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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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Answer (unbiased)
Aug 23, 2013 11:04AM PDT

I hear this question extremely often. The answer is, what type of environment do you enjoy? Yes, answering a question with another question. But really, I use all 3 different major operating systems, Windows, Mac, and Linux. Each have their best uses. People also have their own preferences when it comes to operating systems. Mac is great for visual editing software and rendering. Windows is great for gaming and other software (don't quote me on that!) And last but not least, Linux is great with, well, booting up fast... and um, light weight resource usage, free also fits in there somewhere (sorry). Don't for a second think though that if you go with another operating system other than Windows you will see a reduction in errors. Mac and Linux both get viruses and they both can be corrupted too. When suggesting which one to fit different people, I tend to look at different things: their technical level, what they will use it for, and price range. Technical level ranges from Mac to Linux, Mac being the least and Linux requiring the most (Windows is in the middle). In your case when looking at what your going to be using it for I would say Windows or Mac. Macs can be more expensive though (again don't quote me). Either way, buying a Mac or Windows machine, you will be happy. If not, this is why I still have a job.

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Support is the important thing
Aug 30, 2013 3:16PM PDT

Mary - Apple support is second to none - you have already experienced that. Your current Windows frustration may be blamed on quality of hardware or age of application etc., but if you could easily solve that, you would not be so frustrated with it. Sometimes extremely old Windows apps still run on a new OS, but they are woefully prepared to be in such a time and space, so behave badly. Trouble is they do not always have updates available.
Having owned and supported many different printers and talked to the techs that fix them, my conclusion is that the only good printer is one under warranty and with good support. I get excellent support from Epson. I have a Kyocera which would have cost 50 cents per page if I had to pay for all the repairs it has had. I have had hp support waste so much time and resources and make so many faulty repairs that I would say now, throw it away. I support Brother printers, where you replace parts as required for maintenance, and as soon as you've spent all the money, they fail. So Support, Support, Support.
Many companies treat the customer as the Quality Control Inspector and say just bring it back if it fails. All very comforting except if you have to do that you find that having spent the money, you are then inconvenienced for a further 2 to 3 weeks as a thank you for buying. I had a new Apple laptop dead-on-arrival and it was replaced in two days with the next model up and double the memory because the original model could not ship so quickly. Customer very happy.
People who mention the strengths of one platform over another are giving you too much information. If you needed the particular strengths you would already be well aware of them.
All computers do the functions you wish to perform. There are many valid points made and also a few inaccuracies, so verify the facts that matter to you before deciding for yourself.
The build quality is a concern and also is the fact that on the Windows platform you can buy a brand new machine that is using technology from 3 years ago or more. To the customer it is brand new, so completely up to date, where in fact it is the same as if it were old stock from a warehouse.
Comparing like with like is a minefield and Apple have made this possibly the simplest within their range.
It sounds as though you have some Apple ecosystem already, so that is all the more reason to consider switching your laptop as well, to enhance your ecosystem and it's benefits.
Many people have suggested running both operating systems and Apple lets you do this. I have a customer who exclusively buys Apple hardware and runs the Windows operating system on it, because he says it is so much more reliable. I have experienced that personally but in a small way. However I think a single operating system can do all you ask at present, and running two is just more complexity.
You will find in general on a Mac, it is more reliable if you can eliminate Microsoft application software from it altogether. If you can substitute other Office type programs such as the iWork suite, then your headaches will be reduced. This does sound far fetched and biased, but ask anyone who had actually moved from no MS applications to using MS applications on the Mac and you will get a feel for the difference. I have been to Microsoft Tech Ed conferences where the MS staffer has said that he reinstalls the operating system once a week - not something you want to do if you buy the machine as a tool.
There will be parts of my comments that people refute, however it is all my own personal experience and that of my customers, and we all know that two people can have a different experience with the same item!

In general you are better paying weekly into a new computer with the latest enhancements, capacity and warranties, than paying money for support, repairs and upgrades on an old one. I have never heard anyone wish they had their old one back. The new price includes some support and generally an extension to that is available for an added fee. More and more worthwhile these days, and I always recommend enhanced warranty for laptops due to the moving around they endure.

