I need a new laptop - do I want a Mac?

Question

Here is the deal... I have a Dell for work, it is fine, but I need my own because I am working on a dissertation and do a lot of manuscript writing for grad school. I also have had a Dell in the past that died on my after about 5 years so am looking for something that won't crap out.

I have never had a Mac, but know a lot of people who like theirs, but I don't do a lot of graphics work or movie making, etc. Is this what I want?

Here are my concerns...
1) I can use Windows on a Mac, right, it will transfer Powerpoints, word docs, etc. to PCs fine?
2) Can I use programs like SPSS (a program for running statistics that I have to use to be compatible with others in my department)
3) I don't have a fortune to spend - see above - grad student ;)


As I said, I don't do a lot of graphics work or anything, but I do have a load of iTunes on my computer and love the iPod so that is part of the reason I am looking to that company.

So basically I am asking - what would ya'll recommend?

Answer 1

Everything you mentioned would work on a MAC or a PC. I would stick with your strengths. You already are familiar with the PC, so stick with the Dell. The MAC will require a learning curve, and I personally don't have that type of time to deal with it.



A dell will be much cheaper and you already have been around the block with that one. Use a coupon, where you can save up to 20% on your purchase. Coupons are available at http://www.24houredeals.com/dell-coupons-23-mer.html



Good Luck

Answer 2

My husband bought a mac laptop about a year ago, and we'll never go back! They can run Office programs, and there are also programs that will allow you to run Windows on a mac, like Boot Camp. Then if you run Windows through this program, you should be able to run the SPSS program.



We got a refurbished one from Mac of All Trades online, so cheaper than buying one new. Although being a student, you are eligible for the student discount directly from Apple. Ask at the store for more info.

Answer 3

Short answer- Yes.

Long explanation- Macs are not just for graphics anymore. Yes, they are great for making movies and keeping your music collection, but they do so much more. Macs can do anything a PC can do, with out the problems from viruses and spam. They can run Office and transfer files seamlessly to PCs (even without the new software that lets you run Windows on a Mac). As for the SPSS software, I checked their website to try and see if their software is compatible, but they have so many variations, I didn't know which one you had. Check with them to see if it runs on a Mac. (My guess is it will).

The new MacBooks start at $1000 (and you can get an education discount- something you don't get from most PC makers).

With the threat of viruses and spam getting bigger and worse each day, Macs are the safe way to go. Hassle-free and worry-free for many years to come.

Answer 4

1) Yes, but: You can use bootcamp. It let's you install both. OS X and Windows on one computer. But you can't run both at the same time.

This only works on the newer intel macs!



You can transfer both. Powerpoint and Word to a Mac.

There's actually Microsoft Office for mac. But you need a license for that. Your windows license won't help you.



2) As far as I know there's spss for mac. You might want to check

their website to make sure.



Macs are pretty good. I have both and I love my mac.

But they're different. If you don't plan to get used to a new

system or can't afford new licenses don't do it. If you don't

want a dell. There's also lenovo. They took over IBMs notebooks.

They're pretty good but not too cheap either.

Answer 5

The new MacBooks can run Windows, but I've never tried that. I do use Microsoft Office on my Mac, and the programs transllate seamlessly. Don't know about SPSS, but a phone call to Apple's 800 number should give you a quick answer. If it won't run on a Mac, you might as well stay with a pc for now.



Once on a Mac, it's hard to go back!

Answer 6

I would recommend multi-booting a mac. That way when you startup it will ask you whether you want to boot into Mac OSX or Windows. Getting the partitions right can be a little tricky due to the difference in file allocation tables, but when done correctly it gives you the best of both worlds. All you need is a copy of Windows and some multi-boot software.

Answer 7

The Mac will cost less in the long run, unless you run Windows on it! Then you need to account for antivirus/antispyware software, and the costs of fixing problems when that software fails to stop an attack.



Get the Mac and try not to use Windows unless you need to. If you do need to, try using Parallels so you can run Windows apps from within OS X:

http://www.parallels.com/

Answer 8

I wouldn´t purchase ether of them if i became you. Macs are extra useful for image/video modifying than abode windows depending computing device, in case you dont purchase any software for the abode windows depending. yet even as finding out to purchase a mac, you pay alot for the emblem, and also you eventually end up getting little software for you money, this does too count number with dell. except that you get a touch extra by shopping for a dell, yet nevertheless a kind. organizations likke dell,asus,acer, hp and such are purely the onces who placed the computing device mutually, so purely purchase the computing device with the perfect hardware for the perfect cost.

Answer 9

NeoOffice and OpenOffice are MS Office 2004 equivalents and both are free.

There is a SPSS program for Mac but it's not Universal, meaning it works with PPC Macs but not the new Intel Macs.

http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/17486

There is an alternative that will work on Intel Macs, it's called stata.

http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/10601

I just checked their prices, WHOA!!! LOL

Answer 10

I think if you had the money go buy a mac they are really good my brother has one too and they work fine and plus they look pretty cool

Answer 11

mac!?!?!?!

noooooo you need a windows laptop

i would requemend u

a dell

sony

or hp