BobGeorge909 said:

novabrkr said:

To be honest, Windows is just designed in a manner that makes getting a malware infection likelier. It's not just about the market share. I've personally always found macs overpriced and underpowered, but I have to say that the way Microsoft has handled the malware issue is just abysmal and inexcusable. Malware protection is big business as well. Many companies benefit from the situation quite considerably.

I'm on Linux myself, because I'm a nerd.

as much as I love macs...that is painfully true. Even with a student discount, u're still getting date-raped. I'm definately curious about linux, but don't have dough to build a computer right now...so I'll pound away at my emac.

The student discount is absolutely ridiculous.

They should just not give one because it really doesn't make much difference.

Graycap23 said:

U want something that works? Buy a mac.

Oh that's why PC's dominate the market.

Mac make sense as you get a seamless integration between operating system and machine.

I have a MacBook that I've been rocking since 2006 and aside from needing to replace the battery I've had no issues.

If you're in the market the new Mac Air were released and are super fast and super affordable.

Ultimately though - it's each to their own - apples and pcs as it were.

[Edited 7/22/11 4:41am]

SUPRMAN said:

Graycap23 said:

U want something that works? Buy a mac.

Oh that's why PC's dominate the market.

Honda's outsell Ferrari's.

Graycap23 said:

SUPRMAN said:

Oh that's why PC's dominate the market.

Honda's outsell Ferrari's.

Macs are no Ferrarri's to make PC's look like Hondas/

SUPRMAN said:

Graycap23 said:

Honda's outsell Ferrari's.

Macs are no Ferrarri's to make PC's look like Hondas/

Once agian.....u missed the point.

SUPRMAN said:

Graycap23 said:

Honda's outsell Ferrari's.

Macs are no Ferrarri's to make PC's look like Hondas/

Actually I think it's a valid analogy, because you can trick out a Honda to race, just like you can trick out a cheaper PC to race an expensive mac, but the macs can come with everything included AND all the features are designed beautifully in how it looks, opens up, and fits together.

They both can do the same things with all the right ingredients, but the Mac is a luxury version computer with design value included.

The iMACS come with incredible LED monitors built into a one piece sleek design (that i'm sure someone will copy in the PC world like they always do). Just that makes them worth it! Plus they use the new thunderbolt port built right in. It's a new way of hooking up drives, servers, monitors.

ufoclub said:

SUPRMAN said:

Macs are no Ferrarri's to make PC's look like Hondas/

Actually I think it's a valid analogy, because you can trick out a Honda to race, just like you can trick out a cheaper PC to race an expensive mac, but the macs can come with everything included AND all the features are designed beautifully in how it looks, opens up, and fits together.

They both can do the same things with all the right ingredients, but the Mac is a luxury version computer with design value included.

The iMACS come with incredible LED monitors built into a one piece sleek design (that i'm sure someone will copy in the PC world like they always do). Just that makes them worth it! Plus they use the new thunderbolt port built right in. It's a new way of hooking up drives, servers, monitors.

it makes sense, though I think it might be closer to say PC's are a pair of jeans from the Gap and Macs are a pair of designer jeans from Nordstrom.

They both get the job done, but one is a bit more stylish and comfy (and expensive).

[Edited 7/22/11 10:37am]

cause you can run both windows and osX on a mac - if you think there is abest of both worlds you can have it

TonyVanDam said:

Ace said:

It would be a laptop and I insist on an "Antiglare" display, so - as I understand it - that would limit my choices to 15-inch-or-greater MacBook Pro's?

I owned a Mac a long-ass time ago, so my experience with that desktop is really useless.

Aside from aesthetics and less worries about malware, why should I buy one of these over a Windows machine?

Alternatively, Windows-people, feel free to chime in and tell me why I should stick with a PC.

PCs are just fine. It's OS like Windows Vista & 7 that are the real problems.

Why not just leave the Microsoft Plantation like I did and make the switch to Linux? There are plenty of Linux Distros (Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, etc.) to choose from. If you want some very user-friendly, try Linux Mint first.

Yep, I have a HP (Vista OS) 2009 notebook that couldn't be upgrade to Windows 7. So, I went with Linux Mint

- 1.2.3. up and running. Ubuntu is fine if you geeky and wanna "tool" around but if you don't have the patience to do some trouble shootong go with Linux Mint lastest release. One downer, if you're an Apple gadget man than Linux doesn't work with iTunes /iPod / iPad.