Best of luck distilling what you need to know from all these comments.

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Re: printers
Aug 31, 2013 1:19AM PDT

If the person asking the question buys another Apple product, please look at the latest e-printers from HP. Easy to set up and wireless printing doesn't get any better. The ink isn't cheap - but who's is? HP & Apple works together like best friends Blush

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Mac or PC
Aug 23, 2013 11:05AM PDT

I own both a Pc Laptop Lenovo and a Mac Book Pro. The only reason I own the PC is I need something for Tax work I have to generate a 1041 tax for a trust. You did not say what kind of phone you use, but if it is and Iphone stay with the mac. If you own and android base phone better go with a PC. I have had two android based phones and they wouldn't work with my Mac. So got rid of them and went back to my Blackberry Storm 2.

My three cents worth Mac over PC for ease of use and compatibility with your current equipment.

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Nonwsense
Aug 30, 2013 12:38PM PDT

We have macs and pcs. Software that is twenty years old still runs on PCs...NOT ON MACs...constant compatability issues....and the Thunderbolt interface is hugely expensive to outfit !!!!

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Windows or Apple...
Aug 23, 2013 11:12AM PDT

Hi Mary - I suspect that just by upgrading to a new laptop, you'll find a lot of your current system's irritants will fade away with a clean operating system, and up-to-date software. Just be sure to get adequate workhorse power to handle video, if you do video editing!

In some ways you've already made significant investment in Apple products. So you should put a "plus-check" on the ease of synchronicity, both for software and in cloud data. I assume you must already be using iCloud and the iTunes store for media, photos, etc. Of course, there are plenty of solutions to cross OS lines - so this is just one factor. I can tell you from supporting transitioning users that it takes roughly 5-10 days for a Windows user to become productive with MacOS -- it's slower in the other direction. Some of your current software licenses won't transfer to a different platform, but if you have, say, Adobe Creative Suite, they will allow you to transfer your Win license to a MacOS license, and generally you can download the Mac version from their website. (That product is so expensive that if they didn't have that option, I wouldn't recommend changing platforms!) Another software consideration: Are you interacting with people who are using complex MS macros a lot? Windows Office products use their macros differently from the Mac side (which dropped them altogether for some years). The cantankerous behaviors there are primarily in Excel. Do you have an investment in MS Access? Doesn't exist in the Mac world. In terms of security, Windows has worked hard on this. But it seems as if many people "harden" Windows systems by buying software; on the Mac side, other than virus software like Sophos, there are easy security measures integrated into MacOS (very good info available at Apple's support site). The MacOS has a number of integrated applets that you purchase on the Windows side -- though I think that might be changing.

If you do buy a Mac, you should consider buying their one-on-one service package, which is available only when purchasing a new mac. Not only will this entitle you to special tier service for your first year, you can also go into the Apple Store (sounds like you're near one) for one-on-one consultations, which can be for, say, video transfers, using iMovie, optimize settings for sync'ing between the iPad and your mac laptop, tweak for better performance, show MacOS features, etc. My recollection is that this service also can include their help in transferring over your Windows user files to your new Mac.

Another factor in your decision should be what devices interact with your laptop. You mention video -- you'll want to make sure your cameras will communicate with your new laptop. This can include cables (though adapters are often available). Older printers and scanners can catch you off-guard too -- see if drivers exist that work with your new OS (this applies to mac or windows--luckily new multifunction printers are available at reasonable pricing).

As you can tell, I've helped folks move to Mac more than the other direction. But you should check out the Windows 8 products too. The few times I used the Windows 8 OS, I found it to be more consistent in behavior and faster for standard processes than Windows 7 -- and Windows 7 was a big advance over its ancestors.

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PC or Apple laptop?
Aug 23, 2013 11:24AM PDT

Really, the answer depends on what you need to do with it.

If you need to interface with a business, or business applications, then you'll need to discuss this with your IT support staff. They'll have a recommendation as to what OS will serve you best.

