Mac or PC for my next computer?

Question

I'm going to need a new computer, but can't decide between a Mac and another PC (have always used them and always had them). A Mac seems so much more sleek, but people tell me they're more for "artsy" people. Plus, I know that both operate differently, but I'm not sure that's a plus or minus. So advice would really help.

Answer 1

PC

cheaper

can run more programs

upgradable

won't tell you that you need an upgrade when you dont

Answer 2

I would highly recommend a Mac. You can dual boot Ubuntu with a little bit of computer knowledge so you can run Windows applications if needed. Macs do run Photoshop faster, apparently. You can also use the express software and Aperture that are all $200. Each one are worth it. Aperture does have a trial too. The learning route is very simple, just view some tutorials on the Apple site if you want. That's what I did, I knew command+Q, how to open applications, remove, the keys, and a bunch more when I switched. iLife will let you do some fun yet basic stuff. iPhoto is real nice for what you get. The recent release of iMovie pwns Windows Movie Maker. GarageBand is a very neat program too. OS X also comes with some nice applications to fill your needs. Time Machine isn't as much of a pain as "shadow copying." There's just simply too many cool features of OS X and everything is simple. Multimedia is always standard for Mac. And there's a simple programming language called "AppleScript" bundled so you can create some cool little applications.

Macs will change your life, and don't ever listen to what others say, "Stick with PC." That's the most pathetic answer on this planet. And don't worry about viruses. There's very few. But the thing OS X lacks is the "root" user. Therefore, Macs are easier to hack than Linux. Hopefully Snow Leopard will contain a "root" user.



The root user is the "super user" of the computer.



Mac user forever.



@guy above me:

That answer is outdated, you just copied and pasted. You could get a new macbook for $900 from macconnection or pcconnection (forgot which one). Plus, the whites have NVidia GeForce 9400M, the same as the new iMacs and Macbooks. And that Dell would be slower. Dells are just pieces of metal that's not environment friendly. Dell infact uses a lot of resources for their heavy-weighted, ugly, disgusting, slow products. You pay premium for Macs.

Answer 3

I just bought a MacBook a few weeks ago, and I love it. All of my past computers have all been PC's, but if I need to buy another computer, it will for sure be a Mac. It just runs so much faster. Since apple makes the computer and the software, they run hand in hand. Where as in a PC, you could have a Sony computer with Panosonic software running on a Windows system. And as far as the artsy thing, a Mac is very great on editing photos and making movies. I would get a mac, you won't regret it. I love mine.

Answer 4

I see this debate all the time and have given several answers about the systems they use. Tried to suggest which one I would personally use depending on what I would want to do. I run Unix., Linux and Windows on various computers. Mac is Solaris Unix using the ZSF disk format. A PC if you want to throw everything on the market at it, upgrades, hardware changes and modifications. If I was doing Video and audio productions, a Mac would be my choice. You can find all kinds of questions about problems people have with a Mac computer and hardly any answers to those issues here in Yahoo Questions and Answers.



The choice would be yours. I would advise to find some where you could work with a Mac to see if it would suit your needs before making that kind of investment.

Answer 5

I use a mac. There is nothing 'artsy' about a mac. If there is something "artsy" to it, it would be the software on it.... which would be also available for a PC.



Since you have had PCs before, go with a PC again, otherwise you will have to face a learning curve.



Plus PCs are generally cheaper.



If style and "sleek" factor are important, then sure go for the mac.

Answer 6

MAC MAC MAC MAC MAC.

they are less virus prone and while yes, they can help artsy people a lot, I am 13 and use it for everything from Youtube and myspace to Word and my 200 point projects. EXTREMELY straight forward. if you are not convinced, go to an apple store! Browse and ask about pros and cons. They will be very up front with you. If you want to go into even more detail make a "genius" appointment. So they are all yours and you can really get what you need to know.



Hope I helped : ))

Answer 7

A MAC/PC has a shelf life of 3-4 years before it needs to be replaced. So it depends on what you'll be using it for.



If you are going to be going to college and working in an industry where PCs are the predominant platform, I would suggest sticking with a Windows based computer



If you are in the arts (graphic design, video editing, etc) and are planning on working in an industry with MACs as the predominant platform, buy a mac.



If you're in high school...take your pick. Either one will give you what you need to succeed in school.

Answer 8

Mac is a good choice for me. Since mac has rare viruses compared to PC. It is very user friendly. It ables to run both windows and OSX. And Mac is a great multimedia computer.

Answer 9

First thing: whatever time you're afraid to spend learning to use Mac OS X, don't worry, Macs are more intuitive to use than Windows machines. It takes less time to learn to use them. Now if your were to go with Linux, another excellent OS, then yes you might consider spending more time to learn to use it which is not necessarily a bad thing.





The truth is that Macs are for people that want a simple more intuitive computer experience who want to get work done and don't want to be bothered with the security pitfalls and virus protection hassle that comes with Windows machines. This doesn't mean they are for dumb people.

Mac Os X also offers lots of neat perks for advanced users who like programming such as AppleScript and Automator. (Ever wanted to write your own little program to rename your files the way you like? Can't do it in Windows without Perl.)



