PC vs. Apple (few specific questions) - I come in peace - honest questions

[Oscar11]

First of all - I come in peace =)

I hear a lot of people say Macs are better. I use PC, and dont really see a reason to switch... I'm happy with windows. My girlfriend is ready to get a new laptop, and is considering getting a macbook pro... and she's asking me questions that I dont know the answers to.

Here is what I do (and pretty much what she does) on a computer.

1. I spend most of my time on the internet using Google Chrome - does the macbook offer any advantages here? I'm assuming the web experience is exactly the same
2. I listen to music using itunes - I'm assuming Mac and PC versions are the same (any advantages I dont know about?)
3. I use adobe photoshop and illustrator - again.. any advantages?
4. I use Microsoft Office, and Excel - cant be any advantages here
5. I use VLC media player to watch movies - I cant imagine there are any improvements in the video that shows up on my screen, or the sound that comes out of my speaker.. however, I could be wrong.
6. I use Cubase - a music recording software. I'm assuming this is exactly the same for both platforms as well. I know Mac has garageband, but I have already purchased cubase and prefer to stick with it.

99% of our time on the computer is spent doing the above 6 activities. Where is the advantage of a different OS? The other 1% of activities that I do? (eg. finding a file in Mac's equivalent of windows explorer, or actually opening the above mentioned programs etc..)

I'm honestly not sure - I haven't spent time on a Mac. Can someone explain to me why someone would switch? (to make it worth the extra $1K)

thanks for your time.

[infamouskid]

get a mac.
almost all the apps she uses with the exception of office run better on mac.
i'm a pc myself but for cubase and adobe i'll say go the mac path.

[chinese zzz]

I want to switch too.. but I'm a long term user ... still having many problems using Macs ...

But I do like the Mac's laptop batteries and extremely quiet machine.

For some reason I find Macs are hard to use ... :|

[Kasakato]

Apps are essentially the same as their PC counterparts. The generally will take my MacBook Pro out more than the Thinkpad due to its battery life, backlit keyboard (I find it useful) and multi-touch.

[aaaaaa]

First of all - I come in peace =)

I hear a lot of people say Macs are better. I use PC, and dont really see a reason to switch... I'm happy with windows. My girlfriend is ready to get a new laptop, and is considering getting a macbook pro... and she's asking me questions that I dont know the answers to.

Here is what I do (and pretty much what she does) on a computer.

1. I spend most of my time on the internet using Google Chrome - does the macbook offer any advantages here? I'm assuming the web experience is exactly the same
2. I listen to music using itunes - I'm assuming Mac and PC versions are the same (any advantages I dont know about?)
3. I use adobe photoshop and illustrator - again.. any advantages?
4. I use Microsoft Office, and Excel - cant be any advantages here
5. I use VLC media player to watch movies - I cant imagine there are any improvements in the video that shows up on my screen, or the sound that comes out of my speaker.. however, I could be wrong.
6. I use Cubase - a music recording software. I'm assuming this is exactly the same for both platforms as well. I know Mac has garageband, but I have already purchased cubase and prefer to stick with it.

99% of our time on the computer is spent doing the above 6 activities. Where is the advantage of a different OS? The other 1% of activities that I do? (eg. finding a file in Mac's equivalent of windows explorer, or actually opening the above mentioned programs etc..)

I'm honestly not sure - I haven't spent time on a Mac. Can someone explain to me why someone would switch? (to make it worth the extra $1K)

thanks for your time.

Sounds like all your needs are met? Do you enjoy learning new operating systems? Discovering once again when files go to the recycle bin, when they're permanently deleted, and how to switch between the two? Relearning what the ctrl, alt, and windows keys do? Learning not to right click on anything because nothing will happen? I guess I could summarize it by saying are you looking for a learning opportunity? Or are you happy with your current knowledge?

Despite what you may hear from people, you aren't missing out on endless pleasures and opportunities by not using a Mac. Same goes for Linux or any operating system you can name. If you have specific problems with the operating system you're using, then sure, see if other operating systems can solve that for you. But if realistically there's not a lot wrong with where you're at right now, is it really worth the time, effort, and suffering to switch to something else?

If mac hardware is your thing, you can always get a mac and run Windows on it. I think that you can get comparable non-mac hardware for a similar price which is just as good, but I do know some people really love the apple stuff.

I think for people who are still relatively inexperienced with computers, it's not a big deal to switch to or from a Mac. People who have a good deal of experience with a certain operating system are likely to find it frustrating moving to another one.

[KleptoTheCondor]

I agree with aaaaaa

1 Same
2 Same
3 High-Performance PC has the advantage
4 Same (save money with OpenOffice or even Google Docs unless you already have another product key)
5 Same (though other media players may have differences if you are an advanced user)
6 I am unfamiliar with this software

If you are willing to buy an expensive computer you would be better off buying a high-performance PC for media editors such as photoshop. However, buying an inexpensive PC (and upgrading more frequently if necessary) may be the best option.

