Need a new computer - Do I get a mac or a pc? Which brand/model do you recommend?

Answer 1

For the vast majority a PC is a better choice than a MAC. That's mostly because MAC has so little market share. Almost all new programs are written for the PC and later ported over to the MAC. The same applies to hardware. You can always get reasonably priced hardware for the PC, rarely for the MAC.

I own a computer business in Texas. In my experience Dell is one of the two worst possible choices, with Gateway being the other. HP/Compaq makes a good computer, as does Sony. And there are a lot of good white boxes, custom made machines, out there. However, a custom made machine will normally cost more for the same power as a major brand name.

Answer 2

haha, the age old question.....Mac or PC... that question could easily start a war :) Actually, both are pretty good for the every day user. It really depends on what you want out of it. Are you just planning on surfing the web, gaming, and doing minimal user-type stuff? If so, I suggest a PC because it has more games designed for it and is cheaper. If you're a graphics artist though, I would suggest a Mac. Not because a PC won't handle it, but because I just think that graphics look nicer on a Mac, so it would contribute to the quality of your work.... As far as PC brands... Dell is usually a decent choice, and there are a few specialty houses out there than can build you a mean system for a good price....Just check their warranties and the fine print first. Good luck with your new purchase!

Answer 3

I highly recommend a Macintosh. This whole low market share myth is quickly becoming old news, as Macs sales have doubled since this time last year. Macs are quickly becoming the number one choice for anyone. Microsoft, with it's bulky Vista, is heading straight down the toilet, and they're going to take the PC manufacturers with them. Trust me, if you want a great computer, you need a Mac. Vista is nothing but a step backwards from XP. It's terribly slow, even on a brand new Core 2 Duo with 2GB of RAM. My MacBook Pro, with only a Core Duo and 1GB of RAM, will blow any Vista PC right out of the water. Multimedia on a Mac is much better than any PC. There's nothing you can do on a PC that you can't do on a Mac, even PC gaming. With BootCamp, you can run any PC applications at native speeds. It's like having a PC and a Mac, although I use Mac OS X for everything, aside from gaming. You can't go wrong with a Mac, but with Vista, you're bound for frustration. Macs aren't really expensive these days. The MacBook is a great value at only $1,099. It's loaded with great features and software. You just get more for your money. This whole idea about Macs only being better for graphic designers is completely nonsense. Macs are better for everyone, including musicians, business professionals, IT guys, net junkies and couch potatoes. Macs aren't for idiots, they're for everyone. If you happen to be an idiot, you'll love the simple interface and intuitive features of Mac OS X, but if you're a complete geek, you'll have the full power of the UNIX command line.

Answer 4

Actually, I recommend a PC. In my opinion, Mac's are overpriced. Mac's lean heavily on the artistic side of computing, while PC's lean toward the business side of computing. Most software programs now are compatible with both options, so that is not much of an issue. People who have Mac's are very loyal to Mac, so I guess it is just a question of taste. I am a PC fan though, and I recommend Dell. In my opinion, they have about the best product and customer service around right now.

Answer 5

Having worked with both PC's and MAC's there was a time I would say I would never give up my MAC. Now I say, it depends on what you will mainly use it for. I found the MAC to be much more friendly when working with graphics. But does not have as many programmers working with the MAC as the PC. Now I play a lot of games, and the PC is definitely better.

Answer 6

like everyone else is saying depends on what u want to do....general computer use like surfing web, email, music, watching movies...go with a pc...and if ur doing more intensive work like make movies or graphics design get the mac....and good thing with mac is that you can put windows on it also...so basically u get the best of both worlds.....but a good brand for pcs, desktops i would say dell....but if ur looking for a laptop go with toshiba definately have some of the best laptops out there

Answer 7

Macs are overpriced and vista is a total crapfest (at least until serivce pack 1). Use Linux! It takes a little effort to learn but has all the 'virus-proof' abilities of a mac plus with a windows emulator program you can run nearly all your windows programs.

Answer 8

Mac Ibook. Invest yopur money in a Mac. I am doing the same thing after having a oc for many years....I tested out a mac and it is by far the best comp.

Answer 9

More engineering programs made for PC and more artistic ones for MAC. Only MACs are dummy-proof. Go for PC if you know how to self-upgrade and customize parts.

Answer 10

if u are a computer literate and have a pc and i would hardly recomended to buy mac its worth the money...