MacIntosh vs. Windows

[Rocky Rascovich]

This is probably a stupid question but nonetheless important to me...I'm thinking seriously about getting a MAC as my home based computer..
My main reasons are that the crash rate is signifigantly lower and virus intrusion alot less likely plus I want to learn to edit video which I hear is a big plus when it comes to MAC's

Then there is the trusty window's based PC...I'm thinking a high end Dell or one of those home built computers from the Computer Connection store here in OKC.

Would I still be able to access most all weather data with a MAC?. When it comes to MAC's, what can I not do when it comes to surfing the net for weather info? And what about music sites? Would I still be able to access most internet radio stations?.

At least a few different responses would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[Robert Dewey]

When I had a Mac, it had Internet Explorer on it. I was able to access everything that I access now. I ran Virtual PC once, but that was so slow and not even worth it. Whatever you do on Windows, there is usually and application that does the same thing in Mac.

As for a high-end Dell (XPS I am guessing) - they are actually MORE expensive than a similarly configured Alienware. You're better off going to a local shop (as you mentioned) or looking through a gaming (or a video enthusiast) magazine.

Top companies that gouge on high-end desktops (based on research I have done):

1. Voodoo PC
2. Falcon Northwest
3. Dell
4. Alienware

Voodoo PC charges about twice as much as Dell or Alienware. A system that costs $3,500.00 on Dell's site costs almost $8,000.00 on Voodoo PC's site (and they actually sell in excess of 500 per month, believe it or not!). Dell is usually $300 more expensive than Alienware. Here's the catch though - Alienware uses mail-in rebates of $500, and from many stories I have heard, most times they do not honor their rebate (i.e. rebate scam).

All have their support flaws. With Dell, they generally use low quality parts and home-grown components. Dell is basically a copy-cat: Other companies caught on to a niche market of high-end systems, and with Dell losing so much profits on low end systems, they decided to try out the higher-end arena. Based on reviews from magazines and whatnot, I would only choose Dell for a low end $500 machine.

 

[Aaron Kennedy]

Honestly, I've never had any troubles with win XP. It is lightyears more stable than the previous windows OSs. The key with windows is to just compute intelligently... that is , only install the software you'll actually use, upgrade security patches as soon as the come out, etc.

Aaron

 

[Bob Schafer]

I am avowed, until the end of my days, to tell anyone and everyone, at any semi-appropriate opportunity, to never ever buy a Dell.

Dell is evil incarnate. I'll spare the details, but I have never dealt with any company, in any capacity, or of any type, that is worse than Dell.

I'm not fond of MS, either. My next computer will be a Mac.

Bob

 

[Mike Sharp]

Just had to jump in with the other option,
steep initial learning curve, Use Linux.
I use a linux box for all work related stuff- Even use Open Office and the Gimp on a XP box, plus Firefox,Thunderbird. All right you have to search for the applications but once up and running hassle free.

 

[Michael P. Morris]

Bob - I am just curious what set you against Dell computers. I know many people (myself included) who own Dell computers and say that they are extremely reliable and affordable. I have heard problems with motherboards and more recently, the power adapter being a fire hazard, but I do not think that Dell is overall a bad computer company. I've had mine for almost three years and with a little maintenance (not much really) it runs like new.

 

[Nick Benson]

I am a regular user of Red Hat Linux, Windows XP/2000, and Mac OS X. They all work just fine if you take care of them.

You'll be able to do anything on the web with an Apple that you can do with a Windows machine. Internet radio will work, assuming the station you listen to doesn't use a custom Windows only app. You can use Real Audio, Windows Media Player, etc. on a Mac.

The next system I buy will be an Apple. I like the interface and the fact that everything "just works." I like not having to deal with drivers when I get new hardware/software.

If you'd just like to try using a Mac, I'd suggest picking up a Mac Mini for $499. Give it a month or two and see if you like it. If you do, put it up on eBay and you'll get most of your money back (Apple just updated their Mac Mini product line, so it won't be obsolete for several months now). Then you can invest the money in a higher end machine.

 

[Bob Schafer]

Bob - I am just curious what set you against Dell computers.

I couldn't possibly begin to touch on the vast spectrum of ways in which Dell has abused me, but here are a few snippets:

It began with receiving a computer that crashed from the day I received it in early 2001, without ever even going online. (Yeah, it was Millenium, thus the beginning of my antipathy toward MS as well.)

It involves at least 100 hours on hold waiting for "tech support", having "tech support" intentionally hang up on me countless times, having repair hardware UNDER WARRANTY charged to my credit card even though I returned the defective pieces within 24 hours, having to file disputes with my credit card company against them to get the charges removed after numerous phone calls and hours on hold to them to get credited failed, having "tech support" tell me to do things that made my computer fail to so much as boot...

Enough?

