New computer, PC or Mac?

J

jackknife

Joined
Oct 2, 2004
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So the family gave me some very generous gift cards for Christmas, and I'm going to join the 21st century. I'm going to get my own laptop and learn to use a computer for more than just getting online and posting on a forum. I'm torn between the two, and I know very little about the things. I do intend to take some courses at a local community college, if they have any courses for senior citizens like "Computers for idiots; this is how you do it!"

Is the Mac worth the great price difference over the normal Dell and HP PC's?

Carl.
 
Not a whole lot of difference between the two. I assume you do not do any graphical work, or are into PC gaming. Then it is just a matter of how much you want to spend, and if you like Macs.
 
I'm in the same position.
My Dell Inspiron (which wasn't cheap) has had to have its motherboard replaced 4 different times in 3 years.
So, no more Dells for me.
MAC is just a different style of operating system and every program comes from applications instead of CDs.
MACs now get viruses just like PCs, so I don't know which to choose either.
 
If you can afford one, I say that Mac is better, if you know how to operate one / or once you learn, the user experience is 10x better in my opinion.. Cleaner design inside and out, Mac creates it, and everyone takes it...
 
BoxANT said:
Not a whole lot of difference between the two. I assume you do not do any graphical work, or are into PC gaming. Then it is just a matter of how much you want to spend, and if you like Macs.
Click to expand...

No, I'm going to be using it for writing short stories and a book. I don't do any personal business of any sort online.
 
I've never been a fan of laptops, but recently did a repair and cleanup job on one I sort of liked. It's still loaded with proprietary non-standard components that can't be replaced, repaired, or upgraded, but at least the keyboard didn't suck.

Wish I knew the model name, but it was a Lenovo.

----------------

Unless you absolutely need the portability of a laptop, desktop systems are a better value. Especially in the long run.
If you lived closer, I'd snap one together for you.
 
I have used both. I love Mac. I find it easy to use and the only problem I have had with a Mac was a power cord, which Apple replaced for free. All my windows os pc died on me. Including work ones. None of my work Macs died. It all depends on what you want your laptop to do. Unless you are a hard core gamer (which then go with windows), Windows or Mac are both fine. If you have used Windows operating system and are happy with it, stay with it. Now I find Macs more reliable, easy to use, and last year when I was home for the holidays and my parents' windows pc got the blue screen of death, I let them use my Mac. They liked it. After 10 mins. of instructions they could use it. My favorite Uncle who has little computer experience had no problem learning how to use a very old Mac that I gave him and just bought a iPad.

This all said I have no vested interest in any computer platform.
 
To put it simple the Mac is made better. The hardware is MADE to go with the software. This is true throughout Apples lineup and that is what sets them apart. When you buy a PC you have such a wide variety of brands, each brand uses its own hardware manufacturers and each one will perform differently with windows/linux. When Apple builds a computer they make it to work with OSx. I have been using a Mac laptop for the last 6 years and will NEVER buy another brand of laptop. I had HPs before and had nothing but problems. My last Macbook lasted me 4 years and I only upgraded because I wanted more power. I sold my old Macbook for $500 and could have made more, but I sold it to a friend. Now tell me, could you get that much cash for a 4 year old PC laptop? Not likely. If you can afford to go Mac do it and never look back!
 
I'd go with the Mac. The operating system seems to be more stable.

My daughter got a Mac Book Pro as a graduation gift. Within 5 minutes of opening the box, she was already on the internet. Most mac stuff is plug it in and it works.

Ric
 
Seems like PCs have more potential power and versatility for the money, but only if you want to put in the time and energy in learning how to exploit that potential. For your purposes I would recommend a Mac if you have the means. The user interface is simpler and more intuitive. I hope this means you'll write even more short stories for the Traditionals forum.

-Mac user for 5 years and haven't been missing PCs.
 
Definately a Mac, for the reasons others have mentioned. Reliability, ease of use and excellent customer service.

If you dont really need a laptop (space or mobility need) then buy a desktop. You will save money and probably find it easier to use. Apple offers free classes at most of their retail locations and their employees are well trained and helpful.

Lastly, most, if not all of the programs you will need are already pre installed on their computers.
 
Get an Osborne! Work with it for a while and you'll be grateful for whatever you eventually wind up with.

osborne1.jpg


I had an Atari 800 back in the day. It taught me to appreciate MS-DOS.
 
PC is fine if you buy a good one. You shouldn't compare a $400 PC to a $1100 mac and expect the same quality build and reliable performance. We don't do that with knives.
 
HuntBomb said:
I'm in the same position.
My Dell Inspiron (which wasn't cheap) has had to have its motherboard replaced 4 different times in 3 years.So, no more Dells for me.
MAC is just a different style of operating system and every program comes from applications instead of CDs.
MACs now get viruses just like PCs, so I don't know which to choose either.
Click to expand...

Huh... Sorry to hear that.
I have a Dell Gen 1 Inspiron XPS "bible" laptop (heavy sucker!) that's about 7 years, 3 months old. With the exception of a HDD failure about 3.5 years in while still under extended warranty (replaced for free), it has performed without incident. Granted, it is now showing its age...batteries have died, so now it's a desktop, lol...and one of the 2 screen bulbs is recently showing signs that it might wear out soon when on the dimmest setting (Seems fine when on the high end), but other than that, it still runs very well and has been the only computer I've had since purchase. I was thinking about getting another XPS.
 
I've noticed that my family members who are relatively new to computers tend to prefer Macs (despite the price difference) because they find Macs more intuitive to navigate than PCs.
That said, I'd take a quick survey of my friends and family members to see which systems they're familiar with, just in case something should go wrong.
 
Disclaimer: I am a long time Mac user/Apple fan.

Like most things (think: Glock vs. 1911, Ford vs. Chevy, slip joints vs. tacticals;), etc.) some folks get very passionate about their computers so it's pretty hard to get an unbiased opinion and, to be frank, either one will serve your needs well. That being said...

My parents (late 60's/early70's) both originally balked at the price difference when it came time to replace their respective dead/dying PC laptops and were hesitant to even look at a Mac. After a little gentle persuading to at least check 'em out before buying PC's again, trying mine, talking to a very patient and knowledgeable salesman, and playing with the various models in the store, they were both sold on them. Neither one of them is even remotely tech savvy but, after a brief tutorial, they were both up and running. Now, after using them for a while, neither one would even consider going back to a PC. As an added benefit, my "tech support" calls/visits/accompanying headaches have greatly diminished:D.
 
Mac is the way to go. You might want to just get an iPad 2 - does almost everything. Seriously, check it out.
 
DrivebyTrucker said:
PC is fine if you buy a good one. You shouldn't compare a $400 PC to a $1100 mac and expect the same quality build and reliable performance. We don't do that with knives.
Click to expand...

You hit the nail on the head there. An entry level MacBook is better built than an entry level PC for the reason that Apple just don't offer low end hardware the equivalent of a cheap Windows based laptop. Compare a low end MacBook to a mid range PC of similar price to get a fair comparison.

I've been using computers since the BBC basic and one thing I notice is that for personal use there is less and less to know about them as a user, they are mainly just an Internet portal nowdays for most people.

If you have no specific requirements other than Internet browsing and word processing, and you don't need it for business or need any specific applications only available on one or the other platforms then I say go with whichever one you prefer the look of within your budget.
 
an "IBM compatible" laptop is a much better value, imho. Like all Apple products, you pay a huge premium for the brand when you get a MacBook. Just make sure--for the love of all that is holy--to get a good, commercial anti-virus program (Norton, McAfee, etc.) and use it. IBM compatibles are far more susceptible to viruses.
 
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