Questions regarding mac vs dell...?

Question

Questions regarding mac vs dell...?

Answer 1

1

Answer 2

Leopard is the version of OS X on the Mac which is a recent version of OS X, other versions were Panther, Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard (new version)... Would be like saying 95, 98, NT, Vista, Windows 7 on Windows..



I would not switch for the following (and look at the links for facts)



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 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 eitjher 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 FASTERr/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



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 $849 dropped to $799

15" Screen

CPU: (upgrade to) 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100

Memory: 3GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM

Hard Drive: 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm

Optical Drive: Blu-ray Disc Combo (DVD+/-RW + BD-ROM) - WRITES DVDS,CDS, READS Blue-Ray Disks



Macbook $1349 just dropped to $1224

13" Screen (SMALLER)

CPU: 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (SAME)

Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 (SAME)

Memory: (upgrade to) 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (LESS RAM)

Hard Drive (upgrade to) 250GBSerial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (SMALLER HARD DRIVE)

Optical Drive: (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) - (Writes CDs, DVDs, cannot read Blue-Ray) (WORSE AND 1/2 SPEED)

http://www.dell.com/content/products/results.aspx/notebooks?c=us&cs=19&dt=SmallGrid&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn#subcats=&navla=55103~0~857204&navidc=Processor&navValc=Intel%20Core%202%20Duo&a=55103~0~857204

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MB402LL/B?mco=MTkzOTI0Nw



**(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: (At The Moment) Specs Below costs $809

CPU: 2.4 GHZ Dell Inspiron QUAD (4 Processor) CORE

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: 3GB Ram

HARD DRIVE: 500 GB hard Drive

OPTICAL DRIVE: 16x DVD/CD Read/Writer

GRAPHICS: (upgrade to ) ATI Radeon HD 2400 PRO 128MB



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 ($1400)

CPU: 2.4 GHZ DUAL (2 Processor) CORE (SLOWER CPU)

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: (upgrade to) 2GB Ram (LESS RAM)

HARD DRIVE: (upgrade to ) 500 GB hard Drive

OPTICAL DRIVE: 8x DVD Reader/Writer (1/2 speed)

GRAPHICS: ATI Radeon HD 2400 PRO 128MB

http://www.dell.com/content/products/results.aspx/desktops?c=us&cs=19&dt=SmallGrid&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn#subcats=&navla=55103~0~861680&navidc=Processor&navValc=Intel%20Core%202%20Extreme&a=55103~0~861680,55103~0~861681,55103~0~857204&page=1

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MB323LL/A?mco=NzMyNjMy



Equivalents to ILife

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

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



LINUX INFO:

http://distrowatch.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.desktoplinux.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.ubuntu.com/



http://www.kubuntu.org/

http://www.freespire.org/

http://www.pclinuxos.com/

http://xwinman.org/gnome.php

http://xwinman.org/kde.php

http://www.linuxalt.com/

http://screencasts.ubuntu.com/

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/FromMacOSX

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindows

http://www.linuxfoundation.org/en/OpenPrinting/

Answer 3

It is unfortunate that you have people answering this question who have never owned a Mac. Trust me, the vast majority of people that switch from a PC (with Windows) to a Mac wonder why this didn't do it sooner.



I have used PCs (with Windows XP and Vista) for years. I've mostly used Dells, but also a Gateway and a Compaq. I've also used Macs for years. So, from an experience standpoint I've used both Dells and Macs for a long time. For me personally, I'll never buy another PC (with Windows) again if I can help it.



I, like many, can't stand Windows and all of the problems that come with Windows. The viruses, driver conflicts, error messages, etc, are terrible. And, when you buy a Windows PC you always have to go out and get decent software for the things you want. Macs come with a lot of good software. Just research iLife '09 on the Apple website. It tells you about the music, photo, video and web software they include for free.



If you qualify for a student discount you could save $100 on your Mac. But, you can also get a free iPod Touch ($229 value) during their summer promotion. You also get a free $100 printer!



Bottom line, I use a Mac full-time now and I have hardly any crashes or problems. Meanwhile all of my PC friends continue to complain about their PCs.



Don't listen to people that hate Macs UNLESS they have owned one!

Answer 4

If you can afford a Mac, I would go for that, for the reasons you've stated. And if there are programs that are not on Mac that you need, you can still run them using a PC emulator. Most internet marketers used to use PCs, but now the majority are moving over to Mac, as there is some software that you just can't run on a PC, like Screenflow. So if you were ever considering going into business online, a Mac is a very good start.



Leopard is a Mac operating system. I think it's the latest but as i DON't have a Mac I can't be sure. I think you probably need a student card or something to get the discount, but there will be details on the Apple site.



It's impossible to tell you what software you need, because you haven't said what you want to do!

Answer 5

Leopard is the current operating system that macbook's use. The dell is probably using windows vista or widows xp. All necessary software will come with the macbook. It also comes installed with extra software like iLife which includes iMovie, iPhoto, iWeb and GarageBand. Click link for more info, http://www.apple.com/ilife/ . You can also buy microsoft office for school just like you would on the dell. Don't bother about installing any antivirus as the chances of you encountering any for the mac a slim to none. For the average user a macbook will be more reliable than a windows based machine.



You get student discounts through apples website, (http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/education_routing?mco=MTIxODk0Nw ). I think they are giving away ipod touches with the discount.



Some general tips below.

Open finder by clicking on the finder icon ( http://indrode.com/finder.png ), this is where you can navigate all the folders. It will be located on the dock, ( http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/QuicksilverG4/HC-Dock.jpg )



The little blue dots below the icons lets you know that the application is still open. To close it click on the icon and press "command w" without quotations.



