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Should I go Mac?

xcental34x

xcental34x

Feb 28, 2003
2,570
4
40
Memphrica, TN
#1
For awhile now, I've been thinking of ditching my Toshiba Satellite and get a Macbook. Why? I'm not too sure. Back when I was looking for a new laptop, I was intrigued to learn that you could boot the new Macs with either Windows or Mac OS. After looking at more of the options, it seems like a Mac would have a lot to offer me. However, my Toshiba is definetely not letting me down. So while I was in the Apple Store today, getting a replacement iPod, I looked around at a couple of Macbooks. Since I'm a student, I do get a small discount. So what do I need to be asking myself? What do I need to consider?
 
#5
Go to the Recording forum and read any of the threads on Macs vs PCs. They seem to pop up quite a bit and don't ever go anywhere.

In a nutshell, a Macbook is probably fine for anything you are currently doing with your Toshiba. You will almost certainly enjoy the experience. Consider reading the owner's manual if you buy one.
 
#10
Hello, I'm on a macbook right now. its probably the most versatile/useful laptop i have ever operated. with the intel chip you can put windows on it. so you really can't go wrong. it comes with more software than PC laptops and you can right click when using a "windows" mouse. the screen display is phenomenal AND what you get for the money is actually shocking. you can get 1gb RAM + 80gb hard drive + 13.3 widescreen gloss finish for all under 1500$. thats pretty hard to find in windows laptops, especially those the size of the macbook.

learning curve is easy too

just can't game on a mac
 
#13
Go try one!

Also - make a list of what you want the machine to do.

there are plenty of music apps for both.

to make a XP stay stable, there is a bit more of a learning curve but it can certainly be done.

then finally look at your budget and see what you can afford feature by feature from your list.

I've been thinking about getting a
Macbook pro or an [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Asus, not sure myself which yet.
 
#15
NJL said:
Once you go Mac, you never go back...
Click to expand...

That was not my experience. My first compueter was a Mac. I went PC, about seven years ago. I'll never go back to Mac. Over Xmas, I used a couple of Macs. Yech! What an ugly, cluttered, pointless UI. I couldn't wait to get home to my Linux/Athlon system.

Nevertheless, for the OP; if you have to ask, Mac OS is probably better than Winbloze. Especially for laptops, where the easy upgradeability of a fully ATX complient PC is not a factor.
 
#16
Using a Mac is bissful compared to trying to navigate around on a PC. I use a PC at work sometimes, but a Mac (G5 iMac-20" screen) at home. Things just seem to make sense on a Mac. Files are easier to find etc... Not sure how to describe it. plus, the look of OSX is far more pleasing than Windows. Windows is almost archaic looking.

BUT...if you are into games on your computer, don't buy a Mac. There aren't a whole bunch of software companies that make games for it. PC is the way to go for gamers (but you have to drop a few grand to get a good gaming computer)
 
#17
Masher88 said:
Don't buy a Mac. There aren't a whole bunch of software companies that make games for it. PC is the way to go for gamers (but you have to drop a few grand to get a good gaming computer)
Click to expand...

No, you don't. I spent all of $500 upgrading my computer. Already had a monitor, speaker, sound card, and case. You can use your current hard drive.

$1000 should be more than enough for a good gaming rig.

Guess what? That gaming rig will be good for whatever else you're planning to do, too.
 
#18
Macs feel primitive to use after my SuSE Linux machine. They're pretty and easy to use but they're also pricy and basic. But it does depend what you're doing. If it's internet/word processing then just get whatever you fancy. If it's games get Windows. If it's programming get Unix/Linux. If it's creative stuff like recording or video/image editting Mac is probably the best.
 
#19
*smb said:
Macs feel primitive to use after my SuSE Linux machine. They're pretty and easy to use but they're also pricy and basic. But it does depend what you're doing. If it's internet/word processing then just get whatever you fancy. If it's games get Windows. If it's programming get Unix/Linux. If it's creative stuff like recording or video/image editting Mac is probably the best.
Click to expand...

Everybody always says this but it's BS.

Look, how much programming can you possibly do on your own machine? How much faster will something compile on Linux vs. Windows or even Mac OS?

How much editing do you do? If you're a pro, money is second to performance anyway. But if you're not making any money off of editing, then you're not doing anything requiring a $2000 machine. It's just simple.

If you play video games, then you're stuck with Windows since it is the only really supported OS.

If all you do is surf the web, use Microsoft Word, listen to some music, and maybe do some editing, then just find the cheapest thing you can, it will suite you just fine.
 
#20
Poop-Loops said:
Look, how much programming can you possibly do on your own machine? How much faster will something compile on Linux vs. Windows or even Mac OS?
Click to expand...

It's not the speed of compiling that's an issue. It's the ease of debugging and the amount of quality free software available that makes Linux better for that. Windows you're frequently looking at hundreds of pounds for software that doesn't quite do the job as you need it done. Linux you get free software that you can tweak until it's right for you.

Anyway, this is an argument for another discussion.
 

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