[Rehan]

I switched to Mac a few years ago and now I'm back to a PC. I don't think it really makes that much of a difference for most apps. OS X is a nice operating system, but I didn't find it worthwhile to pay the high premium for the Mac hardware which has been less reliable than the Thinkpad/Dell PC hardware I've owned.

[JessicaBAustin]

get a mac for its long life laptop battery. i love my mac and find it good to use

[tritium4ever]

Honestly just about the only improvement you'll see going from from a PC to Mac with your usage scenario is better battery life. It's the one area Apple has a significant advantage, because they control the entire hardware and software ecosystem (and can thus optimize for it) and because the non-removable design allows them to maximize the battery size for a given enclosure.

I also happen to like the design of Apple products in general. I'm surprised PC makers still haven't been able to replicate the sleek design and solid construction of Macs, at a given price point.

[Zelig]

First of all - I come in peace =)

I hear a lot of people say Macs are better. I use PC, and dont really see a reason to switch... I'm happy with windows. My girlfriend is ready to get a new laptop, and is considering getting a macbook pro... and she's asking me questions that I dont know the answers to.

Here is what I do (and pretty much what she does) on a computer.

1. I spend most of my time on the internet using Google Chrome - does the macbook offer any advantages here? I'm assuming the web experience is exactly the same
2. I listen to music using itunes - I'm assuming Mac and PC versions are the same (any advantages I dont know about?)
3. I use adobe photoshop and illustrator - again.. any advantages?
4. I use Microsoft Office, and Excel - cant be any advantages here
5. I use VLC media player to watch movies - I cant imagine there are any improvements in the video that shows up on my screen, or the sound that comes out of my speaker.. however, I could be wrong.
6. I use Cubase - a music recording software. I'm assuming this is exactly the same for both platforms as well. I know Mac has garageband, but I have already purchased cubase and prefer to stick with it.

99% of our time on the computer is spent doing the above 6 activities. Where is the advantage of a different OS? The other 1% of activities that I do? (eg. finding a file in Mac's equivalent of windows explorer, or actually opening the above mentioned programs etc..)

I'm honestly not sure - I haven't spent time on a Mac. Can someone explain to me why someone would switch? (to make it worth the extra $1K)

thanks for your time.

1. No difference.
2. No difference.
3. No difference.
4. No difference.
5. VLC sucks for both Windows and Mac, use CCCP with MPC-HC for Windows or MPlayer for Mac.
6. I dunno Cubase.

For $1000 less, you're going to get worse PC hardware than you will in a Mac. I'm kind of a premium guy, so I don't spend any less on my PC purchases vs Mac purchases, I just get better hardware.

[iLLNESS]

its simple. get a mac if you/she wants a mac. stick with pc if you dont want mac.

both offer the same abilities. one does not run better then the other despite people who paid more for a mac saying stuff runs better on mac.

macs crash, they do freeze and do cause problems. they are affected more and more everyday by virus's and trojans/etc.
they have bugs, they can bog down just like a pc.

just remember, a mac is just a pc with OSX. the hardware is near identical (depending of course on what you build your pc with).

quite honestly, only reason to buy a mac is for battery life on laptops. if you own a mac pro you are a dummy.

having numerous pc laptops, a very powerful hackintosh, having owned macbook pros, and now owning a macbook air id say get whatever you feel like. quite honestly, if it wasnt for parallels i would have switched back to windows long ago.

[sexyj]

This man speak truth.


Sounds like all your needs are met? Do you enjoy learning new operating systems? Discovering once again when files go to the recycle bin, when they're permanently deleted, and how to switch between the two? Relearning what the ctrl, alt, and windows keys do? Learning not to right click on anything because nothing will happen? I guess I could summarize it by saying are you looking for a learning opportunity? Or are you happy with your current knowledge?

Despite what you may hear from people, you aren't missing out on endless pleasures and opportunities by not using a Mac. Same goes for Linux or any operating system you can name. If you have specific problems with the operating system you're using, then sure, see if other operating systems can solve that for you. But if realistically there's not a lot wrong with where you're at right now, is it really worth the time, effort, and suffering to switch to something else?

If mac hardware is your thing, you can always get a mac and run Windows on it. I think that you can get comparable non-mac hardware for a similar price which is just as good, but I do know some people really love the apple stuff.

I think for people who are still relatively inexperienced with computers, it's not a big deal to switch to or from a Mac. People who have a good deal of experience with a certain operating system are likely to find it frustrating moving to another one.

[Busybuyer888]

Advice.

This is not a technical decsion. This is your GF. Whenever a girl wants a MAC, get her a MAC.

It may give you a bit of grief supporting it ... but it will save you grief as her girl friends keep mentioning how great a MAC is.

