Should I buy a Dell laptop or the $1599 Macbook?

Question

I can't decide between Dell and the 13 inch Macbook! Both are high-end but the Studio XPS that I want has a 500 gb hard drive and 4 gb of RAM. It doesn't have an aluminum unibody like a Mac and they always say PC's are cheaper but cost you more in the long run. I'm sick of the standard Windows look though, and I'm curious about how a Mac works. So, what should I pick, the 500 GB Studio XPS or the $1599 13-inch Macboook (I don't care about resolution, Firewire, etc just the performance.) or should I just slack off and just get myself a $200 netbook? And oh, almost forgot: the Studio XPS is I think one dollar cheaper than the mac

Answer 1

I buy only Dells. Never had problem.



VISTA is great.



But get what you want or can afford.

Answer 2

I'm not a Mac fan myself, but I've heard MacBoods are awesome. I've had Dell before and I didn't like it. RAM means Randomly Accessible Memory, and the more you have the better. MacBook is pricey, but I know a lot of people that have them and they are very happy with it. So, judging by what I know, I'd say Mac is probably the better value. You can use wi-fi on most laptops today, and with Mac being on top of all the new technology, I'd say absolutely you can. And Martin, that may have been true 10 years ago, but with the huge surge Mac has had in the last few years most programmers are making their software compatible with both Mac AND PC. Hell, you can even get Vista for Mac, and considering Bill Gates relationship with Apple in the past that means a lot.

Answer 3

PC's are faster and cheaper than a Apple and you can pick and choose your hardware a lot easier than an Apple, you also have many different manufacturers and retailers for PC's.



Viruses for Apples are becoming a real problem, especially since with an Apple you have only one layer of protection. They are NOT safer, you just have fewer people trying to infect you and so your chances of running into something that can cause damage (viruses have to be made specifically for the Operating System.) Macs are in fact more vulnerable to attackers and have inferior protection if you have a anti-virus on your PC (some of the best ones are Free by the way.) But most virus problems are not with the Operating System or it's protection, it is the user not being very smart and vigilant. =P



Apples have also been having more and more problems (such as those mysterious lines on their screen that Apple hasn't fixed) and since they are expanding, you can only expect more problems.



Now some people just love the Apple interface, which you can get for a PC I might add, so if you are used to Apple, then it might be better for you to get one so that you don't have as many headaches trying to learn and new Operating System. But seeing as most of the world revolves around PC's, I think knowing a PC is more important than knowing and Apple.



PLEASE don't listen to the people who are saying that Macs can NOT get a virus and that none exist for a Mac :( Just recently there was a virus that infected some 20,000 Macs. It is no where near impossible for them to get one.



I also just personally spent 5hrs researching this last night (looking to buy a new laptop myself) And could not find any justification for an Apple beyond preference. I also built many different PC based computers that were better and less expensive than an Apple.



I also don't suggest a Dell, just because you are more likely to run into problems, but their prices are decent, try shopping all around :) Like Toshiba, Lenovo, Acer, HP, Compaq, Sony, or any others =P

Answer 4

Unfortunately ellomot makes some errors in what he is talking about. There are no MacOs X viruses, there hasn't been one for 3 years. What is out are 6 Mac trojans (Windows has 1,000,000 + viruses & trojans). The only way to install a trojan on a Mac (can't get it by visiting a website, clicking on an ad, or opening an email) is to agree to download it, agree to install it, and put in your admin password. Macs are safer.

Last year Dell laid off 5,000 employees and closed a north american phone call support center. Guess who will be answering your tech support calls and in what country?

I'd go with the new aluminum 13" MacBook. Apple has the highest rated tech support, reliability & resale value. Read the article below from a Windows user..

Answer 5

Do not buy a Dell. the ac adapters suck and only last a year (I'm going through this right now actually) and after a year the Dell is really slow. The Mac computers have a lot more features and I think it's worth it but I, unfortunately, do not own a Mac.

Answer 6

I think that the dell would be the BEST choice because PCs work fast and work better. I also have a Dell, and even though I have downloaded thousands of programs, yet the laptop is super FAST.If you get a MAC it will take time 2 get used too. If u r tired of the PC format download the RKLauncher, and it is like the mac taskbar! Hope this helped!!!

Answer 7

Windows is a million times more compatible with software than Mac. If you're looking at high-end and performance, Id say you're buying it for gaming. And for that Windows is the best. Apple is way too costly for what they give you.



I just said Windows is better. That does not mean :"Get a Dell"

Get yourself a Toshiba or Alienware.



I'd actually recommend getting the $200 thingy and get a new laptop when Windows 7 releases. (August, i think)

Answer 8

Get the MacBook, Windows SUCKS.

Answer 9

DO NOT BUY A DELL.



How hilarious that some of these people are stupid enough to think that Dells are acceptable. They must have never owned a Toshiba. :)

Answer 10

dell

Answer 11

DO NOT LISTEN TO THE FIRST 2 PEOPLE, FOLLOW YOUR HEART

Answer 12

DO NOT LISTEN TO META NIGHT.

Answer 13

Dell is a decent laptop although they make a better desktop, toshiba is a better quality laptop.. But either will do.. Toshiba Qosimo for what you are looking for...

I would avoid the Mac for the following reasons.. (You can get transformation packs to change the look of Windows.. Don't choose an OS on basis of looks, any OS can be modified.. Linux can be modified the most)





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 the same hardware as PCs. 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 . Linux and Vista were not hacked until another day when restrictions were lowered. Vista was next, and then Linux.

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://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/