Mac or PC???

[CelticBelle]

Im looking for a new laptop. Ive only ever used dells, but now Im debating a mac. I think the OS looks nice, but im used to my PC and im not sure if its worth it to switch. Would be easy enough for me to change and get used to it.

Anyone switched from PC to Mac? someone convince me:confused3

[ghost1000]

i switched a couple of years ago and wish I would have earlier. I think they are the best choice for home computers because of their stability, included software and you don't have to worry about viruses.

Microsoft office is available (and there is a reduced price student/home version also) that is fully compatible with other versions so you can send files to PC users.

As far as switching there is a few day learning curve - but its mostly just about forgetting how Windows does things and thinking "what would make sense to do here" and 99% of the time that works.

Edit - oh and a good resource are the tutorial videos on the apple.com website here: http://www.apple.com/mac/

Thats another thing - the service and support from Apple is excellent (and I recommend purchasing their apple care warranty which extends the warranty and phone support to 3 years) since they provide the hardware AND the software there is only one number to call regardless of the problem.

[WaltD4Me]

I also always get a Dell. My brother swears by his Mac though. I used his Mac laptop for a couple weeks while I was waiting for my new computer to arrive and while I do think it was nice, it didn't take me that long to get used to it either, even being a longtime PC user, I didn't think switching was worth the price difference. I got a pretty loaded new Dell for a really good price, alot less than a Mac would have been. I don't know, if I could get a Mac for the same price as my Dell, I might think about it, but just as a user I didn't think there was anything on the Mac to justify the price difference. There may be some technie things I don't know about it, but after using the Mac for 2 weeks, I wasn't sad to be going back to my PC.

[ghost1000]

I just configured a Dell laptop with the same specs as the mid level Macbook (only one I could get to match up well with the options) and it came to $1,229. You can get the Macbook for $1,224 after rebate from Amazon. So price really is a wash if you compare apples to apples (pun intended :) ).

[Anna114]

I use PC's at work and mac's at home. I would choose a mac every time. I just find it so much easier to deal with. My husband is my MAC genius.

[CelticBelle]

thanks for the info. I think I kind of freak out when I look at the apple site and see that you cant really configure the Macs. Im used to being able to customize the dell to what you want. But im sure what they already have configured is more than enough. They also seem to include things that are extra on dells like the camera and bluetooth. I think its just the fact that its cookie cutter and not to personal that gets me...haha

One thing that is comforting is that you can run windows on the mac also. Its just nice to know there is still something familiar if need be.

[concept5123]

mac.....im done :thumbsup2

[Nicole786]

The thing that sold me on it was iPhoto. I can't imagine not having it :) It comes on all the computers. And there are so many resources out there for learning Macs. It's so different nowadays compared to a few years ago. the iMac is the #1 sold CPU on the market, and the macbook is the #1 college notebook!

[djlexus]

Heres it is pc's are more expensive then macs woah hard to believe right not really. Heres what u have to look at when u look at mac pc's now of days come with pretty much nothing in the way of software just the os thats it unless u configure it to have some. Macs come with everything out of the box. If u look at the cost of the software that u get on the mac and what u would have to pay to get it on a pc the numbers are huge. Its literally almost 1000 dollars worth of software. Plus think of all the money ur saving by not having to have virus protection paying that yearly subscription. Mac just makes sense all around it saves u so much money in the long run. They also save u alot of headaches too they dont crash as much hardly ever and life is just easier on a mac everything is drag and drop. I have to say 5 years i will never regret and 15 years of regret of having to put up with windows.

[CelticBelle]

Ok so ive wanted to switch to mac, and I think you all have convinced me. (what can i say I love and trust my fellow disers) But now how do I justify switching out my perfectly good pc for a mac. I wanted to downgrade in size and upgrade to vista anyway. But im also a poor college student and cant drop money for a new computer...:rolleyes1

[CelticBelle]

Oh ya... Ive been looking for what software it comes with and havent been able to find much info. Does it include office?

[ghost1000]

I think I kind of freak out when I look at the apple site and see that you cant really configure the Macs.

Well you can configure the really high end ones but on the Macbooks it is pretty much just upping the HD and Memory (and FYI it is extremely easy to change out the hard drive and memory on the MacBooks - all it takes is a small phillips screwdriver and about 10 minutes).

I actually think that the non-configurable "generic" hardware is one of Mac's strengths. Why? Programmers know exactly what hardware is in there so they can write for it and get the most out of it. They don't have to consider 100 different video cards in the process.

You hit the nail on the head with the Windows fallback option. My father had a Mini that he ran Windows and Autocad (a drafting program) on and it ran better than his desktop machine. He recently switched to a Macbook and we discovered another Mac benefit that shocked us - they actually have a very good resale value. It was a 2+ year old computer and he sold it for about 3/4 of what he paid for it.

