Laptop buying advice forum: Should I switch back to PC?

The debate isn't if you should go with mac or pc, the concern here is you not backing up your data. On any format of hardware and os, data should always be backed up for cases like these. No matter if you spend $1,700 on a mac or a $300 pc, if you don't back up your data, you will always find yourself in these situations if there is a hardware failure.

To answer your question about to get a pc or mac that will last you more than to years...The answer is simple, if you go with a mac, then you should get all the warrenties possible with the device since the product is alot more money. Going with a pc, enables you to use that product and then in due time replace it and continue on with the fast evolution of the technology.

Buying or building a mac or pc is always a troubling task and with enough research, you will know what you need the machine to do.

Conclusio:
Long term:
-go with mac and pay the extra monthy cost for the protection plans.
-build or buy a pc that will last with the latest and greatest technologies to withstand new technologies
Short term:
-go with a pc, cheap start up cost and easily replaced if hardware failure occurs.

Hope this helps

~Spyderz

We have how many online backups such as DropBox (even the free one!) and what else can we use to keep our files safe?

There are those that never heard that hard drives fail. No Apple or PC seller I know talks to the new user about backup. I can only guess the industry thinks "They'll figure it out."
Bob

Thanks for the thoughts - and good point about paying more in protection if the item costs more initially. Great advice and I'll take that to heart.

To clarify, I did have everything backed up. But was told at the Genius Bar that because I didn't use Time Machine my backup wouldn't work. When I picked up my Mac today I asked why a Mac compatible external drive wouldn't work just as well, and was told that it absolutely would work - just wouldn't be as simple a recovery as using Time Machine. In other words I was given incorrect information from a "genius" the first time. Shouldn't be surprised since my overall experience with him was very poor. The two fellows I've encountered since then at Mac have been much more helpful and have given me better information. Still debating having a cheapo PC but will also consider the cost of Apple Cares. Thanks!

For most machines, most of us can change these drives.