NationStates Jolt Archive

The question...should I purchase a Macbook or a PC competitor?
I will be going to university and using this computer for school work (word processing, graphics, presentations), emailing, photos and music. I want something portable and light with a lot of battery power that I can take around with me. I already have a desktop PC with Windows XP on it, and I suppose I'm satisfied. HELP!
Which computer is better for me?

macbook

Personaly I purchased the compaq v2000 and have been happy with that

Student did you say then go for the PC rather than the costtomuchmoneyjustcozitlooksnicebutinrealityisnobetterthanapc mac.

PC

Don't get a mac. I beg of you, for your own sanity, avoid the mac.

Student did you say then go for the PC rather than the costtomuchmoneyjustcozitlooksnicebutinrealityisnobetterthanapc mac.
heh. but me likes eyecandy.

I would get a pc. Just make sure you get some good anti-virus software and you're good.

PC

Don't get a mac. I beg of you, for your own sanity, avoid the mac.
?
Never had any (serious) problems with macs.

?
Never had any (serious) problems with macs.
Getting that yellowing problem with your macbook?

Get a PC. They're more popular, so for average mortals, it's easier to get a mate to help sort out problems, and you won't have the problem of being unable to the software you need.

heh. but me likes eyecandy.


Heh yeah a lot of people do and thats the bleedin' problem. Go out and buy a 'puter coz of the way it looks if you want, even though it cost more, even though it is no better than a PC, even though you can't do any hardware upgrade yourself and have to take it back to the shop incuring extra cost, even though, it is actualy as prone to viruses and spyware as windows is, but shit man heh it does look funky and thin and silver!:p

Meself if I was a student get a shit cheap laotop abut 2 years old and linux the fuck outa it!

games? PC

dont care? PC

dont care, but cheap? Mac

really dont care? put windows on a mac and watch your programs go

\/\/|-|4t t3h f0ck?!?!?

as they contemplate why you did that in the first place.

personal preferences also work.

http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/comic.php?d=20060513

*nods sagely*

Heh yeah a lot of people do and thats the bleedin' problem. Go out and buy a 'puter coz of the way it looks if you want, even though it cost more, even though it is no better than a PC, even though you can't do any hardware upgrade yourself and have to take it back to the shop incuring extra cost, even though, it is actualy as prone to viruses and spyware as windows is, but shit man heh it does look funky and thin and silver!:p

Meself if I was a student get a shit cheap laotop abut 2 years old and linux the fuck outa it!
Yeah though most of the new laptops have been having graphics kernel issues… watch yourself with wide screen laptops. (at least if running xorg)

Getting that yellowing problem with your macbook?
No?

http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/comic.php?d=20060513

*nods sagely*


Mwahahahahahahahh oohhhhhhhsheeeet!

ooo ohh ohhh ahhhh cheers!

Heh yeah a lot of people do and thats the bleedin' problem. Go out and buy a 'puter coz of the way it looks if you want, even though it cost more, even though it is no better than a PC, even though you can't do any hardware upgrade yourself and have to take it back to the shop incuring extra cost, even though, it is actualy as prone to viruses and spyware as windows is, but shit man heh it does look funky and thin and silver!:p

Meself if I was a student get a shit cheap laotop abut 2 years old and linux the fuck outa it!
What ever. That powerbook has certainly been better than any other pc I've ever used and I'm happy with it.

As an avid mac user, who has been working professionally on about any edition of macs since the first Quadra, i can only recommend a PC for your use. If you dont need the power of a mac, dont pay the extra money for it. Getting "evaluation" copies for you own use, support and nice gadgets for PCs is way easier. Like it is easier to get virae. ;) No, believe me, you want a PC.

I only used a mac desktop once, and that was for about a few minutes. No real problems with it, I just prefer what I already know so I go with the PC. I strongly suggest that, because in college you won't have time to learn how to use a new system. I am a college student myself, and you will find that time and convenience are important.
I am a computer science student as well, so choose a system that will help you in your major. So the many freeware applications for the PC work for me fine.
Speaking of freeware, cost will be your foremost concern. So know what you will basically need (i.e. processor speed, hard drive space, memory, cd burner/dvd drives, etc.) so you will get what you need.

Also, there are a handful of good free virus protection programs that allow for daily updates, just google them. I use one, and I have not had any problems. I have been using it for a couple of years now.

Hope this helps.;)

No?
http://stainedbook.info/

http://stainedbook.info/
Oh that. I haven't had such problems but I know few who have (they don't have the exact same book).

