Apple or Windows?

[Cochonette]

So my Windows Vista Gateway laptop crashed recently after almost four years of use. I have been told to get an Apple because they don't get viruses, but I read a claim that this is only because there are more Windows computers out there and so it gets targeted more. I have used Apple computers in the library before, and it seems cool enough. I am also pretty comfortable with Windows Vista, and I loved my Gateway laptop. I chose Gateway because my brother had one and I thought it was great. I am kind of attached to the familiar, but I know that I would get used to Apple after a while. However, I have been using Windows since 1999, so it might take quite a while to get used to not having it anymore.

What do you think? Should I get an Apple? I am going to Best Buy today to look at some computers.

[SatvikBeri]

I like Windows simply for the reason that it works with the majority of software and hardware. With Apple or Unix systems you often have to look for workarounds and that is frustrating and time consuming. However, the virus point is true-even though Apple computers aren't inherently more secure, the fact is that you'll be less likely to get your computer infected on a Mac.

It's also worth noting that Windows 7 is much better than Windows Vista in terms of speed and security.

[curiouslyrandom]

It really depends on what you're using the computer for. I'm a Mac fan, but my son is a PC junkie. I use my computer for work, art, and writing (and forum posting ). He uses his for gaming. I have had zero viruses over the past 8 years. He gets a ton.

Can you rent or borrow one for a week and see how it feels? You may find the Mac interface to be more comfortable, or you may decide that PC is really what you want. Only you can know for sure which is best for you.

[Cochonette]

Thanks for the tips. I am writing from a MacBook in Best Buy right now. I noticed that these things are way more expensive. It costs twice as much to get the same deal on a MacBook as compared to Windows 7.

And I thought more things were compatible with Apple? Didn't know that, Satvik. I had one or two programs that told me I couldn't use them without Mac, though I found an easy workaround for the one I remember. I am really tempted to just go with Windows 7 now because I could buy a regular one and a mini one for less than the price of a single Mac and get more ram and more hard drive space. My mom is paying for all of this, but it would be nice to have both the heavy one and the tiny one for different uses!

[Criseyde]

I'm only semi-computer literate and I do just fine with Windows. I have a good antivirus program and I run Adblock and NoScript in my browser. I haven't had a virus in years (knock on wood). I also have a good antivirus program and if the system starts to run slowly or I see anything suspicious, I just boot into safe mode and scan it.

In the interest of full disclosure, though, my 4 year old Thinkpad recently had to have a fan and the keyboard replaced. The ITS people told me that it looks like I take really good care of it and this is pretty standard wear and tear. I don't know how much better or worse different brands do as far as hardware goes.

I've always wanted a Mac for the cool factor though.

[MarkBrooks]

For some reason...I feel apple will play a large part in our technical future. Beyond our expectations.

[ssandra]

I personally like windows 7 better.

My next computer though I'm going to make sure that it has more processing power (or whatever it is that takes care of that) so that it doesn't overheat as fast when watching video's or listening to music.

I think it is mainly important what you use it for. If you take your computer with you a lot, I'd get a smaller and lighter one. If you use it at a desk or most of the day, consider buying one with a large screen.

[st33med]

Originally Posted by ssandra

I personally like windows 7 better.

My next computer though I'm going to make sure that it has more processing power (or whatever it is that takes care of that) so that it doesn't overheat as fast when watching video's or listening to music.

I think it is mainly important what you use it for. If you take your computer with you a lot, I'd get a smaller and lighter one. If you use it at a desk or most of the day, consider buying one with a large screen.

Pretty much any modern computers today will not overheat on viewing a video or listening to music. I think the inside of your case maybe clogged with dust.

[ssandra]

Originally Posted by st33med

Pretty much any modern computers today will not overheat on viewing a video or listening to music. I think the inside of your case maybe clogged with dust.

Maybe. What happened is that I was playing a stupid game online (bejeweled) for hours at the time... and since then it hasn't been working well.

It's almost 3 years old, so I guess it is time for a new one...

[curiouslyrandom]

Yes, a Mac is more expensive to start, but they typically last longer and don't need to be replaced every 3 years. The one I'm using now is from 2003, but it's had memory upgrades and operating system upgrades over the years and keeps going.

