Mac vs. PC

[fishpatrol]

I've had my lovely Toshiba Satellite (named Juggie) since I first started university. It has, thus far, withstood the wear and tear of being dragged to classes and libraries. It died once and only once in my first year, but was recovered by a friend, no harm done. I love it like a second brain, but it is slowing down in its old age. I'm looking to get a new laptop as a reward for surviving the past four years of torture school and signing myself up for five more years of torture school.

So, the age old question: should I get a Mac or a PC?

I've never been big on Apple products (I don't like the idea of paying 40% more just for the brand). I've never had major issues with this Toshiba laptop or my previous one -- my main quibble with Toshiba laptops is that their battery life is too short. But I've heard the horror stories of people losing their data from hardware crashes and whatnot and I fear my luck with Toshiba laptops may one day run out. So if it is true that Apple laptops rarely ever crash (assuming that it's not, y'know, the result of reporting bias -- since more people own non-Apple computers, more non-Apple owners will report crashes, thus making it seem as if Apple computers crash less. Also, HP computers are probably driving up the crash rate. :P) and are mostly free from spyware and viruses, then I think it's worth spending the extra couple hundred bucks. I'm hoping to get a model that'll last me until the end of grad school without me having to reformat or, y'know, weep in despair as I lose all my precious data due to a hardware crash.

But on the flip side, there's no right-click button on the laptop. D: I really, really like the right-click function, okay? Also, all of the computers on campus, including the one in my office, are Dells, which raises compatibility issues.

But on the flip flip side, if I buy a Macbook through the school's Apple store, I can get a free iPod Touch -- I don't really like iPods as mp3 players, but the WiFi capability calls to me. XD

So, what kind of laptops do you guys have? And what kind would you suggest I buy?

Comments

[illuminations.livejournal.com]

I heard somewhere that all the parts Apple uses are top of the line, and thus worth the price, but I've only heard that so I don't know for sure. In terms of specs though, there are a bazillion non-Apple laptops that beat Apple by miles, so it really depends on what you want? Funnily enough, I have a HP laptop and it's lasted me 2.5 years so far without any problems. Though I have considered looking at an Apple if/when this does die out on me. My main issues then is that everything is guaranteed to work in Windows but there's a chance you'll want to download software, but discover that it's Windows-only. Although I do know that you can install Windows on a Macbook and switch between the two systems though I've never tested it out. Re: right-click though, the Macbooks now can be customized so that tapping the touchpad with two fingers = right click so there's that.

Honestly, if you're comfortable with a PC, I'd go with that because you can get ridiculous specs for under $1000 now. And if you're careful about what you d/l and have decent anti-virus, you don't actually get stuff? I mean, I've only gotten one trojan on this laptop and it was actually my own fault for d/ling a software crack from a suspicious site.

Crying I talk about computers too much.

[fishpatrol]

In terms of specs though, there are a bazillion non-Apple laptops that beat Apple by miles

Yeah, that's totally true. I have no need for 4GB RAM and 400GB memory, but it still feels as if Apple's ripping you off by charging double the price for 2GB RAM and 160GB memory and a processor that's good, but not likely to be twice as good.

My main issues then is that everything is guaranteed to work in Windows but there's a chance you'll want to download software, but discover that it's Windows-only

Mm, yes, this too. I was just looking at some software that I wanted to download and noticed that it's Windows-only -- I suppose if I get a Mac, and I can switch between it and my current Toshiba... The switching-to-Windows thing on the Mac works only if you shut down the computer and reboot, apparently.

I've had practically no problems with viruses and spyware after installing several anti-spyware and anti-virus programs, but I'm mostly afraid of the random crashing that non-Apple computers are purportedly prone to -- y'know, the blue screen of doom and all that.

Crying I talk about computers too much.

Haha, no, that's cool. I've noticed that I get really animated and hand-wave-y when I talk about computers. XD

[illuminations.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think that with how much technology has progressed in the last couple of years, Apple's products aren't really standing out that much. I guess the software that comes bundled with is more useful than the junk PCs come with, but still.