[XtremeModder]

I've got a mbp, came with snow leopard but I installed the new lion OSX.

I've had it for 5 months now, I got it mainly because I wanted to try it. Guess what my mbp does now... Just sits there while I use my pc.

Personally, I don't like it (the os). Maybe i haven't played around with it enough but I hate how every program I run an icon appears on the desktop until I right click (have to enable that in settings) and click eject.

I'm sure I'd like it more if I used the os more instead of windows7 on it mostly...

One thing I find extremely annoying, if I highlight a file and want to delete it, I hit delete on the keyboard and then it assumes that means i want to rename the file..... Really?


First of all - I come in peace =)

I hear a lot of people say Macs are better. I use PC, and dont really see a reason to switch... I'm happy with windows. My girlfriend is ready to get a new laptop, and is considering getting a macbook pro... and she's asking me questions that I dont know the answers to.

Here is what I do (and pretty much what she does) on a computer.

1. I spend most of my time on the internet using Google Chrome - does the macbook offer any advantages here? I'm assuming the web experience is exactly the same
2. I listen to music using itunes - I'm assuming Mac and PC versions are the same (any advantages I dont know about?)
3. I use adobe photoshop and illustrator - again.. any advantages?
4. I use Microsoft Office, and Excel - cant be any advantages here
5. I use VLC media player to watch movies - I cant imagine there are any improvements in the video that shows up on my screen, or the sound that comes out of my speaker.. however, I could be wrong.
6. I use Cubase - a music recording software. I'm assuming this is exactly the same for both platforms as well. I know Mac has garageband, but I have already purchased cubase and prefer to stick with it.

99% of our time on the computer is spent doing the above 6 activities. Where is the advantage of a different OS? The other 1% of activities that I do? (eg. finding a file in Mac's equivalent of windows explorer, or actually opening the above mentioned programs etc..)

I'm honestly not sure - I haven't spent time on a Mac. Can someone explain to me why someone would switch? (to make it worth the extra $1K)

thanks for your time.

[AudiDude]

So far all the advice given here is spot on. I use Photoshop as well, but I don't bother on laptops because they take too long in comparison to my PC which was built for it. I also don't know how most serious users of Photoshop use a laptop anyway as the best way is with calibrated dual monitors. I do not use Macs because I usually replace my laptop every 3 years at a cost of $500-$600. I haven't seen any Macs that dwell in that price range and the last comparison that I did spec wise the Mac cost double.

Like it has been said already if the GF wants a Mac because her friend is pushing her to it (let's be honest, if people aren't technically savvy and they want a Mac without using one, what else are they going by but hearsay?), she won't rest until she has one and if you get her a PC and one single file doesn't load, or her friends have an app that has unicorns and rainbows and the PC doesn't have one, you'll never hear the end of it. Unfortunately that means being the BF, you have to support it. I have lost (or ditched) many friends that have gone Mac because they expected everything to work like a PC and then they called up with a laundry list of software they wanted for free and I don't have Mac software, so they got mad and claimed I wouldn't help them because they went against my recommendation.

Good luck with your plight.

[XtremeModder]

its simple. get a mac if you/she wants a mac. stick with pc if you dont want mac.

both offer the same abilities. one does not run better then the other despite people who paid more for a mac saying stuff runs better on mac.

macs crash, they do freeze and do cause problems. they are affected more and more everyday by virus's and trojans/etc.
they have bugs, they can bog down just like a pc.

just remember, a mac is just a pc with OSX. the hardware is near identical (depending of course on what you build your pc with).

quite honestly, only reason to buy a mac is for battery life on laptops. if you own a mac pro you are a dummy.

having numerous pc laptops, a very powerful hackintosh, having owned macbook pros, and now owning a macbook air id say get whatever you feel like. quite honestly, if it wasnt for parallels i would have switched back to windows long ago.

Alright... Even though you said you've owned one, it's still a bit contradicting lol.



Where are all these new viruses and Trojans you speak of that are appearing everyday?

In the time ive owned my MBP, it has never crashed, froze or had a single thing go wrong with it. That said, neither has my pc which I built. The pc I built was $500 more and is more than twice as powerful (if not then pretty close)

[mulambo187]

When mentioning Cubase this is a music production program yea? I believe this could be a serious RAM and CPU hog, I would stick with a Windows rig so I could easily put the best processor and max out the ram at a good price.

[Zelig]

When mentioning Cubase this is a music production program yea? I believe this could be a serious RAM and CPU hog, I would stick with a Windows rig so I could easily put the best processor and max out the ram at a good price.

It's pretty trivial to add RAM to a Mac, in either Mac or PC case, you save a ton of money buying installing it yourself.

[ashgotti]

Alright... Even though you said you've owned one, it's still a bit contradicting lol.



Where are all these new viruses and Trojans you speak of that are appearing everyday?

