My mom is looking into buying a new laptop. It needs to be good for webcamming, playing videos, IMing, browsing the internet, typing reports and such, and pictures.

 

 

 

So would you recommend a MacBook or normal PC laptop? Is a MacBook worth the price?

Well it really depends on what you want the computer to do. I have both Apple and Windows computers and there are somethings I do on my Apple and some on my Windows. Here is what I think:

 

 

 

Webcam - Built in on new Mac laptops

 

Videos - Doesn't really matter which because they both are good at it

 

Internet - Mac (no viruses)

 

Reports - Doesn't matter

 

Pictures - Doesn't matter

 

Games - Windows

 

Picture Editing - Mac

I would indeed recommend a Macbook, simply because you say it's your mum. If your mum is the sort to need to consult someone else about what computer to get, it's probably best that she gets a Macbook. In my experience they're easier to use for those not acquainted to computing concepts (people who aren't already well-versed in the use of Windows) and it is harder to make things go wrong.

 

 

 

They're good mum-computers. Though of course that's not all they're good for.

for what she wants to do, a macbook would be better, but the biggest thing is your budget. A macbook starts at about 1000$, and a basic windows laptop can be had for about 600-700$. Also, the only mac computers that look better then a windows computer for the price are the macbook pros, which start at 2000$.

So, $1000 MacBook or Windows Laptop?

For the things you list, shelling out $1000 for a MacBook is definitely not worth the price unless she is doing some serious PhotoShop work.

I'd go for the MacBook, unless your mums a gamer. Thats really the only disadvantage that Macs have to Pcs, games. I have to say the extra price is worth it, though she may want to wait for another month or so (I hope) for the new system to come out. Not required, but a good idea.

a mac is definitely more reliable than a PC, for sure. and yea like some other people said the new ibooks come with built in isight and microphone, so that is a big thing. if you want a computer that will last you and never crash, get the mac. :thumbsup:

PC if your mom is going to play games and mac if it's for work related things only (things that do not require windows to operate)

I just got a laptop with Vista, so for this computer would it be smarter to get the Mac because I can avoid Vista?

I just got a laptop with Vista, so for this computer would it be smarter to get the Mac because I can avoid Vista?

 

Yes, avoid Vista for now, until it gets better, (if it does). Just remember, you can always get a Windows OS on your Mac computer.

if you want to game more than edit photos - windows is the comp for you

 

especially cause mac costs so much when its still possible to edit photos on microsoft

I'm biased but PC.

 

 

 

Also I really don't get why everyone is saying that if you want to do editing work to get a mac. You can get the exact same programs for a PC and can get just as much support in aditional things (such as brushes, ect.) for PC if not more so.

Aye, so many Mac fanboys that pull stuff out of their [wagon] because they saw it on television or whatever. They are about equal in most fields, Mac may be bit more user friendly, but I don't see how when the programs are identical it can be easier for photo editing or whatever you are saying. PC laptops can have built in web cams too, as my friends just got one. As long as you keep u to date on your AntiVirus, that shouldn't be an issue. They are basically the same as in how the programs work, though Mac is supported by less things (getting much better now).

 

 

 

 

 

Inapproprate Language

Inapproprate Language

 

Gotta love that site.

 

Anway personally I would go with a PC (okay by PC I mean laptop with windows) because;

 

*They are generally cheaper

 

*I've never owned a mac (not a something which will effect you as your experience may be different)

 

*You can game on them if you want to (ok your mum might never want to but if it can its a plus)

The biggest thing is that if your mom has used a computer before (that most likely has windows on it) it will be easier for her just to use windows instead of getting used to a mac.

Aye, so many Mac fanboys that pull stuff out of their [wagon] because they saw it on television or whatever. They are about equal in most fields, Mac may be bit more user friendly, but I don't see how when the programs are identical it can be easier for photo editing or whatever you are saying. PC laptops can have built in web cams too, as my friends just got one. As long as you keep u to date on your AntiVirus, that shouldn't be an issue. They are basically the same as in how the programs work, though Mac is supported by less things (getting much better now).

 

 

 

 

 

Inapproprate Language

 

Macs have built in webcams as well.

a mac is definitely more reliable than a PC, for sure.

LOL

 

 

 

I would go for PCs, more reliable, cheaper and way better for games. If she will mainly use it for picture editing and movies, get a Mac.

macs r better than pcs full stop lol

Macs have built in webcams as well.

 

 

 

How good qualify do they have and how well can they be moved to point to some other direction? For the extra 200$ you can get a pretty decent webcam for a pc :P

 

 

 

I'd personally chose a pc. Why? Because they are a bit cheaper on average, many softwares are made for pc (and specially for Windows) and getting customer support is easier. When you're dealing with your mom, I wouldn't be surprised to see you posting some threads here in few months asking for tips :P

 

 

 

If you're paranoid on viruses, get a Linux to run along. You can use both Windows and Linux on a same comp and in nowadays most Linux versions are as easy (or even easier to use) than Windows.