Anyone like Macs? (Convince me to buy one) [Archive] - Audio & Video Forums

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tin ear
11-26-2006, 04:28 PM
My Dell Insp. 9300 got a virus or something, anyway a boot file got corrupted and it is dead. I just put it in the closet. Hell with it. :incazzato: Whenever I can, I'll try to slap its drive in another computer and see what data I can save.

I'm pretty sick of windows and all the crap associated with it (crashes, attacks, spending half my time keeping it updated...), and last time I looked, Linux wasn't quite ready for prime time. So that pretty much leaves... Mac.

I have heard Macs don't crash as much, and don't have as much trouble with being attacked. I've been to their site, which is not terribly informative. >>Know of anywhere I can study up on Macbooks? What are the best reasons to abandon MS-based machines after 20 years? Or is that a good idea? I might just whup out the credit card any minute. Am I just being extreme?

Thanks
-Jon

tin ear
11-26-2006, 05:31 PM
I found switchingtomac.com
That'll keep me busy a while.

icarus
11-26-2006, 05:47 PM
Mac:
Pros:
- Superior Operating system in terms of stability, security, and build (i.e. how it was put together and what makes it work)
- Now use Intel processors, adding performance over the older mac machines and allows you to run Windows on your machine
- Excellent multimedia software. Mac brand software (like their iLife package) is also usually pretty slick, powerful and easy to use.
Cons:
- COMPATIBILITY ISSUES (although it's getting better.....)
- still not quite as good performance as a PC
- not as much available for macs in terms of software, perifials, acessors etc..and less options when buying and higher cost

PC:
Pros:
- A lot more available in terms of software, hardware, peripherals, upgrades, replacement parts, accessories etc...
- No compatibility issues in terms of software, hardware, peripherals and accessories like mp3 players, usb drives etc...
- Better performance for the enthusiast i.e. better for gaming, programming and overclocking
- Better for IT professionals and businesses (for the most part)
- Although Windows is in a transition b/n XP and Vista, Vista seems to be promising as to what they will offer, at least in the sense that they seem to have tried to learn from their competitors this time around.
Cons:
The only cons that lie within buying a PC are the cons/issues that are a part of windows...
- Windows is less stable, secure and is more problematic in general. It takes more maintenance to keep it running smoothly and usually requires a complete reformat every couple of years.
- Windows in general is not as good as the Mac operating system
- Windows brand software is not as good as Mac Brand software, however Windows has a lot more options when it comes to 3rd party software
- Windows is in a transition stage between Vista and XP and when Vista comes out, the hardware requirements will be higher (i.e. will need more ram to run it) and there will be more "flavors" that you have to decipher to try and figure out what you need i.e. instead of picking XP Home or XP Professional (2 types), you will now have about 6 types to choose between, which will prove to be problematic and will be one of Vista's pitfalls

kexodusc
11-26-2006, 05:49 PM
I've used Macs for years. I like'em fine, but I've found PC's have become better in recent years in a lot of areas. Especially Windows, as evil as it is.
I finally bought a home PC and haven't looked back. Gotta admit, most of the anti-PC stuff I use to preach was terribly outdated. My last 2 Macs have been laptops from work (still use one) and I've had some qc problems but I'm told that laptops are just high maintenance anyway, and has little to do with Apple. Macs are less prone to security risk, which might be important to you. Suck for gaming though.
Guess it depends what you want it for, and how often you'd upgrade pieces or all of it. Unless you're a hardcore gamer though I don't think you'd be disappointed - there's a certain fun factor to them.

basite
11-27-2006, 08:50 AM
windows is crap, that's the way it is, the reason for that is that in all those years, they're still just expanding their first version, which is dos, which had alot of problems, but, since it's the biggest (in the meaning of the most used around the world) it's the only option i have, i mean, i play games, this is almost impossible on the macs, because they don't have any games. if there was an alternative to windows (there are some, but no one produces software and games for it) i'd instantly get it, to finally get rid of windows. but, if you're not a gamer, but you don't want windows, try linux, besides, it's free, it's loads faster than ANY other operating system and therefore you can run it on every pc. it is kindof hard to install and install the first things though, after that, everything will go flawless.

ericl
11-27-2006, 10:07 AM
I don't think windows is such a lousy OS anymore, in fact i do think it can give you better performance in some ways, but I think windows hardware is generally inferior. Because macs have just a handful of hardware configurations, they are better able to tailor the OS, drivers, and hardware to work well together. The result is a lot of really old macs in service for a long time.

