PC vs Mac?

Senior · #1 (**permalink**) May 26, 07

So now that I can get windows installed on a Mac I'm semi interested in what they have to offer. however my next thought was why bother with a Mac at all if you're just going to load windows on it? what does all that extra money go towards?

Zêus · #2 (**permalink**) May 26, 07

It's the principle that you can run windows on a mac, at the same speeds, while it's nearly impossible the other way.

As far as the OS X goes, navigate your way around it and eventually you'll be hooked. Little things like hitting F11 to make everything vanish and then reappear to widgets are pretty good.
Also I've had an old mac for 5 years and it hasn't crashed yet, only problem it ever had was physical when a light burnt out.

Senior · #3 (**permalink**) May 26, 07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zêus

It's the principle that you can run windows on a mac, at the same speeds, while it's nearly impossible the other way.

As far as the OS X goes, navigate your way around it and eventually you'll be hooked. Little things like hitting F11 to make everything vanish and then reappear to widgets are pretty good.
Also I've had an old mac for 5 years and it hasn't crashed yet, only problem it ever had was physical when a light burnt out.

that's pretty good for reliability! my PC (Toshiba Laptop) has been a nightmare for breaking down. it's been in the shop 5 times in 3 years.

b0ld · #4 (**permalink**) May 26, 07

well.... apple is now starting to use intel chipsets for there computers.... Given that move it just go's to show you that in a hardware sense both pc based boards and mac boards are essentially of the same quality. Only difference really it based on the operating system that they would generally run off...

To have a laptop serviced 5 times in 3 years... honestly... thats a norm.... Laptops are portable so that obviously means that they are more exposed to the environments surrounding you. Whether if you are transporting it and the chassis moves inside or whether if its the moisture in the air that eventually fry's the computer up.

dj_soo · #5 (**permalink**) May 26, 07

I bring my powerbook everywhere and i've never needed it serviced in the last 4 years.

The thing about apple is the generally you'll be getting quality parts since they theoretically control the constuction of the laptop - you can alway get a dud tho...

I love OS X tho. It is more stable (don't believe the hype tho, it'll still crash - just less than PCs) and not having to worry as much about viruses and spyware is great for a lazy user like myself. Some of the features are great - like the spotlight search (vista has this too now but who actually wants to use vista?, the Expose screen management, and the fast user switching (switching between users without having to logout the previous user).

It pretty much is personal preference tho - especially not that you can run windows on them, the age-old "you can't play games on a mac" arguement is losing steam.

Grapes · #6 (**permalink**) May 26, 07

"Hello, I'm a Mac."

"And buy a PC."

ebbomega · #7 (**permalink**) May 26, 07

Only real advantage to a Mac desktop system is full integrated for OSX. If you're just overhauling it to put windows on it, save yourself the money and spend about $300 less on the equivalent hardware with Windows pre-installed.

tiedye · #8 (**permalink**) May 26, 07

I've been an Apple user for nearly 14 years now. We bought our first computer when I was 6 and I instantly wanted to know how they worked. I grew up reading Apple Cert books and our schools used Apple so my friend and I managed to get IT 11 out of the way in grade 7. I swear by them, although the reason I own a PC now (aside from past gaming reasons) is that you still can't upgrade individual parts like a PC.

Zêus · #9 (**permalink**) May 26, 07

Quote:

Originally Posted by dj_soo

I love OS X tho. It is more stable (don't believe the hype tho, it'll still crash - just less than PCs)

I've never had the OS crash on me in 5 years of using it, yes programs can crash, but the operating system itself never does. And you can actually restart your operating system separate from the programs, meaning you can have a document open and restart your OS.

mapleleaf4ever · #10 (**permalink**) May 26, 07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zêus

Little things like hitting F11 to make everything vanish and then reappear to widgets are pretty good.

Windows Key+M

BAM gone. VOOOP they're back!

tiedye · #11 (**permalink**) May 26, 07

Hey, mine didn't VOOP when they came back. I feel cheated.

mapleleaf4ever · #12 (**permalink**) May 26, 07

I guess you don't have the Magical Service Pack!

dj_soo · #13 (**permalink**) May 26, 07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zêus

I've never had the OS crash on me in 5 years of using it, yes programs can crash, but the operating system itself never does. And you can actually restart your operating system separate from the programs, meaning you can have a document open and restart your OS.