Oh, I did have a sleep mode problem with mac after an update. I lied earlier.

was this inspired by those commercials?

cause i want one that has the PC guy playing battlefield 2 then asking the Mac guy if he can play too.
the mac guy responds with 'no, but my text writer can speak!'

Sorry, I'm a PC girl. Tends to be more compatible with other public computers and especially computers at your workplace, unless you're in the art-type field.

I have a HP Pavilion widescreen laptop and I love it. Although, my issue is not with PC'S, but rather with windows. For example, writing anything more than 30 pages in Microsoft Office (espicially if there are any type of graphics) will cause immeidiate loss of work, the inability to save, etc. Its a pain in the ass.

I would say go PC, unless you know there are certain things that you need to do using a Mac, or if the college you are going to is more of a Mac based college. I am thinking about buying a cheap Mac for the UNIX programs that we run in the lab, but meh-PC's are better IMHO.

PC

Don't get a mac. I beg of you, for your own sanity, avoid the mac.
macs are the greatest cpmputers anywhere, and you can run windows an the new macs

Personaly I purchased the compaq v2000 and have been happy with that

this would be a pc.

It depends really, get a pc if you want to worry less about compatibility, get a mac if you want to brag about having something most people dont. In the end it is more or less irrelivent, since apple has made anything you would want from them work with windows(anything that runs windows is a pc), and more programs run for windows then mac.

What do you call a computer that runs Linux, guess they are just called a pc as well.

buut macs don't get viruses, and they can run windows, andtheyhave the most advanced operating systemin the world.

this would be a pc.

It depends really, get a pc if you want to worry less about compatibility, get a mac if you want to brag about having something most people dont. In the end it is more or less irrelivent, since apple has made anything you would want from them work with windows(anything that runs windows is a pc), and more programs run for windows then mac.

What do you call a computer that runs Linux, guess they are just called a pc as well.
Depends … I have run Ubuntu on a mac g4 PPC

And I am running a PC of a type almost no one else has too … I can be exclusive too (but that is my desktop not my laptop)

buut macs don't get viruses, and they can run windows, andtheyhave the most advanced operating systemin the world.
No they have a cheep freeBSD knockoff Darwin is a horrible core

You can go to www.freeBSD.org and get a REAL advanced operating system

macs are the greatest cpmputers anywhere, and you can run windows an the new macs
Yes you can run windows badly … I have a MacBook pro here at work

buut macs don't get viruses, and they can run windows, andtheyhave the most advanced operating systemin the world.

1. yes they do

2. why does anyone want o run windows on a mac? you buy a mac to use it running mac. plus, i think its a stupid idea, one that people use to advert mac, but something that no one does.

3. back that up. ooh, they released another OS, little difference from the last one, but more expensive! hooray for money grabbing!

As all I have ever used is Macintosh, I'll say this; go for the PC. Not because Macs are 'orrible little machines, but because the less people use them, the lower the chances of a system failing virus being created for the Mac OS.

Of course, the newest edition of Macintosh computers can run Windows (not an emulated version, the actual real deal)...

Unless you need a mac for a specific reason, ie the university uses them for something like graphic design etc, then buy a PC.

but now is a shit time to buy a PC as intel are about to release a new processor line. and dont buy a pentium they suck.

1. yes they do

2. why does anyone want o run windows on a mac? you buy a mac to use it running mac. plus, i think its a stupid idea, one that people use to advert mac, but something that no one does.

3. back that up. ooh, they released another OS, little difference from the last one, but more expensive! hooray for money grabbing!
No shit I did not understand that … Mac is almost following a *nix system release schedule but charging for each release … I think that may get into trouble for that one of these days (from their customers) if they are not to busy blindly praising Mac.

Okay, this is coming from a student who lives with both PC and Mac.

If you want something you know well, get the PC. The thing is you connect to ur buddies and work easily. The downside is that if u dont watch urself ur gonna get a nasty bug on ur work machine. PCs work well for word processing, sharing etc....or "Left brain skills (analytical skills)."

The Mac can host PC although admittedly it can sometimes be slow and a bit of a pain in the ass. And even though the Mac still goes below average in the word processing and networking it totally makes up for it in graphics. You want to edit music, pictures, movies, DVDs whatever - get a mac. Macs are for more "Right brain skills (creative skills)" Also the Mac looks -great- and many PC girls refer to the little apples as 'cute' ... another reason to get a Mac if ur crap at pick up lines. ; )

anyway goodluck with ur choice.:)

Unless you need a mac for a specific reason, ie the university uses them for something like graphic design etc, then buy a PC.

but now is a shit time to buy a PC as intel are about to release a new processor line. and dont buy a pentium they suck.

