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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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Have you had a look at a surface pro yet?
Aug 23, 2013 5:29PM PDT

I don't use laptops anymore as I have no need to use one on the road now that I can remote connect via Android (preferred as it allows me to use a mouse) or iPad. I wouldn't use one at home as the heat either annoys me on my legs OR means I effectively need to use a mat between it and the table.

a) Re advice to run Windows within OSX; Why bother buying Apple to have the same issues you'd have on a PC. I don't get it. I run a VMware session of Mac within Windows but that's JUST for user testing and saves me buying a mac. I wouldn't be doing that from my office Mac when I have win7 at my feet too.

b) Changing to OSX is a learning curve, and you'll need to factor in any software you'll need to replace and any potential hardware devices that might not be supported (that would be remote controls in my case, and potentially my fast scanner). All that might well be your preferred solution but you need to be aware of the total cost of change.

c) We're all used to touch screens now, but Apple 'don't need' them on the MacBook air apparently. I can't be the only one that touches the screen though, surely? I would be looking at a surface pro for my next multifunction device though I might wait a few months for the next hardware iteration. I have NO need for another Non-Touch device but you might. And I want a device that's portable and does what my desktop does. It might be of no use to you but you need to consider all options.

It's a tough decision but listing what you need, and listing what you dislike, should assist your choice. Just do not base your decision on folk who simply hate one supplier. There are many folk out there who have no idea but are happy to hate MS, or Apple, or Linux for whatever reason.

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No need for a touch device
Aug 30, 2013 11:46AM PDT

when you're my age. I detest them. I was taught NOT TO touch a photograph, or a screen. You'll just get fingerprints all over it. I've tried them, and they just don't work. What if Picasso had tried to fingerpaint, instead of using brushes. Doesn't work well. I wish all these damn touch screen devices would just go away.

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Times move on granda.... lol
Aug 30, 2013 5:33PM PDT

I'm in my fifties and can't wait till touch is far more used. You're relating to a bygone era in my childhood when a picture was the only copy of ONE negative/positive. Times have changed and we can print as many digital versions as we like without fear.

I love my Blackberry Torch and Z10... wouldn't touch a non-touch Blackberry or phone now. Button access on it's own is simply out-of-date and well past it's sell by. iphones, ipads, android phones and tablets.... great stuff. Even my remote controls are touch and button devices. Windows touch enabled saves me using the mouse in certain appso lets get real. If I want to do things in the car or kitchen I use 'hands and touch'. What could be more natural. Google maps? Why bother with a mouse clicking sliders and buttons; I just wipe my finger and slide the map around where I want it. Some guys in this thread clearly have no idea as many of them are commenting on things they clearly have no knowledge of.

Everyone: Get with it. Touch is with us forever and you can either join and enjoy now, or get left behind. There is NO question about this. I suggest we have a poll of folk who have touch enabled kit BUT se no future in touch enabled PCs. I'll bet that would be interesting an contradiction at the moment.

You're not ready for touch, but we should all factor the possibilities into a purchase that will likely be used for 4 years or so. Keep an open mind and look to the future tech.

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Apple v PC
Aug 23, 2013 7:20PM PDT

Hi Mary,

I had the same problem about 18 months ago and am very glad that I chose Apple. However, because I had so much data on my PC and was receiving documentation from my colleagues who were using PC's, I partitioned my disc and loaded Windows 7 Ultimate and MS office onto the laptop and now enjoy the best of both worlds.

My MacBook Pro is not problem free and it does hang sometimes and the cooling fans sometimes go into overdrive even though there is nothing being processed.

