I have picked out is a 15" upper end MacBook Pro. The price is close to $2,000. I haven't really checked into much of carriers of Windows, but was figuring around a Dell XPS; which will probably run me around $1,000+. Just wanting to know if the extra $$$ is really worth it in the end with the MacBook Pro since you can find Windows WAY cheaper.

[Sputnik]

I had to vote Windows because my hubby has a mac and its a piece of crap. He's now using my Linux netbook.

[scherry2]

I just got a new laptop with windows 7. I never had vista I went from xp to 7. I'm pretty happy it's different and from what I've read pretty stable.

[lovemyraffe]

Windows 7 is amazing. After suffering through Vista, 7 makes it all better. It isn't perfect, but neither is a Mac.

[ponta2147]

As a user of both platforms (I'm a graphic designer) I can't personally say that there is anything about the Mac that makes me feel like I *need to have one* over a PC. It seems like either way I am crashing programs, crashing the computer, and otherwise breaking things. The only difference, to me, is how much control you have over the computer settings, and as I understand it, with Windows 7 it can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. Downside to a Mac is the lack of customizability... it's pretty WYSIWYG in terms of hardware. If you have a PC, you can tweak it to your heart's content. Want more than one CD/DVD drive? No problem! More memory? No problem! That's what I like about a PC.In short, I don't think Macs are worth the money unless you *need* a mac (will be collaborating with a lot of other Mac users on projects, etc)

[JetBlack09VibeGT]

Everyone has 2 cents to put in on this topic so here's mine...I have both an Mac and a PC. My Mac is a 13" MacBook Pro with Snow Leopard and my PC is a Dell running Windows 7 Ultimate. There are Pros and Cons to both and the list of each is incredibly long so here's the Cliff Notes version:PROSMAC: Runs smooth and stable, comes with back up software built in, no real need to run an Anti Virus, Can run Microsoft Office. Photo, video, and Music Management is second to none. Long Battery Life. If you have an Apple Store nearby then you literally have personal tech support. Finds other computers and printers on a Network without headaches.Windows 7: Familiar, no issues transferring old software (provided you get Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate) Cheaper than a Mac. You can get a free AntiVirus from Microsoft (Microsoft Security Essentials). File management and search is easily done through the start menu. Tech Support is EVERYWHERE. You can get Blu Ray if wanted. You can buy adds even at Walmart and Target. Games. CONS:MAC: Exclusivity and PRICE. Always making sure you save your files a certain way so windows users can open them. The MAC learning curve. (I have had Macs for 5 Years and I am still not as confident with them as I am with A PC) MAC software is sometimes more expensive than the Windows counterpart. Recovering a mistaken deleted file is nearly impossible. Did I mention Price. Windows 7: Unless you build to order your PC, chances are you get stuck with Windows 7 Starter or Home Premium, so you are already limited as to what you want to or can do. If you have programs that can run on XP only, you need to shell out another $100-$200 more to upgrade to 7 Pro or Ultimate. Using older Printers or talking on a Network still doesn't work as smooth as they say unless you have all of the same brand PC. (My Dell does not like to talk to my wife's Lenovo, but my Mac will talk to both. Weird) You still get the Blue Screen of Death, but its prettier than on XP's. Tech support will always be software versus hardware and a debate who's problem is it.The most compelling argument that I heard for buying a Mac is, " Apple writes the software for the hardware they build so they have a tighter control of quality, whereas Microsoft writes the software and relies on the PC manufacturers to build it in the way that works best with the software." Confused? So am I, that's how I ended up with both. But as far as stability and performance, the Mac is better than Windows 7. Here is an older, but funny clip comparing a Apple Mac to a PC http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEAGmBRC1dc And Here is another Funny one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id_kGL3M5Cg

[09vGT]

The videos were hilarious! Never seen any downing Mac before!