Bob

 

[Robert Dewey]

Not to mention, you can go to http://www.ihatedell.net/forum/phpBB2/

It's essentially a forum (like this one) of disgruntled employees. Alot of the employees openly admit to bait and switch tactics, the low quality of the parts (one of the terms is "you get what you pay for" and "what do you expect from a $299 computer?"), and other things. Most of them compare it to the Wal-Mart of computers - everything is low price, but becuase it just plain sucks.

After my cousin getting sucked into the cheap computer trap (and me having to fix the damn thing once a month), and the fact that I had a Dell laptop that wasn't worth the plastic that made it, I can honestly say that I hate dell.

If you're looking for a cheap computer that isn't needed for:

1) Stability
2) Quality
3) High-performance needs (gaming, video/photo edit, etc.)
4) High quality customer support

Then you don't need a Dell. Surprisingly, most people that "just surf the 'net" don't need any of that, so by all means get a Dell. If you are looking for any of those things, go with a company who actually specializes in that department. I would just hate to see someone pay more for a Dell XPS and get a homegrown motherboard, non-expandability, low 3DMARK scored sytstem, versus paying a few hundred bucks less and getting a system that is all of those things I listed above.

There are already a few class action suits out for reasons that were already stated (motherboard, power supply, etc.).

Whoever reads this, just do yourself a favor and don't get a Dell - You might as well take you money to the casino and play your odds there.

 

[Robert Dewey]

I thought this was funny, and fits right in with this thread:

http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/internet/07/2...e.ap/index.html

 

[Bob Schafer]

"outdated photograph" :wink:

Uhhhh....riiigggggghhhhhhhhhtttttt!

 

[Andrew Booth]

If you can stand to wait a few months you might wait for the new Intel-based Macs. You'll be able to run Mac OS X as well as Windows and all X86 Linux distros natively (at full speed).

The first Intel-based Macs or "Macintels" are due around Q1 2006, maybe a bit later. You can bet that Apple will have the latest and greatest Intel offerings, especially in their notebook line, which is currently pretty average on the speed end.

So basically, if you can wait, do it. You will be able to get a 2-for-1 (see comment below) deal on a new computer.

Non-Apple Intel/AMD based PC's will not be able to run OS X, at least not without some sort of convoluted hack.

Of course if you can't wait, the new PowerBooks are speedy enough for most users. My 1.5GHz G4 PowerBook runs Photoshop and Illustrator (amongst other things) very well, and all on 512MB RAM (I'm a cheapskate, I spent all my money on the computer itself).

http://www.apple.com/powerbook

 

[David Drummond]

A few words about the Mac... "bad word warning"

http://www.wx5tvs.com/stormtrack/mac.swf

 

[Adam Glowaski]

This movie is really funny, but the best part is the truth behind it. (The site is currently down, but it is http://www.happynowhere.net/mac_parody.php ) The guy in the movie is actually a Video Editor that works on a mac, and decided one night to create this video. His website has comments on his video, and he basically has fun with the people that bash him for the video, giving every reason in the world why a Mac is good. He thinks it is hillarious since he actually uses a Mac on a day to day basis, and created the video on a....guess what....Mac

On a chasing note, I have used a G4 powerbook for all of my chasing expeditions, but also use a Windows based laptop for my XM connection. You CAN use Virtual PC (newest version) with the XM, but it is slow and gets very annoying in high stress environments (like the chase)

As far as Macs go, to me they are perfect for the on the fly video editing that can be done in the car after you bag your tor. Since you probably have a nice long drive home. They are built well (no extruding parts like cd drives popping open) and are usually fast and well equipped for things like video editing.

I also use my G4 Powerbook for internet via bluetooth from my cell phone. I love the fact that it requires no cables and is very easy to set up with NO DRIVERS. As Nick stated before, not worrying about drivers all the time keeps me from going nuts when getting new equipment.

So, if you like your PC, keep it, it works. If you are starting to hate it, go ahead and try out a Mac. It may take an hour or two to get used to the operating system, but I know you will like the simple interface and enjoy the ease of use it provides.

 

[Andrew Booth]

This movie is really funny, but the best part is the truth behind it. (The site is currently down, but it is http://www.happynowhere.net/mac_parody.php ) The guy in the movie is actually a Video Editor that works on a mac, and decided one night to create this video. His website has comments on his video, and he basically has fun with the people that bash him for the video, giving every reason in the world why a Mac is good. He thinks it is hillarious since he actually uses a Mac on a day to day basis, and created the video on a....guess what....Mac

One thing to remember is the person in the video is referring to OS 9, which NOTHING like OS X. Its a bit confusing because he makes a reference to the Dock, when he might be talking about the Control Strip from OS 9.

I will say that I hate that video, its old, and the OS he's talking about is now irrelevant.

In the 8 months I've owned my PowerBook, the OS has never crashed. The only application to ever crash was Adium (still in beta) and it happened once.