Macbook or Dell? Buying new laptop today and can't decide!?

Question

I am a 20 year old college student and rely on my laptop for everything. My family has always been a devoted Dell family (as I always joke). Since 16, I've had 3 Dell laptops...all have just completely crashed on me without any warning.
I don't download any harmful programs, don't use Limewire or anything, and always have had antivirus. However, all of my Dell's have randomly crashed and also fallen apart (the one I had that just crashed the other day had 3 screws fall out of it).

I have heard only good things about Macs, and the real plus that I see is the fact that they don't have that major virus threat that PC's do.
I am really interested in getting a Mac, because I want a reliable computer that will last me for the next 3 years I have at college.

My dad is helping me purchase the computer, so I need to have him agree with my choice obviously, and he's really against me getting a Mac because of the price. He's still set on Dell even after all the trouble they have caused me. He says all laptops are the same, and Macs are juts priced higher because theyre "cool" hahah.

Anyway, can anyone tell me their experience? What are your opinions on what laptop I, as a student who uses my laptop for many hours a day, should go with?

Answer 1

Be sure to buy from Apple for one reason:

Higher Education Discount.

I purchased my MacBook with a 14% discount (although now I'm told its 15%) and on the Higher Education Discount, they also enrolled me with a 3 year AppleCare Plan free of charge. Since you say you need one which will last the next 3 years, Apple would essentially make sure of that for you. And if the worst happens and something physically goes wrong, it gets fixed in a matter of days. In fact, when my wireless failed on mine, they didn't dick about with it. They replaced the Lid (which houses the wireless) and did so overnight - I put it in on a wednesday and got it back thursday. More often than not, you won't need their service because the rate of breakdowns are lower than other brands, but if you do need to call on them, the service is second to none.



What you have mentioned about viruses is spot on. Whilst no computer is 100% protected against viruses, Macs are considerably less susceptible. Viruses tend to target the masses, and WIndows is going to be the masses for the foreseeable future.



Tell your Dad about the Higher Ed Discount and that he's truly stupid to even consider going for the same brand which has consistently proven to be unreliable. (I personally have nothing against Dell but if I had 3 Dells break in 4 years, you better believe I Would).



As for your last point, "as a student who uses their laptop all day", consider that MacBooks boast a 7 hour battery life, which in practice means you wouldn't need to charge it during the day. I even just take mine to university without the charger and it gets by just fine (with its energy saving features like sleeping after every so often).



But the only other point I'll mention is how compatible these machines are. People are still stuck on the olden days, but the fact the Apple moved their Macintosh range onto Intel means that they can even run Windows if need be.



Also, its a joke that a Mac can view a word powerpoint or excel document out of the box, and a machine with a standard install of windows can't :P



Go to the apple store, and see for yourself.

Answer 2

I DEFINITELY recommend getting a Macbook. I got mine back in June 2008, and I have had ZERO problems with it. Macbooks are great because you never have to deal with Viruses, the connection to the Internet is always fast (especially if you buy your own Rowder), and Macbooks rarely crash on you.



Again, I've had mine for two years, and have lugged it back and forth on trips, commuting to school, on planes, and I've had no problems. It's never crashed on me, even though in the past I probably have fried the battery because I charge it all the time (a piece of advice on the side to you, a prospective Macbook user: don't over-charge your laptop, that is a no-no). Still, I've even done that and it still works great. Plus, I've downloaded a few systems onto it which could have slowed down a DELL, but my Macbook is still super-speedy. However, again, if you do get a Macbook, I recommend buying your own Rowder for it if you do not already have one.



I had used DELL's my whole life until I got my Macbook, (I used mostly the DELL home computer at my house), and while navigating through the new system will be a bit different, you will get used to it right away. Macs are not priced better because they are "cool", they last very long and they are reliable computers.



Tell your dad: this is coming from a Dell user who switched to a Macbook almost two years ago, and so far, I have only glorious thing to say about my trusty Macbook. It is expensive, yes, but with a student discount, you can get 100 bucks shaved off the price. That doesn't help a LOT, but it's still something. Plus, tell your dad that instead of buying 3 Dell laptops over the next few years again (whoa!), your Macbook will be considered an investment that will last you a long time.



And a sidenote to you: if your dad does get you the Macbook, which I really hope he will, it is up to you to take care of it. I recommend buying a case for it so when you need to carry it in your bag, it will be kept safe. And be careful if you do homework on your bed, so that you don't drop it or spill anything on it.



I've spilled a bit of water, and even once, Iced Tea on my Macbook, and it still works great.