For non-advanced computer users - non-techie friends and family members, i recommend mac all the way. You don't have to worry about spyware, viruses and millions of obnoxious applications installing themselves and running automatically, hogging all your system resources. I don't know how many Windows machines I've had to clean up for friends and family because they started running like crap after owning them for a year.. Macs don't have that problem.

For a music server application, mac just kicks the crap out of windows. sound is better and iTunes on mac is just a kick butt application.

basite
11-27-2006, 11:23 AM
sound is also better on linux, but seriously, windows might be fast, when you have installed it 10 minutes ago, then it's fast, after a month or 3 it's speed degrades, then you do a HUGE cleanup, and it will go a little faster again, and after that, it will start annoying you with errors,

and vista is nice and good and a little more stable, for a month or 2, and then the crap started.

yes, windows is good in some things, and it can do things others can't, but if all the producers were making their software for linux too, everyone would have linux by now.


greetings,
Basite.

tin ear
11-27-2006, 05:10 PM
Thanks, y'all. I tried Linux 4 or 5 years ago, and it seemed just, not quite fully formed. I had Linux Mandrake, don't remember which version - 6 maybe. I kinda liked it, though. Just didn't quite understand how all to use it. Heck, I even tried Beos! Talk about not fully formed! Still, I liked better than W-95.

What's the SOTA Linux flavor these days, I wonder?

Dumb question: Since the MacBooks run on Intel architecture, why can't I load Mac OS on my Dell laptop? I guess the MacBooks all run on dual core Intels, and my Dell isn't dual core. Maybe that's the answer.

If I could find someone to set up my Dell laptop with the best SOTA Linux, I might consider doing that. I could do it (done it before), but I already have too many other hobbies, not looking for another. But, at least I already have the hardware, instead of buying a new computer (Mac).

OK, well back to the ozone looking for more info...

tin ear
11-27-2006, 06:10 PM
Looked up on my shelf & see I have L. Mandrake v.8. I used that years ago when I had dial-up, before wireless LAN, wireless NIC, cable internet, etc.

Reading about Linux on the net is giving me a headache. Can anyone suggest a current distribution known to work well with a Dell Inspiron 9300? Or suggest a good link? I found this: http://www.linux-on-laptops.com/dell.html but that is what's giving me a headache. Maybe I can go to Dell & ask them, but I doubt it -- probably joined @ the hip w/ MS.

OK Thx
-j

tin ear
11-27-2006, 06:18 PM
I can't play Quake?? F&%$ a buncha Macs then!
Not a big gamer, actually, but I do enjoy Quake now & then.
Probably couldn't play it on Linux either..

Macs do music good though, huh? Hmm.. that is persuasive.

paul_pci
11-27-2006, 11:06 PM
I can't play Quake?? F&%$ a buncha Macs then!
Not a big gamer, actually, but I do enjoy Quake now & then.
Probably couldn't play it on Linux either..

Macs do music good though, huh? Hmm.. that is persuasive.

Not sure which Quake you play, but you can buy Quake 4 at the Apple Store:

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/61244002/wo/iN3tBozud3ij28sPdwG2Bq1gXc9/1.0.21.1.0.8.25.7.11.0.3

basite
11-28-2006, 07:54 AM
well, that's what i've been saying, everyone only produces it's software (well, maybe not all of them, but almost all the games only come out for windows) for windows, because 90% of the world uses it!

the older games might have been released for other os'es too, or there were tools released to emulate them, but, if you want to play games, buy windows.

noddin0ff
11-28-2006, 08:34 AM
Remember, new macs are dual boot. You can load up Windoze on them now and run as a full native PC using Apple's free 'bootcamp' or a better 3rd party application whose name escapes me. The 3rd party app will let you switch OS with out rebooting. Performance tests suggest Macs running Windows are equivalent to PC's running windows. There may still be an issue supporting some graphic cards and the like...
http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/

Macs, if I recall have some Mac specific firmware that is proprietary and only comes on a Mac. You can't run the Mac OS on a PC with out it.

