Should I get a Mac or a PC?

Question

READ FIRST: do NOT give answers that are jsut like "Mac Sucks!!!" or "PC's Suck!", please actually tell me why i should get that computer.

Should I buy a mac or a PC? I checked and trust me, the price is the same. I already have a mouse, printer, speakers, i just need a screen and the computer.

Answer 1

If I were you, I would get a PC. But its all up to you and what you want to do with your computer.



Macs:

-usually for video and photo editing

-much more expensive

-cannot play games

-little freezes due to better compatible hardware/software

-few viruses-if any

-software if more upgradable (tiger to leopard)



PC

-MUCH better if your on a budget and save you money getting you higher specs

-much better/faster hardware

-many parts are upgradable if your pc starts getting slow

-(basically everything opposite of the mac list (more viruses, more freezes, etc)

-harder to upgrade software (xp to vista, but windows 7 might change that)

-better for gamers because its faster

-a pc can do everything a mac can, but a mac cant do everything a pc can



so i reccommend, GET A PC!

Answer 2

Mac, hands down.



I work with both. But for the past 10 years I've only used Windows when I've had to. Too much work to do the same amount of work with Windows.



Macs are not only well built, with the hardware being designed with thought and elegance, but have the most technologically advanced consumer OS on the market. Out of the box you have a suite of amazing software that is untouchable by anything free on a PC, all integrated seamlessly with the OS.



Document wise, almost all of the major document formats, be it Office, graphic, sound etc work across the board, PC and Mac. Almost all the major apps people use day to day are also available for each system, and more are being built every day.



The TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) is also proven through countless studies, to be less than PCs over the period of a year. While PC owners have lots of hidden costs, such as anti virus software, break downs, needed upgrades, Macs "Just Work".



Mac's are easier to hack? HAHA thats a new one. They are renowned for their resilience to viruses, Trojans, spyware and all that other junk that plagues Windows systems.



If you need Windows, Macs have a feature to run it either inside Mac OS, or boot into Windows for gaming.



Finally the Apple retail stores have great staff, many issues you may encounter with your Mac can be resolved in minutes, for free, by simply going into a retail store and speaking with staff there.

Answer 3

If you understand computer things well go for a PC if theres a problem you can fix it quick, with a Mac it likes to take it in baby steps all the way.



I have listed a number of things you may consider doing:



Gaming: PC (always)

Video/Music Editing: Mac

Word Processing: Personally would say PC

Internet Browsing: Both

Presentations: PC

Displaying Photos/movies: Mac

Work: PC

Watching naughty movies: You take your pick ;)



Now if price is an issue you may want to run away from Mac but if it isn't then I would suggest you buy a house... lol jokes but seriously



I would consider the Dell Studio XPS 13/16

For Mac well there isn't a very big selection there is there...



It all comes down to what you want to do, theres no point having lots of applications if you don't use them. That is what Apple supplys you with lots of starting applications which is a nice touch but a bit gimmicky.



Thanks for reading

Answer 4

A Mac is better equipped as far as if you do music and has no viruses and better protection for your computer. As for Pc its more hands off than a mac which means it crashes faster than anything that you dish out on it or download. The price range for a Mac is more higher than a Pc because of the Equipment they put in a Mac Which means its more things you can do on a apple computer....

Answer 5

what i would do is play around on a friends

i have a pc

but i used a mac for about a month (borrowed)

and i really prefer the operating system



also everything is designed for pc

but some things (not too many) don't work with macs



do a little research into features etc

and also what you are getting for your money

you may find two priced the same but not with the same level of

features etc.



then USE both and see which you feel more comfortable on



goodluck, its a big investment :D

Answer 6

If you're using it for homework, internet, and homework then I wold get the PC. This is primarily based on the ability to share work with others as 99% of the world uses Office and Office while they do have MAC versions works much more seamlessly on a PC. Trust me doing homework and getting it in on time will be tough enough without having to worry about ensuring that your mac and your professor's PC are in sync. While Mac may be fashionable and cool looking you have to want to be loyal to the machine to connect and share information with a world that is primarily PC.



I've been on Vista x64 bit since it came out and while drivers where hard to come by the first couple of months. I have not had the horrendous problems people claim as I've always kept up on my registry and hard disk maintenance.



So I say PC for the ease of keeping with the mainstream and ease of interaction.

Answer 7

As an owner of both I say: if you know what you're doing or you want to get serious with your computer get a pc.



I like macs, I've been a mac owner and a developer for years and they're great, but the lack of common program usage made them a bit annoying.



An awesome thing about macs is that they're completely idiotproof, you just plug it in and do what you want and you're not likely going to end up with any viruses and unwanted programs, it's why I use my mac to test a lot of things ;). If an idiot using a pc clicks one bad link he can lose everything.



In the end you just need to decide what you want to do with the computer and see which one best suits your needs. If you're a gamer then it's PC hands down, if you're an audio technician then macs can give you all the tools you need in a friendly environment etc. etc.

Answer 8

The price maybe the same but I am willing to bet the non-apple pc has better tech specs.



Do not believe people telling you that Mac is better for creative stuff. It is not, they come with integrated video cards and sound cards, those are weak.



A PC can be upgrade to have better dedicated sound card and video card then Mac can ever dream of. Macs cannot be upgraded.

************************************

"Mac's are easier to hack? HAHA thats a new one. They are renowned for their resilience to viruses, Trojans, spyware and all that other junk that plagues Windows systems."