In the time ive owned my MBP, it has never crashed, froze or had a single thing go wrong with it. That said, neither has my pc which I built. The pc I built was $500 more and is more than twice as powerful (if not then pretty close)

+1 everyone is missing this. Maintenance on a OS X is pretty much non-existent. I have a MPB from 2008 that runs 24/7 and I don't have any errors or slow-downs that I did with my Windows computer after running them for a year. And this is with updating OS X to 3 new versions. No headaches when you surf the net regarding spyware, no bloat running in the background because of some applications, it's great. Pay extra and enjoy the feeling of not worrying.

[eldiablo]

I switched to Mac a few years ago and now I'm back to a PC. I don't think it really makes that much of a difference for most apps. OS X is a nice operating system, but I didn't find it worthwhile to pay the high premium for the Mac hardware which has been less reliable than the Thinkpad/Dell PC hardware I've owned.

My kids have an MBP and a G5 and I still prefer my pc. I can't see why any Apple product is that much more pricier.

[Blueroom]

I've been using and supporting PCs since DOS and bought a Mac last summer. It's a really nice and complete OS and I don't miss Windows (except viewing photos (Preview) and Finder are just not as nice as using Windows IMO).

[mariokarter]

I think the experience using most of those programs will be the same on both a Mac and Windows. So just get her a Mac as its what she wants. But, considering the price premium, she should in theory be able to provide 3 good responses to "Name three reason you want a Mac."

[Zelig]

+1 everyone is missing this. Maintenance on a OS X is pretty much non-existent. I have a MPB from 2008 that runs 24/7 and I don't have any errors or slow-downs that I did with my Windows computer after running them for a year. And this is with updating OS X to 3 new versions. No headaches when you surf the net regarding spyware, no bloat running in the background because of some applications, it's great. Pay extra and enjoy the feeling of not worrying.

I have a PC from 2005 running Windows 7 24/7 since 2009 and I don't have any errors or slow-downs. No headaches when I surf the net regarding spyware, no bloat running in the background.

[jetway1212]

So far all the advice given here is spot on. I use Photoshop as well, but I don't bother on laptops because they take too long in comparison to my PC which was built for it. I also don't know how most serious users of Photoshop use a laptop anyway as the best way is with calibrated dual monitors. I do not use Macs because I usually replace my laptop every 3 years at a cost of $500-$600. I haven't seen any Macs that dwell in that price range and the last comparison that I did spec wise the Mac cost double.

Like it has been said already if the GF wants a Mac because her friend is pushing her to it (let's be honest, if people aren't technically savvy and they want a Mac without using one, what else are they going by but hearsay?), she won't rest until she has one and if you get her a PC and one single file doesn't load, or her friends have an app that has unicorns and rainbows and the PC doesn't have one, you'll never hear the end of it. Unfortunately that means being the BF, you have to support it. I have lost (or ditched) many friends that have gone Mac because they expected everything to work like a PC and then they called up with a laundry list of software they wanted for free and I don't have Mac software, so they got mad and claimed I wouldn't help them because they went against my recommendation.

Good luck with your plight.



LOL you havent lost anything, sounds more like you gained more valuable time by not associating with dumbasses.

Its funny when i read technical problem posted by Mac users... 99% shows they know nothing at all

[jetway1212]

Alright... Even though you said you've owned one, it's still a bit contradicting lol.



Where are all these new viruses and Trojans you speak of that are appearing everyday?

In the time ive owned my MBP, it has never crashed, froze or had a single thing go wrong with it. That said, neither has my pc which I built. The pc I built was $500 more and is more than twice as powerful (if not then pretty close)


Are you really that dumb?

Mac pro =! Macbook Pro.

Alot of ppl would agree its only worth to get Apple Laptop. Its sale revenue also support this.

[Brandon]

From a different point of view, various family members have been asking me if they should get Macs (since I'm the family go-to computer guy). On average, they're just the regular computer user who watches movies, goes online to chat and browse websites, listens to music, copies stuff from their digital camera and portable media devices.

I find that I'm getting less problems crop up with the Mac users than the Windows users.

On the other side, I got a lot of questions at first from the Mac users on how to do things in OSX (as they were initially only familiar with Windows), and how to get software working on their Mac (usually there is either an alternative or an OSX version... I had to install Parallels in one case so I could get a certain version of Solitaire to work :facepalm:). But all in all, no real problems.

So far this year I've had to reformat a Windows Vista install, remove spyware from two Windows Vista machines (and one of those machines I had to do twice... I install AVG, Spybot and use Windows Defender on all those PCs). No problems with the 3 Macs so far.... just answering quick how-to's.

I personally have a Macbook Pro, a Windows 7 desktop for gaming, Linux file server (unRAID), 2x Windows Vista HTPCs, and a Windows Vista headless machine for newsgroups (sabNZBd+ and Sickbeard with mySQL for XMBC networking) and BT.