[kostby]

Mac vs PC and OS X vs Windows...It's pretty much down to the 'religious' arguments at this point in time--it's what you believe, not what the facts are.Both OS X and Windows 7 hardware and software are light years ahead of computers operating systems of just five years ago. The ease of use is a little better, and reliability has improved a lot too. So which one is right for you? Maybe both of them are!Mac advantages:1. Easier for many individuals (dare I say 'older'?) to use - people without years of PC experience or an IT department to support them, and who aren't afraid to call or visit an Apple store, CAN get face-to-face help and one-on-one time with a real person for $100 a year.If you live near an Apple Store, go pay them a visit before you decide. Tell them what you're doing now, and have them show you how you would do it on a Mac. Even if you don't buy a Mac, it's worth a visit.2. More 'fun' and creative/home-oriented software is included in the Mac purchase price - GarageBand, iPhoto, Photo Booth (uses webcam), iChat, iCal, iWeb to create and maintain simple websites, iDVD to create, edit, and burn simple movies, and iTunes to manage your music library, especially handy if you already own an iPod.3. Lots of close integration between the software and the hardware. For example, if you plug in a major brand digital camera to a Mac USB port, the appropriate program (iPhoto) automatically opens and prompts you to download images into an un-named folder. No additional downloads needed. If your camera came with Mac software, you're welcome to load it, but most casual photographers won't ever need it to view, edit, organize, and print digital photos.4. A Mac CAN still run Windows (but you'll have to purchase a full copy of Windows at extra cost.) NOTE: Full support for Windows 7 under BootCamp isn't available just yet. Apple BootCamp installs easily, creates a Windows partition on your hard drive, and installs your desired version of Windows. Then it works reliably, and runs Windows on a Mac as fast as (or perhaps faster than) similarly-configured Windows-only PC. You can also run a guest OS like Windows or Linux using programs like Parallels (the one I use) or VMWare Fusion on your Mac -at the same time as- Mac OS X. There is a performance hit on the order of 20%, but it's pretty cool to be able to run both Windows and OS X applications at the same time, if you need that functionality.(On the other hand, Windows PC's generally cannot run OS X. I'll skip the netbook/Hackintosh discussion at this point.)Windows 7 advantages: 1. Microsoft. The 800-pound gorilla in enterprise network computing. If your whole 5000-seat IT enterprise infrastructure is already running on Windows, it's easy to stay there.2. The new split-screen thingy they show on TV with two apps easily running in side-by-side windows. You have always been able to do it manually, but it's easier on Windows 7. 3. More choices of hardware.4. Lower hardware cost in many cases. How to decide?What is your frustration level? How many times a week do you yell at your 'stupid freaking computer'? Windows, even Windows 7, still has some pretty stupid and annoying quirks, often because of the huge range of legacy hardware and software they're still trying to support. In my opinion, Mac has fewer of those quirks. There is less hardware diversity.What are the differences you'll have to adapt to if you switch to a Mac?You can only resize a window by clicking and dragging the lower right corner.The Close/Minimize/Maximize-shrink buttons are in the upper left (red/yellow/green) instead of the upper right corner of the open window.The Mac is loaded with software to do most or all of the same stuff you did on a PC, but the programs have different names.Mac uses the 'dock' at the bottom (can be dragged to the side or hidden) to hold frequently-used programs.Mac time of day and 'status' icons are located, generally in the upper right of the screen, rather than the lower right.----I began with Commodore BASIC, AppleDOS, IBM PC-DOS, MS-DOS, and the various flavors of Windows up through XP. I balked at VISTA.Just over 2 years ago, I picked up a basic 2.16Ghz Core2Duo Intel MacBook 13" (the white plastic one) instead of buying a VISTA machine. I'm still using it with 2Gb RAM, 320Gb hard disk and OS X 10.5.8 "Leopard", rather than 10.6.x "Snow Leopard".Last fall, my son purchased a MacBookPro 2.26 Ghz 2Gb/250Gb hard disk for college. He uses Microsoft Office Mac 2008 for most things, and runs Windows Vista Business in BootCamp for the remaining Office application (Access mostly) he's needed so far.Happy Hunting!EDIT: Here's a link to Apple user-supported discussions forums --> http://discussions.apple.com

[L5K]

Well since I'm in a field dominated by Apples I prefer Windows machines.The price and versatility is what does it for me. Oh....look.....I could get a computer with better specs for half that price... And I won't have to run bootcamp to get it to do things I want.