Long term, they come out to the same cost.

[Sansone]

Windows machines don't automatically have to get replaced every 3 years.

I'm typing from a toshiba A75 I've been using pretty much daily since 2004. I don't baby it by any means. I do know how to maintain it though, which pretty much makes the difference.

I did have to add memory to keep it useful over the years and it's time for being able to stay extremely useful is about up now.

Seriously though when you're talking about hardware, there's a point where it comes down to luck.

I don't think the hardware in a mac is so much more reliable as to be worth what they cost.

Originally Posted by ssandra

Maybe. What happened is that I was playing a stupid game online (bejeweled) for hours at the time... and since then it hasn't been working well.

It's almost 3 years old, so I guess it is time for a new one...

The dust advice up there is good. Take a vacuum cleaner to that thing before being so quick to trash it

[Cochonette]

Originally Posted by Sansone

Windows machines don't automatically have to get replaced every 3 years.

I'm typing from a toshiba A75 I've been using pretty much daily since 2004. I don't baby it by any means. I do know how to maintain it though, which pretty much makes the difference.

Yeah... I actually didn't take that great of care of my Gateway. I think that's why it crashed. =/ But it lasted 4 years in spite of everything and didn't give me too many problems until it crashed, so that's pretty impressive.

[vanderjohn]

An Apple Pie in a Window.


Just kidding. I like having devices like iPads and iPods from Apple, but my computers to run Windows. In fact I'm just noticing this trend now...weird.

[marinik]

Apple! I switched about a year ago from Windows! Mac is the way to go!

[James81]

They have Macs at the college and there are some really little things that are major annoyances with me. Perhaps I just haven't mastered the differences between working on a Mac and working on Windows, but one such annoyance is that the simple ability to maximize your screen doesn't appear to be on the mac -- you have to physically resize the screen yourself, and the **** of it is, you can only resize from the bottom right corner. There's also no right click on the mouse that can with it. You have to hold down the command key and click (<--HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE annoying thing right there ). (But I figure that one could be solved simply by buying a different mouse.

Also, using Microsoft Office on a Mac is not very user friendly. It separates the command palettes from the actual window itself, so that when you close it, you have to close both the window and the toolbar palette.

I'm sure a lot of this could probably be overcome with experience of use and customizing it the way you want it, but as a n00b to Mac, I find the learning curve to be more annoying than anything else.

[ssandra]

Originally Posted by Sansone

The dust advice up there is good. Take a vacuum cleaner to that thing before being so quick to trash it

but... but.... but.... I LIKE buying a new computer....???

[cacheborn]

I use Linux.
And I use Vista only to play AOE, still it hangs.

[Lil Chris]

Windows for me... I built my own though

Windows 7 64bit
Intel core i7 950 3.07Ghz
EVGA motherboard with 6 gigs of ram (It'll hold up to 24 gigs)
EVGA Nvidia GEForce GTX 560 ti (1 gig memory)
1 TB WD drive
BD Drive
TV Tuner
23" Samsung monitor

The only apple product I truly love is the ipad2, Hate iTunes though... I generally dislike apple and their ways.

[newmark]

I prefer Apple. I think they are much more user friendly, although it took me a few months to get used to mine. I don't plan on going back to Windows, apart from the ones I have to use at work. However, I don't think Apples are any more reliable than Windows.

[MiBeloved]

you have to make your choice but people should know that windows do provide Microsoft Virus Protection free of charge and it works. You do not have to buy seperate virus protection as before.

[SatvikBeri]

Originally Posted by Cochonette

Thanks for the tips. I am writing from a MacBook in Best Buy right now. I noticed that these things are way more expensive. It costs twice as much to get the same deal on a MacBook as compared to Windows 7.

And I thought more things were compatible with Apple? Didn't know that, Satvik. I had one or two programs that told me I couldn't use them without Mac, though I found an easy workaround for the one I remember. I am really tempted to just go with Windows 7 now because I could buy a regular one and a mini one for less than the price of a single Mac and get more ram and more hard drive space. My mom is paying for all of this, but it would be nice to have both the heavy one and the tiny one for different uses!

