Mac vs PC - Page 2 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Reggie Dunlop · 08-02-2006, 01:06 AM

Been using Macs for close to twenty years. Out of the gate, the user-friendly operating system was light years ahead of anything else. Windows XP at long last now is the closest approximation.

Haven't found one compelling reason to switch from Apple for my personal computer needs. Cash outlay was never a consideration. You like what you like.

Hell, I still use DOS at work for a few things.

Haven't tried a laptop yet. Just haven't yet had a reason to get one. Maybe my next purchase, but in the meantime, I'm happy with Macs.

Again, it's all personal preference.

Hemi-Cuda · 08-02-2006, 01:44 AM

i will never own a mac for the simple fact that i can build a computer myself with twice the power for half the price. i also can't stand the OSX environment, but that's just personal preference. for a non-gamer/casual user though i can deffinetly see the attraction of an apple, but if you do go for a mac it would be wise to do some research to make sure any favorite applications you might have are OSX compatible

BlackEleven · 08-02-2006, 07:31 AM

I've been a PC user all my life, and I work with Linux based systems for a living. I used a Mac for the first time a couple weeks ago and I have to say I was pretty impressed. I would definitely recommend it to the average computer user.

I don't think I've ever heard of anyone buying a Mac and regretting it.

Frank the Tank · 08-02-2006, 08:03 AM

"Once you've had Mac, you never go back"

Sorry. Lame joke.

I love Macs. I have a PC at home because wifey wanted it, plus I have a work Mac at home, so we didn't really need another one for personal use. EVERY time I fire up that PC, I'm amazed that the world still functions with stuff being done on that system.

Bobblehead · 08-02-2006, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackEleven

I don't think I've ever heard of anyone buying a Mac and regretting it.

I have, but then again, if they wanted to do gaming they made a poor choice. But for people who want to download the pictures off their camera, surf the web, and so on, it sounds like the cat's ass

I have used a Mac in the last couple years, but am definitely intrigued. The price usually scares me away.

And didn't I see the Mac guy in a new movie or TV show coming out soon? His mannerisms reminds me of Seth Green.

I-Hate-Hulse · 08-02-2006, 08:55 AM

As people have said above, if basic computing needs (web, basic MS Office) is your thing, than a Mac works quite nicely. For someone who needs more than that in terms of software, it's pretty limiting. Sure an $1,100 Macbook will let you browse CalPuck, but so will a $500 Dell notebook. It's great for my parents, and for people who don't want to think about their computer.

Good example. A friend of mine had his own PC. Never bothered patching or installing any service packs (ie didn't enable auto updates). Always complained about popups. His solution? Reformat.

Got tired and bought a Mac. He's rich so no big deal but I lost a little respect for him (he always thought he knew about computers) when he didn't even know his own dumbfoolery caused the problem.

Mac viruses will emerge soon as the adoption rates increase. Just wait.

Ultimately, I'd never go with a Mac due to the lack of upgradability. You can't really take your CPU / video card / mobo from one right to another, you basically have to buy a whole new computer. Which leads me to my other peeve with Apple, their stranglehold and ridiculous proprietary pricing. As an iPod owner, the cost of OEM bits and pieces is ridiculous. $50 for the ability to plug my iPod into the wall to charge?

Flames Draft Watcher · 08-02-2006, 09:04 AM

Made the switch to a Mac Laptop last summer for school and I don't regret the decision one bit. One of the biggest things for me is not having to worry about spyware. The quality of the apples is quite high, they seem better engineered than a lot of PC hardware. As for software, I like OSX better than windows and it allows me to do everything I need (email, internet, MS Office, etc). OSX seems to be getting faster on the same hardware with each release, windows of course has always been the opposite. Given how few features are massively upgraded (and some that seem to be downgraded) with each new version of windows it's a real head scratcher. Maybe it's because I'm in development but I have about a gazillion times more problems with software crashing in windows. OSX seems a lot more stable.

If you don't need any PC specific software then I think the choice is obvious. There will be a small adaptation period to OSX but it's not a huge deal, most of it is fairly intuitive.

I do not like the way Microsoft has gone with Windows and personally I think the poor quality should be punished. Microsoft can't seem to release anything that doesn't have a gazillion security loopholes that hackers are immediately taking advantage of. It's just not worth the hassle to put up with their inferior OS and utilities like IE.

Wolfwood · 08-02-2006, 09:08 AM

I just received my macbook yesterday to replace my powerbook (which had an unfortunate accident while using it to listen to the Flames late one night) and think it is great. I really like the Mac OS it is very easy to use.

Currently there aren't many viruses out there but if more people use Macs there will be eventually so don't switch to it for that reason.

I personally love the Mac. I still think it's hard to get away from the Windows environment sometimes (I can dual boot if I have to). Definitely get more RAM then the standard, that's the only thing slowing me down at the moment but I planned on buying RAM elsewhere as I can get it cheaper. I eventually plan on getting a MacMini.