[Coz4k]

Owning a mac is the undeniable proof that someone doesnt know ***** about computers.
Get a pc and install mac osx if you need it.

I dont hate apple (i am writing this on my iphone), their hardware is just plain overpriced and thats it. Also, i lold when i saw that the changed the regular SATA connection on their Imac's hdd in order to stop people from upgrading it. Apple is aiming at computer illiterates.

Btw with a title like ''MAC VS PC THE ULTIMATE CONFRONTATION'' you are clearly not coming in peace.

[mulambo187]

It's pretty trivial to add RAM to a Mac, in either Mac or PC case, you save a ton of money buying installing it yourself.

What about the CPU? Also might want a sound card...

[Converged]

I have a PC and my wife has Macbook Pro. Personally, I like the PC better. I have grown up using Windows and personally, I find Windows 7 is as stable as OSX. I can appreciate users who switched to Mac after using previous version of Windows (BSOD anyone?) but the simple truth is I have never had my Win7 PCs crash on me...ever. And they run 24/7 doing cpu intensive tasks. At the end of the day, you can get close to twice the hardware power with a PC for the same price as a Mac. One thing to watch for though is build quality. I will admit a Mac is built much better than most bargain PCS (acer, HP, etc). However, I can buy two PC's with better specs (in case I drop one and it breaks haha) for the price of a Mac.

Regardless, Apple has done an amazing job with their marketing. It is truly amazing how many hardcore Apple fans there are that are willing to pay huge premiums for small changes. My wife knows nothing about computer. But all she hears are the 'cool' Apple commercials on TV and how Apple is associated with innovative and cool ideas - so she got a Mac. And she likes it. However, 99% of the time she is just surfing the web and checking e-mail, sometimes listening to music. It was hard to justify that expense when a $300 laptop would have done the same thing.

[Piro21]

Do Macs really have better build quality, or are they just flashier? Everything I've seen points to them being stylish but delicate. It's hard to imagine a Mac laptop living through the sheer amount of abuse I've put my T400 through and still run as well as it does.

[peshkavus]

You could get a very cheap, powerful & pretty as any other Mac laptop just like Dell XPS or Sony Vaio that is already equipped with very user friendly Windows 7. Have fun shopping around.

[DJ Dennis]

For what you've listed, there's no real reason (necessity) to get a Mac. I feel that OSX is only better when it comes to certain development related tasks as having a real terminal to work with is awesome. I agree with some other posters that Macs seems to be more stable, but I feel a lot of that comes from who's using the computer. I've never had to format my Windows 7 desktop machine for instability/spyware/virus issues since I built it almost two years ago.

Build quality wise, I feel it's definitely better than most consumer PCs (HP, Toshiba, Dell, etc), but I'm unsure as to how to stacks up versus a T400 or a similar Lenovo ThinkPad.

Bottom line (IMO):
Programming, casual gamer -> go for a Mac
Games are important/don't really do much dev work -> Better off with a PC

[Insider]

Advice.

This is not a technical decsion. This is your GF. Whenever a girl wants a MAC, get her a MAC.

It may give you a bit of grief supporting it ... but it will save you grief as her girl friends keep mentioning how great a MAC is.

absolutely agree. thanked.

[AudiDude]

I have a PC from 2005 running Windows 7 24/7 since 2009 and I don't have any errors or slow-downs. No headaches when I surf the net regarding spyware, no bloat running in the background.

Exactly. I will be changing my Win2K server that I NEVER shut off only be because I can't surf to all the websites. Other than that I use it to encode and I run office on it . Longest uptime was 196 days because we didn't have any power outages. No anti- virus either, just like all my other PCs. It does DHCP, NTP relay, file storage, runs 2 FTP sites and media servers for music and video.

[hugh_da_man]

From a different point of view, various family members have been asking me if they should get Macs (since I'm the family go-to computer guy). On average, they're just the regular computer user who watches movies, goes online to chat and browse websites, listens to music, copies stuff from their digital camera and portable media devices.

I find that I'm getting less problems crop up with the Mac users than the Windows users.

On the other side, I got a lot of questions at first from the Mac users on how to do things in OSX (as they were initially only familiar with Windows), and how to get software working on their Mac (usually there is either an alternative or an OSX version... I had to install Parallels in one case so I could get a certain version of Solitaire to work :facepalm:). But all in all, no real problems.

So far this year I've had to reformat a Windows Vista install, remove spyware from two Windows Vista machines (and one of those machines I had to do twice... I install AVG, Spybot and use Windows Defender on all those PCs). No problems with the 3 Macs so far.... just answering quick how-to's.

I personally have a Macbook Pro, a Windows 7 desktop for gaming, Linux file server (unRAID), 2x Windows Vista HTPCs, and a Windows Vista headless machine for newsgroups (sabNZBd+ and Sickbeard with mySQL for XMBC networking) and BT.

