Mac V. PC

I've been a PC user all my life.  I just got a MAC at home, and I truly love it.  I find myself getting frustrated with the PC I use at work now.  I think it's really easy to navigate, fast.  I'd recommend it hands down. 

The eternal question.  To convert, or not to convert.

If you're thinking about getting a Mac, there are some very important questions you need to keep in mind.

1. If you've used more than one version of windows in your life, did you hate the new version of windows because things were in different places, or looked different?

2. are you willing to pay the pemium price that comes with mac products?

3. are your essential programs available on the mac?

4. do you need to use web based applications for work?  Do they support mac?

5. do you understand, or are you willing to learn the importance of file extensions in cross platform compatibility?

Knowing the answers to these questions can prevent a lot of potentil buyers remorse.

Apple Mac. All the way.

If you use your computer for web, email and Microsoft Office, you should be using a Mac.

MAC has done an amazing job in marketing.  Studies with young adults under the age of 18, asking them to name their top 10 brands and Apple is number 1 with Sony a distant 2nd.  At Core3 we've found that since more and more young adults have IPods, IPhones, ect, they are also getting MAC books.  And they are influencing their parents to do the same.  MAC's strategy to market to the younger generation and then grab their loyalty for the next 40 years will set them up to be in the market place for a very long time.  While the PC will always have it's place in the workplace thanks to Windows Server products, we're going to see more and more MAC's at home. 

If you are only using web, email and office you can spend a lot less money and get a very good PC.  But if you're into pictures, videos, graphics you should at least consider the mac if you're currently a PC user.

I've used Apple products since 1983 when Santa brought us an Apple IIe. But I've also used my fair share of PCs.

I'm planning on getting my 6th or 7th Apple/Mac computer this year (I've lost count between home and business).

And I'm still using a 1999 Macintosh G4 as a home computer, and it's working fine, never needing virus protection software, etc.  I doubt any PCs can make that claim.

I just bought a macbook pro.  I bought it because I have been frustrated with my microsoft products and the lack of customer support over the years. (I have 5 desktop PC's and 3 laptops running windows in my house)

I bought the macbook because through bootcamp I could run windows on it and not have to repurchase my office and adobe suite of products.

I'm still getting used to the Mac and I've had some issues where I've had to call both apple support and microsoft.  The difference in dealing with each company is staggering - apple's customer support is a pleasant and helpful experience.  Microsoft remains a PITA.

Although I've had a learning curve on the mac, I think back to all the learning/issues I've had with my PC's and this is very minor in comparison.  I am loving the ease of using the iMovie program.  I'm not sure I'll completely switch over because of associated costs but I'm not planning on taking it back to the store either. 

As a matter of fact when I get depressed, I think I may just call Apple support so I know the world really is a warm and welcoming place.  :)

The price advantage of PC vs. MAC hasn't applied in years.   Check out the site below for good comparisons (a little out of date but still good.

http://www.systemshootouts.org/

Elisabeth Garbeil

Professional Coach, EFG Consulting

(810) 560-7181

http://www.efg-consulting.net

I'm all for the Mac. Hands down, no exceptions.

It's Mac all the way here at The Write Concept, and has been for years! 

Wow, Terry.  You were right about the Mac fans...  They have shown up in force!

I have always used PCs, not because of any particular loyalty, but because as a Sales/NBD guy, the companies I have worked for have typically provided my desktop & laptop - always PCs.  So that's all I have ever known (yes, poor me).

Being an artsy guy who wants to get involved in more creative non-work-related activities, I've long thought that I might enjoy using a Mac.  Besides, who really wants to relate to the PC idiot in the Mac commercials, vs. the laid-back Justin Long?  Like Curtis said earlier - brilliant marketing.

So thanks to all the Macolytes who have posted and helped us PC users to consider the (inevitable?) transition.

Cheers,

Doug

"The price advantage of PC vs. MAC hasn't applied in years."

Really?  Show me how I can get a non-all in one dekstop from apple for less than $2299 (not including monitor)

Then show me how I can get a mac laptop with a  screen larger than 14" for less than $1999

Here's a current price comparison.

$1999 (least expensive 15 ") Macbook pro, 2.4 ghz processor, 2gb ram, 250 gb hd @5400 rpm, (graphics card data not provided by apple website) dvd super drive

$1499 Asus G50 series, 2.53 Ghz processor, 4GB ram, 320 GB HD @7200 RPM, 512MB GeForce 9800M GS graphics card (driving 1680X1050 display) dvd super drive

So, unless apple is hiding some amazing numbers on that macbook that makes it worth the extra $500, I'm going to have to call your claim "Busted"

We just bought a Mac desktop last month.  We got a 20" monitor for $1799.  If you shop around, you can find deals on them if you look.  I think $300 isn't a big difference, if the Mac will benefit you in ways that a PC can't. 

The price advantage of PC vs. MAC hasn't applied in years.

And to compare imac to the dell AIO

24" screen

Apple $2449 Dell $1889

Differences:

Dell has a 2.3Ghz QUAD core apple has a 3.06 Dual core

Again, apple doesn't list enough specifics to get into deeper details, but I'm not seeing anything worth the extra $560

BTW, thank you Terry for starting the debate.  A lot of people out there need to be educated on the differences.