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.

[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\

[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

[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.