Mac or Windows computer question (no fan boys please)?

Question

I'm getting a laptop for college and I'm debating whether to get a Windows based PC or Apple Macintosh laptop (MacBook Pro). My friend is a high tech professional, going to study programming this fall at Akron University. He knows everything there is to know about computers. He, of course, is a Windows Fan Boy, but gives intelligent advice and says to go with a Hewlett Packard (HP) laptop. I have always liked the looks of Apple products and have been attracted by the new MacBook Pro 15". Can you please give intelligent advice on whether I should get an HP laptop or an Apple laptop, please? And please, no fan boy ranting.

Answer 1

Apple portables are very fast and very reliable. If you intend to play games(if you're a gamer), don't even think of buying a MacBook, go for the HP, but if you want stability,security and user-friendly and pleasant interface without lagging go for the MacBook. Also you can install Windows on it if you want, but after using Mac OS X you'll forget about Windows.

Answer 2

You can do well with either platform, but there are some things to consider in making your selection: Does your degree program require you to use and/or buy software that can only be found for Windows? Then buy a PC. Does your degree program requirements specifically say 'thou shalt buy a PC'? Then buy a PC. HP, Dell and Lenovo laptops are good choices.



If the above situations do not apply to you, go out and buy a Macbook or a Macbook Pro. The hardware construction and design is extremely well made, and you will automatically receive most every common software package that a student will need. On top of that, you still would have little risk of viruses and malware using a Mac. Macs are also both easy to use and powerful at the same time.



So, it all boils down to what you really need and how much security management you want to deal with. Good luck!

Answer 3

I have been using both MacBook Pro and PC based computers for the last two years. I am not a heavy gamer and probably that is why I like both choices the same. What is good about mac is that it runs many maintenance scripts on its own, like getting rid off log files, temp files etc. Windows will require from you some knowledge how to trim processes, and clean temp folders, also disk defragging...

I would recommend mac if you are not into "how computer works thing". You can install windows on mac with ParallelsDesktop 4 and thus avoid issues with browsing ActiveX sites, or remoting into company's computers in case of web based Small Business environment. Also, although mac is expensive, they do put the best hardware in it.

On the other hand, if you are not just interested in apps, but want to play with programming, networking, possible upgrades - go for HP.

Answer 4

The truth is, if you can afford it, buy yourself a Macbook Pro. With the Intel chips they now use, you can use Bootcamp to install Windows on a partitioned drive and boot into it with a simple press of a button at startup (I do the exact thing, but rarely need to go into Windows).



It's been proven on every level that OS X outranks Windows in security and usability, and it's been bench tested that Windows actually will run BETTER on a Mac than on a Windows computer of the same specs. On top of that, you get better construction, better quality hardware, and technical support (Apple Care) that you will NEVER even come close to when buying a Windows specific computer. You get what you pay for with an Apple product. On top of all that, Apple just announced yesterday at the WWDC that the Macbook series will have a new lower starting price.



If you have the cash, there is no reason not to buy a Mac. Call me a fanboy, and all your Windows users can give me thumbs down all you want. The truth hurts sometimes. :)



Click the link in the source for a Tom's Hardware review of the largest review company in the world (Consumer Reports) that gave the Macbook's the highest review of ALL laptops in EVERY screen size category.

Answer 5

I have used both Windows PCs and Macs, and at the moment I use neither, so i can safely say i am not a fanboy.



I was just doing similar research for a friend of mine; The Dell laptop that fit the specs she wanted most closely (similar to the Macbook) ended up being 600 dollars less than the Mac.



The Mac OS is probably a little better than Windows (Vista, at least, Windows 7 is apparently going to be much better): it's more stable, better organized (it's based on UNIX) and less prone to viruses, though the fact that you may be more familiar with Windows is a plus on the Windows side. However, it's up to you to decide whether this is worth blowing 600 dollars on (i'd argue it isn't, but it may depend on your situation).



In addition, Windows PCs are in general a lot easier to maintain and upgrade, and Dell in particular is known for its excellent customer service.



To sum up, the pros for the Mac are that it has a more stable and less virus-prone operating system. The cons for the Mac (and pros for a PC) are that the PC will be more powerful and have better specs for the same price. In my opinion, the Mac is overpriced, mostly because you find yourself paying for the Mac name (which a lot of people are apparently willing to do)



Good luck!

Answer 6

Well, truthfully, I have never ever used a Mac and will probably never use one as I've been using a Windows computer at home since I was 5 (95, XP).

If you need software that is Windows-only, then definitely go for that HP laptop. But if you don't, then just think over it and see which one you'd like.

Answer 7

what field are you going into is the most important. Do your research and find out what software will you need there is a lot of software non-compatible with macs however you can always install windows in your mac. Windows PCs will be more compatible with peripherals and different types of software but in the mac you will have a smooth running machine for several years to come (no viruses, spyware, bugs)

Answer 8

Windows based computer.



