Which is better Mac or PC?

Question

hey... i have been using a pc all my life and i just upgraded to windows 7 and it is not bad compared to vista. i am also deciding if i should invest in a macbook pro. can i get some advice on whether i should stick to a pc or switch to a mac. thanks

Answer 1

PC (For laptop: Asus or htttp://www.powernotebooks.com for quality, Dell for price)



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...



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



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: Deleting your Data (Snow Leopard), 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://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=5006

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.



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



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 onsumer reports 2009 and here http://www.freewaregenius.com/2009/04/07/the-best-free-antivirus-a-comparison/

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 2

Tough query... Macs are rather safe and final a even as, nonetheless now not many systems are suitable with the MAC... PC, is extra universally suitable however a lot more inclined to system defects and viruses... in case your watching for a well private laptop, I'd move mac, but when you're watching for whatever to serve a unique reason, you may also wish to move PC... Price will also be an quandary... PCs could also be low-cost, however upkeep can also be pricey, wherein as macs will final lengthy with few issues, however are way more pricey. In phrases of person friendliness, PCs are very tricky to determine, wherein as macs are in general conveniently understood and used.

Answer 3

It depends on what you're doing. Typically, PC's are better for video games because they have a dedicated graphics card. However, the MacBook Pro features a dedicated graphics card (versus the regular MacBook), which is partly why it's more expensive. Also, word-processing may be a little easier on a PC if you've mainly used a PC.



HOWEVER, I used PC's all my life, and then switched to Mac for college. Let me tell you, personally, it was the best decision ever when it came to computers. First of all, Mac's operating system is programmed so that it is very hard to hack, which means it's essentially impossible to get a virus, or spyware. Also, the graphics are integrated, which makes programs run a lot faster, and they barely ever crash. If you get Apple Care (like $50 extra bucks) with your Mac you can pretty much get your computer fixed free of charge if there's a problem.

Also, if you're a film or music person, you want a mac. end of story. they're pretty much made for that. And if you like video games, and have money for a macbook pro, you've got it made.



In short, I would get a Mac, because you'll be exponentially less frustrated with it. Also, once you figure it out, it's alot easier to organize and find files and applications. It's just easy.

Plus, for the past year Windows has been ripping alot of their ideas off of Mac anyway.

Get a mac, you won't be disappointed

Answer 4

I know all other people have said enough about the differences and cons and pros of Mac and PC, but I personally believe that all depends on what your are planning to do with computer. Mac might be the best choice for art job, music, sound effect, movie editing stuff while windows is definitely the only option you have for some technical softwares such as MATLAB, Solidworks, ANSYS, CATIA and so on, so it all depends on your task, you would go for Mac or windows

Answer 5

It depends what you use your computer for. I use both and if I had a choice it would be both. I use my pc for latest 3d gaming but I use my mac for everything else. But if I had a choice of only 'one' I think it would be the mac.



I also have a program called parallels (link below) installed on my mac which allows you to integrate a windows operating system with the mac operating system so you can install your favourite windows software on it as well.



If you have never used one before it will feel initially weird and probably at times frustrating as nothing will be where you expect it to be coming from a windows background, but after a couple of weeks you'll start finding out how simple a lot of things are to do and wonder why you didn't try it ages ago.



Good luck with your choice :)

Answer 6

I use both mac and pc, and trust me, go for the mac!



Yes windows seven is much better than vista, but it doesn't come close to the mac operating system (infact windows has copied mac in many ways to improve their operating system)



The fundamental reasons as to why you should switch to mac are: NO VIRUSES!!! pretty much everything is drag and drop, and very simple (user friendly). The operating system is by far the best thing i have ever come across! The single peice aluminum casing of the pro is incredibly sturdy, and it has an 8hr battery life! The screen is pretty good too!



There's about 100000000 other reasons as to why i prefer my macbook over my toshiba, but it would take to long to write it all out.

Answer 7

I prefer windows, but that's just me. My brother prefers Mac, and that's just him. I use his macbook pro once and a while and its pretty neat with its finger gestures and whatnot. I like windows 7, well just because its windows :)



They both end up doing the same things. If you're really caught up on money, just buy a nice PC laptop, but if not and you want some change maybe going mac is what you want to do.. everyone's doing it.. heheh peer presssure.



Honestly though, I don't see myself using a Mac.. It might be nice but i'd rather buy 2 laptops rather than 1. And plus I game a lot and i don't wanna deal with dual booting windows on a macbook.

Answer 8

Both have their pro's and cons.



If you've used a PC all your life you may find OSX hard to get used to. But I've yet to see anyone say "OSX sucks, I'm going back to PC". Some people make the switch completely, some don't, and continue to use both.



OSX is a completely different world. All the apps you're used to seeing in Windows, 2/3 of which will probably not work on OSX, so if you rely heavily on windows-only apps (especially for work) you'll find OSX is simply not for you.

Answer 9

it depends on what you want to use it for. Macs are better if you are into art and want to do a lot of creative work done on your computer while a PC is more basic.



Note if you are used to a PC you will need to learn how to use the Mac before you can start creating stuff

Answer 10

PC with linux is teh best .. windows sucks mac are over priced .. if only they sold a compatible mac operating system for a pc. .. for now i love linux been using it for 4 years none stop no dual boot nothing just straight up linux. and i play all my fav windows games on it too .. i play call of duty 4 on wine..



its free / opensource

www.ubuntu.com

www.linuxmint.com

Answer 11

macs are amazing!

pc's are cheaper though.



i definitely suggest macs,

their easier to use, have more features, and are faster

:)

Answer 12

Mac is a spoiled child

PC is an old man.

And Linux the Terminator.. (get that one :D)

Answer 13

I still find Apple over priced for what it is. and lower-powered.

Answer 14

both have perks