Community poll forum: Are you considering switching from a Windows PC to a Mac?

First 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

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'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

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.

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.

but 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.

I 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.

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!

uhhh, hey guys. There is a lot of clammoring on both sides here, but it looks like most of the mac side of this debate has missed something.

There is no difference between the new "intel" macs and pc's other than Apple's still mostly inflated pricing and thier Linux based OS. (oops did I say that out loud?)

You want a PC with a kiddie os on it? buy a mac with OS X on it.
You want a PC with a wannabe kiddie os on it? Buy a Vista based PC.

You want a PC that will last a long time, Run correctly and be a great workhorse for years to come? Do your resarch, buy the components, assemble them on your kitchen table, fire the PC up and install Windows XP Pro or Windows 2000 WS.

But if you really want the look and feal of a computer designed for 10 year olds, buy a mac or one of the vista pc's that are out there.

just the way i see it.

"Verdict: PCs easier to use, Macs don't get viruses or crash". That's the truth.

I'll preface with this: I'm on a computer 4-10hrs/day, and have been for nearly 12 years. I've used both PCs and Macs. I am a graphic artist, using CorelDRAW and PhotoPain); PCs sometimes get viruses (I've had only ONE in past 12 years, and I've owned 6 computers, all connected to the web, and have probably received 100,000 emails in my life.The following things that people are saying here are true: how right-clicking on a PC gives 90% of the options you're looking for while Mac gives few or none; a PC's 8 mouse buttons and 2 wheels (a common mouse sold w/ new PCs) is better than Mac's usual one and none; a PC's interface is more intuitive (and colourful & pleasing and easier on the eyes), while a Mac's dull grey is not so pretty; a Mac hardly ever crashes, PCs do monthly or weekly (I haven't had DAILY shutdowns since my Windows 95 system and Still, just 1 virus), while Macs can go years w/out getting one virus. So, the verdict seems to be that PCs are more intuitive and easier to use on a daily basis, while Macs run flawlessly near 100% of the time. Take your pick.

Having been an engineer on the Windows development team long ago, I always had a strong attachment to Windows/Microsoft and thus the PC world. But I'm so disappointed with Vista and all the DRM garbage polluting the architecture that I am starting to consider Apple after being a PC user since 1983.

I Switched from a Dell Windows notebook to a MAC notebook several months ago and added Parallels Desktop which gives me the ability to use several Windows only programs I have. I am delighted that I made the switch. The MAC is quite a bit lighter than the old Dell that I had been using and all programs respond very quuickly in both Windows and the MAC OS.

I feel that I now have my cake and can eat it too and am verry happy that I made the transition.

1. PC has millions of Titles - MAC hundreds
2. PC easy to fix - MAC only "Specialists" who tell you your processor is confused... I still laugh about that one!!!! gotta love MAC support.
3. All those "New features" that Vista has which it had in the beta way before OS X came out. Gee I was wondering where MAC got those features from.
4. PRICE.. Come on people hello!!!

Stay in the dark, you deserve it.

Switched to Linux and very happy with it. Does all I need and with room to spare.