Mac or PC?

[WriterDom]

My brother in law has a Mac. The entire computer is inside the monitor.

 

[DeepGreenEyes]

I worked for years with both simultaneously, and I preferred the Mac for several reasons. For the PC, I had to worry about spyware, I got a steady stream of emails from IT about virus updates and warnings, and it froze up at least once a day. The Mac was more reliable, more pleasant to use and less hassle.

As for the pricing arguments, the Mac is more expensive, but not much more so if you compare similar systems and factor in virus and spyware protection, reliability, design and the (included) iLife suite.

This is a PC-centric site that attempts that comparison from a hardware perspective alone, and the Mac still comes out well.

 

[DVS]

I'm a PC guy and always will be. Although the first computer I ever touched was an Apple IIe (?). You had to flip the floppy over to read the other side.

Everybody talks about the PC versus the Mac in terms of the OS. Mac does their own OS to work with their computers. PCs were forced to use the Microsoft OS because the courts were wimps when the time came to be strong. Who knows what may have come out, if Microsoft didn't have the PC world by the balls.

And because Macs are less common, there are hardly any viruses out there that are written for it...not to mention, the Windows system has a lot more bugs that allow viruses. But, if you wanted to write a virus and wanted it to infect the most people, why would you even think about writing it for a Mac? About 90% of the world have a PC.

http://www.tuaw.com/media/2006/06/PCmarketMacmarketpacman.jpg

And I REALLY enjoyed DOS. THE GUI world is wonderful and all, but I still miss DOS.

 

[Etoile]

dir /w

bane of my existence

 

[DVS]

dir /w

bane of my existence

Then try dir /p

 

[~Haze~]

My PC does what I need it to, at the cost I could afford.

Don't get me wrong, I love my macs, but they're soooo expensive. Yeah, they get fewer viruses, and they're easier to use. But the what I wanted in a computer, for a laptop, Mac would have been nearly double.

And I'm liking 7 so far. Having to find a good background in the right aspect ratio has proven a challenge, but that's my only complaint really.

Double? Really? How are you spec'ing this machine out?

 

[00Syd]

The last PC I had ran Windows 95.

Then I started going to a school that used Macs exclusively, and I found them to be much easier and more enjoyable to use. I made the switch in middle school.

 

[katt_g]

I have a PC. I can't afford a MAC.

ditto here!

 

[Homburg]

I keep saying people say that, but I don't get it. My Mac Mini was pretty darned inexpensive ($550, though I opted to spend another $40 or so for another gig of RAM). Yeah, I could've gotten a similar PC for a little less, but not with the same overall quality, nor as good a software suite IMO. The current Mac Mini has a lot more ass than previous models, and I like it a lot.

Mac laptops are more spendy, sure, but if you want a Mac, the mini is a pretty darned good choice.

 

[Etoile]

I haven't used a desktop at home since...um...2004? Laptops all the way.

 

[Homburg]

I have a home office with a nice desk. A desktop makes a lot of sense for me. There's way too many distractions, and I need way too much reference material to just work wherever. And, honestly, the way I work it makes sense to have two different computers running different tasks. While I have a laptop as one, if I'm working at a desk, a desktop makes sense for pure ergonomics. And I find the idea of hooking a keyboard, mouse, and external monitor to a laptop to be kinda silly.

And when I want to move about the cabin, I have a coupla laptops to do it with anyway.

 

[Netzach]

The last PC I had ran Windows 95.

Then I started going to a school that used Macs exclusively, and I found them to be much easier and more enjoyable to use. I made the switch in middle school.

I went the other direction.

Apple is around because they're effective playground pushers! For real! They get students into the slick design when they're young and full of untouched CREDIT.

I like my PC ok. I really like how it doesn't just smile enigmatically at me if something does get fucked up!

 

[IrezumiKiss]

"slick" design? non non non...

Good and intelligent design. That works. But we never have to say all of this, because it just is and does. c'est magnifique.

