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General discussion

Help me decide: PC or Apple laptop?

Aug 23, 2013 9:33AM PDT
Question:

Help me decide: PC or Apple laptop?


I read all your submissions and I really rely greatly on your answers so thank you!

I am in need of a new laptop. I've always had PCs but lately I have been increasingly unhappy with all the problems with errors. Inevitably a little Microsoft window pops up at the most inopportune times. It makes me crazy.

We have an iPad 2, and 4th-gen iPods. I only had one problem with my iPad in three years. I took it to Apple and they took care of it. It was as easy as pie. With my PC, it's like pulling teeth. I am good with computers and can usually work around problems, but it has gotten annoying to see little windows pop up saying my program is being closed for no reason.

So, my big question...PC or Apple for a laptop that I want to use for everyday home non-gaming use. I want to use it for e-mail, general word processing, pictures, and video. That's it. It has to be fast and work. That's all I ask. Can you help me decide?

Thanks very much!

--Submitted by Mary S. of Illinois

[NOTE to all participating members: Please keep this a civil discussion and respect each other recommendations and suggestions. Let's help this member make an informed buying decision. Thanks! -Lee ]


Note: This post was edited by its original author on 08/24/2013 at 1:31 PM PT

Discussion is locked

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Absolutely right!
Sep 2, 2013 9:13PM PDT

I'm growing to hate Windows, but can't afford a Mac!

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True cost / price of ownership.
Sep 3, 2013 1:59PM PDT

Very well put! I agree and have also paid a high price doing all you stated. And yes, there are probably much missing in the list. Like time waiting during the slow installs, etc., etc.

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Agree with you plus . . .
Sep 5, 2013 2:24PM PDT

For me it was . . .
. . . buying a new laptop every 2-3 years when it crashed or became unusable (my son has had a MacBook Pro for 8 years and it works just as good as it did when new).

. . . the "normal" increase of clutter and junk over time, requiring a "fresh install" (and every other program you have) every year or so. Talk about a design flaw!

I have spent thousands of dollars on programs promising to solve all these problems -- and they either do little or make things worse.

The learning curve on my MacBook Air is steep after decades on PCs, but " it . . . just . . . works." Smoothly. Cleanly.

I'm addicted to PCs and still use a PC desktop and laptop, but my MacBook Air is a great piece of equipment.

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Whatever...
Aug 31, 2013 7:29AM PDT

The absolute dominance of Windows in the corporate space speaks volumes. Without question, Windows is more versatile and equally capable. Conversely, OSX isn't suitable for most business purposes. It is too limited and unsupported by far too many business applications. Apple products in general are a pop-culture attraction that can't be taken too seriously because of its limitations. Many of those limitations are imposed by design, because that's they way they roll at Apple. They own you and let you do what they want you to.

It is a nice looking OS and it does have a few features that make it great for some niche users. Any more, there is really no compelling reason to own a Mac other than personal preference. There is really nothing a Mac can do that a PC cannot do just as well for less money. That said, there is not a thing in the world wrong with personal preference. We all have them. Macbook build quality is very good, but if you don't cheap out you can easily get a laptop that rivals looks, build quality and exceeds performance of any Macbook for a similar price, if not less. If you're a Microsoft hater and living with limitations is not a problem, the affordable choice is to go with Linux and skip all the proprietary "features" from Apple. Both are limited operating systems, but the open source aspects of Linux are very favorable. No jail-breaking or hacking required... do whatever you want without Apple's blessing.

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Not a hater . . . just tired of wasted days
Sep 5, 2013 2:33PM PDT

I'm not a hater. I too enjoy the wide variety of PC software and the less expensive systems. There is an elitist feel to many Apple devotees.

For years I was able to keep up with all the learning curves associated with PCs -- even did some programming in earlier days. But frequent updates, changes, glitches -- which ripple through every piece of software installed -- has just become exhausting.

Windows 8 -- which many people dislike -- is my favorite version yet, and I have had no problems with my PCs in the past year.

But I now run Windows 8 under Parallels on my MacBook Air and love both worlds. Mac runs Win 8 better than my Win laptop.