- CJ750 Demon



There is a difference between Viruses, Trojans, Spyware, and a hacker trying to gain access to your computer. In the contest PWN 2 OWN Mac was the first one to be hacked through the Safari web browser in about 2 minutes. It was hacked before Windows Vista. It seems the mighty Apple is not so mighty anymore.

Answer 9

greater advertising, a greater advantageous advertising team, undemanding layout, homogeneity. computing gadget is truly any laptop no longer a mac, and of direction they are going to run the gamut in high quality/fee/layout. as a result the only factor that Macs truly have over each and every computing gadget is they might run Apple proprietary utility. there is likewise a picture factor that i'm noticing with Macs. with the aid of their branding and advertising Macs are pointed out as "cooler" than their computing gadget counterpart in specific subcultures. i'm because a lot of you place down 'virus loose' as between the main important professionals of a mac. That even however has to do with the Unix based working device run on the Mac fairly than the Mac itself. If computing gadget purchasers are so prone, they might additionally get a pandemic loose working device in between the numerous Linux flavors.

Answer 10

What you mean Mac or PC you mean Mac or Windows both called PC whatever. it depend on your use you want it for gaming need windows for video and media need mac depend on your job dude mac it's kind of different but I say MAC sucks who use mac suck and expensive too you can buy better windows and it's cheaper.

Answer 11

Mac is for people who don't know how to use computers, not as customizable, smooth to use, you will most likely be satisfied, more reliable



PC is fun to mod, can arrange custom interfaces, XP is better than vista



If you like to fool around with software go PC, if you want a solid computer choose Mac

Answer 12

Well, as a student, I love my Mac. It is great for projects. If you're a big fan of Microsoft Office, you still can buy it for your mac. Though it is unnecessary, I found that the photo booth application is so much fun. If you enjoy music, Garage Band app comes with your mac too where you can create your own music. Honestly, that is only a few of the cool things you can do. I can't really imagine using a PC anymore.

Answer 13

I have a PC it works great and i love it.



But when i buy my next computer im going to buy a Mac. They are just a bit more confusing at first, it takes a while to get used to. But when you do, they are awesome.

Answer 14

I really like my new HP laptop. My mom has a Mac and hers is complicated, but she works with them at her job so she understands it, so that's fine with me. I prefer a PC, have always used them, and I just think they are easier to use.



Hope this helps!

Answer 15

If the price is the same, get a Mac. They will generally last longer and have higher resale values later. I like PCs, but I really enjoy tinkering with freeware programs and such. If you just want to use a computer for typical use (web, documents, etc), then a Mac is for you. No hassle, no maintenance, just works.

Answer 16

depends on what you are using it for!



mac for all round good ness and networking/ video etiting and music editing



and PC are good for gaming and can also be used just as much for editing but they have problems ( more so with networking)



( i have a PC and id like to say vista rules now that its fixed)

Answer 17

If you plan on gaming get a PC. If you plan on photo editing get a Mac.

Answer 18

More games for the PC

Answer 19

you want desktop or laptop?

if you want desktop then definitely PC like Dell or something because personally they work better. i dont really think Mac has much to offer and things these days work better with Windows. same with laptops, get a windows.

Answer 20

it depends on what you will plan on doing with your machine.

if you want to be creative and produce music,be a graphics artist, edit video footage etc. than you want a MAC otherwise get a PC

Answer 21

P.C

Regardless of what anyone says.

Ive worked with Computers and Macs are a pain in the *** when it comes to nearly everything that can possibly go wrong.

Answer 22

If you like to record music and videos. Get the Mac.

But if you want a gaming computer. Go with the PC.



You didn't give me much to go off with though.

Answer 23

I prefer Macs, they are virus free too! But I'm happy with my PC too. Macs are just more... fresh feeling to me

Answer 24

I would get a MAC and just use bootcamp to install windows on your mac.

Answer 25

I WOULD GO WITH THE PC CAUSE ITS HARDER TO HACK INTO BUT DONT GET IT IN VISTA TRY XP AND A MAC IS SOME HOW HARDER TO GET THE HANG OF PLUS ITS EASYER TO GET HACKED INTO PLUS U CANT GET FREE MUSIC DOWNLOAD ON A MAC ONLY ON A PC AND PC ARE GOOD FOR SCHOOL WORK...

Answer 26

mac if you like high priced things pc if you want affordable

Answer 27

Get a solaris workstation on a SPARK system. buhahaha

Answer 28

my boyfriend is a computer engineer and works for a huge company called emc. he has told me several times that pc's are superior. i dont know much about computers myself so i cannot tell you why, i just know that he has made that point very clear. good luck!

Answer 29

It all depends on what you need it for. Care to elaborate?

Answer 30

pc. affordable and its way easier to fix when there problems occur.

Answer 31

you have to go to youtube.com and in the search bar type windows7 and then mac and choose for your self.

Answer 32

mac

Answer 33

Either one will do.

Answer 34

bloop

Answer 35

MAC!!

Answer 36

well that depends on what you plan to use it for mostly???.....

Answer 37

MAC!

Answer 38

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 the same hardware as PCs. 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 . Linux and Vista were not hacked until another day when restrictions were lowered. Vista was next, and then Linux.

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/

http://www.kubuntu.org/

http://www.freespire.org/

http://www.pclinuxos.com/

http://xwinman.org/gnome.php

http://xwinman.org/kde.php

http://www.linuxalt.com/

http://screencasts.ubuntu.com/

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/FromMacOSX

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindows

http://www.linuxfoundation.org/en/OpenPrinting/