Should I get an iMac?

Question

I am currently using a PC with pretty good hardware that is running XP and am thinking of switching to a mac and am wondering if I should sell my PC, take the money from the sale and buy an iMac. I'm also wondering if it is necessary to have more than the standard 512MB of ram on an Intel-based mac. I'm not into gaming, just web browsing and listening to music. Suggestions...?

Answer 1

macs are expensive. Ready to learn a new OS? I'd suggest against it if your just listening to music and browsing.
its a large cost for something you already have.

If your big into media editing, graphic arts, or 3d rendering, sure. then go for it. its well worth the money.
mac cpu's don't process the 0s. example
00000001 = 1 byte 00100001 = 1 byte
win machines process the whole byte (8 bits each)
macs would see the bytes as this (trim down the 0 bits at the end)
1
100001
So, it helps alot free up alot of power when your processing tons of info like video or graphics

macs are not immune to viri! They just have less viri written to attack it. (mac os X ) is really linux. linux has something like 43 reported viri (the admin account is tighter and Linux is not as common as Windows) those two elements protect Macs from getting hit as often as windows 48,000 listed known viri.

expect the linux viri count to raise the more popular macs and linux get.

oh if Games are important to you, might as well bite the bullet and move to windows vista. wink directx10 wink wink. http://www.gametrailers.com/gamepage.php?fs=1&id=2509
I suggest a dual core 64 bit, but keep an eye out on 4x4 quad cores with HTT boasting a 1ghz + bus. (i think I just soiled my pants)

I like PC MAC and Linux. just depends on what you want to do.

This is my focus for the time being. It can work with any OS with the proper software/drivers
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4217348.html

Answer 2

Im also a computer engineer with years of experience in the business. Read on.....

If your buying a computer - buy a Windows PC. Why?

First: PC's dominate about 92% of the market. Its what the world uses. Apple only has about 4%, followed by Linux. When you ultimately go for a job, which operating system do you think you'll be using? You'll be at a disadvantage if you use a Mac.

Second: The hardware technology curve is heavily biased towards PC's. They are completely customizable and upgradeable for astonishing prices. The very best hardware is available for PC's first (Dual Core and Quad Core processors, as well as Nvidia GPU's)

Third: Software availability. PC's simply have more availability of software than Apple. Period. Professional and gaming software companies generally write for PC's first and Apple second. You always hear of games being "ported" over to Macs.

Fourth: Windows is not nearly as complicated to use as people perceive. I used Macs years ago and simply found them different that Windows machines. Although Vista has issues because it is so new, OS10 was riddled with bugs when it came out. Once the patches were fixed by Apple, it was more acceptable - just like Vista will be. Max OS also gets hit hard by viruses and malware. You only hear about WIndows getting hit by them because the world uses PC's and the "damage" is on a much larger scale.

Fifth: Bang for buck. Compare a PC to that of a Mac and see what you actually get for the money. Since PC hardware is not owned by any one company (like Apple), you get fierce competition for your dollar. All the software you get is nothing more than a throw in. The real value comes from the hardware you purchase.

Just remember that you will get a lot of opinions on this topic but the fact of the matter is that PCs dominate the world while Apple only has a fraction of it. There is a learning curve to ANY operating system (PC/Mac/Linux) and each will have problems by those who dont know how to use it.

Just make sure you do your homework before you buy ANY machine and make sure you do comparisons to maximize your dollar.

GL!

Answer 3

If you want a Mac, then for your uses 512 MB is plenty. I own 2 Macs, but I still a PC. A PC is usually cheaper than a Mac, though it requires some maintenance. The reason why I bought a Mac was for multimedia use. Macs rule that area of the market, coming chock full of multimedia software, at no additional price, and it's a full version. For your purposes I would stick with a PC. Their cheaper and for your uses, you really need next to nothing hardware, which makes it even cheaper. If you still want the Mac experience, go for it. Just don't by a Mac Book Pro, or something like that. I have one personally, but it's not worth the money, if later on you don't like it. For security, sure a Mac MAY be safer, but get a good AntiVirus package and you'll be fine (my favorite is Norton Internet Security 2007, even though Norton is a resource hog, it keeps you safe, though McAffe is great too). Plus if you wait for Vista with SP2, then you be getting a much greater level of security (XP has been the most unsafe operating system from Microsoft). All in all I say keep you PC, and when SP2 for Vista is released, get a new computer. Good Luck and happy hunting.

P.S. It took me a a couple of months to get used to the Mac, and for your uses it is not worth the headache. Believe me, go to the store a play with the OS, you won't understand a thing, but after you get used to it, it is OK.

P.P.S. Technically both a "PC" and a "Mac" are a PC (Personal Computer).

Answer 4

I have an iMac and it is a great deal for my money. If you have never used a Mac before, be aware that many things change and during the first uses you may be confused but it is easy to use after a while.(easier than Windows at some point).

If you sell your current XP computer, you can use that money to upgrade the memory, buy Office, or even install windows on your mac. You may do so by using a bootloader called Boot Camp, which will allow you to choose what OS do you want to run when you start your computer.

Need more info on swithching to a Mac? Just ask me.

Answer 5

You mean iMac or Windows? Office is a productivity suite, not an operating system. If you want to be able to play games, you will be better suited with a Windows based laptop, as Mac gaming titles are few. The Mac OS and applications are excellent, but their hardware leaves a lot to be desired. Apple intentionally builds shoddy hardware, it is easily scratched, and their batteries seem to have an approximate lifespan of just four charges. I have both a G5 laptop (home use) and an IBM Thinkpad (work use) and my IBM is much more robust then the Apple is and at a fraction of the cost (8.5 hour battery too). Software is easier to install/uninstall on a Mac, but harder to use then on a Windows computer. IF you want ease of use and gaming ability, stick with Windows. Also, my DVD burner died on my Apple G5, and the replacement is going to cost me $300! ( you cannot buy off the shelf parts for a Mac, have to be Apple branded parts made specifically for your model).

Answer 6

If you get one get an Intel Core Two Duo so you can switch from mac to pc...otherwise you won't be able to run that many programs because the mac is limited. If you're just into music, mac's are great because there is garage band...

Answer 7

You know i use macs at school and here is the thing do not leave them running and yes you should get the i Mac you won't be disappointed because they are just about invincible to Viruses and other stuff like that. You should get at least 1 gb of ram or else the multitasking thing just doesn't work

Answer 8

Yeah, hear that if you are only into web browsing 512 is more than enough for a mac but of course 1g is always better if you can afford it. For the record my friends iMac is 512 and my PC is 3gigs, guess which one runs better, faster, and have not given it's owner ANY problems?
Hint:VISTA IS JUST HORRIBLE!!!!

Answer 9

Stay with your PC or buy a new one. Switching to the Mac is not a good idea, unless you can't stand window's based PC's, for some reason. If that's the case take your time to consider Ubuntu Linux, is a much cheaper idea and even better.

Answer 10

My bud has the 20' IMac and he love sit, so I take his word for it when he says it's worth the money. I'm a linux man myself, however I do have an xp box with OSx in a dualboot, looks good.