Unless you need a mac for a specific reason, ie the university uses them for something like graphic design etc, then buy a PC.

but now is a shit time to buy a PC as intel are about to release a new processor line. and dont buy a pentium they suck.

We get it, we get it. ;)

Okay, this is coming from a student who lives with both PC and Mac.

If you want something you know well, get the PC. The thing is you connect to ur buddies and work easily. The downside is that if u dont watch urself ur gonna get a nasty bug on ur work machine. PCs work well for word processing, sharing etc....or "Left brain skills (analytical skills)."

The Mac can host PC although admittedly it can sometimes be slow and a bit of a pain in the ass. And even though the Mac still goes below average in the word processing and networking it totally makes up for it in graphics. You want to edit music, pictures, movies, DVDs whatever - get a mac. Macs are for more "Right brain skills (creative skills)" Also the Mac looks -great- and many PC girls refer to the little apples as 'cute' ... another reason to get a Mac if ur crap at pick up lines. ; )

anyway goodluck with ur choice.:)
Personaly for movie editing I preffer premier pro or vegas over anything mac only ... both avaliable on both platforms. I also tend to get way better video compression speed out of my desktop then out of any mac I have ever used (the only one I have NOT used is the mini), but admitidly it is not your average PC

For graphics, photos, and music, you should get the Mac. It's so much easier to keep everything organized and the interface is really user friendly and its graphics are noice. Plus, Macs are less prone to crashes and you literally don't need virus protection and firewalls. (I know I prolly should, but I have gotten along fine the past few years without all that.) Macs are more reliable, being UNIX computers and many of your favorite games can be purchased online in Mac versions. And they don't need software patches! Plus, they look hot. xD:D

For graphics, photos, and music, you should get the Mac. It's so much easier to keep everything organized and the interface is really user friendly and its graphics are noice. Plus, Macs are less prone to crashes and you literally don't need virus protection and firewalls. (I know I prolly should, but I have gotten along fine the past few years without all that.) Macs are more reliable, being UNIX computers and many of your favorite games can be purchased online in Mac versions. And they don't need software patches! Plus, they look hot. xD:D
Macs are NOT a Unix standard they are a BSD standard (FreeBSD to be specific) FreeBSD != Unix. And either way being a *nix core os makes them WORSE for games. Right now RedHat is about the only one coming up with a real OpenGL solution, otherwise you almost have to depend on it being a DiretX game

The question...should I purchase a Macbook or a PC competitor?
I will be going to university and using this computer for school work (word processing, graphics, presentations), emailing, photos and music. I want something portable and light with a lot of battery power that I can take around with me. I already have a desktop PC with Windows XP on it, and I suppose I'm satisfied. HELP!
Which computer is better for me?

Unless your study is media design - get a pc. If you will be studying one of the sciences (or just like playing with computer technology) make it a dual boot system with windows and linux.

The question...should I purchase a Macbook or a PC competitor?
I will be going to university and using this computer for school work (word processing, graphics, presentations), emailing, photos and music. I want something portable and light with a lot of battery power that I can take around with me. I already have a desktop PC with Windows XP on it, and I suppose I'm satisfied. HELP!
Which computer is better for me?
Look at it like you're buying a tool. Which does what you want? Compatiblity between the two is pretty good, if you're using Office applications. If you're doing any kind of engineering work that needs specialty programs run, the PC is probably more versatile. On the other hand, most of what you need to produce good video presentations is already installed on the Mac.

Look at it like you're buying a tool. Which does what you want? Compatiblity between the two is pretty good, if you're using Office applications. If you're doing any kind of engineering work that needs specialty programs run, the PC is probably more versatile. On the other hand, most of what you need to produce good video presentations is already installed on the Mac.
Pfft Imovie ... you might as well buy pinnicle

Final cut is alright but that is not installed already on any of the macs I have ever used

Pfft Imovie ... you might as well buy pinnicle

Final cut is alright but that is not installed already on any of the macs I have ever used
I don't know. We made a decent DVD and sent it off as an audition. Got a gig from it.

My favorite saying, or one of them anyway, is that the perfect is the enemy of the good.

Ok, sorry. I forgot to mention what I'm studying. I'm going into history. So the majority of stuff I'll be doing are essays and papers (ugh!) However, I'm an avid photographer and I like messing around in photoshop-like programs. I also listen to a lot of music.

and i would like to play DVDS, because i won't be able to afford a tv or dvd player.