[18stars]

I have had no problems with my Macs (my iMac and son's Macbook). Easy to use and seamless integration among applications. It makes logical sense that there are less problems when one has hardware, operating system and applications all from the same source and that problems are less likely to occur and if they were to arise would be easier to get assistance since its all "Apple". Anyhow, I hear a lot about messed up computers and viruses......from all my friends with PCs. If you can afford it - and you seem like you can - go ahead and try a Mac. They hold some value so if you decide to switch back it won't be a total loss. I think they're first rate and its the only computer I'd buy for my home use. (I use Dell PCs at my job by the way. Thankfully, we have an IT department to keep them running.) Good luck.

[jammies]

[QUOTE=JetBlack09VibeGT]The most compelling argument that I heard for buying a Mac is, " Apple writes the software for the hardware they build so they have a tighter control of quality, whereas Microsoft writes the software and relies on the PC manufacturers to build it in the way that works best with the software." [/QUOTE=JetBlack09VibeGT]Exactly... Quality control. Having also owned and worked in environments encompassing both platforms, I can attest to the simplicity of updating the OS on a macintosh vs. pc.In apples case, all updates are from apple for the OS. Although the same is true for windows, the DRIVERS are mostly from third parties. So you need to periodically check for driver updates from manufactures of the parts in your computer ( laptop in your case -- ie CD/DVD/Blue-ray drive, graphics card, etc ). Although not unsurmountable, it is an issue.... and then you need to install the drivers, but first remembering to uninstall the old driver.....Viruses, adware, worms, malware, etc --> Windows is the most exploited OS available. Just check the number of third party protection software packages available for windows... ...IS a mac worth the extra money? IF your piece of mind is a high priority, then yes. IF this is your personal computer which you will run from your home, then yes. IF you will be using your laptop in a PC dominted work environment with PC based support staff on call, then maybe not...One piece of advice -- IF you decide on a Mac, put in as much memory as you can afford and not from Apple. IF you are comfortable using a screwdriver you can open up your laptop and install the memory yourself. Third party memory is much cheaper.

[Herb]

I started out with an Apple II way back when, however nowadays I use a Windows based machine.Being that all of my software is for Windows, it doesn't make any sense for me to migrate to a Mac because I'd have to purchase all new software to do the same stuff I already can on a PC.I build my own PCs as I'm not a fan of those name brand computers, ala HP, Dell, Gateway as they have alot of proprietary stuff that can't be replaced with off the shelf parts.PC's are pretty easy to build now adays. Not like the old days with setting jumpers for interrupts and memory addresses. Best bang for your buck if you go this route.The other thing about Macs, is that you practically have to treat the whole experience as a religious experience. Apple fans generally are really fanatical. Having been there before, I know. Glad to have kicked that habit.

[star_deceiver]

Get a PC and spend the money you saves from not buying a Mac on the Vibe!!!

[northvibe]

do you have a apple store near you? I love apple, ive been a apple tech and I use all OS platforms... I suggest a mac to all my clients, BUT go try the pc's out at the apple store first. The bas macbook pro 13" is pretty powerful for being so small and the aluminum 13" has a hardware refresh just recently. I do recommend buying Apple refurb (from apple's website). You save a bunch of money and its refurbed to be JUST like new, box, manual, everything. I get all my apple stuff refurbed now.http://store.apple.com/us/brow...s/macThere is the refurb site, their inventory changes daily. Im currently waiting to buy the white macbook for $750 xmas shoppers cleaned them out.I freaking hate dell, with a burning passion thats so white hot. ughhhh everyone gets one cuz they are cheap etc etc...then I get a phone call..why this why that blah blah. "told you so" is about all I can say You want a sweeet loaded win 7 laptop? Check out the new Asus gaming laptops. You get a very powerful machine with an insane feature set for $1200 or less depending on what you want, bluray etc. Most of the loaded ones, have camera with facial recognition wingdows login, or a finger print scanner. http://www.newegg.com/Product/...=Truetheres newegg's inventory, seems cleaned out (lots of not in stock units) but 3 pages of laptops from asus. Make sure to get a quad core, with at least 4gb of ram, decent video card as you cant upgrade them in a laptop and 64bit windows 7.