Why Windows , and not Mac ? For Windows you have lots of software, games , cheaper upgrades.For Windows you have viruses too , but with an antivirus software free ( Avira , Avast , AVG) or commercial[better](like BitDefender-best-,Norton,Kaspersky) the problem is solved.Best price/quality is for Acer Laptops i think.I bought an Acer recently for my girlfriend with 500 $ with these spec: 2.0 Ghz procesor , 2 GB RAM DDR2 ,250 GB HDD , Bluetooth , Wireless , incorporated webcam.Mac was fancyer , but now Windows 7 RC is fancyer.

Answer 9

Apple has a decent mix of great hardware and software but its expensive as hell.

Pc on the other hand will give you best bank for buck, i would recommend to wait few months and buy one with windows 7.

Answer 10

i'm a Mac fanboy yet I comprehend the reality. i understand my pc is overprice. i understand my pc can not play video games and that i understand my pc does not have a brilliant library of application obtainable. I additionally understand my pc is sexier than yours. ;) Macs look cool. and that i desire OSX to abode windows. it is why I pay the extra money.

Answer 11

well, everyone's going to have a preference one way or another. Mine is for a PC, and HP is a good recommendation.



Logically, it doesn't make sense to go with a Mac, especially since your reasoning boils down to "it looks pretty". There are logically reasons to get a Mac, but purchasing a electronics based on looks is silly. that's not to say that looks aren't important, but it shouldn't be the deciding factor.



Additionally, Macs are overpriced, bad for gaming, and have compatibility issues with PCs (which are the dominant computer platform).

Answer 12

Depends on what you want to do.

High power video and 3d editing and gaming, Apple

Basic computing(email, homework, internet, HP



Although I would recommend a gateway, they are more reliable and have more impressive specs. If you dont mind crap, go with the HP(its cheaper)



I DONT CARE WHAT YOU SAY, MACS ARE GOOD FOR GAMING AND PC IS BETTER FOR CHEAP USE

Answer 13

I would go mac, b/c you can do boot camp and go windows on it.



now its a win win

Answer 14

I would go for the PC for the following reasons..





1) Mac uses a subset of PC hardware but you pay significantly more for it.

http://blogs.eweek.com/applewatch/content/channel/should_you_pay_twice_as_much_for_a_mac.html



2) Mac OS X less secure than either Windows Vista or Linux. Mac OS X was hacked in 30 min., 2. min, in 2006, 2008, 10 seconds in 2009.



http://www.infoworld.com/article/09/03/19/Researcher_cracks_Mac_in_10_seconds_1.html

http://www.osnews.com/story/13886

http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/security/soa/Mac-OS-X-hacked-under-30-minutes/0,130061744,139241748,00.htm



http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/27/pwn-2-own-over-macbook-air-gets-seized-in-2-minutes-flat/

http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/181/1049181/mac-hacked-two-minutes-flat



3) Although Mac currently does not have as many Spyware/Viruses they are on the rise.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/01/26/more_mac_malware/

http://blog.absolute.com/mac-malware-on-the-rise/

http://www.techchuck.com/2009/01/26/mac-malware-tide-on-the-rise/



4) Linux has more cool effects than Mac OS X and can do every effect Mac can do..

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=compiz+fusion&emb=0&aq=0&oq=compiz+f#

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=compiz+fusion&emb=0&aq=0&oq=compiz+f#q=cairo+dock&emb=0

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=compiz+fusion&emb=0&aq=0&oq=compiz+f#q=awn+dock&emb=0

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=compiz+fusion&emb=0&aq=0&oq=compiz+f#q=linux+look+like+mac&emb=0



5) For graphics/video production PC is equally as good. Each company has it's preferences but Dreamworks Animation uses PCs

http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/ (under studio- Technology of Animation)..



6) All computer manufacturers have problems but there are plenty of problems with Mac.

Sample problem with battery reveals truth http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2007/04/apple-acknowledges-macbook-battery-problems.ars

http://www.appledefects.com





7) Follow the logic:

Facts...

A) XP and Linux are faster than Vista, Mac

B) OS X runs faster with more memory,

C) Vista runs faster than OS X on Mac with 2+gb http://www.gadgetell.com/tech/comment/vista-runs-faster-on-mac-pro-than-apples-os-x/



logical deduction from facts above

- A PC with Vista 2+gb runs faster than Mac OS X with lower specs but even with higher specs since a Mac uses the same components as a PC.., remember Linux and XP run faster than Vista..



ANOTHER OPTION: Dual boot with LINUX - You don't need to choose Windows or Linux... have both at no extra cost..

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/installing



General Information About Linux:

http://www.desktoplinux.com/

http://distrowatch.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.openprinting.org/printer_list.cgi