Which mac, pros and cons?

Question

I don't know which I should get(cost does not matter), I plan to use it for the internet, games, chating, and for college. I will have photos and music on there, but won't do any editing. I don't know if I should get a notebook, or a desktop. I have been a pc user, will it be hard for me adjust? I just want to be prepared for when I get it. Please help :)

I plan to go into the psychology, math field if that helps.

Answer 1

I mostly agree with gtn's analysis, but I can tell you that there are very few applications which are not available on a Mac for the sciences (most scientific applications are UNIX). For engineering, you MAY but not necessarily WILL, have software which will need Windows -- most engineering software is UNIX. Since OS X is based on UNIX, much of the open source UNIX software can be compiled and run successfully on it. Also, if you go with any of the new Intel-based macs, you can always install Windows later if you find that you need it -- the reverse is not true.

For the perpetual Desktop vs Laptop debate, it depends on why you want the machine and how you intend to use it. I bought a desktop several years ago because the performance difference was just too much to justify buying a laptop. Fortunately, that is not the case today and I will be buying a Macbook Pro in about a month (I want to wait for the Intel Core 2 Duo processor [memron]).

For almost everything you mentioned -- Internet, chatting, college, the Macbook will suffice, but because it has integrated graphics which are not good for games, you might want to look at a Pro (fancier features anyway if you can afford it). That said, Mac gaming is mainly casual and simulation based gaming. If that doesn't sound like the games you want to play, then go with a Macbook and spend the extra money on a console and some games for it.

Answer 2

If cost doesn't matter SCREW MACS!!! Get an Alienware laptop! I have one and they are the best! You can do ANYTHING on this thing, they are great for ALL games, surfing web, anything you need to do. Macs advertise that they are better than PC but they aren't. They are a hassle to get fixed, and expensive to do so. I went to school when the computers were Macs and they all sucked. Stick with a PC, you can download anything or do anything on it really, but with a Mac you are VERY limited. It would be VERY hard to adjust because you can't do half of the stuff on a Mac that you can do on a PC!

Answer 3

Now if you will be using it at college, and you are taking classes that require you write lots of papers or lab writes, I would definately go for a laptop. Now in deciding whether to get a pc or mac, again evaluate what types of classes you will be taking. If you are going into many of the sciences or engineering deciplines, I would recommend a pc based laptop since most programs are written for pcs and using the pc emulators on the mac will be resource intensive. Now if you don't anticipate doing that, go with the mac powerbook pro with the dual core intel chip. You could run pc programs off it as well as mac programs. Also, if you get it through apple.com or the apple store, go to the educational page and you will get a discount on the computer and a rebate for $100 for a printer and another $179 for a ipod nano. If you get software, I would recommend getting it online... it is cheaper.

Best of luck

Answer 4

go with the laptop if you're off to college, obviously takes up a LOT less real estate and can be ported to your class, for notetaking or whatever.. Macs are easy to run, rarely get viruses and are generally less problematic..Although, gaming on the Mac does NOT have nearly as much to offer as the PC alternatives..

Mac has recently introduced an Intel chip which will become de facto for all Macs down the road, so you should probably get one with that, as opposed to a discontinued line.. the new MacBook comes with all sorts of bells and whistles, software, the new Intel chip and clocks 2ghz.. lists for about $1000 and change in the US..

as far as the switch.. you know what they say: " once you go Mac, you never go back!"

Answer 5

So, the foremost reason people want to purchase Macs is using the fact it gives you greater useful build high quality, and you pay lots greater beneficial than you will for a pc. The specs technically arn't the "suitable" and maximum "imaginative", besides the undeniable fact that, Apple in specific chooses each and every little bit of hardware to artwork in solidarity, and supply you a great overall performance. to no longer point out, Mac proprietors would uncomplicated choose the Mac OS to domicile windows OS. certainly, Macs are lighter, counting on which variety. Macs even have stellar battery existence. in case you opt for for long batter existence, you will get an cumbersome battery that bulges out of a pc laptop. laptop's are great in case you are able to no longer have adequate money a Mac. laptop"s are greater in all probability to have greater as much as date application, counting on which variety of direction. in many cases you will get a speedier appearing laptop than a Mac. computers could have a good number of subject concerns to boot, counting on the variety you acquire. some laptops are outfitted affordably. ultimately, it is your selection, and that i'd take his suggestion with a grain of salt. it relatively is like asking which do you want, Coke or Pepsi.. it relatively is basically somebody's opinion. in many cases Mac proprietors would be biased in the direction of Macs, and vice versa for laptop proprietors.

Answer 6

Macs are not good for gaming. PCs are better suited for that sort of thing. Macs are made to be much more simple to use than PCs, but with MANY fewer options for certain settings. Stick with PCs if you'll be gaming.

Answer 7

Mac is very user friendly, but there are only about 5 total games for you to play on it... I recommend a pc.

Answer 8

If you're going off to college, go with an ibook. Mac laptops are great for everything, plus you'll be able to take it anywhere; dorm, library, coffee shop, etc.

Answer 9

if cost doesnt matter, get both mac and pc

Answer 10

GET A MACBOOK OR MACBOOK PRO IF U CAN AFFORD IT THEY START AT 1000 BUCKS FOR THE ONE U NEED AND THEY WORK VERY WELL