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General discussion

Are you considering switching from a Windows PC to a Mac?

Mar 30, 2007 2:25AM PDT

-- Yes. (Why?)
-- Maybe. (Why?)
-- No. (Why not?)
-- Not switching, but using a Mac and using both OSes.
-- I'm already a Mac user! (Are you happy?)
-- I'm thinking about it. (What's the hold up?)
-- I'm not using either. (What are you using?)

Discussion is locked

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Hardware Failures
Mar 30, 2007 8:34AM PDT

I am an old time UNIX and Xenix person so the O/S X is not unfamiliar to me. As for Windows, I use it only because I use special software that will not run on a Mac. However, even if I did not have to use Windows, I'd not go with a Mac for the simple reason that I've had a 100% bad experience with their iBook. My son wanted a new laptop for school and wanted to go for a Mac so got him what he wanted. He treats his stuff like it was something of worship, keyboard membrane double wrapped for transport to school; the works. The 1st unit last about 30 days and then had a problem. After 3 months with it in a Mac warranty station with it blowing eveytime they tried to get it to work, I finally convinced Mac to send a replacement unit. Meanwhile my kid was without it for 3 of the 4 months of ownership. The warranty for th replacement was for the remainder of the original purchase; you'd think they'd at least extend it for the period they had it. 1 month after the 12 month warranty ran out the fan started running continiously. Took to the Mac store and left it with them after they told me there was nothing wrong and it was normal for the fan to run from the second you turned it on (which it had not done nor had the original) and the following business day they called to tell me there was a logic board problem but there was not warranty and therefore the cost would be CDN$950 to replace it. The laptop only cost $1,200 to begin with. After going round and round with no satisfaction, it is sitting in its box on the shelf as my son does not trust it for school use. We replaced it with a H-P unit based on my experiences with H-P and Compaq. Since then, I've run into others with the same experiences from Mac who likewise have a bad taste for the company.

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Practicality
Mar 30, 2007 8:41AM PDT

For me, it's a simple choice--and here's why. It's something every PC user knows well...go with the one that is the more popular because there will be more add-ons and programs written for it. I know people who use Mac's for graphic purposes and art. They swear by it. In VCR's, Beta was the first out, then VHS swamped it. Only a massive effort can change who the leader is. And most of has complained to ourselves...why isn't every plug a STANDARD fit. USB seems to have helped there. Microsoft gave us that massive change--and has consistently upgraded it. "If it ain't broke--don't fix it!" The odds of Mac's taking the lead are very small. Seen a new Oldsmobile lately?

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Hahahaha
Mar 30, 2007 8:53AM PDT

I just bought 2 computers for business. One is an HP laptop DV9230us, on is a Macbook pro. I run business software on both, and they're both great. I find that the Mac is better for excel, as the Microsoft office software has many more features on the Mac, that the windos version doesn't have! I also do photography and video editing on both. The Mac is better at both. I use the same printer, camera, speakers, external mouse, and tablet for both laptops. The Mac is esier to use for both. I also saved a lot of money on the Mac, because of all the extra software I had to buy for the HP, before I could use it productively. I can upgrade the graphics cards on both, and they take the same ram. The mac takes additional monitors that HP doesn't. I like the Mac better, I might get another one.

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...and in the process...
Mar 31, 2007 6:46PM PDT

...and in the process of buying a Macbook Pro, you waste up to a $1000 more compared to a comparably equipped PC laptop...which makes up for the softwares heh? Wink

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Comparably equipped?
Apr 11, 2007 4:19AM PDT

Uh, there is no Windows laptop that is comparably equipped to what you get in a Macbook Pro. Sorry.

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What about the years of use?
Apr 13, 2007 5:25AM PDT

I have a Mac iBook, ancient one.. one of the first white bodies iBooks to come out and I am still using it. It runs the last version of OS, and yet its any day better off at Microsoft Office and Video than the latest XP. Its the 5th year running, plus I got it on a discount cheaper than a PC laptop at that time. Value for money... U bet.

I do have a PC workstation bought around a year before. Its currently in a carton in my storeroom. I think in the long run, the apple is way cheaper than their comparable PCs

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Microsoft gave us the USB?????
Mar 30, 2007 11:36AM PDT

Where did you get your info?

