I don't know if I'm a Mac or a PC. Please help!?

Question

I need a laptop that can make take videos and pictures. I need one that is easy to use, is really speedy, and is user-friendly.
What are the Pros and Cons of having a Mac?
What are the Pros and Cons of having a PC?

What laptops do you recomend, and how much would one cost?

Answer 1

I would recommend a PC for the following reasons (only PRO for the mac is legally running OS X which is not much of a pro) And note: Facts to back up claims.



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...



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

http://cybernetnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/reliable-laptops.jpg



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.



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/



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://www.infoworld.com/article/09/03/19/Researcher_cracks_Mac_in_10_seconds_1.html

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



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 Starting Price: $500

Ending Price: $500

15" Screen

CPU: 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo [5% slower]

Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD [Not as good/fine for general use[

Memory: 3GB DDR2 SDRAM [75% of ram)

Hard Drive: 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (same)

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dndozm4&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=laptop-inspiron-1545



Cybperpower Notebook Xplorer X5-2900 Starting Price: $755

Ending Price After upgrades (not including 5% rebate): $860

15" Screen

CPU: (upgrade to) 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (+$100) [FASTER]

Graphics: Nvidia GFORCE 9600-GT 512MB [MUCH FASTER/BETTER CARD]

Memory: 4GB DDR2 SDRAM [MORE MEMORY]

Hard Drive: (upgrade to) 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (+$5) [LARGER HARD DRIVE]

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Xplorer_X5-2900_Notebook/detail



Macbook Starting laptop Price: $1000

Ending Price After Upgrades: $1200

13" Screen (SMALLER)

CPU: 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (SLOWER)

Graphics: Nvidia GFORCE 9400 256MB

Memory: (upgrade to) 4GB DDR2 SDRAM (SAME)

Hard Drive (upgrade to) 320B Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (SAME)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MC240LL/A?mco=NjcxMTQ3Ng





**(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: ($700)

CPU: 2.33 GHZ Dell Inspiron QUAD (4 Processor) CORE

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: 4GB Ram

HARD DRIVE: 500 GB hard Drive

OPTICAL DRIVE: 16x DVD/CD Read/Writer

GRAPHICS: ATI Radeon HD 512MB

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dddwra4&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=desktop-inspiron-537s



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 ($1300)

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

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: (upgrade to) 4GB Ram (SAME)

HARD DRIVE: (upgrade to ) 320 GB hard Drive (LESS HARD DRIVE)

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

GRAPHICS: Nvidia Geforce 9400M (APPROX SAME BUT LESS MEMORY GAPHICS)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MB417LL/A?mco=NDE4Mzg3Ng



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 more 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 either 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 FASTER/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



Equivalents to ILife

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

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



FREE Windows Stuff

http://www.comodo.com/products/free_products.html

http://www.iobit.com/

http://www.ccleaner.com/

ANTI-VIRUS

Avira Antivir (FREE) for 2009 personal edition is free (there is a paid version) the free version was rated the best by consumer reports 2009.

http://www.free-av.com/ Avast (Free- Click under Free Software and download Avast Home Edition) http://www.avast.com/



ANTI-MALWARE

Windows Defender (FREE)

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx

Malware Bytes (FREE) Limitation - No Realtime protection on free version.

http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?tag=mncol

Super Anti-Spyware (FREE)

http://download.cnet.com/SuperAntiSpyware-Free-Edition/3000-8022_4-10523889.html?tag=mncol



LINUX INFO:

http://distrowatch.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.desktoplinux.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.ubuntu.com/

Answer 2

I'm a professional Mac educator and technology director, so I'm biased toward Macs, but I've never ever switched someone from Windows to Mac who wasn't totally happy and in love with their system. iPhoto and iMovie would do exactly what you need for pictures and videos. Macs are super-easy to use, and are in fact much better in the user interface than Windows. They tend to be a bit more expensive, but definitely not double or triple like the other poster said. If you actually look at what you get for the money, or what you don't get in cheap PC laptops, you'll realize that Macs are very comparable in price. They just put lots more features in there that make it a much more pleasant experience to use them.



Cons of Macs? They can't run Windows programs without special software and a copy of Windows. Some programs are Windows-only. That said, for what you need it for there are *tons* of free and shareware programs out there for Mac OS X that are awesome.



Pros of Windows? I hear Windows 7 is pretty nice, and I plan to install it when it comes out - on my Mac (running that special software I mentioned before.) Windows is compatible with more pieces of hardware and software too, although any reputable manufacturer includes Mac software with their devices these days.



Cons of Windows? Mainly viruses and spyware. You'll *need* anti-virus protection, and while there are free programs for this too, you get what you pay for. Windows is also inherently less stable because Microsoft doesn't create the hardware like Apple does, so things go wrong more often between components.



As for cost, go to the Apple Store and configure a white MacBook or even a 13" MacBook Pro, just to see. I recommend adding the AppleCare Protection plan. I'd then go to Dell.com and do the same there. Remember that if you're a student you qualify for the education discount, too. And remember that cheap can be expensive! I've helped many, many people buy Macs with much the same advice I've given you here, and to a person they've all been satisfied.

