Can you help end a Mac v.s. Dell debate?

Question

I have a MacBook Pro.
My sister has a Dell Inspiron E1705.

Who has the better laptop?

I know that this is not necessarily a black-and-white question, so the more in-depth, the better. Thank you!

Answer 1

Well, as a retired IT professional, here's my take on it. First, about 90% of the software out there is made for the IBM PC clones with a "windows" style OS. Mac only gets about the other 10%. However, if you are into music editing, composing, or laying down electronic tracks for recording, or if you are heavy into video editing and making lengthy movie type videos then the MAC has become the industry standard for a lot of these functions. Also, there are a lot more viruses, trojians, payload bombs and other volital viral style bugs written for windows-style OS's than for MAC OS's and Linux. If you go with a PC, you might consider an alternative operating system. This would help fight "the bugs" off but alas will still leave you a bit shy on applications to use unless you are more than just the average computer user. Hope this helps you decide!

Answer 2

Once Apple dumped the PowerPC microprocessor in favor of Intel's x86 architecture, all Mac computer/laptops with the x86 architecture (presently ALL Mac products) gained the ability to run both OS X and Windows, a great feature known as dual-booting in general and available in Macs under the "boot camp" utility. On that front, the whole software development issue has been laid to rest. Now Macs gained support to run programs/devices written for the Mac and Windows OS.
As far as the virus-free Mac, that is hogwash. While Macs are ALMOST virus-free, OS X is Unix based and developed from technology at NeXT (Steve Jobs sanctuary after the infamous coup de tat at Apple). This makes it more difficult, although not entirely impossible, to create malicious code, viruses, etc. for the Mac. Couple this with the fact that most computers operate under Windows and you have an open invitation to hackers to attack Windows and not Macs, since hacker's damage can reach further on Windows machines.

I strongly urge you to visit the following Wikipedia site that beautifully presents Macs transition to Intel and how that changed the utility of the Mac.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Intel_transition#Hurdles_associated_with_the_move

Answer 3

OS X is a much more stable operating system. Windows has more of the market, but that doesn't mean they are necessarily better. Because Apple makes its own hardware it is fully compatible with OS X and all the features match up perfectly.
http://www.xvsxp.com/ has an extremely indepth anaylis based on features and usage. In the end OS X wins. You should check it out

Edit :I own both a Mac and Dell.

Answer 4

In my opinion, you both have pros on your side.

I am so not a dell fan, but i do own a pc. More compatible with everything that's out there, but you have plenty of problems that go along with it.

Mac...not as many problems as a pc does, runs a little more smooth, but not as compatible with everything out there available for pcs.

i think you both have decent pcs...why does one have to win? I can't stand dell though, so I say the Mac wins. If your sister had something other than a dell, i would choose the PC over the Mac, but for this debate...Mac wins!

Answer 5

The Macbook because it can run both OS X and Windows but the Dell can only run Windows. I happen to have both at work.
I mostly have the Dell because they still put serial ports in Latitudes and some old Dos stuff can't use USB.

Answer 6

Its less a question of who has a better laptop and more on what you use it for. The MacBook is great for graphics and acceptable for general office work and internet browsing. On the other hand, the Dell serves a larger collection of software and more compatible with day-to-day use.

Answer 7

This is the answer: Macs are virus free! That's why I have a MacBook.

Answer 8

Run benchmarks like 3dmark etc to see whose performs faster in given situations :)

Answer 9

There no competition, your Mac will kick you sister Dell ***. the mac is slim and sexy and the Dell is.......... uh,......... just another crappy Laptop.