[ghost1000]

If you are a student be sure to go to Apples online store and click education at the bottom and you can get a very good discount on them.

What software comes with them? First off there is the iLife suite which is iPhoto (photo organizer), iMovie (movie maker), Garage Band (audio program), iDVD (DVD creator), and iWeb (website maker). Then there is your standard stuff such as mail, iCal (calendar), Safari (web browser), and a few other odds and ends.

Office does not come with them (I think they ship with a free trial). There is a reduced price student version though. There are free alternatives such as OpenOffice and Mac are working getting their own office type application (iWork) up to speed, but really the real Office is still the best.

[Happymom34]

To make things simple, macs are more ergonomic, but are beaten in terms of computer power.

[trivial]

I've been using PCs for about 20 years, and I used to work for Apple. Macs aren't as expensive as they used to be, and you can even run Windows on them if you wish. The one reason I would personally choose a PC is gaming, although Macs continue to advance in that area as well. If you're not into serious gaming, it would be hard to go wrong with a Mac.

OpenOffice is a nice, free MS Office alternative; give it a shot before forking over the cash for MS Office.

[Anna114]

Ghost, you have nailed Apple! Well said and well done. Trival you are right about gaming. I love online games at Pogo.com. I can't download any game on Aengus (my IMAC) there are many more programs for the PC. All things considered it's still a MAC for me. Mac is so much more user friendly. Look at the IPOD craze... do you think Bill Gates, had he the smarts, to develop ITUNES and the IPOD, would have let MAC users use his software and hardware....uh no. Apple ( and Steve Jobs...in his arrogance) is brillant! My son, a college freshman received a very nice discount for being a student.

[scarlett873]

I love my Mac! I use a PC at work everyday and we have a PC at home in addition to dh's laptop. I made the switch about 2 years ago and have never looked back...it's so easy! I'm still figuring things out with it though. I get confused on where things should be because i'm thinking of PC, or sometimes even the other way around! I will try to do something on my PC that I would normally do on my Mac...i'm just a dork sometimes...lol

I also wanted to make sure to point out (as a previous poster did) about the educational discounts that Apple offers. They aren't much sometimes, but every little bit helps! I saved about $100 on my Mac! :)

[Minniemouse07]

I'm a graphic artist... I use both a PC and a Mac at work, and a PC at home.

I MUCH prefer the PC interface and would do all my work on one too if my coworkers would agree to switch platforms.

My vote is for a PC!

[djlexus]

For all u guys u play games theres a great piece of software out there called crossover for games it allows u to play windows games on ur mac. Heres the link http://www.codeweavers.com/products/cxgames/ .

[simonkodousek]

If I didn't have to use a PC for work, I would only use Macs. :)

[<3WDW]

Mac! I got a MacBook last year and we just replaced the family pc with a Mac. Not one problem and everyone has adjusted just fine. We do run the Microsoft Office products, although I think I'd like the Apple products better.

[rotlex]

I'm a Windows Admin by day. HOWEVER, I converted myself, wife and daughter to the Mac over the course of the past 5 years. I'll NEVER switch back at home again.

I love OS X, Apple, and well, everything about their comps. :goodvibes

[wishspirit]

I am a PC user, but my best friend has a Mac, and it works so much better. I am considering keeping this computer for purely gaming, and using a mac for uni work as they are much more reliable (plus there is never a queue to use the Macs at Uni)

The only problem with the laptop is some of it design features such as the cords that are magnetic and pop out 'so you'll never trip over a wire again', can be just as annoying if you are trying to save your laptop from falling off your desk by grabbing the cord. :lmao: My friend ended up with a smashed screen but had it covered under the guraentee, so it all ended well.

[abish19]

Easy answer - Mac.

[robertgp124]

Keep in mind that the standard MacBook is pretty easy to deal with hardware wise, if you're used to upgrading your own ram and hard drives on PC laptops. No real difference there. On a macBook Pro, upgrading the ram is a breeze. The hard drive? Not so much! From what I've read, the Pro is better suited to graphic designers, people who need some umph in their video card. Otherwise the MacBook is fine.

I've switched to Mac at work and am in the process of getting my wife to switch at home. For what we do, they really are perfect.

[MD DisneyFreaks]

I've always been a PC user but my brother swears by Mac. I think it's probably a better overall product, but many of us are so comfortable with PC...it's hard to let go!:scared1:

[HsvTeacher]

We recently bought a Mac, and we won't ever buy another PC! In fact, ghost1000 converted us...Hi Chris! I still use a PC at work, and I hate it! It is sooooo slow and quirky. We never have those problems with our Mac.

Oh, and if anyone in your family is a teacher, Apple gives a nice educators' discount!