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Apple versus Pc
Aug 30, 2013 12:08PM PDT

Why choose at all. With VMware, you can have both platforms on one box and it doesn't matter if your going Apple box with Window in VMware or PC box with Apple operating system... Hackintosh... Why would really be even more helpful is a box that could run system 8.1 to 9.22 operating systems on an Intel Box that supports FPU emulation as well to run Infinity 3D , Shockwave animations and conversions... Sheep Shaver and Baskalisk don't really cut it...

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True but...
Aug 31, 2013 1:23AM PDT

That's true. But using VMWare or Parallels on a Mac system, is much, much easier to do and set up than Hackintosh. There is more involved in setting up Hackintosh on a PC, a lot of tweekings. And sometimes it doesn't always work out well. With VMWare or Parallels, you just install and use. There is even a software called CrossOver that does the same thing. Now, whenever I want to run a Windows app, I just double click it and use it. Once I quit the app, the virtual Windows OS automatically quits as well. No mess.

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True but also...
Aug 31, 2013 7:33AM PDT

Running an OS in a virtual machine is nice for test drives, but you miss the pleasure that comes from having a Hackintosh. There's some joy and a coolness factor to be had from doing that which is never intended.

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Popularity does not equal quality or value
Aug 30, 2013 2:22PM PDT

Apple is way beyond a PC in the way a BMW outdoes a Ford. I now have 4 Apple devices (iMac, MacBook, iPad and iPhone wirelessly synched) and a BMW, but in the past I did own a PC and a Ford. With the Parallels program installed on my iMac, I can even run legacy Windows programs. Connecting to a wireless router and any printer is effortless, unlike a PC.

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bmw vs ford
Aug 30, 2013 7:26PM PDT

your comparison of apple to Microsoft with the bmw vs ford is probally the best reason not to buy apple. I bet you've never taken a bmw to a mechanic for repairs have you?

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Lol!
Aug 31, 2013 1:37AM PDT

Well for one, we are talking laptops, not cars. Second, statistically, far more PCs go to shops than Macs do. I haven't taken any of my Macs to get repaired, well, ever. And the very few times I run into some issues with them, I'm able to fix it myself within an hour. Less if it's very minor. Even with the "advance" Window OS, it's still problematic for people.

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Hmmm!
Sep 16, 2013 2:49PM PDT

I do not know about others but ...

I had to go back to the Apple store right away with my first two iPhones -- each time both the phone and the Sim chip had to be replaced.

I got my first PC back when Apple was still finding its way out of the garage. I have never had to return a PC to a shop for anything. My current machine is four years old and may need replacing in another year because of increasingly higher demands I am making of it on new projects.

As an example (there are others), on my current iPad, periodically Safari loses all of the bookmarks. In order to restore them, I must delete Safari from the recent programs list (an action I have been repeatedly told does not do anything), and lo and behold, they are back when I restart it. I suppose since this does not generate an error message, it is not a problem. Oh well.

I have some processes that can drive even a high end machine to its knees. Every so often, I need to get a new machine to keep from going nuts waiting for them. Changing platforms for my processes is not something I relish at all. I will do it only when I feel it is necessary -- that the overall benefits are greater than the many hours of conversion expense.

On the other hand, my iPhone is now so much a part of my processes, I do not see converting back to a Windows (or other) Phone either.

I think Windows, Unix, Apple OS, Android etc. (I am covering mobile and some stationary platforms both here) will pretty much all be around for quite a while. Each have their devotees and each have their good points.

I wish there was one Integrated System that covered mobile, laptop and desktop environments -- if it worked well and provided a reasonable migration path for my data, I would jump for it.

It isn't here yet.

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iOS
Sep 16, 2013 8:32PM PDT

Re iOS: It isn't a recent programs list, it's the multitasking list. While iOS will unload most of an app that hasn't been used in a while, it is considered a good idea to fully quit programs that haven't been used in a while. I've had numerous iOS devices and never saw that particular Safari problem, but I occasionally run a particularly old program that hasn't been available in the app store for years, and if it starts acting oddly, I know it's time to prune the list. It's my canary in the coal mine.

