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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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Try the MAC
Aug 30, 2013 1:48PM PDT

I prefer the PC. But the PC platforms are moving more toward tablet like performance. If you were buying a tablet I would say do not go with Apple. The iPads are cool but so limited in peripherals.

For the needs you describe try the MAC but you are going to pay more $ for it.

Also now MAC's are just as vulnerable to viruses and corruption as pc's.

MAC's also cost way more to fix when out of warranty.

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Only Apple
Aug 30, 2013 2:00PM PDT

Since you ask the question, I can conclude you are not a software professional. In this case a selection is fairly simple, pick Apple. I am a software professional so I know why. I can give 100 reasons and not all of them you will be able even understand. Does it mean something for you if I tell that MacOS is free BSD based? Sure not, but free BSD it is currently most advanced and most refined OS, very stable with great multi tasking, file management, and security.
So I give you just 3 simple ordinary person thoughts
1. Secure (no worry about viruses and spyware ever). It is very important if you have kids at the house)
2. Very intuitive and user friendly (Are you going to spend hours doing Googling or Binging to figure out how to do that or this tasks?)
3. Sleek and prestige
Did I mentioned it is super fast so no any endless waiting when PC will do something for you.
Are you convinced yet? If not keep asking.

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Apple or PC
Aug 30, 2013 2:01PM PDT

"...but it has gotten annoying to see little windows pop up saying my program is being closed for no reason."

It would be helpful to know what kind of PC you are using, also the software, the hardware specs as well. I have been using PC's for several years now. The last 2-3 years I have been running Windows 7 64 Bit on all PC's except one little testing laptop that has Windows 8.1 pro running on it. I do not get any little windows popping up saying that a program is closing or shutting down...ever. You must have some major conflicts going on with software and/or hardware. And, what operating system are you using?
Are you using a Dell, Gateway, Hp or other big company PC? I make my own PC's, and make sure the best components and software go into the making and running of it. Maybe you should try that first before switching to Apple?
You say you are "good with computers" and can work around problems?
I wouldn't give up on PC's too fast, they are cheaper than Apples, and are very stable, as long as you are keeping them tuned up all the time. Windows 7 and Windows 8 now, are really stable and seem to run PC's fine without things shutting down.

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money to burn?
Aug 30, 2013 2:02PM PDT

you can get the same computer for a third the price by going the windows route. if you have money to burn, how about sharing it with me ?

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--
Aug 30, 2013 2:37PM PDT

or look into the chromebook - very good value !

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And extremely limited
Aug 31, 2013 1:46AM PDT

Chromebooks are only good if you are willing to live with their severe limitations in terms of software and the requirement to be on-line almost always to really do anything. Chromebooks do work for some but not very many.

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You are Stuck in the Past
Sep 1, 2013 8:19AM PDT

It used to be that you paid for the equipment...or you paid for the IT support to keep it running...and it was pretty much a wash.

Now, if you buy a good high quality WinDoz machine...with the same exact quality construction and ingredients...the cost is pretty well identical...but the Mac still just plain always works.

Redmont simply is unable to get their act together...nothing new there.

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Stick to PC
Aug 30, 2013 2:13PM PDT

For what you are doing PC is the way to go. The Mac is good but the price of $1,600.00 to start is not worth it. The little you use your computer the PC is the way to go. Also you will have to learn a whole new operating system. Getting software that you ran on your PC you will not be able to be downloaded to your MAC. I find that if you are into graphics, web design or photograph the MAC is great but if only reading email and doing some surfing the PC is the one. Here in the city I live there are alot of Chinese and Japanese people that come to work here or study here and they advised me that in China and Japan the PC is the main computer sold because MAC can not handle the software they use and they said everything is aimed at the PC. Americans we have been told buy the most Mac items while Canadians buy PC's.

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Mac pricing misconception
Aug 30, 2013 7:23PM PDT

I don't know where you're seeing Macs starting at $1600, but on the Apple website, laptops start at $999 and desktops at $599.

If you check Mac vs PC prices using >identically equipped< systems, you'll find that there really isn't that much of a difference. For $1600 you can get a pretty nicely equipped Mac, either Laptop or desktop.

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Mac Pricing Misconception
Aug 30, 2013 9:44PM PDT

Go to bestbuy.ca and you will see. Also here at future shop they all start above $1200.00. So the price you quote is the American Price which is much cheaper than the Canadian price.

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Try the Apple online store
Sep 1, 2013 2:25PM PDT

Try the Apple online store. I just checked http://store.apple.com/ca and still found the same $999 and $599 prices I see here in the US.