Ok, sorry. I forgot to mention what I'm studying. I'm going into history. So the majority of stuff I'll be doing are essays and papers (ugh!) However, I'm an avid photographer and I like messing around in photoshop-like programs. I also listen to a lot of music.
You know you will honestly be able to do all that on either platform, it may be best to just go with what your school uses as its standard

Ok, sorry. I forgot to mention what I'm studying. I'm going into history. So the majority of stuff I'll be doing are essays and papers (ugh!) However, I'm an avid photographer and I like messing around in photoshop-like programs. I also listen to a lot of music.

Then get a Mac. I advise a Mac anyway, but definitely if you're looking at graphics stuff.

Unless you're a gamer too. If you're a gamer and getting a Mac, you're stupid. *g* I don't have anything against PCs, but the Mac seems on the whole to run smoother and feel better. (Yes, I have used both.)

Then get a Mac. I advise a Mac anyway, but definitely if you're looking at graphics stuff.

Unless you're a gamer too. If you're a gamer and getting a Mac, you're stupid. *g* I don't have anything against PCs, but the Mac seems on the whole to run smoother and feel better. (Yes, I have used both.)
what makes a mac inharently better for photo stuff? Any one that is realy into graphics is going to use photoshop CS2 or equivelent which is avaliable on both platforms.

My GF is a photographer that specializes in digital restoration and in the end she prefers her PC over her MAC when she really wants to get work done

My GF is a photographer that specializes in digital restoration and in the end she prefers her PC over her MAC when she really wants to get work done
Is that because she likes the tools, or because she enjoys all the little quirks of the Windows operating system? I'm thinking about the BSOD, freezes, incompatible drivers ...

Is that because she likes the tools, or because she enjoys all the little quirks of the Windows operating system? I'm thinking about the BSOD, freezes, incompatible drivers ...
Compatability ... my ability to customize hardware for her. Along with ease of use for things like external tablets. And conversion flexability.

When IN photoshop she finds them fairly simmilarbut geting the data into and out of the machine itself as well as storage she finds windows to be the standard she likes.

As far as BSOD have you really had an issue with that in XP? I mean seriously the only time I catch one was when a hard drive died (not on my machine) or that one time I fried my 4th gig of ram

i just find that XP clitches and I always have to re-start and shut it down. probably once a day. i have multiple virus scanners but i continue to have problems. i just want something that i know will work, won't break down and that i can do my work on.

i just find that XP clitches and I always have to re-start and shut it down. probably once a day. i have multiple virus scanners but i continue to have problems. i just want something that i know will work, won't break down and that i can do my work on.
Uptime on my Xp box is at about the 2 month mark ... and that was just because I added another 3 250 gb HDDS

Macintosh. My family has had Macintosh since the beginning, and right now we have a PowerBook G4, an iBook, an eMac, a pod iMac, and a screen iMac, along with our old Quadras, Performas, and SE/30. We've never had any problems with them at all, and they're all a lot better than any of the PCs we've bought.

Also, for graphics, you can't beat a Mac.

But try to get a refurbished machine without the Intel chip. F*ck Intel.

i just find that XP clitches and I always have to re-start and shut it down. probably once a day. i have multiple virus scanners but i continue to have problems.

Having more than one virusscanner active at the same time is not good for the stability of your system.

Macintosh. My family has had Macintosh since the beginning, and right now we have a PowerBook G4, an iBook, an eMac, a pod iMac, and a screen iMac, along with our old Quadras, Performas, and SE/30. We've never had any problems with them at all, and they're all a lot better than any of the PCs we've bought.

Also, for graphics, you can't beat a Mac.

But try to get a refurbished machine without the Intel chip. F*ck Intel.
I don’t know what you are talking about I can beat a MAC fairly handily for “Graphics”

Why is it everyone always assumes they are better? Cause they have a few mediocre default programs?

The ONLY advantage they used to have is their processor indexing style which they gave up now when they switched to Intel

The Macbook would be a better choice for you in that situation, it will do everything you need it to do and then some. Battery life is excellent and you dont have to worry about viruses/spyware etc.

http://www.break.com/movies/pcvsmac1.html

I don’t know what you are talking about I can beat a MAC fairly handily for “Graphics”

Why is it everyone always assumes they are better? Cause they have a few mediocre default programs?