If you have excess money or you REALLY max out computer specs get a mac. If you do the basics that everyone else does with a computer get a pc and save a ton of cash.

Efan said:

Ace said:

That does suck.

That is true, but isn't it just a matter of time before Macs have to deal with viruses in the same way? Or am I missing something?

No. There have been plenty of "attempts" at making OS X viruses but no one has managed to create a self-replicating one that will actually "live" in the wild. The best any hackers have come up with are trojans (bad programs pretending to be something else, like a virus scanner) which actually requires the user to manually download the software, from a shady website no less, give it their account password, etc...

Viruses will never be as wide-spread on macs as they are on Windows installations.

armpit said:

Macs are really gorgeous.

They're also really expensive, and you have to jump hoops to even be able to run most programs on them since most programs are created for PCs that use WINDOWS.

armpit, the 90's called and they want their lame excuses back.

I've been running a Mac with OS X since 2001 and have NEVER wanted for software. There is absolutely no shortage of great software for the Mac and a heck of a lot of it is both stylish and easier to use than Windows counterparts. Everything from simple web-design software to managing video codecs for watching downloaded movies is easier on the Mac.

The "Mac App Store" included with latest releases even makes it easier to find not just the software, but to make the best choices on which particular app fits your needs/is worth the money.

Furthermore, should you choose to torture yourself - Macs are fully capable of running Windows and Linux in a "dual-boot" scenario so in reality, Macs are capable of running more software than any other PC available.

TD3 said:

Yep, I have a HP (Vista OS) 2009 notebook that couldn't be upgrade to Windows 7. So, I went with Linux Mint

- 1.2.3. up and running. Ubuntu is fine if you geeky and wanna "tool" around but if you don't have the patience to do some trouble shootong go with Linux Mint lastest release. One downer, if you're an Apple gadget man than Linux doesn't work with iTunes /iPod / iPad.

Another problem with virtually all "desktop" oriented versions of Linux is that it is difficult to upgrade software from one version to another without upgrading the whole OS. You're essentially restricted to getting bugfixes unless you want to get into a pattern of upgrading Linux every 6 months.

jtfolden said:

TD3 said:

Yep, I have a HP (Vista OS) 2009 notebook that couldn't be upgrade to Windows 7. So, I went with Linux Mint- 1.2.3. up and running. Ubuntu is fine if you geeky and wanna "tool" around but if you don't have the patience to do some trouble shooting go with Linux Mint lastest release. One downer, if you're an Apple gadget man than Linux doesn't work with iTunes /iPod / iPad.

Another problem with virtually all "desktop" oriented versions of Linux is that it is difficult to upgrade software from one version to another without upgrading the whole OS. You're essentially restricted to getting bugfixes unless you want to get into a pattern of upgrading Linux every 6 months.

That's true too, I forgot about that. Even so, depending on your needs, set-up, and personal perferences it's not necessary to update every time (6 months on average) just because. I use all three OS: Linux, Windows, & Mac's. My HP Envy '14 Beats arrived two days ago so far it's a pretty cool lil' machine. I'm still gonna dual boot HP Envy with Linux Mint

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

[Edited 7/29/11 6:35am]

TD3 said:

That's true too, I forgot about that. Even so, depending on your needs, set-up, and personal perferences it's not necessary to update every time (6 months on average) just because.

That's right... for a lot of people it's not a completely obvious problem. The only time it really bites you in the butt is when you run into an unfinished feature or issue in a program that's only been dealt with in a newer release, not readily available to you.

What, exactly, can you do on a mac that you can't do on a PC these days?

I think the issue is that if you want to do all those things you have to buy a higher end PC (one that contains and will properly run the hardware and software you want/need), not the ones you can get in the $300-500 range. Which is why you can't get ANY macs for that price.

Cerebus said:

What, exactly, can you do on a mac that you can't do on a PC these days?

Access the internet without worrying about an antivirus.

Seriously, it's not a matter of what you can or can't do, for the most part, but I think it's very much about HOW you perform those tasks. My personal opinion is that a mac makes most of them easier and the UI itself tends to get out of the way and let you go to work.

