Should I switch from a PC to a Mac?

Question

I've seriously been considering switching from a PC laptop to a Macbook, but I'm not too sure at the moment. See, I've had three laptops in the last two years (each one a different brand - Dell, Acer and HP), and I've encountered many problems with each one of them; The Acer's keyboard stopped working for no reason, the HP refused to accept any software like SD cards or memory sticks, and the Dell's hardrive just completely fell apart.

Now, I have gotten a refund on the Dell and I'm looking into getting a white MacBook. Have any of you switched? Was it worth it? I know I've had extraordinarily bad luck with laptops, but I've been told they're a really reliable computer, and then there's the obvious perks, like iLife and longer battery. I'm not looking for a Mac .Vs. PC war here, just honest and genuine opinions to help me decide what I should do.

Any information on this would be greatly appreciated, thanks. :)

Answer 1

You are the perfect person to make the switch. You will be able to completely appreciate how wonderful it is to have a computer that just works without any battles or frustration. The average lifespan is about 4-5 years and they are truly enjoyable for the whole time. I can't recommend Macs enthusiastically enough. They are powerful, convenient, and almost laughably easy to use.



Of all the types of people who switch from PC to Mac, you are the kind of person who will genuinely appreciate the experience the most. You have had the worst luck (three computers in TWO years?!) and now it's time to give yourself the best. Hopefully you have a long, relatively problem-free relationship with your MacBook. You will probably have to replace the battery after a few years, but that's not a big deal. Otherwise, it's a top-tier computer.



Consider upgrading to the 13" MacBook Pro for $150 more. It's a much more powerful and capable machine than the basic MacBook. I don't know why this is the case but the upgrade is absolutely worth the expense.



I also suggest taking advantage of the student discount before it ends on September 8 (three days!). If you aren't a student, ask a friend who is a student or school employee to get it for you. You can get a $50 discount on the MacBook or a $100 discount on the 13" MacBook Pro. Just hurry!





Edit:

Please, please, please ignore "B108891037." Of the barely intelligible bits of his or her answer, I can tell you this person hasn't got the foggiest clue what he or she is talking about. Macs don't emit a wireless signal -- they pick it up. Anything you can read on a PC, you can read on a Mac. For the few files that end in PC-specific extensions, you can download free and simple software from Microsoft's website to convert their own documents. It's so simple. Basically, everything in that person's answer is false.

Answer 2

Macs don't use Windows applications/programs though Windows can be installed on Macs assuming the Mac supports such an install and the correct version of Windows is used. Mac hardware seems to struggle with some games. Flight Simulator is a Windows designed game, so I suspect there is no Mac version which would require you to install Windows on the Mac. While the display may be good I'm not entirely convinced Mac is your best bet for Flight Simulator. However below is a link for Apple's Bootcamp which allows and supports the install of Boot Camp.

Answer 3

I had the same problem as you two years ago. I had a Dell and it was just terrible. My brothers both had macs and loved them so i decided to switch. I have the white macbook and i would recommend it to anyone! I have only had one problem with it so far, but apple took care of it in less than a hour with no charge and they gave me free software. With that being said i would get a macbook if i was you. If might take a few days to get used to the software macs have, but its amazing. It is also a great computer for school or work, lightweight.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

You must have really bad luck with Laptops. Laptops in general break a lot easier (Mac or PC), switching will not solve your problems.. I would look into http://www.powernotebooks.com for top quality..



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/

Answer 5

B108 does not have a clue. With the Mac you will have the Most User Friendly & Best computer on the Planet.

Here's why you should get a Mac:: There are NO CONS. The MacBook does both WinDoze and OSX, no other computer can make that statement. You have the best of the best. Apple Stores are popping up all over and you can make an appointment for a time and date, bring your computer there for a quick fix. They will troubleshoot it and fix it if it's a software problem for FREE. What other computer company has stores and can make that statement? Get the 2.4 GHz with 4Gigs Ram and you got a speed machine like mine. Go Mac and Never Go Back. Mac, the User Friendly Computer.

If you read the questions here you will notice that most problems are about every computer except a Mac.

Answer 6

I used to have an HP laptop and I switched to a MacBook about a year ago. It was my first Mac and I love it. It is still running with absolutely no problems. I decided on a Mac after my HP Desktop crashed. I love all of the features and programs. I timed my Mac and it only takes 40 seconds to boot up and 3 seconds to shut down. I thought that was amazing compared to my older PCs. I also love iPhoto. It is such a nice way to organize all of my photos. It can even analyze the pictures for people's faces and organize them by who is in each photo. Very Cool! It was hard to change. I had never used a Mac, and looking on the Internet only brought my Mac vs PC wars. But I was willing to try it and I don't think that I will ever go back.

Answer 7

I use many computers including a Dell laptop and a Macbook Pro and an iMac, and I find it depends what you are doing. For gaming, buy a PC but if you are surfing the web, making music or editing websites, use a Mac. If you are doing office work, use whichever you like. With a PC you have (normally) Microsoft Office suite or Microsoft Works suite. OpenOffice.org is very similar to Office 2003, with a word program and most others. You can also buy Office 2008 for Mac if you want. Macs are also quicker.



Overall, I would buy a Mac, simply because of the battery life and what it does. The only problem is the cost :( at around £750 for the cheapest model, it is quite costly

Answer 8

I have experience with both, but most experience with Apples and I have to say they are great computers.



While they are very costly, there are worth it.



Benefits:

- Updates every month (an application automatically checks for them and asks permission to update)

- No viruses

- Lots of cool and helpful apps

- Nice camera and microphone (built-in)

- Great display

- Long battery life

- Easy user interface

- Long lasting

- Lots of help options (Apple Store, 1800MYAPPLE)



Check out www.apple.com for more info.



I suggest maybe a macbook pro or newer macbook.

Answer 9

The brands are completely different so the info you have on your computer now most likely will not be able to goto your mac book if you do get one. then the issue is you see more pc's then mac just because in my mind pc's are better but it reallys boils down to personal preference i will say if you get a mac you will have to basically learn how to use a computer all over ... i recommend to take you knowledge of computers thust Pc's and do maintaince on them learn the upkeep rules and basic maintaince...ask yourself what happens if you do goto a mac and A your just lost in there software B most printers wont accept mac's wifi sig's C it Brakes on you also the Mac what then if you want to really find out buy something with an extended warranty and also take a day goto best buy and sit there and play on them DONT LET THE SALES GEEKS PUSH YOU INTO SOMETHING that you haven't got time to play around on to see if you actually even like it

Answer 10

For a laptop, its best to go Mac. For a desktop PC, go with Windows.