| Author | Message | ||
     Sknight |
I switched to Mac last year and am more than happy that I did. Downloaded Openoffice and do all of my business work on it too, my XP powered laptop just sitting there. Real testament though is a buddy of mine that's an IT director just got a Macbook and is wondering why he didn't switch sooner. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
But, I've upgraded the configuration... to add a faster video card & 500GB Hard drive. I originally thought I chose that one. But I guess not. In fact, the HD Radeon in the HP is about 25-30% than the Nvidia in the Macbook Pro. And the HP is still nearly 50% less than the comparable Macbook.  And saying it's not an equivalent comparison because the macbook is at retail.  So sale prices should be ignored? I don't know about you, but when I go shopping for something, I'll not ignore sale prices. And XL, well, the HDTV tuner, 500GB 7200RPM Hard drive & HDMI output on the HP are also features  And if you're talking about features, I could add a blueray drive for another $150 as well... | ||
| Froggy |
Plastic cases don't dent like aluminum. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Let's go bottom line here, guys. Mac's are better. iPhones are better, iPods are better. Customer tech support is much better. Got it? Better. Better looking, easier to use, better integrated hard ware and software. Nobody buys memory from apple if they are concerned about price: Other World Computing is the spot. Lot's of PC users just haven't gotten the Bulletin, but the fact that Mac has doubled its market share in the last few years shows apple is doing something right, and people are catching on. When I think of great company leaders, I think of Erik Buell and Steve Jobs. Pretty sweet being around they same time as they are. (Message edited by gentleman_jon on January 07, 2010) (Message edited by gentleman_jon on January 07, 2010) | ||
| 12x9sl |
Now I'm not a computer genius, quite the opposite. However, my next computer WILL be a Mac. I have had soo much trouble with my wife's XPS Studio Dell that I will most likely never buy a Dell laptop again and we both have Dells now. The short answer, money issue aside, is that you will have less problems and better performance with a Mac if you do no or little performance maintenance. Imho, ymmv. | ||
| Doon |
The way I sum up mac vs pc. Mac: Higher CapEX, Lower OpEX | ||
| Nik |
So sale prices should be ignored? I don't know about you, but when I go shopping for something, I'll not ignore sale prices. Agreed. Like I said, I've never paid retail for a Mac. When I got my last one I configured an equivalent Dell at the retail price and it was $300 more than my Mac. I would never conclude from that comparison though that Macs were inexpensive bargains; I just got a good deal. | ||
| Woody1911a1 |
PC all the way . there's no way i'd pay apple's over-inflated prices and be so limited hardware and software wise . besides Windows 7 just changed the rules . Fast , stable and the new taskbar rocks for multi-tasking . and..... if you want to compare erik buell and steve jobs , think again . Buells don't cost $25,000 !!! yup that's the monetary equivalent . cheers Woody | ||
| Froggy |
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| Steve_mackay |
I've never paid retail for a Mac. When I got my last one I configured an equivalent Dell at the retail price and it was $300 more than my Mac. Neither have I. But the only way to get these deals, is usually refurbs, or previous models. But I've never seen one cheaper than a PC alternative. | ||
| Chainsaw |
My view on Apple vs HP  | ||
| Greg_e |
I use both at work... When it comes down to doing things that are outside the box, the Macs let me down every single time. Support for the things I have needed were pushed off as not worth thinking about when I contacted my rep at Apple. They do what they do well, but don't try to do things outside of their narrow little scope. As far as laptops go, before Christmas Best Buy had some Toshiba machines for $500 that were really nice, core 2 duo with 3GB ram and some fairly large and fast hard drive. Really nice machines. | ||
| Danger_dave |
'Limited software on a Mac'. Good one.  | ||
| Xl1200r |
Limited hardware, too. Complaining about limited hardware is like complaining about parts being rare for your Chevy Cobalt at the Toyota dealership. And not only is there a TON of software out there for Macs these days, you can literally run ANY windows program on one, up to and including the Windows OS itself. I'm not a Mac snob, but I don't care for PC snobs, either. | ||
| Wrong36 |
i work on both... i use my pc. i love my mac. | ||
| 07xb12ss |
I have 2 iPods, I've had every iPhone, I've had a MacBook Pro for 3 years now and its still running like new It might cost twice as much but it gives me 0 problems and will last four times as long as a pc just my opinion as my buddy says, Apple products arent cheap because they dont put out crappy products | ||
