Mac or PC?

[cheeky16]

Just to clarify the mac I priced out has an AMD Radeon HD 6750M 1Gb GDDR5. So it is not running the intel off the motherboard. Most people looking for a laptop for school tend to go with the smaller 13" models. The one I would go with is the 13" 2.7Ghz Dual Core i7. 4Gb Ram, 500Gb HDD. OSX tends not to gobble up ram like windows does. Looking at that laptop having a pricetag of 1449.99 is a little better than the 15" model at $1000 more.

[Robert_R]

This is what I'm going to get in a few months.

Don't build a dell on dell's website btw, they seem to charge more than it actually cost. Just gonna install linux dual boot and use windows when I need to use itunes. Btw can't stand that you can't opt out of installing mcafee on a new dell laptop. It sucks so bad and it's kind of a pain to remove.

 

Also about the 13" laptops. I have one now and the screen is too small. It is nice that it weighs like nothing though. If you're just using it for college stuff a smaller screen is perfect. If you want to play games it's just too small....

 

I'd probably use OSx if I didn't have to buy an apple computer to use it though. Windows just kind of sucks.

[cheeky16]

This is what I'm going to get in a few months.

Don't build a dell on dell's website btw, they seem to charge more than it actually cost. Just gonna install linux dual boot and use windows when I need to use itunes. Btw can't stand that you can't opt out of installing mcafee on a new dell laptop. It sucks so bad and it's kind of a pain to remove.

 

Also about the 13" laptops. I have one now and the screen is too small. It is nice that it weighs like nothing though. If you're just using it for college stuff a smaller screen is perfect. If you want to play games it's just too small....

 

I'd probably use OSx if I didn't have to buy an apple computer to use it though. Windows just kind of sucks.

 

Try checking around on some forums bout osx on other machines. Ive seen some run on amd processors and stuff. I'm going to try to run it on my AMD Phenom II X6 in the summer sometime, just to see if it works. I just find windows crashes lots. Even internet explorer keeps crashing on my new system and there is not reason that it should be crashing.

 

That is a nice laptop youve built there. And you are absolutely right, gzming on a 13" sucks, thats why I use it for school and music anf have the big powerful desktop for runescape.

[Sbrideau]

I just find windows crashes lots. Even internet explorer keeps crashing on my new system and there is not reason that it should be crashing.

 

Using IE is a reason in itself is a reason for it to crash, we all know that it is absolute crap, why do you think that nowadays so few people use it? And I don't know if Windows crashes lots because it only crashed once in 1 year for me. And it was because of one of the cheap RAM sticks that I had initially bought. I have received my new RAM anyway and will be putting it in the computer soon.

 

Also, on virus dicussion, I don't know why we would need an antivirus on Windows if we have common sense. Even though I still keep an antivirus and antimalware on my computer, I have never got a virus/malware in the last 3 years by simply not going to dodgy websites.

[PlzPuddngPlz]

@above:

IE has something like 60% of the browser market share, if only because it comes preinstalled on most PCs.

 

OT: Macs are great at what they do (multimedia stuff), but don't really have an advantage over PCs in other everyday stuff like schoolwork.

From your post, it seems the only multimedia thing you would be doing would be a bit of photo editing, so I'd reccomend a pc, just because you can get significantly better value in your price range, (which is, let's not forget, $1000-$1500).

I'd reccomend something from ASUS.

I guess you might be planning to bring your laptop to lectures to take notes, but if not, I would definitely suggest a desktop PC, that you would (if you're comfortable) build yourself or have a friend help you build.

[glasscube]

I've posted my reasons as to why I would buy another macbook pro as a student. Yes they cost more, which I think is worth the price. Most of the money for the computers is spent up front. When the new OS comes out it's like $25 vs Windows at say $150+. Being a student you can grab Windows 7 for around $100 right now.

I actually got my Windows 7 Professional free. The joys of msdn.

 

If you really take into account all of the features that are included and compare it to a laptop with similar features it will not be too shy of the price of the mac. Which for most users can be made up for with the customer support.

So basically what you are saying is that, the people who do not need technical support are giving the people that do a free ride? I never buy extended warranty or any of that jazz on my stuff. If someone wants to spend extra on extra support or something, that should be their choice.

 

This is all my personal opinion obviously. But when comparing the numbers of issues I've heard from people around school about laptops the macs tend not to have as many. They do still have problems though, one girl I know replaced her hard drive 5 times, all under warranty though. That was back in 2008 though and I haven't heard of any other issues with hard drives since. It still comes down to your budget in the end though. If you can afford $1300 for the Macbook Pro I would spend it. If not go buy a windows machine for $700 and replace it every couple of years. I don't know many people running windows on a machine much more than 2 or 3 years old that isn't so slow you want to pull your hair out. Yet some people are still running macbooks that are 5 years old with no issues.

