Someone talk me into getting a Mac

[mill4023]

I asked a lot of questions here and on the Budget Board before I swithed to a Mac. Great decision! Love the Mac and won't go back to a pc. You don't need to constantly restart, the machine doesn't freeze if you try to do a couple of things at once, I never get annoying error messages because it doesn't have errors. I plugged it in and it was ready to go. No setting up a network, it just did it. No creating an internet connection or email account, it just worked immediately. GREAT customer service. I did have a problem with the mouse. I called and no kidding, a new one was on my door step the NEXT morning!

I don't need to constantly restart, my machine never freezes, even though I'm typically running 10 programs at the same time. I never get error messages. I didn't need to do anything for my internet connection.
I run Windows XP.

And I'm pretty sure Mac's aren't quite smart enough to know what your email address and password are without you telling them. And for what it's worth, Microsoft is also very good about replacing mice if you have any issues with them, although I wouldn't personally know because I've been using the same MS Intellimouse Optical for 5 years.

I think one of the problems with PC's is that you have such a wide variety of companies making the hardware. So if you buy cheap hardware, you are more likely to have problems. But as far as software, Windows XP is just as solid and stable as Apple's OS.

If you like Macs, get one. Personally, I think they are overpriced for the level of performance you get and I like the wider variety of software(especially games) that is available for Windows.

 

[RadioNate]

IAnd I'm pretty sure Mac's aren't quite smart enough to know what your email address and password are without you telling them.

Again, yes Mac's can do that. They can save your email address and passwords the same way you had your PC save yours the 1st time you typed it in. On Mac's it's called a 'keychain.'

Listen I use a Mac and a PC back and forth all day long. I'm typing on a Mac now. But I can twist my chair about 45 degrees and edit this post with my PC. I need both of them to work. I will say though that I've already had to restart the PC once today due to an error, and repair it's internet connection for some unknown reason.

People can prefer PCs, I don't care. However, making dumb statements about only 3 programs being available or Mac's not being 'smart' enough to save information is just ridiculous.

 

[mill4023]

Again, yes Mac's can do that. They can save your email address and passwords the same way you had your PC save yours the 1st time you typed it in. On Mac's it's called a 'keychain.'

Listen I use a Mac and a PC back and forth all day long. I'm typing on a Mac now. But I can twist my chair about 45 degrees and edit this post with my PC. I need both of them to work. I will say though that I've already had to restart the PC once today due to an error, and repair it's internet connection for some unknown reason.

People can prefer PCs, I don't care. However, making dumb statements about only 3 programs being available or Mac's not being 'smart' enough to save information is just ridiculous.

That's not what I meant.
The poster I quoted said they didn't even have to setup their email account. I was saying that even Macs aren't smart (psychic) enough to know your email address and password when you first setup your new computer.

Hey, I don't have anything against Macs. Some people simply prefer them and for some people, they really do meet their needs better. I just think that many of the negative things Mac users say about windows based PCs, either aren't true or are true, but not for the reasons they think.
For instance, people like to blame Microsoft for having poor security, but in reality, their OS is no less secure than unix based OS's. In fact, there are published security issues with unix OS's pretty much every week. The reason that there are fewer virus issues is because the people writing the viruses and hacking systems would much rather focus on the 90% of computer users running windows.

 

[RadioNate]

That's not what I meant.
The poster I quoted said they didn't even have to setup their email account. I was saying that even Macs aren't smart (psychic) enough to know your email address and password when you first setup your new computer.

Thanks for clarifying. They aren't psychic. I was detecting a whole lot of sarcasm that I felt was unnecessary.

I think what they were referring to is there is no internet or email set up wizards to go through. If you have a (dot)Mac account you do just enter your username and password and that's it. You don't have to enter the information for the pop3 or smtp servers.

I know with my wireless connection, I didn't have to install any software (drivers) on my Mac it could talk to the router. I DID have to do that on my PC laptop.

Everything on the Mac is pretty much plug and play. There is no using 'install' disks for anything. I know WinXP has adapted that feature from MacOS.

And I'll give you the mouse issue. I've been through 2 of the new Mac "Mighty" mice (mouses?). I'm actually using the same Microsoft bluetooth mouse for my iMac and laptop.

 

[Honu]

I have always been a PC person. Heck, I resisted that mouse and windows for a LOOOONG time. I actually liked DOS.

After reimaging my top of the line POS Dell last night for the 2nd time, I am done. Today I'm going to the Mac store for lunch.

I have a PC at work and a IT department to fix it. I have better things to do with my personal time than virus check and back up regularly for the inevitable need to reimage that stupid machine. Vent over.

Here I come Mac.

 

[head mouse]

You're kidding right? 3 programs?

Why buy millions of programs when your Mac comes loaded with software for free?

Sorry, I wasn't planning on posting on this thread as Mac users know why they love their Macs and usually nothing convinces others to buy a Mac unless they have tried one. But that "3 programs" statement was too ridiculous to ignore.

OMG I can't believe the people here. You take stuff to literal.

Its called sarcasm. So Mac has 100 programs. *SARCASM ALERT* Still not many.