[fan of the TTA]

for me it's pc all the way

:)

[CountryTink]

I have been a diehard PC user for many years, but got so tired of replacing machines every couple of years that my DH and I decided just a couple of weeks ago after our PC died yet again to move over to Mac. I have been using my new iMac for the last week and absolutely love it.

I use a lot of software that only runs on PCs or are to costly to replace with Mac versions so we bought a virtualization software that allows us to run windows programs on the Mac and I am finding that these programs (Word, Quicken, etc.) actually run better on the Mac.

My sister and her daughter also recently converted from PCs to Macbooks and they love them.

[ghost1000]

We recently bought a Mac, and we won't ever buy another PC! In fact, ghost1000 converted us...Hi Chris!


Only a few more converts till I get a free toaster!

Oh and interesting side-note I don't get to work into conversation much, but is quasi on topic since Dell was at the start of the thread. The guy who did a lot of the Dell logos designed my smiling uke logo over there <---

[wildeoscar]

goto the apple store, take the free classes type things, then make up your own mind... if you cannot get to an apple store, then just get a mac. I was a PC bigot for 20 years, got my mac for christmas... I would never turn back.

[kab407]

Another Apple convert here. I made the jump 3 years ago. My PC at the time was beyond obsolete. I was looking to replace it with a laptop and was on the fence whether it would be another Windows based or Apple product. After reading numerous reviews, recommendations and several stops at the local Apple store, I jumped and have never looked back. I still use my iBook G4. I recently upgraded the RAM and OS (to Leopard) because I bought an iTouch. I have MS Word, Excel and Powerpoint on my iBook. I use a Windows XP based Dell at work. There are days (today being one) I want to toss it out the window. Yea, I like Apple. As soon as my Verizon contract ends, I'll have an iPhone.

[mrcricket]

I've been using macs since 1984. I've used every version ever made. These past 8 years have been the best in Apple's history. The interface is stable and intuitive. The machines are beautiful and functional. And if you have an iPhone the sync is seamless.

I've converted 3 of my friends from PCs to MACs in the past few years. Everyone of them say they will not go back to PCs. MACs are just easy to use. And thats the way computers should be.

If you get one, be sure to get a backup hard drive and use Time Machine. Absolutely the easiest backup software I've ever used. Another thing Apple has made into a no-brainer.

Good luck on your purchase.

[girli565]

We recently bought a Mac, and we won't ever buy another PC! In fact, ghost1000 converted us...Hi Chris! I still use a PC at work, and I hate it! It is sooooo slow and quirky. We never have those problems with our Mac.

Oh, and if anyone in your family is a teacher, Apple gives a nice educators' discount!
Heck yeah!! I got a 10% discount on my iPod through them so that was nice!

I'm a Mac lover! I got one at work and fell in love with it! They just recently took them back so I'm on the hunt for a macbook of my own. I miss the ease of the OS X program.

[ElonGirl]

I made the switch to mac when I went off to college. I love it and have never had a problem sending and receiving documents to and from PC's. The only thing I would do differently is I would get the black laptop. The wrist pads on my white one have gotten a little stained from body oils. I was told they would clean it for me if i brought it to the apple store but just haven't gotten the chance to do that yet. Go for the Mac!

[dpuck1998]

I have both and use both on a daily basis...sometimes within 5 minutes of each other. I have a Mac book pro that I enjoy using and I enjoy using PCs every day, all day...and then some. Since I work/fix PCs for a living I still prefer the PC. I do like the Mac for many things, but I don't think its the 8th wonder of the world that people make it to be. I can crash the Mac just as easily as I can my PC. If I could only have 1 it would be a PC, but since I'm spoiled do enjoy each for different reasons.

[Anna114]

Looks like the MACS have it! lol

[CelticBelle]

Ya thats what im seeing too. I do have an ipod and i love it...even if it is already outdated in less than 3 years.:headache: I really like the itunes program and just started using their browser to see how it works. I think ive been impressed with the company and probably wouldnt have any regrets about switching. Thanks guys.

[daneenm]

This thread just makes me :)

--Daneen
(Coming up on 19 year anniversary at Apple :cool1: )

[tlterrynva]

I quit smoking to save money to buy my iMac. I have had it now for about a month and love it - also bought an iPod too. My only complaint is that I didn't buy a Macbook too...

I got the .Mac account which has really good tutorials. Unfortunately I still have to work on a PC during my day job but look forward to going home and learning new things on my Mac.

Good luck with your choice!!! :banana:
Tammy

[cyberbox2]

I'm a computer engineer (small network integrator) and P.C.'s are all I know at work and at home. But since buying my iPhone and seeing how easy it is to use and then hanging out in the Apple store ALOT more often, I really think I might take the plunge and convert to an iMac 24" they look so sweet and the hardware spec's are pretty impressive.