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PC or Apple
Aug 30, 2013 2:38PM PDT

This used to be a difficult choice for some but here are some thoughts. I would go with the MacBook Pro simply because Apple still makes a laptop that will work and look good 5 plus years from now. If you need to run Windows then do so. Apple's BootCamp will allow you to run Windows whatever version in native mode because it also uses the same Intel processor and usually better specs than dedicated Windows laptops unless they are also top of the line. With a Wintel laptop you are limited to Windows only or maybe Linux. With the Apple you can run all three, MacOs, Linux, or Windows. As has been mentioned by some you may find te same program in both versions. Unless you are looking for the low cost cheap Wintel laptops, Apple is a better buy for the long run.

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Why not Both?
Aug 30, 2013 2:48PM PDT

An Apple Air bootcamped with Windows 7 will provide for a light weight mobile platform that supports both OS's. I recently went that route for my spouse ... she uses Windows, and I use either depending on the software which I need to run. And Apple support is great .... period.

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If you're having to ask the question, then you should go Mac
Aug 30, 2013 2:52PM PDT

Although I prefer Windows for myself as I think it's more tweakable, my advice to those who have problems with their computers is to go with a Mac. A Mac is more likely to keep you out of trouble by now allowing you to do some of those things that'll corrupt a Windows system.

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Mac
Aug 30, 2013 3:41PM PDT

Hi Mary,
I think you answered your own question. Using Your Apple products without problems and if one arises, Apple takes care of it. Try that with a PC...
I used PC's for 17 years until I plunged myself into OS. It took a little time to adjust, but now I love every aspect of Mac computers and their software. No need for windows based programs. No need for constant anoying updates. Choose a Mac and will not regret it....ever!

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go for it!
Aug 30, 2013 3:58PM PDT

Mary, I got rid of my old Dell about 8 or 9 years ago. Won't have another PC or POS again in this house. It is soo true--'Once you go Mac, you never go back'. Took me about an hour to figure out the basic differences in how it worked. No regrets at all. I am a 60 yr old xray tech that uses it about like you do, photography, mail etc. I called the Apple care one time in all these years about some softwear question, no viruses, no spam, and no spywear crap. I have never had one bit of trouble from any of my Macs. I like to compare it to a toaster- put bread in and make toast..... with my Dell I spent way too much time messing with all the viruses and just plain old crap every. single. time. I turned it on to do something....If I had to completely take apart my toaster and rewire the thing before I ever put in a slice of bread-well, no toast for me anymore, not worth the hassle. My Mac is my toaster--It just works!
I have my iMac 24" that I started with, and a couple of cheap used laptops like I'm using right now in my recliner to surf and play puzzle games on....love 'em... Go for it Mary, you will never regret it!

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This is an old question
Aug 30, 2013 4:17PM PDT

And the answer has not changed much over the years: It depends.

A key question: Do you bring home stuff from work that you need to use on this PC? If so, you should stick with whatever flavor you work is using -- be it PC or Apple. Yes, there is an Office for Apple and it is very close to the version for PC (or said the other way around -- the Office on PC is close to the one for Apple) but they are not identical. If your spreadsheets are simple enough and do not use Macros, you can edit them at home and bring them back to work with only minimal changes needed for environment conversion. If you work sheet is part of a fixed larger process, you may mess up the process if the OSs are different (Apple -- PC). Between work and home, you even have to be a little bit careful of the version of Office software you use. (For all of you who are going to say it does not matter, it does -- especially if there are Macros or some of the new advanced functions involved).

If compatibility with work is not an issue, go into a computer store or stores where you can try each out on some stuff that you do. Do you do a mail list you keep in Excel -- try it?

If you like what you see get it. At this level, either will undoubtedly work for you -- so pick the one you like best. If you go Apple, you do not have to stick with MS Office -- you can use another product. It is dependent on what you like.

If you go Apple and there is some stuff you wish to port over from your current machine (like spreadsheets and Word Documents) then MS Office for Apple probably is your best bet. Otherwise, try one of the free Office packages and see if it works for you. You do not lose much if anything trying it.

The key is whether you need to bring home stuff from work and handle it at home. If this is the case, you had best get the same stuff they have (PC or Apple at least). If not, try them out and get what you like. These days, both platforms are better than they used to be. If you have an aging PC platform now, you will undoubtedly encounter errors on some of the new stuff going around -- especially if you have not religiously kept current on the updates. A new system will take care of all of that and should eliminate all of those little windows you hate.