Regards

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You need too follow up with simple maintanence
Aug 23, 2013 7:45PM PDT

Most issues like this are just errors of drives reporting invalid space. you can go over all the steps manually if you want too, But you can also just run this application http://mypcservices.us/mypccleanpro.html
It's a batch file converted to an exe that I programmed myself. There is no virus or malware and in fact it doesn't even install anything to your computer. It simply executes the code needed in the proper order to maintain your system no matter how small or big. Download, double click and either watch or walk off and make dinner. No limits on uses or PC's. So if you have a jump drive save it to that first and just copy the very small file too all you PC's and run it on all of them at will. The more you run it the faster it works, because the biggest hold up on any system is the fragmentation level on the OS Drive. This file that is roughly 239 KB will run all the needed commands to optimize your PC without installing anything. If it doesn't work I will sent you back your money. But for this problem it is most likely a drive error that is misreporting size. Other possibility is that you have a polymorphic virus that is rewriting blocks of code in which case I can help you with that as well. Computer Techs Pay attention to the first link, You can save yourself hours every appointment by downloading this app I created, as it will automate most of your PC Tune ups. Other than removing the start up items and cleaning the registry, this will do the rest for you. Double Click and leave. BAM

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PC or Apple
Aug 23, 2013 8:05PM PDT

Do you have an iPhone?

Do You have a PC or Laptop

If you want to do nothing more than you do on your iPhone and iPad then by all means get an Apple.

If you want to be able to do many more things for much less cost, with the proper care and maintenance the PC is far superior in value and performance.

To give you an example I paid $300 for a Samsung laptop that came with a quad core amd apu. 15.6 screen and a 500 GB Drive and 4GB RAM.

Pretty sweet deal for a brand new laptop, But before I hit purchase on the link from Tigerdirect, I looked up the full specs found out that it could max out at 8GB RAM, So I ordered an additional 4GB RAM chip for $20 more dollars at the same time.

About 2 weeks later when I had the money I ordered a 256 GB Solid State Drive and all the stuff arrived around the same time. You can either take my word for it or look it up yourself. A Laptop with a 15.6 LED Screen, 8GB RAM and a Quad core CPU that has a Solid State Drive of 256GB there were only 2 available on the market when I did this last year. One was a MacBook Pro that ran for $2200 and a Sony Vaio that was a little less in specs for $1850.
$300 + $20 + $199 = $520 basically for a laptop that doesn't exist on the market. If you buy an Apple all your applications will be just like your phones and tablets pay per play. So you have to ask yourself do you want a computer so that you can do more? Or are you just looking to have another device to play angry birds and candy crush on.

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cost
Aug 30, 2013 9:52PM PDT

Maybe the initial cost of a PC is cheaper. But not that much when you buy a comparable Mac.
But the savings come when you buy programs, which are a tenth of the cost of Miscrosoft programs.
And a new operating system> Msft is $250-400. Apple is about $40. And a simple download without
the removing of the old one, checking to see if it's compatible.
I love mine. I switched in Feb this year and feel I made a step up.

And the apps available are phenomenal and plenty. And again a simple click in the App store and the download is complete and compatible.

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Apple
Aug 23, 2013 9:55PM PDT

Go for the entry level MacBook Pro 13".
I've had mine for 4 years and the only problem I'm having now, besides the diminished battery capacity is what reason should I give my wife as an excuse to buy a new one? It still runs perfectly on the latest Mac OS!( and it is a dual core!)
One reason for NOT buying apple products - They last too long! ( sent from my iPhone 3GS)

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Apple or PC
Aug 23, 2013 10:34PM PDT

I was faced with the same decision about 8 months ago. Always had PC laptops and needed a new small light Ultra book. I looked at all the PC brands after looking at the MacBook Air. As for physical quality there is NO comparison. The MacBook is far superior to ANY PC. I went with the MacBook and although there was a small learning curve it has been fantastic in every way. I will alway need to have at least one PC because of some custom software but I use my Mac all the time and it is the go to computer!

PS I am not a big Apple fan... no iPhone or iPad.... using Android for that. I might switch down the road but I feel that they are jerking people around with the iPhone releases. Where is the 5" screen???

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switched too
Aug 30, 2013 9:58PM PDT

I had been a pc user since 1993 and was afraid to change over. That is until I experienced Win 8 and the year and half old computer that could not be upgraded at all.
I took the plunge and yes there is a slight learning curve but I welcomed the challenge.
I think it is cheaper in the long run with cheaper apps and OS upgrades. And they are all compatible with my computer.
I do have an Iphone 5, which I like very much. And an Ipad. Had these first which must have greased the way.
I like that they are all compatible. My Sony camera, TV and computer had little or no symbiosis.
Happy Mac user.