My only hesitance at this point is all of the software I have on my P.C. that will not run on a MAC, of course I could always run XP in a virtual machine but I'd rather not have to.

It's only a matter of time though:thumbsup2

[lucysdad]

I've been using Macs since they first came out, both professionally and personally. They are much easier to use in many ways, i.e., it is much easier to install software and fonts. Everything is basically drag and drop which is very nice. I love everything about Macs except a lack of software choices in the gaming department. That being said, I won a Compaq laptop at work last year and it is way superior to any Mac I've ever owned for one thing, and that is surfing the net. The PC seemlessly and smoothly plays all the streaming video from mlb.com and cnn.com, etc. My desktop Mac, no matter what I do to tweak it, plays these videos very slowly and with lots of stoppage and interuptions. Also, the keyboards on many PC laptops are superior to the Mac laptops, whose keyboards just feel flimsy and too small. So, as much as I love my Macs, I love my Compaq PC lap as well. One of each is the way to go :laughing:

[OKW Lover]

I use both. At the office where they pay me to use one, I have a PC. At home where I get to chose what to spend my money on, I have a Mac. Does that tell you anything?

Mac's are much easier/simpler to set-up and use.

[dpuck1998]

I'm a computer engineer (small network integrator) and P.C.'s are all I know at work and at home. But since buying my iPhone and seeing how easy it is to use and then hanging out in the Apple store ALOT more often, I really think I might take the plunge and convert to an iMac 24" they look so sweet and the hardware spec's are pretty impressive.

My only hesitance at this point is all of the software I have on my P.C. that will not run on a MAC, of course I could always run XP in a virtual machine but I'd rather not have to.

It's only a matter of time though:thumbsup2

Get VM Fusion, you'll love it. I run XP, Vista and Ubuntu on my mac...that I'm on right now...17" Mac Book Pro...lots of RAM...4 gig...needed for VM..

[alexb]

Mac, Mac, Mac.

At work I have both and at home we have both. At home one of the Macs is an eMac we bought 8 years ago and it is stable and we have updated the OS up to the version prior to the current OS. There has been no performance degradation like we've experienced on our 2nd PC during the same time. Once the home PC dies we'll go all Mac.

The other thing to consider is what are you going to do? If you are going to browse the Web, use iPhoto, iTunes then Mac is the way to go. It's easier to use, generally speaking you don't have to load drivers if you add peripherals, I think the appropriate term is that it is very much a "plug and play" machine.

If money is an object and you are comfortable doing so, go to Apple's website and scroll down to the very bottom of the Store page and look at their refurbished machines. They come with the same 1 year warranty as a new Mac and you can buy and extended 3 year warranty. One of the down sides is that you can't configure the Mac.

[CelticBelle]

Ok so ive decided to go with a macbook. im going to have to take a student computer loan, so money at this moment in time isnt an issue. I can either upgrade from my pc and switch to a mac now or wait until next january...im choosing now. You guys all got me very excited about this.

Ok so now my main question is details. what recommendations do you guys have for the specs. also black or white? i heard some concerns over this earlier.

Do I have to buy office for the mac or can I use microsoft office 2003 that I currently have? I also have xp, so is it possible to install that and use my office on windows in the mean time if I have to save up for the mac version of office?

Sorry for the questions! but now im really excited!:banana:

[trivial]

Regarding Office and Windows, you can only use a Windows version of Office with Windows. You'll be able to install and boot Windows on your Mac, however.

[goofeyken]

Celtic, max the ram out at 2 gigs and you'll have a machine you will love. I love mine, at home I plug it into a 23" widescreen monitor. It is a blessing to not have to deal with viruses or spyware anymore. Really a great product.

[CelticBelle]

Celtic, max the ram out at 2 gigs and you'll have a machine you will love. I love mine, at home I plug it into a 23" widescreen monitor. It is a blessing to not have to deal with viruses or spyware anymore. Really a great product.

Now the ram goes up to 4 gigs. Is it worth the money to upgrade it, or is 2 plenty. i think the upgrade is $200

[ghost1000]

Well the three models are broken down to the cheap one and the other two - the top two are basically the same specs except the "Blackbook" has a 250GB hd standard. The "cheap one" does not have a DVD burner and has a smaller stock HD and Memory (which you can upgrade yourself easily).

I would reccommend the middle priced one - since it has a DVD burner. That, the faster processor, bigger disk, and more stock memory are well worth the $200, but the price difference for the black one doesn't justify the hardware differences (unless you really really like black).

The one thing not to do is pay for the Apple branded memory upgrades - you can regularly buy 4 Gig for $60, but that is an upgrade you can do later since the 2 Gig will be plenty for 99.9% of applications.

