Which is better a PC or a MAC and why?

Question

I want to buy a new computer but I dont know if I want a MAC or a PC

Answer 1

it depends on what you need it for. if you need it for video editing, computer graphics design, or music then I would say a MAC (also if you need a computer that you can't afford to crash) And students like MACs because they are easy to use. But if you want to play (lots) of video games or have an office job or have an extensive knowledge of computers, then I would say a PC.

Answer 2

The guy who says not to get a Mac because they get viruses as well is giving really stupid advice. There are a handful of viruses that can infect a modern Mac versus about 150,000 that will infect Windows. His advice is like saying you should walk across a busy highway blindfolded because you might get hit by a tractor crossing a country lane.



And you are getting the uber-confused "Macs are more expensive" mantra which I can help disentangle:



Macs are cheaper than PCs. You have to look at total cost of ownership, not just the price tag on the computer. Macs are cheaper because they have a longer USEFUL life than do PCs. You replace a Mac half as often as a PC. Want proof? Easy. Look at how many people are paying for 6 year old Macs on eBay versus people paying for 6 year old PCs. A computer that has 10% of the market new has over 75% of the market when 6 six years old. This also means that Macs hold their value longer than PCs.



Macs are more reliable. Again, you don't have to take my word for it. Just read through 20 pages of Questions right here in the Hardware section and count how many people need help fixing their Macs and how many people need help fixing their PCs. A computer that has 10% of the market accounts for less than 10% of the problems right here.



Macs are easier to fix. Can you type one page of instructions that will fix over 99% of what will go wrong with a PC? No? I can do that for a Mac. See the link below.

Answer 3

It depends on how trendy you need to be hahahaha. Mac would rule the computer world if they were honestly better. Older people usually tend to like Macs because they are incredibly simple and hide the tidbits from you so you never get scared of all those numbers. Windows is all out in the open and you can change and customize things if you know how. Mac is packaged with some decent software, but far better software exists and can be purchased for windows. I know more people that have a Mac and wish they could have gotten a PC and bought something else with all the spare cash than people who truly love the Mac experience. Microsoft failed at Vista, failed with the Zune, and failed miserably with the RROD on the Xbox 360. But XP is great, and if you wait till October to buy a PC Windows 7 will be out, and it's pretty nice too.

Answer 4

I would recommend Mac.



You can run Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux (all 3, if you want; Linux may take a little work, but is possible) on virtually any newer Intel-based Mac. I would actually say they have a rahter high level of software compatibility.



As another person had mentioned Macs last a long time. I have an old Blue and White G3 Yosemite model desktop, and it's running Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger ( the newest available version of Mac OSX at the time of writing is 10.5 Leopard). Although it's not the newest OS, there are still programs for it (not sure how many now as compared to when it was new).

Answer 5

WHAT PEOPLE DONT REALIZE ABOUT APPLE

Back in the day (the early 70s), the first home computers became available to the public. There were Ataris, Apples, Commodores, Radio Shack Tandys, etc. No ones software would run on any of them as the architecture was different on every one of them. You had to buy software for your PC from the company that manufactured it. This quickly became a problem for the upcoming software market. A consortium was held and everyone decided to make their systems compatible so the software market could blossom. Everyone EXCEPT Apple. Apple went on their own way with their proprietary system that would run nothing anyone else programmed. You had to buy most of your software from Apple. Apple applied this philosophy for 35 years. In that 35 years, they only cornered never more than 5 percent of the computer buying market. In the last year, Apple has introduced a new system that uses intel chipsets. The reason plain and simple? Apple was going down the tubes. Their fix? Make their computers more compatible with the burgeoning computer market. Unfortunately, you buy their already overrated, overpriced, incompatible Mac and then spend money to convert it to run windows. What they DONT tell you? That a good lot of software STILL wont run on it simply because you cant upgrade it to run the latest software. You want to upgrade a Mac? You buy a new Mac! EVERY other PC manufacturer is compatible with the 3rd party hardware manufacturers, Mac, no way! The PC hardware market itself makes for competitive prices. This in turn creates lower prices for the computer buying market. Apple? They STILL dont come close. I've been in the business since it started, I spent my life programming machines with windows software. I could write a bible on what doesnt run on a mac that runs on windows! The measure of a computers power is what it CAN run and Apple doesnt come close to hi end, engineering software. The myth that Apple is better in the creativity field is a joke too. For every Mac application, I can show you a half dozen for PCs that are the same or better.