The ONLY advantage they used to have is their processor indexing style which they gave up now when they switched to Intel

I've worked Photoshop on Macintosh and on PC and I've found that it's easier to work with and faster on Macintosh. And, like I said in my OP, which you apparently didn't read to the end, the original poster should get a refurbished Mac because the Intel chip is lame. There are a lot of Mac users out there who are upset about this switch to Intel chips and think that Mac should have just stayed true to themselves, and I'm one of them.

Sorry if you can't let other people have their own opinions about what computers they used. The OP asked for opinions, my opinion was given, so you can just kindly stfu if you're not going to add anything to this but nitpicking of other people's opinions.

I've worked Photoshop on Macintosh and on PC and I've found that it's easier to work with and faster on Macintosh. And, like I said in my OP, which you apparently didn't read to the end, the original poster should get a refurbished Mac because the Intel chip is lame. There are a lot of Mac users out there who are upset about this switch to Intel chips and think that Mac should have just stayed true to themselves, and I'm one of them.

Sorry if you can't let other people have their own opinions about what computers they used. The OP asked for opinions, my opinion was given, so you can just kindly stfu if you're not going to add anything to this but nitpicking of other people's opinions.
Yup and I am arguing with opinions, as it can lead to misinformation.

And like I said my GF does digital photo restoration for a living (she is co owner of a photo studio) she seems to prefer the custom built pc’s I have been supplying the company with over the G5 towers that they used to use …

As far as BSOD have you really had an issue with that in XP? I mean seriously the only time I catch one was when a hard drive died (not on my machine) or that one time I fried my 4th gig of ram
You're right about XP. It seems pretty stable, except when it freezes. I have more, many more, issues with the Toshiba hardware.

That is one of the considerations when choosing between platforms. There is much more variety and a bigger quality spread between windows platforms than there are for the Mac OS.

You're right about XP. It seems pretty stable, except when it freezes. I have more, many more, issues with the Toshiba hardware.

That is one of the considerations when choosing between platforms. There is much more variety and a bigger quality spread between windows platforms than there are for the Mac OS.
True ... but while there is more varity just about all the hardware that mac uses outside of the MOBO and proc is avaliable for other platforms

They use standard Crucial ram (good reliable but mediocre ) they use WD and Seagate HDDS they use a combination of CD drives (I have seen LiteOn and NEC as well as plextor drives in them)

In the end the hardware is not all that spectacular

True ... but while there is more varity just about all the hardware that mac uses outside of the MOBO and proc is avaliable for other platforms

They use standard Crucial ram (good reliable but mediocre ) they use WD and Seagate HDDS they use a combination of CD drives (I have seen LiteOn and NEC as well as plextor drives in them)

In the end the hardware is not all that spectacular
The only advantage for the Mac, is that they provide a consistent stream of mediocre hardware. Not like this POS Toshiba that the company gave me.

I'd personally would go with neither. While the newer macbook pro is an awsome design (imo), I find that keyboards on all laptop computers hard to use. Especially for the macs.

You also need to consider what you're going to use the laptop for. Movie Making, song writing, organization, DVD production, webdesign, some game designs (after all, Halo and Halo II were made by apples), go for apple.

Accounting, buisness managment, number punching, writing, gaming (as in, using them), information gathering (scientific, and the likes), go for PC.

My gathering on the laptops:

The Apple:

The Apple is touch sensy. While a good feature, I have come to found it to be a big annoyance at the same time because your typing will sometimeedplokiglikdis. If your mouse is pointed somewhere else (say, off of the safari window which you'd use for typing on NS), if your hand ever so slightly touches the mouse pad, you will screw up typing, and you could very well accidently load up another program which you don't want.

Also, screens are too small for me to look at for the stuff I do with apples (movie making).

And it's too slow. sure they're faster than the older designs, but it ain't fast enough for me. Also they only have a memory of what, 50 gig? Not enough to put up lots of stuff which take up hardrive space and memory space.

Yes, you can add on a keypad and not have to use the built in one, and you can add on a mouse, and you can add on a screen, but as others have already pointed out, it already costs as much as a low iMac, and a PC is much cheaper.




PC's: Imho, I'd never touch anything less than a Windows XP. That was the only design which I found I could even use (you could tell by now I'm a mac person) without too much problems. If you want a PC laptop, get something with Widnows XP or better. Me, I'd go for AlienWare (yes, I would rather have an AlienWare laptop than any other)

As everyone knows, PC's have a nack for having more bugs in its systems than a bat does after it's done eating it's dinner. If you're getting a PC, get a topnotch anti-virus software and constantly run it. The good thing about apples is that you only need to run anti-virus software about 1 every 2 months or so.