And the latest evolutionary addition to my setup? oooooh yeah...silky smooth like the hairless rounded derriere of a beautiful voluptuous lady with no moving parts to get muddy off the earl from your grubby fingers, baby. That's not slick, that's sweet.

http://c0378172.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/apple-magic-mouse.jpg

Break out your trackball mice, let's race. But I better warn you...with this tech, I'm Vin Diesel and you're Granny Clampett.

 

[Homburg]

I went the other direction.

Apple is around because they're effective playground pushers! For real! They get students into the slick design when they're young and full of untouched CREDIT.

I like my PC ok. I really like how it doesn't just smile enigmatically at me if something does get fucked up!

I went this way, and then went back, sorta.

My dad was into computers when I was little. Our first 'real' computer was a TI-99 4a, and it was a cool steel thing with black keys. It used both tapes and cartridges and had this bizarre language that made no sense. Then it was a VIC20, and then a coupla others, and then an Apple //e. That was the ticket. Sure, I was used to using an Apple // in school, but the //e was bad-ass. Yeah, all my friends had Commodore 64's and more damned games than I could shake a stick at, but my //e was FAST. With it's 6 games. *sigh*

We bought a PC, and software became easier to get. And the slide began. We had a succession of moderately better and better PC's, but they never quite lived up to the rock solid, if limited, performance of that //e (adjusted for stark differences in computer tech). We had some Macs at school, but they were first gen and entirely weird. I mean, come on, what's that stupid little box with the button for? A mouse? Who wants a mouse? Mac's were curiosities at that point.

My first year of college, I didn't have a PC. Or even a word processor. I had a typewriter, and used the school's computer lab for anything serious.

It wasn't until a little over a year ago when I started using MIS' Macbook that I really gave them a serious look. At this point, I like the Mac. It has its' place in my computing life. So does the PC. I am still thinking about grabbing a netbook with Ubuntu or Linux just to have something else sitting around being weird.

 

[Homburg]

Oh, yeah, that new mouse is tits. Makes me want to upgrade to Snow Leopard for that reason alone.

 

[Netzach]

I went this way, and then went back, sorta.

My dad was into computers when I was little. Our first 'real' computer was a TI-99 4a, and it was a cool steel thing with black keys. It used both tapes and cartridges and had this bizarre language that made no sense. Then it was a VIC20, and then a coupla others, and then an Apple //e. That was the ticket. Sure, I was used to using an Apple // in school, but the //e was bad-ass. Yeah, all my friends had Commodore 64's and more damned games than I could shake a stick at, but my //e was FAST. With it's 6 games. *sigh*

We bought a PC, and software became easier to get. And the slide began. We had a succession of moderately better and better PC's, but they never quite lived up to the rock solid, if limited, performance of that //e (adjusted for stark differences in computer tech). We had some Macs at school, but they were first gen and entirely weird. I mean, come on, what's that stupid little box with the button for? A mouse? Who wants a mouse? Mac's were curiosities at that point.

My first year of college, I didn't have a PC. Or even a word processor. I had a typewriter, and used the school's computer lab for anything serious.

It wasn't until a little over a year ago when I started using MIS' Macbook that I really gave them a serious look. At this point, I like the Mac. It has its' place in my computing life. So does the PC. I am still thinking about grabbing a netbook with Ubuntu or Linux just to have something else sitting around being weird.

M is threatening me with turning a machine of our 7million lying around in various states into an Ubuntu-run shared storage thing.

I'm not adverse to a mac, I'm just not elated about the prospect of having to re-purchase, oh CS4 to the tune of another 2 grand.

 

[Daddys_Touch]

If you've got the money and you don't play games (much) get a Mac. The operating system is sublime, the hardware is all good, build quality and design are excellent. If you do need Windows for something (or any other OS) you can always install it on a partition. There's almost nothing I want to do on a computer that a Mac doesn't do better, they have all the best software and the way things work is just much better.

They are expensive though, and the cost over time is higher since you can't upgrade most of the hardware and need to re-buy down the road. Then again, if you don't build your own PC in the first place then this isn't an issue.

 

[Netzach]

All things being equal I've thought about a mac for the next machine, but I have been told by one upstart slave boy "I'm NOT supporting it if you get one."

The little bitch.

