PC or Mac laptop? Simple & important pros & cons?

Question

Background:
I bought a Dell laptop in 2004 and hate it. It worked horribly from day 1 - something was internally wrong with it. Customer Service all had really thick accents and I could not understand what they said.

I broke it & instead of getting it repaired, I want to get a new laptop.

I am in grad school for an early education teacher's certification & all my teachers use Mac.
3 people I know use Macbooks & they love them.
A bunch of people I know use dells and hp's & love them.

After reading all the q&a's on here for PC & Mac pros & cons, they all say the same things. They don't seem to make great arguments either way.

What are the pros & cons that no one really mentions or that you have noticed?

I would use the laptop for:
1 - Games (i.e Bejeweled, 7 Wonders, Age of Empires)
2 - Watching Netflix movies instantly on their site
3 - Internet (many tabs open at one time)
4 - MS Office, specifically Publisher, Word, FrontPage, and Excel)
5 - Converting documents to pdf's.
6 - Downloading songs from limewire
7 - Charging & syncing my mp3 player (not an ipod)

Another thing is that the macbook price is killing me. $1200 is a lot of money to spend when I know you can get a pc mad cheap.

Thank you for your help!

Answer 1

You can use either. Sometimes there is a single thing that makes the choice obvious but most of the time it is a subjective perception of value and usefulness.



1. Games: Macbooks have very limited graphics chips and only the Macbook Pro has something decent in the form of a NVIDIA 9600 but even that is just a mid-range chip.



However your selection of games is not challenging and if you don't get the urge to place new state of the art computer games then a Mac will work.



Check here for laptop graphics chips and how they perform in games:



http://www.notebookcheck.net/Computer-Games-on-Laptop-Graphic-Cards.13849.0.html



2. No issues.



3. Internet: Many tabs: I do a lot of investigation with hundreds of tabs spread across 40 windows and the main thing is lots of RAM. The minimum is 4 gig and 8 gig sure helps!



Macbooks come with 2 gigs and the extra 2 gigs is a bit expensive.



Macbook Pro's come with 4 gigs and the 17" model can go to 8 gigs





4. MS Office will always be a bit better on a PC.



5. no issues



6. no issues



7. unknown



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My basic laptop advice for general purpose use:



CPU: any

RAM: 4 gig

Hard drive: 7200 rpm is a minimum

Video: any dedicated chip with it's own dedicated video RAM for decent system stability - this is vital.

LCD: look closely at resolution. I prefer 1920x1200. Get a LED backlight



I will list the Macbook specs below but only the Macbook Pro 17" meets the above criteria with the right component selection. The other Macs are obviously over-priced sub-par laptops.



You can find a good PC with the above specs between $750 and $1500. Unfortunately a decent Macbook Pro is more expensive.



-------------------------------------



1. Macbook



CPU: 2.0 or 2.4 both fine

RAM: 2 gig is crap but can get 4 gig

Hard Drive: 5400 rpm is crap but you can get a solid state drive.

Video: NVIDIA 9400M shared RAM is crap with no upgrade.

LCD: 1280x800 is laughably as crappy on any brand.



2. Macbook Pro



CPU: 2.4 or 2.66 is fine.

RAM: 1 of the 15's comes with 4g and the 17 comes with 4gig expandable to 8 gig which is great!

Hard Drive: All models come with crap 5400 rpm hard drives but they can all be configured with either decent 7200 rpm hard drives or solid state hard drives.

Video: 9600M GT is mid-range but decent.

LCD: Both 15 LCD's are crappy 1440x900 but the 17 is a nice 1920x1200 LCD with a LED backlight and a professional anti-glare option.



3. Conclusion: the Macbook Pro 17 has the ability to be configured with decent components that would make the laptop feel almost as capable as a desktop computer.



I can recommend the 17" Macbook Pro model highly for Mac users and also Windows users as long as the better hard drive is selected.



The other Macbooks are obviously missing some essential components one would expect in a modern laptop...



---------------------------------



For a PC laptop you could check for a sale on a premium brand like Sager which has much higher quality than a Mac:



http://www.sagernotebook.com/default.php



Also there are some mid-range Dells that can be configured with my list of "minimum acceptable components" such as a Dell Studio 15 and a Dell Studio XPS 16.



http://www.anandtech.com/mobile/showdoc.aspx?i=3540



http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Dell-Studio-15-Notebook.10752.0.html



http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Dell-Studio-XPS-16-Notebook.14431.0.html



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Additional note: you made a comment about PC's being "mad cheap" and that is a common comparison between Macs and PC's but I think it is a bit like apples and oranges in that the cheapest PC's are so frustratingly bad that they would drive anyone to buy a Mac. This is how Apple can hide their extra profit margin from sub-par components by making sure they offer a "good enough" product. If people would compare a Mac to just a slightly less expensive PC with the right component selection that I detail above, then the PC will be much better value and also a stable enjoyable computer.

Answer 2

From what you describe as your use of a computer, a Windows based laptop would serve you best. Mainly because its better suited for games and it will cost less. For those two reasons, I'd go with an IBM Clone over a Mac.



I think Macs are great computers, have a great operating system, and would serve you really well too. But I don't think Macs are right for everyone.



First off is the price. You have to a pay a price premium for them. Its like a lot of consumer purchases in life, some brand names just cost more for equal, or sometimes even lesser, obvious value. Some people are always willing to pay and some aren't. Only you can decide that.



Next off, the hardware between the two is going to be nearly at par (as long as you get a good IBM Clone). So the bigger difference is on the software end. So going Mac should be motivated by hating Windows or absolutely needing a Mac only software. Despite being able to run on cheaper hardware, you don't have to like Windows (fanboys be damned). But again that's a personal choice. I don't think either Windows or OS X is better. I think they are different and people have different tastes.



Really consider going into a store that sells Macs and taking a test drive on one. See if there is anything there that you think would revolution YOUR use of a computer. Not your colleagues, not your friends, and not the Internet crowd. If a Mac's software offerings appeal to YOU when you try it out, then take a harder look. But really think about it. Macs have great packaging, you have to look past that and see if it truly seems like it would revolutionize your computer experience.



Again overall it sounds like you should snag something like a HP 16t of 6z series laptop (with some upgrades) and save some $. But if you haven't had some hands on time with a Mac, then its hard to really make that call.

Answer 3

the right question for you to ask is: what kinds of things do you like to do on your computer, and which type, mac or windows, is the best for doing that. for games, programming, database work, and running thousands of applications that only run on the PC, the choice is obviously a windows pc. the latest version of java, java 6, has no solid implementation on the mac yet. if you work with graphic artists and do a lot of design and image work, a mac has its advantages. for some, a mac is also a status symbol. many like the design of the mac. for ordinary tasks, like email, web browsing, word processing and some photo editing, it should not matter which one you pic. some people do these things on a linux variant like Ubuntu. if you have a lot of cash to spend (macs are tyipically 30% more expensive than a PC with comparable cpu, chipset, graphics chip, memory and disk) and the mac does what you want, go for it.

Answer 4

I would get a PC.. For laptop Toshiba is better than Dell although Dell is good with the Desktop.



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 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 5

You can do both with a PC and Mac except Macs can't play games.

Answer 6

well if u want to play games, then you have to go with a pc. the other things u described can be done with either.