There are loads of people that have like 10 year old thinkpads - and they run Windows XP too. Sure, not every product line from every company is going to last 10 years. But that is why you shop around to get the best deals.

 

I don't want anyone to get the idea that I'm trying to bash windows or anything but try starting with similar quality products when comparing prices and features. There are many underlying benefits of owning a mac that windows users just don't understand until they own one. Two years ago before I bought my first Macbook Pro I was in the same boat, thought they were overpriced and it would be ludacris to spend that kind of money on a 13" laptop. Even when I purchased the laptop I had doubts. I've since changed my mind about them and would buy another if I had a need for it in the future.

What are the underlying benefits? I have never used the Mac OS before because I prefer gnu/linux and only use windows when I really need to. So I am curious to be what they are. (Only time I use windows is when I want to play some games or if my school requires something done in proprietary software)

 

And you would buy a Dell? I've never met a computer tech that would ever recommend a dell. They actually say to stay away. The least reliable computers out there.

Dell makes some very good products. You are probably biased from having used their cheap-end line of products. Off the top of my head, I can tell you Dell makes very good monitors.

 

Build a PC with i7 processor and 8 gb of RAM. I know dell XPS 15 with i7 and 8 gb RAM is under 1500 if not closer to 1300. Personally I'm getting a Dell next year for college. Install Linux. Go. Although I'm not too sure how good GIMP is good for photo editing compared to something like adobe photoshop.

 

Dells are still pretty slow. My Intel Core i3 (dual core) desktop with 6GB of RAM I built this time last year is much faster than the 6 month old Dell with i5 and 8GB of RAM that I use at work. And for the slowness, no I don't think the network would be a cause since it's only connected to the network for the Internet. Also, I have 3TB of hard drive while the computer at work has 1TB.

A i3 should never be faster than a i5. The computer you use at work probably has a bunch of bloatware and extra antivirus and other stuff making performance worse. Usually size is not a tell take sign of how fast a computer is. As an example you can buy a 80gb SSD that will outperform multiple* raided HDD, never mind a single one.

 

*not sure on how many as I never cared to look at that sort of benchmarks and it depends on what sort of benchmark you do.

 

Try checking around on some forums bout osx on other machines. Ive seen some run on amd processors and stuff. I'm going to try to run it on my AMD Phenom II X6 in the summer sometime, just to see if it works. I just find windows crashes lots. Even internet explorer keeps crashing on my new system and there is not reason that it should be crashing.

 

That is a nice laptop youve built there. And you are absolutely right, gzming on a 13" sucks, thats why I use it for school and music anf have the big powerful desktop for runescape.

I have had Windows 7 installed for over a near, with no antivirus at all. All of this on a 7 year old CPU and integrated graphics. And I have never had windows crash on me on this install.

 

Also I like gaming on smaller screens, dat dot pitch.

 

People can buy Apple products if they wish. That is their business, but until their prices become better I cannot recommend them to any of my friends.

[Guest Rob]

For 8 months, I ran windows 7 without any anti-virus software. (I uninstalled the McAfee, cause it killed my speed and I never used it) I recently downloaded AVG to run one scan. No viruses found. And AVG is pretty reliable.

 

I only got bluescreened once, due to me trying to download a corrupt version of Fedora. One simple restart, and I'm running again.

[egyptqueen1]

Wow, this is a lot to process with one day. Thanks for all your help. I've started looking at computers and checked with all of the universities. They say mac or pc is fine as long as you can use Microsoft word or something compatible with both.

 

My brother had a friend who offered a 15.4" macbook pro 2010 (i think) for $1000, i don't know the specs but i know its a decent computer. I'm also looking at the mac store today so it looks like i'll be getting mac. Part of the reason is i've also wanted to start to do more photo editing and i know he has a copy of adobe for macs somewhere.

 

I do get student price being a new found college student, and since my parents have a college fund the money will be coming out of that.

 

Your advise has helped a lot in this process so I thank you.

 

I'm also most likely going to install windows so i have the option to use it, but being my experience with macs i feel more comfortable using them. Also my brother has had a mac for nearly 5 years and plenty of people i know have had better luck with them than ones from dell.

 

If you would like to continue discussing for future people who contemplate this feel free.

 

Again thanks for your help!

[cheeky16]

Glad to have helped. I always love how people bash macs for being overpriced when they have never used one. Best keep driving the Kia and leave the Cadillacs for everyone else.