I am VERY spoiled by the free support deal I have at home.

 

[Homburg]

M is threatening me with turning a machine of our 7million lying around in various states into an Ubuntu-run shared storage thing.

I'm not adverse to a mac, I'm just not elated about the prospect of having to re-purchase, oh CS4 to the tune of another 2 grand.

Heh, this is another reason why I have multiple platforms. I have software that is planted on a particular machine and Shall Not Be Moved. I mentioned the Windows 2000 machine right? Egads, I despise Windows 2000, but I like the rest of the software on that machine, so I deal.

--

All things being equal I've thought about a mac for the next machine, but I have been told by one upstart slave boy "I'm NOT supporting it if you get one."

The little bitch.

I am VERY spoiled by the free support deal I have at home.

Fortunately, Macs need far less support. In going two years, MIS has had to call tech support twice. The first time, they told her that it was normal, and the machine would download the patch overnight on its' own. Sure enough, it did. The second time, well, she somehow kinda squished the macbook. Not much you can do with that. No other issues. My mac has been just as solid.

But, yeah, I have a pile of good friends in IT, and virtually every one all but disowned me as a friend when I bought a Mac. *shrug* They use it just fine when they come over here.

 

[IrezumiKiss]

Oh, yeah, that new mouse is tits. Makes me want to upgrade to Snow Leopard for that reason alone.

Just switching to Snow Leopard alone made everything sweeter. Everything runs faster and I haven't even seent the grey crash curtain come down on me when I'm running aircraft carrier sized programs and operations! The Magic Mouse was an unexpected blessing in disguise. If you do get one, invest in rechargeable batteries that you can rotate each cycle. It, like the wireless mice before it, is a biiiiiiig battery drain.

They are expensive though, and the cost over time is higher since you can't upgrade most of the hardware and need to re-buy down the road. Then again, if you don't build your own PC in the first place then this isn't an issue.

As a graphic artist who's been using the Mac since as a teen back in '84 when it first came out, I can tell you working on them and owning the few I could afford at various intervals in my life has more than paid off for me. Most especially right now, when my 24" iMac cost less and does more with lesser real estate than my old Centris with the megalith monitor and power cord-jungling, concrete brick-heavy peripherals.

But really, computing overall has gotten better for everyone, no matter which platform you use. Living as well and as long as you can in order to reap the benefits of the future is definitely worth doing, that's for damn sure!

 

[Tampafel]

I've been an Apple zombie since 1982 when they donated an entire computer lab to my school. I've been hooked ever since. I'm now a Mac Admin for my design department as well as a layout/graphic designer so I'm totally biased. I also know my way around Win & Linux and keep both on my MacBook Pro for freelance jobs.

Considering the smaller market share, I get a lot of calls from people who hire me to take care of their labs, home machines and art departments. It's a good business to be in.

 

[Lizzie_Borden]

Eh, so long as I can easily access my vids, music, internet, word processing and porn I'm not fussed.

Really though, my only experiences with Macs haven't been stellar, but then, they were probably craptacular machines. I stick with PC because it's safe and comfortable and I know how it works.

But while we're talking OS, what about Google Chrome OS?

I watched the vid, and I understand the concept, but is it safe? And really truly feasible?

 

[Vail_Indigo]

Eh, so long as I can easily access my vids, music, internet, word processing and porn I'm not fussed.

Really though, my only experiences with Macs haven't been stellar, but then, they were probably craptacular machines. I stick with PC because it's safe and comfortable and I know how it works.

But while we're talking OS, what about Google Chrome OS?

I watched the vid, and I understand the concept, but is it safe? And really truly feasible?

I know some people who use it and like it but I don't think I'd rely on it, at least not yet.
But would I use it on a netbook? I'd at least try it out.
Plus, the entire thing can run from a flash drive so there's no real commitment.

 

[seizability]

I'm currently multi-booting Ubuntu Karmic, Debian and openSUSE...so other (Y)

Out of Mac and PC I'd say Mac wins every time for me.

Yes, they are more expensive, but that extra $300 or w/e is very well worth it.

 

[MrMentor7]

I like and use both - they both have their advantages.