MAC vs. PC

I know this is an old debate, but I'm comtemplating buying a new laptop when I return to the states this summer. My biggest decision is whether to convert from lifelong PC user to Mac.   What do you love or hate about your Mac?

Ive been drooling over the Mac Powerbook at the Apple store on Regent Street. The reason I want Mac is because I'm sick of all the crashes and problems I've had with my various PC desktop and laptops (Dell &  IBM Thinkpad). I've used Macs in the past for work but its been years. Plus I love my iPods and iTunes so I'm already familiar with mac products. I'm not really interested in the MacBook Pro; I need something small, light and portable that is still powerful.  I dont play games or do heavy graphic work like video. My main use of computers is for word processing, internet, email, digital imaging and music and maybe for watching a DVD on a plane.

But the cost is quite high compared to a Sony VAOI laptop, which you can get cheaper with more bells and whistles.  At the same time, I'm not thrilled at the prospect of having to convert PC software, files, etc to Mac.  And I fear the new version of MicroSoft Windows (Vista) might actually be a fantastic program.

Thoughts?

The new macbook has an intel processor...

Love mac, never used anything else.  My sister was a die-hard pc user until she got an iPod.  She didnt' like how iTunes was on her PC so she bought an iMac.  They love it so much, they've totally converted. 

Tough question. I think it really comes down to personal choice. I was a diehard Mac user, but then had to switch over to PC because of work. Now, I'm so thrilled with my PC that I wouldn't want to switch back.

I bought a new G4 iBook before I left SF.  Having been a Mac user for 15 years, its all I know.  I love macs.  Yes, I know they are more expensive.  I sold two iMacs before I left, and I loved those too!  It is all about personal preference.  Im just a Mac fan!!

I have a mac powerbook g3 that work bought and yes it was expensive, but i have had it for 5 years and can count the times it has crashed on both hands.  It has been very reliable and its fast, especially for internet if you have a broadband or dsl connection, but even with a dial-up, it was great.  Most every program for pc is available on the macs now and you can always get virtual pc to run anything that doesn't.  I've never had any major problems with mine except that over 5 years, which is a long time for any computer anymore, my slot drive dvd/cd/cdrw drive started acting up a bit, but its still fine.  It is personal preference, but i'm definitely in the mac camp on this one.  Good luck deciding on one!

like jenn, I have an iBook G4... and eyeing the new stuff. 

yeah yeah, I get jokes from my family and friends when I can't run stuff but I wouldn't trade it in for the world.

plus the Apple guy said if there was really something a Mac couldn't handle buy some cheapy PC for it and use your Mac for everything else.

get one!

We are a dual household - I have my PC laptop and DH has his Powerbook.  So far we see advantages and disadvantages to both so I don't think it's an easy decision.  I love the Powerbook for its stability, iTunes/iPod capabilities, aesthetics (it just looks cooler than mine!), etc.  But DH does have trouble sometime sending attachments and the like. And I must say for all the issues with Windows 2000, it is a lot easier for me to deal with than OS X.  I don't know why, probably just because I'm more familiar with it.  I don't like the interface of OS X and its toolbars, start up menu (lack thereof), etc. 

Big decision though - not sure what I'd do in your shoes!

Yeah, the Sony is cheap, but that reflects in its lifespan.  I don't know anyone who's had one that didn't start having major issues after a couple years of use.  If you treat it well, a Mac will live forever.  Plus, if you buy one you get a cool sticker!  How many PC users get cool stickers?  None, I tell you!

Okay, seriously... OSX is a little weird at first, especially if you're used to a Windows interface.  But, once you start using it on a regular basis, I think you'd find that it's a bit more intuitive than Windows.  Plus there's that "no crashing" thing.  And you can open email attachments with no fear - 99.9% of viruses out there are not aimed at Macs.

The only complaints I have about Macs are actually complaints about Microsoft.  Entourage, the Mac version of Outlook, just plain sucks.  And IE is a joke.

Honestly, go with your gut instinct.  If you think a PC is what's going to work best for you, then you should get one.  Don't let us Mac geeks bully you into something that you don't really want.  Unless you really want a cool sticker.

Unless you really want a cool sticker.

even then I can mail you mine 

The only complaints I have about Macs are actually complaints about Microsoft.  Entourage, the Mac version of Outlook, just plain sucks.  And IE is a joke.

What's wrong with iCal/Mail -- can't they replace Entourage?  BTW, Microsoft is no longer developing Internet Explorer for the Mac.  It's basically a dead duck.

Hiya APStyle!

From an IT Techie point of view and something that's already been mentioned before there are advantages and disadvantages to both systems. One thing I'd like to point out however, is the 'you wont get problems with a MAC', 'you won't get crashes' or 'you dont have to worry about viruses, email worms etc as theyre mostly for the PC' type musings often made by MAC users.

This is untrue. Ok, the 'frequency' of problems is less but it sure doesn't mean you can put it out of mind! - A MAC although currently needs 'less' maintenence, needs just as much 'vigilence' in terms of online threats, and 'system maintenence'.

Also, a well looked after PC can and does perform perfectly and the user can be comfortable in knowing all is 'shipshape'

For you particular requirements, you'll be able to find applications if they're not already built into the OS, available for a MAC platform. Be aware however, if you're needs increase or change in the future, there may not be MAC compatible versions of software that you'd really like or want.

Gone are the 'old' days of 'MAC Vs PC' which used to be that MAC's were 'mainly' used in Graphics studios and the like, the recent MACS really have become consumer friendly.

If you're still finding yourself umming and arring, get the MAC notebook you want and get say an older PC or laptop for using other software not available for your mac - best of both worlds huh!

If you have any specific techy advice - feel free to post back here or PM me and i'll do my best for yer!

Cheers!

Dennis! West London & Slough UK!

What's wrong with iCal/Mail -- can't they replace Entourage?  BTW, Microsoft is no longer developing Internet Explorer for the Mac.  It's basically a dead duck.

Yes, they absolutely can replace Entourage.  I love how Mail works; a lot better than Outlook, to be honest.  I'm still on the fence with iCal.  It has a lot of nice features, but I'm still working out the kinks to get it to work the way I think.  But that's more me than the program.

I know Microsoft is letting IE die a slow death, but it's still downloadable.  Until I (finally) downloaded Firefox, it was the only way I could pay my mortgage online since most websites don't work with Safari.

This is untrue. Ok, the 'frequency' of problems is less but it sure doesn't mean you can put it out of mind! - A MAC although currently needs 'less' maintenence, needs just as much 'vigilence' in terms of online threats, and 'system maintenence'.

This is very true, Dennis.  I really didn't mean to sound like one of those "nothing can kill my Mac but kryptonite" people.  My bad.

know Microsoft is letting IE die a slow death, but it's still downloadable.  Until I (finally) downloaded Firefox, it was the only way I could pay my mortgage online since most websites don't work with Safari.

There's also iCab, OmniWeb, Camino, Netscape and Opera for the Mac.

Thanks everyone for thier advice. After doing more reading and homework, I'm strongly leaning towards a Mac Powerbook 12" screen.  I love the Macbook Pro but hate the huge size and weight, which only is available as 15 or 17" screen. Why are laptops getting BIGGER AND BIGGER? They should be getting smaller! Not all of us need or want to lug a movie theater-sized screen! 

I have a 12" and I love it.  Everyone I work with who travels a lot, use the 12"  because travelling, it's lighter.  DH bought a 17" and it's too heavy.  But I like it a lot none-the-less.