Installing software is a bit different. It'll usually give you an icon of the program you want to install then you click on the icon and drag it to your applications folder, thats it. Your applications folder will be on the left side bar in the finder window ( http://km.support.apple.com/library/APPLE/APPLECARE_ALLGEOS/HT2476/304729_01.jpg ).



To right click tap two fingers anywhere on the track pad. To scroll up/down and left/right put two fingers on track pad and just move them around.



Macbooks will do routine maintenance themselves but I still recommend to download mainmenu for free ( http://santasw.com/ ).

Use the daily/weekly/monthly maintenance scripts and cleaning to clean all of your browsers cache and history. ( http://image.versiontracker.com/scrnsht/55948/301468/473logandmenushot.jpg )



Here some of the bad things.

The white macbook might get hairline cracks along the front where your wrists are. This is happens when you open and close the lid hard ( http://www.malw.co.uk/photos/broken_macbook.jpg ). Aluminum macbook have the potential dent if dropped orbumped hard enough. All macbooks will get really hot, this is normal. You can download and install smcfancontrol allowing you do speedup or slow down the fan in your macbook. It is a free program you can get here, ( http://www.eidac.de/?p=134 ).

Answer 6

Ok, you're not asking wether to buy a "PC" or a Mac (by the way Mac's are PC's too, but I get what everyone means). Anyway your question is regarding if you buy a Mac what do software is needed.



Answers (in order):

- No software needed, unless you want pro software like Photoshop, Flash etc.. all Mac's come with the necessary software needed to do pretty much everything, the only thing I recommend is Microsoft Office but, you can also download a very powerful suite for free called Open Office which allows you to open/save/edit .docx format (new MS Office 2k7 format).



- Like I said all programs come with the OS (operating system) already installed.



- Leopard is the new OS X version (operating system)



- You can get student discounts online just search for student pricing, you can also go to an apple store but you will have to show student/faculty ID, if you go to college your college store will have apple software/hardware at discount already.



- Important tip: You can run Windows on it using a built in program that comes with OS X called bootcamp so, if you have an XP CD you can use that to install it..so if you ever feel that you need to work in Windows it's as easy as restarting and selecting windows (runs very fast on a mac by the way) I've had my macbook and I love it..i just got the new unibody Macbook, i've had to re-install the windows partition in bootcamp several times cause it runs like sh*t and virus issues but I've never had to re-install the Mac OS.



Important tip 2: The new macbook pro 13" was announced on Monday and it can support up to 8gigs of memory...and is only $1200 (should be available at the end of the month).

Answer 7

I am recently a macbook buyer and i was always used PC's and well i am liking it. Software needed is the basics in what you need if you need Microsoft you must buy it separately. And programs that you want pre-installed is really up to what you want. To get a student discount there should be promotions on the apple website there should be one, it usually comes around in the summer, all you do is fill out the necessary decisions and you buy your computer while accessing the information. As a first time buyer i think its easier if you do it at one of there stores, thats what i did.

Answer 8

mac's are rip offs.



so are dells.

Answer 9

My advice for a would-be first time mac buyer: get a PC instead. I mean, there doesn't appear to be any logical reasoning behind your purchasing decision. I personally find PCs to be superior to Macs in every way.

Answer 10

Here's a Wallpaper for you to use to help you decide:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3341/3621547962_154152069b_b_d.jpg



Okay - well if you're thinking about buying Mac, then you're either sick of windows and don't mind paying double the price for your hardware so that you can be secure and stable - or you just want to pose.



Actually, you want to compare Mac with Dell. You probably think that means Windows or OSX.



OSX is actually based on FreeBSD, it's open source, but with layers built on top.



You can run a NORMAL PC - and Dell laptops are beautiful and cost a lot less for a Mac with the same hardware.



I'd tell you to buy a PC with your familiar operating system on it - as a starting point - and then put Ubuntu on as a dual boot option.



This means you don't need to install any kind of antivirus, or security software. You can simply disable networking in XP or whatever you choose. That's the best way, because Ubuntu is totally secure out of the box.



Ubuntu comes with every productivity tool you need for work - Office, Photo editors, Great music and media managers, virus free operation (security is the same, if not better, than Macintosh computers - I'd say better because you can set it up how you want it).



I started a year ago - and now I find I only ever boot Windows when I need to play a Windows game. For everything else, Ubuntu is just so much more amazing.



When compared to Mac - well Mac software is very very expensive, and some things are better. Fortunately not things I need (like Final Cut Pro).



Handbrake is available for Linux - codes much faster than Windows and Mac.



I'll dig out some links so you can think for yourself.





Very seriously, though, I would consider a reasonably priced Desktop and Netbook combination - you'll get a LOT of mileage making documents on a Netbook on the go, battery life is stunning.



The alternative is to save money you'd spend on a Mac,



I did this - I bought a Dell, a Wireless keyboard and mouse and a nice big HP w1907 monitor.



When I am home, it's just like using a full size PC - it's never the same trying to work and type on a laptop (though the Dell is gorgeous and has a great keyboard... it's never the same)



There's an added bonus, though, sometimes when I edit music I use a software called Ardour - or edit video in Cinelerra - I have two monitors to spread the windows (they just cannot all fit in one window at the same time) and that makes life sooo much easier. That would cost an absolute fortune for Mac.



P.S. - I worried about compatibility for the first day I had it. With Open Office, you have no limits or licensing issues - I have a 2GB flashdrive with 'portableapps' version, to run on Windows computers from my USB , and installer for Windows too - so I can install it anywhere.



When sending reports I always use the 'pdf' button in OOffice, so that I send people a PDF and then store my original file in an archive.



That looks nicer, and it's also more compatible with every system (and cannot be a problem for people using Office 2008 or Office 10 when they come out).