And PC come pre loaded too. Ever hear of Windows?

Mac computers are toys. They are given to schools for free for a reason.

How many times do you look up programs online and it say "NO COMPATIBLE FOR MAC"

I think I can count on one hand how many programs ARE COMPATIBLE for Mac. Mac has very limited options.

 

[NewJersey]

How many times do you look up programs online and it say "NO COMPATIBLE FOR MAC"

Let me count the times.....none.

I don't play games, so that's not an issue; office xp is installed on my mac. Got everything I need and I no longer want to throw my computer out the window whenever I use it.

You like a pc..we like a mac. Drop it.

 

[Honu]

They are given to schools for free for a reason.

Yes. Apple, as a corporation, feels the need to contribute to the betterment of our society. More corporations should follow this example, IMO.

I think I can count on one hand how many programs ARE COMPATIBLE for Mac. Mac has very limited options.

I used to think the same thing, but times change. It simply isn't the case now.

 

[Sparx]

I AGREE.

There is no way I could talk anyone into buying a Mac.

PC may have ther little problems, but why buy a Mac that you can buy 3 programs for when PC has millions of programs.

As for "No more virus problems"

THATs BULL!!!!

I know many Mac useres that get comp viruses.

Thank goodness that I'm not alone here!

Don't go over to the darkside!

I've used macs, and if I never touch another one again it'll be too soon.

I'm sure its all personal perference. Macs are okay, and pcs are too. I'd just rather have my pc. (well. we acutally have six.)

 

[RadioNate]

OMG I can't believe the people here. You take stuff to literal.

Its called sarcasm. So Mac has 100 programs. *SARCASM ALERT* Still not many.

And PC come pre loaded too. Ever hear of Windows?

Mac computers are toys. They are given to schools for free for a reason.

How many times do you look up programs online and it say "NO COMPATIBLE FOR MAC"

I think I can count on one hand how many programs ARE COMPATIBLE for Mac. Mac has very limited options.

Why the need to be sarcastic?

I have never come across anything on the internet not compatible for Mac. I have seen not Safari compatible, but you can get Firefox for Mac for free which IS compatible.

There is less freeware and shareware and sometimes there will be a free Win plugin whereas the Mac one is for a fee. I've had some issues with specific programs like Family Tree Maker which is Win only BUT I can by Reunion for my Mac. Same difference.

I don't know what programs you are talking about but I certainly have more than 5, including programs by Microsoft, Adobe, Macromedia, Intuit as well as free downloads like Google Earth and MSN Messenger.

You do know that Windows XP 'look' is just a rip off of MacOS software.

Toys? Every heard of Pro Tools? That's why music producers, film editors and professional photographers have Macs.

You don't need to be rude and immature. You don't like them, so what. Go read a different thread.

 

[RadioNate]

Thank goodness that I'm not alone here!

Don't go over to the darkside!

I've used macs, and if I never touch another one again it'll be too soon.

I'm sure its all personal perference. Macs are okay, and pcs are too. I'd just rather have my pc. (well. we acutally have six.)

Why? Seriously. They aren't that different. Just because you are more comfortable with one over the other doesn't mean that they are both crap.

Modern day Windows is a rip-off of MacOS. It is. I don't really care but people act like the difference is night and day. PC users rave about Firefox which is nearly identical to Safari.

I think Macs are more stable when using high end photo/video editing programs. I do web design on both. Gamers like PCs.

I just think all the 'dark side' stuff is childish.

 

[mill4023]

OMG I can't believe the people here. You take stuff to literal.

Its called sarcasm. So Mac has 100 programs. *SARCASM ALERT* Still not many.

And PC come pre loaded too. Ever hear of Windows?

Mac computers are toys. They are given to schools for free for a reason.

How many times do you look up programs online and it say "NO COMPATIBLE FOR MAC"

I think I can count on one hand how many programs ARE COMPATIBLE for Mac. Mac has very limited options.

OK, I just wanted to point out that this guy does NOT speak for all of us non-Mac people. Everything he just said is ridiculous.

Obviously, there is a larger selection of software for PC's because it's a much larger target audience. But with the exception of many games, there is very little you can do on a PC that you can't do on a Mac. And there are some areas where Apple's software blows away the windows competition.
Like I said, I think Macs are overpriced when compared to PC's of equivalent power, but they are certainly NOT toys. Apple donates lots of computers to schools for several reasons:
They care about giving back to the community.
They have a love of technology and want to share that with children.
They want to get kids comfortable using Macs so they will create new future customers.

 

[mill4023]

Modern day Windows is a rip-off of MacOS. It is.

True. Did you ever see the bumper stickers that said something like "Windows 98 = MacOS 88"?
But on the other hand, the original MacOS, the whole idea of a graphical interface (windows), and the mouse, all came from Xerox.

Ever see the movie Pirates of Silicon Valley?
I'm not sure how factual it is, but there is a scene where Jobs gets mad at Gates because of their "new" windows operating system. Gates responds by saying something like "what, your mad because you stole it first?"