But the key reasons for switching to Mac 1) Stability 2) Virus/Spyware Free 3) Ease of Use.

Reason to not go Mac 1) Hard Core graphic intesive gaming due to possible lack of support with video drivers when booting as a PC.

spasticteapot
11-30-2006, 10:20 PM
Looked up on my shelf & see I have L. Mandrake v.8. I used that years ago when I had dial-up, before wireless LAN, wireless NIC, cable internet, etc.

Reading about Linux on the net is giving me a headache. Can anyone suggest a current distribution known to work well with a Dell Inspiron 9300? Or suggest a good link? I found this: http://www.linux-on-laptops.com/dell.html but that is what's giving me a headache. Maybe I can go to Dell & ask them, but I doubt it -- probably joined @ the hip w/ MS.

OK Thx
-j

MEPIS linux is a good bet - it worked fine on my 9100. Ubuntu worked well, too.

I know that Quake and UT are both mac-compatible

emorphien
12-08-2006, 10:16 PM
Might be too late but here is my take:

Mac Pros:
Can run OSX or Windows.
OSX is a very secure OS.
Less expensive (not overall, but for the individual purchase).
Includes lots of bonus software.
Cons:
Limitations of software choices within OSX.
Limitations of performance of some software within OSX.
Cost of the system.
Decent quality hardware, but not the best generally speaking in terms of durability or reliability (particularly laptops)
Limitations in the choice of hardware.
Keeping up to date can be a nuisance to some who don't like to pay every 18 months for the latest version.
A lot of the included software is not very good.

those are the biggest issues that come up for me

Windows Pros
Massive hardware and software support.
Better enthusiast platform.
One initial purchase, all major updates are free until the next big version is released.
Custom building!
Works with a broader array of peripherals and gadgets.
Cons
Vulnerability issues (remains to be seen how Vista improves on this)
Less included software than Apple, and even worse in some cases.
Higher initial cost for the operating system.
Requires a bit of vigiliance to keep healthy.


Ok so you see I mention OS cost in there. I own Macs and PCs, and I like building my own systems (and thinkpads, nothing beats a thinkpad). The initial cost for Windows is higher but the cost for updates doesn't exist until the next big version comes out. Apples OS charges less for each update but they are more frequent. So price wise it averages out.

As far as performance, stability and reliability, they are pretty much on par. However you can't just go to all those porn sites and click on every email attachment you get if you don't know what it is. If you keep common sense about you those aren't issues. The other issues such as antivirus and spyware cleanup can be handled for free and between several computers I don't spend more than 10 minutes a month keeping them all maintained and happy. So as long as you stay away from bad hardware and bad software Windows is very dependable as well.

Other than that, in terms of usability and interface it's a personal preference thing. Just like speakers. I can't say I like one better than the other, but I may give the slight edge to Windows in that regard as it just suits my working style better.

tin ear
12-10-2006, 07:25 AM
Thanks, y'all for all the info. The Dell laptop is still sitting there while I decide what to do. I'll probably see if Dell can provide a driver disc & try to fix it myself. At any rate I'll fool with it the last week of the year, which I have off from work.

I guess to me Mac/Windas (/Linux) issue is about vulnerability. Thing is, I take the time to do the security updates, etc. I keep my computers pretty tight, but something slipped in anyway I guess.

(I'm not serious about Quake, but it is fun :D )

I appreciate all your input.
Jon

Carl Reid
12-11-2006, 07:36 AM
I think the points listed so far have pretty much hit the nail on the head...

There's really not a clear case of MAC is better than Windows or Vice Versa... It really just depends on what you want to use it for...

I have an IBM Stinkpad that I use for work (which is acceptable for work purposes) but at home I have a MAC Mini (no monitor) hooked up directly to my TV and Stereo... and I use it primarily as a music server.... and for web surfing.... so it does exactly what I want it to do really well....

I don't play computer games that's not an issue for me....

So I guess, just figure out what you really need the computer for and then you can determine whether PC or MAC is the best fit for you....