[Guy]

Glad to have helped. I always love how people bash macs for being overpriced when they have never used one. Best keep driving the Kia and leave the Cadillacs for everyone else.

You keep saying 'macs are good, you just have to have used one', yet you never add any substance to this argument at all >.< Please, explain, I'm curious to know. Macs are overpriced, just look at the Mac Pro.

[cheeky16]

Glad to have helped. I always love how people bash macs for being overpriced when they have never used one. Best keep driving the Kia and leave the Cadillacs for everyone else.

You keep saying 'macs are good, you just have to have used one', yet you never add any substance to this argument at all >.< Please, explain, I'm curious to know. Macs are overpriced, just look at the Mac Pro.

 

They're quite hard to crash them. They boot up very quickly. Hardly ever have any hickups with any software. They're reliable and do not slow down over time. The hardware and OS are designed and built specifically to work together right out of the box. If drivers need to be updated it's all done for you. It's a simpler computing experience all together. 2 years ago I couldn't see a reason to spend the extra money on the mac either. But ever after spending as much on my windows machine as I did the macbook pro it still locks up and freezes sometimes. The mac doesn't. It's about the ease of use and expeience when you're at school in class. You can't afford for something to freeze up just before class and have to reboot.

[egyptqueen1]

Two computers i'm looking at if anyone is interested:

 

 

15-inch: 2.0 GHz

 

* 2.0GHz quad-core

Intel Core i7

* 4GB 1333MHz

* 500GB 5400-rpm1

* Intel HD Graphics 3000

* AMD Radeon HD 6490M with 256MB GDDR5

* Built-in battery (7 hours)

 

Cost w/ apple care for 3 years approx. $2000

 

OR

 

Used

Apple MacBook Pro 15.4", 2.8GHz, 500GB 4GB

 

Cost w/ (2 years left on apple care warranty) $1000.

 

Cracked screen, would need seller to fix before buying.

[cheeky16]

Two computers i'm looking at if anyone is interested:

 

 

15-inch: 2.0 GHz

 

* 2.0GHz quad-core

Intel Core i7

* 4GB 1333MHz

* 500GB 5400-rpm1

* Intel HD Graphics 3000

* AMD Radeon HD 6490M with 256MB GDDR5

* Built-in battery (7 hours)

 

Cost w/ apple care for 3 years approx. $2000

 

OR

 

Used

Apple MacBook Pro 15.4", 2.8GHz, 500GB 4GB

 

Cost w/ (2 years left on apple care warranty) $1000.

 

Cracked screen, would need seller to fix before buying.

 

I'm sure both are good. The screens from what I've heard are very expensive to have fixed. I wouldn't hesitate with the new i7 processor. Good Luck.

[Sbrideau]

Glad to have helped. I always love how people bash macs for being overpriced when they have never used one. Best keep driving the Kia and leave the Cadillacs for everyone else.

You keep saying 'macs are good, you just have to have used one', yet you never add any substance to this argument at all >.< Please, explain, I'm curious to know. Macs are overpriced, just look at the Mac Pro.

 

They're quite hard to crash them. They boot up very quickly. Hardly ever have any hickups with any software. They're reliable and do not slow down over time. The hardware and OS are designed and built specifically to work together right out of the box. If drivers need to be updated it's all done for you. It's a simpler computing experience all together. 2 years ago I couldn't see a reason to spend the extra money on the mac either. But ever after spending as much on my windows machine as I did the macbook pro it still locks up and freezes sometimes. The mac doesn't. It's about the ease of use and expeience when you're at school in class. You can't afford for something to freeze up just before class and have to reboot.

My Windows/Linux based computer compares to that and cost me much less than a Mac. Hell, my 3 year old Asus laptop boots faster than my friend's 2 year old Mac laptop, and they have similar specs. My laptop cost me $1300 CAD while my friend's Mac cost him around $2000 CAD. Also, since installing Windows 7 on my laptop, it has never crashed even though there are no Windows 7 drivers available on Asus' website and still runs fast as new.

 

You can't afford for something to freeze up just before class and have to reboot.

 

I went to college and completed a course to become a programmer. Everyone except 1 person had Windows based laptops (the Mac person still used windows on his), and it only happened once that a computer froze, and it was because of the Mac's bootcamp bug, close to the release date of Windows 7.

 

Also, to whoever said he's never seen a windows computer older than 2 years still running fast, my 5 year old Windows Vista desktop (Which came with XP but was Vista capable, as Vista wasn't out yet) still runs very fast.