If you only need it for you, there's no business to interact with, and you provide no support to other businesses, then really, it's all about personal preference.

I must admit, I find part of your description a bit disconcerting: "I am good with computers and can usually work around problems". Do be aware that "working around" problems isn't actually fixing them, and in the end, not fixing the problem could be very much to your detriment.

Apple has a good track record with only allowing certain "approved" apps onto the apple store, so the number of virus and malware infections is low. I (personally) think this is bound to change as technology progresses. Apple OS is a *Nix based system, as like any other OS is subject to the rules of the Internet. Those rules are that somewhere, somehow, a hacker will target an app you're using, and you will get infected if you do not take precautions.

Windows, on the other hand, is very open as to what you can install and use. Most legal installations will prompt you to update weekly. I recommend performing the updates as they show up for most home users. There are situations - mostly business based - where the updates can break certain applications, so if this applies to you, then you'll have to check with your IT staff.

The only other consideration I can offer is the hardware. If you buy your generic, off-the-shelf laptop from WallMart, or CostCo, you're not getting a high end system, and eventually it will get bloated and slow down to a rate that's not acceptable to anyone. If you get new hardware, it's supported for longer, and will run much better over time.

Not really very directional, but I hope it helps, anyway.

Good luck...

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Come Toward the Lite!
Aug 23, 2013 11:28AM PDT

I've given this type of advice here before and it's never popular, but save yourself the cost of a new computer and install Lubuntu (Ubuntu lite) Linux on your existing PC. You will find it a very Windows-like experience and in the software center there is an "Ubuntu Pocket Guide" that should cover everything you'll need to know. For all you want from your computer, you will find this remarkably fast, trouble free, and well - FREE! Here is a good tutorial on how to download and burn an iso file (bootable disk image): https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto. The latest release of Lubuntu can be obtained here: http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/lubuntu/releases/13.04/release/. This will produce a live DVD that can be trial run on your computer without any change or risk to your existing system, though keep in mind that everything will run much faster after installation. I highly recommend that you try this first before you spend any money on another computer that will be obsolete in three years requiring yet another purchase...

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Go Linux
Aug 23, 2013 10:38PM PDT

I mostly agree with you, however I would suggest Linux Mint13-MATE. Even though v15 is out, v13 is a LTS-Long Term Support-until 2017. Not only was I a Windows user for many, many years, but I also have a computer repair business. I've toyed slightly with many different Linux versions over the years, but it took Win8 to have me switch
to Linux. I dual boot on all my machines, but am almost never in Windows. We should mention that Linux is ALL FREE, WITH WELL OVER 40,000 FREE programs available.

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I also agree
Aug 30, 2013 11:40AM PDT

But most consumers don't do it that way. They buy the hardware with whatever OS is on it and never change it, be it from XP to Vista.. or 7, or whatever. When that OS craps out or goes out of support, they buy new hardware. It's a throwaway society, and most people who can even afford a computer now, will buy a new one when it suits them, and throw it out when they consider they're done with it. They won't even recycle it, let alone donate it to a school, nor change the OS in any way.
Again, they'll buy the software as part of the hardware. They will PURCHASE addtional software for it, but will not install free software. The perception is, it's no good unless you pay up the *** for it. (Not true, but hey...)
People who can't afford a new computer also won't mess with it. They'll do without before changing their Mac into a dual boot, or their Windowsucking machine to Linux.
Sad, but true.

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PC or Apple laptop?
Aug 23, 2013 11:42AM PDT

Mary,

I have owned 5 Windows Laptops and 2 Mac Laptops. The Windows Laptops, all but 1, failed. The plastic, whether Toshiba, HP, Compaq, or Sony, was fragile and squeaked with my large and heavy hands. The 2 Mac Laptops perform as new - for 2ce as long as the Windows laptops. The aluminum case cannot flex. Mechanically, there is no comparison.

