Tell me what to get, PC vs Mac desktop

[DawnM]

We are just not able to figure this out at the moment. I keep going back and forth.

I have about $1200 roughly to spend on a new computer.

Here are my options:

Lowest end Apple 21.5 inch screen, lowest model. I have fallen in love with Apples. I got a MacBook Pro last year and LOVE it. I also have an ipad and an ipod touch and use both of those regularly as well.

I personally don't need two computers for myself, but thought the desktop would be a good family computer.

I am being met with resistance on several fronts. The boys want to play PC specific games, DH likes the PC better, and I am being asked to get a PC by all my boys, but DH is leaving it up to me ultimately as he has a work laptop and rarely uses the computer at home.

Right now, I can get a Dell XPS with a 24" screen, double the memory and speed, extra software, a free Xbox360 with purchase, and Bose speakers for the same price as the Apple.

I just can't decide! I had my heart set on an Apple and was waiting for the education freebie announcement when Microsoft announced the free Xbox deal AND came out with huge discounts on an XPS computer.

Just vote.....and if you have a strong opinion or thoughts, post them.

It may help me decide!

Thanks,

Dawn

 

[Swimalie]

You can get a program that will allow you to run Windows programs (such as games). To let you know how well most Apples are made, we can still run ours from 1985! We own 4 Macs, 2 iPods and iPad. All run excellently. Apples will run much longer and are, to me, much easier to use.

 

[figment3258]

We were in the same boat yesterday. My dd needed a computer for her school work (she is home schooled and the new curriculum in all on the computer) and there was no way with our old computer I would be way to slow. So after much debate we bought the I Mac yesterday. I say go wit the best it will last longer.

 

[DawnM]

Do you know they offer freebies for students in the summer? They haven't announced it yet, but should soon. For the past several years it is a free $200 ipod touch (well free after rebate.)

This year the rumor is a rebate for $200 on an ipod touch OR an ipad.

Dawn

We were in the same boat yesterday. My dd needed a computer for her school work (she is home schooled and the new curriculum in all on the computer) and there was no way with our old computer I would be way to slow. So after much debate we bought the I Mac yesterday. I say go wit the best it will last longer.

 

[mrsklamc]

Personally I prefer Macs for my own use but if you aren't going to use it yourself I'd say let them get a cheaper PC. Fry's has a laptop in their ad this week for $400.

 

[DawnM]

Please note, I am not looking for a cheap PC...my kids (and dh some) are gamers and want the more powerful PC.

If I just need a cheap computer for email this wouldn't be as difficult a decision.

Dawn

 

[DawnM]

I have 2 problems with that option:

1. It will cost an additional $200 or so to get that all running, which is not currently in the budget.
2. I keep reading that it will slow down the computer.

The cost is a factor, it could work if I can come up with the funds, but it will be more $$.

You can get a program that will allow you to run Windows programs (such as games). To let you know how well most Apples are made, we can still run ours from 1985! We own 4 Macs, 2 iPods and iPad. All run excellently. Apples will run much longer and are, to me, much easier to use.

 

[mrsklamc]

It sounds like the main users of the computer will be your boys for gaming...So I guess I'd go with the PC if you have your pro for your own use.

 

[Swimalie]

I have 2 problems with that option:

1. It will cost an additional $200 or so to get that all running, which is not currently in the budget.
2. I keep reading that it will slow down the computer.

The cost is a factor, it could work if I can come up with the funds, but it will be more $$.

I can see those issues being a factor. I know my mother in law has gone through 2 PCs with her grandkids playing games on them while we are still on our 1 Mac. As you know, Macs security features can't be beat.

 

[Fyrefly]

Sounds like you have a personal Mac already. Why make your kids use a Mac then when you already have one for yourself and they don't want one?

If they want games, PC is better hands down. XBox360 is a nice extra to have as well for gaming. And frankly most of the world uses PC's. The number of times I've been screwed in a presentation for my classes because somebody had a Mac and added in pictures or slides for a Powerpoint and destroyed the entire thing cannot even be counted. Yes Mac and PC compatibility is getting better but it's not perfect. If they're ever going to be working on projects with other kids or getting assignments online, get a PC.

And frankly all the stuff about Mac's being oh so much more secure is bull in my opinion. It's just because there's so few of them people don't write viruses for them, I think. It's super simple to keep a PC clean and running well, get a firewall, do periodic virus/spyware scans and don't just run random things off the internet without virus scanning them first.

 

[Gillennj]

I have an IBM ThinkPad that was built in 1998 and it runs like a top .

Since this is a budget board, I have to say that a $1,200 dollar investment in any PC at this point is a questionable one. Since consoles and PC's are rapidly merging, along with the proliferation of tablets and smartphones, the "traditional" desktop PC (and probably even laptop PC) may be going away.

I would want to get several YEARS out of an investment like that, but most likely there will be a much cheaper option soon. Of course, I am not a "gamer" and really don't know what a PC can do that an XBox 360 or PS3 can't, so take that for what it's worth.

I guess I am saying, taking the gaming aspect out (which I know is your driving force...), you will save yourself about 2/3 of the cost if you went with a "standard" desktop or laptop. That's A LOT of money just to play video games on the PC, when a console would be much cheaper. Even a entry line LT AND a console would be cheaper in the end.

 

[Praying Colonel]

If it were for the OP alone I'd say get the Mac. But it sounds like others will be using it more and they are PC gamers, so I'd get a PC.