[jasignhagj]

I can still use my 2001 dell dimension with word 01 and Firefox 2. It's a bit of a pain compared to my i7 build, but it definitely isn't unusable.

 

And your kia analogy is terrible, as it suggests windows computers are less powerful.

[Laura]

It's interesting to see that the only think anyone is comparing is hardware. This should tell you everything you need to know about buying from Dell:

 

 

http://www.pcworld.com/article/211402/reliability_and_service_laptops.html

[cheeky16]

Seems Apple is at the top while Dell is at the bottom. I find it strange that PC magazine and CNET rates the macbook pro as one of the best laptops out there. Im sure they take into account the price of the machine.

 

With regards to the programming class... Why would anyone buy a mac to go into programming. Unless you're planning on programming for mac software. There are lots of degrees that require windows because of some of the programs used.

[Sbrideau]

Yes, Dell is a the bottom, which is why I always strongly recommend against Dells and Strongly for Asus, owning an Asus laptop and 2 desktops that have multiple Asus parts in them.

[cheeky16]

Yes, Dell is a the bottom, which is why I always strongly recommend against Dells and Strongly for Asus, owning an Asus laptop and 2 desktops that have multiple Asus parts in them.

 

If I was looking for a new laptop running windows ASUS would likely be the brand I would go with. Lots are recommending Dell though.

[Guest Rob]

Hmm. Maybe I just got lucky and got the good Dell computer out of the batch, because I've never had troubles with mine. The next computer I buy will probably be Asus if it's a laptop, or a custom built desktop.

[cheeky16]

Hmm. Maybe I just got lucky and got the good Dell computer out of the batch, because I've never had troubles with mine. The next computer I buy will probably be Asus if it's a laptop, or a custom built desktop.

 

Some Dells end up being pretty good but their track record hasn't been very good. But if you think about their business side they tend to offer full on site tech support for businesses and will replace anything gone wrong. Kind of like the large photo copies in larger offices. Often they are leased out from a company like Xerox or similar.

[jasignhagj]

That chart is biased, notice how alienware has a decent rating, while dell's is horrible. People go by word of mouth, and I bet a lot of people rated dell poorly after never having owned one.

[Laura]

That chart is biased, notice how alienware has a decent rating, while dell's is horrible. People go by word of mouth, and I bet a lot of people rated dell poorly after never having owned one.

That doesn't mean it's biased. Just because it's owned by the same company doesn't mean it doesn't have a different branch of CS. And given your tangent about misrepresentation, would the same not be true for Apple? Given all of the 'anti-fanboys/girls,' I find it difficult to believe that Apple would be left out of such falsifications.

[cheeky16]

These ratings aren't necessarily all based on customer opinions. They base the amount of repairs and failed components with stats of each company. I think Dell is potentially rated low because their business line ups use cheap parts to save money. With their on site tech support for business they just go and replace failed parts. Depending on the company this may be acceptable. I have seen some XPS systems they sell and haven't heard much bad about them. Everyone I've seen has been running strong. Hard to say though as none of them have been stressed very much.

 

Reliability of the machines is likely based on pure statistics.

Service measures is likely partially based on services that the manufacturer offers and partially on customer opinions.

 

Apple destroys everyone for service but you pay for it in their products, service isn't really free. But I have to be honest, sometimes you don't always have time to query the net for answers to tiny issues on your machine. If you have an Apple retail store near your route home from work or school they will quickly diagnose any issues you may be having. I've even seen them upgrade the OS for friends hoping they could solve an issue. Unfortunately I believe the issue had to do with a failed hard drive or mobo. It was a few years old at the time.

 

I personally use a Macbook Pro due to the convenience. Today in lecture my prof decided to start lecturing on random stuff that was not on our notes. I only missed a couple lines taking my laptop out of my bag and opening a word document. I'm not sure if it's still the same with windows, but it used to take 15-20 seconds for windows to resume from sleep. Yet in under 10 seconds I had a document open and was typing away.

 

Then again the decision of which brand of laptop to buy will most likely come down to what you're familiar with and has the features you desire. Most of us haven't had more than a handful of laptops and can't really relate our individual experiences on the overall value of the brand.

 

Sure most Dells I've seen have been good, so are the Apples, HP hasn't been so good from what I've experienced. But these studies are done on a massive scale.

 

I'm not surprised to see Apple at the top, but if you take into account the price of them they should be at the top.

[Sbrideau]

It's easy to see why Apple has less repairs to make, and it's as simple as uniform hardware. What I mean by that is that they all have the same hardware, which means that there isn't any driver issues with them, which is probably one of the main causes of problems on Linux and Windows machines. They just have so many parts to support..