whats better PC or MAC?

Question

i have a hp laptop and it works ok but could be better so i have the money to get a mac book but should i r they better???

Answer 1

For a more specific suggestion I will need more information about how you plan to use this computer. What programs/games/tasks are you going to use the new laptop for? How often will you be using it away from a power source? Do any specific needs come to mind (i.e. finger print scanner for added security, many USB accessories you plan to use, etc.)



Having serviced dozens of Apple and PC clients over the years, I can give you the following best practices to help you get the maximum value out of your new computer:



1. Dont compare specifications to specifications. Too often, the average user wants to "trust the numbers" even when they dont know what those numbers mean exactly. A better thing to compare is how computer A will suit your needs vs. computer B. Will this new macbook provide some functionality another computer wont? Perhaps you could see more value with a cheaper PC? If you dont plan to play alot of games, check and see if there is a similar model with a cheaper graphics card. The higher the model number in a graphics card, the more expensive it is. Intel graphics cards are the cheapest.



2. Dont buy into fashion hype. I know that the flashy sleek designs coming out look great, but at the end of the day what will matter most is whether or not your new computer will get the job done. If your current machine will accomplish everything you want it to, then you would get better value by waiting for another 3 months and re-evaluating your choices again. Likely, the specs have been upgraded and the prices are cheaper.



3. Be aware of the long term costs. This is especially true if you are switching to a Mac from Windows, or switching to Vista from Mac or an older version of windows. Make sure the programs you have will run on the system before you buy it. Switching to Mac only to find out that you need to repurchase MS Office, anti-virus, that game you want play, and your kid's learning software can cause massive sticker shock. In fact, just what I have listed there will add up to $350 and is nowhere near the software library you could have built over the years. Also, double check to make sure your printer manufacturer has Mac/Vista drivers or you may find yourself rebuying your printer as well.



4. If you are not sure what you will use the computer for, a good place to start is in the software aisle of your local Best Buy. Bring a pen and paper and just look for programs you might one day want use. Write down their minimum and reccomended specifications. This will give you a good idea of what to look for. Keep in mind that you may want to run several programs at the same time... so having a faster processor/more RAM is always a good thing.



Special note: Because anti-virus software was specifically mentioned below, I think it is important to clarify a couple of things. An operating system (i.e. Windows Vista or Mac OS) is never designed to provide complete, end-to-end, security. The main goal of the operating system is to allow use of the computer hardware and applications. Anti-virus software, firewall software, and mal-ware scanners are a MUST no matter what system you buy. No system is virus proof or hacker proof. Protect yourself before you become the first victim!



Here is a synopsis of my opinions on various manufacturers:

HP = Good value. Tech Support is cumbersome and annoying at times, but they will get the job done right. This is my first pick at the moment.

Apple = Prices are too high. In addition to the high price of the computer itself, you will likely have to repurchase alot of software (anti-viurs, MS Office, etc.) if you are switching from a PC. Also be sure to check that your printers, mice, and other peripherals will work on a Mac. Decent support with a good quality machine. Generally, you will not have any need for the excessive processing power of a Mac.

Dell = I still have not seen improvement in their part distribution or quality assurance. I would stay away from Dell altogether for now.

Toshiba = On par with HP in almost every aspect. I have personally been seeing more part failures on Toshiba machines, but this may just be coincedence. Usually more expensive than HP though current sales offers may flip that around.

Sony = Over-priced hunk of junk. DO NOT BUY! Terrible tech support, poor quality, high price.

Lenovo/IBM = IBM sold their PC business to Lenovo. Lenovo just slapped their logo on the IBM machines and it has been IBM business as usual. If you have not purchased 50+ machines in the last 2 years... they simply dont give a damn about you. Value is good, machine quality is good... tech support is by far the WORST of all that are listed here.

Answer 2

What do you want to do? In the graphics industry, Macs are generally the preferred platform. On the other hand, most popular games are for the PC platform.



For office applications (word processor, spreadsheet, presentation manager), surfing the web, and reading email, both will work equally well. The Mac operating system tends to be more stable (less prone to crashes) and less susceptible to infections. The higher initial cost of a Mac could be offset over the live of the computer by lower support costs (e.g. anti-virus software).

Answer 3

Mac people think so. Pc people think theirs is better, what do you think? There is more software available for Pc.

Answer 4

Well this depends. if you want it for business and computer coding and more official stuff for business etc the PC, but all together MAC is better, better graphics, better programs, better security, basicly better everything and its better for personal stuff like photos etc

Answer 5

i have a pc.. amm a MAC is more reliable.. and doesnt messes up.. but a PC is funner :D and probably more comfortable to use....

Answer 6

PC is better 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 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



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



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

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.



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



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 onsumer reports 2009 and here http://www.freewaregenius.com/2009/04/07/the-best-free-antivirus-a-comparison/

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/