my pc died...what do get? mac? pc? help!

[DisneyMomOK]

We switched from PC to Mac and don't plan on going back.

The virus issues alone (and the issues with virus protection itself) are enough to make me never even look at another PC.

Good luck with your decision!

Totally agree!

 

[Jennifer03]

I had a desktop PC for years and I always had issues with it. I bought a MacBook almost two years ago and I haven't had any problems. It's a great computer in my opinion.

 

[Kimickey]

I bought a new Mac and a Dell (laptop) about a month and a half ago...guess which one went back to the store quickly...

the Dell!

The only place I will ever use a PC is at work ( because I have no other choice).

 

[Bluestars]

You should (in most cases) to be able to just drag the picture to your desktop. Maybe I'm not understanding what you are trying to do but it seems to me like you are doing unnecessary steps.

I was trying to copy a picture to a response in a thread on a message board (like this one). I even called my brother, who is a Mac pro, and he was finally able to help he save it to a file and post it, but it was so much harder than just copying it and pasting it. I can drag certain things, but not to this message board. When we would copy it one way, it would only copy the link. So we saved them to a folder and then I would access it that way.

I don't know. I'm sure it's user error! I will get used to all the different key strokes and things.

 

[jam217]

I love my Mac and would never buy another PC again.

 

[jsmith]

You have to consider ALOT of variables-what do you use the computer for, what are you willing to spend-and so on.

Dont confuse operating systems with hardware. MACs are produced by Apple and will ONLY run a MAC operating system. PC is a generic term refering to any NON MAC computer. It is the operation system and NOT the hardware that determines things like virus suseptibility and there are non windows PC operating systems.

Some facts-MAC is NOT virus proof-there are simply not many written for them since the goal of virus writers is to cause mischief to others and as someone else said 90 percent of the market is PC -any Linux operation system can be considered to be virus proof-and Fedora Core is a free download-that will run on a very small amount of RAM and takes few resources. All the Hardware on MACS is proprietary so they are comparitively expensive for the hard ware package you get. MAC systems are capable of up to 16 gb of memory in a laptop and i think some of the newer desktops will take 24. Honestly-unless you are running high end mathmatical programs or VERY sofisticated gaming-thats overkill. On the upside-Apples customer service is us based-there is something to be said for that-and they offer excellent-if ex*****ve warrenty packages.
PC is a bit generic-any computer system that is Not MAC or produced by Apple falls under the generic umbrella of PC-those can run from a 350 dollar E-machine-which would do email and internet-and not much else-to a high end Alienware on which you will spend 5K-and which will finish a download before you decide what you want to download. Hard ware packages on PCs tend to less expensive for the same umph than MAC-most PC laptops however can take no more than 8gb of RAM until there are chips bigger than 4gb on the market. PCs do not have a proprietary operating system-they will run any flavor of Linux-Solaris(although solaris really wants a SUN processor) Windows-or basic Unix.
Personally we have an HP desktop-Three Toshiba Laptops, and two MAC book pros-the HP and one Toshiba Run XP, one Toshiba Runs 32 bit Vista, one 64 Bit Vista and the MAC books run Leopard. as far as trouble-the HP was a piece of trash when we bought it-the only orginal component is the motherboard-ive replaced everything else. The Toshibas have been awesome-the oldest one has been to iraq twice, survived cold and hot-getting the screen stepped on-and my learning to fix laptops and still runs like a champ.-Vista has NOT been a problem-but you MUST have adequate RAM-2 gigs for 32 bit-4 for 64 bit. The MACs are 50 50-the first one we bought has been awesome-the second one is now-but had to go back for some hard ware replacement and a firmware update before it was 4 months old.
know what your needs are and do LOTS of research.

 

[Tinijocaro]

I used to have a PC and now I have a Mac. I love not worrying about getting a virus. The only thing that is much harder is copying a picture. On my PC the only thing I needed to do is highlight it. On my Mac, sometimes when I copy the picture, only a link will show up. I have to take a snapshot, save it, etc. But that is the only thing that is worse.

I really like my Mac.

Just drag and drop.