The only advantage for the Mac, is that they provide a consistent stream of mediocre hardware. Not like this POS Toshiba that the company gave me.
True that when you lowball hardware you sometimes get screwed (as a company) I know I have tried to build a few low end machines for friends … nothing but headaches. I am now to well over 200 high end machines built by hand and I have had to swap out hardware in 2 of them so far (built over the last 3 years)

1 bad stick of ram and one DVD drive that died nothing major

Go upgrade something on your mac ...it will cost 2-3x as much if it is even available. Any Crossfire or SLI macs ?


buut macs don't get viruses, and they can run windows, andtheyhave the most advanced operating systemin the world.

True that when you lowball hardware you sometimes get screwed (as a company) I know I have tried to build a few low end machines for friends … nothing but headaches. I am now to well over 200 high end machines built by hand and I have had to swap out hardware in 2 of them so far (built over the last 3 years)

1 bad stick of ram and one DVD drive that died nothing major
Exactly so. We buy good machines for our paying customers because we don't want to do the warranty work on them. It's the employees that get the lowest bidder stuff. I shouldn't complain too much. At least it's a laptop and it works 99 percent of the time.

I've been using Macs for the last 8 years. I've never had a serious problem with any of them, and whether it's about superior protection or the fact that nobody gives a poo, the fact remains that there are no viruses for Macs.

If you're using it for important things like presentations, papers, research, etc., I would highly recommend a Mac. You'll be wanting to keep those things on a reliable computer, and you can guarantee a new Mac isn't going to crash or lose anything.

Friends of mine have always told me how much Macs suck, and how much they love their PCs. Meanwhile they get viruses out the ass and repeated crashes. I guess that really is love.

PC's: Imho, I'd never touch anything less than a Windows XP. That was the only design which I found I could even use (you could tell by now I'm a mac person) without too much problems.

98se and win 3.11 were useable as well.

I'm a bit torn on this one. I've been a PC user all my life but I'm starting to get use to Macs for the reason that they are industry standard in graphic designing. Yaaaay Macs... and PCs. :)

Meself if I was a student get a shit cheap laotop abut 2 years old and linux the fuck outa it!

I prefer open source myself (although I don't really buy this "copyleft" stuff...if we're going to have "freedom," then let us have some actual freedom (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BSD_license).), but I must conclude that Mac OS X is clearly a superior choice over Linux. Having a real operating system (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%2Anix) is enough reason to reject Windows outright, so we need not even consider that side of the argument. But then, Mac OS X provides the added benefit of having a fully functional Unix-like operating system (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_X) (the core (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Darwin) of which is released under an F/OSS license (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Public_Source_License)) installed on a machine complete and ready to go out of the box with no need to drive myself silly trying to make even the most simple things work. That alone puts Mac OS X leaps and bounds over anything the F/OSS community provides. Period. End of story. If something does not work, then a commercial enterprise, dependent on our continued business for it's existance, provides warranty and other support services (which the F/OSS community need not do, as a similar dependent relationship does not exist). That is some beer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_as_in_beer) that this geek is more than willing to pay for, because I've really got better things to do (like, perhaps, actually use my computer :D )

And of course, there are other hardware features that are simply brilliant. The magnetic power cord (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MagSafe) for instance, a huge plus for a student like myself. Or replacing the mechanical latches that keep the notebook closed with more magnets; gets the job done with less stuff to break. This is not "eyecandy." This is people who know how to design a computer.

Desktop unix has arrived. It's not linux.

Here's my experience:

My iBook G4 is much better than any of the PC laptops (I call them craptops) that I've bought. Better batteries, more rugged, etc. OSX is more stable than Windows, and much better on viruses.

OTOH, most 3rd party Mac software sux. Games have already been mentioned. And Quicken for OSX also sux. I also like the Windows GUI better than the Mac's, though that's probably just because I've used it long enough to be familiar with its quirks.

Back a few years ago, when I was working on my degree, the school was using G4's to teach the graphic design courses. At the time, I had a older Pentium 150 at home, I found that in general, my home box was 20-25% faster when working on projects. The G5's they later brought in, with OSX, were only slightly faster and actually just as unstable as a typical Windows system.

Mac's aren't better for graphics, and I have never understood the basis for that claim. Print a PSD file from either system, and it will look the same......

http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/comic.php?d=20060513

*nods sagely*

hahah, I like that. That new Mac commercial is quite annoying.