Its a pitty some peep cant face truths in here.

Answer 6

Apples are less customisable than PCs. Probably true. But then I've never needed to do anything to a Mac other than add more memory (after three or four years).



Go into an Apple store and a PC store (PCWorld or similar). Watch the customers, talk to the staff, and consider which is the better experience.



And...



Alexander Chancellor

Friday June 8, 2007

The Guardian



While in New York, I paid a visit to a glamorous downtown computer shop in the hope of being tempted. Although I have a laptop that works perfectly well, I wanted an excuse to buy a new one, especially as computers are much cheaper in America than they are in Britain.



With my friend, Mike, a patriotic believer in the American way of commerce, I approached one of those knowledgeable and personable young salesmen that Macintosh employs to encourage customers to part with their money.



"What kind of computer do you have?" asked the salesman. "A PowerBook G4," I replied. "A PowerBook G4?" exclaimed Mike, striking his forehead with his hand in mock horror; for he knew that I wanted to be persuaded to replace it. "That's a good machine," said the salesman. "How old is it?" "About five years," I said. "Five years old!" shrieked Mike. But the salesman said: "I'd hang on to it if I were you. It should be good for a while yet."



"Who on earth trained you to be a salesman?" asked an astonished Mike before we left the shop empty-handed; the young man just smiled. I am beginning to be worried about the future of the United States.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,,2098261,00.html



______________________



When you pay the apparently higher price up-front it should be considered an investment - less time wrestling with Windows problems or suspect hardware later.



http://www.macobserver.com/article/2002/06/13.9.shtml



While nothing is perfect, Apple users tend to be happier about their computers.



http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1851295,00.asp

Answer 7

Pc for me and mac's do get viruses,that has been proven and if scroll the answers here long enough you will see people writing in on how to get rid of viruses on mac's,just as there is less mac's around you do not hear of it much.

Answer 8

I prefer macs because they are easy to use. but if you buy a mac and feel like you want a pc instead you can always just buy xp or vista or windows 7 when its out and run them though bootcamp.

Answer 9

Simple if you want to have the flexibility of choice and Low price and variety get a PC

Get a Mac if you want to be hip, but not clever.

Answer 10

ive always used pc's they have heaps of programs can play alot more games than a MAC and the're cheaper

Answer 11

PC is better because you have far more software programs, games and etc available for them. You have far more options with hardware as well. You have more resources and options for repair, and service too.

Answer 12

I like macs more because there easier for mulitasking and the applications like imovie are alot easier to use than any windows application ive used.

Answer 13

That would be Apple.

Guide to Mac Leopard here

http://www.apple.com/findouthow/mac/



The MacBook also has the multi touch mouse pad

http://www.apple.com/macbook/



Macs run Microsoft Office:mac

or

iWork09 from Apple which works with MS office

http://www.apple.com/iwork/



All Macs can also run Windows with Bootcamp,

VMware

which contrary to some opinions DOESN’T run Windows slowly.



You can also develop apps for the Mac or iPhone with the iPhone SDK

http://developer.apple.com/iphone/program/



Or you can download OpenOffice3.0

http://openoffice-software.com/new/home/?affebnid=124&gid=&ovid=&yid=&msid=&hop=howgood

which is native to Mac and FREE

- it works with MS Office too.



All Macs come with iLife09

http://www.apple.com/ilife/



PhotoBooth and Garage Band and Safari web browser.

There is also HEAPs of FREE stuff for Mac

http://mac.softpedia.com/

http://www.opensourcemac.org/

http://www.macupdate.com/

http://www.versiontracker.com/macosx/

Answer 14

PC. its just way better in my opinion!!!!!!

Answer 15

I would get a PC, read the following.. (Please Note: Company websites can only be used to show machine specs and not why one is better than the other..)



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



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 (snapshot taken 1-2 years ago but still holds true today)

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: 2.4 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 256MB



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



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/