The switching-to-Windows thing on the Mac works only if you shut down the computer and reboot, apparently.
Yeah, pretty much. So you might as well not bother at all with a Mac if you think you might use Windows-only software frequently enough.

y'know, the blue screen of doom and all that.
I have actually never had that happen to me. The only time a laptop died on me was when I was using my dad's old IBM laptop that he gave to me only because his company gave THEM new Dells and it was like, 7-8 years old or something. Also probably half my fault since I wasn't that careful lugging it around.

I roll my eyes a lot at all the people who talk about computer crashes and crap like that 'cause my family's owned a lot of computers over the years and I don't think we've ever had a computer crash. A machine's a machine; it's not going to mess up unless you do something that tells it to mess up.

[fishpatrol]

But you can find more useful free-ware for Windows online, so it balances out. ;)

My current one has given me the blue screen a few times in the past couple of months, but a quick restart fixed problems. The only time restart didn't work was back in first year, when I've had the laptop for just a couple of months and calling the tech support was no help at all. Thankfully, my friend did some googling and fixed it in an hour. It just sounds as if PCs are more prone to random errors -- but, as I said, I could just be getting that impression because of reporting bias.

Out of curiousity, how long does the battery on your HP last? Toshiba laptops seem to be stuck around three hours -- and after four years of use, mine has died down to 1-1.5 hours.

[illuminations.livejournal.com]

Haha true, although for some things (like Office) I just need the real thing. Lucky for me, my school had a bunch of licenses so I got software for $5-$10. :D

Blah, that sucks. I dunno, maybe it's just Toshiba? I've never used that brand so I don't know how reliable it is. IBM/Lenovo is actually my preferred brand, but they tend to be a bit pricey. Though as far as I know, they get the least complaints regarding crashes and the like.

Sobbing my battery life is HORRIBLE. Even on the power-saver setting, it only lasts like, 2hrs tops. It could just be this model though, and as always, you can get the super duper battery pack instead, though it'll make your laptop look chunky. :(

[kelene.livejournal.com]

I used a PC until last September when I threw my hands up in despair (after one blue screen of death too many, and seriously, there were many) and pooled my savings into a Macbook. With a student discount, I managed to get it for £100 cheaper, which, you know \o/!

I have to say, aside from the obvious pretty, it's very easy to use. I've never used a Mac before, and I was able to get straight into it. The apps are self explanatory, and if you're not completely attached to Windows programmes, it's easy to get replacements for Word/Excel and such. There are also some programmes (like Skitch) which are Mac only that I've become addicted to.

As for right clicks, you can set the trackpad to recognise a tap with two fingers as a right click, and when online, cmd+click on a link = open in new tab.

Since my old PC was so prone to crashes/blue screen of death, I don't know if it's a fair comparison, but since I've had the Macbook I've only ever crashed it once.

One thing is: I like computer games, there are very few Mac-compatible computer games. This is a sad sad thing. :( Seriously, the Macbook came with a chess game or something, and I had to go download a version of Freecell so I can procrastinate more effectively. XD

And another thing: Macs are heavy - not debilitatingly so, but compared to an average PC laptop, it's on the weightier side. And since they're white, they do get dirty a bit more easily. The area around the trackpad on mine has been getting progressively more grey (at a slow rate, but still), so I like to wipe it down once in a while.

TL;DR: Basically, I much prefer my Macbook. :D

Also? I'm unhealthily attached to my iPod Touch. I'm a big fan of Apple products in general, and love the iPod as an mp3 player, but the WiFi? That totally sold it for me. Just. Internet access, EVERYWHERE. :D

/Sounding like a Apple salesperson. /o\

[fishpatrol]

One thing I've got to say about Macs is that every person who switched loves theirs (with the exception of my dad who just wants a working computer to check his email and doesn't use most of his Macbook's functions XD). What brand did you use before switching to Mac? I've only had a few blue screens, none of which resulted in loss of data, so I'm still feeling quite attached to my laptop -- but if Macs really are more reliable, I'm willing to shell out the extra bucks.

There are more keyboard shortcuts on the Mac, right? I've used my dad's Macbook a few times and most attempts resulted in frustration because I couldn't use any of my usual shortcuts. Oh, and you can use Firefox (along with its various add-ons) on the Mac, right?

