Better for college: Mac or PC?

Question

i know there are a ton of these already so :P

Well i'm going to UofM Flint next year (fall of 2010) and was wondering what laptop would be best. I'm going there for my Pre Med degree. I've been a PC user for sometime, and can usually fix my own problems, but i'm looking for something that won't give me problems.

On my spare time, i listen to music, download music, and mess around with pictures of photoshop.

I'm looking at the dell studio 15 and the Macbook Pro 15. any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I would recommend that you get a PC over a Mac and here is why;



1) A majority of academic institutions use Microsoft programs such as Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Publisher which you can find on a PC.



2) Anything you have saved on your flash disk on a PC can be printed up at the college. school.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

what bsghost123 says is improper. A mac must one hundred% now not be used if you're taking a industry software. I used to be on a campus excursion at emory school and the excursion advisor stated that if you're majoring in industry, you must now not get a mac due to the fact it'll now not aid all the methods that you want, and you're going to must get a computer. Also, macs do get viruses and so they crash simply as a lot or much more as a computer. I had a mac for a little bit bit, however i gave it to my brother due to the fact i did not love it. If you're doing a photograph layout software, computer's aid a lot more refined photograph layout methods and film modifying methods. you'll be able to get a far bigger laptop if you happen to pass with a computer. The best potential that a mac has is that it's beautiful and it has storage band. that's it. get a computer, they have got a lot more computing vigour and i like vista and it does not crash like many computer haters say it does. BUY A PC. My sony vaio has extra GHz than a macbook professional presents and has the highest gigs of ram that a macbook professional presents, it has additionally has a larger 320 gb hardrive (HUGE) has a Movie and photograph modifying application which might be extra refined than iphoto and imovie, a bigger gfx card than a mac, can play specific video games, and feature a antivirus application set up interested by lower than the fee of a macbook professional. I have a bigger laptop than the nice mac and it used to be inexpensive. i even have microsoft phrase residence and pupil. MACS DO GET VIRUSES. if they did not, why does apple advocate to put in an antivirus application for your laptop? for amusing? i do not believe so. get a computer.

Answer 4

Although I am a bit biased toward Macs, I'll try to provide a decent argument for both sides.

If you wanted a PC, the reasons would be:

1. You already know how to use Windows

2. Lots of programs run only on Windows

3. You won't be doing any creative work at all.

4. You want a crappy OS that will never work for you at all and have to pay tons of money for virus protection and Office and other programs.



That last comment wasn't really true altogether. Some PC's can work well if you give them constant care and maintenance. On the other hand:

1. Macs don't need nearly as much maintenance as PC's.(Free security updates, great customer support, etc.)

2. The OS really isn't hard to learn. Give it a month or so and you'll be working like a pro (that rhymed).

3. More and more programs are being made for Macs now.

4. As a med student, I don't know what kind of programs you'd need, but the basics for college are Office. You can get Office on a Mac and you can also get iWork, which costs less and has more features than Office.

5. Macs are awesome.(oops, let my bias slip in)

6. Macs have the latest hardware, so you can keep the same computer all through college.



So that's pretty much it. I really suggest you get a Mac, overall, they are pretty good computers. If price is your obstacle, GET A MAC. PC's require you to buy virus protection programs, some of which cost a monthly fee. You also get iLife on Macs, with different programs like Garageband, iMovie, iDVD, etc. On PC's a lot of times you'll get lots of trial programs that slow down your computer and you won't ever use them.



That is my assessment, it's really up to you.

P.S. I forgot to tell you that iWork, the Mac equivalent of Office can import and export files in Office format, so you won't have to worry about compatibility. I also recommend getting a Time Machine, a backup hard drive for your computer. It automatically backs up all of your files, even ones you delete. You can go "back in time" if you delete a file you meant to keep, it's still on the Time Machine. It also works as a AirPort Xtreme Base, so you can make connect to a wireless network and share files and printers on the network and it's really easy to set up. OK, now I'm done. :)

One more thing, you can also set up Windows on your Mac with Boot Camp and you can run them side-by-side with VMWare Fusion. Now I'm really done.

Answer 5

More than 50% of the laptops sold for college use are Macs. Which means you'll have a better chance of finding someone to share files & music with. Add Office or iWorks to the 15" MacBook Pro and you'll have all the software you need and a laptop which will last you until you graduate. Instead of doing daily virus updates & scans, you'll be able to do your work.

Answer 6

For what you seem to want to use it for, Mac would probably be better. Macs tend to have less 'common' problems which PCs face, although all laptops will have their fair share of issues (eg being dropped). It is if you are running challenging software that PCs would come in better, and if your course has a lot of computer software, there is a chance it may only be available for PC.

Tbh, there isn't that great a difference between the two when it comes to laptops; the OS and 'look' of the system seem to be what sways a lot of people. So it is up to you I'm afraid! :P

Answer 7

Depends on what you need it for! If you want to use it for creative purposes, Mac, and if you want a reliable computer that is easy to use, PC!

Answer 8

PC, Macs gonna cost more and you need more money for college. Plus Mac sucks.

Answer 9

for a med student i suggests a mac.

it is a good product

go to a shore and talk to them

Answer 10

mac 100 precent theres a debate here thoe http://z.pe/CaJ

Answer 11

Pre Med is more PC oriented. But in PC is better overall for the following reasons..



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 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



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 onsumer reports 2009 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

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/