As far as office another option I just thought of - they did just upgrade to office 2008 - so a lot of people are upgrading and selling the older version cheap on ebay (many are going for less than $70 and they will probably continue to decrease). I upgraded and don't see much difference other than looks.

[macman752]

Ok so ive decided to go with a macbook. im going to have to take a student computer loan, so money at this moment in time isnt an issue. I can either upgrade from my pc and switch to a mac now or wait until next january...im choosing now. You guys all got me very excited about this.

Ok so now my main question is details. what recommendations do you guys have for the specs. also black or white? i heard some concerns over this earlier.

Do I have to buy office for the mac or can I use microsoft office 2003 that I currently have? I also have xp, so is it possible to install that and use my office on windows in the mean time if I have to save up for the mac version of office?

Sorry for the questions! but now im really excited!:banana:

Before you buy Office check with your school to see if they have made arrangements with Microsoft to offer student discounts on software. When our son was in college he was able to buy the full Mac version of Office for less than $100.00.

[mickeydude]

Definitly go with the MAC. Much more user friendly. Also, they are almost virus free and have less operating system issues.

MAC Pro

Good Luck!!

[shmedly123]

looks like i'm gonna be the turd in the punchbowl here but I have to go with the PC. I think the MAC is marketed extremely well, it is "trendy" right now and those commercials make it seem as though if you turn on a pc for more than five minutes and you don't get a virus or the pc doesn't crash then you are lucky. If you use common sense you will be fine.

I have been using pc's for 14 yrs now (my first pc was a packard bell...anyone remember them?) and have never had a serious problem with viruses or crashing. Every company has some issues including apple(anyone who has a gen 1 or 2 ipod can tell you that). The fact is that there is so much competition with pc's that the prices are wayyyy better IMO. It is hard to compare software as depending on the PC brand you can get a ton of bundled software too. I paid $499 for the laptop I am typing this from and I've had it for two years with no issues...

if price were not a factor i would say it is a wash but no matter which you choose, mac or pc, there is a good chance that in five yrs from now it will be time to upgrade it anyway.

[simonkodousek]

Congrats on your decision to buy a Mac! :thumbsup2

I agree with Ghost; go for the mid-level MacBook. The black one is pretty useless when you think about the low price they charge to upgrade the hard-drive initially with the white MacBook's.

Enjoy your purchase! :)

[simonkodousek]

Apple makes most of its money off the hardware vs. the software, thus the higher prices. The closest you will get to Mac on a PC is a Sony or Dell all-in-one computer, with Windows Vista.

Microsoft makes almost no money off hardware, so they could care less as to which box their operating systems are applied to, just as long as they are used.

Just my opinion... :)

looks like i'm gonna be the turd in the punchbowl here but I have to go with the PC. I think the MAC is marketed extremely well, it is "trendy" right now and those commercials make it seem as though if you turn on a pc for more than five minutes and you don't get a virus or the pc doesn't crash then you are lucky. If you use common sense you will be fine.

I have been using pc's for 14 yrs now (my first pc was a packard bell...anyone remember them?) and have never had a serious problem with viruses or crashing. Every company has some issues including apple(anyone who has a gen 1 or 2 ipod can tell you that). The fact is that there is so much competition with pc's that the prices are wayyyy better IMO. It is hard to compare software as depending on the PC brand you can get a ton of bundled software too. I paid $499 for the laptop I am typing this from and I've had it for two years with no issues...

if price were not a factor i would say it is a wash but no matter which you choose, mac or pc, there is a good chance that in five yrs from now it will be time to upgrade it anyway.

[CelticBelle]

looks like i'm gonna be the turd in the punchbowl here

I havent heard that phrase in a long time!:rotfl2:

[tinkbutt]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my MAC!!!!!

[dpuck1998]

I have been using pc's for 14 yrs now (my first pc was a packard bell...anyone remember them?)

HECK YEA....I HAD A KICK **** PACKARD BELL!!

[shmedly123]

HECK YEA....I HAD A KICK **** PACKARD BELL!!

I remember paying $450 for a 8mb ram upgrade back in the day:rotfl2:

[dpuck1998]

I remember paying $450 for a 8mb ram upgrade back in the day:rotfl2:

payed 200 bucks for 1mb to up my IBM 286!

[Praying Colonel]

We're buying DD18 a laptop to take to college with her, and it's going to be a Mac. Microsoft will stop supporting XP in the next few years, and I hate Vista. Too many driver/networking compatibility problems on the laptop I bought last fall that came with Vista.

Looks like the only way I can get a reliable OS is Apple or Linux, so we're going to get a MacBook for her.

[dpuck1998]

We're buying DD18 a laptop to take to college with her, and it's going to be a Mac. Microsoft will stop supporting XP in the next few years, and I hate Vista. Too many driver/networking compatibility problems on the laptop I bought last fall that came with Vista.