There are mac-only programs, windows-only programs, and unix-only programs. I'm definitely under the impression that Mac compatibility is rarer than Windows compatibility, but it depends on what software you use. Like James mentioned, the user interfaces on Mac versions of Windows software are often very awkward.

A desktop (or heavy laptop) + light laptop is a great idea. I'm seriously considering getting a desktop + iPad next time I replace my computer.

[Lil Chris]

Originally Posted by SatvikBeri

A desktop (or heavy laptop) + light laptop is a great idea. I'm seriously considering getting a desktop + iPad next time I replace my computer.

This is what I have and I'm typing this on the iPad now. Also, with the splashtop app, I can remote into my pc and use that from the iPad if necessary... It's quite cool

[Kaie]

Originally Posted by marinik

Apple! I switched about a year ago from Windows! Mac is the way to go!

I am partial to Mac as well, and the newer ones do have the option to right click. Mine is around 4 years old and I love it. I hope to be able to afford another one when this one goes.

[Criseyde]

Cochonette... I had a dream last night about my computer dying and I'm pretty sure it was because of this thread. Either that or it was my unconscious mind trying to tell me that I spend way too much time online.

[cacheborn]

Very few free softwares for Mac I think.

[Cochonette]

Originally Posted by Criseyde

Cochonette... I had a dream last night about my computer dying and I'm pretty sure it was because of this thread. Either that or it was my unconscious mind trying to tell me that I spend way too much time online.

When my computer died, it was like losing my best friend. Seriously.

This thread has me leaning toward Windows. Only thing is that when I was looking at it in the store, it looked exactly the same as Vista, which doesn't make it seem like a new beginning. :P But having a laptop mini would! And I still want to get the iPod Touch in addition to all of this! The tiny laptop costs the same as the iPod Touch. Well, $30 more.

[Ne Cede Malis]

When buying a computer you should also consider customer support when factoring in the total cost. I heard that Apple's customer support is pretty good nowadays - but I don't have an Apple so don't have any experience.

I used to be evangelical about Macs in the late 80's and throughout the 90s - but I was obliged to 'go over' to Windows PC for software reasons. I don't think there has been a better time to buy an Apple - never mind the fact that they are now 'in vogue' - they are more expensive but are they more reliable and will you get good customer support if things go wrong. IMO - windows ain't great - but a windows PC is cheap and it'll work - just

If money was no object - I'd have a mac again - but I'd install windows and a version of linux on it also - then I'd have the best of all worlds.

[ellie]

I use to be a PC girl, but I am an Apple girl now.

I find windows a lot more clunky. Macs you don't really don't have to go under the bonnet to much to fix things, whereas I feel you do with PC's. I just find macs very slick and super functional. Having said that they are not perfect.

Apple support is very good. It's expensive but worth it.

You can run Windows on Macs anyway.

[Artelus]

You will probably get a better computer for the same price if you don't buy Apple.

That being said, however, you might still want an Apple computer for the brand name, design, and the Mac OSX.

It's only harder to get a virus on a Mac because there are fewer viruses out for it. I use Windows 7 and I hardly get a virus, but that's only because I'm experienced enough with using the internet to not get infected. So in my perspective, the fact that Macs are less prone to virus infection doesn't matter to me, since I never get a virus while running a Windows operating system either.

The Mac OSX is different from Windows. You might find the little perks of the interface making it worth dishing out an extra $100 for a Mac with the same specs.

Also Apple is really good at designing their packaging and services. If you don't mind the fact that you're paying for that, then you should get an Apple pc.

That being said, if you choose to use a Windows pc, get Windows 7. Don't get Vista. Windows 7 is much better than Vista in many ways.

Basically:
If you want to get the most bang for your buck, get a windows PC.
If you want a pretty, simple, intuitive to use, but limited OS, get a MAC.

[Cochonette]

Originally Posted by Ne Cede Malis

If money was no object - I'd have a mac again - but I'd install windows and a version of linux on it also - then I'd have the best of all worlds.

So you can install Windows on Mac and get both, but not vice versa? Does that take up a lot of your hard drive space?