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Why not?
Mar 30, 2007 8:46AM PDT

If you have ever grumbled or cursed about Windows, why would you not try a Mac? Now that it can run both Mac OS X and Windows, the choice is even easier. Microsoft is never going to fix their product, unless they start to lose market share. I was a Windows-only user up until only a few years ago. When I got frustrated with the arsenal of firewalls, anti-virus, anti-spyware, and pop-up blockers that I needed to run on Windows, and the performance impact they had, I finally decided I had enough. I've been delighted with my decision to switch to Mac.

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Switch back and forth daily
Mar 30, 2007 8:50AM PDT

I've used MS Operating systems since DOS 4. I've used every Windows OS since then too. I wasn't at all familiar with Macs until I bought a used Mac Powerbook in 1998. I was immediately struck with the integration of software and hardware. Even though this was before OS X the machine seemed almost indestructible.

I was also impressed with how easy it was to find help. Mac user communities are very helpful. Not to say that Windows user communities are not but the chances of you finding another Mac user who has exactly the same hardware is very great since there are a limited number of possible configurations.

In 2000 I bought a PowerMac Gr tower. It was a a joy to use. It was built so that you could easily open it up and add RAM or drives or even a new processor. I sold it about 3 years later and bought a PowerMac G5. I added RAM and drives to it so that it now has 1 TB of storage and 8 GB of RAM.

I still continue to work on Windows at work though. I have no problems with file compatibility. I also have no trouble connecting my new MacBook to the Novell network at work.

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PC People Can Always Fix Their Computers, Mac People Can't
Mar 30, 2007 8:52AM PDT

Stick with a PC because you can always find help to fix it because PC people always need to fix theirs...ummm, that did not sound right, let me try it again.

Mac people are not much help at fixing their computers... when their computer breaks, they don't know how to fix them because they do not hardly ever break...umm, that doesn't sound right either

PC people can be a lot of help setting up a PC because it takes a lot of time and work, not to mention maintenace...Mac people's computers just work, so they do not have that experience...ummm, not quite right again.

I guess a Mac is a better choice, sorry for the confusion

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Computers
Mar 30, 2007 8:58AM PDT

I began on an Amiga 2000 and graduated to a 3000. I still have and use both. I actually use 10 different computers for 10 different reasons. I've been a professional audio engineer/producer for over 30 years. I also own and operate a 24 track digital studio. I think it's a matter of knowing which system to use for what job. Every OS has it's place in audio. I've used Pro Tools, Sound Forge, etc. I own every DX, VST plugin that has been introduced to the market place. When I started analog was the way. We had to create what are now known as plugins the old fashioned way. Many of our ideas became today's plugins. The digital systems of today are more of a convenience than anything to me. It's a lot easier to click a mouse than to cut and splice 2 inch mastering tape. The systems are all capable of getting the job done. It's a matter of personal taste unless you have the luxury of exploring all platforms. I enjoy Linux as much as any system out today. It reminds me a lot of the early days of the Amiga. So much open source and good programmers that really offer tremendous versatility. The real fun is exploring all of what's available. Make some mistakes. Crash a few systems. Lose some data and learn. Later.

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STALLING
Mar 30, 2007 8:59AM PDT

Macs are overpriced and underpowered, so I am stalling until they catch up with PC's.

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mac / pc
Mar 30, 2007 9:21AM PDT

Using both the pc and the mac I find I like points of both, I run 2 xp based pc, 1 slackware linux based pc, and a g3 mac blue & white Yellowdog linux based mac. On the max I ran osx until I ran into the Yellowdog distro of linux. ( A apple approved os ) of all the computers I use linux ones get the most use. 1 pc and 1 mac.

All of the computers are set up looking the same and you have to look closely to tell the difference. and yes the pc's and linux have a object dock like the mac.
One of the replies said that they saw a 24 inch screen on a mac and thought it was better than a pc. just put a 24 inch screen on pc and you will notice a difference. the mac's with the intel chip now are ausome machines but then any computer that has duel processors is ausome and one with 2 duel processors on it would be the tops till someone comes out with a 2 quad processors on it. ah the days of the 8088 are long gone and many dollars have passed trying to keep up with the latest and greatest.
If some one wishes to avoid the lack of security of micro$ost and the cost of programs under o$x get a real operating system and try linux.. then again linux isnt for the faint of heart. its your operating system and you are in charge. and now linux runs on both the mac and the pc so it dosent matter which computer you have just get linux and you get one operating system for both computers

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Staying with PC
Mar 30, 2007 9:31AM PDT

I have a PC with windows and Linux on it, Suse 10.2 and Ubuntu. I use the XP for tax programs etc that come on CD"s and use linux for everything else as it is more secure and so far no need for 3rd pary virus and firewall, spam programs. Its also more fun to have dual OS's to compare and experiment with. I think Linux may be the wave of the future.

