Should I get a Mac or windows laptop?

Question

I'm getting a laptop from my parents for graduation... they say I can get any kind I want. I have no clue what kind to get.
Everyone says that Macs are the greatest? Are they really?
I have a PC right now and it does crash a lot, but I have all the software I need for it... so that would safe a lot of money, which we probably need right now because of the economy.
But I mostly use Mac programs on my PC because I can't stand the Windows version. I use Safari instead of internet explorer and I use iTunes instead of Windows media...
I'm also not a big gamer, so I don't need a good gaming laptop, I think the last game I played was a barbie game when I was five.
My parents don't care about the price, && I want to get the best laptop I can get that will last me four years.
Putting price aside, what is the best laptop to get?

Thanks for your help <3

Answer 1

I've been a network administrator for 12 years. I've worked on Windows, Mac, more Linux distros than I can name, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, Minuet, ReactOS, BeOS, and more. As far as I have ever been able to tell, the only differences between Mac and Ubuntu Linux are these:



1. Mac has the Dock.

2. If you really want to PAY for commercial software, you can on a Mac, but on Ubuntu, you're limited to only free software.



I used all free software on my first OSX computer and then wondered why I had payed for a Mac when it wasn't doing anything that Ubuntu wouldn't do just as well or better. By better I mean that I had to use that weird IUseThis thingy to keep my Mac software up to date (and it didn't always work); however, Ubuntu keeps EVERYTHING up to date automatically.



Therefore my conclusion is this: If you're happy with all free software, then don't pay the Mac Tax; go with Ubuntu. You can get an Alienware laptop for $1,100 that has exactly the same specs as the $2,500 Macbook Pro. You'll get all the security features of a Mac with Ubuntu as well. If you want to use commercial software, then go with Windows since it supports more commercial software than Mac anyway.

Answer 2

Well based on what you are planning to do with it, a Mac would probably be fine for you. you mentioned already using Apple's software on your Windows machine already.



In response to the "Everyone says that Macs are the greatest.." line, it depends. Alot of people say go with Mac because they don't get viruses, but they are perfectly capable of being infected, just like Windows.



You mentioned having all the software on your PC. From what I've heard Apple has a very easy migrating thing (Loss of words on that one). So you can move all your files and programs to the Mac from the PC. Again this is by ear, I've never actually owned a Mac.



If it were me, I'd go with the Mac. Not only is the software more stable then Microsoft's but, it's also got alot more eye candy, and you can never have enough of that.

Answer 3

Definitely go for the Mac. I bought my MacBook about a year and a half ago, and will never go back to a PC. I've never had any problems with it. It doesn't crash. It comes with a great firewall, and there's really no need for an anti-virus program (although they are some available for free if you really want them). Mac are incredibly user-friendly (I always felt frustrated with my PC) and you practically have the answer to any question you might have at your fingertips. The Macs already come with a lot of great software. And if need you a word processing program, you can download the Open for Mac version for free. Yes, they're a little pricier but totally worth it.

Answer 4

Since you’ve got a pretty specific idea about what you’re looking for in a computer (budget and purpose-wise, anyway) I’d recommend that you take a look at a new application from Microsoft called “Laptop Scout,” which is designed to help people find the computer that best fits their needs and budget. Here’s a link: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-laptop-scout/default.aspx



Just go to the site and enter what kind of things you’re looking for in a laptop and it’ll provide you with a list of potential systems that match your specifications. That page will also provides links to Cnet reviews, so you can browse through a bunch of professional reviews and check out what other folks say about certain those computers while you shop.



It’s a fairly new tool, but they are working on adding to the database every day, so it’ll hopefully help you find some great options. At the very least, it'll be a good place to begin your search. I hope it’s useful.



Thanks,

Cody

Windows Outreach Team

Answer 5

there is no difference for someone who just uses it to upload music, use the internet, run some programs, write some text files...

you can always get windows on a mac (virtual machine) (and the other way around) if you need certain programs, of course it will be much slower.

i'm a student in informatics and we spend like days discussing over mac and pc and in the end, everyone has to admit that it doesn't really matter what you have... i wouldn't say mac's get older than pcs, it always depends on what you do with them... my laptop computer (pc) is like four or five years old and i never had a problem with it...

Answer 6

Indeed, all the crashes are what drives anyone away from pc's. Even when I used a PC I ran Linux for some three years before we got our Macs in November of 2007.



I have never had any problems with our Macbooks. They just keep at it, and work excellently.



I would definitely applaud your question, and would direct you towards my blog on the subject. I am sure you will find it provides many excellent ideas for why you should get a Mac.



Nice parents, and hope you graduate well. :-)

Answer 7

If it was for me I Shall go for the Mac as:

1. The Mac os is virus free

2. loads up more quicker than windows

3. Great for producing music and videos that is multimedia.

4. Last for years



and the best is that you can now run both Windows and Mac os on the Mac.



So go for the Mac!!!!

Answer 8

PC because easier to work and much more fun with the actual computer. macs are way harder to use and are WAY more expensive. you can find a good PC for cheap and it still works REALLY good. i have had the same laptop for 4 years and i never had a virus or nothing just install a good virus protection program.

Answer 9

If you want to save money, avoid the macs as they are priced highly for what you get, but they cause few hassles and save time with problems and bugs over all.



Cheapest option is a PC with Linux installed. if they use it for web/email/basic stuff, then its very low maintenance.



Worst option is Windows, because of hardware conflicts, bugs and.. well.. it's Windows - bad track record.

Answer 10

Most def a windows, 1/2 of all software on earth isn't compatible with macs, plus if your into hacking windows are much better ;)

Answer 11

Mac, its easy to find files either using spotlight or the search bar...... it has quick look which i love..... and i got bunches of free programs such as ilife 09, iwork 09, microsoft office 2008 for mac, i got them from youtube videos..... AND there are no viruses for mac.

Answer 12

i say go for mac its way better than windows plus there are only 1or2 viruses for mac and its faster