I've had the exact opposite experience. I help everyone out with their computers and the people with Macs have had nothing but problems. I think I've been to the genius bar to get warranty work 5 times now in the past 2 years and only had to do one Dell onsite repair. Maybe it's just 2 Mac lemons but the amount of hardware problems and odd behaviour in those 2 macbook pros was horribly disappointing.

If people you know are getting spyware then you need to talk with them about what they're doing on the internet. You don't get spyware unless you're downloading illegal or shady content.

[Zelig]

Owning a mac is the undeniable proof that someone doesnt know ***** about computers.
Get a pc and install mac osx if you need it.

I dont hate apple (i am writing this on my iphone), their hardware is just plain overpriced and thats it. Also, i lold when i saw that the changed the regular SATA connection on their Imac's hdd in order to stop people from upgrading it. Apple is aiming at computer illiterates.

Btw with a title like ''MAC VS PC THE ULTIMATE CONFRONTATION'' you are clearly not coming in peace.

To be fair, the MBA is priced competitively for the hardware. Even with Intel throwing money at their ultrabook project, manufacturers are having a hard time competing with the MBA on price.


Do Macs really have better build quality, or are they just flashier? Everything I've seen points to them being stylish but delicate. It's hard to imagine a Mac laptop living through the sheer amount of abuse I've put my T400 through and still run as well as it does.

Macs have good built quality, on par with high build-quality PCs. Problem is that Macs are normally compared to cheapo crap-bucket PCs.


For what you've listed, there's no real reason (necessity) to get a Mac. I feel that OSX is only better when it comes to certain development related tasks as having a real terminal to work with is awesome.

This is true, I run a Linux VM on my Windows box simply to avoid using Putty.

[Neocodex]

Only reason I would go mac, is if I had enough money sitting around collecting dust to spend 2x as much for an inferior device.

Your paying a pile of extra money for a hipster brand label. Your smarter then that.

[XtremeModder]

Owning a mac is the undeniable proof that someone doesnt know ***** about computers.
Get a pc and install mac osx if you need it.

I dont hate apple (i am writing this on my iphone), their hardware is just plain overpriced and thats it. Also, i lold when i saw that the changed the regular SATA connection on their Imac's hdd in order to stop people from upgrading it. Apple is aiming at computer illiterates.

Btw with a title like ''MAC VS PC THE ULTIMATE CONFRONTATION'' you are clearly not coming in peace.

Undeniable proof that people who own them know nothing about computers?

That's a pretty strong assumption.

[XtremeModder]

You could get a very cheap, powerful & pretty as any other Mac laptop just like Dell XPS or Sony Vaio that is already equipped with very user friendly Windows 7. Have fun shopping around.

I'll -1 you on the vaio. My gf has one and it s battery just died in less than 2 years, can't find an aftermarket one and Sony wanted 300+ for a new one.

IMO vaio's are horrible (btw she bought a mac and only uses wjn7 on it :facepalm:

[al3x89]

Personally, I don't like it (the os). Maybe i haven't played around with it enough but I hate how every program I run an icon appears on the desktop until I right click (have to enable that in settings) and click eject.


One thing I find extremely annoying, if I highlight a file and want to delete it, I hit delete on the keyboard and then it assumes that means i want to rename the file..... Really?

1. drag the applications from the image file (.dmg) to your applications folder, and launch apps from the application folder or launchpad (stupid feature in lion)...
2. command + delete = deletes file. the delete button doesn't actually do anything. enter/return key renames files.

no wonder you hate it. you're doing everything wrong

---------------

i'm gonna give the OP a serious answer because we all know this forum is filled with virgins who play games all day, bash apple products, then cry themselves to sleep because they can't afford a mac or find a gf.

as an apple user, your gf is better off with a PC. in fact, i'm better off with a PC because i don't use my MBP for anything special, i just prefer OSX over windows.

also, i'll gladly pay the premium for the customer service/satisfaction, build quality, sleekness (sorry i don't want a laptop/computer with a million LEDs, 17 function keys and made out of plastic) and the fact that i've had 0 problems with the few MacBooks i've owned over the years.

[tritium4ever]

2. command + delete = deletes file. the delete button doesn't actually do anything. enter/return key renames files.

To be fair, that's unintuitive as hell. The delete key should delete whatever you have selected...you shouldn't need modifier keys to get the delete key to perform the delete function.

[sexyj]

BTW OP, if you or your girlfriend do a lot of cutting and pasting with files, then DON'T get a mac.

They don't have that feature...

[Brandon]

I've had the exact opposite experience. I help everyone out with their computers and the people with Macs have had nothing but problems. I think I've been to the genius bar to get warranty work 5 times now in the past 2 years and only had to do one Dell onsite repair. Maybe it's just 2 Mac lemons but the amount of hardware problems and odd behaviour in those 2 macbook pros was horribly disappointing.