Looks like the only way I can get a reliable OS is Apple or Linux, so we're going to get a MacBook for her.

While true, I don't think you can get support for a 10 year old MAC OS either.

[Tess'smom]

Once you have a MAC, you will never go back.;) Seriously, we have both in our house and the Mac does not get viruses and continues to work great after replacing our PC laptop 3 times!

[Minniemouse07]

Once you have a MAC, you will never go back.;) Seriously, we have both in our house and the Mac does not get viruses and continues to work great after replacing our PC laptop 3 times!

Been using a Mac at work since 1998 and prefer my PC at home hands down. It is faster (and we have state of the art Macs at work) and easier to use.

And for internet stuff... light years better!

I know I'm in the minority..but I much prefer my PC and wish that our group at work would just switch to the PC and be done w/ it. Currently we each have both a Mac and PC w/ a KVM switch sharing one monitor.

[DisneyTaylors]

...Microsoft will stop supporting XP in the next few years...

To be fair, XP is set to be supported for 6 more years. In all honesty, that is a pretty good lifespan for a computer and XP is rock solid. In terms of viruses, hackers will write viruses more for Windows and other MS products as they are more prevalent in the marketplace (Linux faced a ton of issues in this area as they gained more market share). When there are more Macs in the marketplace, they too will face these concerns as no OS is 100% safe. One only needs to look at tests like this (http://www.techworld.com/security/news/index.cfm?newsid=11825) to see the true story about vulnerabilites and everyone's concerns about it. I say use what makes you happy, but let's talk facts and not fall for marketing mumbo jumbo meant to stir emotions.

- Bill

[dpuck1998]

To be fair, XP is set to be supported for 6 more years. In all honesty, that is a pretty good lifespan for a computer and XP is rock solid. In terms of viruses, hackers will write viruses more for Windows and other MS products as they are more prevalent in the marketplace (Linux faced a ton of issues in this area as they gained more market share). When there are more Macs in the marketplace, they too will face these concerns as no OS is 100% safe. One only needs to look at tests like this (http://www.techworld.com/security/news/index.cfm?newsid=11825) to see the true story about vulnerabilites and everyone's concerns about it. I say use what makes you happy, but let's talk facts and not fall for marketing mumbo jumbo meant to stir emotions.

- Bill

Well said, this is one of those "if you think it then its true" While I have a Mac I also have/use/support a lot of PCs. Most of the problems with virus/spyware are due to lack of use knowledge and ability to maintain virus software updates. I have machines that I've been running for 7+ years without a single problem or need to reinstall. I also have a lab full of macs with issues just as often as a lab full of PCs. Both have a place but to say Macs are head and shoulders above PCs or to believe the flat out LIES they say in those MAC vs PC commercials is just plain wrong.

[mrcricket]

I have to chime in one more time on this thread. I think the BIGGEST difference, that most people aren't taking into account and the one that makes the most sense for the MAC purchase is this - The Hardware AND Software are designed to work together by the same company. They are tailored made for each other. Hand in glove. PCs just don't have this going for them. You buy the operating system from Microsoft and put in a Dell, Sony, whatever... so what's the deal? I like the fact that Apple engineers, both software and hardware, work toward the same goal and on the same team. The product is just better thought out from all angles.

[Praying Colonel]

To be fair, XP is set to be supported for 6 more years. In all honesty, that is a pretty good lifespan for a computer and XP is rock solid. In terms of viruses, hackers will write viruses more for Windows and other MS products as they are more prevalent in the marketplace (Linux faced a ton of issues in this area as they gained more market share). When there are more Macs in the marketplace, they too will face these concerns as no OS is 100% safe. One only needs to look at tests like this (http://www.techworld.com/security/news/index.cfm?newsid=11825) to see the true story about vulnerabilites and everyone's concerns about it. I say use what makes you happy, but let's talk facts and not fall for marketing mumbo jumbo meant to stir emotions.

- Bill

Maybe MS will support XP as they claim--maybe they'll change their mind and dump support for it like they did (http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080422-drm-sucks-redux-microsoft-to-nuke-msn-music-drm-keys.html) for music purchased at the MSN Music Store. I just don't have much confidence in Microsoft right now.

[DisneyTaylors]

Maybe MS will support XP as they claim--maybe they'll change their mind and dump support for it like they did (http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080422-drm-sucks-redux-microsoft-to-nuke-msn-music-drm-keys.html) for music purchased at the MSN Music Store. I just don't have much confidence in Microsoft right now.

Not exactly comparing apples to apples. (pun intended ;))

:lmao:

- Bill

[dpuck1998]

Maybe MS will support XP as they claim--maybe they'll change their mind and dump support for it like they did (http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080422-drm-sucks-redux-microsoft-to-nuke-msn-music-drm-keys.html) for music purchased at the MSN Music Store. I just don't have much confidence in Microsoft right now.

