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General discussion

Is a Mac Right for me?

Oct 31, 2005 2:59AM PST

Hey, Im looking at getting a new notebook and so far ive narrowed it down to a Dell Inspiron 700M and a 12" G4 Powerbook. The question is... is a Mac right for me, or windows?
Well basicly what I do with my pc is Download and watch alot of shows (thats about 80% of my pc time there). Also I burn dvd's, web surfing, MSn, maby typing up a porject and the rare converting a file to a dvd. One of my only worrys when it comes to mac really is the rumour of its "lack of software". Basicly when i look for a note book what im mainly looking for is superior video watching quality. So what do you think would be best for me and why? Thanks alot, Jeremy.

Discussion is locked

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OH forgot to mention....
Oct 31, 2005 3:04AM PST

I forgot to mention that the powerbook is 600$ cheaper than the dell.

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Let me be blunt.
Oct 31, 2005 3:15AM PST

If you are a movie or show PIRATE you will not be happy.

Is that concise enough?

Cheers,

Bob

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What do you mean?
Oct 31, 2005 3:17AM PST

And they arent pirated.

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Here's why the pirates scream and cry.
Oct 31, 2005 3:19AM PST

The content can be oddly encoded in some CODEC that the Mac may not have.

Since it's not pirated, you should be fine since you can just ask the source for Mac compatible content if there is an issue.

Cheers,

Bob

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So...
Oct 31, 2005 3:32AM PST

do you think a mac or windows would be better for my needs?

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Since you don't pirate, you'd like an Apple.
Oct 31, 2005 3:40AM PST

I was being very blunt given the content you noted is often pirated via P2P networks. It's better we not pull punches about that.

Bob

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Mac or Dell
Oct 31, 2005 7:11AM PST

Based on your criteria and your answers to Bob's questions, I have no doubt that a Mac would suit you but, I want to be absolutely sure that you are getting what you say. You indicated that the Dell Inspiron 700M was $600 more expensive. I checked and you are correct. If you have the Inspiron money, the get the 15" Powerbook and it will still be cheaper than the Dell, equally configured.
Watching DVD's is no problem, creating DVD's is also not a problem. The included iLife suite of software (iTunes, iMovieHD, iPhoto, iDvd) all combine to give you a top of the line, integrated, experience,
You may have to qualify your "lack of software" statement. So far you have not mentioned anything that a PowerBook cannot do.
Just as a matter of interest, where do you download these shows from?

P