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Mac? Why?
Mar 30, 2007 9:32AM PDT

I have exp. in Win. XP, NT4, 2000, Vista, and a little in Linux. I had a Mac but it would not boot up and in order for the Mac people to fix my problem I had to update the OS and in order to do that I needed a new PC. If your fed up with Windows Linux is the way to go. It is all legal free-ware (They may ask $15 if you want a cd/DVD of the OS). The DVD I have can be run strait from the DVD player on my PC, no loading to the HD needed. You can do this, however, for faster operation of the software. And Linux offers free programs comparable to things like Power Point or others, and is comparable to Mac as far as no virus problems or little crashing (People around the globe work on it 24/7.).

I say before you try Mac give Linux a shot. It could save 100's of dollors.

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I have both... comments here...
Mar 30, 2007 9:58AM PDT

I have a PC and a Mac... and I have found that I love the Mac for some things and the PC for others... the biggest problem I have and this is something someone considering switching should be concerned about is that not all programs that are useful on the PC are available for the Mac...I have to have both machines running because of this factor..for example.. with Quicken if you transfer/share files you lose data in the sharing process.. this is not acceptable. Family Tree Maker is not available for MAC; other programs are but not sure how to transfer years of work from one to the other so keep it on the PC. Photo editing programs... Love MS Picture It, not available for MAC so keep it on the PC, other photo editing programs like Photoshop Elements 3 are different versions with same name for Mac and PC... Check printing program.. set up for years on PC, not able to move it to MAC...

So my advice is if you are totally new to computers a MAC would be great to have..of course with the new Intel chip my problems might be solved but I purchased my MAC two weeks before the new ones with the chip came out... and upgrades are not availalble. Yes, there is software out there to emulate a PC but they are said to slow down the MAC and speed is part of the fun part.

So, if you already have a PC, I would think twice about switching and maybe just get a Bigger, Faster, newer PC.

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Mac is superior
Mar 30, 2007 10:05AM PDT

I switched from Windows to Mac about 2 years ago and I can't believe I waited that long. I didn't realize how much unnecessary time I spent fixing bugs and digging trough endless folders structures. It took me maybe a week to get used to how intuitive Mac operates and now I could never ever consider a Windows machine again. I don't get the Windows stubborn culture. You have Windows users on these forums spilling their guts on how Macs are poor in such and such areas but very few of them have actually given Macs a fair shot.

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meh..
Mar 30, 2007 10:06AM PDT

i own a PC, but am the "Mac guy" where i work, which is an IT office at a college. the funny thing is i've never owned a Mac and was simply curious which is how i learned about them. although, i also use linux a good 40% of the time (i switch back bc i cant play my games in nix) and since OS X is based on unix i have a slight advantage knowledge-wise there.

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Are you considering switching from a Windows PC to a Mac?
Mar 30, 2007 10:16AM PDT

Why would anyone want to go backwards ?????????????????

RJT

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Swayed by the 1984 Mac ad in 1984! (not the Hillary version)
Mar 30, 2007 10:26AM PDT

I have had Macs since 1985 (19 of them in fact and am buying 12 new ones for my staff after the June Show). I have never had a virus, never had a problems I couldn't fix myself, and only needed one piece of software that was PC only (MacProject). I have been forced by employers to use PCs, but actually had two of them changed over after seeing how well mine worked (crash free).

I own a company in the new product development business and use ALL Macs - they are safer (no viruses), almost hacker free, and very stable. Every new person that we have added to our staff was able to use them immediately. With the exception of Word, Excel, and Quickbooks, Mac provides all the software we need. We even produce CAD drawing capable of producing IGES and CGM files. And, they look cool.

In fact, we use the Mac and PC as descriptors in our business - we ask our inventors if they are looking for a new, fresh, Mac-type look or the old, used, PC look. They all know what we're talking about!

We love Apple - I gave my whole staff Nanos for Christmas!!!

