Apple vs PC

I have seven Macs, including one that goes back to the original iMac days of gumdrop shaped computers. They all still work. To the extent their processors allow, they are all running versions of Mac OSX. The latest machines I own are MacBooks, and I am using one to post this. I have a degree in computer network administration, and I found the people who complain the most about Macs are die-hard WIndows fanatics who can't seem to learn how to use a Mac. So they slam them. As for the "non-standard parts" argument, Apple has been using Intel processors (same as Windows) for years. Think of it this way, if you like working on your computer, getting into the nuts, bolts and circuit boards, Windows is for you. If you would rather work WITH your computer without having to learn esoteric items like setting jumpers on cards, configuring BIOS settings, and dealing with viruses and malware that Windows has in spades, go with the Mac. You can get a Mac MIni, which uses a standard keyboard and monitor, for about $600 direct from Apple.

I'm not sure how one can be a "better machine" for the OP's needs. He's not a power user. He just wants something to read emails and browse the net. His old Sony is probably perfectly adequate with a few free improvements like a better browser and Adblock...done.

If he chose to upgrade, a tablet of some type might be perfectly adequate. There are some very good tablets out there for a little money. I don't think he'd find a new Apple laptop to be worth it.

I use a hotrod laptop with dual drives for travel and a similar desktop at home. They're both Windows 7 systems because I can easily upgrade them as required and the software I run isn't available for Apples. They're both very fast and trouble free, and I use them all the time.

But, the OP doesn't need the kinds of systems that I have, so I wouldn't recommend them.

I will never buy a windows computer again. The apple is buy far a better machine. I just don't get it where people think apple is more money. I thought the same thing until I went to buy one and could not believe how wrong I was. I looked at other computers and they were the same price as the apples. Now the apple laptops are well........big money but worth it.

realter wrote:

I was at an apple reseller store today, there were a number of people coming in with Macs, that needed repairs or had something wrong with it. One girl came in with the large original box, told me it had conked out with about 5 years on it. So the argument that they last forever doesn't appear to be the case oftentimes. Thanks, still looking.

Oftentimes? Based on one visit to a an Apple reseller?

Nothing lasts forever. But a mac will remain adware, spyware, and virus free without doing a thing. And the crapware loaded onto just about any PC? Not there on a mac. No "free" games that take you to a page to enter a credit card number. No "trialware" of Norton or MS Office that expire and are nearly impossible to fully eradicate if you don't want them. No "HP Health Check" nonsense that is out of date within a month of bringing home the PC.

I use a PC for work because I have to. I choose to use a mac for everything else.

As for a mac mini... that is the name of the product. It is a small mac for which you supply your own keyboard, monitor, and mouse. If you have already have those devices it is an excellent way to get started with a mac. It also makes a great media server.




Michael

Luvs2Camp wrote:
I was in the same situation a few months ago. I listened to my friends who suggested the Mac Mini. You use your own keyboard, mouse and monitor. I am still in the learning curve and am still using my PC as a backup for a few programs as I learn Mac. It has been an OK experience. I am not jumping for joy over the Mac Mini, but I am not complaining about it either. However, it does zoom on the internet!

What is a Mac mini? Do you mean IPad or IPad mini?

I was at an apple reseller store today, there were a number of people coming in with Macs, that needed repairs or had something wrong with it. One girl came in with the large original box, told me it had conked out with about 5 years on it. So the argument that they last forever doesn't appear to be the case oftentimes. Thanks, still looking.

paulcardoza wrote:
Find a cheap 6 year old PC that will run the latest version of Windows! ...

It won't be 6 years old until next year but my netbook that I paid $250 for 5 years ago is happily running Windows 8.1.

Oooh, snap!

Happytraveler wrote:

Altern wrote:

Happytraveler wrote:

Altern wrote:

1492 wrote:
This has been my experience. You pay a premium for Mac products, and will pay a premium when you get it serviced. They were never designed to be user serviceable. I also don't believe they are any better quality wise when using comparable hardware on the PC side.

Er, could you please tell me where the Genius Bar might be for my new PC? Also I'd like to sign up for the free tutorial classes for my new PC. :B

Apple Store Lacations

Meet a Genius at the Apple Store

One to One

Perhaps my joke here was a teensy bit esoteric.

Hint, hint…. PC's don't have genius bars

LOL, I know!

Guess that means if you own a PC you don't need to have that kind of support. You just buy and use it!

Altern wrote:

v10superduty wrote:
Probably the only way you could more differing opinions on your question is if you had asked...
I have to go to the PC store OR the Apple store to buy a new computer but first I have to buy a new truck to get there. Should I buy a new Ford, Ram, or GM and then once you tell me that, please tell me which computer I should buy?
That question would be good for bout 100 pages of answers/opinions..
:B

And ….should I take my wife or girlfriend to help me shop.

The wife is thrifty, the GF is far from it.......haha

I used PCs for 27 years before I got a MacBook Air. I still use PCs at work and at home, the MAC is just another tool to do some different things. I've got my entire music collection in lossless files on the solid state drive and control iTunes with my iPhone. Will be upgrading to the OWC 480GB SSD as I'm running out of room on the stock 256GB SSD.