advice on mac vs pc
[711 byte] By [jlinzmeier] at [2007-11-9 12:47:22] 
this has very little to do with iPods. i am getting a new computer before i move away to college (a little over a month) and i was positive i was going to get a pc. i've been thinking recently though that i only need it for burning cds, using my iPod and software, writing essays and papers, email, and maybe a few games every now and then. i've also been reading reviews and macs are sounding more and more appealing- something a little out of the ordinary and more reliable. i'd be very grateful to hear your opinions and your advice and maybe ashawley would be great and put this post in the general windows section also so that i could get input from both sides? thanks a bunch everyone.
# 1 Re: advice on mac vs pc
Of course, I'm going to reccomend a Mac- I'd look at the iMac or the iBook if I were you - iBooks are now available for under a thousand bucks, and they're small enough not to take up too much space in the dorm.You may wish to look into whether your college of choice provides internet access, and whether their network and email systems support Macs. Most network and email stuff is fairly universal, but their tech support people may not give you the time of day if you've got a Mac. If you're compfortable doing troubleshooting and solving basic problems on your own (I reccomend you pick up O'Reilly's book OSX - The Missing Manual) then I'd say have at it.
eustacescrubb at 2007-11-15 16:51:20 >
# 2 Re: advice on mac vs pc
thanks. i'll be going to uw-madison and they do support both macs and pcs (they have both in all the computer labs around campus). and they do provide internet access in all the dorm rooms. i'll look more into the imac, i think i'm leaning away from laptops. thanks for the advice, much appreciated.jlinzmeier at 2007-11-15 16:52:20 >
# 3 Re: advice on mac vs pc
Its all about what you intend to do... I find macs very pricey compared to the PC... Its cool that your college will support mac users.. One thing you may want to consider.. file sharing/compatibility issues...
Local shops that may do quick computer repairs.,... ectectect
I persoanlly would go with a PC.. (I have used both Macs and PC)
but you can't go wrong with a mac..
SalsaVibe at 2007-11-15 16:53:18 >
# 4 Re: advice on mac vs pc
file sharing/compatibility issues...Most files are readable by both OS X and Windows these days, and one can fairly easily network between the two.
eustacescrubb at 2007-11-15 16:54:23 >
# 5 Re: advice on mac vs pc
Originally posted by SalsaVibe Its all about what you intend to do...
I find macs very pricey compared to the PC...
The latest G5s (shipping in August) are 1000 dollars cheaper than a similarly equipped Dell. Macs are also rated on top for service and relaiability. Finally OS X is only available on Macs. I have used both Macs and PCs for years and have no problems with file compatibility. In fact some PC user friends send me PC made files to open on my Mac since they can't open them on their PC.
randydecker at 2007-11-15 16:55:25 >
# 6 Re: advice on mac vs pc
I switched to a Mac after using Windows for years, and did so in April this year. It was the best thing I ever did-aside from buying aniPod :)
I still use a Dell Laptop at work (company provided and supported), but when I get home I use a Mac (17 inch Powerbook).
While the Macs are more expensive, they are generally feature rich and rock solid.
As far as using an iPod-much better with a Mac, I used one with Windows and it was cranky and not quite as seamless.
My two cents.
Bakerman at 2007-11-15 16:56:24 >
# 7 Re: advice on mac vs pc
OK, I have both, and can offer unbiased input (unlike most people here hehe). I love my PC and my Mac. For your situation, a college kid not doing too much labor-intensive things (no hardcore programming etc...) I would reccomend the Mac. The Mac firstly is very easy to use, has most apps you will need already included, and it looks very cool. Only big downsides are they are not for the light of wallet and you will run into compatibility issues (with the majority-based PC world). The PC is also a great machine, a workhorse, and is very affordable. It just is not as easy to use and not as tailored for your uses. By your uses I mean basic computing tasks and networking/ethernet connectivity (where the Mac really shines). I would definately reccomend going to your local Apple store and a PC retailer and play with both.mongoos150 at 2007-11-15 16:57:17 >
# 8 Re: advice on mac vs pc
Originally posted by mongoos150 and you will run into compatibility issues (with the majority-based PC world). I 'd have to say that I disagree with you on this point. Can you be more specific? I also use PCs and Macs at home and at work. PCs for perhaps 13 years and Macs for about 6. I've also used every MS OS since DOS 4, UNIXen, Mac OS from 7 to OS X 10.2.6. I don't mean to say that there is total transparency between Mac and Windows but no less than there might be between two flavours of Windows. Your statement was a little vague for advice to a newbie.
randydecker at 2007-11-15 16:58:20 >
# 9 Re: advice on mac vs pc
Yeah, and I have to disagree with the statement about hardcore programming. I agree that programming was difficult on Macs before OS X, but now with OS X being UNIX-based, the doors are wide-open.I would keep in mind too that while Macs are more expensive, there is little one needs to buy in the way of software extras - everything a basic user needs except a word processor comes with it.
eustacescrubb at 2007-11-15 16:59:28 >
# 10 Re: advice on mac vs pc
Yeah I will agree with most points on this one. From my point of view, it just depends on what you are going to school for. Programming it really doesn't matter nowadays since OSX is UNIX-base, unless you are doing Windows specific programming. In my case I am a PC user do to mostly being an Engineer, most of my programs run on a PC. I use both UNIX and a PC at work and both do they job.For personal use, I find myself trying to convince my wife to lets get an iMac. That thing comes with everything a person might need. Also with openoffice.org you've got all your word processing stuff right there.
My recommendation, and iBook/PowerBook if you want to go Mac or a good Dell Laptop if you are going PC. It all just depends on your major.
If I had to do it over again, I would not have upgraded my computer and probably have bought a Mac, oh well, next upgrade maybe?
ToddW at 2007-11-15 17:00:23 >
# 11 Re: advice on mac vs pc
Macs have always been popular with musicians and consequently there's a lot of software and hardware to choose from. But with the G5 there will also be optical digital out and in (as well as analog) to add to the adaptabilty of AudioUnits interface with low latency CoreAudio. Bottom line is that it's already a great platform for music but now it's a killer machine too. (without buying add on cards)randydecker at 2007-11-15 17:01:21 >
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