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The thing is...How often do you need to take a BMW in?
Aug 31, 2013 4:50AM PDT

Not very often, and since they use the same components as higher end WinDoz machines...the parts are out there...and are not a big deal for anyone...with any sort of competence...to install.

In the extremely rare even that the OS needs fixing...run DiskWarrior on it, from a USB boot flash drive, and it will be fine.

You do not need the ubiquitous registry cleaners, that screw up your machine, as often as they fix anything.

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bmw vs ford
Aug 31, 2013 7:48AM PDT

That's great analogy. Expensive and overpriced, and overly-expensive to maintain or repair. Not to mention there is a shortage on geniuses at the Genius Bar. It's easier to find a good mechanic than a tech-savvy "genius" at the Apple Store.

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Meh
Aug 30, 2013 8:49PM PDT

I have a DeLorean and am connected to the internet right now through the collective subconscious of the Universe.

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That is funny
Aug 31, 2013 1:00AM PDT

Takes some of the seriousness out of the situation.

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Re: BMW vs. Ford
Sep 1, 2013 1:25AM PDT

Oh Please, get a life! What about the forced obsolescence of "anything Apple"! When you buy the "latest and greatest Apple" everything is fine, but the current OS is usually(?) only good on that machine, you might luck out and do one OS upgrade!

The next upgrade to the OS, sometimes maybe(??) two upgrades and then you end up having to get a WHOLE new Apple machine. Usually with Windows, you can do OS upgrades many more times then with Apple.

Not to mention that M$ does patches to the current OS monthly versus about every 6 months or so for Apple! Please don't bother to tell me it's because Apples OS is so much superior! Poppycock! Balderdash!

It is usually only legacy hardware ( sound cards and video cards) where the upgrade fail on a Windows machine NOT THE WHOLE BOX! And this is M$ problem how?? You can always go out and buy a new card, you don't have to buy a whole new box/ computer with their "Latest and Greatest OS! In 9 out of 10 times it is the legacy manufacturers fault for "NOT" providing newer drivers for their 3, 5, 7 or 10 year old card. The legacy manufacturer probably "doesn't support" that hardware anymore!!

M$ SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PROVIDE LEGACY DRIVERS FOR CARDS THAT ARE 5 OR SO YEARS OLD!

Not many people can claim to be running a 3, 5, or 7 year old Apple box with the "LATEST and NEWEST" OS on it! They, in order to have the newest and latest, "usually have to buy the newest Apple box because of "FORCED OBSOLESCENCE"! Not to mention the abnormally MUCH higher cost of the new Apple versus the PC. What 2, 3 or 4 times that of the PC? I could custom build a PC box with the newest and fastest CPU, load it to the max. with RAM, the best sound and video cards available and still probably come in under the cost of one Apple box!

I can upgrade my hardware ANY TIME I want on a PC be it a new hard drive, sound card, video card or ram at "MY" discretion! NOT SO WITH AN APPLE BOX!!!!! It seems Apple is "ALWAYS"
changing a connector or plug so you can't just go out and buy a new
piece of hardware. Hades, they even do it on their i-Phones and other
products! I don't know about anyone else but "I don't have a money tree
growing in my back yard"!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sad I'm retired!!!!!!! Grin

Apple is way, way, WAY to proprietary to just buy a new card and install yourself the way you can on just about any PC. As for the for the virus and malware issue, Apple can no longer state "We're Immune" any longer! I don't recall if it's 2, 3, 4 or how many more security issues have solely "TARGETED" Apple and for that matter I believe the Linux etal have had at the very least one bulls eye hit on their platform!

While M$'s OS has their problems and one "MUST" run a Fire Wall and anti-virus protection, I know I'm going to get flamed for this, "it has to do with "Market Share"!! Why would a hacker spend their time to attack about 1/100th of the computers out there when they get more results by targeting M$, 1 out of a 100 versus 99 out of 100? The logistics are so simple "Even A Caveman Can See It"! Laugh Let the flames begin! Grin P.S. I don't get upset with flames, if the truth hurts, TOUGH! Deal with it! Wink


"FORCED OBSOLESCENCE ISN'T MY CUP OF TEA OR COFFEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Angry Up until this past year my cell phone was a "Plain Jane" flip phone but alas try to find a "Plain Jane" flip phone anymore! Again "Forced Obsolescence"!!! Angry

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PC vs MacBook
Aug 30, 2013 4:33PM PDT

No way is the PC the choice to be made here unless you really like to deal with Windows OS. I was a long time (18 yrs) PC user & got so fed up with Windows, so I purchased a MacBook Pro nearly 4 years ago (for my wife too) - best decision I ever made in regard to computers. The reason there are more PC laptops is because you can pick them up cheap. You get what you pay for.

