If you are still using 256mb RAM I hope you are not running Windows XP or Windows XP professional or no wonder you are having slow performance (256mb should be enough for Windows 9
.
The sweet spot for Windows XP is 512mb and many now go to 1gb as you can add a 512mb RAM notebook stick for under $100 in most cases (PC2700 or PC2100 DDR memory) after rebate -- but of course you have only 2 slots so if you are full already you are wasting money.
Apples are great if you do not have specific business IBM programs you need to run. The Microsoft Offic Mac version allows easy conversion of IBM Microsoft Office to Mac Microsoft Office files.
You are paying a premium with Apple --for a 15" LCD or larger you have to get an Apple Powerbook from $2,000-$2,500 depending on whether you get a DVD slot loading burner or only a CD-RW/DVD ROM.
Apple is #1 in service and support, the Apple retail stores are a plus and they have free service reps inside these stores (but huge lines in many cases).
Apple is getting the halo effect from the Apple Ipod and Ipod shuffle -- these work of course with any PC notebook with a USB port.......
You should seriously look at the new Pentium M Sonoma specification just released today however -- the Dell inspirion 6000 (see their website) is one of the first out.
You will not be disappointed with Pentium M Centrino performance, battery life and weight at a lower price point than Apple.....
I have a Dell Inspiron 2650, 1.7ghz P4, 256mb ram, 20g HD. I've had too many OS problems to count, the casing surroundng the screen is falling apart and 256mb ram(though it doesnt seem it should be) is painfully slow when running IE (or Mozilla), Word and WMA at the same time - and fairly slow in general (theres a 1 second delay when opening the start menu and then 2-3 seconds to open the progrms menu no matter what else is running).
The programs above are those that I use the most (and mostly at the same time). I write and research for a living. I spend alot of time on the computer and take the computer on the go. Battery life is relatively moot as I'm usually near a plug, but like to watch movies on flights.
Bottom line: I'm thinking about a Mac (Ibook or Powerbook) as my next laptop.
My question is, assuming price is the same, why would I choose one over the other???
Thanks in advance for responses.

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