Which is better, a MAC laptop or a PC laptop?

Question

im about to go away to college and i was wondering what the best laptop for me was, I've heard alot of things, good and bad for both sides but i dont have any good solid facts and I was wondering if y'all could help me out

Answer 1

Depends on what you want to spend. Here is a comaprison of the top two laptops.





17in Macbook Pro

2.8GHz or 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 6MB on-chip shared L2 cache running 1:1 with processor speed

1066MHz frontside bus

4GB (two 2GB SO-DIMMs) of 1066MHz DDR3 memory; two SO-DIMM slots support up to 8GB



Price 2999$ USD



And just for fun and PC haters we will go with the alienware top 17in laptop (at its lowest options)



Single 1GB GDDR3 NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 260M1

Intel® CoreTM 2 Duo P8600 (3MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB)

17-inch WideXGA+ 1440 x 900 - (900p) LCD

Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-Bit(recomend linux ubuntu)

4GB2, 6GB, 8GB DDR33 - 1067MHz (8 is standard)

500GB HD 2x



1799$ USD 2x Faster at least much cheaper.





I would go with PC if you want, compatablity, and not paying for a OPENSOURCE clone OS. If you like gaming PC for sure.

Answer 2

Ah the age old debate. Both have strengths and weaknesses. PC is definately better for gaming and I find its a more reliable computer overall. This is just out of personal experience and IMO, though. Macs are, well, macs. Although this is somewhat biased, I would never buy a mac as I see higher quality PCs out there. The only big benefit I see with Macs is that nobody bothers to design viruses specifically for them. Theres something like 13,000 different viruses for PCs made each day. For Macs, there only about 10 or 20 a day.

Answer 3

better = better for your needs. Only you know what that is. I have 2 Macs and 2 PC's. Nothing wrong with going either way. Some people have strong views either way but go with what you can afford and what you need.



People will tell you about gaming and PC's but what does that matter if you don't use your computer for gaming? You also hear that Mac's are good for creative software. Very true but it's also true of PC's. I have had less problems with my Mac's than my PC's and that tends to be more related to the OS than the hardware. Maybe this time Microsoft got it right with Windows 7 but it seems that Windows is getting more like the Mac OS each upgrade. I still have a Vista upgrade i could never get to install so I'll wait.

Answer 4

Okay, so the thing about Macbooks is that they're all reasonably high end. The base $1000 Macbook is about the same level as the $1000 Dell Studio XPS 13 (they're both 2.13GHz Core 2 Duos with Nvidia Geforce 9400M graphics). If you need lots of power and you want reliability, the Macs are great. They're also Unix-based machines so a lot of Computer Science classes (the ones that aren't teaching you Windows-specific programming) will be easier on Mac than on Windows because Unix is more designed for this type of thing. If however, all you need to is write papers and surf the Internet, a Macbook is major overkill.



The other thing you'll want to look at is software. OS X is far more stable and secure than Windows, even Windows 7 (also as a result of its Unix heritage- it enjoys 40 years worth of security work). However, if you're a gamer, you'll want Windows. Then again, you can install Windows on a Mac and Apple's customer service almost makes it worth it to buy the computer anyway (it's so much nicer than dealing with Dell or HP).

Answer 5

Oh, this question is going to rouse some people's emotions.



To be honest, however, it all depends on what you plan on using the laptop FOR and what your college RECOMMENDS. Also, what are you used to using? How much money do you want to spend?



Have you used a PC all your life? Switching to Macs is a difficult process. I'd know, I tried.



Macs are generally more expensive than PCs, and their hardware is often less powerful (Apple has a long process for validating new hardware, so sometimes their computers are a bit behind the cutting edge). PCs are better for playing games, if you do that.



What kind of courses are you taking in college? Artsy/music courses or more serious business ones? Macs have a lot of cool artsy programs built-in. Windows PCs don't have as many (the new Windows Movie Maker is good, but that's not enough for most people). If you're mainly going to use your laptop for checking email and typing papers, a PC is probably fine.



Some colleges have specific rules for what laptops can and can't be used on their network. Not many, but some. Check with the college's tech department.



EDIT: The "Macs are safer than PCs" argument is mainly due to the amount of Macs sold. Less Macs than PCs are sold year after year, so more viruses are made for PCs than Macs. People who make viruses want to target the bigger population, not the smaller one.

Answer 6

The answer to that is "What are you going to do with it?". Mac laptops are full of included software, less vulnerable to viruses, can run Windows software (not that they use Intel processing chips), and are less likely to crash. If you are an artist who does high end graphics, high end video, photography, or music recording you might want to consider a Mac. If you know what you are doing both computers should serve you just fine. Macs are more intuitive and easy to use, imho, but you have to decide what you like and why.