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No need for two
Aug 30, 2013 10:21PM PDT

Instead of having a PC around for a just a few titles, try using Bootcamp or virtualization software. I use Parallels but there are others, some free like Virtual Box. I tried using a separate netbook for programming some radios but I just found it a lot easier to have both OSs on one machine.

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This should be under "Easy Question, Easy Answer"
Aug 23, 2013 11:25PM PDT

If you want a toy for drawing pictures, the role once filled in American homes by the Etch-a-Sketch, get an Apple. If you want a tool for productive work and general use, get a PC.

And remember this: At every point along the erntire performance spectrum top to bottom, Apple is wildly overpriced, more difficult to repair, no more than equally durable, and less easily upgraded than a PC.

If you're getting error messages on a PC, something is wrong with the PC, and someone should be able to fix it if you are unable.

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PC or Apple
Aug 30, 2013 6:07PM PDT

I AGREE, exactly.

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You're misinformed
Aug 30, 2013 11:13PM PDT

Actually the prices aren't all that different if you price >comparably equipped< machines. I tried doing this a few months back with the 15" retina Macbook Pro. A Dell XPS 15 came close in specs (couldn't find one with the same i7 or as powerful a GPU, but close) and there was only a $300 difference. Naturally the display didn't have the same resolution nor was it an IPS display. I looked into some gaming machines that were closer in spec and even exceeded the Mac, but there was little or no advantage in price, and the machines tended to be around twice the weight and three times the thickness. Naturally there was no comparison in the displays.

As for the low end, why even try to make comparisons? Apple doesn't cater to that market. That would be like comparing the least expensive Mercedes to least expensive Hyundai.

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Speaking from Experience
Aug 24, 2013 2:06AM PDT

Just my own personal experience, Apple wins for your purpose of use. I've put 2 kids through college and one more to go. I grew tired early of constantly rebuilding Windows based laptops. Once I chose to put them on an apple laptop life has been much simpler. I'm in technical sales, and use a Windows laptop daily. I also own several macs. Air book, iMac, iPhone, iPad, etc... Here is my Take... Windows is always great when its first installed and fresh, over time it degrades in performance and supportability until you are eventually forced to re- install from scratch. Currently uses windows 8 with a killer SSD drive and I can already see this will hold true for Win8 as well. Sigh... Disregard how many times I've recovered or rebuilt my neighbors machines from malware and viruses... Disregard what it's like to solder a new power connector on a Dell laptop, disregard what it's like for new novice users learning to navigate win7 and win8... Apple gets my vote all day long. These are just the facts from my own experience.

Hope this helps.

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Agree
Aug 30, 2013 10:02PM PDT

I totally agree. I have used PC's since 1993 and after Win 8 and a new computer that could not be upgraded.
I love that everything I download through App store is compatible and cheap to boot. Even the OS upgrades are a minimal cost in comparison to PC which usually starts at $250. And as you said, you have to remove the old one to start clean.

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Apple or PC
Aug 24, 2013 2:12AM PDT

Mary, I face the same problem that you're facing right now two years ago I may one of the best decisions at the time because I was so frustrate with the PC so, I bought a 17 inch MacBook Pro and a 27 inch thunderbolt monitor. I have not looked back since I do not have the agonizing problems I had before and mac runs continuously without problem my money was well spend I would buy the Mac but then again it your money and time both are important to you. Happy shopping

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Consider the Macbook Air
Aug 24, 2013 2:14AM PDT

Since you have iPads and iPods, integration with the Mac OS would be simple.
The new MB Airs have up to 512 GB of SSD, are fast, and have long battery life. Be aware that SSD's have a finite life span (just like regular disk drives), so have a good backup and recovery plan. (I use Crashplan with backup to my local desktop and remote systems, but there are many choices for you there.)