[petervivian]

It really depends on what kind of applications you normally use. Bear in mind that the software you have bought for a windows OS can not run on a Mac OS. I believe you are talking about laptops (XPS can be a laptop or desktop, but macbook is certainly a laptop). I suggest spend around one thousand dollars on a well build laptop, that is the maximum, since this laptop can manage all the daily applications plus 1080p playback, photo and video editing etc.. You can always spend the rest of the budget on your vibe

[northvibe]

Quote, originally posted by petervivian »It really depends on what kind of applications you normally use. Bear in mind that the software you have bought for a windows OS can not run on a Mac OS. I believe you are talking about laptops (XPS can be a laptop or desktop, but macbook is certainly a laptop). I suggest spend around one thousand dollars on a well build laptop, that is the maximum, since this laptop can manage all the daily applications plus 1080p playback, photo and video editing etc.. You can always spend the rest of the budget on your vibe well...metaphorically it can you can run windows via emulation (virtual machine like) or you can boot into windows. ALSO if osX crashes and you need a OS reinstall you can do a repair option install and lose NO settings or data gawd I love apples and you can boot off firewire drives OR other macs, OR turn your mac into a ext firewire hdd. its a tech's dream

[audiovibe]

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »Get a PC and spend the money you saves from not buying a Mac on the Vibe!!!Better yet use the money saved from the Mac and put a P.C. in the Vibe They are both different animals, I prefer P.C. as that is what I know. My advice is play with both and see what OS you like more. Since I dont know much about macs I'd say windows, because once it ticks you off youcan just install Linux and be done.Aron

[northvibe]

once it ticks you off? you mean when it crashes? lol

[L5K]

I actually like and can use both very well. I prefer Windows because I can upgrade more than just ram, build my own and game on it. I also like the prices. If Apple would release an OS that could be used on stuff they didn't build I'd love to be able to use it on MY computer (not theirs), but it would probably be a pain for a very long time.Microsoft makes an OS that will run on any computer that any idiot builds. Apple makes an OS that will run on computers they build and no others. That is why OSX seems so stable.

[09vGT]

Well, I went ahead and went with Windows 7 this time.. I ordered at Dell XPS 13. High def screen and sound, backlit keyboard, all the bells and whistles... I really hope I like it and I hope it last.

[northvibe]

Quote, originally posted by L5K »Microsoft makes an OS that will run on any computer that any idiot builds. Apple makes an OS that will run on computers they build and no others. That is why OSX seems so stable.run on any pc? only x86 based pc's, not any risc, or supercomputer chips..

[L5K]

x64 as well. RISC is dead tech at the speed chips run now anyway, and most consumers aren't out there looking into buying, or even building supercomputers.

[northvibe]

Quote, originally posted by L5K »x64 as well. RISC is dead tech at the speed chips run now anyway, and most consumers aren't out there looking into buying, or even building supercomputers.64 bit is x86 architecture. which imo is freaking out dated and stupid why we keep making them...Risc is not dead tech. Playstation 2 and 3, xbox 360, EMC SAN's use it. Risc is a fantastic architecture that current gen programmers are too lazy to program for because they like MS's visual basic's tab completing programming

[lovemyraffe]

You should be able to get years out of that laptop. Do you know all of the specs on it?

[09vGT]

If you go to Dell's website and find the XPS 13 you'll see them. The only thing I added was a wireless mouse, bluetooth, 3 year warranty, and Microsoft's office suite 2007..

[tribalman]

build your own and go linux.http://blogs.techrepublic.com.....e011

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by tribalman »build your own and go linux.Me likey that option. Although I my Mac too.

[Tubaryan12]

Quote, originally posted by tribalman »build your own and go linux.http://blogs.techrepublic.com.....e011Add one more vote for that.(sent from my Xubuntu box)