MAC or Windows Laptop?

[Fitswimmer]

I'm considering a new laptop with my last good tax refund. I know there are plently of experts here, so I'm hoping for some advice.
I have an HP that has given me no end of grief, so I've been kind of leaning towards a Macbook. But it could also be that I may just have a lousy HP, and another Windows based machine might still be ok.
My desktop is a Dell XPS 400, and that works very well and all the software on the HP is obviously Windows based.

So, my questions:

IF I buy as Macbook, do I have to buy all new software (Microsoft Office) or will those items transfer?

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good Windows based laptop?

Does anyone have both Mac and Windows machines and can they work in harmony?

Thanks for the help!!

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

Well... I probably won't be of much help, but I'll tell you what we have.

Our main computer is a four year old Dell. Still fast and does all that we need. We added a Toshiba notebook..... then a Macbook.

We love the flexibility of all three. I think you can get office for the mac now... but transfering files is tricky.

I would check out the prices and see what you can do in each Windows and Mac that would meet your needs and go from there.

If you ask DS16, he would go Mac all the way. (He is the assistant tech coordinator at our local school and works with Macs all the time.) DS14, DH and I still prefer the windows based machines.

It's going to be interesting around here when we are trying to pick a new desktop!!! Hopefully the Dell will last until oldest DS goes off to college!

 

[LisaNJ25]

Cant help you with a mac.. its been years sicne I used one..

But I did order a new and my first Dell Laptop last night..

Anyone else notice how much their warranty has gone up with Dell? If I wanted 3 year accidental damage I also had to buy 3 years warranty and support.. would of been over $400 for for those 2 things

 

[TheGoofster]

The best advice I can give you is this - don't take any advice from me!!! I have had so many problems with laptops that I officially disqualify myself from ever trying to give any advice or help on the subject - EVER!!!

In fact, I'll probably be getting a laptop next month, and I can hardly wait to see what's going to go wrong with it first.

 

[Forevryoung]

I do it- PC desktop (2 year old dell that is on it's last legs) and a macbook.

1st- most programs do NOT transfer over. You will have to repurchase microsoft office seperately. If you have a student in the house, buy the student/teacher edition (frequently on sale, got mine with a $50 rebate too). It is the SAME edition as the regular one from what I can tell (has word, power point, excel and entourage which is similar to outlook). That is a downside cost wise BUT the programs are nearly the same on Mac/PC. You wont have to learn new programs and your files will transfer seamlessly. I have also had ZERO problems emailing other people my files (a big deal since I am a grad student... my supervisor needs my work every few days).

I love my macbook. I can't say that I have had zero issues. It had to go back to Mac for a few days because of a heating issue. I didn't pay a dime and I liked the fact that I could bring it to a Mac store and pick it up instead of shipping it out myself. If it was something that they could have fixed that day, they would have which is also a nice option.

The new operating system takes time to get used to. I wont lie. But it is intuitive (and if you want to "right click" something, you hit control and then the mouse button... hint hint). I like the keyboard and got used to the raised keys quickly. Now I have trouble using my Dad's dell with the flatter keys. I use my computer about 8-10 hours a day at least with school work and it has held up well (got it at the end of Aug.).

I don't have a good PC laptop recommendation- brand wise, I would stick with probably more "expensive" brands like Toshiba and Lenovo. Price wise I think the Macbook is your best bet (surprisingly thats what research has shown).

I'm very glad I got my mac- it definitely has it's quirks though. If you have any other questions, just ask. I will check back later.

 

[Judy from Boise]

I would go Mac. I have a mac desktop at home and a PC at work, no problem with files. Mac is just easier.