Question:
mac vs pc pleeaassee i need helpp?
anonymous
2009-09-03 16:29:08 UTC
ok, i know everyone gets really into these types of thing, and everyone thinks that theirs is the best. but i'm having a lot of trouble with my pc and i would like a mac book because i've heard that they ree awesome but i'm afraid of leaving the comfort of my pc. i've had a pc always and i always get neverous when im on someones mac and now im rambling. ok well here's my real question(s): what's the best laptop for a high school student? what's the best laptop for a high school student thatdoesn'tt have that much money? =] thanks, idon'tt want any of that bullshit about "well macs rock!" "PC. PC. PC." kay thanks <3

PS. which one will give me the least amount of problems? macsdon'tt get viruses rightt??
Seven answers:
EDGE Tech Corp
2009-09-03 16:52:24 UTC
The risk of less, not none, viruses is an appeal of a Mac, along with the nice continuity of hardware and software. Also, OSX comes with a lot of nice, usable software pre-installed. However, this comes with drawbacks. For you, the number one thing is price. The cheapest MacBook you will be able to get is going to run you $999+, and that is the bottom of the line notebook. 13.3" with a low end, yet powerful Pentium dual core, 1GB of RAM, and as of right now, it will come with a buggy, issue prone nVidia GPU.



http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook?mco=Nzk2MDgwMA



Now, perfect for a high school student, would be a netbook, which is cheap and is very small and light. They are more capable than a smartphone, but not as powerful as a standard size notebook.



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152093



If you are wanting to purchase something that can be transitioned into something you can take to college with you, I would suggest a standard sized notebook. For even half the price of a low-end Mac, you can get a very decent notebook.



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834114655
anonymous
2009-09-03 16:37:48 UTC
mac is pricey but ur not paying alot for the brand no. macs dont get alot of viruses,junk,spam or have problems. macs are expensive cuz alot of the stuff on there is already downloweded. plus if u have a ipod mac already has it downloaded.and mac is having a sale on laptops for college so thats good to.macs arent heavy eaither wich is a up cuz is college and high school sometimes u gotta carry a laptop so thats also a up. if ur into being green apple is making they laptops and computers all green to help the enviorment. im gettin one for christmas so its really good . macs may not come in that many colors ( black and white) but there are covers for them. get a mac the pc i have now gets viruses like its no tommorow but mac is known for having little to no probs. oh and they r super fasy like DSL FAST REALLY FAST. the enternet the have is safari but its not difficult to operrate. at the corner u should see a red, green, and yellow buttons.

red- close

green-resize

yellow- putting it to the bottom.
Coach
2009-09-03 16:37:38 UTC
Answer to #1: Have had HP's for years with 0 problems.

Answer to #2: Not Macbooks, they are about 2x's the $$$$.

Answer to #3: Never had a virus on any windows based laptop from Sony to all the HP's I have had.
anonymous
2016-10-07 14:11:31 UTC
Wow what a great record of questions! many times Macs are seen greater effective for issues which incorporate video modifying, picture layout, etc. they're used by experts for those issues. in case you will purchase a working laptop or laptop and in no way improve it a Mac is super by using fact the stuff works constantly and that they have got an inclination to make classes so as that they are going to artwork on each thing for years and years so which you haven't any longer have been given as lots of the whole incompatibility stuff. which incorporate my previous computing gadget video games won't artwork on my new computing gadget. in case you will improve your laptop in many cases are not getting a MAC! they actually discourage different companies from making well matched utility and hardware and in case you place that stuff in there they have this nasty tendency to void the whole guarantee! in addition they do no longer make it incredibly undemanding which you will do it your self. certainly one of my professors advised the story of paying for for somewhat stick of RAM to pass in his MAC and getting on the telephone with customer help to place it in. They advised him that they weren't allowed to tell him to place it in--he had to pass to a qualified restoration keep to have it put in. ultimately the guy on the telephone did comply with "coach" my prof by it. He could say--i pass to do **** now. and the provider rep could say ok or NO! do no longer touch that! i admire Mac's yet my husband places at the same time all of our desktops so we basically run computing gadget's.
Luke
2009-09-03 16:42:20 UTC
ive used a pc all of my life. although it has its problems it has become the computer standard. But i just got my first mac and love it. its surprisingly easy to operate and is super safe. If you are doing more artsy, creative projects go with the mac, its programs are amazing and very in depth. if you want basic computing power go with pc, its more of a business type computer.
anonymous
2009-09-03 16:32:51 UTC
I have a pc and it doesn't get viruses either..
anonymous
2009-09-04 11:52:05 UTC
PC would be better.. (and either can give you trouble)



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...



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

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.



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/



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



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 Starting Price: $500

Ending Price: $500

15" Screen

CPU: 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo [5% slower]

Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD [Not as good/fine for general use[

Memory: 3GB DDR2 SDRAM [75% of ram)

Hard Drive: 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (same)

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dndozm4&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=laptop-inspiron-1545



Cybperpower Notebook Xplorer X5-2900 Starting Price: $755

Ending Price After upgrades (not including 5% rebate): $860

15" Screen

CPU: (upgrade to) 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (+$100) [FASTER]

Graphics: Nvidia GFORCE 9600-GT 512MB [MUCH FASTER/BETTER CARD]

Memory: 4GB DDR2 SDRAM [MORE MEMORY]

Hard Drive: (upgrade to) 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (+$5) [LARGER HARD DRIVE]

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Xplorer_X5-2900_Notebook/detail



Macbook Starting laptop Price: $1000

Ending Price After Upgrades: $1200

13" Screen (SMALLER)

CPU: 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (SLOWER)

Graphics: Nvidia GFORCE 9400 256MB

Memory: (upgrade to) 4GB DDR2 SDRAM (SAME)

Hard Drive (upgrade to) 320B Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (SAME)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MC240LL/A?mco=NjcxMTQ3Ng





**(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: ($700)

CPU: 2.33 GHZ Dell Inspiron QUAD (4 Processor) CORE

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: 4GB Ram

HARD DRIVE: 500 GB hard Drive

OPTICAL DRIVE: 16x DVD/CD Read/Writer

GRAPHICS: ATI Radeon HD 512MB

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dddwra4&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=desktop-inspiron-537s



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 ($1300)

CPU: 2.4 GHZ DUAL (2 Processor) CORE (SLOWER CPU)

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: (upgrade to) 4GB Ram (SAME)

HARD DRIVE: (upgrade to ) 320 GB hard Drive (LESS HARD DRIVE)

OPTICAL DRIVE: 8x DVD Reader/Writer (1/2 speed)

GRAPHICS: Nvidia Geforce 9400M (APPROX SAME BUT LESS MEMORY GAPHICS)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MB417LL/A?mco=NDE4Mzg3Ng



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



Equivalents to ILife

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) for 2009 personal edition is free (there is a paid version) the free version was rated the best by consumer reports 2009.

http://www.free-av.com/ Avast (Free- Click under Free Software and download Avast Home Edition) http://www.avast.com/



ANTI-MALWARE

Windows Defender (FREE)

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx

Malware Bytes (FREE) Limitation - No Realtime protection on free version.

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/


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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