| Wbrisett |
Plastic cases don't dent like aluminum. No, they crack and break, but don't ask me how I know that!  Trying to get computer recommendations is a lot like trying to get recommendations on motorcycles. Everybody has a favorite and can provide horror stories about either. I'm very biased, but I almost have to be, much like Court is with Buell. I worked for Apple for 10 years (and probably still would be if they hadn't have shifted my job to California where I didn't want to move). I will say this though, Windows has come a long way. Windows 7 finally seems to fix a lot of issues in the previous OS, but don't try upgrading, because you almost can't do it (OK, you can, but it takes a lot of doing). Final thoughts... whatever you do, forget about Dell. I'm not sure what is going on there, but in my current company, we buy Dells because of price. I think at any one time 20% of our computers are sitting in the IT lab getting worked on. It's crazy. I think quality control is a serious afterthought with them these days. Wayne | ||
| Hammer71 |
Windows 7 just changed the rules . Fast , stable and the new taskbar rocks for multi-tasking Amazing how it looks and acts like the OSX platform. Each of them can and will do the same thing it's just how you get there is different. I run a Windows partition on my Mac for the one program I need it for, ECM spy. This ultimately turns into the my dad can beat up your dad debate and doesnt get you any real advise just opinion. If you have one nearby go to an Apple store ask questions and play with the thing for a while. While there browse the software and hardware sections (all can be had cheaper elsewhere). Should you choose to go with a Mac I would recommend the refurbished section of the online store, as you get the same machine at a good discount. | ||
| Doon |
omg froggy. That picture is awesome (And so true...) The funny part is that a bunch of my friends where getting into this exact same argument yesterday as well. Me: Mac/Unix Friend1: Windows (its better/cheaper) Friend2: Linux owns you... The funny part is the argument basically got our version of godwin'd (when it degenerated into Penis jokes..) | ||
| Steve_mackay |
But what does that make me Froggy? 1 MINT Linux Generic PC that run several web sites. 1 Desktop PC that Dual Boots XP & Ubuntu 1 Dell E1705 Laptop that dual boots XP & OSX(Hackintosh) 1 iMac that dual boots OSX and XP. 1 Dual 1GHZ G4 Mac that recently died. If that Dual G4 had been a PC it would be a $25 fix to fix the dead Power Supply. But NOOOOOOOO, it has to be a proprietary one that costs $125 for a refurb. I replaced it with the MINT linux PC that runs my websites faster anyhow. | ||
| Blake |
It took Microsoft a long time to pass Mac (Win98, Win2000), and it's taken Mac a while to equal or exceed the MS OS (OS X version III, whatever that was called). I had such a horrendously awful experience with both Mac hardware and the OS that my stomach still turns just thinking about procuring a Mac. But my loving wife uses a Mac every day at work (Architectural Design/Drafting) and says that since OS X gotted sorted, no more crashes. She used to suffer crashes at least once per day. I still run my ten year old Dell Inspiron 5000e notebook from time to time. It runs Win 2000 and will go for months and months restarting from hibernation with nary an issue. At work using Dell desktops, same deal. I have zero complaints with PCs. I remain VERY wary of the Macs. I dig my iPhone. The new Droid that my nephew showed me recently has leapfrogged it in a number of areas though, multi-tasking being the most significant. I still prefer the iPhone, better design, more compact, bigger screen. My next PC may be a MacBook, but it's awfully tough to justify for me as I'm way too familiar with the PC, and have had great experience with Dell computers going on for too many years now. | ||
| Blake |
One thing I don't appreciate is the wide format screens on every single laptop. I MUCH prefer the old standard format. The only thing a small wide screen is good for is watching movies. I mostly use the desktop monitor (24" wide screen) in portrait mode so I don't have to scroll as much to see email or read the posts here. Does anyone know where I can find a new laptop that uses the old taller format screen? | ||
| Sphere79 |