Maybe Mac will stop making your laptop and come out with a new one in a week, like they did with 4 versions of the Ipod? Or maybe they will go bankrupt and be bailed out by Bill Gates...again? Who knows, lots of things COULD happen.

[Anna114]

Maybe Mac will stop making your laptop and come out with a new one in a week, like they did with 4 versions of the Ipod? Or maybe they will go bankrupt and be bailed out by Bill Gates...again? Who knows, lots of things COULD happen.

Don't like Apple?? It's hard to get a read on what you wrote. :lmao:

[dpuck1998]

Don't like Apple?? It's hard to get a read on what you wrote. :lmao:

Actually just the opposite. I have a MacBook Pro that I love, I just don't think its head and shoulders about the PC. There are things my PC does much better and things the Mac does better. They both crash, in fact I can't get my iDVD to make a movie with the new themes without crashing. If I use the old ones it works fine. I just think their advertising is downright false and that people often think macs are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Its still a computer and they aren't that much different.

[aspen37]

I just bought the macbook the mid range priced one. I think burning a disk is sooo simple on the mac.:thumbsup2 I like the iphoto, it is easy to use. So far every thing has been easy to use. So far I love the mac.:goodvibes This is my first time using a mac. I have had pc's since about 1986. So far so good.

[CelticBelle]

I just bought the macbook the mid range priced one. I think burning a disk is sooo simple on the mac.:thumbsup2 I like the iphoto, it is easy to use. So far every thing has been easy to use. So far I love the mac.:goodvibes This is my first time using a mac. I have had pc's since about 1986. So far so good.

Great to hear your experience. I going to be getting the mid range macbook also, so its good to hear your having a good time with it. Hopefully it wont tkae me forever to figure out and adjust to it.

[CelticBelle]

So I finally purchased and received my new mac. I think im already used to it, and already like it more that windows.

I purchased it last wednesday and got it monday and just yesterday I saw that they started a new promotion where I could have gotten a free ipod touch! :furious: Grrr! Only 6 days too early! I wish there was some way to get it still...darn.

[daneenm]

So I finally purchased and received my new mac. I think im already used to it, and already like it more that windows.

I purchased it last wednesday and got it monday and just yesterday I saw that they started a new promotion where I could have gotten a free ipod touch! :furious: Grrr! Only 6 days too early! I wish there was some way to get it still...darn.

You might check back and see if they will extend the promotion to you. Sometimes they do.

--Daneen

[SFBayDon]

So I finally purchased and received my new mac. I think im already used to it, and already like it more that windows.

How difficult was it to convert your files from the PC to the Mac? It is time for a now computer in our home, but the transition of the files and programs from the PC to the Mac is intimidating to me. Let me know how it goes/went. Don
:surfweb:

[CelticBelle]

Unfortuntely I am starting finals this week and wont be able to transfer any files and really get working with my new computer for at least another week. So far Ive set up 2 email accounts with the mail system and have been using it for internet sort of stuff. I will let you know if I have any troubles converting/transfering files.

[Anna114]

Sam,
My husband said to call Apple, in the past, he has found that within a 2 week window they will honor the special. It can't hurt to try. Congrats on the new Mac!

[aspen37]

Great to hear your experience. I going to be getting the mid range macbook also, so its good to hear your having a good time with it. Hopefully it wont tkae me forever to figure out and adjust to it.

I had never used a mac in my life. I did not have any problems adjusting.:thumbsup2 At first it is kinda weird, some of the stuff is in a different place. :eek: It did not take me but a few minutes to figure it out.;)
Good luck CelticBelle.

[dpuck1998]

I had never used a mac in my life. I did not have any problems adjusting.:thumbsup2 At first it is kinda weird, some of the stuff is in a different place. :eek: It did not take me but a few minutes to figure it out.;)
Good luck CelticBelle.

Took me the longest to figure out how to right click and click and drag. The lac k of a right mouse button takes while, but now I find myself clicking with two fingers on my PC laptop!

[CelticBelle]

I know I may sound a little...nerdy, but before I got the computer I watched some of the tutorials and videos on the apple site. It helped a lot. When I got the computer I didnt have to spend forever saying, what the heck is that icon? and trying to figure out how to click and scroll.

[Minniemouse07]

Took me the longest to figure out how to right click and click and drag. The lac k of a right mouse button takes while, but now I find myself clicking with two fingers on my PC laptop!

You can use a two button mouse with a Mac... I do so at work! ;)

[cslittle999]

You can use a two button mouse with a Mac... I do so at work! ;)
I think dpuck1998 was talking about the TrackPad where a two-finger tap is a right click. On the topic of Apple's mice it's hard to believe that the same company that designs the machines also designs the mice.

