Tue 21 Dec 2004
My head is saying that I need to replace my PC. What I want to replace it with is a Mac. I don’t know why; there’s not rational reason I can come up with other than they’re cool. I don’t own any software for a Mac. I don’t have any specific need for a Mac. I’m more propeller-head mixed with suit than ponytail.
I understand all of the arguments for why I should use a PC. Why should I use a Mac?
8 Responses to “Mac vs PC”
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December 21st, 2004 at 08:31
You shouldn’t.
I went through the same internal stuggle a few months back. Macs are way too expencive…In my opinion you’re better off getting a high spec’d PC and installing fedora or some other package based linux platform. The desktop software is getting really really good! I’m running KDE 3.3 and its excellent!
Also you can get all the software you need for no cost…
go open source.
December 21st, 2004 at 10:28
Don’t get a Mac zealot started!
(Macs last longer!)
December 21st, 2004 at 10:40
So when you are sitting at your computer with brain freeze from code-overload, you at least have something georgeous to stare at…
December 21st, 2004 at 12:39
I know they’re more expensive. What I want is arguments that demonstrate that there’s extra value for that expense (but then how do you value ‘cool’?)
I want to get the Mac zealots started! Feel free to rant
Oh yeah…
December 21st, 2004 at 17:49
Off the top of my head:
Macs are prettier. They don’t have blue screens of death. Those running OSX hardly ever crash (mine has only done so when file-sharing with a PC that crashed.) They are (thus far) immune to spyware and adware. System security is far superior than that of Windoze. Apple apps are spiffy to use and look at and well-integrated with the system. There’s also a lot of free and open-source software that will run on OSX. (Including StarOffice, Gimp, XWindows, etc.) Macs combine the best of command-line and GUI. If you share your computer: the less technically proficient can use it without breaking it or going mad with frustration. If you must, you can even run PC software on your shiny new Mac (via emulation) and Macs can read PC formatted media (without emulation.)
_drone
Note: At work I do technical assistance for PCs and Macs. At home I’ve used Apple since 1980, though I do have a couple of “dumpster dived” dual-boot PCs around. Fedora or Suse for play; Windoze for testing and for when I want to feel grateful for my Mac.
December 23rd, 2004 at 00:02
I own a Mac, have done since February last year - I just wouldn’t go back to a PC as my primary work horse. Maybe it’s because “it just works”, the hardware support is there (wireless and linux is too hard; decent power management is too hard; kernel compiling just takes away my time), the included Apps help, but it was the OS that sold me on it.
Every time I’ve wanted something to do something the internet has provided me with it.
December 23rd, 2004 at 13:40
I’ve got to go with Darren here…Linux just is the best choice. Want easy-to-configure linux with the ability to have an (almost) one click software install? Use Debian. Want eye-candy? Use KDE as GUI. It has a thriving community which shells out gorgeous theme-based designs for KDE one after the other. I wouldn’t go back…I only resort to something else when I’m not at home (right now, which means I’m stuck using a crappy out-dated version of Windows XP during the Christmas time).
January 7th, 2005 at 09:21
I can’t believe this debate is even taking place.
Talk about getting a high spec pc and loading it up with … and then configuring it with… . Go to magnum mac, have a look at a very reasonably priced powerbook or even ibook, then look at the new imac, look at the specs, buy one, take it home, unpack it, turn it on, Well… would you look at that, it goes!!! no configuring, no commandlines, black screens or extra installation. Geeks put down your installation command lines and just start enjoying your computers.
Simple, Macs are now fast, stable, VALUE for money and lets face it bloody cool. You pull out a powerbook at starbucks you look cool. You pull out a toshiba or something else and people think cheap-geek-pencilhead, did your mum get you that.
In Harvey Normans today I overheard someone asking the noname
pencilgeekhead about options for computers, portable, good battery, applications this, ram that. I felt like walking over to the guy and taking him by the hand to the mac section and sending the shop assistant to geeksville to hang out with his other helpdesk virus scanning geeks.
OK a little over the top, but macs are cool they do whatever a pc geek wants it to do, as fast, without the viruses and looking cooler.