I want a new lap top soon. I use Dell now. Many people say that Apple's are better. Which one should I get.

Question

and why do you think so?

Answer 1

Mac commercials make you think that PC's are bulky, repetitive, and way behind. What's ironic is that Apple recently ditched IBM -- the decade-long manufacturer of their CPU technology. They balked at their original claim that IBM's CPU was superior, then switched to Intel and the "x86" platform. So much for being "unique" and "innovative". The move flat-out admitted that they're chasing the PC.

The truth away from the propaganda in their commercials is that there's nothing a Mac can do that a PC can't.

Though Macs are generally better out of the box, by no means are they more powerful. How can it be, especially now that it has the same CPU? The debate isn't about the hardware anymore, it's about the operating system and software that's available for it. You will find more offerings with the Windows platform, and most importantly, it will be easier to find help from a friend, relative, or online when you need it.

Plus, if hardware in a Mac breaks down, good luck repairing it yourself. Most of what's in a Mac is "proprietary" (that means non-standard). With a PC, you can replace parts yourself for cheap and for the most part is easier to do. That's a side of the story you don't hear often. Buying replacement parts from Apple can get quite expensive.

Macs do have one thing going for them -- the MAC operating system. When compared to Windows, it's arguably easier to learn and navigate, and can be just as powerful to customize. For someone with little or no PC experience, it can be the better decision if you want to get started in multimedia (audio & video) right away. Also, there are a lot less threats and vulnerabilities to worry about, since it's not a big target right now by script kiddies and hackers. That will change soon though, as Apple gains more of the market share over time. But for now, it's a pretty good alternative in that respect.


Nothing against Mac's overall - I just feel they're more of a pretty package with hidden maintenance costs.

Answer 2

It depends on what you want to do with it. If you are interested in design or music, it is probably a better investment to go with Apple as the software is cheaper.

Otherwise I recommend the PC. You can put almost any operating system on it (Apple is going to start opening up their systems to Windows, but why install Windows on a Mac? I don't know if Linux will install on those.). More hardware you would want to purchase supports PCs, although support is coming around to al OSes. A larger variety of software is available for Windows and *Nix (just look at sourceforge.net for free software). I could go on.

Don't just buy a Mac because of the "We don't get viruses" hype. The only reason it is true is A)There aren't enough users and most of the worthwhile data is in Windows OSes, and B) Mac OS-X is based on a Linux architecture. Windows, while never secure, can be mostly protected if you are careful. Get a good anti-virus (I use Avast), more than one good anti-spyware(I use Ad-Aware and SpyBot), and one good firewall (currently I use Filseclab). Again, these aren't perfect protections, the most important security you can do is be careful where you go online.

Also, as a side note, my prefered OS is Fedora Core, but I run Windows on the same computer and switch between the two as needed.

Answer 3

I have owned both types of lap tops. In my opinion, the Dell is much better. I have only had one tiny problem with it, and the Dell support team was great in helping me solve it. I had the Apple for more than a year, and I had tons of problems with it. I currently own the Dell Inspiron 6000, and I love it! Good luck to you.

Answer 4

I am answering this from a new Macbook Pro with an Intel duo processor. It is very fast, faster than my iMac and faster than my Pentium at work. I was able to install a copy of Windows XP Pro also and it boots perfectly under either OS X or Windows. It is like getting two computers for the price of one.

The Macbook is not cheap but it is blazingly fast and very elegant.

I have owned about 10 Apples and have never had a hardware issue with any of them. OS X is rock solid and very trouble free. I use Windows only to run certain specialty technical software not available for the Mac.

iTunes and iPhoto are worth it all by themselves.

Answer 5

Working with both Dells and Macs, I wouldn't get either. Sony Viaos seem to be the most problem free.

Answer 6

After owning apple, dell, acer, toshiba, samsung, ...etc, from the economical and practicle standpoint - i'd get the dell (Lattitude/precision rang)

Answer 7

If you get a Mac, many of the programs that you are used to will not be available, and not of the software that you have will work.

Answer 8

HCL Laptop @ Rs. 35000/- onward contact me by this phone number - 00919330990038. It is the best in use in India. Centrino with blue tooth @ Rs. 55000/- + tax as applicable.

Answer 9

well see righ tnow my pc is runnig winxp i HATE THIS MUTHERFUKING PEICE OF SHI.T GOD WINDOWS SUCK MAJOR BALLS macs are great i would sooooo get one if i had money they are much better than the pc belive me ive beatenmy pc it freesez up and is totaly gay!

Answer 10

if I could afford it I would get apple :)