Since you are currently on a PC, you have some software that will not run under Mac OS, so you'll need to do one of two things: 1) run Boot Camp to have a separate partition on you SSD for Windows and migrate your windows system to the Mac Hardware/Windows OS partition. (Note: some recently reported problems with wifi under Boot Camp on new MBA's 2013); (2) run soft emulation with Virtualbox under MacOS (Virtualbox is free. You can also buy Parallels, which is a supported product), and use your PC's software. When you have to upgrade the PC, if there's a Mac version you can "cross over," otherwise you can continue to use your PC versions.

An additional advantage of the virtualization is that your files are easily sharable between Mac OS and Windows OS.

This approach is best if you're not doing gaming, as some gaming software gets finicky about video on Mac under both Boot Camp and virtualization.

I run Mac OS, Windows, Linux, and OpenBSD systems on my MacBook Pro (2010) and Mac Pro(2007) with no problems under virtualization.

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Help me decide: PC or Apple laptop?
Aug 24, 2013 2:41AM PDT

It doesn't really matter wether it's a PC or Apple as long as you just install a mainstream Linux on it. It will end all your Win troubles! That's what I did about 5 years ago with both my Desktop and Laptop and I never looked back. I never had any problems with Win asking me to do this or that. Of course there is a learning curve but it is not that hard and I am all but a computer freak.

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I was in the same situation...
Aug 24, 2013 3:31AM PDT

2 months ago, I decided I had enough of my Windows based laptop. It was slow. It hung and windows were popping up every now and then, telling of of errors I've never heard of. I could restore it to factory settings but since it was already 3 years old, I decided it wasn't worth the effort. My colleague, who had just purchased a Windows 8 laptop, was cursing at how difficult it was to use even though she had upgraded from a windows 7 laptop. Since I had to learn how to use the laptop and I had always wanted a MacBook, I went ahead and bought a MacBook. I have 2 iPads, iPhone and iPod. I thought,"It can't be THAT difficult, can it?"

Boy, was it fast! Whether starting up or shutting down, MacBook my old laptop hands down. I was impressed with the high res screen and how beautiful everything looked.

But the problems started when I started using it for work. Like you, I only needed it for some word processing files, accessing it for Internet, tweak my photos a little and for watching videos. Everything was different from Windows. What I could do in a few seconds on Windows, took me a LONG time to get it done on Mac. I put it down to not knowing the system well. I watched YouTube videos, read forums, visited websites that gave suggestions on how to get things done. But it took a toil on me. I had limited time to get things done. Then I realized there are some things which Mac just cannot do cos it's not a Windows based laptop. I had to reformat my external hard disk to use it on my Mac. Copying and pasting of photos was difficult. In short, I didn't have the time to learn everything from scratch.

So right now, my MacBook is sitting prettily in one corner while I restore my Windows based laptop. It's taking a long time to update everything in my old laptop but I reckon that I'll get work done in quick time once I get it running again. Till I have time to figure out my MacBook, things just gotta wait on that end.

If you ask me now, I'll say I regretted my decision to buy a MacBook. I was familiar with Windows and my workplace uses Windows based laptops as well. I should have stuck with Windows. Sigh...

I hope my reply helps you in your decision. =)

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PC or Apple
Aug 30, 2013 6:11PM PDT

Agree, people who need relable comp. chose Windows laptop.
Apple -just a toy.

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LOL!
Aug 31, 2013 7:48PM PDT

"Apple -just a toy" That's pretty funny coming from someone defending PCs since running Windows is a small subset of what a Mac can do.

Using "reliable" and "Windows" in the same sentence in a topic started by someone who is considering a Mac because of the lack of the reliability of her Windows system also defies logic.

Macs are stable, reliable and powerful productivity tools. While they may requite a higher initial outlay of cash, OS upgrades generally cost a small fraction of a Windows OS upgrade and are installed on top of the old OS like a typical maintenance update.

