What should i get pc or mac?

Question

OK so for Christmas i am getting a laptop since i really need one for school and just to have fun with it. its all im gonna get so i want to make sure what i might get it good. So i really like the edit videos and pictures. i don't like to really play games cause i play it n xbox 360. The only game i would play would be sims or spore. I like computers that are fast and have alot of fun things to do i want to know what has a better prosesser and more GB. what has better graphics? i would like to know this from someone who had both or worked with both and isn't a fanboy. so So should i get a mac book pro or a good windows laptop. Also i have heard all this bs about mac sucking or pc sucking. thanks!

Answer 1

Well passionate debates asides if you do not plan to play any games then a Mac may suits you fine you would have to chek for the games you mentioned if they are compatible with a Mac. I myself am no mac users in the sense I have too many programs that run on Windows BUT believe me Mac OS Leopard is truly a MAGNIFICENT OPERATING SYSTEM problems with windows is that you will ALWAYS have to deal with viruses problems reformating it gets really annoying. Be part of the new generation and go for a Mac.



RICK

Answer 2

Mac OS X Snow Leopard (10.6) gave me a bad experience. It crash routinely. Photoshop crash right after opening. Word crash after a few minutes of use. QuickTime and iTunes hang randomly when showing a video. Safari crash after about 30 minutes of use. Even TextEdit crash on saving! I wonder where the "just works" come in. I call Apple about the issues and they insist that a reinstall would solve the problem, yet it made no difference. Snow Leopard seem incomplete and should be more a beta product then a release version. It seems that the last "stable" Mac OS X release was the previously release Leopard (10.5) that run smoothly, but performance decay the same way as a Windows PC. It seem clear to me now that profit mean more to Apple than releasing a stable product.



Windows 7 is a different story. While it is an evolution from a not so well love Vista, it blossom in its domain. Windows 7 is very polish. It look so similar to Vista, yet it is faster and more stable. Sure, I spend a day running around searching for drivers, but the result, my computer is more responsive than Vista or XP has previously offer. I do feel that Windows 7 contain some regression. Mail, for example, doesn't come baked into Windows 7 and your are suppose to download it as part Windows Live Essentials. Internet Explorer is sluggish and almost impossible to navigate; the first thing after install, I download Firefox. Overall though, I find Windows 7, well polish.

Answer 3

I personally have always had a pc, but i do understand why people can love macs. They rarely ever have problems, and although they are pricey they always run very smoothly and quietly. However with that being said i would still have to suggest you buy a pc. First of all i need to say that windows 7 is great. It just looks so good i love it, its a lower resource consuming software than vista, so your computer will run faster than most other people's pcs. But an overlooked reason why to buy a pc is that unlike with macs, theres a lot of inter-company competition that doesnt exist with macs. For example buying a sony vaio pc, versus a lenovo, versus a toshiba. Because within the world of pcs other companies compete with each, other in alot of cases theres alot more better that comes of it. I would not suggest buying a dell, theyre reliable but not really terrific in any way, a mac would trump one in any way. But if you decide to spend 1400 on a macbook, your money would go much farther with lets say a sony vaio. Just compare the stastics of the processor and ram, its hard to get a macbook with a sick hard drive and processor. Also there are just more applications created for windows than for mac, especially with windows 7.

Answer 4

The pc will always have better specs then a mac of the same price. Get a pc and you will be able to get a very powerful computer for the price of a mac

Answer 5

Get a mac because compared to a windows based computer, they are always more expensive. They are underpowered compared to windows based pc's of the same cost, and they have a nice fruit logo on the front, and you cannot get games for them. So get a mac!

Answer 6

For me I think a Windows PC is better because it give you more choices on what to do especially because now Windows 7 has come out. also I think Macbooks are a little confusing to use and they are expensive. For me I would recommend PC maybe it's because I am used to it? I don't know it's really your choice.

Answer 7

PC.. You get better specs (processor/graphics) for less..



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



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/



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



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: Deleting your Data (Snow Leopard), 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://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=5006

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)



**(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 XPS8000: ($1018)

CPU: I-7 2.8GHZ (SUPERIOR ) RANK 12= http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_lookup.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i7+860+%40+2.80GHz

SCREEN: (Upgrade to) 21.5inch Screen

MEMORY: 6GB Ram DDR3 Dual Channel 1033GHZ (MORE)

HARD DRIVE: 640 GB (LARGER, FASTER)

OPTICAL DRIVE: 16x DVD/CD Read/Writer (FASTER)

GRAPHICS: ATI Radeon 4350HD 512MB (SUPERIOR)

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dxdzkv1&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&m_2=SXI7860&mo=2~SXI7860&kc=studio-xps-8000



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 ($1200)

CPU: 3.06 GHZ DUAL (2 Processor) CORE (MUCH SLOWER) http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_lookup.php?cpu=Intel+Core2+Duo+E8435+%40+3.06GHz

SCREEN: 21.5inch Screen

MEMORY: 4GB Ram (LESS)

HARD DRIVE: 500 GB hard Drive (SMALLER, SLOWER)

OPTICAL DRIVE: 8x DVD Reader/Writer

GRAPHICS: Nvidia Geforce 9400M (WORSE)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MB950LL/A?mco=MTM3NDc2NDc



**(LAPTOP)

Dell Inspiron Laptop Price Starting: $550 Ending Opt A: $854 Ending Opt B: $954

15" Screen (SAME)

CPU: (upgrade to) 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (SAME)

Graphics: OPT A: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD (WORSE) Benchmark: 1243 http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-Graphics-Media-Accelerator-4500MHD-GMA-X4500MHD.9883.0.html

OPT B: 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD4330 (BETTER) Benchmark: 4969 http://www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-ATI-Mobility-Radeon-HD-4330.13973.0.html

Memory: 4GB 1033GHZ DDR3 SDRAM (SAME)

CD DRIVE: 8X CD/DVD-RW

Hard Drive: (upgrade to) 500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (SAME)

Battery Life: (upgrade to) up to 8 hours (BETTER)

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DNDWZA3&s=dhs&fb=1



Macbook Pro Price Starting: $1700 Ending Opt A: $1850

15" Screen (SAME)

CPU: 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (SAME)

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics Benchmark: 3263 http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-9400M-G.11949.0.html

Memory: 4GB 1033GHZ DDR3 SDRAM (SAME)

CD DRIVE: 8X CD/DVD-RW

Hard Drive: (upgrade to) 500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (SAME)

Battery Life: up to 7 hours (WORSE)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MC118LL/A?mco=MTM3NDcyODk



FREE Windows Stuff

http://www.comodo.com/products/free_products.html

http://www.iobit.com/

http://www.ccleaner.com/



ILife Equivalents

http://www.jakeludington.com/ask_jake/20070830_ilife_for_windows.html

http://www.xsellize.com/showthread.php?t=20518



ANTI-VIRUS

Avira Antivir (FREE) rated best detection/2009 (Free version=no realtime protection) 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

Malware Bytes-(Free version=no realtime protection).

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/