PC. lol @ mac

Get a PC.

http://www.break.com/movies/pcvsmac1.html


LoL

*mourns Mac dude*

Use a mac if shiny objects amuse you. Otherwise use a PC.

U.S.S. Windows NT-98

The story of Bill Gates comparing the computer industry and the auto industry is well-known: "If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving twenty-five dollar cars that got 1000 miles to the gallon."

In response to Bill's comments, General Motors issued a humorous press release, describing the way cars would behave if they were like Microsoft products.

This is what Starfleet ships developed by Microsoft would be like:

1. For no reason whatsoever your warp core would be dropped twice a day.

2. Every time they changed the main interstellar flight routes you would have to get a new ship.

3. Occasionally your starship would die in outer space for no reason, and you would just accept this, reinitialize the engines and warp on.

4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn, would cause your engines to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the warp core.

5. Only one person could work on the ship at a time, unless you bought "Starship98" or "StarshipNT". But, then you would have to buy more bridge modules.

6. Macintosh would make a starship that was powered by a stable Omega molecule, had quantum slipstream drive, was reliable and twice as easy to fly, but would only run between Earth and Vulcan.

7. The antimatter containment, structural integrity and shield failure messages would be replaced by a single "general starship failure" warning.

8. New seats would force everyone to have the same size butt (poor Scotty!).

9. The deflector shields would say "Are you sure?" before going up.

10. Occasionally for no reason whatsoever, your ship would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key, and grabbed hold of the radio antenna. Well, how this can be accomplished on a starship remains unanswered...

11. Utopia Planitia would require all starship buyers to also purchase a deluxe set of Mark IV tricorders, even though they neither need them nor want them. Attempting to delete this option would immediately cause the ship's performance to diminish by 50% or more. Moreover, Utopia Planitia would become a target for investigation by the Federation Council.

12. Every time Utopia Planitia introduced a new class, ship personnel would have to learn how to operate it all over again because none of the controls would work in the same manner as on the old ship.

13. You'd have to say "engage" to shut down the engines.

I really hate XP but I don't have a choice because the new versions of AutoCAD, Revit, and others won't run on 98.

In response to Bill's comments, General Motors issued a humorous press release, describing the way cars would behave if they were like Microsoft products...

I'd do anything for a GM car to be as reliable and well designed as a Microsoft product...that's how bad they are, guys.:p

I'd do anything for a GM car to be as reliable and well designed as a Microsoft product...that's how bad they are, guys.:p

Depends on the car. My Saturn L200 has been more reliable than anything B. Gates (or even S. Jobs) has cranked out. OTOH, my old Pontiac J(unk) 2000 was less reliable than Win95 (and W95 routinely crashed 3-15 times/day).

Well I've never had a problem with my 98, but it's got more patches than hull so that shouldn't be surpising.

I thought these were funny the first time I saw them.

Bonus for you, I found a version were they were all jammed together:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QdGt3ix2CQ&search=mac%20os%20x%20vista

Exactly so. We buy good machines for our paying customers because we don't want to do the warranty work on them. It's the employees that get the lowest bidder stuff. I shouldn't complain too much. At least it's a laptop and it works 99 percent of the time.
That or you just dont buy bottom of the barel hardware from any manufactur

We have over 3000 lab machines all identical HP towers ... the last gen that we moved out have been around 4 years now. Not a single harware failure so far.

That or you just dont buy bottom of the barel hardware from any manufactur

We have over 3000 lab machines all identical HP towers ... the last gen that we moved out have been around 4 years now. Not a single harware failure so far.
From HP? Mine's having a hard time displaying at 1024*768 anymore...

i would say pc if you don't want to wash your shorts everytime you use your macbook
macs = orgasmic expirence

i would say pc if you don't want to wash your shorts everytime you use your macbook
macs = orgasmic expirence
Meh, I've seen better.

From HP? Mine's having a hard time displaying at 1024*768 anymore...
These are the full towers (I dont remember the model off hand) 3.2 ghz HT p4' s with a gig of ram ... they cost a chunk of money with the 19 inch LCD's and such but they are very solid machines we have like I said not had a single hardware failure

Infact with ALL the machines (the campus has been compaq for like 7 years now) the only model we have ever had any hardware issues with is thoes old school ipaqs (700 mhz)

And that was not so much hardware falilures as it was just lack of system performance (the hard drives on them were too small for our full image)

The question...should I purchase a Macbook or a PC competitor?
I will be going to university and using this computer for school work (word processing, graphics, presentations), emailing, photos and music. I want something portable and light with a lot of battery power that I can take around with me. I already have a desktop PC with Windows XP on it, and I suppose I'm satisfied. HELP!
Which computer is better for me?

