what sets apple computers appart?

Question

recently i have gone into the market looking for a new cmputer
my only dilema is what kind?
what i would really like to know is the difference between apples and other computers such as a dell or a vaio or whatever
i have been told that between apples and computers like dells were both originaly made to specify in different areas such as apples were made for music
i have also been told that apples are the luxery line of somputer and that dells and alike were made for people that need and easy system to control
and finally i have heard that apples are at less or a risk to get virus's is this true?

recommendations of good computers are also welcome

thanks

Answer 1

There are two main "computer systems" (per say) that you should know about. There is the Apple systems and what used to be called the IBM Compatible variant. The difference is the operating system.

Apples run off of OSX (that's what the new one is called) and IBM compatibles run on Microsoft Windows (for the most part, there are exceptions such as people running Linux).

In reality Apples run really well mainly because all the components (Video Card, Sound Card, Processor...) were designed to work together. This may sound like a good idea until you think about the alternative. You are stuck to only one processor and one video card and so on.

IBM Compatables (Dells, Sonys) were designed to be pieced together like Dr. Frankenstein's monster. This means that components are sometimes forced to work together but you can have your choice of what video card you want to use and so on.

Apples used to be used for multimedia a lot and thats what they exceled in, but new videocards for the IBM compatable machines are shrinking that gap.

In reality it comes down to what you need it for. IBM compatable machines have a lot more software out then Apples. More people use them and more people are used to that operating system.

As for Apples being more secure... that is true. The reason Apples are so secure is because all the components are designed to work together so the operating system doesnt have as much code in it to deal with multiple different devices. But, even with that aside, the only reason Apples are more secure is that less people have them. When someone creates a virus they want to cause maximum damage with minimal effort. Well if you have 10% of the market with Apples and 90% with Microsoft operating system then MS will take a bigger hit.

Answer 2

the main difference is simply that Apples use the Mac operating system. They are more expensive typically than a comparable Dell. The only benefit one way or another would be available software and hardware. You will have a lot more options with the Dell, since it runs Windows. Apples historically have not been focused on by hackers because only a very small percentage of the market runs them. Also historically they were better for graphics and movie editing, although now with XP Media Center and improved graphics cards, this is no longer the case. If you are used to Windows, there will be a real learning curve involved with switching to a Mac (Apple). For most people a Windows machine is still the best bet. I would recommend the Dell.

Answer 3

The big difference is the operating system. Apple uses OS-X, where PCs use windows (or Linux). For average use, it really is more important what is most comfortable for you. Take a class at the local community college for each system. Buy a computer that you like using the best. If you can afford it, you might consider getting an Apple which also uses Windows software.

Answer 4

The difference is price and availability of software. That is my smart *** reply, but it is closer to the truth then and Mac fan would want to admit. I do own both a Windows PC and an Apple G4. The Apples were originally better at multimedia content then PC's, but Windows based PC's have closed the gap recently. Also, Apples hardware is proprietary, they control who makes what for their systems. Good in concept but it costs the user in the long term if you need to replace a component. Example, my superdrive (what Apple calls a DVD burner) on my G4 died recently. A replacement Apple branded part for it will cost me $300. I cannot buy and install and $50 DVD burner off the shelf as both the OS and iLfe (burning software) will not recognize it as a burner. The OS sees it as a read only device and iLife doesn't see it at all. Windows machines do not have this problem, they have more hardware and software available to them to use. You can build your own Windows computer from scratch, but Apple will not allow anyone to build their own Mac from scratch. On the virus front, there are viruses for the Mac, but because it requires you to enter your login id and password to install and run it, you would have to be a complete moron to actually get infected by one (my Windows PC is setup this way too, just do not give your main account admin rights and you will be protected from virus and spyware, it is harder to install applications, but it is worth it for a more secure environment).

Answer 5

What sets them apart is the elegance of the design of both the hardware and software and it's excellent integration.