Windows is rather cluttered, both from a UI perspective, and in the ways you accomplish a task.

Here's a great example: http://twitpic.com/5vbvf9

[Edited 7/29/11 21:14pm]

With Windows Vista it didn't really matter what price point you bought a computer at... it didn't work with a lot of hardware or software. I guess the question should be, what do you want and need the computer to do for you? How much are you willing and able to spend? All 3 have there pro and cons... Linux Distro's, Windows, and Apple OS that is.

Efan said:

Ace said:

That does suck.

That is true, but isn't it just a matter of time before Macs have to deal with viruses in the same way? Or am I missing something?

you're missing something. Macs are designed for security, which is why there aren't viruses. Windows was never designed for security, which is why there are many viruses.

"Our products just aren't engineered for security" - Brian Valentine - Senior vice-president in charge of Microsoft window's development - 9-6-2002

babyjubilation said:

Macs are low maintenance but high priced. Windows is high maintenance and low priced. I'm so relaxed with my mac but it acts up sometimes. Had it for almost 4 years and works just fine. Though it does go through emo moments like once a every two months.

while it's true you can get a PC for less than you can get a mac for, that doesn't mean macs are high priced, it means Apple won't sell junk. The MacBook Air has been so successful that PC manufacturers are trying to copy it with Intel's UltraBook initiative. The goal was to undercut Apple. The only problem, they are having trouble building the machines for the prices Apple sells them for.

While Intel hopes that retail prices for initial Ultrabook models to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2011 can be set below US$1,000 to promote adoption of the ultra-thin notebook platform, actual production costs render the hope practically infeasible, according to Taiwan-based makers.

http://www.digitimes.com/...PD224.html

Tablet makers ran into the same problems trying to compete with the iPads. They threw their designs in the trash, started over, thew the new designs into the trash when the iPad 2 came out.

alandail said:

Tablet makers ran into the same problems trying to compete with the iPads. They threw their designs in the trash, started over, thew the new designs into the trash when the iPad 2 came out.

...and it's pretty amazing the run that Apple is having - virtually creating the tablet market with the iPad owning 90-95% share, being the top smartphone manufacturer (with just one model, essentially) and having been the top media player manufacturer for a great number of years now.

This is the company Michael Dell said should have its doors shut and given all the money given back to shareholders.

Cerebus said:

What, exactly, can you do on a mac that you can't do on a PC these days?

I think the issue is that if you want to do all those things you have to buy a higher end PC (one that contains and will properly run the hardware and software you want/need), not the ones you can get in the $300-500 range. Which is why you can't get ANY macs for that price.

Steve Jobs said it best when he was asked why they didn't ahve a lower end PC or lower end pricing.

He said, "We dont ship junk."

For this reason, I think macs (the computers themselves) will always be slightly niche, though

the market is obviously growing.

But to think of Apple as a PC manufacturer is outdated. They're a lifestyle company now.

The iPad is priced below many of the competing tablets, and yet the look and feel is far

superior.

The iPod killed it's iPod killer because it's superior with regard to it's song selection and

software offerings (not to mention the gorgeous retina display).

OS-X Lion is a sweet ass operating system (and this is from what is essentially a hardware company! )

Look, I'm not going to lie and say that macs are inexpensive or that they are a bargain basement

deal. But, the notion that folks are paying a premium for 'name' is hogwash. The devices

that Apple sells satisfy their clients from all walks of life--not just uppity yuppies.

I'm in a developing country and folks love their Apple products here.

Large software selection, elegent and attractive products, satisfied customers, and a culture

built around their brand that ensures loyalty. If any other company were able to pull that

off so nicely, they'd be hailed as geniuses too.

imago said:

Cerebus said:

What, exactly, can you do on a mac that you can't do on a PC these days?

I think the issue is that if you want to do all those things you have to buy a higher end PC (one that contains and will properly run the hardware and software you want/need), not the ones you can get in the $300-500 range. Which is why you can't get ANY macs for that price.

Steve Jobs said it best when he was asked why they didn't ahve a lower end PC or lower end pricing.

He said, "We dont ship junk."

For this reason, I think macs (the computers themselves) will always be slightly niche, though

the market is obviously growing.

But to think of Apple as a PC manufacturer is outdated. They're a lifestyle company now.