As to the OS, I am partial to Mac, but will defer to others here. I find Mac OS more stable and dependable. However, depending upon the software you plan to run, you MAY need Windows OS. The good news is the Apple Laptops can run Mac OS and Windows OS when you buy a copy of Windows OS and install it. I stuck my toe in the water and bought my first Mac in 2006. I have yet to buy a Windows OS for any of the 2 desktops and 2 laptops in the house. In fact, I was planning to purchase a HOMESEER top of the line Home Automation System, and realized it was Windows only. I cancelled the order, and explained to that company that maintaining 100% Mac OS has a higher priority than selecting their brand of Home Automation. There are many others that are indeed Mac friendly.

If you happen to be into quality audio, Google "Apogee" Solo, Duet or Quartet. Those are Mac OS only, and provide phenomenal audio quality from your laptop that is suitable for cutting a tract (seriously!).

Since you are already familiar with the iPad, the transition will be painless. Good luck with whatever you decide. The Windows 8 is a pretty decent version, I am told, and will not disappoint you. You are in the driver's seat today, where you cannot make a "wrong" choice!

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Help me decide: PC or Apple laptop?
Aug 23, 2013 11:55AM PDT

I have been a PC user since day one. 286 processor with a 287 math co-processor with a 40 meg hard drive. We needed the co-processor back in the day to run Auto Cad.

Not much has changed since those early days with the exception of processor speeds. The battle between Gate's and Jobs still continues.

Bottom line Mac, users hate PC users until they have to get their computers repaired. That's where we laugh all the way to the bank!

Have you ever wondered why MAC had to have a Windows interface? It's because we live in a PC world. Dell, HP and Toshi all make great machines at a fraction of the cost.

If you need to be branded, buy a MAC. If you use common sense, the PC will be your choice.

Sorry to all you PC haters out there. We did not bring the fight on, you did. We just get the work done and can work on a bare bones platform that is not filled with fancy icons and a cartoon desktop. We learned about disk structure and know the difference between a file and a directory.

A friend of mine just had to travel to New Castle to get service on her MAC. Two hour trip and a hefty repair bill. Soon as she got home, within two days her MAC started acting up again. Malware and viruses that went undetected by the MAC service tech and they say MACS are immune. I know where ever I go in the world I can find a PC tech. MAC's just do not have the support.

Word processing = Microsoft Word: Industry Standard / GNU Open Office
Pictures/Video = Two sides to this coin. Viewing and editing. Windows OS can do both. I would use third party programs for editing features.

Not all programs are available in MAC version. PC's still dominate the software market. We are seeing a shift to more app driven interface programs due to the mobile movement. With your Ipad's you have that covered.

The signature issues you maybe having with windows errors usually can be pointed back to the user. Bad surfing habits is usually the cause. More so now than ever you need to be more careful on both platforms. Good anti-virus is a must. If you are using free software...well you get what you pay for! Stop being cheap and get a rock solid Anti-virus program.

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PC or Apple Laptop
Aug 23, 2013 12:01PM PDT

That is a no-brainer for me -- the Apple laptop for sure! Viruses attacking Windows and Windows vulnerabilitries are so old-hat that they aren't news any longer. I'm sure that the Apple OS has vulnerabilities, but I never hear about them. Also, various versions of Windows have been nightmares. I used to have a Vista machine, but I had such constant problems with it that I got a Windows 7 machine, which I am quite pleased with. Another thing: Apple does not rush upgrades to its OS into retail just to cash in on the new. Apple makes sure that their new OSes are stable and as close to problem-free as they can get them to be. A computer one purchases is expected to last for a while. For that reason, I would recommend that you choose the Apple machine over a Windows machine. I don't think that you will have any regrets if you do.

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Viruses on PC versus MAC
Aug 30, 2013 12:24PM PDT

If you have not heard of virus attacks on Apple OSX you have not been paying attention to the news.

Apple used to target a specific type of clientele. They have a specific price range with a limited use crowd. They have been opening that up largely due to the mobile market and the advent of the iPhone. Their clientele has become more varied and much larger in the past few years. As this has occurred the profitability of hackers has increased, and therefore there has been an increase of virus, spam, and worm attacks in recent years. Last year's statistics have shown Windows users are no longer alone in their concerns of computer security.

