Mac v. PC

[dmspilot00]

I'd have to second the comments about not buying an HP. It is hard to admit it since my previous computer was an HP, and I spent a lot of money on it. I used it as my primary computer for over four years, but if someone who wasn't as computer savvy as I was had to deal with the kinds of problems I did, they would have been up the creek.

My sister has an HP thats probably only about two years old, and I 'tried' to use it while I was visiting her...half the time Windows wasn't even done loading before it would crash, or it wouldn't finish loading at all. I had never used a computer in my life that was so plauged with problems (I feel sorry for her). They reformatted the hard drive and everything, so it's not that.

I replaced my old computer with an eMachines a few months ago which I got for $400 (including monitor and printer with rebates), and it's been great. Much more reliable. There are people who say eMachines are junk but they are better than HPs and similar brands. Also, while eMachines doesn't offer computers as with as many features as Dell/GW, Dell/GW's low-end models are practically the same computers as eMachines but with a higher price tag...if I had bought a Dell or Gateway with the same exact specs I would have paid at least $200 more. I know of some people who have had problems with Dell, and I know a lot of people who have had problems with Gateway. Also Dell, Gateway, and most other brands clutter the desktop with ads and special offers and useless software, whereas my computer had ONE icon on the desktop when it came out of the box...and that was the recycle bin/trash.

Why are IBM-Compatibles (or "PCs" that some of you like to call them, erraneously so--the term was out long before IBM used it) so much more prominent than Macs if they seem so much more error-prone? Well, obviously Apple wanted the guts of the Mac to be a secret. This caused Macs to be 1. More expensive because they are only manufactured by one company, and 2. Have less software available (even if they are equal today)--because of the same reason. When IBM introduced their version of the PC they released detailed specifications so that everybody would start making software for it, and that is exactly what happened. Although the poor reliability of today's IBM-based PCs is due to the volatility of the most common operating system for them (Windows), it looks like IBM's approach was the correct one, since around 90 percent of PCs sold are IBM-Compatibles.

It is interesting how even though Windows has advanced far, the original DOS backbone is still there. And, the fact remains that if you don't like Windows you can still get an IBM-Compatible machine and put almost any operating system you want on it, and can do anything you want to it. I don't like Macs for this reason and the fact that they give the user less control over the computer. I don't know about you, but I like to know that I am smarter than the computer, rather than the other way around.

Despite this, I wouldn't hesitate for a second to suggest a Mac to someone who does not know computers well, but only if they had the money.

In conclusion: If what you want is simplicity, ease-of-use, and reliability, but for a price, get a Mac. If you want flexibility, or if you want to be smarter than your computer (not being critical of those who don't), get IBM-compatible.

 

[bobbysamd]

Thanks

We looked at an IMac with the 15" flat liquid-crystal monitor over the weekend and were impressed. The monitor was a big selling point for the both of us. Price seemed right, although I would still fork up another $200 for more memory. I've been an IBM/clone/Windows user for nine years and wanted something different.

The only drawback I see so far is that I'm a WordPerfect user and I hear there is no more Corel Office for Mac available anymore. But that, too, is a non-issue because I don't do much work at home anymore. All we really need is some simple word processor on which we can write letters, etc., on the same order as WordPad. I understand that Mac comes with its own proprietary word processor that lets you save as a .doc file, which WP can read.

I very much appreciate all the excellent information.

PS-I tried logging onto our board when I tried the IMac. It did load up fast on Sierra, which was the proprietary browser (I might still download MSN Explorer if I go this direction.). The store has T1, so no wonder, but I just got broadband, which is about three times faster than my former DSL, so I would expect similar results.

 

[Timebuilder]

Why are IBM-Compatibles (or "PCs" that some of you like to call them, erraneously so--the term was out long before IBM used it) so much more prominent than Macs if they seem so much more error-prone?

http://www.blinkenlights.com/pc.shtml

Although this website identifies the 1949 Simon as the first "personal computer", you will see that the IBM 5150 was the first to use the term "personal computer" to identify their product to the public. My former fiancee's mother was one of the prime architects of this computer, and was also involved with the AT and the XT. It was a variation on the previous IBM product, the portable computer.

Apple simply referred to its product as " Apple" or "the Apple II", in ads reminiscent of the old Volkswagen ads.

 

[Huck]

Compaq sucks big ole' donkey ones. I almost lost my religion dealing with their customer service folks a couple of years ago.

Now I have a Sony Vaio laptop that is the very best I've ever seen. I got it used but refurbished at a CompUSA. I'll never switch from Sony.

I used to reduce flight test data on an old black and white Mac (with the weird monitor/CPU box that looked like an upended toaster) about 1986. Had early Flightsim on it too - used to fly the learjet between the twin towers....

 

[jetdriven]

It is interesting how even though Windows has advanced far, the original DOS backbone is still there

windoze XP has a DOS emulator, but it it not DOS based.

I have the best of both worlds, Windoze and Linux on the same machine I built myself, with a dual bootloader.

Linux is a UNIX based OS, very similar to the MAC OS.

 

[dmspilot00]

Windows may not be "based" on DOS anymore, but DOS is still there, and you can boot to DOS without starting Windows. Sorry for the confusion.

