Mac vs. PC
Aug. 3rd, 2009 02:09 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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?
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?
no subject
Date: 2009-08-03 07:49 pm (UTC)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\
no subject
Date: 2009-08-03 08:00 pm (UTC)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. ;)
no subject
Date: 2009-08-03 08:22 pm (UTC)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.