Community weekly poll: Are you considering switching from a Windows PC to a Mac?
- 3/30/07 9:25 AM
PC vs Mac
by randysvh - 11/26/07 3:16 PM In reply to: Why does Cnets keeps talking about Mac? by Bro.BobFirst let me say that a MAC is a PC by definition. i think what is meant hear is the difference between Windows and Mac and maybe Linux too. Windows unfortunately has too many design flaws and problems. It is very insecure and vulnerable. The Mac is not perfect, but it has much fewer security issues compared to those of Windows. Vista is even more of a problem as it is almost impossible for the novice to figure out let alone use. Linux on the other hand is quite stable in most of the major releases. It is quite secure. It has many fewer vulnerabilities. It does not have a REGISTRY to control your system. It can do most everything that the Windows environment does, and most of the programs are free, or open source. Of the three operating systems Windows is the least stable, but the best marketed of the three. Personally between Windows and the Mac i prefer windows environment. With that said though i prefer Linux over Windows. YES i still uses windows too.
randy
Never thought I would go Mac....
by meroni - 4/1/07 3:51 AM In reply to: Are you considering switching from a Windows PC to a Mac? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Bought a iMac 24in two months ago and I'm running Windows XP in 'Parallels' (runs better here than on any PC I've ever owned). Pros: Easy to physically install, setup just works, tons of included full license software, fast, always works on my mouse click (never see an hour glass or an un responsive mouse), comes with everything (little aftermarket hardware to buy...because you don't need to), 24in screen is awesome(can run my XP session and Mac apps and see everything), did I say fast, very quick boot-up time (even XP boots-up fast), network setup is unbelievably easy, no antivirus required!, Safari is and excellent Internet browser and you can get Firefox for Mac free (I prefer Firefox) and stuff to control your apps that Vista still doesn't do.
Cons: takes getting use to screen controls being on the right and drop menus always at the top of the screen separate from the window, had to buy Microsoft Office 2004 to get Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Entourage(Outlook for Mac), Quicken version for Mac is very bad (returned it) and I run Quicken on the XP window....works great, many speciality apps work only on Windows, price of unit, you have to buy a full version of XP or Vista.
Designed from the user...period.
I never though I would say this (way to many years of being a MS fan). Once on iMac....you'll never go back.
Happy Mac user since 1986.
by kd9 - 4/1/07 4:46 AM In reply to: Are you considering switching from a Windows PC to a Mac? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
We've had dozens of Mac and I've liked every one. We haven't gotten a new Intel Mac yet, because Adobe products did not run natively on them. When Adobe releases CS3 and Apple releases the next version of Intel chips (Octo anyone?), we will get new machines.
I Use Macs and I'm Happy
by jboroman - 4/1/07 8:13 AM In reply to: Happy Mac user since 1986. by kd9Yep, everytime this type question gets asked, the die-hards on both sides come out of the woodwork and blast the 'other' computer. But, have you noticed that by far the most blasting and derogatory remarks are from PC users? I will not say Macs are 'superior', etc etc etc. However, the derogatory remarks that Macs aren't upgradeable, that Macs are optimized for one system, that Macs don't have software choices, that Macs cost more, ad nauseum, just fuel the fires of ignorance. The posts that try to offer pros and cons are much better for reference. All I can tell you is that I've run used Macs, bought off Fleabay, for years with very few problems. We have Windoz machines at work and it's like night and day compared to my Mac at home. I think one has to admit that much more maintenance is involved in keeping a PC humming. One poster mentioned the Macworld article about pricing. Here's the Inguirer (NOT generally a Mac-friendly outfit) article that shows that Macs are actually cheaper than comparably equipped Dell pro laptops, for instance:
http://theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=33576
In the end, each of us will have our preferences. Just my opinion: my Macs have all been very easily upgraded; I can run Linux so I'm not stuck with "...one optimized system.."; I can buy a new Mac to run Windoz (but why?), Mac OS install software is generally cheaper than Windoz install software, my Macs have all been very stable, my Macs are quite user friendly .... etc. Serious gamers are going to build their own machines. But new Macs can now run those games too.