Answer 3

extra promoting, a better promoting group, elementary layout, homogeneity. laptop is unquestionably any laptop no longer a mac, and of direction they'll run the gamut in high quality/value/layout. hence the only factor that Macs fairly have over each laptop is they could run Apple proprietary application. there is likewise a picture factor that i'm noticing with Macs. with the aid of their branding and promoting Macs are pointed out as "cooler" than their laptop counterpart especially subcultures. i'm since an huge form of you place down 'virus unfastened' as between the main customary experts of a mac. That besides the fact that has to do with the Unix based working equipment run on the Mac quite than the Mac itself. If laptop consumers are so vulnerable, they could additionally get a deadly disease unfastened working equipment in between the numerous Linux flavors.

Answer 4

It depends on how much you are willing to spend and what you will be using the computer for. If it's only ordinary everyday use, Internet, word processing etc. then go for the Windows, it will cost less and Windows 7 is showing to be a much better system than Vista. Faster and better performance too.

If you are heavy into graphics, get the Mac. It is pricier, but will pay off in the long run, especially if you get one with the new OS 10.6. Also upgraded, better performing and faster than the previous OS.

I guess the bottom line is, how much are you willing to pay, and how comfortable are you with each OS

Answer 5

Macs:

pros:

1.Better about crashing. Dont take this the wrong way. Macs crash/freeze just as often as a PC. They just do it...shall I say... more gracefully. A Mac is often able to kill a program that is heading the computer to a total crash before it can do so, resulting in a loss of data in that program only, rather than across all open programs.



2.Form factor. PC's are getting better about this, but Macs still edge out in the hardware look/feel department for the most part. Some PC's are incredibly slick (much more so that Macs) design wise, but the majority of PCs still lag behind.

cons:

1.Less software support. Most programs are still windows only, and while you can run windows on a Mac to run these programs, why wouldnt you just buy a normal PC, which will cost less.(leading me to my next point)



2.More expensive. Contrary to what any hardcore Mac person will tell you, Macs are still more expensive at every performance level. For example, $999 (the cheapest you can get a Mac, at least from Apple) you get 2Gb of ram, 160Gb of HD space, and a basic 2.13Ghz Core 2 Duo. On the PC side, that gets you 4Gb of Ram, 320Gb of Ram, and a faster 2.53Ghz Core 2 Duo.



Pcs:

pros:

1. Cheaper for performance. As said before, for any given performance level, PC's are cheaper than Macs.



2. Hardware choice. The range of available hardware (especially internal components such as HDD's, Ram, processors, vid cards, etc.) is VASTLY greater for a PC than it is for a mac. This translates into a computer that can be customized much more than a Mac, and a computer that suits you needs more.



3. Most everything about the OS is exposed. On windows, almost everything down to the low levels of the OS such as the registry, kernel shell, etc. as accessible. Some would call this a con, as it increases the chance of an ignorant user messing up their computer, but I would prefer access to these components so that, when things go wrong, they can be fixed directly, by me.



cons:

1.More viruses. Again, don take this the wrong way. Macs DO get viruses/spyware/hackers and you need to take steps to prevent them on both systems. However, PCs are by far the dominant computing platform, so hackers write viruses/spyware/worms/etc to target PC's. Its just more practical for them to do so. Why spend months creating the perfect buffer overflow hack for a Mac, which will affect 10 people, when those same months could have been spent creating a trojan for a PC will affect 100 people? That being said, with the increasing popularity of Mac, expect to see more viruses/worms/etc. being written for Macs as well.



2.More crap hardware. Both in the hardware and software areas. This comes purely as a result of point 2 under pros. With greater choice, you are bound to come across peices of hardware that are completely useless. Both as components (hard drives, etc.) and entire computer systems. Some laptops are poorly designed and have shoddy assembly. You will need to do your research to find the ones that are terrible, and avoid them.



There are many more points that can go on these lists, but these are just the big ones.Hope this helps!

Answer 6

pros of mac. You look cool and get a big apple on the front of the laptop.

cons you will pay double or triple the price for a comparable pc. not all software will work with macs.



pros of pc: cheaper and faster

cons they are not a user friendly, (if people say viruses then they are pretty stupid it is very easy to stay safe on pcs)

Answer 7

The biggest pro of the Mac is that you can add Windows to it and have both systems.

Answer 8

Macs are expensive and well pointless for doing school work on. I hear they can be more stable but windows does not give me trouble so to me it is not worth the money.

Answer 9

99% of the responses you get to this question will be along the lines of "Macs suck" or "Macs are the best."



Not very helpful.



Read this instead:

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntucat/an-unbiased-view-on-macs/



That's as close to unbiased as you're going to get, and it's quite detailed, too.

Answer 10

macs are so much easier. i thought they were overpriced. till i got one. i will never look at computeres the same again