Imac or PC, whats your thoughts?

Question

I currently hav a HP 512mb 160gb hard disk sfx200 g-force with a 20inc. lcd but i'm having a few problems with viruses and I'm getting frustrated so i am contemplating getting a Imac 20" 2.4ghz with 1-2gb and 250gb HDD. I'm a big ipod user and love that but i've never used a MAC and was wondering what the major diff. where and if the MAC's are all their cracked up to be.Or should I just send the HP to the doctor and save the cash

Answer 1

If you are going to get a new computer, the first question you need to ask yourself is what (Needs) are you using a computer for ie. Websurfing, chatting, school or business (using the office suite)-playing music, running DVDs etc a simple computer is all you need is a very simple computer. If you need graphics, photo editing, film editing, music, mixing want to make your own website without learning programming, the Mac is an excellent and the computer of preference. If you need gaming that is high level-A PC is the way to go.



If need to buy a new computer, I would go with the iMac. The iMac can use bootcamp and allow you to add XP or Vista with the Mac OS. It also requires less RAM and processing power to run the OS than Vista or XP. Because it has a 64 bit OS and also work with 32 bit software, the Mac can use up to 4 GB RAM whereas a PC can only use GB RAM.A Mac comes with iLife software that PC's doesn't have. Safari is better than IE7, Mac Matte screens are better than glossy PC screens that reflect, a Mac is simpler to use and when you buy one, you will receive 90 days of tech support for free. The technicians are in the US, speak English as their first language and will answer any question you have on the software or hardware-try that with Microsoft. Quicktime is also a lot better than WMP. Apples are the top selling computers to College students.



The Mac has a better screen and is simpler to use and takes very little time to learn to use



That said, as a person who recently switched to a MacBook Pro and trying to help you. My advise to you is if you think your computer can still suit your your needs, and all you have are Virus issues; I would try to load anti-virus software and try to remove the virus or take it to a local computer shop and have them do it for you. After you do that, I would try to max the RAM if you have a PC. If you do that, for a minimal cost, your current computer should be running like new and much faster. That is the route I would take. If you feel you have out grown your computer and there is no way your current computer can satisfy your needs I agree with the iMac



The run of thumb is to back up all your important data and max out your computer until you run it into the ground.

Answer 2

Get an iMac definitely!

Many PC Owners will try to say "Get a PC, Macs suck and they cost too much", but Macs, in fact, are much better.

You get what you pay for with Macs.

All the PCs I've had have crashed.

Macs can use MSN, or Adium (which is much better and is only for Mac–very customizable), Yahoo! IM, etc.

You can also get Mac versions of PC games, which are exactly the same.

Macs are better, because they can do everything, basically, except they don't crash, and they have built-in protection against viruses and bugs.

They also have built-in Mac programs, like iChat, Dictionary (Thesaurus included), Safari (Internet), Dashboard, Mail, Address Book, iCal, Preview, iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, Spaces, and Time Machine.

Macs are the ultimate for business/work purposes, by the way.

Answer 3

I've used Macs and have the itouch (hope this makes it more significant). Definitely the PC and the reason is simple. Apple products are Form OVER Function. You are paying for the looks. The mouse for the MAC only has ONE button and it is not user friendly at all.



Go to the HP doctor and save the cash.

Answer 4

Go for the iMac. It's a beautiful piece of machinery. It won't let you down.



I really have no discrimination against either of the two. I work with both Macs and PCs. I guess it's all about preference. The iMac is really sleek and compact. The keyboard is cool to boot.

Answer 5

How about installing MAC OS X on your HP laptop

Since Macbooks also run on Intel now it is possible (google it)

The reason not to get Macbooks is simple they charge you a premium for crappy hardware

Then you can tell those Mac users

Total cost for installing Mac OS X on HP laptop Free

Total cost for seeing their faces when you told them that Priceless

Answer 6

Ease of use and an abundance of programs I would chose Windows. Stability and hi performance I would go with a MAC. If you go to the MAC website it will show how to use everything on your computer.

Answer 7

DO NOT GET A MAC. Those things are evil..... Apple does everything they can to steal your money, and a pc may take longer to boot, or open a program, but it can do so much more.

Answer 8

Get your pc fixed and install a good anti-virus and spyware software.

Answer 9

well macs suck there own balls so get a pc

Answer 10

I understand your frustration. I would recommend that you

- download Ubuntu 8.04 Linux .iso file from www.ubuntu.com

the 386,/686 version (only two versions, it should be the default when you download),

-Burn the .iso to a Blank CD (make sure your software knows how to burn an .iso file) You can check after, by viewing the contents of the CD, if the CD has a bunch of contents, it worked... If it only has the .iso file (it did not work)

-Boot your computer from the CD (LIVECD) you can now use your computer and try before you install

-Install Ubuntu

- Give time to learn.. Look at the links below...

- Don't like the default look, you can modify it to your pleasing.

- Hardly any viruses/spyware are on Linux, get tons of free software through Synaptic Package Manager and Add/Remove, or search for .deb files on the internet

- Your computer will run faster and you can read the documents from the windows side without worry.

