PC or Mac?

from JoeUser Forums

As I mentioned yesterday, we're thinking about a new laptop for me.  My current one has a 12in screen and while I don't want something much larger, a little bit bigger might be nice.  We had just automatically assumed that we'd get another PC, but after doing a bit of research, I'm really hesitant to get invovled with Vista.  So now we're thinking of a Mac, but the price is a bit startling--for about a thousand bucks I'd end up with a laptop that's a whopping one inch bigger! 

So I'm really torn.  We don't need anything terribly heavy duty--internet, emails and some gaming is about as wild as I get.  I do have some photos and music, and definitely do lots of Word stuff for my tutoring, but I haven't come anywhere close to using this computer's capacity.  (So why a new one?  This one is getting pretty slow, especially to start.)

Please chime in freely.  I know many of you know way more than  I ever will, so I'd be curious to hear your opinions.

(And why haven't they come out with one of those PC commercials that features someone whose name is Mack, so they can end with 'I'm Mack, and I'm a PC'?)

Thanks!

2,303 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

I've got a Vista Ultimate laptop (HP 17"), and one of the new Mac laptops (13.3"). They're both good, and I use them for different purposes. BTW, I'm a software developer, so my needs are different from yours.

Both platforms will readily do what you've described. The Mac really is impressive. Apple has really mastered the "wow" factor, but Vista (with a little bit of Stardock thrown in for good measure) is nothing to sneeze at. There's really nothing to be afraid of here.

I tend towards the "power user" end of the scale, so I'm usually looking for a higher-end unit, but unless you under config your system, you will be happy with either system.

In my case, I wanted the 17" screen to watch video on, and the 13.3" screen for when I am on the road. For development work, I have a 22" widescreen that I can add as a second monitor to either of the systems. I doubt that I could use the 12" screen that you currently have for regular work. Not to brag, but I rarely work with only one monitor unless I am on the road.

If you're the type of person who needs help, then I'd go with the kind of system that your friends/family have. If not, then either go with your heart wants or your budget can afford.

Good luck!

Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top

fairly easy to run both mac os and windows on the newer macs so if really can't find a mac app that does something you need done and could do on your pc, all ya gotta do flip the desktop and you're good to go.

for over 10 years i wouldn't touch a windows machine. for 10 years after that, i rarely had access to macs.  these days i spend about 20 hours a week at an office in which there's nothing but macs and who knows how much time on one or another pc.

some things--networking an office, for example--are ridiculously easy and painless to do with macs.  on the other hand, software that comes in both windows and mac os versions never seem to provide as many whistles and bells for mac users.

macs are considerably more expensive and obsolete is never more than a "brand new thing" or two away.  

anyone willing to give it a shot can deal with windows machine hardware issues; apple does its best to discourage that kinda thing.   uninstalling software on a mac is almost always as simple as tossing the app in the trash....no messy orphans or junk to clog up the works.

sorry for adding to the confusion but...

if you feel closer to the pc guy in the ad, you prolly should stick with windows.

 

 

 

Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Thanks for the input??? 

I guess I'm used to PCs--that's all I've had--but everyone who has a Mac really loves it.  I am definitely computer literate enough to go either way, and I have to say that at this point I'm leaning towards Apple, but not for any arguable or rational reason...

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

17" is a ton. I had a 17" laptop, and used it for gaming. It was about the same as carrying a small normal computer in terms of weight, though.

If you could find a 15" Windows, go for it.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

I second Kingbee.

Buy a Mac and make the decision later. You can run both Vista and Mac OS on the Mac and the only notable difference is that the Mac comes with good Vista drivers and some PC laptops don't.