Mac or Dell?

Question

I'm going to get a laptop in a couple of months. What would you suggest for a high school student? I've been leaning toward getting a Macbook.

Answer 1

I got a MacBook after having endless issues with my windows laptop (toshiba satellite)within a year of using it. I've had this Mac for over a year and not a single problem. Sure it's more expensive, but it's worth the price. You don't need to buy any antivirus software. Very reliable and idiot-proof.

And of course if you ever need to run a windows program, Macs can run windows too.

Some may argue that PCs have more programs, but Macs already have the programs for you. The difference is is that there aren't more than 10 different types of the same program that does the same thing to choose from (like over 10 different antivirus programs, or 10 different music programs). The programs for Mac does everything you need (not to mention microsoft office is mac compatible). I mean why would they make a Mac and not have necessary programs in the first place. Plus iLife is a big bonus.

If you need a warranty, there it's an Applecare protection plan for 3 years. You get discounted for it when you purchase a mac.

Answer 2

The Mac will give you fewer virus and spyware probs, simply because the Mac market is too small for hackers to care about. It's also nice for creative endeavors like imaging and music since it comes with some nice software.
However, since the Mac market is small, it has program compatibility issues, and it's not easily upgradeable. They are also quite a bit more expensive.
A PC will give you more power, and program compatibility, although with Vista being preloaded on most new machines, software compatibility has suffered. They will also run most programs that your teachers will likely have you using for projects and assignments. And if you're gaming- PC all the way.
But a PC is prone to viruses and spyware, but you can counter this by being careful of what you download. If you don't know what to avoid, you can run a powerful anti-everything called Blink, and it's completely free.
There is a 3rd option, and that's to get a Mac and either dual-boot OSX and Windows, use Boot Camp, or Parallels to run Windows within the Mac OS in a window. However, Parallels isn't free and neither is Windows.
I think a lot of ppl go with Mac because it looks nicer, or it's just different. But it has its niche and if you don't need it's specializations, you should go with a general use PC.
If you go with a PC, I would suggest HP. I've bought from them twice and I always get bang for my buck.

Answer 3

Ha! Ok, i was just in this predicament a little while ago. I'm going to be a freshman in college and did A LOT of research for buying my first laptop. I used to be totally against Macs, and I'll tell you right out that the Macbook is the way to go. Personally, I went with the Macbook Pro. As for some examples why, go with your instinct. The user interface on the Mac is astoundingly easy. The hardware in Apple's computers are fantastic, and you can download the great program called Boot Camp and install Windows right on your Macbook. You can have the best of both worlds. You can't download OSx for the Mac on a pc. Trust me, go to an Apple store and experience it for yourself. ;)

Answer 4

At one point I would have said Dell because many of the applications you'll end up using may be tailored toward the x86 processor. But now you can run Windows programs on a Mac by using applications like Parallels, and (if you're especially computer-literate or adventerous) you can even dual-boot OS X and Vista/XP. So now there's almost no excuse to not use a Mac if you can get one.

I think Apple makes superior (and better-looking) hardware anyway.

Answer 5

the mac operating system is nothing like windows.. it is totally different,, so for a start you going to need to learn that first,,

now the next thing you need to know is, you will be tied to mac for everything and the software is very expensive to buy, and like MS software that comes with the system you only get the basic packages.

and when it comes to repairs that to is very expensive. cause you can only have it repaired at a mac dealer, who very nicely over charge for the repairs.

at the same time I would not recommend you getting a DELL system their after sales service is far from good... hp and compaq are not much better, when it comes to after sales service,, so that leaves Acer, Laveno (which is IBM) and Toshiba of these my choice would be the Toshiba and Windows XP not vista

Answer 6

Mac-
No viruses.
Basic.
Expensive.
Works for photo editing and ect.
Program incompatibilty.


Pc-
Can easily be a target for viruses.
Cheaper than a mac.
Can be upgraded to be extremely powerfull.
Is compatible with more programs than a mac.


Get a pc...there better.

Answer 7

Macs are great. I just bought one and got rid of my old PC. I never have to worry about viruses and it's so simple to use. They're great about updates and they're geared toward entertainment like photos, movies, music, etc. I love my Mac way more than my PC!

Answer 8

Mac. is it that Macs aren't compatible with PC applications or PCs aren't compatible with Mac applications? Macs are more efficient in anything they do. Get a Mac.

Answer 9

Mac is better than Dell.

Answer 10

depends on what u need it for. browsing web and jumping onto myspace. get a mac. anything else get a dell. dell has a better warranty.