I've definitely had osx crash on me requiring a full reboot - you get a transparent overlay and your machine locks up and you basically need to force-reboot the entire OS

NinjaBoy · #14 (**permalink**) May 26, 07

I've used both a mac and a PC for years.

I generally prefer to use my mac. OSX is a lot smoother. Just the way it runs. Basically a mac is automatic, and a pc is standard. Sure I can drive a standard, but it's a more work.

Senior · #15 (**permalink**) May 27, 07

thanks for all the thoughts on this guys. I'm thinking it's going to be time i n the next year to buy a really solid desk top machine.

Revolver · #16 (**permalink**) May 27, 07

im a long time mac user.

its is ALL about the software.

nothing can touch mac os for clean,streamlined userbility.

im a strict audio,photo,video type user and that is what the mac dose.

if i wanted to surf porn and doge viruses id use a gross pc.

infact i do have a pc alongside my mac. but i use that only for soundforge and interneting.

the pc is like the dirty whore and the mac is my pristine beutiful wife....

i do things with the dirty whore that i would never do with my wife.

liquidblue · #17 (**permalink**) May 27, 07

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiedye

Hey, mine didn't VOOP when they came back. I feel cheated.

At least yours came back. Mine just disappeared and wouldent come back untill i clicked on the task bar.

Most people think that once they get a mac they will miss "all those wonderful PC programs".

You wont. get a mac, you will love it. There is absolutley no question that my next computer will be a Mac.

If you really feel like you are missing out on PC programs then run windows on it. Although Im preaty sure that after using macs os, you will be so happy with it that you are not going to want windows. -Unless you do programming and want to run the software in the windows environment.

Magi · #18 (**permalink**) May 28, 07

I can provide you with my experience.

I've used PC's ever since I got connected to the internet, which was a long time ago.

My current job requires me to use Macs, so I've had to adjust a bit.

One of the things I like most about Macs is their design. Macs are GORGEOUS. Simple, uniform, and clean. Their machines, from their desktops and laptops, to their peripherals, are all aesthetically pleasing.

Sometimes this comes at the cost of functionality. For instance, iMac's have their USB ports at the back. Seriously, how hard would it have been to have at least one USB port in the front? They could have even built a little flap to make sure it doesn't mess with the look of the front. Also, their standard mouse shape makes my hand hurt because it's so awkward (this problem is remedied by getting your own mouse, which will mess with the look a bit, but whatever).

Regarding the OS, I'm used to a PC, but it's not that hard to adjust to OSX either. Also, the dock is quite awesome. It sometimes gets annoying when your mouse inadvertantly hovers too close to the particular edge the dock is attached to, but otherwise it's awesome. My laptop is a PC, but I installed a dock and put all my desktop icons on it, so now my widescreen desktop is nothing by a picture.

The little shortcuts on the keyboard (F9-F12) on Macs are cool and useful, and really handy when you get used to them because then they are just used without thinking. It should be noted that most of their effects can be replicated on a PC via. some combination of the Windows Key, ctrl, and various other keys on the keyboard (check Google for a list). It seems like it will be harder to use than the Mac shortcut keys because there's more than one button involved, but again once you're used to them their usage will be automatic, and will seem like nothing.

Regarding their programs, I guess it would depend on what programs you use regularly. I mostly just need web browsing, and some dabbling in Photoshop and InDesign. For this, either Macs or PC's are fine because I'm not doing anything hardcore. However, one of my co-workers who is in charge of all our graphical content claims that Macs are better for serious graphic design, in addition for things like sound work and video work (he's also a film student).

Macs are a bit more expensive from their equivalent PC counterparts. However, Macs (their laptops, anyways) seem to retain their value a little longer than their equivalent PC counterparts.

Hope that helps.

Zêus · #19 (**permalink**) May 28, 07

And we haven't even started on the widgets :)

dj_soo · #20 (**permalink**) May 28, 07

^ meh, i never use widgets