Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Dell or Apple???

Apr 26, 2006 2:39AM PDT

I cant decide wether to purchase the Dell E1705 laptop or Apple iMac.

Any suggestions?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Dell or Apple
Apr 26, 2006 8:21AM PDT

I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure.

How is anyone supposed to help you with your choice when you offer no further information as to what you intend to do with either machine.

The E1705 is a totally unsuitable machine for running OS X or iPhoto, iDVD, Garageband or iMovie. However, it does have the ability to run thousands of virus programs that will not run on the Mac. The E1705 will run Windows, but I'm not sure you could put that in the plus column.

The iMac is very suitable machine for running OS X or iPhoto, iDVD, Garageband or iMovie. It also has a much larger screen with a higher resolution. It can also run Windows but, once again, I'm not sure you could put that in the plus column.

Were you asking a specific question or just trolling around?

P

- Collapse -
Dell vs Apple
Apr 27, 2006 1:23AM PDT

Let me just add that I am on my third Dell computer and I consider Dell a very good machine, but Windows is a complete mess and that is what you will have to deal with.

I plan to get a iMAC on May 10th and can hardly wait. As far as I am concerned Windows is a thing of the past. From now on I will be using MAC OS.

Hope this helps. Good luck om your decision!

Jim

- Collapse -
Dell is Complete Crap
May 3, 2006 6:31PM PDT

Nobody that knows a hint about computers would buy a dell, HP|Compaq makes the best pc's

- Collapse -
Dell is Complete Crap
May 26, 2006 2:41AM PDT

purchasing a pc, any brand pc, is the problem - they all are loaded with windows. Even pc world/magazine selected MacOS X as the best operating system. Dell or HP or Sony - all roughly equal to 'best beach in Kansas'!

If you are going to invest you hard earned money then buy the best you can - Macintosh.

- Collapse -
mac is not the cheaper alternative
Apr 28, 2007 11:36PM PDT

Apple advertises a lot for its Mac computer and they make them look nice. And yes there are some programs who for the proffesionals are a must have. BUt other than that, the old PC is better.
If you don't have to use a certain program which runs better or offers better functionality on a Mac such as for audio/video eddition then your better deal is to stick to a PC.
And yes, maybe Dell is crap because it has reached the point to be overly mainstream and the components of lover quality as a cause, but still you have a wider choice on the PC market.
Don't get me wrong, not a long time ago I was praising the Mac's but it proved too expensive and time consuming to learn how to operate on the new system while the device (macbook) felt like it is going to break.

- Collapse -
Those the only two choices?
Apr 27, 2006 11:30PM PDT

Plan on using it on long flights?
The iMac batteries are to big to fit under your seat.

Like the internet?
Windows is a Malware magnet.

Problem solved.


Lampie

- Collapse -
My 2 1/2 cents
Apr 28, 2006 7:12AM PDT

As asked before, what do you plan to do with either computer? If you plan on doing ANYTHING creative with the computer (movie editing, photo slideshows, music, CD or DVD burning), I'd go with the Mac. By the way, you didn't mention if it was a "laptop" Mac, just an iMac. They come in many different flavors. Anyways, you can do all of these creative things on a PC, but 99% of PCs don't come equipped ready to handle downloading video from camcorders or do they come pre-equipped with any photo, movie or sound software tools. But if you plan on simply doing boring business work, and you need to be 100% compatible with your office PC, then go with the Dell. Join the Rebellion and go Mac! Don't go to the Darkside.

- Collapse -
I think we got a troll
Apr 28, 2006 9:48AM PDT

and not a very good one.

Probably best if we don't feed it anymore

P

- Collapse -
Dell or Apple...
May 23, 2006 6:59PM PDT

That dell you mentioned is a laptop. The apple imac is a desktop. I'm guessing you want to use it for desktop work, so i wont argue that point that if you are going to carry this computer around, it would be pretty difficult to do so with an imac.

I say, if you know your windows and know how to do things right, go with the dell. If you are a simple person and are doing small simple tasks plus want some simple multimedia software, the Apple iMac is the way to go.

- Collapse -
I believe your machine
May 24, 2006 4:54AM PDT

has an internal error.

So far everything you have typed in the Mac forums, has included an error:

The error identification number is 10 Tango.

Could you fix it before you post again please.

Thanks

- Collapse -
What?
May 24, 2006 6:42AM PDT

I dont know what you are talking about.

- Collapse -
(NT) (NT) That error? It's still there
May 24, 2006 6:48AM PDT
- Collapse -
(NT) (NT) Don't know what error you talking about
May 24, 2006 6:58AM PDT
- Collapse -
Error
May 24, 2006 7:19AM PDT

You say that my machine has an internal error? I really don't see any error. And why would my machine have errors? I've been posting from two different machines (Win and Mac, since i know you are pro Mac), so i dont know how it can be an internal error when two machines are used.
Also, like i said, i dont see any error. Maybe somethings bust up on your machine?

- Collapse -
I see it too
May 24, 2006 8:15AM PDT

On both of my machines.

In troubleshooting things like this, consider what both of your computers have in common.

Lampie

- Collapse -
Confirmation
May 24, 2006 8:57AM PDT

Thanks, I did spend a long time checking my XP box at work but when I got home I found the same error when I used my Mac.

Appreciate the confirmation of the error

P

- Collapse -
I see it
May 24, 2006 11:18AM PDT

I'm using a W2K machine and it is there. I'm surprised he can't see it

I_B

- Collapse -
(NT) (NT) See it too, on my Linux box
May 24, 2006 11:20AM PDT
- Collapse -
(NT) (NT) Seems to be taking him some time to track down the error
May 25, 2006 10:07AM PDT
- Collapse -
Dell Laptops have CD-DVD problems
May 26, 2006 12:21AM PDT

Every Dell Laptop that has come through our office for repair has needed a New CD RW Drive or DVD/RW Drive. Some DVD drives actually gouge a deep score into a DVD.
If you don't have the 3 year in home repair plan.. They will send you a new drive and you can install it yourself.. This is what you get with their basic warranty. Buy an APPLE or HP/Compaq.. Acers are pretty good as well..Toshiba's run hot. Gateway and DELL RUN FAR AWAY!!! Too many Lemons in that bunch.
Just my 2 cents.. Apple OS is easier to use, once you get out of the Windows frame of mind. Just think Backwards!!!