Which do you prefer more: Mac or PC?

Question

Just in general.

If possible, list pros and cons of both?

Answer 1

The only two pros I see with Mac, are

1) Legally allowed to run OS X (most new PCs' can do it illegally)

2) OS X still has less viruses/spyware (but is now significantly rising, and less of a a pro)

3) ILife (Garageband, IMovie, IPhoto, IChat, etc..) - (not much of a pro since PC has alternative software to this).



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..



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



LINUX INFO:

http://distrowatch.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.desktoplinux.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

Answer 2

With respect to Laptops, I certainly prefer the Mac OS functionality. I recently switched from a PC to a Mac because Vista was so slow and horrible. That said Macs using Leopard still do not have the ability to use the graphics card as the manufacturer intended. Windows has Direct X 8, 9 and 10, but Apple just put the hardware in and never integrated anything to utilize the basic functions. The graphics chip was designed to do. After 2 years, it's truly an insult to Apple user. They paid for something and hardware that and instead getting a product that is worth $200 less. The get one graphics card going and still ignore it's current users. When apple releases Snow Leopard that is expected this year users will essentially pay an additional $100 to use all the functionality of a 2 year old card. Apple has been touting its computer to catering to the graphics, photo and film editing professional, but screwing them when it comes to performance. It seems to be the normal mode for Apple With the new laptops, Apple finally solves the graphics problem, but deliberately leaves out firefire. For that price, all manufactures are including it. Firewire is essential for most people using Photos and film editing. Apple took it out On the MBP, the screen is unacceptable for Photo and film editing because it's not Matte. The customer and quality seem to be getting away from Apple As a MacBook Pro user completely frustrated that the Graphics I expected apple to have are so piss poor, I will now say PC with the right parts ca definitely be made to out perform Macs with less money and perform the same functions-just not quite as efficiently because of it's OS. If I were going to get a PC today with what I know about both systems, I would definitely choose a PC. In my opinion Apple should give a rebate to everyone it sold a NiVidia 8600 M GS graphics card a $200 refund and a free Snow Leopard upgrade refund because they were screwed.

Answer 3

I have a 2 XP Laptops, a Vista Laptop, A Vista Desktop and a MacBook. And you know what PC I use most often?



My MacBook



Macs are clean and well assembled. They are easy to use and work with my camera, printer and other accessories. Out of the box it works and isn't loaded with bloat like Windows Pic's. The price for a similar computer is really no longer an issue. A lot of Mac fans are annoying because they are smug, but it is really a great computer. Windows fanboys will scream out about Windows has the most programs and such, but guess what...



Macs can run windows.



Go to a Best Buy and an Apple Store and just play around. Buy what feels right. However, dont listen to the fanboys on both sides, just buy what works for you.

Answer 4

it all depends what you are going to use it for, I think mac is better for things like music, video, graphic design, photography, etc mac its just faster and more powerful to handle all of the effects that you going to be using and many of those programs run better in mac.

I do have both, and if you need your computer for regular stuff like internet, documents, school you may wanna stick to PC because many websites, application etc do no support mac, remember PC is the standard.

Also some people think mac is hard to use but it is not actually when you learn a little bit you will find that mac is very smart it does manny more things automatically and



another great thing abut mac is that they offer free workshops and one to one tours (before you buy) at selected stores from getting stared with mac to pro. you can find the store near you that does it at apple.com.

Answer 5

Canon! Oh wait this is a computer question.



But it's not all that much different from a Canon vs Nikon one. People either love them or hate them, mostly they love them if they have one! And hate them if they don't!



I've got 2 Mac's and 4 PC's, I really don't see all that much that's different.



I use them for what they do better, I like the gaming and business apps, on my PC's, and the creative apps, on my Macs.

Answer 6

I would prefer a PC more than a Mac because:

it's more expensive,

a lot of softwares and programs have different preferences for Macs

don't like the way everything is crammed all at the bottom of your desktop.



PC

first of all it' s your personal computer

every software is made in mind of pcs

you have way better desktop

easier to use and easier to understand

anyone can use it even if they don't know first thing about computers

Answer 7

Hardware wise, you will get more out of a Mac, but you are also going to be paying alot more for it. I personally don't like the Mac operating system, but that's just me. If you don't mind the extra cost go for a Mac.

Answer 8

it all depend what kind of user you are and because you're asking this i guess you're not a programmer then i advice you the pc because is easy to control its more supported but the mac is much better when you know lot about computers b/c its opens source which allows you to customized it is faster it offer liability and is way more secure than pc

Answer 9

That would b Mac as it can run Windows too.



All pros and no cons unless you are a gamer.



Guide to Mac Leopard here

http://www.apple.com/findouthow/mac/



The MacBook also has the multi touch mouse pad

http://www.apple.com/macbook/



Macs run Microsoft Office:mac

or

iWork09 from Apple which works with MS office

http://www.apple.com/iwork/



All Macs can also run Windows with Bootcamp,

VMware

which contrary to some opinions DOESN’T run Windows slowly.



You can also develop apps for the Mac or iPhone with the iPhone SDK

http://developer.apple.com/iphone/program/



Or you can download OpenOffice3.0

http://openoffice-software.com/new/home/?affebnid=124&gid=&ovid=&yid=&msid=&hop=howgood

which is native to Mac and FREE

- it works with MS Office too.



All Macs come with iLife09

http://www.apple.com/ilife/



PhotoBooth and Garage Band and Safari web browser.

There is also HEAPs of FREE stuff for Mac

http://mac.softpedia.com/

http://www.opensourcemac.org/

http://www.macupdate.com/

http://www.versiontracker.com/macosx/

Answer 10

PC. I like the fact that you can do gaming and a lot of other programs on a PC that you cant on a mac. plus, i want to kill something everytime im in a program, click the red ball, and IT DOESN'T EXIT! also, macs are overpriced, a equivalent windows machine will be significantly cheaper. also, the fact that macs come standard with the ability to run windows, says something.

Answer 11

Um, you are kidding me right? PC! It's an industry standard, most used, original, more support etc etc. MAC is just a nice add-on to have for if you want to own 2 computers. LOL.

Answer 12

i wrote a 4 page paper for my english class called "macs are hacks"





mac is just awful

pc kinda sucks too



no operating system out there is without fault.



if you like games:pc

if you only check email:mac

if you want to be a hacker:linux

Answer 13

Macs are wayyyyyyy better

Answer 14

i prefer a pc more because i have used windows more often and im more familiar with windows.