Btw: there is a rumor that Mac will announce a "tablet" next year so you might want to hold off until then to purchase one if you do.

Answer 7

i personally like the mac laptop better because it has a lot more applications and is a lot easier to carry around and a lot less heavy then a PC. i also like the keyboard on the mac, and also i love the color white on the mac with the apple!

Answer 8

Both have very strong sides to them.



But considering your going to school soon, i would (even though i hate myself for saying so) probably say Mac, just because it is alittle more secure, and is good for school programs like photoshop or whatever. BUT... if you are not going to be doing any graphic art projects, and want a computer that you are familiar with, then i would go with PC. because windows is fine for school stuff, and as long as you get good security programs it is just as safe as mac. + PCs run video games better!



Sum:

Mac = Has word programs, and is good for graphic arts

PC = for games and basic things, + more familiar with it

Answer 9

I find Mac to be more reliable and fast. Also to me, iWork (mac version of microsoft office) is very helpful. Also if something does go wrong with your Mac, you can go to an apple store and they fix it for free (usually in front of you, so you come in with a broken mac and leave with a working one).

Answer 10

I have a PC laptop, and I love it. I've never had any problems with it whatsoever.

Answer 11

ive had both ,

and through my experience, pc is better.

it lasted longer

its cheaper.

and its easy to get use to

unlike MAC

Answer 12

Mac computer are better.they are virus free beacuse they have linux as a operating system.

Answer 13

PC PC PC PC!!! Pcs are wayt better!

Answer 14

i thot it would be a Mac i dont hav one thoe :( but i heard there good :)

Answer 15

PC LAPTOP

Answer 16

MAC and PC could go take a piss . GET ALIENWARE ! POINT BLANK ! END OF DISCUSSION !

Answer 17

PC for the following...



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 Price Starting: $550 Ending Opt A: $854 Ending Opt B: $954

15" Screen (SAME)

CPU: (upgrade to) 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (SAME)

Graphics: OPT A: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD (WORSE) Benchmark: 1243 http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-Graphics-Media-Accelerator-4500MHD-GMA-X4500MHD.9883.0.html

OPT B: 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD4330 (BETTER) Benchmark: 4969 http://www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-ATI-Mobility-Radeon-HD-4330.13973.0.html

Memory: 4GB 1033GHZ DDR3 SDRAM (SAME)

CD DRIVE: 8X CD/DVD-RW

Hard Drive: (upgrade to) 500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (SAME)

Battery Life: (upgrade to) up to 8 hours (BETTER)

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DNDWZA3&s=dhs&fb=1



Macbook Pro Price Starting: $1700 Ending Opt A: $1850

15" Screen (SAME)

CPU: 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (SAME)

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics Benchmark: 3263 http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-9400M-G.11949.0.html

Memory: 4GB 1033GHZ DDR3 SDRAM (SAME)

CD DRIVE: 8X CD/DVD-RW

Hard Drive: (upgrade to) 500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (SAME)

Battery Life: up to 7 hours (WORSE)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MC118LL/A?mco=MTM3NDcyODk





**(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 XPS8000: ($1018)

CPU: I-7 2.8GHZ (SUPERIOR ) RANK 12= http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_lookup.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i7+860+%40+2.80GHz

SCREEN: (Upgrade to) 21.5inch Screen

MEMORY: 6GB Ram DDR3 Dual Channel 1033GHZ (MORE)

HARD DRIVE: 640 GB (LARGER, FASTER)

OPTICAL DRIVE: 16x DVD/CD Read/Writer (FASTER)

GRAPHICS: ATI Radeon 4350HD 512MB (SUPERIOR)

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dxdzkv1&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&m_2=SXI7860&mo=2~SXI7860&kc=studio-xps-8000



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 ($1200)

CPU: 3.06 GHZ DUAL (2 Processor) CORE (MUCH SLOWER) http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_lookup.php?cpu=Intel+Core2+Duo+E8435+%40+3.06GHz

SCREEN: 21.5inch Screen

MEMORY: 4GB Ram (LESS)

HARD DRIVE: 500 GB hard Drive (SMALLER, SLOWER)

OPTICAL DRIVE: 8x DVD Reader/Writer

GRAPHICS: Nvidia Geforce 9400M (WORSE)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MB950LL/A?mco=MTM3NDc2NDc



ILife Equivalents

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) rated best detection/2009 (Free version=no realtime protection) 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

Malware Bytes-(Free version=no realtime protection).

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/