Mac laptops forum: Macbook Vs. Laptop

Sorry but I wonder if this is the old question of Apple MacOSX vs Windows.

The bottom line for me is that I don't install an antivirus on our apple and don't have the apple laptop scanning all the time for pests. The apple is a more productive laptop.
Bob

It's really the software and what you need this system to do that should determine what computer you want to buy, not the case that it sets in.

I own both Mac and PC systems. I do software training and demonstrations, and have to be able to show either platform (or occasionally, both) to address specific audiences. MacBooks are well-designed, well-engineered systems, but rather pricy and depending on the application, lacking in relevant specifications to powerful, less expensive PC laptops. And you're almost always going to be spending more for upgrades to extend the capabilities of a MacBook than you will for PC-based laptops.

OTOH, a lot of PC laptops aren't nearly as well built as MacBooks, and are sturdy enough for some uses. But not for others. And if something goes wrong with your system while it's under warranty, it generally takes a lot more effort to get it fixed with many PC-based brands than it does with Apple laptops -- especially if you live in close proximity to an Apple Store, which can often handle repairs/exchanges onsite.

I like both my 15" MacBook Pro and my 14" Dell laptops. For what I do I have my preferences, but they'd likely be irrelevant to what you may want to do with your new laptop. Rather than start by choosing a box, you should probably start with what software you need to put into it and what you want to get out of it. When you can honestly and accurately answer those questions, it'll be easier to make a call on what laptop you should buy.

1.The viruse immunity of mac computers has been proven to be just a legend. In the past mac computers did not get viruses was just because there was non. Just last year a very simple virus infected more than haf a million mac computers and it took apple more than two weeks to admit the issue. Windows introduced an antivirus almost three years ago and have been using this antivirus with no problems at all. And windows 8 incorporates their antivirus with the operating system so you do not need antivirus any more.
2. A laptop with the same specification as that of a mac will cost you less than the mac and will just perform as fine.
3. Although so many softwares are mac compatible, they are still limited as compared to softwares that are available for windows based computers.
4. When you buy a PC laptop, you just pay once for the laptop, but when you buy a mac you keep paying mainly for the adapters.
5. Office applications for mac really suck compared with windows office applications. I actually had to install windows on my mac to use windows excel instead of mac excel.
6. Windows operating system is more flexible and more functional than mac operating system (Based on win7/8 and Lion mountain/leopard). As an example if you want to format a usb stick; In mac you need to go to applications-->utilities --> disk utilities--> choose the usb stick --> click erase then choose the setting of then new format and click erase,. In windows you go to computer--> right click on the usb stick --> select format.
7. I bought a macbook last year mainly because it was advertised as having long battery life of up to 9 hours as apposed to the maximum three hours I get from my HP laptop. When I launch my mac it gives me a battery life of 9 hours but after only one hour it drops back to two hours remaining.
8. If you buy a PC laptop then buy it from a good company, because that will become essential if require repairs for your laptop. I dealt with HP, and even though they do not call themselves geniuses their technical support is superb and they are usually very fast.

It sounds as if you will be doing a lot of writing and internet searching, with little or no gaming, video or Photoshop work. For your use, I think that a MacBook Air would be perfect. The machine is very small and light, has an extremely long-lasting battery and a brilliant screen. You would also get all of the operational and software goodness that comes with an Apple. You will have to decide between the 11 inch and the 13 inch Air. I prefer the 13 inch, but my eyes and I are much older than you, so you may prefer the incredibly compact 11 inch machine. If your campus has a computer shop, you can probably go in and play with both sizes.

Over a year ago i bought my first MacBook Pro and it took me a little time to get adjusted to the changes to what i had been using on my Windows operated PC, about 3 days. When i bought my Mac i was given the Office for Mac as a free gift so i didn't have all the issues that some people seem to have had, but one thing i will say is that after using the Mac now for over a year and not having any issues with any virus attacks, worms, Trojans, constant updates, so many background programs running and eating up the memory, the dreaded blue screen etc etc etc. The Mac for me is so much better and easier to use than a Windows operating system, but i do not use my Mac for gaming so i cant say if the Mac is better or not on that topic. The main thing for anyone looking to buy a laptop is for the individual to decide, you have to make sure that the laptop you are looking to buy is exactly what you need for it to do what you want it to do, many people will give you advice on whats better to buy but you have to remember that what anyone says is just an opinion which maybe a good opinion or it may not be, it just depends on how convincing they may be in their opinions. Prior to me buying my Mac i did some research on the web but the best returns i got for my search was from CNET who in my opinion gave a fair, honest and genuine opinion to all the information i required, which ever Laptop you buy i hope you have fun with it and it does exactly what you wanted it to do