Good Luck.

. . . . T.

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PC - if you make fair comparisons !!
Aug 30, 2013 4:21PM PDT

In my experience if you shell out the same amount of money for a PC as you would for a MAC - you would get a much better deal. I find people who crib about a PC, often own one at a fraction of cost of what they paid for their MAC. It's just unfair.

I own both a MAC and PC I admire them both for their good things. Fact is my MAC used to collect dust for a long time until I installed Windows on it. I like my MAC for it's hardware design but hate it for it's software design or rather the Apple's (greedy) philosophy. PC laptops used to be a turn off, design-wise, but fortunately now PC market has caught up well in that area.

MAC's stability?? I agree my MacBook never showed me blue screen even once. But it always showed a white screen instead Wink [Oh yeah, my MacBook Pro crashed very often every time I connected it to an external Sony TV]

As for the OS, if you are a moderately advanced user like me, you would find a PC extremely flexible and a MAC ridiculously restrictive and greedy. If this is your first computer, MAC would be a simpler option, there's just one mouse button Happy But keeping things too simple isn't really useful in the long run. Unless you want to be a novice forever !

As for security, I haven't had a single virus or malware on my PC in the last 5-6 years. And I didn't buy any extra anti-virus software I have just used Windows Security Essentials for the longest time and it's part of Windows OS (FREE). For a user like me, I think it just takes a little bit of skepticism and common-sense when you install new software that you download over the internet. That's all.

And as for people who compare a MAC and PC to a Lambourgine and Ford , it just reminds me of that Lamborghini owner in China who publicly destroyed his car - when your Lamborghini fails, it's embarrassment you probably can't handle with sanity Grin

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Windows or MacOS Laptop ?
Aug 30, 2013 4:28PM PDT

Hi Mary,

Like you I finally had enough of the shenanigans of my Windows 7, Dell Laptop 18 months ago. It became a real millstone around my neck.

I decided to give Apple a go and bought a MacBook Pro, which I've since upgrade to 16 GBytes of memory and a 512 GByte SSD. Although, for my everyday purposes the standard configuration was fine, it was when I started taking the Laptop to work and required Windows 7 to run on it in a VM Ware virtual machine that I realised more grunt was required.

As I work in IT I do need to run Windows and various compatible applications from time to time so, as mentioned above, I run MacOS, Windows 7 and Windows 8 simultaneously, using VM Ware ($40 from the AppStore). I did look at other virtual machine alternatives too but I'm very happy with this setup.

I haven't looked back, although I will have to say that it is like learning to ride a bicycle again switching from Windows to MacOS. BTW, MacOS is nothing like iOS on your iPAD et al from a user interface point of view, however, it is just as reliable and intuitive - it just works.

The old Dell Laptop is collecting dust in a drawer. When I started it after 12 months in a drawer it took a whole weekend of my attention to keep updating this, that and the other. That did it, it's back in the drawer.

You can run just about all MS Office apps natively on the Mac, although I run them in Windows in a virtual machine. Funnily enough too, since the RAM and SSD upgrade, Windows 7 runs considerably faster in a virtual machine (1 CPU core and 4 GByte memory) on the Mac than it did on my old Dell with 4 CPU cores and 8 Gbyte memory). With this setup, you can run MacOS and Windows simultaneously as well as share files in between Windows and MacOS and copy & paste. Apple also provides "BootCamp", which prompts you at start-up to boot either Windows or MacOS - but they won't run simultaneously then.

A couple of things that I miss with the old Windows machine is the expanded keyboard (page up, down, home and end keys to name a few) and Windows Explorer. Apples Finder and various third party applications cannot compare and you'll have to get used to different ways of operating without knowing the shortcut keys and managing your files. But I don't miss the unreliability and slowness.

In summary, it just works ! None of this nonsense with pop-up windows and wasting your time with managing the PC. It should just bl**dy well work, right ?

If you ask me, would I make the same choice again after 18 months of experience, the answer would be "Yes and I'd make the decision more confidently". I'm very happy with my MacBook Pro.

Wish you luck ... and patience in the first few weeks.

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linux
Aug 30, 2013 4:46PM PDT

Have you thought about the linux desktops or laptops they could be really cheap and they are pretty fast and reliable !!! they do not get Viruses or worms that cause your pc or mac operating systems to slow down , crash or give you error windows !!!!

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And what about replacing Windows OS on your PC ?
Aug 30, 2013 5:21PM PDT

Hi Mary,

I was a Microsoft longlife user till 2008. And the same question came to my mind.

in addition my trouble was that i just by a new laptop with Windows enclosed. So it was difficult to admit i made a mistake.