The people I have talked to about Mac systems say they will never go back to a Microsoft based system again. With the investment in expensive Mac hardware, who would ever admit they've spent too much? I believe it's very similar to "high-end" nameplates and "status" vehicles such as Mercedes. The quality has been sliding for years, your average Buick has less problems. But try finding an owner who will admit it. And since they generally have the money to spend for the repairs, they'll just do it and not argue. The dealer isn't going to be willing to look into potential problems anyway, as doing so might reveal a less-than-perfect quality record - and how dare you even insinuate a Mercedes could ever have a problem. That's the reality. The Mac supporters who say "you get what you pay for" well yes sometimes. And other times you've paid too much for a better looking car that costs more but in reality works the same as cars costing far less. You don't have the status but you've gone from A to B and spent far less doing it. And the parts are cheaper down the road too - a winner is you. Mac's are better. iPhones are better, iPods are better. Define "better"? Is having less choice better? Is being tied down to proprietary apps and DRM better? Like I've said before, my last few cheapo cell phones all had a removable battery. They've all had a memory card slot. And they've been able to take a picture and txt it to someone and this was years ago. None of these things benefit anyone but Apple and somehow that's "better"!? When I think of great company leaders, I think of Erik Buell and Steve Jobs. Ugh. If the same business tactics that Apple practices are used by Microsoft everyone attacks. When Apple ties you down the fans scream "tighter". If Apple throws their legal weight around it's just business, when Microsoft does it they're "evil". Lot's of PC users just haven't gotten the Bulletin, but the fact that Mac has doubled its market share in the last few years shows apple is doing something right, and people are catching on. I think it has more to do with Microsoft doing wrong (up until Windows 7 anyway) than Apple doing right. I also think part of the increased numbers over the past few years can be attributed to the Mac now being able to boot Windows. I personally hope their market share grows even more, so that Mac users can experience the joy of viruses and virus scanners and check that off the list of things that make Macs "better". ....you can literally run ANY windows program on one, up to and including the Windows OS itself. You know that's a good sign when a selling point is that it runs Windows. Windows sucks but buy a Mac because it can run it now! Alright after all this Mac bashing I will say that obviously the OS and other devices must at least be working for those who buy them. They must have a certain level of functionality (especially when you don't have a choice i.e. itunes) or they wouldn't be selling. That's basic consumer logic, all feelings of being in some super-cool club or superiority aside. To the original poster, if you can download and burn CD's grab the PCLinuxOS LXDE iso here: http://pclinuxos.com/?page_id=188 It's only 313MB's and you have nothing to lose as you can try the OS from the CD and it won't even touch your Windows installation. It won't run super-fast from disc but none-the-less you'll know what you're getting before committing and can make sure all hardware will be supported before any install. It will run better than Ubuntu on older PC hardware and do everything you need it to. I run the lite LXDE desktop on my Netbook (dual-boot with XP) and the wife's laptop. Home PC has the full version of PCLinuxOS. I wish at this time I could recommend a new PC with Linux but even as a fan I'm not sure we're there yet. I have many friends and family running it however I am their tech support. System76.com comes close (and gives you phone support included) but as I have not purchased from them and don't run ubuntu fulltime I can not say make the jump yet. My parents next system will probably be one of their sweet dual-core Nettops (the prices are good too, no MS tax) but with PCLinuxOS installed as that's what they are used to. I say get a new Windows 7 system and try Linux on your older hardware. You may even feel comfortable enough to try dual-booting on the new hardware, and you'll have the benefits of free software and no need for constant virus-scanning. (Message edited by sphere79 on January 08, 2010) | ||
| Xl1200r |
Is having less choice better? Is being tied down to proprietary apps and DRM better? YOU ARE NOT TIED DOWN TO ANYTHING! You can run WHATEVER you want on a Mac. You know that's a good sign when a selling point is that it runs Windows. Windows sucks but buy a Mac because it can run it now! The example was only given to combat all the people that feel like you can only run the small selection of software avaiable at the apple store on a Mac. It's just not true. I think it has more to do with Microsoft doing wrong (up until Windows 7 anyway) than Apple doing right. I also think part of the increased numbers over the past few years can be attributed to the Mac now being able to boot Windows. a) Windows 7 is not even remotely a proven platform, so I feel like judgement needs to be witheld on that. b) The ability for Macs to dual boot likely makes up a fraction of increased sales. I would bet the vast majority of users don't even use this feature because they don't need or want it, and other programs (which cost a lot less than a legal copy of Windows) will run any Windows program without Windows being installed right inside OSX, including ECM Spy. | ||