Macs are not for "artsy" people. That is a huge misconception. Sure, they are more aesthetic (pretty-looking) but the truth is that they are secure because they are Unix-like, and yes less viruses target them because of their small user base, but is that a bad thing anyways? Even if the user base for Mac or Linux grew it wouldn't matter because they have built in security that Windows machine never had from the get to. The free software for Macs and Linux machines is actually of much better quality than that for Windows.





Go either with a Linux or a Macintosh machine. Either way you get a Unix-like system and they are more secure because to let a virus in you have to allow it (by providing your root password) whereas in windows machines programs install themselves without you knowing. In unix-like systems programs can't install themselves. They need your password.



Unless you need a hardcore gaming machine, you should go with Mac (or a Linux machine.) Now if you're worried about paying the higher initial price for a Mac, you can use your existing Windows machine and just install a Linux distribution like Ubuntu which is free for download on the internet. Besides, any money you spend initially on a Mac will pay for itself when you don't have to buy antivirus ever again. Second, third party software is usually cheaper on a mac and there's actually a lot of free useful software for Mac os X and Linux, more than for windows.



Here's some example of awesome free software for Mac os X:



-Growl

-TextWrangler

-Adium (the best messaging program I've seen)

-Transmission and Vuze (torrent clients)

-VLC (kick *** movie and music player that will play just about any movie format imaginable.)

-Xcode (awesome programming environment)

-FileZilla (awesome ftp client)

-tons of cool widgets from Apple.com

Answer 10

Depends.

If you want something expensive that doesn't do much, get a mac.

If you want something cheap that can do just about everything, get a pc.



Have had both. Currently have a 900$ PC that kicks my friend's 1700$ imac in the ***.

Answer 11

Get a Mac!

Answer 12

Don't even think about it, buy a mac. Even if you don't like Mac OS (which is impossible :P) you can run windows as well.

Answer 13

if you have been useing pc all ur life then dont stop, its too different i hate macs personally, they are trying too hard to be different.

keep to pc if i were u and try to avoid vista with less than 2gb of ram

Answer 14

if u like art and stuff THEN GET A

MAC!

Answer 15

I would get a PC for the following reasons

PC=Variety of specs, options, quality, prices, vendors, support

Mac=One vendor, limited options, still more expensive. Look below for more information..



Today, Macs use a subset of PC hardware. Why spend extra to get the same CPU chips, graphics cards and OS X isn't as secure as you think..



Don't believe the lies that Macs are better than PCs at graphics/animation.. Dreamworks Animation http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/ under studio click on Technology of Animation, an independent film maker I know uses PCs, a graphic artist I used to know uses PCs also.



A number of PCs can also run OS X (Mac OS) http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=os+x+on+pc&btnG=Google+Search&aq=0&oq=os+x+on+ as well just that Apple makes it illegal in order to get Market share.. The reason why Mac can run native Windows is because it is using a subset of PC hardware,



If you decide to buy a Mac for running Windows, you will still have to get the same virus/spyware protection, and run into the same issues as a regular PC.



Now is a Mac worth buying for OS X?



I say: NO... for the following reasons...



ADVANTAGES WINDOWS :

Aprox 90% of the market is Windows and most PCs have windows already pre-installed.

1) Some websites require Internet Explorer, to run IE on Mac you really get ies4osx which is the Windows version of IE running really buggy and illegal if you don't have a legitimate copy of Windows.

2) Supports devices (printers and other things you hook into the computer).

3) More business software/games

4) Want the dock on OS X (Mac)? google/yahoo rocketdock, objectdoc.

5) Used by businesses.



ADVANTAGES LINUX :

1) FREE (most versions are)

2) Install software by eitjher 1) Synaptic Package Manager, 2) Add/Remove 3) Opening a .deb or .rpm file (depending on distribution)

2) Like the Mac OS X effects? go yahoo/google COMPIZ FUSION which can do any cool effect a Mac can do and many ore....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Fbk52Mk1w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3gkX9HDfEE (there is no flickering when you use it like on the video, not sure why the person has the flicker)

3) Mac OS X Doc? google/yahoo Avant Window Navigator.Cairo Dock, http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3rf5q_cairo-dock-mac-os-x-leopard-dock-on_tech

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0hzi22g2DE

4) It is FASTERr/MORE SECURE to surf on the internet

5) Some Windows programs work with Wnehq/Crossover (also avail on Mac, but why pay $$$)



Instructions how to download, burn and boot http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/

Dual Boot Instructions http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_linux_xp_installed_first.htm



SECURITY

Mac OS X was hacked in 2006 less than 30 minutes, and within 2 minutes in a contest in 2008, and within 10 seconds in 2009. In 2008, Linux and Vista were not hacked until another day when restrictions were lowered. Vista was next, and then Linux. In 2009 Windows 7 fell shortly after the Mac but Linux was unscathed.

Macs are standardized with Cameras, if your Mac gets hacked, the hacker can turn on your camera with more ease.