BTW, I have Win XP, and if I boot to DOS (not the DOS emulator as you called it) and type "ver" it says Windows Mellenium Edition. Oops, someone made a mistake

 

[furlough-boy]

Mac's Rule

My anti-mac feelings growing up were based on ignorance. My wife turned me onto the Mac and I'm never going back. I've owned a G4 "cube" desktop for almost three years and bought a new ibook three months ago. Mac's just work. No screwing with configurations, irq settings, etc. Extreme stability, and all the software I need for what I do.

P.S. Don't drop that Sony Vaio! I used to own one and accidentally knocked it off the table. The screen shattered and after I stopped crying I called Sony to see what a new screen would cost. They said they'd be glad to install a new screen for a mere $900 bucks. More crying!

 

[Sphincter Boy]

I was told that when it comes to gaming, it all comes down to the video card and monitor. My buddy has a 1.6ghz P4 with an awesome graphics card and it runs all the newest games with incredible frame rates. So do you guys think that its true that you don't have to have the most up to date processor to run computer games?

 

[npowless]

I'm not diehard Mac or diehard PC anymore... they both have their pros and cons. Someone mentioned earlier that if you want to do video/photo, etc. then the Mac is the way to go. Well, I do neither - but I have a good friend who is a video editor/producer and he uses PCs primarily. He says he uses Mac's as well, but neither one really stands out to him.

However, my fiance's dad is a professional photographer and within the last 2-4 years or so he moved his studio exclusively over to digital imaging. He also _was_ a diehard Mac fan. Well now he has two high-end PCs in addition to his high-end Mac's, and although he still loves his Mac, he gets much better performance out of his PC. He has set them both to the same task in Photoshop at the same time and the PC will be 90% done when the Mac is 20% done - I know - I've seen it! The Mac's performance suffers...they are still good, but have lagged beind the past few years. He still has his Apple logo on his car, and continues to call me for advice on using his PC, but no longer does he swear by his Mac.

Nathan

 

[HA25]

Mac Vs. PC

I was an old Apple II guy back in 79, and I then went PC/Wintel in 1982 with the IBM PC... stayed Wintel until Windows Me and my PIII.... then I lost it with Windows... I heard Apple was going with a Unix based OS (OS X) and gave it a shot... haven't looked back...


1. Much cooler hardware
2. Much cooler GUI
3. Much more stable OS (Not a single system crash in 2+ years)
4. Good resale value of hardware... I've owned a few macs now..

I do admit that I still have an IBM NetVista XP PRo box that I use on occation, but I still hate the Windows GUI and way of structuring files and folders..

Get a Mac, and never look back.

 

[wickedpilot]

My PC is open for bidding on e-bay

I'd used Mac to begin with way back when they were still in the competitive market with 'IBM'. But was basically forced to make the switch aft. Gates & the company dominated the computing world.

To answer your question though, I'd make the switch to Mac. Matter of fact I just did last week. Bought the new iMac G4. The hardware itself is increadibly sharp. The fully adjustable LCD (sprung for the 17in myself) can't be beat. And the 'all in one CPU' leaves the PC users wondering where the CPU is hiding. I agree w/ previous posts in that it's really a matter of preference. (High wing/Low wing). But Mac is making a strong come back with all the digitally compatible programs. I primarily use my new Mac for videography and digital pix. My old PC processor and HD just got too boughed down with the amount of work I'd put into the editing programs.

PC can't offer the Cmd Key shortcuts. That's one thing I like most about the Mac. Only took a few days to refamilairze myself w/ the ol' shortcuts and get used to OS X.2

***Important note: take a look at www.pcconnection.com before you purchase @ some retail store. They'll include the extra 512MB memory chip for FREE. (mail-in rebate). That'll put those 2 bills back in your pocket.

Once your up and running...download Safari as your Net Broswer. It comes highly recommend by Mac uses and personally I haven't seen a better one. POP up windows....GONE.

Hope this helps...safe landings to ya

P.S Don't you guys ever miss the ole' Apple computers with the black screen and green text??

 

[dmspilot00]

What kind of keyboard shortcuts can you do on a Mac that you can't do on a (I'll give in) PC? You can do many with Windows.

 

[bobbysamd]

IMac

Bought the new iMac G4. The hardware itself is increadibly sharp. The fully adjustable LCD (sprung for the 17in myself) can't be beat. And the 'all in one CPU' leaves the PC users wondering where the CPU is hiding . . . .

That's the model we're considering, though I'm leaning toward the 15" LED monitor model and putting the extra money into more memory.

download Safari as your Net Broswer. It comes highly recommend by Mac uses and personally I haven't seen a better one. POP up windows....GONE.

Safari was bundled on the machine we looked at. It seemed faster than Internet Explorer (Of course, the machine, with 800MHz, leaves my 450 PC in the dust anyway, so the comparison might be difficult.). No more $#@!!$! pop-ups? I like that!

 

[ShawnC]

I use POW with IE, no pop ups here after a week of using it. And there are better programs that do even more (like filter out those annoying adds, click here you may have won).

 

[bobbysamd]

IE pop-up blockers

Actually, I found a good one. Tweak XP, found at www.totalidea.de . It has several utilities, including a pop-up blocker. Tweak XP is good, but probably better with a fast machine. I found that if I tried too many of its tweaks it slowed down my machine.