 

[Tinijocaro]

Mac Book and iMac at home, will never use another pc again. Luckily, my entire school district is all mac. Our last mac lasted 9 years, I felt guilty putting it in the basement still working and all.

 

[SueM in MN]

MACs are produced by Apple and will ONLY run a MAC operating system.

MACs can also run Windows. My 4 yr old Powerbook has Mac OS and Windows XP running on it.
My DD has an augmentative communication device that needs a machine running Windows for the support software for her device. After about 4 times of a machine running Windows crashing and needing all the software replaced, I decided to install Windows on my Powerbook. I could have installed it to my DH's Macbook (it has an Intel processor and can run Windows more directly than mine can), but DH is not as computer literate and I thought it would be better on my computer.

I can even run both Mac OS and Windows XP at the same time in different windows. My Mac can actually boot up faster into Windows XP than the HP laptop I have for work. The HP and my Mac are about the same age and same speed processor.

So, you can run Windows on a Mac; they just don't come with Windows.

 

[tessiemez]

On the upside-Apples customer service is us based-there is something to be said for that-and they offer excellent-if ex*****ve warrenty packages.

I didn't realize the DIS would catch and censor misspelled words ... Also, Apple computers will run other OS's ... I have a Linux system on mine as well as OS X.

On an on-topic note, I converted to Mac about seven-eight years ago because I wanted it for my computer graphics class. My husband (then-boyfriend) scoffed when he saw mine ... he was an IT guy who would build his own computers and HATED Macs with a passion.

It didn't take too long using mine for my husband to become a convert. He saw past some misconceptions--like the misconception that Mac is too user-friendly, and dumbed-down. On the contrary, Mac has great versatility--ease of use for people who have never used a computer before, and extreme customization and functionality for advanced users.

Anyway, what I'd start off by doing is write down a list of all the computer applications you use on a daily basis, as well as others that you need/want to use. You'll need to know if everything you use is Mac compatible--but I'd be very surprised if there's anything you need to do that you can't do on a Mac. We'll definitely be able to provide better advice for you if we know what you use your computer for.

Also, find an Apple store or authorized reseller in your area. I suggest authorized resellers, as actual Apple stores can be quite crowded and there may be a wait to use the computer and get a good amount of one-on-one time with an Apple expert. This will give you a chance to use the computer. Our local Best Buy has an Apple section with an Apple expert that will be glad to walk you through the basics of the Mac and see if the Mac is right for you.

 

[Planogirl]

You have to consider ALOT of variables-what do you use the computer for, what are you willing to spend-and so on.

Dont confuse operating systems with hardware. MACs are produced by Apple and will ONLY run a MAC operating system. PC is a generic term refering to any NON MAC computer. It is the operation system and NOT the hardware that determines things like virus suseptibility and there are non windows PC operating systems.

Some facts-MAC is NOT virus proof-there are simply not many written for them since the goal of virus writers is to cause mischief to others and as someone else said 90 percent of the market is PC -any Linux operation system can be considered to be virus proof-and Fedora Core is a free download-that will run on a very small amount of RAM and takes few resources. All the Hardware on MACS is proprietary so they are comparitively expensive for the hard ware package you get. MAC systems are capable of up to 16 gb of memory in a laptop and i think some of the newer desktops will take 24. Honestly-unless you are running high end mathmatical programs or VERY sofisticated gaming-thats overkill. On the upside-Apples customer service is us based-there is something to be said for that-and they offer excellent-if ex*****ve warrenty packages.
PC is a bit generic-any computer system that is Not MAC or produced by Apple falls under the generic umbrella of PC-those can run from a 350 dollar E-machine-which would do email and internet-and not much else-to a high end Alienware on which you will spend 5K-and which will finish a download before you decide what you want to download. Hard ware packages on PCs tend to less expensive for the same umph than MAC-most PC laptops however can take no more than 8gb of RAM until there are chips bigger than 4gb on the market. PCs do not have a proprietary operating system-they will run any flavor of Linux-Solaris(although solaris really wants a SUN processor) Windows-or basic Unix.
Personally we have an HP desktop-Three Toshiba Laptops, and two MAC book pros-the HP and one Toshiba Run XP, one Toshiba Runs 32 bit Vista, one 64 Bit Vista and the MAC books run Leopard. as far as trouble-the HP was a piece of trash when we bought it-the only orginal component is the motherboard-ive replaced everything else. The Toshibas have been awesome-the oldest one has been to iraq twice, survived cold and hot-getting the screen stepped on-and my learning to fix laptops and still runs like a champ.-Vista has NOT been a problem-but you MUST have adequate RAM-2 gigs for 32 bit-4 for 64 bit. The MACs are 50 50-the first one we bought has been awesome-the second one is now-but had to go back for some hard ware replacement and a firmware update before it was 4 months old.
know what your needs are and do LOTS of research.