- Ubuntu by default does not have the windows Codecs for playing Windows Media, Dvds by default, since it is illegal to include them in some countries. But it is extremely simple to get them if you need them. (Ubuntu-restricted-extras and libdvdcss...)

- Learn how to configure compiz fusion for some really nice effects to make it more enjoyable.

- Learn the Linux(Unix) directory structure, it is different than windows... Ex: /home/[your username], /usr/..., etc..

- watch compiz fusion videos online for some cool effects.



But, I would not get the Mac, if you want a new computer, get a PC and make it a Dual Boot System. Below are reasons why...



======================================...

WINDOWS ADVANTAGES:



Aprox 90% of the market is Windows. PCs include windows already PRE-INSTALLED.

1) There are a number of websites that still require Internet Explorer to view.

2) Printers and other things you hook into the computer are easier to support on Windows.

4) If you like the Dock on OS X (Mac) google/yahoo rocketdock, objectdoc.



I Would also install Avira AntiVir on the Vista since there is a FREE version and works well.

I Would also install Comodo FireWall on the Vista since there is a FREE version and works well.





LINUX ADVANTAGES:



1) Install Linux, and then get tons of stuff for free. Updates done, etc.. Linux is very EASY and has tons of software that will be updated automatically.

2) If you like the effects on a Macintosh go yahoo or google COMPIZ FUSION. It can do just about any cool effect a Mac can do and more...

3) If you like the Dock on OS X (Mac) google/yahoo Cairo Dock, avant window navigator.

4) Linux is MORE SECURE. I surf the internet and can even run SOME windows programs on Linux. Also, I can VERY EASILY INSTALL programs by checking a checkbox in either two ways to install (ADD/REMOVE or SYNAPTIC PACKAGE MANAGER). I can search for something I want, check a box and click apply. The program is automatically installed. (To me that is easier than searching the internet and dragging the program in MAC).



======================================...

ANOTHER QUICK NOTE: People have been able to run OS X on a PC since the PC and Mac use the same hardware. THIS IS NOT LEGAL and I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND IT FOR SECURITY AND LEGAL REASONS.

But, I have included a link to show you, purpose is to show that there is nothing special about the MAC.



**************************************...

A)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

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

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, ONLY reads DVDs, cannot read Blue-Ray) (WORSE)



****************(DESKTOP)



PLEASE NOTE: Some responses might be that below is not a FAIR comparison but it is SINCE this is comparing Apple Mac's BEST DEAL vs Dells BEST DEAL. If you decide that you must have 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 upgrade the Imac to try to match. 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. To me it is NOT a good deal.



PS: Apple was smart, they know that they must make Macintosh look different than PC so all Macs except the Mac Pro will not have a Tower Option. This is not good for the consumer since it lacks expandability but it makes the Mac "look different", if Mac had a tower for low-end, more people would realize the simularities between the two and apple would loose people. In other words, in my opinion, it is "Style over Substance"



Dell: (Right Now) 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 Best Deal Mac is not the Mac Mini since it has no monitor, keyboard, mouse, very skimpy on options and setup... 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



======================================...

B) SECURITY:



Mac OS X was hacked in 2006 under 30 minutes, and hacked within 2 minutes in a contest in 2008. Linux and Vista were not able to be hacked until another day when restrictions were lowered.

All macs are standardized with Cameras, if your system gets hacked, the hacker would more likely be able to turn on your camera.

Please Note: All OS's have vulnerabilities.



======================================...

B2) VIRUSES



The argument that OS X has less viruses is true, but that is against XP, BUT Mac OS X has viruses, 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". Linux is also very low in viruses and is free with plenty of free software.



Google/Yahoo Mac Viruses



======================================...

C) Windows License is discounted with PCs..



You do not pay the full price, for instance Dell -> you pay $50 or less for Vista Home Premium If you buy a Mac and want Vista, you pay full price.



======================================...

D) EXPANDABILITY & REPAIR...



With AppleCare you have to put down $300 and there is no guarantee the computer will be fixed, may cost more.. 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.



======================================...

E) BUGS



Macintosh's are far from bug free despite their fan base claiming so. Sample of problems: Overheating Macbooks, OS X- not responding to keyboard, some units with 16bit screens, etc.. True, all computers have their issues but Apple Fans tend to hide their problems which makes it tough to trust any statistics about Apple.

Apple is lowering prices which means you can expect lower quality than in the past. Apple had switched the manufacturers producing parts.



NO MORE THAN 10 Links were allowed... Here are the ones that I could not add..

www.ubuntu.com/

www.kubuntu.org/

www.freespire.org/

www.pclinuxos.com/

distrowatch.com/

polishlinux.org/

www.desktoplinux.com/

xwinman.org/gnome.php

xwinman.org/kde.php

help.ubuntu.com/community/WindowsAppli...

help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToU...

www.linuxalt.com/

screencasts.ubuntu.com/

www.linuxfoundation.org/en/OpenPrintin...

www.free-av.com/

www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/

Google/Yahoo OS X on PC

Answer 11

MAC definately! but it depends what you want it for...





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id_kGL3M5Cg