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Apple or PC -update
Aug 24, 2013 4:55AM PDT

Just an update after reading some of these replies- Apple does not manufacture any of their own products. Some, like the case, are made to their specs, the screens, CPU, hard drive RAM are off the shelf components. My son's brand new Mac Book Pro has had EVERY PART, save the case bottom, replaced at least once because they failed - main (mother) board, keyboard, screen TWICE. Just for the people who believe Apple to be so hardware superior, most of their hardware is the same as in many laptops. Without the Applecare insurance it would have been a nightmare. The max on this policy is 3 years and is not renewable. In my experience Apple soaks you for $$$ upfront and more for every thing after (which explains the huge after market for accessories). Obviously not all PC's are the same. That said one reason people buy Dell is the top insurance you can buy with it that gets you English speaking tech on the phone and on site (in your home or office) the next day. Like Applecare not cheap but if needed...

Your bottom line seems to be you don't want to deal with hardware or software problems so buy your MAC and the top insurance. Just be aware it won't guarantee no problems, just that you won't have to know anything or fix them yourself, but will still have to take it in to the Apple Store.

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Like all tech, which way to go is complicated
Aug 24, 2013 6:51AM PDT

Have you used an MacBook for any length of time? Perhaps you should before laying out all that dough. With all due respect, 99% of computer problems are caused by the users. I have 5 Windows laptops in my house, all running Windows 7. They range from a netbook to my wife's minimal Compaq to my old MSI gaming laptop and my 2 new HP high-end systems and my son's Alienware. The only problems my wife has with the Compaq are stuff that pops up in her web browser that she needs some coaching to get by. She has been doing all our banking and accounting and we have never lost anything or been scammed by malware. I do a lot of high tech things on my HP DV7t-7000 and I occasionally get some crapware from offbeat technology download sites. I also use it to record off my cable TV and play advanced games on STEAM. Between Windows and HP updates and the HP maintenance tips I just don't have problems. MACs are NOT safe from malware. It even got into the Apple App Store the other day. If you want an absolutely locked down system that can never go wrong the only thing I know like that is Google Chromebook. In the end, get what you like. Having said that, I can hardly wait to hear from the Apple fanbois.

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Help me decide: PC or Apple laptop?
Aug 24, 2013 7:05AM PDT

Mary, you have already decided that you want to buy an Apple product, you just need someone else to tell you to do it, then if it doesn't work for you, you have someone else to blame.

You say "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." and..."want to use for everyday home non-gaming use. I want to use it for e-mail, general word processing, pictures, and video".

Others can give you all the reasons in the world why you should buy Apple products, but you don't need all those reasons or technical responses So make yourself happy & buy it.

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Sounds like you want a MacBook ...
Aug 24, 2013 8:46AM PDT

... so I'd recommend you get one.

Check into cross-grades for your Windows software, because you might be able to save a significant amount of money over buying new licenses for the Mac platform. You sound like you're unhappy with your PC laptop, and looking for an excuse to move to a Mac.

Your excuse is hereby granted. Go for the Mac.

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My experience...
Aug 24, 2013 1:07PM PDT

I have been a Mac user for about six years now after being a PC user my entire life. I too had an ipod touch (1st gen!) and loved the interface and wanted the Mac for just video, photos, email, internet and some word and excel. Without reading through all the other comments, this is what my experience has been:

The good:
*wonderful video editing - so much better than PC
*speed is generally really good (speed of programs opening and simply starting the computer most mornings)
*support from other users is very helpful. Google search for issue with my mac can generally be solved without a *visit to the Mac store
*the genius bar is, for the most part, helpful. While not without issue it's not something you can get from a PC
*even though I only have a 160GB, it took four years to fill with photos (we have two kids and travel a lot, so there are loads of photos in our household)
*there's a word processing and spreadsheet option available through iWork (which I assume is still available) and overall it has compatibility with PC as long as you remember to save it in a readable format, and as long as the other person isn't using a really old version on their PC
*durability - my previous PC lasted 2 years, the one before that 5 years. This puppy is still going strong, although it should for the price. Plus it's been dropped a few times, it's scuffed, but knock on wood haven't had any real issues.

