| Author | Message | ||
     Gunut75 |
I'm looking for feedback on a new system. I will be updating soon (getting newer machines), and want to know if the Mac setup is really better than what I have now. I will be buying a desktop, and a laptop, or 2 laptops soon. Is there a clear advantage of the Mac systems? My info here is vague, I know, because I don't know anything about Mac systems. I'm buying the computers for web surfing, and media storage. Thats about it. Maybe burn a CD or DVD now and then. The people I have talked to about Mac systems say they will never go back to a Microsoft based system again. My uncle swears by his Mac setup, and claims he has never had a problem he could not fix himself. Just gathering opinions before I start shoveling out money. What systems do you run? Advantages? Disadvantages? | ||
| Brinnutz |
Shovel out money if you want a Mac. You can get the same hardware in a PC for damn less than half the price in some instances if you know where to find the deals. See, Macs kept their OS proprietary for certain hardware, meaning they didn't have to provide support for systems from several different manufacturers, like Windows does. So, if you want variety and options in your hardware choices, go with PC. If you want to pay way more than what it's actually worth, get a Mac. Windows 7 is also pretty damn good I hear. Once I get my new SSD for my Tablet in and installed I will be installing Windows 7 Ultimate. | ||
| 99buellx1 |
Me either with my PC's. | ||
| Brinnutz |
^ I agree. | ||
| Froggy |
+1. Like nutz said, Macs tend to be more stable because they are locked down more with less hardware and software support. Windows 7 is fantastic, and has been completely trouble free for me on my machines. If you are just going to be web surfing, get a cheapo machine whether desktop or laptop. DVD burners are standard equipment these days. If you get a cheap machine, and you drop it and break it, it isn't as big of a loss like say a Macbook, which will be several times the price of a craptop, plus it may be harder to get parts or service for it. Hell some Macbooks don't even have removable batteries anymore. | ||
| Slaughter |
Also since there are SO MANY MORE pc's than Macs, most viruses are written to hit the PC. Like the seargeant said before going on leave: "Just use protection" | ||
| Xl1200r |
Shovel out money if you want a Mac. You can get the same hardware in a PC for damn less than half the price in some instances if you know where to find the deals. I found this not to be the case. Read the fine print on the specs on a Mac and the building a comparable PC system leaves the price gap much smaller. I've used PCs all my life but just recently decided to try a MacBook Pro when I needed to replace my 5-year old IBM Thinkpad. In short, I like my Mac. Froggy is right - they are more locked down, which is perfectly fine for 99% of users - not everyone is a computer nerd who needs to write their own code to do something, including me. The included software is mostly fantastic, and the system as a whole does some things a lot better than a windows machine. However, it also does thing a lot worse, too. I've found that navigating the file structure is a PITA. Bottom line - I like my Mac a lot, but I don't doubt I'd be just as happy owning a nice PC. When it comes time to replace this one, I won't rule out buying PC, either. I'm not a Mac snob. They're not better or worse, just different. In your case, though, for what you're looking to do, a cheapo PC-based system sounds like a better option. | ||
| Froggy |
Most virus infections are caused by user error. Opening unsafe attachments, using administrator accounts, going to dodgy websites, limewire, etc. | ||
| Xl1200r |
Yeah, but I REALLY like some of those dodgy websites... | ||
| 99buellx1 |
HAHA, quote of the year! | ||
| Jimduncan69 |
i don't know anything about windows 7. so i can't give you any advise on a window's machine. but i have a macbook pro and just bought my girlfriend a macbook for christmas. i use my macbook pro as a DAW "digital audio workstation" in my recording studio. it runs flawlessly damn near all the time. i used to record with pc's and always had problems. my girlfriend loves her macbook. she does simple stuff on it like surf the web and some stuff for work. she is catching on to running it pretty fast. not to mention you don't have to fool with any anti virus programs. i know to someone like froggy pc's are the way to go.he is a wiz with them and i wouldn't expect him to do anything but preach the pc gospel. but i am not a computer wiz. i don't need nor want to get into the nitty gritty workings of the computer. i just want a computer to work the way they are supposed to and not have to fiddle with them to do something. my macbook pro has done just that for me. my personal opinion is that i will never buy another