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IMAC G5... love it.
Mar 30, 2007 11:12AM PDT

I left HP and Windows XP, and jumped to my first iMac G5, l10 months ago...

I use it 3 hours a day.. I cannot think of one thing about Windows that is equal to, let alone, better than iMacs..

I am Realtor... I have to use a couple of "workarounds"... , but won't have to do that much longer, as the Rappatoni software company will be coming around to working with Macs....., and I will get a new Mac, soon. (laptop), and it will have the Windows system built in...

If I were Bill Gates, I would do whatever it takes to cut a deal with Macs......


j.b.

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mac
Mar 30, 2007 11:24AM PDT

i have been using mac's for 5 years, i finnally got my own in 2005 when the iSight iMac G5's came out. i got the 17" model and all i have to say is sweet. its more enjoyable to just look at. the user interface is way cleaner and easyer on the eyes if you will. its not command line like. although Mac OS X is a really good command line opertating system(i kid you not). i mostly use my mac's(currently have a PowerBook G3 Pismo, PowerMac G4 and iMac G5 iSight)is video or audio editing, and yes some photo editing but thats it. ok yes i do play games sometimes. and Halo looks really nice on it. but games are for windows. i like mac's for there stability.

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windows 2 mac?
Mar 30, 2007 11:30AM PDT

I am happy with looking through windows, BUT not Vista Auzjon

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No thanks
Mar 30, 2007 11:51AM PDT

Mac is so limited in the choice of apps. Often times corporations will write most of their company apps for pcs and do the mac apps much much later. Macs cost too much. Sorry, Dudes and Dudessess, I will stick with pc.

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forgot to add
Mar 30, 2007 11:54AM PDT

sorry, I forgot to add - but I might consider mac, if it really is free of all the glitches that all of the mac owners say.

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A Mac for my sister or my mom, but Linux for me
Mar 30, 2007 12:26PM PDT

I purchased a Mac for my sister and her family quite some time ago. At the same time I also gave them an MS Windows(R) computer so they could make their own choice.

It took a week, then they gave the PC away.

I would buy a Mac for any computer beginner, but I prefer UNIX/Linux for my own needs.

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Yes, absolutely!
Mar 30, 2007 12:48PM PDT

I was Mac affecionado about 15 yrs ago, and went to the other side for business and personal reasons, I did still work occasionally on Mac's, but more on a personal level. After working as an IT Consultant, I have started suggesting Mac's to my customers for a few months now. Main reason, no viruses. Yes, sure there are viruses for Macs, although far and few between. Secondly, no drivers, camera's work, USB drives, PC drives that have the ugly blue screen saying "Unmountable_Boot_Volume" ...is read as an external drive, all data is retrieved and the seemingly bad drive on a PC...works! including ALL files in the Documents and Settings Folder - I'm sold, for good.

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Use both!!!
Mar 30, 2007 1:16PM PDT

Macs are great for doing work and just surfing the web, but gaming or the little convince programs are hard to come by. I'm a Student Athletic trainer and our mac is the best thing when I need information or to view xrays and CAT Scans quick.
However OS X just doesn't have the fun I need as a modder/OCer. And the Fact that their affordable but still useful series (Imac) can't really be upgraded just ain't for home use.

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Mac. Any day..
Mar 30, 2007 1:45PM PDT

Its simple, i used to have 5 PCs (IBM, Dell, HP) in my office in 1999, and now i have 1 PC (Assembled) and 3 Macs. Why?

Well, having a Mac is like having a refrigerator or a microwave. Press a button, it comes alive and you do your work on it. Having a PC, is well like having a PC (a windows machine), it needs constant tinkering and upkeep. Here's a simple data, my laptop (Mac) has been switched of and on less than 75 times in the last 4 years. I don't see a windows powered machine doing that any time soon. And people who say that branded PCs work as well, not true.. it just means they have not pushed it to the limit as yet. Get some video edit and vector graphics running on them, The PC will soon say Astalavista.

Gamers, stick to PC, as there are not many softwares that are available for the Mac.

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Nahhh
Mar 30, 2007 2:46PM PDT

Nah I think Macs are too praised up for what they are. I really prefer Linux as an alternative to Windows because it's free and doesn't claim to be the best of the best. I thought a while ago a Mac was a good choice but I have second thoughts. So now I dual boot between Windows and Linux.