Yes, we have our preferences. Most will stay with what brung em to the dance. I'm not 'married' to my Mac and Windoz machines aren't 'inferior'. But, if someone asked about switching to a Mac, I would highly recommend it.
No. I prefer OS-X to Vista, but I make my money on Windows
by sean000 - 4/1/07 6:09 PM In reply to: Are you considering switching from a Windows PC to a Mac? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I'm an IT support manager with over 10 years experience. I've used every version of Windows and Mac, plus Linux. I've personally enjoyed using all these operating systems over the years, but I give OS-X the nod for being the best all-around design. However, so far I think Vista is off to a smoother start. When OS-X first hit the market, the help desk I managed got a lot of calls with problems and it just didn't seem finished. Today it is a polished and mature operating system, and Vista needs a little more time to get the kinks smoothed out.
I've considered switching my primary systems over to Mac, but I just bought a new Vista laptop that I'm really enjoying so far. Why? Only 15% of my customers use Macs, and since I'm switching jobs soon that is going to drop even lower...to almost nil. For the foreseeable future my knowledge and experience relating to Vista will put food on my table. I've also got a lot invested in Windows software, so switching platforms will actually cost me about $600 more than simply buying a new computer.
That said if you don't need Windows for work, and aren't heavily invested in Windows software, I'd actually recommend switching to a Mac. Even if you do use Windows at work, you can run both on a Macbook.
The only thing that bugs me about OS-X is the dependence on Apple hardware. As nice as Apple hardware is, the selection is limited. If you want an ultraportable that is smaller than a Macbook, it's going to be a Windows or Linux machine. Same if you want to build your own gaming rig or cheap PC. For most people though, it's hard to do better than an Apple Macbook, iMac or PowerMac. And hopefully, if enough people make the switch, I'll be able to make a living as an IT manager in an institution that is 95% Mac and 5% Windows instead of the other way around.
I'd actually rather see open source software and real open standards gain ground. I've been running a laptop with Ubuntu (a flavor of Linux just about anyone can install and use), Firefox browser, Thunderbird e-mail, and OpenOffice.org applications. It's great, but I still prefer Photoshop to the GiMP and I still need to know Windows to do my job.
Sean
Have both, PC and Mac, still favor PC
by jazzy5 - 4/1/07 6:25 PM In reply to: Are you considering switching from a Windows PC to a Mac? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Switching to Mac? No. I have both and Mac have not convince me to swithc. Got 6 PC desktop, most of them I build them myself. From a old 486, 266 350, 500 and 2000 mhz with Windows 3.1, 95, 98 2000 and XP and they all work. Got two laptop, one for my wife a HP and a Mac for daughter. The Mac have crash and die twice, but my wife never had any problem. I am the tec support for them. Both are taken good care, they even never move from the the desk so they are more a desktop than a notebook. The HP cost me $600 and came with Windows Media and I use all the same software I have already had. The Mac cost me $1,000 with student discont plus all the software that I need to purchase. The day that the Mac die it took me all day to bring it back to life, the second time it took the same amount of time to the Apple store to bring it back to life and still did not know why it happen. So I guest is luck or I just got a Mac lemon.
NOT THINKING OF BUYING A MAC
by w6rmc - 4/2/07 8:15 AM In reply to: Are you considering switching from a Windows PC to a Mac? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I'm perfectly happy with the system and all the software choices. Been with PC's since the beginning (except for my TI 99).
Perhaps if Macs had been more reasonably priced in the beginning.