Table 5 · 08-02-2006, 09:38 AM

One thing that I find funny is that people think Mac's are only for people who are casual users, and that it doesnt support enough software, or is not built for business. Outside of the gaming environment (something i have absolteuly no time for anyway), there has never been one time where i couldnt find the Mac equivalent of a program, and I rely heavily on a computer for my business. Whether its working with Microsoft Office business aps, downloading music, doing 3D animation, high end graphics, hooking up a blackberry......it's all easily doable, and often times much more functional.

The "Mac's dont support enough software" arguement applied 10 years ago. Today, its nothing but a myth. You can virtually every single thing you want on OS X that you can on a PC....and now you can even run Windows (although i have no idea why anyone in their right mind would.)

Hakan · 08-02-2006, 09:51 AM

I totally disagree with you Table.

Mac's have comparable applications but almost all of them just aren't as good. First example: iTunes

I have used a mac extensively but question whether I would ever go to using one because the applications just aren't as good. I also hate the way that Apple tries to force you into computing a way that they think is the best.

Table 5 · 08-02-2006, 10:00 AM

im not really sure why you would point out itunes. I personally find it awesome....I can listen to my own music, manage my ipod, listen to internet radio, download and manage listen to podcasts, and buy (ha!) songs AND tv shows...whats not to like?

Bobblehead · 08-02-2006, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Table 5

im not really sure why you would point out itunes. I personally find it awesome....I can listen to my own music, manage my ipod, listen to internet radio, download and manage listen to podcasts, and buy (ha!) songs AND tv shows...whats not to like?

Fairplay DRM

Grunt · 08-02-2006, 10:09 AM

I'll admit that it's been a while since I've used a Mac - probably over a year when I tried out OSX on someone elses machine. It was pretty decent, and I can see the draw to using it, especially for users that don't want some of the hassles that come with running a PC.

However, as a high end user (I work in IT) who has worked on a PC his whole life, why would I switch to a Mac? I never have problems with viruses or spyware, and even if I did I would know how to correct the problem.

I think it's become all too popular these days to rag on Microsoft, claiming that they put out a poor quality product that has all these security issues, loopholes, etc. The truth is that if "hackers" put as much effort into finding security holes in Mac products as they do with Windows, it would have the exact same problems. MS isn't perfect, but neither is Apple... people are just more willing to put up with issues that Apple has because it isn't in the spotlight as much as MS / Windows.

At any rate, as others have said it really is a matter of personal preference. I built a PC for a friend of mine who had only ever used a Mac in his life. I now absolutely regret not telling him to get a Mac because now when he has problems he doesn't know how to fix them (and guess who he calls?).

Macs definitely have their benefits, as do PCs - and both have their downsides. I personally prefer PCs, but given the quality of OSX I would definitely be game for giving Mac a chance.

Barnes · 08-02-2006, 10:10 AM

Heat issues are overblown. Mac users aren't used to those issues.

And yes, they are'nt very upgradable. If you "need" to take your processor out and put it another machine(?) by a peecee.

Barnes · 08-02-2006, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hakan

............ Apple tries to force you into computing a way that they think is the best.

I keep hearing this from peecee users but have yet to hear one example of how Apple does this.

RedMan12 · 08-02-2006, 10:27 AM

I have used both PC and Macs for over 10 years. Both are good and in the end you won't be upset if you get one over the other.

For Mac's they are reliable and good for graphic design and video editing. Not alot of games if you like the sort of thing. Less viruses because less people own macs and internet lamers in their moms basement dont care about making mac viruses.

For PCs you have a wider software and hardware seletion and you can still do all the graphic design, video editing and such on a pc. There is more games and if you have good anti virus software you dont need to worry.

I prefer PC's because I enjoy building and upgrading my computer so parts are cheaper. I also enjoy the total package. Honestly I can do everything on my pc that a mac can do and more. I use photoshop, do video editing, and I have a background in video game art and animation so I use Maya to to 3D art.

Josh · 08-02-2006, 11:17 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA3Ny...=Mac%20PC%20Ad

I think this speaks for itself.

Frank the Tank · 08-02-2006, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

Fairplay DRM

I don't even know what that is....

Hakan · 08-02-2006, 11:46 AM

Not to mention iTunes is bloated in every sense of the word. I'm sorry I don't need my media player taking up over 80 megs of ram.

That's the problem. Mac apps are all good but there is always one or two things that they can't do that a PC app can. Not to mention that the developer community for mac apps is way smaller. There just isn't as much to choose from and most of it isn't freeware. Just check out the difference between PC and Mac apps on sourceforge. It's really a non-starter.

OSX is also very clunkey and just as inoperable if not more inoperable than XP with 512 ram. I've used it alot and it seems that cosmetics over rule efficiency in OSX. Now with that said I'm running an extremely stripped down version of XP Pro. How am I doing that? Because the developer community is so large for XP that some hacker reduced XP Pro down to a 500 meg install. You just don't find that with OS X.

Bobblehead · 08-02-2006, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank the Tank

I don't even know what that is....

Fairplay DRM = digital rights management. It is the way the iTunes Music store prevents you from sharing the songs you buy with other people (or putting the songs you buy on anything other than an iPod*).

*yes, there are ways to get around this, but you shouldn't need to jump through hoops to play the music you purchase when, where and how you want (and if you are in the US, it is illegal to bypass DRM)