mac vs. windows?

Question

I will be getting a new laptop soon, and i heard great things about the Macbooks. I never had a Mac and always used Windows. I heard the new Macs can run both however. Do i need any software for this 2 happen. Wouldnt I need 2 buy some kind of software to enable Mac to run windows and then buy Windows itself?

I heard that Mac isnt all that hard 2 learn, is this true? If i get just a Mac and not one with Windows what happens if someone emails me a Microsoft Word file...can I open it? what about a Microsoft powerpoint file? And vice versa if i create either of these files with a Mac can Windows people access them without a problem? What versions of Windows can....can Microsoft Vista? XP?

As a college student who is leaning towards a Mac what is everything I will need.....what Mac exactly, software, 2nd battery, ac adapter, case, wireless mouse, etc....what is EVERYTHING computer related that I will need?

Thanks a lot

Answer 1

If your the type who generally doesn't like computers, you will probably love the Mac. It just seems to make sence to the more creative types. If your more analytical and have always gotten along with computers and assuming your major isn't graphic design, you will probaly be happier with a PC. The PC/Windows is far more consistant accross all windows programs so its easier to take what you learned in one app and apply it to another. I own both and I like both, but I really prefer my PC for anything work related. In fact, I only use my Mac for video and DVD creation. Final Cut Studio is the best!!!

The newest mac comes bundled with both the Mac OS, OSX and a version of Windows that runs on it too. There are differences between word doc for mac and a word doc for windows or at least, there were. Usually from within all the Mac version Office apps, you have an option under Save As to save as the PC version. Even this is not always fool proof. But a good deal better than a few years ago. I don't know what version of windows but I think you can find that at www.apple.com I don't own the mac laptop so I'll let someone else answer that.

Answer 2

Why does this question always bring out the fanboy retards with their asinine comments like, "Mac = Fisher Price" etc.? I swear some people act like their OS is a freaking religion.

I have used both PCs (at work) and Macs and prefer Mac. No particular reason. Just my preference.

To actually answer some of your questions:
To run Windows on a Mac you need either Apple's (beta) Boot Camp, or Parallels Workstation (not Apple's software). Boot Camp allows you create a partition to install Windows on, then you boot between the OSes. Parallels is a virtual machine type solution. You run Windows as if it was an application on your Mac. If you need graphics acceleration (games), Boot Camp would be the way to go as it does not have to emulate anything. Parallels, for obvious reasons, is more convenient but since it emulates the video card you don't get any graphics acceleration.

Microsoft makes a Mac version of the Office suite. So you would need to purchase that separately. As far as compatibility, in my experience (I work at a decent sized government installation in a mixed platform environment), the only time I have seen issues is when there are complex macros involved, or if non-standard fonts are used. I have used my Mac throughout my college career and have had zero issues with compatibility in Office documents.

Vista isn't officially supported yet, but XP SP2 is.

Only you can decide which machine is right for you. If you need the extra graphics power and overall performance in a Mac laptop you might want to look at the MacBook Pro.
Again, software: only you can know what software you NEED. Office, Parallels (if you decided to go that route),
The Mac laptops get pretty decent battery performance, so unless you're going to be using it for more than 3 or so hours on battery, you might want a second.
The laptops come with an AC adapter.
Cases are a personal preference.
Mouse would be a personal preference as well.

Hope I have helped.

Answer 3

I would like to site the maturity of Microsoft Operating Systems & Softwares. First of all it's a defacto standard. Meaning it is widely used and accepted globally (this is a fact). Next, a great many number of available software runs on Microsoft. For me the product has everything I need to do my daily office work. There are several functionality which is present in Microsoft and crucial for me but absent in you-know-where. As for the Apple system, I'd say that it's a good system too but I'd rather say nothing against it because I might get flak from its militant users. It also holds true if whatever system is comfortable for you. Good luck and hope I helped a little! I have used all the Windows version and was given as a gift an Apple Mac Mini at home but I prefer Windows.

Answer 4

I have Windows and my sister has a Mac. She bought it because she does videos, she is limited to what she can do.She cannot open anything that is windows.Mac runs the Quick time Player and it will not play wma and it will not pull up any Microsoft.

Answer 5

Here we go again! Let me make this short!
Mac: Fisher Price
PC: Real computer
Do yourself a favor and browse the software on the market, see what you might be interested in running, look at the requirements.

OSX, you outta listen to your own spiel! Sounds like YOU have a Mac with windows on it! Paid three times what a PC woulda cost you and you still feel smart? The one and ONLY reason a Mac might remotely be better is an idiot can use it!

Answer 6

I think if you dealt with Windows and are used to it, then why change? I would recommend just to stick with Windows and skip Mac.

But run windows on a regular pc...running it on a mac seems complicated.

Answer 7

my fiance loves mac and its very easy to use..but as a college student if your not doing Mac specific work..go with Windows...its more uniformed

Answer 8

Macs are crap like they always have been. if you want to run windows. get a pc. if you want to run mac get a mac. dont run windows on a mac. too much of a hassle