Thinking about the switch
by bds460 - 4/2/07 8:41 AM In reply to: Are you considering switching from a Windows PC to a Mac? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
For the past few months I've been debating whether or I should switch to a Mac. The biggest reason for this is for video editing, being that Final Cut is only offer on Macs, and since this is one of the leaders in the industry (behind Avid) I feel I should switch over. Right now though I am using a PC with Adobe Premiere. Everyone tells me to make the switch because of the unreliability of PCs, but to be honest I've only have one problem with crashing while editing. I think in the end that the debate isn't really PC vs Mac, but really Premiere (specifically CS3) versus Final Cut. Just as a little background I've been editing for a little over seven years now, but I've only worked with Avid and Premiere (and recently a little in Vegas), so I'm not really familiar with the differences with Final Cut and Premiere.
Not considering switch from PC to Mac
by stanleypatkan - 4/2/07 11:29 AM In reply to: Are you considering switching from a Windows PC to a Mac? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The PC does everything I want it to do-so why switch. I've had my experiences with Macs. They are more expensive and proprietary.
No need to switch, I'll stick with Windows but NOT Vista...
by BlazeEagle - 4/2/07 10:03 PM In reply to: Are you considering switching from a Windows PC to a Mac? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I'm working towards buying a new computer & While it'll be a Vista PC, I'll reformat upon purchase & put XP on it.
Buying a Mac limits my software options, especially game wise.
If I had the financial ability to do so, It'd be nice to have a Mac in addition to a Windows machine to investigate the differences between the two for myself.
thats a good idea
by knelson276 - 4/2/07 10:18 PM In reply to: No need to switch, I'll stick with Windows but NOT Vista... by BlazeEaglebut i would suggest doing some reasearch first.. i tried the same thing with my new laptop.. only problem is the manufacture doesnt supply xp drivers for mine and cant use vista drivers in XP. Probably better off building your own computer if you'r going to put xp on it any way. had to load vista back on mine but was able to get linux to load ok and most of my games are working fine using emulatrors. just food for thought good luck on your next computer.
Can't
by joe_news - 4/3/07 12:13 AM In reply to: Are you considering switching from a Windows PC to a Mac? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I'm a gamer, I simply have no other option then the MS platform...and that truely sucks, but thats life.
Not "Can't," but "Won't"
by justwally - 4/3/07 8:10 AM In reply to: Can't by joe_newsI understand your position. However, "can't" connotes that the choice is out of your hands, whereas you _choose_ to stay on the platform that has the most variety of games and new game releases. That makes it "won't."
It may seem like a small thing, but it is best illustrated thusly:
- Quadriplegics can't walk.
- Quadriplegics won't walk.
Obviously they aren't _choosing_.
If I were a gamer I wouldn't switch from MS Windows to a Mac, either. For me, I choose neither.
Can't? Can Too!.
by jackbarry99 - 5/10/07 3:23 PM In reply to: Can't by joe_newsI switched from a string of HPs to an IMac G5...
I am a realtor... I have to use a piece of clunk called "Citrix client" to get around the Rappatoni MLS system architecture requirement for Windoze... (Citrix simulates, for me, the structure of IE...)
All the other app. providers work with Mac architecture.....
...and now, the newer iMacs have this dual core thing, that also runs Windows and IE..
Kiss Microsoft goodbye.... They are a demented approach to computing, vs. the elegance of Apple.
jack barry, in SF.
I just switched to a mac and I am very impressed!
by crazy4fritz - 4/3/07 10:01 AM In reply to: Are you considering switching from a Windows PC to a Mac? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I just purchased a new mac with the intel based dua core 2.0ghz and I could have bought a PC with more stuff but I love that compact pkg and 1 cord. It works right out of the box and there is very little 3rd party software that you need, There is a bit of a learning curve but after a while you do not miss the no no right click on the mouse. I only have 1 complaint and that I purchased the mac to design a new website and unless u subscribe the mac world. Designing a website with most web hosters require you u to use their software which unfortunatley is PC based. You can manage it with a mac but design it with a PC. Pity!
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