Any questions? Ask a computer security expert with any company.

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IMO no contest
Aug 23, 2013 12:09PM PDT

After "PC laptoping" for years and whining about it and being flogged repeatedly by "Get a MAC", I jumped into MacBooking and joy may not be too strong a word. Just do it. The rather fatuous remark by Macheads is pretty well justified: "It just works" You won't be sorry.

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In the three years I've had my iMac
Aug 23, 2013 12:17PM PDT

I've never had a crash. My wife has a PC running Windows 7 and it crashes at least once a week. In addition, the PC gets Windows updates frequently, whereas OS/X is much more stable. No question in my mind, if making the choice, I would opt for the Mac.

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Your wife needs new tech support!!
Aug 24, 2013 9:19AM PDT

Stop blaming MS for your inability to fix something.

I can honestly say my Win7 PCs (two for the kids and all the junk they use on the internet) and my win8 PCs haven't crashed in a long, long time. (the last time was a year ago when one got ransomware; my Win7 at the time but can't blame the PC for that).

All depends what they want to do with their PC and what's hooked up to it. I use pronto remotes, and a scanner, and need to run XP in a VMware session for both. Neither will work with OSX and VMware suits me.... might not suit anyone else. So what if it gets updates? Not exactly a big deal, and OSX still gets updates for programs, java etc, too. I could use my MacBook air more often but I don't want to; I like twiddling with data, copying xls to usb sticks, and sharing stuff with other PCs. My company locksdown the USB sticks and they need to run an exe to unencrypt... no good with OSX and a factor in my choice. The kit does look great but that's no use if you can't do what you need with it. Every user is different and needs to list what they want to achieve before buying one or other.

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Really
Aug 30, 2013 12:42PM PDT

I have six PCs running that have never ever crashed NOT ONCE. This entire thread is more crap CNET apple praise. It is nonsense, and the question is a troll plant to be ignored as nonsensical.

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Depends on your preference
Aug 23, 2013 12:49PM PDT

Both are good OS's but if you are going to apple you should pick up a book about the os just to help you navigate the new (to you) user interface and go through the guided tours on apples website as these can help with doing things such as connecting to printers and networks. But Mac OS X is very intuitive and easy to learn so I would suggest apple as you can use windows with a program such as VMware Fusion or its sucessor

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I object
Aug 30, 2013 11:43AM PDT

Windows EIGHT, what you're going to get on a new windows box, is NOT a good OS. It's vista hell revisited, only worse, as not only does it not work correctly, it's designed for a touch screen tablet, and if you're a "legacy" user like me you'd rather switch to Linux or OSX than put up with that.

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Apple. Mac for sure.
Aug 23, 2013 1:01PM PDT

Mac without a doubt. Pay more and enjoy more.

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I had the same question a year ago...my solution is:
Aug 23, 2013 1:12PM PDT

I was a PC diehard for decades but noticed all the folks that went to Apple from a PC never looked back. Service and support are SUPERB! I purchased my first Apple..the Mac Book Pro, 15" with Retina screen, 16 GB RAM, 768GB solid state hard drive..it was the BEST decision I have made in a long long time. Once you go Mac, you'll never go back Wink ...if for no other reason, Apple takes accountability of the software and ops system..they don't point the finger to other venders from the hinterlands. The Mac tech support person even helped with a question about gmail..and that's not even their product. BUY a MAC..you'll kiss your PC aggravations goodbye for the LAST time!

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Apple
Aug 30, 2013 11:44AM PDT

Go get a Apple Computer! My Windows PC had me over drinking staying on the phone with Tech to remotely control and fix it. Buy Apple it's just that simple.

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It depends on you
Aug 23, 2013 1:22PM PDT

I use the PC platform for many reasons, but if you are happy with Apple products, you don't mind confining yourself to a proprietary system, you can afford it, and you don't have any particular reason to stick with a PC, then get what you want. Each user is different. Buy what fits your needs. From your description, you would be happy with an Apple.

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As American as Apple pie
Aug 23, 2013 1:40PM PDT

I think you have answered your own question quite adequately, don't you agree?

