Time for a new Desktop

[Maritime Q-Scout]

What should I be looking for?

Mac or PC?

if PC what specs?

I want something that boots fast and will last a minimum of 3-4 years before replacing. I don't game, mostly internet, videos (movies/tv), I'd like to hook it up to a TV, I am a fan of having the optical drive.

It's been years since I took a good hard look at what's out there, so I thought before I do I'll ask the CP brain-trust.

Also, never used a Mac before, but I'm open to considering it. Why should/shouldn't I?

I've always used a PC, I use a PC at work.

I ask as the worry of anti-virus is basically non-existent with Macs, and I'll be purchasing an iPhone 5 come September/October (whenever the release is).

This is step one in my research and consideration.

I also should say I have my mind made up on a desktop as I find I'm more productive with them, and I waste far less time on a desktop than laptop. I don't lie in bed for hours farting around on my desktop. I do have a playbook which now fills that void, but I don't waste nearly as much time on it.

[bubbsy]

i got an imac after getting married, and though i'm usually on my work laptop (pc), my wife loves the mac and has gotten quite proficient.

we're 3+ years in with the mac, and it's going great, no issues (knock on wood).

(just giving my personal experience, i am NOT a mac fanboy, and really have no issue wiht PC either, as that's what I use for work and hence also a lot for personal).

[Rathji]

Switching to a Mac will require a learning curve.

Looks like you would need a mid range PC at best, so you would save money there, especially if you built it yourself (with memex help)

[Mazrim]

Originally Posted by Maritime Q-Scout

I ask as the worry of anti-virus is basically non-existent with Macs.

I thought this was no longer the case?

[Diemenz]

I am sure there are a few Computer repair people on this board that will tell you mac's are in getting repaired just as much as PC's and PC's out number macs at least 50 to 1 so reliability is not any better then a PC.

Mac's OS is friendly, their Hardware is dated and over priced. Upgrading? Yeah not really.
PC's OS can be cumbersome, Hardware is reasonable and you have choices. Upgrading? Yep

Don't get me wrong I own some apple stuff, But a Mac is something that will never again be on my list after my own experience with them.


I would take the suggestion to have Memory Express help you put one together that way you get exactly what you want and dont pay for what you dont want.


*Apple fanboys please refrain from telling me your awesomeness and my unawesomeness because I have a different opinion then you.

[cDnStealth]

Originally Posted by Diemenz

I am sure there are a few Computer repair people on this board that will tell you mac's are in getting repaired just as much as PC's and PC's out number macs at least 50 to 1 so reliability is not any better then a PC.

Mac's OS is friendly, their Hardware is dated and over priced. Upgrading? Yeah not really.
PC's OS can be cumbersome, Hardware is reasonable and you have choices. Upgrading? Yep

Don't get me wrong I own some apple stuff, But a Mac is something that will never again be on my list after my own experience with them.


I would take the suggestion to have Memory Express help you put one together that way you get exactly what you want and dont pay for what you dont want.

Honestly, this. It's not that Macs are bad it's that you can build a better PC for less or equal money.

[photon]

Laptop plus an external keyboard, monitor, and optical drive would be my choice.

I saw the Samsung 9 series today, very nice.

[opendoor]

If you do want to buy a Mac I'd give serious consideration to a refurbished one. I've got a mid-2007 iMac I bought refurbished and haven't had a single hiccup in the entire time I've owned it. I'm actually shocked at how long it has lasted without a single hardware or software issue. I'd be perfectly willing to upgrade but the thing just keeps going strong and handles everything I throw at it.