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Mac Advantages Over PC?

Jul 3, 2008
1,156
47
I'm sure it's been covered before, but I'm curious on what you guys think in the most recent times.

For some reason, I'm getting some GAS for a Macbook. I've heard tons of good things (seems everyone who owns a Mac loves it) and so I've considered switching. I also would like the ability to program iPod Touch apps, and that among other things (obviously that's not the only reason lol) is something you can only do with a Mac.

So who has a Mac and who would strongly recommend it? Anyone with a Mac who wouldn't?
Anyone who strongly opposes Macs and why?

Please don't start any huge Mac vs. PC arguments, I'm just looking for opinions. Thanks!
 
I have both in my home, no need to have just one.

What you should do is pick yourself up a Macbook and then run Fusion/Parallels/Bootcamp on it. You have the best of both worlds. Our new Macbook Air is running Fusion and I love it.

-Mike
 
Well, they are a bit more expensive for the components you get, but the whole thing is more polished than the Windows machines. It's also a bit more stable, so it's somewhat more pleasant, aka user friendly. I've been using Macs for a few years now, and I wouldn't go back to PC, unless there was a very specific reason, like some heavy audio/graphics software that benefits from all the juice you can give it.
 
While I already knew it, earlier this evening I remembered I could put windows on a mac, and supposedly this isnt even hard to do?
I also already have a windows laptop and a desktop. The laptop is better than the desktop, and plus I've used the laptop a ton more, so I considered getting rid of the desktop, keeping my windows laptop, and getting a MacBook. Then I'd have a mac with windows and os x on it, plus I'd still have my windows laptop anyway.

I know macs more expensive, but I've come to love some of apple's products and I like how they do things (admittedly in some areas, they can be a bit too strict) and I'd also like to write iPhone/iPod touch apps one day, and I can't do that with a windows machine.

As hinted in the last sentence, I'm going into computer science. I got a windows laptop with the idea of compatibility being an issue in my schooling, but many other students have MacBooks and so i don't think it's really a problem anywhere but in gaming.

I even tried getting a friend's version of OS X running on my VMWare but it wouldn't work.
 
While I already knew it, earlier this evening I remembered I could put windows on a mac, and supposedly this isnt even hard to do?

I even tried getting a friend's version of OS X running on my VMWare but it wouldn't work.

Nope, not hard at all. I use Fusion, which is made by the VMWare people. Very simple. It took a snapshot of my XP VM and ported it over to the Macbook. A few clicks later, all done. I run them in Unity mode.

-Mike
 
What about trying Linux on one of your home PC's and see if that quenches your thirst?

It won't do your Iphone/Ipod apps; however, if you're switching because you are unhappy with Bill Gates, or if you are just wanting to try something different...

Most Linux distro's are free, which means you could try it instead of diving head-first into the $$$ A macbook will cost.

If you actually consider trying Linux, I'd make sure I had my back-up cd on hand, and saved all my docs and bookmarks and the like.

ALso more on topic, my friend and bandmate has a macbook and I like it. He loves it, and we use it to record practices because the tape doesn't lie. Its simple to use, and way easier to maintain than most windows OS I've been around (My mother was a process analyst/network setter-upper, so I was taught my way around any windows OS XP or older. I use Linux on my college computer because of its stability).
 
What about trying Linux on one of your home PC's and see if that quenches your thirst?

It won't do your Iphone/Ipod apps; however, if you're switching because you are unhappy with Bill Gates, or if you are just wanting to try something different...

Most Linux distro's are free, which means you could try it instead of diving head-first into the $$$ A macbook will cost.

If you actually consider trying Linux, I'd make sure I had my back-up cd on hand, and saved all my docs and bookmarks and the like.

ALso more on topic, my friend and bandmate has a macbook and I like it. He loves it, and we use it to record practices because the tape doesn't lie. Its simple to use, and way easier to maintain than most windows OS I've been around (My mother was a process analyst/network setter-upper, so I was taught my way around any windows OS XP or older. I use Linux on my college computer because of its stability).

On selling Linux. Just quit it wont work here. Anything that isn't shiny and easier to use that a toaster holds no merit in OT.
 
On selling Linux. Just quit it wont work here. Anything that isn't shiny and easier to use that a toaster holds no merit in OT.

Meh I tried.

Edit: On topic, Spyware and malware can't work in the background on a Mac, at least that's what I've been led to believe. It isn't that viruses can't be created, its just that for windows its easier, plus you get a much larger % of users.
 
Google "Hackintosh" to learn how to Dual-Boot OSX on your Windows box. Or you could just use Windows 7 as there is no real difference between the two, since Mac went all Unix with OSX. and by no real difference I mean like on the ultimate base level.


also, having a MacBook and a massive Gaming/Autodesk application PC I can tell you that the PC gets most of the use, because it actually has games for it and AutoDesk stuff runs on PC, although AutoCAD for Mac is on the horizon.


Also, having a Macbook makes you look like a hipster, so people will assume you listen to Animal Collective, even if you don't.
 
Yes I know about the whole reasoning as to why Macs "don't have viruses" and I've been noticing a pick-up Mac owners, so I worry that Viruses might start appearing.

Also, I've tried ubuntu and I do like it, but I'm more curious about Apple and I've wanted to become an Apple user for awhile now, and like I said I want to be able to eventually make iPhone/iPod apps. If I get a MacBook, I'll be able to start toying with the SDK, until I'm actually ready to sign up ad a developer.

Also, I'm not switching because of a complete distaste for microsoft. I'm merely
impressed by Macs. I still plan to keep a windows computer, because I'm not completely ready for a switch.
 
Google "Hackintosh" to learn how to Dual-Boot OSX on your Windows box. Or you could just use Windows 7 as there is no real difference between the two, since Mac went all Unix with OSX. and by no real difference I mean like on the ultimate base level.


also, having a MacBook and a massive Gaming/Autodesk application PC I can tell you that the PC gets most of the use, because it actually has games for it and AutoDesk stuff runs on PC, although AutoCAD for Mac is on the horizon.


Also, having a Macbook makes you look like a hipster, so people will assume you listen to Animal Collective, even if you don't.

well see, I plan to keep a windows pc anyway if I plan to play any games. That being said, I don't play games much anymore. Basically it'll be the nostalgic run of Age of Empires 2/3 once in awhile, and that's one reason why I'd keep a windows computer. But everything I do for the most part can be done on a mac.

As for autodesk, I don't use it but come the time where I would need to I would still have my windows computer. But i understand your point anyway, this isn't specific to just autodesk applications.