pc again. as far as the batterie's go. i am pretty sure the newer macbook's and macbook pro do not have easily removable batteries. you have to take out a few screw's to remove them. but the batterie life is amazing on them. my girlfriends macbook batterie will get about 7 hour before it needs recharged. yes they are more expensive. my macbook pro is a little over 2 years old and is still super fast and does any and everything i need it to do. from recording bands to editing video to surfing the web or watching a movie. i have no plans on buying a newer one anytime soon. so if you count how long you will use it and not have to upgrade to a new one they basically are no more expensive then a nice pc. teck support for a mac is awesome. i have to say that i have had to call them a couple of time's. for little things like how to set up a network or a couple questions about my recording program. they will go way above and beyond to help you. the last time i called them i was way past my warrantee and they never hesitated to help or charge me. so they really stand behind there product. but make what ever decision you feel comfy with. i would advise you to go out and check all of you options then get what you want. go to an apple store if you have one close to you. they will walk you thru all of there products so you know what they have to offer. | ||
| Brinnutz |
I've seen people piece together their own systems part by part for half the price of a Mac. All same specs too as far as RAM, CPU, GPU, and even more RAM and a larger HDD. It's just Apples way of making money. In fact, go "upgrade" your RAM on the Apple site when ordering. I guarantee you it is WAY more than that of say, going to Newegg for the same Value RAM. But at least you don't drink the juice enough to disagree that all he needs is a cheapo laptop, lol. | ||
| Hootowl |
"Most virus infections are caused by user error. Opening unsafe attachments, using administrator accounts, going to dodgy websites, limewire, etc." There you have it folks, the unvarnished truth. | ||
| Jimduncan69 |
i would never buy ram from apple it is way over priced. i bought 4gigs of ram from crucial for a fraction of what apple was selling it for. | ||
| B00stzx3 |
Mac=more money for less. Not as much software, more $$$$. But you'll fit in well at the local starbucks  Im jk but try windows 7 out. Its got a very nice "mac feel" while retaining the software and resonable price of a PC. | ||
| Nik |
}- not everyone is a computer nerd who needs to write their own code to do something, OSX and its BSD Unix base actually make it great for programing. Compilers and a development kit supplied as an optional install package for free. Virtually all the professors and grad students in my controls and computational methods classes used mactels. And I've always found Mac laptops to be very competitive price wise for what you get, when looking at the base systems (I agree that the upgrades are overpriced especially since they now use standard PC hardware.) Then again I've never paid retail on one either. Oh, and I should add that you can easily install windows on a mac, and run both operating systems concurrently. (Message edited by nik on January 07, 2010) | ||
| Danger_dave |
I've used both macs and DOS boxes professionally since 1988. I have both, but I prefer the Macs. The way the OS works and the included Apps suit me better. | ||
| Milt |
I second Nik's comments. | ||
| Xl1200r |
I've seen people piece together their own systems part by part for half the price of a Mac. Be fair. "Piecing together" a system will always be cheaper than buying a factory-made system, PC or Mac. And go to Dell's website and look at what they charge for RAM. I can get ram for my Mac through Newegg just like you. The hardware is not nearly as proprietary as you assume. Believe me, I used to hate Macs and swore I'd never own one, but they've really gotten their act together. Even simple things like the new MacBooks with the billet aluminum chassis. I've NEVER felt a PC feel as sturdy and solid - they're always so plasticy and creeky. Again I say - one isn't better or worse than the other, they're just different. I liken a Mac to a BMW and a typical PC to a Hyundai Genesis. On paper, they both do the exact same things, but in real life the Hyundai is still using cheaper parts inferior materials to get that lower price. But if you want, you can buy the Mercedes of PCs, which are just as good as a Mac in every way, but pretty much cost exactly the same. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I'm actually a Linux guy, not mac *or* windows. Yesterday, on my professionally managed work XP machine, I waited 60 seconds for "my computer" to open up after it was clicked. If I close Microsoft Outlook, that goes back down to about 2 seconds (the machines use full drive encryption, as per corporate policy). I'm sure there is something wrong with it, but I promise you it wasn't because I did anything stupid. It's just screwed up... again... and microsoft is cheating with the API and has hardwired outlook into deep into the OS and created problems for me. I could reinstall... again... and clean it up for 6 to 12 months... For me, given what the company pays me per hour, and how long I will use the machine, they would have saved a *fortune* buying me a Mac... (If all you really want to do is what you say you want to do... Ubuntu on commodity hardware would serve you well) | ||