I'm convinced that Mac OS is more secured and design for Non-Gamer (but you could also play on MAC OS now).

I look farther at Kernel level, and discovered that Mac OS was Unix based, so i tried to see if there was a chip Unix Kernel for PC and Laptop supposed to be designed for Windows... I find it, i discovered Linux OS's. Linux is Free, and there is several distribution with Graphic environnement (ie: Gnome or Kde).

First i tried Kubuntu Linux because its desktop looks like Mac OS desktop. I changed it to Ubuntu beacuse i need more Professionnal feature....An never went back to Windows.

So now you must know that Android, Mac OS are Linux Based, this means you to not have to through your PC through the windows and Buy an Apple device...You could used your PC with linux distro like Kubuntu, or Ubuntu, or Mint. Then you will have a PC very near from Apple Device without Spending a cent.

Know if i had to choice, it will depend on my budget. If I had Money, i will buy an Apple, if not i will buy a PC and change its OS to a Linux one.

PS: Like with Mac OS, with Linux, there is no need of Anti-Virus...Grin

http://www.kubuntu.org/feature-tour
http://www.ubuntu.com/
http://www.linuxmint.com/

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should go for a pc
Aug 30, 2013 5:23PM PDT

well, there is a huge difference in the price of both windows based pc and apple. secondly, as per your requirements, even windows based pc worth rupees 27000/- can give you a fluent and flawless performance. as far as popups are concerned there are literally many ways to get over them. "why pay hefty for an ant's work to be done". go for windows 7 home premium, its much better.
your advantages
more scope for upgrading things: as u know requirements won't remain same always.
secondly, any one among the family members can use computer at home in your absence, if required.
my personnel opinion:
I find people getting hooked up with their portable TV sized ipads in public places and where ever they are up to, i find it very embarrassing. they have very little idea about what is happening in and around themselves.

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BS...Total BS - Stuck in a Time Warp.
Sep 1, 2013 8:39AM PDT

If I hear one more time how much more expensive macs are, I will barf!

It simply is not so, and if you have a similarly configured WinDoz mess to deal with...with the same quality components and made as well...they will cost pretty much the same...but you'll still have a Redmont disaster area for a machine.

There is a reason people hated to leave Windows XP Pro...and there is also good reason Redmont had to release the entirely different Windows 8.1...to correct the mistake of 8.0...that of being too big of a change.

People generally like what they are used to using...no matter how pathetically inadequate it may perform.

Can anyone actually remember erasing the hard drive...and reinstalling the OS from scratch...on a yearly basis...just to keep the machine running as it is supposed to...with anything Macintosh?

I can with Windows...never had to go there with Macintosh...never!

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Windows 8.1 is just an update
Sep 1, 2013 12:07PM PDT

Windows 8.1 is just an update. I downloaded the beta version and It installs easily. And windows xp I did have to reinstall once or twice over 10 years. But never with Vista, 7, or 8. And yes people are afraid of something changing because they are lazy and apparently can't read, because everything is self explanatory.

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PC or Apple
Aug 30, 2013 5:51PM PDT

I have macbookair and PC laptops, PC still working, Mac already broken, and Apple refuse to fix it ,under warranty time. Mac laptops definetly have better soft, but quality of hardware back to the 80s.
Service for Apple worthsest and most expencieve I ever see. All warranty services around the globe ( overloaded with broken apple comps.) and not only warranty services, it is big bussines for them.
Apple made nice looking and with good software comp, but not reliable. You cannot travel with macbook , it has water indicator inside, that reacted on humidity , it usually shown water , so they not going to fix it, and blame you in water spilage , however you never spill any water. Major problem -logic, motherboard and charge you 1200 US , -cost of the new comp. I'm going back to microsoft and recomended
to everyone.

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Windows is better
Aug 30, 2013 5:56PM PDT

Windows is the most used OS and Microsoft is much much more friendly towards their customers.
MS Office is the standard in the digital world.
If you do not want to be a prisoner of Apple OS, buy Windows PC.

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Decision
Aug 30, 2013 8:20PM PDT

3 years ago I was where you are. I chose Apple & despite the learning curve, I never looked back! I can't give you techie advice but I can tell you that I have not questioned my decision. I really loved Windows XP too! Patch Tuesday & all of the junk just got the best of me - enough was enough!

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Former Apple fanboy here
Aug 30, 2013 8:35PM PDT

I see that you have gotten enough responses to make a decision, still my 2 cents.