 

[TamaraQT]

I vote for a PC if the FAMILY would be using it more. I always have preferred a PC over MAC but thats my preference. I don't know if you have a Best Buy store in your area but last night during the basketball game there was a commercial about an Xbox 360 is free with the purchase of a PC. Now to me, you can get a PC with plenty of bells and whistles for around $600 or $700 bucks. Then the fact of a free Xbox 360 which normally retails for over $200 comes with it is more of a savings. So in the end, I vote PC. Put the $$$ left over from the $1200 in an interest bearing account. Hopefully by the time that PC gives out, you will have earned enough interest to go shopping for a new one without coming out of your pocket again. Because no matter which one you choose today, with the emerging technology, eventually you are gonna get a newer one with more bells and whistles down the line. So since its not a LIFETIME committment, buy the PC...get the FREE XBOX 360(your boys will love you for it) and save the $$ for your next purchase!!

Better yet.....use the savings for DISNEY!!!!

 

[DawnM]

I need to look better at the Dell website. I think the total I put in came to $1100, but that was with some bose speakers and a few other extras that aren't needed, are just nice. I was just playing around with what I could get for the same amount of $$ vs. the Apple. The memory and processing are double that of the Apple and the screen was larger and nicer too.

I think if I got the exact same computer, minus the larger screen and minus the nicer speakers, etc....I would come in around $800 or so.

You do need to spend $699 or more to get the Xbox deal.

Dawn

I vote for a PC if the FAMILY would be using it more. I always have preferred a PC over MAC but thats my preference. I don't know if you have a Best Buy store in your area but last night during the basketball game there was a commercial about an Xbox 360 is free with the purchase of a PC. Now to me, you can get a PC with plenty of bells and whistles for around $600 or $700 bucks. Then the fact of a free Xbox 360 which normally retails for over $200 comes with it is more of a savings. So in the end, I vote PC. Put the $$$ left over from the $1200 in an interest bearing account. Hopefully by the time that PC gives out, you will have earned enough interest to go shopping for a new one without coming out of your pocket again. Because no matter which one you choose today, with the emerging technology, eventually you are gonna get a newer one with more bells and whistles down the line. So since its not a LIFETIME committment, buy the PC...get the FREE XBOX 360(your boys will love you for it) and save the $$ for your next purchase!!

Better yet.....use the savings for DISNEY!!!!

 

[Fyrefly]

I need to look better at the Dell website. I think the total I put in came to $1100, but that was with some bose speakers and a few other extras that aren't needed, are just nice. I was just playing around with what I could get for the same amount of $$ vs. the Apple. The memory and processing are double that of the Apple and the screen was larger and nicer too.

Another reason to go for the PC, IMHO. You need to get as much RAM and graphics card memory as possible to run games, and a hefty processor. It's no good meeting the minimum requirements now, that means you'll be obsolete in a year. Pump up the RAM, processor, and graphics card to see what kind of performance you can get out of the PC for years to come rather than the slower, more expensive Mac.

 

[DawnM]

Well, you guys are no help whatsoever! It is an even split right now!

 

[JenSop]

Honestly, I would never pay money for a PC. Sure, I'd take it if it was free, but that's about it.

I'm a Mac person. It started with the Apple IIe my parents got when I was a kid. And I'm typing this on my awesome iMac that I just love to death. We got this one to replace our previous eMac which had been going strong for over 7 years, but just didn't have the memory we needed anymore. (We had to keep iTunes on the external hard drive since it was so huge!)

Now we have the eMac downstairs to use for basic stuff, and the iMac upstairs here in our office.

What can I say, Macs are just so easy to use. (Obviously the OP knows this.)

Ease of use. Long lasting.

Simple choice to me!

 

[Stephanie218]

We are Mac lovers here - my husband has a MacBook Pro, and I have the regular MacBook. That being said - we also have a PC desktop for his gaming. The specs on it are better for gaming, and many of his games only come in Windows format. I'd say if your family wants it mainly for gaming, just go with the PC then.

I do love the Mac desktops though, so I understand your hesitation

 

[Squidgyness]

Take it from a PC gamer.

Get a PC.

1) Your kids will not forgive you if you get a Mac instead, unless you shell out on some serious equipment for a games console and games.
2) The PC is faster. And more useable for school work etc.
3) The PC is better value for money.
4) You have the Mac Pro for yourself.
5) The lowest spec Mac is ALREADY far from cutting edge. In a few years it will be completely obsolete.

If it is that important you can get Mac software (i.e. the interface) to work on a PC I believe.

However, for the sake of family unity I would get a PC. What do you value: Peace in the household, or a Mac? Trust me, growing up as a child of the electronic age it is very important to get this right.

Note: Not condoning your kids tantrums if you get a Mac, just saying they WILL have serious tantrums, no matter what age.

 

[jodim]

OP, if it is for them gaming, I would get the PC. We have PC's and are getting a Macbook and will replace our Desktop with a iMac when it goes out.. but if it is for the kids for gaming, go with the bigger memory/ram.

We are Mac lovers here - my husband has a MacBook Pro, and I have the regular MacBook. That being said - we also have a PC desktop for his gaming. The specs on it are better for gaming, and many of his games only come in Windows format. I'd say if your family wants it mainly for gaming, just go with the PC then.

I do love the Mac desktops though, so I understand your hesitation

We are waiting on the free ipod deal, but we're getting a Macbook. Do you notice a big difference between the Macbook and Macbook Pro?