How's the battery life on the Touch? I heard WiFi really cuts down on the battery life, but still, I suppose it's more convenient than lugging a laptop or even a netbook around. ;)

[kelene.livejournal.com]

Oops, wrong place!

I had an old Fujistu-Siemens something or other? It was my Dad's old laptop that he passed down to me when he decided it was a piece of crap (yes, thanks Dad!). It would crash and randomly shut down by itself while I was using it. Gah, I used to get so frustrated with it. >:|

Keyboard shortcuts are pretty much the same as long as you remember to substitute ctrl with the cmd button! Oh, which reminds me - instead of the two fingers on a trackpad thing, ctrl+click=right click.

And yep, Firefox in all its glory. Actually, remember when it first got upgraded to Firefox 3 and everyone hated it because it crashed all the time? That hasn't happened as much since I switched to Firefox for Mac OS. But I don't know if that's just because they fixed a few bugs in the upgrade.

WiFi does eat up a lot of battery. Mostly, I use it when I'm downstairs and don't have the Mac with me, or when I'm out and have an LJ craving. I'm a pretty heavy user of my Touch and the battery usually lasts me for about 3/4 days.

[postingwhore.livejournal.com]

GO FOR A MACBOOK PRO. I HAVE ONE AND IT IS THE BEST EVER.

ALSO THERE IS INDEED RIGHT CLICK AS THE COMMENT ABOVE ME STATES.

ALSO THERE ARE LOTS OF FUNCTIONS AND IT IS AWESOME AND IS SO WORTH IT. :P

[fishpatrol]

If I were to get a Mac, I was thinking of either the 13.3" Macbook or the 15" Macbook Pro -- but there really aren't a lot of functions that the Pro has that I need (I just like the bigger screen options XD). What kind of functions does it offer that you find useful? I know I'll have to install iWorks and Photoshop separately; and one of the things that holds me back from purchasing a Mac is the various programs that are available for Windows only.

[postingwhore.livejournal.com]

I have the 15" :P

tbqh I like that it has more memory and shit because I always overload my computers with too much stuff and programmes running at the same time, etc. I do agree that it sucks that I'm missing a lot of programmes, but it's fairly easy to find many mac-equivalent ones...

Also, no need for iworks. :P Use Open Office, which is free! :P

Anyway, macs do seem to be more stable and less virus prone and the like, which is what prompted me to get one. :P I'd probably still get Windows desktops, but I'd recommend a Mac for a laptop.

[trolleys.livejournal.com]

I've never owned a mac book so I can't vouch for its quality, but if you do decide to go for it make sure to purchase Apple Care. I had my iMac repaired twice - to replace the monitor glass and to replace my HD. I had my computer back in 1-2 days both times, which probably wouln't have been the case under a PC care plan.

Also, if you have an issue with your Mac you can take it to any Apple store and they won't charge you if they resolve the issue on the spot (they won't charge you regardless under Apple Care, but this applies to units out of warranty too).

Basically I think Apple's customer service is better.

[fishpatrol]

I asked my dad if he purchased Apple Care for his Macbook, and he said that if it broke within three years, he'd just buy a new one. XD Since that option isn't available to me, I'd consider Apple Care -- it's three additional years on top of the one year warranty, right?

So if your Mac crashes after the one year warranty and you don't have Apple Care, they'll fix it for you without charge? :O

I don't doubt that Apple's customer service is much better; the one time I had contact with Toshiba's customer service, I decided that I'd never call them again. The tech guy gave me the most ridiculous instructions and didn't even manage to fix the problem. D:

[trolleys.livejournal.com]

It's actually 3 years in total, but still very worth it IMO.

So if your Mac crashes after the one year warranty and you don't have Apple Care, they'll fix it for you without charge?

Yes, if they can fix it then and there. But not if you have to leave it overnight or whatever, in which case I'd assume they'll give you a repair quote.

Gah, PC tech support is a nightmare. A few years ago a Dell technician made me reformat my entire hard drive when all I needed to do was delete adware. And she didn't even know what she was doing until after the fact, and was like "oh whoops".