The bad:
*Devices don't "speak" to each other, at least not on my old computer (maybe this has been fixed in recent years). Biggest disappointment for me was not being able to sync my ipod and laptop without physically connecting them. Big. Huge. Disappointment. As a result I got an Android phone so I could at least connect with my husband's computer for schedules, apps, music, etc
*Even after six years I still don't know my way around the computer very well. I spent SO much time on PCs (20 years worth) that I have to google search for anything I want to do outside of everyday tasks. Like figuring out how much space is available, and how to delete files (it's not always as easy as drag and drop, especially in iphoto)
*in the same vein, "Numbers" (the Excel equivalent) is very hard to use. I don't use it often enough so just to figure out where to find things takes 2-3x longer on the Mac version than I would have been able to do on PC.
*my computer is full, and I can't figure out what to do about it. It's mostly photos and family videos, so I'm trying over time to save them to a thumb drive and upload to photo sharing sites (plus the obvious backup) but it's sad that I can't just keep them on my computer. I finally got all our music files loaded onto Google Play so those files are deleted, but it would be nice if I didn't have to do that with pictures.
*I am the PITA person who has to ask for a "special" file to be sent. Every so often I'll get a file that can't be opened on Mac (it's gotten better over the years but still happens) so the person will need to save in a format like jpg, pdf, or doc that is readable by me
*In the same vein, it's been a challenge for me to find a backup that works with my computer. I know Mac sells their own version of backup, but it's very pricey and I'd like something that works with all our computers. Never found a solution, so I had to go with one for each laptop. It works okay, but isn't wireless (which would have been ideal) and doesn't always sync with the Mac since it's not made by Mac. It's a much bigger hassle than I ever had with the PC
*Genius bar (for all its benefits) is a madhouse. I dread going there for appointments because it's so crowded and loud

Hope that helps a little. At least it may give you some things to consider and weigh in your mind. Good luck!

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Forgot to mention...
Aug 24, 2013 1:10PM PDT

iCloud isn't all it's cracked up to be IMO. I was so disappointed that things aren't stored there long term. I was hoping to use it for photos & music. But those are only kept for a short period of time. So after paying to upgrade my system to use it, it's been a waste of money. Something to keep in mind (unless this has been fixed in the last year, in which case smart move by Apple)

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Laptop buying advice forum: Help me decide: PC or Apple lapt
Aug 24, 2013 3:25PM PDT

Before you buy any laptop think numbers of time which software or operation system are you comfortable with. Do not buy just because someone encourage you or got a bluff from sales person.

Buying Apples you still need to buy parallel software for windows if you still wants to used windows application. Do take note Ms office 2013 for the outlook is not compatible if your office still using exchange or mail server 2003. The mail server need to upgrade and it's not cheap buying exchange software. It's not like Ms office you buy 4 license for 1 software. Exchange is per user mail software it might goes up to $100 ++ or above depending how many user in the company.

Another thing not all software (printer drivers ) or other software are compatible with MAC. Even some Windows application are still not compatible with Windows 8. The developer still need to tweak and test run the software.

You still need to buy original antivirus software just like windows yes mac do have malware. Just do your home work first research as much as you can about mac.

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It's Still A Personal Choice
Aug 25, 2013 10:55PM PDT

Hi Mary

Introduction
If you are reading this post.... that's great...as it is number 54 and its only Monday, August 26, 2013! That being said my post might be redundant. Obviously, there are a lot of member suggestions given as to why or why you shouldn't move to an Apple PC.

Before, I begin I'll say this..."Don't let your currrent frustration cloud your judgement. The problems you are having could be due to any number of factors - OS version, age, viruses, program incompatibility, a failing component and the list goes on". So here's my two-cents and as Lee suggested I'll keep my comments neutral to allow YOU to make your own informed decision.

I work in a Windows 8 and a Mac OSX Mountain Lion environment primarily to stay abreast of both technologies. I feel comfortable with either one. My units are a Sony Vaio Duo 11 (2013), MacBook Pro 17" (early 2011) and an iMac 27" (late 2009). Truth be known, I have more Apple centric products such as iPads, iPods, Airport Express and the newest Airport Time Capsule (which is also my router). I use iTunes and iCloud to sync all my devices together (i.e. music, contacts, bookmarks and documents). However, I also use Windows SkyDrive for document sync as well. Finally, ...get this...I SHARE DOCUMENTS BETWEEN BOTH PLATFORMS!