I was an Apple fanboy. Don't get me wrong, Apple systems are awesome, stylish machines, secure OS, all good, except the cost factor. I got iPad to work 'seamlessly' between different systems, which never happened because of the cost of the apps for iOS.

Over the period of time I noticed, I was shelling out a lot of money for small things, right from cables I needed to small utilities to get my work done, to major applications. Plus, browsing on Mac was ALWAYS pathetic, esp. with banking or financial sites (at least for me, someone may disagree with me).

In contrast, Windows browsing has always been without any problems, the cables I need are generic and cost a fraction of Mac cables. There are literally a tons of free utilities to get your job done. I rarely buy any software for Windows because majority of the freewares that are available for Windows get my job done. Comparatively, I spent good amount for Macs.

Mac being a 'closed' system, it is VERY difficult if you would like to do something for your needs. That is not a problem with Windows. So finally, when Windows 7 came out, I jumped the ship and never really regretted.


The problems you mention with your Windows machine, I believe, it is not set up correctly. If you could get someone fix it for you, you will really have no problems. In my last 4 years of Windows 7 life, I really had zero problems (as opposed to pizza wheel of death on Mac), could not be more happier of a switch.

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Help me decide: PC or Apple laptop?
Aug 30, 2013 9:24PM PDT

As an IT professional with more than 20 years working around I think I can give an informed opinion. When it comes to stability and over time performance MACs definitely outrun PCs either people like it or not. PC is the most popular platform and that makes it the most targeted to different attacks and they are more popular because of their cheaper offerings to the general public and by that I meant that all major brands (HP,DELL, Lenovo, Acer, etc..) offer a full range of cheap computers but also they offer a full range of premium ones and that is the real deal when you are comparing MAC vs PC hardware and if you compare apples to apples (a little bit of irony here) any premium major brand pricing is equivalent or more expensive than a MAC. The numbers are out there just go to any major brand web site and put together a premium PC laptop/desktop and you will see pricing going over 2000 USD. At the time of this comment Apple does not offer any sort of cheap line of MACs and probably they never will and that is not a bad thing it is just their business model. We all know we get what we pay for and that is why cheap hardware does not last and it is problematic (drivers crashes, etc..), on the other hand, the OS, OSX vs windows, All I have to say and I know a lot of people here are going to hate me but OSX is more stable and does not crash on you as often as Windows does and one of the main reasons for that is its reduce developers community in comparing to PCs developers community and all the controls and requisites Apple has in place for developers and software running in their platform. Both platforms are mature, you can go either way but if you want to avoid some headaches buy premium PC hardware and not the cheap offering out there and protect yourself with a good antivirus/anti-malware/firewall software or just get a MAC and guys we as the users we don't really care about computer market shares, who sales the most is irrelevant or at least it is not helpful for this matter and by the way FORD does have expensive cars just as BMW does, remember always comparing apples to apples Happy

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Perception
Aug 30, 2013 9:28PM PDT

I have read all of these responses to your user based question. Bill Gates and Steve Jobs did what capitalists do - convince people to use their product, lots of times, and left the industry with their profits in hand. Your answer can be found in the proverbial Chicken vs Egg. Just because there is a Bentley does not mean you really need one.

Unless you do industry level stuff with your machines, you have become the average consumer - email games facebook videos internet maybe even work from home. Everybody will want you to buy their stuff because "its the best". Go to any BestBuy and watch them circle you like vultures...........If you can afford a Ferrari you will buy one.
If you can only afford Toyota then you decide based on how many times you will have to take it in for repairs.

Thus, many computer web sites will rank and file recently purchased systems using benchmark test data and crap the average user loves to know but has little use for.....................Before I would ask anyone, I would go find a
service like Consumer Reports...........lets see what they say based on consumer satisfaction. They take into account proliferation of a market product versus real customer satisfaction with it. So, I always found two problems with Apple stuff - very very user friendly to a fault, and an Apple technician.

So many PC based things exist out there, experts in repair are around every corner, from neighborhood home delivery to Geek Squad. If dollars have meaning to you go for long term.....Thus, the issue with the problems with Win 8.......everybody will have it and nobody will always like it......do your homework - check out your
needs, look at how deep your pockets are......which very few people do anyway because it takes time but you will be happier in the long run.........which should be your plan the long run..........5 years or more for amortizing your costs benefits before upgrade or replacement. Do not snap judge the process and do not believe everything that was posted here..............go see for yourself first..... a smart decision requires one thing - time used wisely to make it.