If people you know are getting spyware then you need to talk with them about what they're doing on the internet. You don't get spyware unless you're downloading illegal or shady content.

The only common hardware problems (regardless of brand) I've experienced are hard drives dying. One Lenovo had a broken LCD hinge, but nothing else.

I'm talking about software problems. A lot of older family members still don't know any better and get spyware on their computers, regardless of what I say to them. The younger family members are a lot better in this regard.

[Brandon]

BTW OP, if you or your girlfriend do a lot of cutting and pasting with files, then DON'T get a mac.

They don't have that feature...

...this is a joke right?

[sexyj]

Not sure about lion, but I'm using 10.6.7 and it's nowhere to be found in any menu...

Oh yea... doing mv in terminal don't count


...this is a joke right?

[number8888]

As an avid Windows user (I have 3 windows laptops and 2 desktops, don't ask), but my Macbook Pro is my go to computer for some reason. No other laptop can compare to Apple's trackpad, and the unibody aluminum chassis feels very solid when carrying around, unlike the plastic casing other brands uses that seems to buckle whenever I hold it in my hand.



Not sure about lion, but I'm using 10.6.7 and it's nowhere to be found in any menu...

Oh yea... doing mv in terminal don't count

Seriously wha?

You can use command+X/C/V to do cut, copy and paste, or you can select it under "edit" in the app menu.

[sexyj]

Doesn't work with files.



You can use command+X/C/V to do cut, copy and paste, or you can select it under "edit" in the app menu.

[hugh_da_man]

The only common hardware problems (regardless of brand) I've experienced are hard drives dying. One Lenovo had a broken LCD hinge, but nothing else.

I'm talking about software problems. A lot of older family members still don't know any better and get spyware on their computers, regardless of what I say to them. The younger family members are a lot better in this regard.

You're lucky. All things equal we've had bad luck with macs. Even my mac mini had a bad wireless module. The macs don't require a ton of software support because they're being used for web surfing and email but they've made up for any software trouble by having hardware issues.

What are the older family members doing on their systems to get spyware? I honestly haven't seen a computer infected with spyware since Windows XP. An updated copy of Vista or 7 shouldn't have any issues unless you're installing shady stuff.

[Anonymouse]

I know two types of Mac users: the ones who know little about computers and want one that "just works." They are generally quite happy with Macs, because they don't have to install device drivers and stuff to get things working.

The other type is highly knowledgeable computer people with degrees in electrical engineering or computer science, who like Macs because they are based on Unix and much of the software that counts can be compiled for it. You can run emacs, for example, and there is no computing task that cannot be performed in emacs. There are far worse browsers than Safari, too. Also, I can just get things done faster on my Mac using software like QuickSilver.

I cringe every time somebody asks me to fix their Windows XP/Vista/7 box, because I know the knob I need to twiddle is going to be buried inside a graphical menu structure that's 5 layers deep, designed by sadists. On my Mac, there are well-known text-based files in predictable places (/etc or similar) that I can edit with any text editor.

[hi-tech]

I just bought a Macbook Pro about 2 months ago.

So far I find it to be OK. Lion is pretty. Safari is nice, but it has a severe bug in it where it reloads a page when you click back instead of bringing it up from cache. The hardware is really nice obviously, screen is beautiful and the battery life is phenomenal.

Right now it's a pretty even split between my Windows 7 desktop and my Mac.

My Mac is more powerful (i7 2.0 Ghz/ 8 GB ram) so it is a little zippier, but my win7 desktop is a beast with multimedia.

[Rehan]

Doesn't work with files. http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+to+move+files+on+mac

[DJ Dennis]

This is true, I run a Linux VM on my Windows box simply to avoid using Putty.


Intense... I just learned about an IDE I can use at work so that I won't have to use command line again =D

[sexyj]

here's the first result, http://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/how-to-move-files-in-mac-os-x/

and it doesn't work when its a smb share

http://forums.macrumors.com/archive/index.php/t-183472.html

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/switcher-hangout/58613-finally-way-cut-paste-files.html

http://lifehacker.com/5622046/cut-and-paste-files-in-os-xs-finder-with-automator-services

kthnx

:facepalm:


http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+to+move+files+on+mac

[shaolinmonk]

This man speak truth.

Lol once he mentioned no right click.. Credibility went out the window





Doesn't work with files.

Copy should but cut doesn't

Op if she wants a Mac she should get one she'll be happier

I use both but enjoy the "experience" on my Mac more

[Starkicker]

I won't comment on what others have said but I've used Windows 7 and OS X right through to Lion. The different versions of OS X are functionally the same; a few more features here and there but whatever.