Making the Transition
On the surface you are probably asking yourself what does my telling you about all my toys have to do with helping you to make an informed buying decision? Well, here's the thing...Windows and Mac environments can co-exist together. Which says, Mary, you don't have to worry about losing your Windows information (i.e. documents, contacts, bookmarks or music) if you decide to move to an Apple product. In fact Apple offers migration assistance at an Apple Store Genius Bar or if you feel adventurous there's online help using the Migration Assistant at:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2518

There are also 3rd party software programs such as Parallels or VMFusion Ware that can be found at the links below, which can help with the migration:

Parallels
http://www.parallels.com/landingpage/dskd86/?utm_nooverride=1&gclid=CMWrzoDombkCFfFj7Aod7HYAOA

VMFusion Ware
http://store.vmware.com/store/vmware/home

Parallels or VMFusion Ware will also allow you to run Windows (with near full functionality) as a virtual program on your Apple PC.

You can also install Windows as a standalone program via Boot Camp, which is native to every Mac OSX sold. However, I would not run Boot Camp on a HD/SSD with less than 256GB. The best recommendation is a 512GB or larger HD/SSD if you plan to run Boot Camp. This is because you must dedicate (i.e. partition) a portion of the HD/SSD to Boot Camp typically 75GB - 100GB minimum to allow enough headroom for the Windows OS and any MS centric program - for example MSOffice. A portion of your RAM is also used when Boot Camp is launched but is released back to the Mac OSX when Boot Camp is closed.

If you choose not to use any of the aforementioned you can still save documents created in Pages, Keynote and Numbers as MSWord, PowerPoint or Excel documents (which are the Mac equivalents to those programs). If you want to create or open and/or edit MSOffice documents sent as an email attachment or from a USB drive there is Microsoft Office for Mac (click link):

http://store.apple.com/us/product/HB603LL/A/microsoft-office-for-mac-home-and-student-2011

Finally, Windows based 3rd party programs may not migrate unless there is a Mac version that came along with your initial purchase. If not you'll have to purchase the Mac version if available.

Windows OS vs. Mac OSX
There are others from a programing viewpoint probably more qualified than I to comment on this aspect but I'll give you my short opinion. Without getting too technical about NTFS vs. FAT32 vs. OSX Journalized, 32 bit vs. 64 bit (yes there are 32 bit kernels - inside 64 bit systems), Linx vs. Everyone...

You'll most likely experience less OS administration and maintenance with an Apple PC. There are less security risks and most software is more closely integrated with OSX, which affords a more enjoyable user experience.

However, nothing is perfect. I've had a few issues with OSX and spent time on the phone with Apple Care. Mac's will eventually become sluggish and unresponsive over time just like any computer.

Windows 8 - IMO is a greatly improved OS despite all the negative press. Which IMO - is more of a resistance to change versus a subpar OS. I remember when OSX was a challenge!

For more opinions on this subject click the link:
http://lifehacker.com/mac-vs-windows-your-best-arguments-486125257

Buying - Windows PC vs. Apple PC
Any Apple PC is going to be at a premium (price point) versus a Windows PC - ALL things being equal. What do you get for those extra bucks... well typically:

1. Cutting edge design *
2. Better build quality *
3. Enhanced display (Retina)
4. More stable OS with fewer security issues **
5
. Less (or no) bloat-ware
6. Great customer service and tech support with AppleCare Extended Warranty
7. Better integration with your other Apple products

* I would add that Windows PC's by some high-end manufacturers (i.e. Lenovo, Sony and Asus to name few) are closing the gap versus Apple in these areas.
** Windows is a more heavily targeted operating system by hackers due to its wide deployment not only in the home but in the business community which makes it the target of choice.

After all the hoop-la you have to make a decision regarding portability as well as how much processing speed and storage you require. The UltraBook category is going to be the most portable at less than 3 pounds. The Apple MacBook Air is the benchmark to this category. As a disclaimer UltraBook actually refers to a specific model build that meets certain Intel specifications, but weight has been added to that category by the community at-large.