| Xl1200r |
Reep - I have similar issues with my work PC. It takes me a full 15 minutes (yes, I timed it) to boot up, open my e-mail and instant messaging programs and have the computer chill out to the point that it will open a webpage or new excel doc in a timely manner. | ||
| Just_ziptab |
I have Ubuntu OS. Very fast.The ONLY drawback so far is that it won't open all videos. Probably just needs a "fix" of some sort. You CAN have windows and Ubuntu on the same machine.....just have to start up with the one you want. | ||
| Doon |
I am *nix guy (FreeBSD primarily) But my Laptop is a mac book pro. The included iApps (imovie/iphoto/etc..) are better than the bundled apps that come with Windows (I have windows 7 running in a vm on my mac for the times when I have to use windows (due to vendor lock in). Which OS is best will always come down to a religious war (kinda like which Motorcycle is best), or which $anything_that_people_feel_passionately_about is best. We have the same arguments over vi vs emacs (vi is the correct answer there kids), and the like. If all you are doing is surfing the web and collecting digital media. Either OSX or Windows 7 will do what you want (There are multiple versions of Windows 7, and I couldn't tell you which one does what -- Ask Froggy..).. Depending upon your level of sophistication, at the moment the mac (in my opinion) is a tad bit safer, Since as was stated before the majority of the viruses target windows since it is a bigger target. So the malware issue on the mac is minimized (this is current, and I will make no claims it is due to superior os, etc.. just less ROI ). Yes macs are more expensive, but most of the comparisons are not apples to apples (pun intended). once you start comparing apples to other premium brands, you will find that they are closer than some people think. I like my Macs cause they just work for me. I am more productive on them, then on a PC, (but I can bend a PC to my will if need be). But as person who spends his day writing code and managing ops for decent sized Regional ISP, I know I am way happier when on a mac. Kinda like I am way happier when riding my buell | ||
| Doon |
Ziptab. Ubuntu works well. Main problem (if buying an off the shelf PC for use with ubuntu or any any linux ) is finding one that doesn't come with windows (thus adding to its cost). Try this: http://www.ubuntugeek.com/install-mplayer-and-mult imedia-codecs-libdvdcss2w32codecsw64codecs-in-ubun tu-9-10-karmic.html That should get you most of the codecs needed to play all sorts of videos | ||
| Americanmadexb |
I hate computers, i run a 1985 Etch a Sketch.  | ||
| Scottykrein |
Ziptab, just go out and grab the Medibuntu packages, good stuff. I say upgrade the hardware in your desktop, throw Ubuntu on it, and pick up a cheap o net book for surfing. Get one with XP on it so you have a good machine for ECM Spy. In the end it's the same damn Internet, regardless how cool your machine is. Save the money and spend it on bike parts. | ||
| Froggy |
All of them will do what you want, the more expensive versions have features you probably have no idea what they do, mostly aimed at corporate environments and power users. I personally recommend Pro, as it has most of the features and can be bought for the same price as the less featured Home Premium, $30 if you have an .edu email address. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
I found this not to be the case. Read the fine print on the specs on a Mac and the building a comparable PC system leaves the price gap much smaller. Now, I've owned 3 'modern' Macs. And quite frankly, if you're finding the price gap much smaller, you're shopping in the wrong place. Compare today's deal...  to this:  I think the price differential is fairly large when you're an informed consumer. | ||
| Nik |
That Mac has dual gpus, one of which alone is better than the one the HP ships with.. And you're comparing sale price to retail, so its not really an equivelent comparision. | ||
| Xl1200r |
And that HP doesn't have a stone solid billet aluminum chassis and backlit keyboard. They might not do anything for performance, but they are features. For the record, that's still a really good deal. I've typically found most PCs to have much less FSB compared to Mac processors. |