I've been doing research on PC's and the memory part confuses me. I would like to be able to play computer games but I'm not sure how much memory is adequate. I know that our Dell (worst machine we've ever had) can barely handle pictures and it was supposed to have enough memory to handle most games.

Good luck with your decision OP. It's very hard to figure out.

 

[earthfaries]

I would look at Consumer Reports before purchasing any big electronic item ~ they rate reliability, repair history, all sorts of stuff.

​

 

[jsmith]

MACS run windows and linux-but-that is a MAC OS function-if you wipe the MAC OS off your computer and load it with windows or linux as the primary boot system-it wont work-those OSs run like a program in MAC using Bootcamp or another unix boot loader to start them-most Unix or linux OSs allow for dual boot-even windows will allow for dual boot as long as it is the primary OS.

 

[Cool-Beans]

I went back and forth with the mac vs. PC thing when getting this laptop.

I went with the PC.

I wish I'd gone with the mac...and next time, I will.

 

[mtemm]

thanks everyone! I really appreciate all the input. its funny, as much as I love researching most things (particularly trips!) I just hate dealing with new computer stuff. I just want mine to work! waaaahhhh. okay, that's out of my system. lol. I guess I have no choice, so glad to have some solid pros/cons/opinions to add to my list.

 

[Golf4food]

Love our iMac. Wish we had switched sooner. I do have VMWare Fushion on it so I can run Win XP at the same time for a few older programs that were Windows only, but 99% of what I do is on the Mac. It is pretty cool being able to run both at the same time. Upgrade to the 4 GB RAM (regardless of what computer you wind up getting).

 

[whjoyjr]

Best life I ever got out of a laptop,

Sony - Utter junk. Design flaw lead to heat related failure at 13 months, 1 month after warenty ran out. Known issue Sony ducked until it was out of the woods. Will never own another Sony product.

Compaq - First generation Centrino laptop. Loved it but the power board failed at 18 months. Paid $400 to fix it, and it died again 6 months later. This was before HP bought out Compaq.

Dell - Screen failure at 24 months. Backlight failed.

We bought the kids Compaq laptops for Christmas when they were on sale in August for $400. IF they get 2 years, I will be happy. They will get Mac's next time.

Wife is getting a Mac Mini for Christmas for iLife use with Photos, video, etc.

I have a new MacBook Pro under the tree. My iBook was a 1 year fill in after the Compaq failed. It is now 3.5 years old and will become my wife's internet machine (browsing, e-mail) when I get the MacBook Pro.

Remember the old adage, "You get what you pay for".

 

[yeartolate]

I finally went MAC for my son. More expensive? HEck yeah.

But heck...it is so freaking reliable. For $99 extra you are allowed to visit an expert for one hour every week and pick their brains. During these sessions, they will help you with software, your IPOD, IPhone,etc.

The thing never jams up either. No control alt delete -athons. It just works smoothly, always.

We took his laptop to the "genius bar" for a problem that occured with some software. Everytime he started up his computer, it laughed at him . It was wierd. The MAC employee took 15 minutes to fix the problem - knowing full well it was a software issue. That is customer service.

The coolest thing is that when you go into the store there are people bringing in their 5 plus year old macs to be tweeked. What PC is even relevent after that long?

When this piece of crap HP with nasty ole Vista kicks the bucket, I will get a MACBOOK pro. (excuse me while I throw this pile of junk against the wall )