mac or pc for college?

Question

mac or pc for college?

Answer 1

Get a mac i just got my imac 2 months ago and its a 2006 model and its better then my PC thats 2008. I will never go back to PC's

Answer 2

There aren't many programs that you can't find a mac equivalent to. If you do run into any problems, you can always run Windows on your mac using a program such as Parallels.

Answer 3

Okay, If he's just going to use it for surfing the web and writing up papers, etc.. Get a netbook they're best suited for this and very portable as well as the most affordable. If he's going to be doing any sort of heavy video editing type classes he should definitely get a mac although pc also has great software. But mac is preferable in this area. If he wants a desktop replacement go with the pc they're very large around 20"+ screens and have similar performance to a desktop. They're high power but not very portable because they consume the battery extremely fast. A pro for a dorm instead of an actual desktop because it doesn't take up space plus you could secure it. I've known of friends who've had roommates stealing things from them. And, Obviously the main drawl for pc is because a mac with the same performance/specs is quadruple the price. Brands I recommend for pc would be Samsung, Asus or Dell(last choice). Oh yeah I strongly suggest getting a matte screen because glossy screens are virtually impossible to see outdoors.

Answer 4

For years, the Mac vs. PC debate has been fueled mostly by subjective ranting; the platforms and the components were so different that it was impossible to compare fundamental characteristics such as performance. But now that Macs are migrating to Intel processors, analyzing Mac hardware versus PC hardware is a bit more like comparing (ahem) apples to apples. To that end, we're pitting the MacBook Pro against a number of PC competitors, stocking the laptops with Core Duo processors and a number of other high-end components and comparing them not only on performance and battery life but on characteristics such as design, features, and price. All to answer one fundamental question: if you configure a PC and a Mac with identical components, which laptop reigns supreme?



And now...let's introduce the competitors in our first bout.



In this corner, we have the 15.4-inch MacBook Pro running Mac OS 10.4 and equipped with a 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo (T2500) processor; 2GB of DDR2 SDRAM (666MHz); an ATI Mobility Radeon x1600 graphics card; and a 100GB hard drive spinning at 5,400rpm. (Note: this is a different configuration than the one we reviewed in March.) In the opposite corner, the Acer TravelMate 8200, running Windows XP Professional and equipped with a 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo (T2500) processor; 2GB of slightly slower DDR2 SDRAM (533MHz); an ATI Mobility Radeon x1600 graphics card; and a slightly larger 120GB hard drive spinning at 5,400rpm.



These two laptops are as evenly matched as any two you're going to find. Only one can win. Let's ring the bell, and let the fight begin

Answer 5

First I want to front the fundamental answer to one of technologies long standing myths, MACs are not more immune to viruses than PCs. There are simply fewer viruses in existence for MACs since they are not as widely used or common, therefore it is rarer that they get one. However, in my experience with MACs the viruses are usually worse in comparison when they do hit because they aren't as prepared for them.



That aside MACs are excellent computer systems for basic word processing and web browsing or professional video editing. MACs are not gaming machines, games are a minority in the community of MAC software (at least the main stream games). However, they offer simplified web browsing, word processing, and music capabilities.



PCs however are just as capable at serving you for web browsing, word processing, power point, excel, etc. They are offer equal video and audio support as MACs. One main point for PCs is that they are more compatible with software and hardware alike. MACs require mostly proprietary parts while PCs can be refitted using store bought parts of identical features but multiple brands (offering low prices and options). A PC can easily be protected from viruses in 2 ways, download and install a free anti-virus program (such as AVG) and be vigilant when checking emails and websites.



I like MAC and PC alike, however I will always be primarily a PC owner :)



One final note, if you are looking for laptops: Be wary if you are looking into a mac book, they have a high rate of battery cell failure. (this means you will be forced to run off the charger until you replace the battery after a cell fails)



So the run down:



A Desktop is better than a Laptop, however in the medical profession and classroom a laptop offers more convenience. (though their life span is typically less and are over all harder to repair).



PC or MAC, the choice is yours. However I personally find PCs are more compatible and universal.



If you were to get a PC, the big 3 are:



Sony (Expensive but worth it)

HP (Entertainment/Student Oriented - Good Prices, Great Manufacturer. I personally use one now [HP Pavilion dv9000])

Toshiba (Business/Home - Stable Machines, Lower price I believe)

Answer 6

Mac....



Pro -



1. absolutely beautiful hardware & software!!

2. OS X is based on UNIX which is a wonderful OS kernel. Exceptional memory management

3. OS X comes with Grand Central Dispatch which can take full advantage of multi-core processors and the GCD will also manage your RAM very efficiently. mult-core processors are great because they consume less power (hence great for laptops & environment friendly) yet provide excpetional peformance. Whenever there are some RAM that is no longer needed by a program, it will be immediately made available by GCD for other programs. Imagine what will happen when all programs take advantage of GCD

4. Macs rarely suffers system freezes also known as (blue screen of death)



Con -



1. look at the pricetag (and this can offset all the great characteristics I specified above) there are non-Mac quality laptops with dedicated ATI or nVidia video cards that cost around 500 dollars



I agree Macs "just work" but if you learn enough and suffer enough and endure enough under PCs, PCs will "just work" too :P



Instead of photoshop, you can always use gimp www.gimp.org

and instead of ms office, you can always use open office www.openoffice.org both of which are legally free yet provides world-class quality.



My conclusion:



If you can afford, get MacBook pro. If you can't afford, get a PC. But no matter how much money you have, never, ever buy software. Use legally free yet world-class quality alternatives and if you need help again with your laptop in the future, just come back to Yoohoo Answers.



EDIT:



install avast anti-virus. www.avast.com

and install ad-aware available from www.lavasoft.com



they both provide world-class quality yet legally free. I use both of the above and I never suffer from any viruses.

Answer 7

Am a 14plus yearuser of pc's but 6 months ago I bought my first mac... I will NEVER go back. So, go mac

Answer 8

Hi, If your not sure which you prefer I'd recommend getting the pc.

There are more programs out there for them and if you haven't used a mac before and ain't that knowledgeable on computers they can be quite confusing at times.

Otherwise it's up to personal preference, I personally dislike mac's but that's just me.

For the viruses, I'd recommend AVG free edition it wont cost you anything and it keeps my laptop clean, just make sure you keep it updated which it will do automatically if you set it up like that.

here's the link:

http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html?tag=mncol



Hope I helped :)

Answer 9

PC and dual boot with Linux (easy and FREE to do)



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...



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.



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



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



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



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 consumer reports 2009.

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/