I bought my macbook in Feb 2008 and it's seen me through 2 babies, 3 keyboards and numerous falls. The bezel is cracked, it creaks when you close it and I get the occasional kernel panic. Since that time, my wife has been through 4 PC laptops. 2 Dells, 1 ASUS and 1 MSI. The ASUS died after a fall, the 2 Dells died because their power plugs fried (was more costly to get it fixed than to just replace it given the devalued cost) and the MSI just stopped working. We sent it back to MSI for repair, they sent it back, it lasted a few weeks then just died again. I wouldn't blame the OS, I find overall the Mac hardware is better put together and for my next laptop I won't hesitate to purchase another Mac.

Just my opinion, you or anyone else don't have to buy one.

[ichpen]

This thread has gone a little off topic.

To answer the OP's questions. Yes, Mac laptops are nice but more than likely your licenses for your Cubase and other apps will not transfer over, so you're looking at buying additional licenses for the same software.

Also, though the macbook air is gorgeous there are non-apple alternatives that are not half bad (I'd say almost as good as a MBA if we use it as an example) i.e. Dell XPS15z, Sony and Samsung 9 series laptops to name a few. So you can get a nice solid and stylish windows laptop.

Do your math on the total cost of ownership then buy your gf whatever she wants (Macs are big with the ladies) :)

Of course you can always run Windows with bootcamp on a Mac and if you're so inclined run OSX on a non-Mac (never done it this way but I'm sure there are ways) so OS is probably more of a moot point these days.

[whampoa]

If my GF have money to burn, technically inept and don't want to download a bunch of free software.

I'll tell her to get a Mac.

More time with her, less time tried to diagnose her computer problems.

Since I have no idea, and don't want to learn any crappy Apple OS.

OBTW, to save even more of your money. Tell her to purchase Apple programs herself, since it's incompatible with your PC.

[mucat]

Come in peace, sure, right...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMdC45S79uQ

[XtremeModder]

The page reload thing when going back annoys the hell out me. I bet there's a setting in the options somewhere to stop it from doing that I just haven't looked.


I just bought a Macbook Pro about 2 months ago.

So far I find it to be OK. Lion is pretty. Safari is nice, but it has a severe bug in it where it reloads a page when you click back instead of bringing it up from cache. The hardware is really nice obviously, screen is beautiful and the battery life is phenomenal.

Right now it's a pretty even split between my Windows 7 desktop and my Mac.

My Mac is more powerful (i7 2.0 Ghz/ 8 GB ram) so it is a little zippier, but my win7 desktop is a beast with multimedia.

[IceBlueShoes]

Having been a Mac owner for about 8 years now (Powerbook G4, iMac, MacBook and now MacMini), this is almost certainly my last Mac. I don't like how restrictive Apple is becoming in terms of their hardware. I have no desire to go back to a laptop full time and certainly don't want an all in 1. So that pretty much leaves me with a MacPro. Sorry but I'd rather make my own computer for 1k and take a trip with the rest.

My next computer will be a Win7 (or 8) box that I build myself. Maybe a hackintosh... lol

Macs are ok, but I just don't want to have give complete control to Apple if something goes wrong. I'm not exactly a novice user so I know how to fix most if not all of my own stuff.

After playing around with Win7 Starter on my netbook I was impressed by it. MUCH better than Vista.

[Brandon]

Having been a Mac owner for about 8 years now (Powerbook G4, iMac, MacBook and now MacMini), this is almost certainly my last Mac. I don't like how restrictive Apple is becoming in terms of their hardware. I have no desire to go back to a laptop full time and certainly don't want an all in 1. So that pretty much leaves me with a MacPro. Sorry but I'd rather make my own computer for 1k and take a trip with the rest.

My next computer will be a Win7 (or 8) box that I build myself. Maybe a hackintosh... lol

Macs are ok, but I just don't want to have give complete control to Apple if something goes wrong. I'm not exactly a novice user so I know how to fix most if not all of my own stuff.

After playing around with Win7 Starter on my netbook I was impressed by it. MUCH better than Vista.

That's the reason I only have had Mac laptops. The only thing I ever upgrade for those are memory and hard drives.

I've had a Powerbook G4 12", original generation white Macbook, original generation Macbook Air and now a current Macbook Pro 13". The only one I didn't like the build quality of was the plastic white Macbook.

[KC108]

Alright... Even though you said you've owned one, it's still a bit contradicting lol.



Where are all these new viruses and Trojans you speak of that are appearing everyday?

In the time ive owned my MBP, it has never crashed, froze or had a single thing go wrong with it. That said, neither has my pc which I built. The pc I built was $500 more and is more than twice as powerful (if not then pretty close)
I picked up a early 2011 MBP 15" in June and had the logic board go last week. In terms of customer support and turnover time, Apple has impressed me as this is my first Mac. However, in the 3 years I've owned my PC which I built, it has only had problems with a faulty video card.


It's pretty trivial to add RAM to a Mac, in either Mac or PC case, you save a ton of money buying installing it yourself.

+1