Should I get a Mac or PC?

Question

I know that a lot of people will say Mac without question, but here's what I need.

I need a computer that I can listen to music on, one that I surf the web on, play games, do homework (I'm a college student with a Marketing Major).

I don't do video/audio/photo editing. Should I still spend more money on a Mac or just stick with PC's because I don't use the added goodies that Mac has.

Also, getting new software for the Mac will cost me a bundle, $150 for Office, $150 on games. I already have office for Windows and the games for Windows.

OK, it's true that PC's get more viruses (Macs do too, but fewer). I have NEVER gotten a virus. I had gotten popups in the past though, but not anymore.

Other than that I see no reason why Macs are better. Comperable Windows machines can go for $500 less (a comparable Windows PC went for $700, and it was comparable to the $1200 macbook).

Answer 1

Who would say Mac without question? People that don't know what a computer is?

Macs are horrible! There is not ONE single reason anyone could give me for buying one.

Stick with the PC. It is a real computer, not a Candy Flavored TV with the Internet.

Answer 2

It really sounds like you already have your mind made up to go with a Microsoft Windows based solution. Either option will work for you (i.e. you haven't listed any requirements that either system can't meet).

FYI - I tend to favor UNIX based systems over MS Windows, but I also know that you apply the right tool to the job. I reveal this just so you know that I'm not a Apple Mac or MS Windows fanatic.

Based on the needs you have listed, a MS Windows based system is the logical choice. A mid-range dual core system with 1-2 GB of RAM should satisfy all your needs if you run with MS Vista. You can scale back the memory a bit (512MB - 1GB) if you go with MS XP.

Should you choose to go with Mac, consider getting Parallels or BootCamp so you can use your existing MS Win32 software. A co-worker of mine has a Mac laptop and runs several MS Win32 applications (Final Fantasy for example) without any issues. Oh, a reason to consider Mac over a PC would be tighter control from the OS vendor with the hardware vendors. Apple has a smaller target platform and can more thoroughly test against it, generally resulting in a more stable platform. This isn't to say that you can't get a reliable PC, just that you have a greater chance to get an unreliable PC (just look at some motherboard/memory reviews on NewEgg (or another vendor) and you'll see components that have very poor reviews (i.e. stay away from those components).

Oh, for all the Mac fans that say Mac doesn't get viruses, get your heads out of the sand. All operating systems are exploitable. While it is true that MS is the major target, Mac, Linux, UNIX, etc... have all been targets to some extent. Microsoft systems (pre-Vista) are generally easier targets, but more often due to users running with administrative privileges compared to actual exploits (memory overflow). A properly secured MS Windows system will be comparable to a properly secured Mac, Linux, UNIX based system from a user perspective.

Now where I do have a problem with Microsoft is that given their revenue from MS Windows/Office, you'd think that they'd be far ahead in development techniques to eliminate exploits. I haven't seen this to be the case.

OK, after the long winded response, I'd recommend the PC over the Mac, but both will satisfy your needs.

Answer 3

Here's my advice, if you want to spend less then purchase a PC. Macs are too expensive and it's not worth buying because with the extra money you could further upgrade your current PC and more. Are you going to buy an expensive Mac and then pay more to install Microsoft Office and game? Just purchase a PC, it is preinstalled with Microsoft Office and some games. You could also listen to music with a PC or surf the web. You see, PC's have what Macs have but PC's have a little more.

Answer 4

PC because you are not doing any graphic stuff. You are not using Photoshop or other Adobe Programs. Get a PC Microsoft programs work on that and You can still have Firefox and IE. If you like IE then Get a PC. If you want music PC all the way. Macs are for Graphics PC for Business

Answer 5

I would suggest that you go to the computer store in your area and see what platform all the games, software you like, printers, scanners, network devices, etc., are designed for, a Mac or a PC.

And if you are in college, your college courses may regulary require you to use certain software that you might have to install on your computer. Do they use macs at your school?

Answer 6

I suggest getting Mac for school and stuff if u use laptop cuz it a lot more helpful and less painful opening and closing the laptop... also pc has a higher chance in breaking down to a virus i would say.... i had a mac for my school last year and it was great but now my school provides pc this year and it suck as hell cuz when u close and open it again... u have to go through this process of typing in the password and waiting eons to get everything back to normal while mac takes a second.... mac of fast which is good for school but if u want something like a home computor... then go with pc

Answer 7

This question was way over-answered! Look, they mentioned games, GAMES. If you are a gamer, then you only have one choice to make, a PC with Windows XP or Vista. Period.

End of discussion.

Answer 8

Ok sure, get a PC, and deal with the viruses and software problems that come along with it.
What's great about macs is that you can turn them into a PC with parallels. Not something you can do with a PC.
And if you download Office for Macs, it won't cost you anything.

Answer 9

Gamers should stick with Windows, or use BootCamp on the (INTEL only) MAC. BootCamp runs Windows very well.

TIP: The video card may be a limiting factor on OS X.

Answer 10

iLife is bundled with a Mac so it is FREE.
Vista actually costs a lot more than Leopard.

A MacBook is only $1099 - edu discount.
iWork08 is only $79 which is cheaper than MS Office for Mac
Macs also run Windows so you can keep your PC games.