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Mac or PC
Aug 23, 2013 1:50PM PDT

Honestly it all comes down to what you are doing with the computer. For simple Internet browsing/bill pay I'd suggest a PC, buying a PC will save you money, and if you bother to run updateds and get an antivirus like Avast you will be fine. However if you are doing web stuff, and working with graphics design/video editing/publishing then a Mac is the way to go. But in the end it all really boils down to how much you are willing to/able to spend.

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First things first.
Aug 23, 2013 2:21PM PDT

Well, the first thing is that your present laptop is probably junked up. If you have a backup of your critical data files, and copies of all the original programs,etc. the reasonable thing to do is to reinstall Windows on a clean hard drive and see if your annoyances will disappear. If not, then can you afford an Apple laptop that has all the features you want? If so, it is a good machine and I have friends who have them and love them. You can run most of your current programs on the Mac. But you also can do most of that for less, with a clean and new PC, and you will already know how to run the basic system. The word processing is most of what you probably will need it for, so do you use the iPad for your E-mail and pictures and video? If so, save some bucks and limit your Internet use to the iPad and use a cheap PC for your word processing and only get on the Internet with it when you have something to send out. This will limit the amount of junk you will pickup online; that is probably where you have gotten all the stuff which is causing you problems, and try to clean your present PC first. You will need to reinstall your programs, and you will have to do that in most cases with a new laptop. I considered doing what you are talking about and just cleaned out my current laptop and it works fine when I do that.

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"with a new and clean PC. . . "
Aug 24, 2013 9:24AM PDT

Yeah, that's all. Every year or so (with fresh backups and all original software CDs), re-format your hard drive and take a day to reinstall everything. If that doesn't work, buy a new laptop. And a year later you will have the same problems.

I am on my 4th PC laptop and I'm good about anti-virus software, malware, defragging, and all the rest. My wife is newer to computing, doesn't do all the maintenance, and she's on her 5th PC laptop. "Just get a new machine." (x $600-700).

All of that goes away with Mac. I've put off going the "Perrier" route for 30 years because I was techie enough to make PCs work. No longer. I've wasted thousands of hours and thousands of hours "troubleshooting" PC problems. As I said I still have a PC desktop and PC laptop, but my main traveling machine is MacAir w/ Parallels.

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Parallels was the answer for me
Aug 23, 2013 2:31PM PDT

I have an 11" MacBook Air with Parallels, which allows me to run Windows 8 (which I like). On my last trip, I took one computer and a packet of flash drives with all my files. Setting it all up was straightforward. Now with a three-finger swipe on the trackpad, I have a PC (which runs better than my hp, fujitsu, and dell laptops.) Swipe back and I have a Mac. MS Office for Mac. PC programs on Parallels. Swipe. Swipe. Better than the best of both worlds. 1 pound. Small. Clear screen.

The best part? Time Machine. I have a 128 GB flash drive set up as my "time machine." It sits in one of the two USB ports and makes a copy of everything I do, as I do it. Should my Air crash, I buy a new Mac and plug in the flashdrive. In a few minutes, I will have the same machine that I lost. That compared to my nightmare scenario a year ago when my desktop, and 2 laptops, crashed within a week. It took my a month of agony to get "nearly" back to where I was. None of my PC backup systems worked. Luckily I had made manual backups along the way.

I still use my PC desktop with Win 8, but I love my Mac-Parallels-Win 8 system.

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Buy the Apple
Aug 23, 2013 4:07PM PDT

I am a PC user from way back and prefer PCs over MACs. I enjoy trouble shooting (when I'm able to resolve the issue), and I understand your frustration. Apple makes good products that are designed for minimum maintenance. Apple does not want users messing around with the operating system and so they build reliable, smooth and attractive machines that are generally fool-proof and accordingly usually have less bugs and problems. Therefore they are not that much fun for PC users who like an occasional challenge, but they DO get the job done and well, and if you are only going to use it for word processing, mail, photos and video, Apple is your best choice. They are a bit more expensive than PCs, but you get what you pay for.