[Minniemouse07]

I think dpuck1998 was talking about the TrackPad where a two-finger tap is a right click. On the topic of Apple's mice it's hard to believe that the same company that designs the machines also designs the mice.

Ahhh...sorry! FWIW I hate ALL laptop/powerbook controls so I always carry a mouse w/ mine and plug it in.

Those trackpads and stupid little red nubby things drive me NUTS!

[dpuck1998]

I think dpuck1998 was talking about the TrackPad where a two-finger tap is a right click. On the topic of Apple's mice it's hard to believe that the same company that designs the machines also designs the mice.

exactly, i mean on my macbook pro...now that I have the two finger dance figured out I love it.

[cslittle999]

exactly, i mean on my macbook pro...now that I have the two finger dance figured out I love it.
For me it's two finger scrolling. I can hardly use an older Mac laptop or a PC one because I'm so used to scrolling with two fingers.

[CelticBelle]

For me it's two finger scrolling. I can hardly use an older Mac laptop or a PC one because I'm so used to scrolling with two fingers.

Thats one thing that I havent quite gotten the hang of. My 2 finger scroll gets mixed up with my 2 finger tap, and I end up right clicking all over the place or navigating to other pages.

[dpuck1998]

Thats one thing that I havent quite gotten the hang of. My 2 finger scroll gets mixed up with my 2 finger tap, and I end up right clicking all over the place or navigating to other pages.

LOVE the two finger scroll!! Keep trying, its worth it :-)

[aspen37]

Took me the longest to figure out how to right click and click and drag. The lac k of a right mouse button takes while, but now I find myself clicking with two fingers on my PC laptop!

I do the same thing. The first few minutes at work I have to think about where the buttons are.::yes::

[Anna114]

Ahhh...sorry! FWIW I hate ALL laptop/powerbook controls so I always carry a mouse w/ mine and plug it in.

Those trackpads and stupid little red nubby things drive me NUTS!

I have an old Titanium and I do the same thing. I hate the pad, I only use it when I have to or my use of the scroll pad is very limited.

[CelticBelle]

Hi all,
I called apple and asked about the free ipod touch promotion. They told me I could still qualify because it was within the 2 week grace period. :cool1:

I talked to them on the phone about it. Then when I got home after work today i found that I was charged for an ipod! I am a poor student with 25 dollars in my account and was charged for an ipod without being asked! And since apple is so speedy at shipping things the order was already processed and i cant cancel it!:scared1:

SO now I have to borrow money from my valiant firefighter fiance. He says hes saved me from a burning apple plane wreck. At least the woman on the phone said that the rebate should go through 4-5 business days after it is processed. Much better than 8 weeks like it said online.

Does anyone want to buy an 8 gig ipod touch? I was originally going to sell it anyway so I could put the money toward an iphone when the new one comes out.

[dpuck1998]

Hi all,
I called apple and asked about the free ipod touch promotion. They told me I could still qualify because it was within the 2 week grace period. :cool1:

I talked to them on the phone about it. Then when I got home after work today i found that I was charged for an ipod! I am a poor student with 25 dollars in my account and was charged for an ipod without being asked! And since apple is so speedy at shipping things the order was already processed and i cant cancel it!:scared1:

SO now I have to borrow money from my valiant firefighter fiance. He says hes saved me from a burning apple plane wreck. At least the woman on the phone said that the rebate should go through 4-5 business days after it is processed. Much better than 8 weeks like it said online.

Does anyone want to buy an 8 gig ipod touch? I was originally going to sell it anyway so I could put the money toward an iphone when the new one comes out.

A poor student that is buying an IPhone...man I wish I was that poor! :rotfl:

[CelticBelle]

A poor student that is buying an IPhone...man I wish I was that poor! :rotfl:

:rotfl2: Haha I know how hypocritical that sounds, but the only way Im getting an iphone is by selling my old computer that stopped working too well. Oh and 300 from some sort of rebate would be helpful.:rolleyes1

:goodvibes I can have my technological pleasures since I practically live on pasta and never leave the house to do anything but work right?

[SueM in MN]

How difficult was it to convert your files from the PC to the Mac? It is time for a now computer in our home, but the transition of the files and programs from the PC to the Mac is intimidating to me. Let me know how it goes/went. Don
:surfweb:
Most of the Windows programs (like Word, Office) are Windows only programs and won't work unless you have a Mac version of that program.

If you have a Mac version of the program, the files made in the Windows version of that program should work just fine. We have Macs at home and I have to use Windows at work. The files I make on one computer open and work fine in the other; in fact, some of the files I make on my Windows computer at work open just fine on my Mac at home, but have some problems when I open them on a different Windows computer at work. :confused3