The iPad is priced below many of the competing tablets, and yet the look and feel is far

superior.

The iPod killed it's iPod killer because it's superior with regard to it's song selection and

software offerings (not to mention the gorgeous retina display).

OS-X Lion is a sweet ass operating system (and this is from what is essentially a hardware company! )

Look, I'm not going to lie and say that macs are inexpensive or that they are a bargain basement

deal. But, the notion that folks are paying a premium for 'name' is hogwash. The devices

that Apple sells satisfy their clients from all walks of life--not just uppity yuppies.

I'm in a developing country and folks love their Apple products here.

Large software selection, elegent and attractive products, satisfied customers, and a culture

built around their brand that ensures loyalty. If any other company were able to pull that

off so nicely, they'd be hailed as geniuses too.

I don't disagree with you at all. Apple does what they do well, even if I don't always agree with their business practices and design decisions (I HATE ipods and I hate itunes - screw both of 'em).

What I'm saying is that if you spend the same amount of money on a high end PC (I think) you'd be buying a comparable machine. Only a Mac would work completely different than what you've been used to for five, ten, fifteen years, because its a Mac instead of a PC.

I've always been open about may hate for Apple and love of PCs. I've been a PC user constantly since 1996 and I've never had a single major problem. I take care of them like you're supposed to and everything works fine (I'm the guy my friends call to fix their PCs when they don't do these things ).

However, although I may be stubborn - duh!), I'm not a fool. I'm well aware that I don't know exactly what I'm talking about because I refuse to buy anything Apple produces. Maybe that's a loss for me, but I don't think so. I do a lot of work with music, including high end studio software, I play games, I make videos, I edit pictures etc, etc, etc. I've messed around on a Mac and I hated it. I hated the mouse, I hated how different the UI was, I felt completely lost. Doesn't mean they aren't better, I'm just saying I don't necesarrily think a loyal PC user needs to be convinced to by a mac, UNLESS there is something they CAN'T DO on their PC (or a new PC).

[Edited 7/30/11 23:15pm]

i dont think its worth it. theyre way overpriced. you could get an awesome pc for the price of a regular mac. just get a good antivirus program and take good care of your pc and youll be fine. user friendliness isnt worth hundreds of dollars.

dyvrdown said:

i dont think its worth it. theyre way overpriced. you could get an awesome pc for the price of a regular mac. just get a good antivirus program and take good care of your pc and youll be fine. user friendliness isnt worth hundreds of dollars.

This is just not true.

A comparibly built PC would probably run about a hundred bucks less than a regular mac.

And this is before you spend the 50 to 70 bucks on anti-virus you'd need on a PC. And this is sans

the editing suite of iLife pre-loaded on macs.

Macs are not way overpriced. They are high end machines. Certainly not alienware machines, but then alienware machines can run a good bundle.

imago said:

dyvrdown said:

i dont think its worth it. theyre way overpriced. you could get an awesome pc for the price of a regular mac. just get a good antivirus program and take good care of your pc and youll be fine. user friendliness isnt worth hundreds of dollars.

This is just not true.

A comparibly built PC would probably run about a hundred bucks less than a regular mac.

And this is before you spend the 50 to 70 bucks on anti-virus you'd need on a PC. And this is sans

the editing suite of iLife pre-loaded on macs.

Macs are not way overpriced. They are high end machines. Certainly not alienware machines, but then alienware machines can run a good bundle.

I always say that simply the level of engeneering that goes into the design of a Mac is worth every single penny that you might spend on one.

Don't know what it's like where you guys live, but a "comparibly built" PCs over here are typically 300-600 euros cheaper than the Macintosh computers sold in the Apple stores. If you want one of the better models that Apple has - and not just the very basic ones - then you're also better be prepared to fork over a serious amount of money for it.

It's hard to tell how much does image branding really influence the purchase decision of most Mac folks. I just have tough time believing most of them would be into using a PC like mine that currently lies on the floor with half of its chassis open and that's mostly built of different coloured parts that I've gotten for free from friends or picked up from the trash.

I don't blame people for wanting some luxury items for themselves though. I have a Moog synth myself.

the problem with macs getting popular, is that now there will be viruses designed for it. Stop making viruses you crazy programmers!