What is better? an iMac or a regular computer?

Question

Please only answer if you have experience with both the NEW iMacs and the Windows XP computers. Thanks.

Answer 1

They are both good. check you local computer store for the deals available. I got a regular laptop from Dell and am very happy. I have had bad experiences with Gateway and HP.

Answer 2

Hey,

my gf has a mac, and i have a pc. Based on my personal experience, i'd say this:

1. A Mac system is very very stable, and it's the ideal system to edit photos and videos. The bad thing about 'em is the program compatibility. But i heard that the new OS can support PC programs. Worth checking out....

2. A PC with a windows xp could be stable, but you have to put daily maintenance time into ur pc in order to keep it stable. The good part is that almost 80% of the programs today are designed to run on Windows....

3. An iMac costs more than a similar computer.

So basicly, it all comes down to: how much money ur willing to invest in this, what's the main purpose of the machine, and the programs ur most likely to be using.

Choose wisely :p

Answer 3

I've used both PCs and Macs, and they both have their pros and cons. I've owned 2 PCs and 2 Macs. My two PCs (a Compaq and a custom built one) lasted me about 1 1/2-2 years each before they died on me, and they weren't cheap. My first iMac (bought in 1999 out of frustration with PCs) lasted me 6 years and never had a single problem with it. The only reason I replaced it was because it was getting too slow for the internet. I just bought my second iMac 6 months ago and I love it. :)

I've found that Macs have a more stable operating system (OS X), and you don't have to deal with spyware, viruses or computer crashes. But trying to find software for it is a pain and when you do, it's usually expensive. And Macs are more expensive to buy, but they typically last longer.

With PCs, you have to deal with Windows. Windows is a very unstable operating system. My boyfriend has so many problems with his 1 year old Dell laptop, he's constantly having to re-install programs because Windows XP is losing information. He also has to have at least 2 anti-spyware programs running on his computer at all times. For his business, he has to get a new laptop every 2 years because that's how long they typically last before they crap out on him. But if you are into gaming or software, PCs are the definitely the way to go.

In my opinion, I like Macs better because I do not want to deal with the frustration and the spyware.

Answer 4

Overall, Macs offer a much more secure, much more easy to use operating enviornment that is really just as versatile as windows. I used PC's for years as part of home work and school (I'm currently working towards finishing my BS in Computer Science) and a little over a year ago decided to take the plunge and buy a mac, and I will never go back.
The ONLY thing that is even somewhat slightly inhibited by owning a mac is that it's support for some popular games is poor, but with the release of their newest line of computers you can actually install windows and have the best of both worlds.

Answer 5

I have always used PC's at home and one company I worked for. The job I have now we use iMacs. There is a huge difference in the two. I think it really depends on what the main reason you use it for. I work in the Graphic Design industry and you just HAVE to have a MAC. At home, all I do is web surf and play games, and such, and I have a PC for that. I have had two Compaq and one HP. No problems at all. (Just when I upgrade, other family members take the old ones, they still work fine.) My boss just bought his daughter a new desktop and notebook, both Dell. They are happy so far with the laptop, but said they would never recommend the desktop or printer.

Answer 6

all depends what you're gonna use it for. if you want to do a lot of editing and home recording and stuff of that nature choose a mac. they got loads of crap built into them but it'll cost a pretty penny. all the laptops and iMac series built by Apple now have a built in webcam. the OS is through and through eye candy. there are not many applications for a mac that are not built in. but if you're a gamer, Quake 4 is about the only game for the system, Norton is the only company I know of that makes mac antivirus.

Windows is runnign on the mass majority of computers in houses and every computer manufacturer besides Apple has Windows on the hard drive. if your computer has good hardware, you can run the best of the best games out there. all over the internet there are applications that can edit photos videos you can even use freeware software for windows that can imitate some of the very expensive counterparts (MS Office vs. OpenOffice.org, Photoshop vs. windows version of GIMP) 80% of the computer hardware and accessorys were made for Windows.

you can decide I'm just here to present the pros of both sides of the war

Answer 7

A present day mac can run any windows program. So if you like both, just get a mac.

However games on a similair speced Mac and PC. The mac running XP will run the game slower than the PC.

Newest Mac top of the line can only run halflife 2 at like 40 FPS.

Answer 8

I like the overal board desing of the mac, energy efficient and a little safer than windows, fewer potential problems from malicious script and software. Depends on what your using it for, school, work, or gaming. It's a little more expensice but worth it for the mac. If for gaming, I'd go with a reg. PC, not a big selection for Macs.

Answer 9

It depends on what you want to do on your computer..

you want graphics and dont mind spending a lot and if you dont like playing a lot of games..go for a mac..(i am serious)

you want flexibility..want to play games..want high end graphics and love gaming..and do not use a lot of GEEk stupff..just browse internet..get a windows based system i would suggest a DELL E521 computer...one of the best available..

you like security..wanna try new things over that internet..love to write programs and also get into the core of your computer and make it do what you want it to do...go for a SOLARIS 10 Based computer or a LINUX based computer...


whith the internet growing..you have end less possibilities...Choose wisely..build you own PC

Answer 10

I used to sell computers in the dark ages, and we sold both Mac & PC's. And the arguement came down to this: Creative people tend to use the Mac more because it's more instinctive to use, and has a good supply of programs for artists, but was weaker in the selection of game availability and business software. PC's generally are more harder to use, but they had a wider selections of goodies you can add into them, software was generally more available (and created for) the PC.