Hope this helps! Good luck, and if you do get it, treat it well :)

Answer 3

Macs are more expensive because they are much more technologically advanced, have better graphics, and are ahead of Windows by far. I have a MacBook right now (the new one) and I love it! I have never had any issues with it, it's really fast, and definately lightweight. The battery life is also very long and it never gets any viruses, no need to buy a virus protection. If you have a flexible budget, I would get a Macbook Pro because although they are larger in size, they are amazing computers from what I have heard about them, but you might not need all of the features it has on there , so do a little research before buying or take a trip to the Apple store and they would be happy to answer your questions. Also I heard Vista sucks compared to XP, so if you choose to get a PC, get an XP. I would say stick to Sony and HP, as they are the top competetors with Macs. Although they are completely different from PC's, you will get used to this transition and will be happy in the end with your Mac. But just beware that you might have to spend more on buying programs for the Mac such as Microsoft Office if you need to. Hope this helped and Good Luck :)!

Answer 4

Both Apple and Dell make quality products. The difference really lies in the integration of Software and Hardware and the design(apple generally wins here). Apple has control over their entire platform whereas Dell uses Microsoft's Windows. There are significant price differences however.



Both Apple and Dell use Intel processors. Apple's laptops start at $999 for their 13" Macbook which comes with Intel's Core 2 Duo processor and $1699 for the 15" model(as of 4/05/2010). Dell's laptop's can be significantly cheaper depending on how you configure them. One advantage that Dell currently offers is that you can get the 2010 Core i3/i5/i7 processors in their laptops, which is Intel's latest and greatest technology. A faster processor gives you headroom for future software.



http://www.intel.com/consumer/products/processors/core-family.htm



It is true that Mac's are not targeted by virus' and spyware as much as Microsoft Windows, though using an Anti Virus program is always recommended regardless of platform. But it's also true that WIndow's 7 does a pretty good job of protecting you with a good anti virus program and some common sense(don't open programs or files that you aren't sure are safe).



You will also have to learn the Mac OS X if you have never used it before because it is quite different from windows. Mac OS X has been well reviewed and is definitely a nice OS. Interestingly, you can buy a program that lets you emulate windows on Macs and you can also load Windows on a Macbook and dual boot to Windows with a program called Bootcamp.



You can read about what CNET had to say on the Macbook13"(core 2 duo processor) here:



http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/apple-macbook-fall-2009/4505-3121_7-33783917.html?tag=mncol;lst



You can read about the Dell Inspiron 1564(Core i5 processor) notebook here:



http://www.anandtech.com/show/2955/2



You should definitely visit one of your local computer retailers and take a look at the screens of the laptops you are considering and try out the keyboards. You will want to decide whether a 13" screen is comfortable for you or whether you prefer a 15" or 17" screen. If you are a student you will probably want something fairly portable and with great battery life. I would recommend a 15" or smaller notebook for the best mobility and battery life.



In the end, it comes down to personal preference but seeing the laptop and trying it out can make your choice much easier.



Good luck finding your new laptop!



Clayton

Intel Social Media

Twitter: @intelinside

Answer 5

Hi Layla,



Well, I'd have to agree with your dad about getting more for your money with a PC. My question for you is why Dell? Though, I believe Dell produces great laptops, if you have not had good luck with Dell, why not try another brand of PC - Sony, Toshiba, etc? Personally, I chose my laptop based off features and I ended up with a Sony Vaio that I have now had for four years.



Before going to the store today, check out the PC Scout from Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pc-scout/. Just go to the site, click the "Lets Get Started" button, choose your search criteria (price, screen size, RAM, weight, etc.) and peruse the list of laptop suggestions that PC Scout gives you. It is a great way to compare features and get the laptop that is perfect for you!



Cheers,

Cassandra

Microsoft Windows Outreach

Answer 6

Save yourself a lot of hassles and frustration. Buy a Mac.



In your case, I would suggest either a MacBook http://www.apple.com/macbook,

or a MacBook Pro http://www.apple.com/macbookpro... depends on your budget.



A Mac will cost you a little bit more up front, but it will come with everything you need; and, everything just works the way it should. Also, with a Mac, you won't need to worry about viruses, spyware and other malicious threats.



I should also mention that Macs will typically last a lot longer, and will retain a higher resale or trade-in value.

Answer 7

Macbooks are really poised for education. yes, they cost more but they are not going to fall apart on you - they're made of a single block of aluminium!



I'll let you in on a secret... OS X... Windows... They're really not all that much different. They're just different interpretations of the same end goal - a system a user can use to make things they want run.



I'm biased towards OS X, I've used a Mac (the same one, with no faults!) for over 4 years and really can't see myself going back now.

Answer 8

If price isn't a problem then go for MAC . am using dell studio and i haven't come across any prob so far. dell is not actually as bad as u think. u wer just unlucky!!!!!!!!