Microsoft has never been good at inventing new technology. But they've been outstanding at taking good ideas, improving them, and getting people to buy them. Which is the reason Windows has the vast majority of the market.

 

[DizGeek]

Thanks for all the input...that was fun! I currently have a PC network with 5 various brands/wired/wireless/laptops/desktops. I think I'll go to an Apple store and play around with a laptop for a bit...just to be prepared for the next purchase.

Also, do I need 5 or 6 computers? Probably not. But I suppose I dont really need to go on TOT 10 times per trip either.

 

[RadioNate]

Like I said, I think Macs are overpriced when compared to PC's of equivalent power

Fair enough and a logic argument. Makes complete sense.

Heck, in my book "I'm a gamer and they don't make the games I like to play for Mac" is a valid enough argument against buying one.

I just think people are getting silly with the 'I hate Mac but I have no reason why other than I think they suck' argument.

I know they all rip each other off (Apple, IBM, Xerox, Microsoft) but he had to go and bring up Windows being preloaded like it was huge technological advance and I couldn't pass it up.

See it is good that I have both a Mac and a PC because while my PC is taking forever to upload what I'm working on, I can Dis on the Mac.

In all fairness, it would take just as long to upload on the Mac.

 

[Sparx]

Why? Seriously. They aren't that different. Just because you are more comfortable with one over the other doesn't mean that they are both crap.

Modern day Windows is a rip-off of MacOS. It is. I don't really care but people act like the difference is night and day. PC users rave about Firefox which is nearly identical to Safari.

I think Macs are more stable when using high end photo/video editing programs. I do web design on both. Gamers like PCs.

I just think all the 'dark side' stuff is childish.

I did say that "macs are okay, and pcs are too. I just perfer my pc".

 

[salmoneous]

PC guy here. Desktops and laptops since day 1. Can someone familiar with both talk me into a Mac? I'm content but curious.

From what I can tell, the best thing about a Mac is the special pixie dust owners get that make them forget any and all problems they have with their beloved computers.

My Dad is a Mac fanatic. Loves them. Hates PC's. Tells me how wonderful Macs are and of all the evils of PCs. Then tells me about his latest computer problem (at the moment, it's all the old Mac software that won't run on his new Intel-powered Mac.)

Whatever. It's a computer. Unless you are running some specialized software that only runs on one platform or the other, does it really matter than much?

I bought my PC for about half the cost of the cheapest Mac. Does everything I need. And, believe it or not, I can open my mail without fear, nor do I have to update my anti-virus software every hour.

But if people like and want to buy Macs, go right ahead. I loved my little 512k Mac in college (for the kids out there, yes the whole think ran on 512k of memory. Not 512 gigs. Not 512 megs. 512k. And that was the deluxe upgraded model, unlike the cheapo 128k models. But I digress). Just don't go telling me they are magic machines that never have any problems.

 

[mill4023]

But if people like and want to buy Macs, go right ahead. I loved my little 512k Mac in college (for the kids out there, yes the whole think ran on 512k of memory. Not 512 gigs. Not 512 megs. 512k. And that was the deluxe upgraded model, unlike the cheapo 128k models. But I digress). Just don't go telling me they are magic machines that never have any problems.

LOL. My first computer was a Commodore 64. Yep, 64k.

I should also mention that aside from my opinion about the price/performance comparison, the main reason I won't buy a Mac is because I'm a gamer and I build my own PCs. Many of the games I like aren't available or are inferior on a Mac. Plus, I can economically upgrade as the games become more demanding. My last upgrade was practically a new machine, but I was able to keep my existing case, drives, mouse, keyboard, and monitor. So I spent around $400 and basically had a new top of the line gaming machine.

 

[mowog]

PCs work perfectly well, I use a PC laptop all the time and have never had major problems. I find it is still "plug and pray" when I add something new even though I'm using latest OS. I need the PC for work, as that is what the software uses. At home we have an Imac and a new macbook (along with 2 older powerbooks). The mac always makes more sense to me and I can understand what it is doing. Every program for the mac operates the same, while on the PC they are often very different.

My wife can do everything she needs to do on her macbook, give her a PC and she's in big trouble. She wanted to print some text out to cut and paste into a scrap book (yes-with scissors and glue) and she was going to send herself an e-mail and print it out. I said just go to word as it has more fonts,sizes, etc. Once she opened word she had no problem as it works like other programs she is used to.

We have been a mac family for years. We started probably 20 years ago when we were getting our first family computer. We went to a radio shack computer center (not just a regular store) and the sales people couldn't get a pc up and running for us to play with (dark days of DOS!!!). Our next stop was an apple store and the sales person said he was busy for a few minutes but just go over and turn a computer on! It actually worked with no one showing us what to do- we were sold and have had macs ever since.

When I got my first windows based PC for my office I used it at home for a few days to make sure all the bugs were out. My daughters boy friend, a computer science major, was over and I couldn't figure out how to shut down the computer (didn't read manual of course). He says just hit the "start" icon! I said "OK- to stop it I have to hit start?". He said he never thought about it that way before. This alone is a good reason to get a mac.

Bob