Please Note: All OS's have vulnerabilities.

http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/security/soa/Mac-OS-X-hacked-under-30-minutes/0,130061744,139241748,00.htm

http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/03/27/Gone-in-2-minutes-Mac-gets-hacked-first-in-contest_1.html

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Finds-Irony-in-Mac-OS-X-Getting-Hacked-Before-Vista-SP1-82135.shtml







VIRUSES

Mac OS X has viruses (and significantly on the rise), a friend of mine has a virused Mac. As more users use Macs, more viruses will come out for it. Especially when users think "they are safe".

http://infosecurity.us/?p=4005

http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2008/07/malware_authors_take_aim_at_growing_number_of_1.html

http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/poll_have_you_noticed_an_increase_in_malware_viruses_etc_on_your_mac/



QUALITY/PROBLEMS

Contrary to belief, Macs are not better quality. Apple also has been changing suppliers to try to "lower the price" and thus lowering quality. Even with the lower prices, Macs still cost more, they spend a higher percent of budget trying to make it look pretty, and marketing.



Sample of problems: Overheating Macbooks, OS X- not responding to keyboard, some units with 16bit screens, etc. Apple statistics are misleading since Mac users with problem machines are more likely to go out and buy a new computer than PC users. Apple is lowering prices which means you can expect lower quality than in the past. Apple had switched the manufacturers producing parts. OS X also has problems slowing down.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10020263-17.html

http://www.tuaw.com/2008/08/01/apples-quality-dwindling-my-macbook-pro-sob-story/

http://www.appledefects.com/

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/os-x-operating-system/107748-mac-os-leopard-running-slow.html



Repairs are more expensive than PCs since the IMac, Mac Mini are compact units, and Apple charges a premium for their services. Some repairs can be done by another repair service but the compact design of the computer causes problems.

With an IMac, if the problem is with the monitor, the whole computer would have to be brought in.

IMac and Mac mini lack expansion.



PRICE

A similar equipped PC is much cheaper to purchase than Mac. Lets use Dell (but you can compare with another PC Brand if you like)



**(LAPTOP)

Dell Inspiron Laptop $849 dropped to $799

15" Screen

CPU: (upgrade to) 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100

Memory: 3GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM

Hard Drive: 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm

Optical Drive: Blu-ray Disc Combo (DVD+/-RW + BD-ROM) - WRITES DVDS,CDS, READS Blue-Ray Disks



Macbook $1349 just dropped to $1224

13" Screen (SMALLER)

CPU: 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (SAME)

Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 (SAME)

Memory: (upgrade to) 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (LESS RAM)

Hard Drive (upgrade to) 250GBSerial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (SMALLER HARD DRIVE)

Optical Drive: (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) - (Writes CDs, DVDs, cannot read Blue-Ray) (WORSE AND 1/2 SPEED)

http://www.dell.com/content/products/results.aspx/notebooks?c=us&cs=19&dt=SmallGrid&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn#subcats=&navla=55103~0~857204&navidc=Processor&navValc=Intel%20Core%202%20Duo&a=55103~0~857204

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MB402LL/B?mco=MTkzOTI0Nw



**(DESKTOP)



PLEASE NOTE: I compare Apple Mac's vs Dells best deal. If you really want an all-in one the Dell all-in-one has more ram, wireless keyboard and mouse and equivalent to $400 for free making the Imac still more expensive when you matching specs. Personally I don't think the All-in-Ones are a good choice, and consider them overpriced, lack expandability and repairs both more expensive and require the entire computer.



PS: Apple knows that they need to make Macintosh look different than PC so all Macs except the Mac Pro will not have a tower option. Apple's low end lacks expandability but it makes the Mac "look different", if Mac had a tower for low-end, more people would realize the similarities between the two.



Dell: (At The Moment) Specs Below costs $809

CPU: 2.4 GHZ Dell Inspiron QUAD (4 Processor) CORE

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: 3GB Ram

HARD DRIVE: 500 GB hard Drive

OPTICAL DRIVE: 16x DVD/CD Read/Writer

GRAPHICS: (upgrade to ) ATI Radeon HD 2400 PRO 128MB



The Mac Mini since it has no monitor, keyboard, mouse, very skimpy on options and setup and is not the best deal... The IMac is better price than the Mac Mini.



IMac ($1400)

CPU: 2.4 GHZ DUAL (2 Processor) CORE (SLOWER CPU)

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: (upgrade to) 2GB Ram (LESS RAM)

HARD DRIVE: (upgrade to ) 500 GB hard Drive

OPTICAL DRIVE: 8x DVD Reader/Writer (1/2 speed)

GRAPHICS: ATI Radeon HD 2400 PRO 128MB

http://www.dell.com/content/products/results.aspx/desktops?c=us&cs=19&dt=SmallGrid&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn#subcats=&navla=55103~0~861680&navidc=Processor&navValc=Intel%20Core%202%20Extreme&a=55103~0~861680,55103~0~861681,55103~0~857204&page=1

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MB323LL/A?mco=NzMyNjMy



Equivalents to ILife

http://www.jakeludington.com/ask_jake/20070830_ilife_for_windows.html

http://www.xsellize.com/showthread.php?t=20518



LINUX INFO:

http://distrowatch.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.desktoplinux.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.ubuntu.com/