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Money Talks
Aug 30, 2013 8:45PM PDT

You may be correct. But most consumers put price in there top 3 buying criteria. As a result a lot of consumers will by Windows since you can get a laptop for $350 bucks now. Entry level for a Mac is $999. It's an easy decision when most of America have right budgets to play with.

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Very true.
Aug 31, 2013 1:45AM PDT

Yes, price is a major factor in most people's decisions. But with price, there's always the sacrifice of quality and reliability. That is something consumers also need to keep in mind. And in my experience, do some research, and many find that spending those few extra dollars, is worth it to not have to deal with the hassles of having the need to take it into the shop every few months. But it really all depends on what you need the laptop for. For surfing online, shopping online, watching videos, looking at pics, sending emails, all the basic stuff, a $350 windows box will suffice. But when you are looking to work on video editing, photo editing, music editing, multimedia creation, all the fun and creative stuff, that $350 windows box will not cut it. You'll end up wanting to upgrade. That PC turns into a $1500-2000 Windows box. Which is almost as much as your mid to high range Macbook. So with the smaller price difference, you now have to look at what your getting. And you will always get more from a Macbook at the comparable price.

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Most popular VS cheapest
Aug 30, 2013 10:17PM PDT

You get what you pay for! The processor alone in the Mac laptop costs as much as the whole PC laptop. The Mac is like Prego sauce. "It's in there." You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on software. I love my Macs.

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What?
Aug 30, 2013 10:43PM PDT

That's only because Apple has jacked up the price of the CPU (which is the same one in a lot of PCs). If you feel that somehow overpricing makes a Mac superior, I have some swampland oops...waterfront property for you. What a foolish statement.

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They use the SAME cpus
Aug 31, 2013 4:15AM PDT

Your Macs use the same Intel CPUs as Windows machines, how can they cost that much more? I know - because Apple has to pay for the cheap Chinese laborers jumping off the roof in their factory.

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Check your facts.
Sep 1, 2013 1:15PM PDT

CPU prices can vary. For instance Apple's top of the line retina MacBook Pro uses a 3840QM i7 and Dell's top of the line XPS 15 uses a 3632QM i7. According to CPUBoss.com the 3840QM is $620 while the 3632QM is $378. Both Intel Core i7s.

Check your facts before you post.

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Roof Jumping
Sep 16, 2013 6:11PM PDT

The factory made components for many tech companies. Apple was just the most visible and well known among them, so they were vilified for it...like it was Apples fault.

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most popular vs cheapest
Aug 31, 2013 11:30AM PDT

You can get an i5 or an i7 in a windows based computer too

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Intel Core i Processors
Sep 4, 2013 7:18PM PDT

Just because a CPU is an Intel Core i doesn't tell you a lot. Just between Ivy Bridge and Haswell there are over 150 different Core i3, i5 and i7 processors.

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Yes, you do get what you pay for!
Sep 16, 2013 3:07PM PDT

My laptop and my desktop were more expensive than any Mac I saw. Of course, they were also a lot higher in capability. I would not change my 4 year old PC for any Mac even though I will probably upgrade it in about a year.

PS: I would not use Prego (or other prepared spaghetti sauce) either. In 15 minutes, I can put together a far better sauce out of mostly fresh ingredients for the same price. Saying the Mac is like Prego really is a big slam against the Mac. Read the list of ingredients on a jar of any prepared Spaghetti sauce -- it is enough to make you swear off prepared Italian for life.

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That's the best you have?
Aug 30, 2013 11:13PM PDT

...and Obama is our president. There are lots of stupid people out there.