| Sphere79 |
YOU ARE NOT TIED DOWN TO ANYTHING! You can run WHATEVER you want on a Mac. How many itunes alternatives for Mac are there? How many work with an iphone or ipod touch? Can I buy a Mac from Apple that plays Blu-Rays? I was mainly referring more to Apple in general, especially the ipod / iphone. Sure, you can run anything you want on an iphone, as long as Apple approves it. Want to use Slacker Radio AND still be able to take a call? Not on an iphone - Apple doesn't allow it. Want proper id3 v2 mp3 tag support? Sorry. Want to quickly and simply plug the device into any computer and drag an audio file to it? Just about any cheap-ass mp3 player is mass-storage compliant and can handle this - but not an ipod. Want to quickly download a song from the itunes store without first installing a bloated piece of software that will try to high-jack all of your file associations? Not gonna happen. Can I buy books from the itunes store that aren't censored like I'm an 8 year old child? You can defend the devices till the cows come home - but the above issues are deal breakers for some of us. I have a friend in IT who works in a large manufacturing facility. The owner of the company is a "Mac Guy" and likes the hardware. I almost fell out of my chair when my friend told me they spent out the ass to get Mac hardware to run machinery - and they are all running Windows exclusively of course. 5 years ago if you told me Macs would be on a production floor I'd have laughed at you. It's Windows that ultimately makes it happen in this case. "He's really loyal to Apple and money is no object" is what he told me. And one could always pull out the proverbial "gaming" argument as well, if that's your thing. RE: Windows 7 - while not necessarily "proven" you can tell pretty quickly that quite a bit of the Vista fat has been cut out. The reviews are much better this time around and all in all it's looking pretty good. And since when does Apple have to prove anything? You know idiots will be lined up (and the "news" encouraging them) whenever Apple's not-so-secret likely to be insanely overpriced "tablet" is released. Gee, I hope it has Flash support. (Message edited by sphere79 on January 08, 2010) | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Sphere...  I have an iPhone, and like the device. But my next phone WILL be Android or WebOS(Palm) | ||
| Xl1200r |
Sphere - your concerns are valid if one is not willing to make a full switch. I don't see the issue with iTunes. I don't think you can really fault Apple for creating a price of software that works exclusively with their devices. You may be able to fault other software comopanies for not providing an alternative, though. No, you can't do mass-storage by plugging an iPhone into a computer, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. There are apps out there that will create temporary file hosting sites on the web that you upload to from you computer and download to from your iPhone. Alternatively, you can simply just email whatever file you're trying to get. No internet? What computer these days isn't connected to the internet? If you want eBooks that aren't censored, nothing is stopping you from getting them elsewhere. The file structure for iTunes is fine assuming that's what you started with. Bringing things in manually after the fact should then be rather simple. If you switch to iTunes, yeah, it's a pain the butt. I guess for most of the users, myself included, I don't care how a computer does anything, just that it does it. So far, my Mac is better for that than any of the countless PCs I've had. Maybe my opinion will change in 5 years when it's time to replace. 5 years ago, I bought a serious hot-rod IBM Thinkpad - close to $3,000 machine. 5 years later, it was a total slug. I didn't take very good care of, kept on malware when I felt like it, and only occasionally did anything to clean any of it up. My real test is to treat my Mac the exact same way and see how it fares in 5 years. I think it will be money well spent, but I could be wrong. As far as iPhones go, I love mine but am fully aware of it's shortcomings and features that took WAY to long to come out. I'll keep it for another year, but when it comes time to replace, I will be considering other manufacturers. | ||
| Indybuell |
Mac. All the way. I have called customer support twice in three years. Both calls were answered by folks that speak English as their first language. | ||
| Jimduncan69 |
+1000 on what indybuell just said! there computers are supported buy people who love there product as much as there customers.... sound kinda familiar? | ||
| Hammer71 |
Because YOU cant do it on a Mac or Iphone doesnt mean someone else isnt already or it cant be done. Im done with my .02 Gary I agree entirely, some here just wont or dont want to get it. That sounds familiar also. |