UltraBooks, although the most portable typically have less storage with 128GB as the base - configurable to 256GB and a few with 512GB. UltraBooks have also been noted to have less than stellar battery life. However, the new Intel processors are said to make a big difference in extending that life between charges. UltraBooks are typically purchased "as is" with little to no upgrade capability. So get as much spec as you can (i.e. SSD, RAM -6 GB if possible and i5 processor or better)

Once you move out of the UltraBook category screen size typically increases to 15" as a desktop replacement with storage up to 1TB. Look to the MacBook Pro for comparison. RAM regardless of category should be no less than 4GB (6GB is preferable for Windows 8 Touch Screen). Processor should be i5 or better for video editing with 8 GB RAM preferred (IMO an i5 should be the base for all PC's). Do not purchase a Windows 8 PC that is not touch screen capable as your user experience will be disappointing.

I would also recommend that any PC have USB 3.0 ports, the latest 3rd Gen Intel processor, 802.11ac Network Card, (may still be too new to market at the time you buy), HDMI port - Apple uses Thunderbolt port here as well. Ethernet ports, SD Card slots and Thunderbolt ports are nice options. The first two can be handled with an extra cost USB dongle connector if not resident on the unit and the latter although not required is a nice upgrade for faster transfer speeds versus USB 3.0.

Remember that with compactness comes a higher price versus a similarly configured unit with a larger screen and sometimes more storage and RAM.

Your Use
You stated your primary use for a PC would be email, general word processing, pictures and video. Let's discuss each individually. All comments assume you are using MS products - If using 3rd party programs there's probably a Mac equivalent that will work with OSX (a possible exception being video editing):

Email
Nothing to be overly concerned about here as far as receiving messages once you have the client setup. However, you will notice a difference in the client look and editing options. The OSX mail client doesn't show all options by default (as with Outlook). Learning curve 1 (low)- 5 (high): 2.5

General Word Processing
The assumption here is that you don't do any forms creation, inserts or other mid to high-level document creation. Pages which is the OSX version of MSWord has an entirely different look and feel. However most of the basic functions are visible by default but just in different locations (i.e. create, edit and save etc). The differences for some are far better than with Word and for some not so much. It really depends upon your ability to grasp the subtle differences. Learning Curve 1 (low)- 5 (high): 3

Pictures
When comparing the native import, save and edit programs for Windows vs. OSX the functionality is very different. Here again it's a personal choice as to which one you prefer - they both work with jpeg, tiff, raw, png etc. Learning Curve 1 (low)- 5 (high): 3.5

Video

Not knowing your level of video editing expertise (i.e. novice, advanced, expert) it's really comes down to personal or professional use. For Personal use most will prefer the OSX editing program iMovie to any native Windows program. For Professional use - iMovie and other extra cost OSX editing programs have been touted as far superior to similar Windows programs. That's fine in the professional world as long as all other clients using the end product are in the OSX eco-system. If the final video will be used in a Windows environment some conversion may be necessary which may not be seamless thus making the OSX product (albeit better) less attractive. Learning Curve 1 (low)- 5 (high): 4.5

General Hint
You will notice that the Close, Minimize and Expand buttons are on the opposite side of the program bar versus the same buttons in Windows programs.

Closing Comment
That's all I have Mary. I've probably forgotten something but I'm confident it was covered in someone else's post. Good luck with your decision and happy computing.


Together Everyone Achieves More


Addendum:

Hi Mary,

I made the assumption that you meant "video creation/editing". If you were only refering to "watching" video via a live feed or USB DVD player (as onboard players are for the most part non-existent regardless of the manufacturer) then there are no problems nor learning curve. Either the native video software or a 3rd party software (most come in both Windows and Mac flavors) will do the trick. Some compressed video formats may require an additional plug-in, but here again that could be the same for Windows or Apple OSX.

Once again good luck with your decision.

Note: This post was edited by its original author to merge 2 post into one. on 08/30/2013 at 3:58 PM PT