Simple, buy Intel-based MacBook and install Windows XP!

Simple, buy Intel-based MacBook and install Windows XP!
and watch all your programs go

what th fuckBOOM!!

and watch all your programs go

what th fuckBOOM!!

Apple Bootcamp - Windows XP user's best friend.

Apple Bootcamp - Windows XP user's best friend.
Ehhh not MY best friend

I have a macbook pro at work ... its alright but not 2500 alright.

Ehhh not MY best friend

I have a macbook pro at work ... its alright but not 2500 alright.

The Intel Macs using the Conroe (Intel Core Two) should be interesting when they come out.

The Intel Macs using the Conroe (Intel Core Two) should be interesting when they come out.
Possibly I have been hearing good things about it but I am pretty sure that archatecutre is not going to be restricted to MAC hardware alone

Possibly I have been hearing good things about it but I am pretty sure that archatecutre is not going to be restricted to MAC hardware alone

Faster than the Athlon64 FX60 series (S939 and AM2) and Intel's fastest P4s with energy efficiency of the mobile laptop Centrino and Core processors.

http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/comic.php?d=20060513

*nods sagely*
lol! That was awesome.

I hate those commercials, they make me want to buy PCs even more because I'm pissed off at Mac.

Faster than the Athlon64 FX60 series (S939 and AM2) and Intel's fastest P4s with energy efficiency of the mobile laptop Centrino and Core processors.
If it performs as they claim yup … though been hearing things out of the roomer mill for AMD as well

lol! That was awesome.

I hate those commercials, they make me want to buy PCs even more because I'm pissed off at Mac.
I agree … MAC have some great features but I do not like direct comparison advertising that actively and dishonestly misrepresent the competition.

Guess it reminds me too much of a strawman arguement

I agree … MAC have some great features but I do not like direct comparison advertising that actively and dishonestly misrepresent the competition.

Guess it reminds me too much of a strawman arguement

Those commercials make me want to kick apple in the balls for being a pompous bastard and to make a new damn commercial with the same format where the PC plays Battlefield 2 but the mac cant.

Plus, i think mac would sell better if it pumped up its on qualities rather than say 'PC is shit'.

Considering the Apple Macs these days are really PCs with an advanced BIOS system and a different OS. The difference is not hardware but Mac OS X (10) vs Windows XP/x64/Vista.

Now, Mac OS X running on Athlon64s would be nice for some testing.

Considering the Apple Macs these days are really PCs with an advanced BIOS system and a different OS. The difference is not hardware but Mac OS X (10) vs Windows XP/x64/Vista.

Now, Mac OS X running on Athlon64s would be nice for some testing.
I have got OSX running on my Opteron246's

I have got OSX running on my Opteron246's

Any good?

the only diffrence really is the OS, and that can always be gotten around. Just get some roms and your windows only games out of them, and youll be gold. I know people who just use programs that "trick" the software to thinking it is running on windows on an apple. And it runs fine, but dont ask me the program i dont know, but i can try and find it. I just know its probly not legal, but neather is monopolies so I got no problom stealing from Microsoft

Any good?
Most things run good on them … lol it runs alright getting the drivers to work for certain things was a bitch and a half but nothing I have not dealt with

But with 2 processors and 4 gigs of ram now there really is not much of an issue with performance

Oh and a note it is kind of ironic that it comes up as we are discussing this but my Macbook pro just started making noise, sounds like fan bearings to me. Anyone else heard if this has been an issue on first generation releases?

lol! That was awesome.

I hate those commercials, they make me want to buy PCs even more because I'm pissed off at Mac.

The thing is, I would rather relate with the old rich business guy than the smug hipster asshole.

I don't know if anyone has mentioned the Intel dual-core Macs, yet. If you’ve got an Intel Mac, you can run Windows on it. The Apple-provided solution, Boot Camp, requires a reboot before you can boot your Mac directly into Windows. This method has some nice benefits, including full hardware support and accelerated graphics—if you want to play PC games on your Intel Mac, this is the way to go.

I agree … MAC have some great features but I do not like direct comparison advertising that actively and dishonestly misrepresent the competition.

Guess it reminds me too much of a strawman arguement
Yeah, I really hate that sort of advertising, it's what kept me from voting for the liberals last election. The NDP wasn't as big on smear campaigns (well, not that I saw at least).