Question:
Mac vs PC! which one u think its better? and why!?
anonymous
2009-10-19 21:43:36 UTC
Mac vs PC! which one u think its better? and why!?
Twelve answers:
Daniel Smith
2009-10-19 22:16:17 UTC
I use both extensively. I use a Mac, Windows PC and Linux PC at work. I come home to a Mac though.



Honestly there are many reasons to own a PC over a Mac. It usually because of specific software that is not available on a Mac. For me that is electrical engineering software. You may have your own software that is only available on a PC.



The other thing is gaming. If you are a die-hard PC gamer a PC is a better option. When I say die-hard I mean someone who spends 2-3K per year on their gaming PC and games. If you are just a casual gamer that doesn't need the fastest performance consoles (Xbox, Playstation, Wii) make much more sense. Even a Mac will handle casual gaming fine.



That being said, for 90% of people who just want a computer to do homework, surf the internet, organize photos etc the Mac is a much better option.



The software and support you get with a Mac is much better then anything you can ever get on a PC. This is mainly because the software and hardware comes from the same vendor. I've had too many problems with PC's where the manufacturer's response to a problem was always to reformat and reinstall windows. They absolutely will not properly support the software.



iLife is also amazing. It is so powerful, yet also so simple to use. My wife and parents use to never want to touch digital photography/video editing or blogging. Now that they have Macs they just can't get enough.



If you are technically inclined the UNIX core of OS X makes the machine a programmer's paradise.
?
2009-10-19 21:55:54 UTC
It really depends on personal preference. There are reasons why some people are die hard pc fans and some mac fanboys. As for me personally?



I currently own a 2 year old sony vaio pc. It works really well despite its age and what it has been through. I really don't get why people hate on vista so much. I've used windows 98, 2000, XP, and Vista and there really wasn't anything that horrible about Vista that i could find. It didn't even feel that much different from XP.



I think when i get a new computer tho i might switch to a mac. Macs are really overpriced, if you had 2000 to spend on either a Mac or PC, you would without a doubt get a computer with a faster CPU, more RAM, larger hard drive, more features etc etc.



With mac tho you get something really shiny and nice looking. The Operating system is very nice and elegant to use. I dislike how they have become a fashion statement these days, but they really are nice looking machines. The new uni-body case's look so nice, and I love how fast macs turn on. Also, not worrying about viruses is nice.



Overall, if you want bang for your buck, for sure go with a PC, they really are a better deal. If money is not an issue tho, you might wanna go for a Mac. It all comes down to personal preference in the end.
Jennifer
2009-10-19 21:55:21 UTC
A lot of kids use Mac, but if you're into more specialized and complicated software, go for a PC. A Mac is also really expensive, which isn't ideal in this economy. I personally prefer a PC. I started with a PC, so I might be biased, but everything on the Mac seems wrongly placed. Also, check the specs of Mac vs PC. PC really dominates Mac, and plus, the the Windows 7 is out, which is the real deciding factor. Vista disappointed, but reviews for the Windows 7 has really been good. Go for the PC :)
anonymous
2009-10-21 23:17:34 UTC
Hi,

Mac is a lot better than PC in many ways, some of which are:

- Design

- Speed

- Security

- Ease of Use

- Stability

- More advanced Operating System

- More features

etc. etc.



Btw, as many people have mentioned that Macs are a lot more expensive. I would say that this is false, considering the amount of features, quality and specifications you get on a Mac.



Take for example, the latest iMacs, which were released just yesterday (21/10/2009). You could one with a 27" screen (backlit and HD), 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 4GB RAM, 1TB Hard Drive (1000GB), Wireless built-in (Bluetooth, Infrared, Wi-fi, etc.), Wireless Multi-Touch Mouse and Keyboard, Built in CD Drive & SD card slot, and a good video card for only A$2,199 from the Apple Store.



More info:

http://store.apple.com/au/browse/home/shop_mac/family/imac?aid=AIC-WWW-NAUS-K2-BUYNOW-MACBOOK



Good Luck!
anonymous
2009-10-19 21:46:51 UTC
They are not OS'S you ****.



A Mac is a PERSONAL COMPUTER, The real question is OSX vs Windows >.>
Kate210
2009-10-19 21:51:02 UTC
Mac, but PC's are more fun.
anonymous
2009-10-19 21:52:44 UTC
Mac's are for hippies who think theyre cool.

And they dont make viruses for MAC's cos no-one uses them to care enought!



But Pc's have to put up with the wrath of microsoft.



I HATE MICROSOFT, So MAC wins!!



But mac people need to be less smug.
Zack
2009-10-19 21:47:45 UTC
MAC!

Its just the best thing that ever happend to me. It has every thing I need and PCs have wayyyyyy to much bull s*** to deal with.
« Chippy »
2009-10-19 21:46:55 UTC
PC. It has a wider variety of programs, and is extremely effective in infrastructures outside that of a personal computer.
bella muerte.
2009-10-19 21:46:52 UTC
Mac all the way.... It's expensive, but it's worth it :)
Sarah
2009-10-19 21:46:42 UTC
macs are better, no virus's
Substance over Style
2009-10-20 06:15:59 UTC
PC for the following....



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/


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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