Mac vs. PC - the great debate

[!!!]

My computer is my life. There's nothing wrong with paying for Mac hardware unless you're a random dude who barely uses the Internet, and just wants to look cool. The price is expensive, but they make quality products.

I don't care about my car—it gets me from A to B—and so I cringe at people who spend 5-6 figures on one, but that doesn't mean it's wrong or bad to do so. Likewise, good luck with that $200 Compaq laptop, but my machines are where I make my money and spend most of my time. I use my laptop AT LEAST 8 hours a day, been doing so for the past 15 years.

OS X (the OS) wins hands down. But to me, it's a competition of OS X vs Ubuntu, Windows being excluded altogether. I like control, and I feel like I don't have any on Windows. It's a GREAT OS but I'm more productive on Linux/OS X. Any new OS is annoying to get to learn, but I suggest you guys do. 99% of people will never try another OS, but it's like a jump from mids to dank, except with a learning curve.

 

[Grat3fulh3ad]

The problem with benchmarks is that they are flawed when it comes to computers. Macs are Macs but windows boxes are sooooooo varied its not even funny. You can benchmark a Mac against 5 windows machines that look the same inside but perform very differently.

Exactly, buying a PC is a crapshoot unless you are very well informed.

 

[harpocrates]

Exactly, buying a PC is a crapshoot unless you are very well informed.

I agree 100% with most Windows PC companies. If somebody has the money and is just getting in to computers, I'd steer them towards a Mac. They really do make great boxes that work.

My stance comes from a person who has been building PCs for the past 10 years or so. I haven't seen a blue screen of death or had a single issue on any of my computers in the last 5-6 years. Had a Dell laptop that took 5 dumps on me before I called it a loss though...

 

[Grat3fulh3ad]

I agree 100% with most Windows PC companies. If somebody has the money and is just getting in to computers, I'd steer them towards a Mac. They really do make great boxes that work.

My stance comes from a person who has been building PCs for the past 10 years or so. I haven't seen a blue screen of death or had a single issue on any of my computers in the last 5-6 years. Had a Dell laptop that took 5 dumps on me before I called it a loss though...

Right on... during the time I've owned my mac, I've built my son several PCs... finally bought him a mac last year. I have even been inside my mac upgrading the hdd, but there aren't as many user serviceable parts. The tower macs are infinitely configurable, though.

 

[RudolfTheRed]

I have been using Windows for over 10 years and have had very few problems Mac users always bring up. Maybe its the person using the computer rather than the operating system itself?

 

[etinarcadiaego]

The Mac vs PC debate is so retarded . . .

Has no one considered that the possibility that there is no ONE solution that is ALWAYS best?

It's not just a matter of performance, it's also user friendliness, customization, ease of use, affordability . . .

Like many "debates" the only answer here is that the winner in Mac vs PC will be different for each and every different situation and person.

There is no one right answer for everyone, just one right answer for each of us.

 

[Mala Tempora]

PC is better.

 

[Buffalo Brown]

Last week I had to try and "fix" my uncles PC because his brand new HP couldnt print a single page on his brand new printer.

The bad thing with PC's is Microsoft. Nothing but problems and headaches. On EVERY pc I or friends or family have owned, experienced some problem that they couldnt fix and had to call me to fix it. Personally Ive gotten everything from worms to the blue screen of death on every piece of shit Microsoft o/s. 95,98,ME,XP,Vista...all shit.

Went to Mac and am not going back. No problems so far, hardware nor software.

 

[dmt]

no debate, apple for work, pc for play, d

 

[grapeman]

Folks who use PC's love to point out (falsely) that their "PC offers the same performance for 1/2 the Price", or "I just can't justify spending all that extra money on a mac when my PC is just as good".
bullshit.
In my business the PC's are just used to process payroll checks while all the macs run the day to day business.

Facts are pretty simple and most PC wonks don't like to hear them but they are:
1) People are more productive with less training on macs.
2) PC's need constant maintenance and frequent reinstalls of the OS due to viruses, directory fuck ups etc. Therefore, macs are ALWAYS less expensive to maintain in the medium to long run.
3) Macs are easier to set up and connect to LAN's, internet, VPN's etc.
4) Macs can run windows (if you want to LOL) at the drop of a hat either natively or by virtual machine.
5) The cost difference between similar configured macs and pc's are either similar or within 10%. And I do know the components used on macs are almost always superior then their pc counterparts.
6) If you are using any flavor of windows, you are in fact still using DOS circa 1977.

Now, these are not opinions... they are fact. I don't really care how you compute.

These simple reasons are why the mac market share has doubled in the last 5 years.
You can hate, twist and ignore these facts and stick with a pc and I don't think anyone
really cares.

But I laugh at folks who say they can do what I do for less money on a cheap ass pc. That's self serving bullshit.

And yes I do own pc's. Just don't have much use for them beyond payroll and gaming.

 

[cyberwax]

Folks who use PC's love to point out (falsely) that their "PC offers the same performance for 1/2 the Price", or "I just can't justify spending all that extra money on a mac when my PC is just as good".
bullshit.
In my business the PC's are just used to process payroll checks while all the macs run the day to day business.

Yea your right, bullshit! Just because you are used to seeing pc used to process payrolls it doesnt mean that the pc suck, but the whole idea of programming a mac to do the exact simple process would take millions of dollars and apple approval. Well not far from it anyway.

Facts are pretty simple and most PC wonks don't like to hear them but they are:

This is not facts this is your oppinions, and as facts they are utterly untrue.

1) People are more productive with less training on macs.

Probably true, but this has nothing todo with hardware, it has to do with the nazi regime of apple and the disney feel everything must have.

2) PC's need constant maintenance and frequent reinstalls of the OS due to viruses, directory fuck ups etc. Therefore, macs are ALWAYS less expensive to maintain in the medium to long run.

I suspect your speaking from personal experiences, and if this rule of yours applies to the average worker its somewhat true, but a properly set up computer with only access to software needed(as it is with most mac software), a pc wont run into any problems either. I buy a top notch computer every 2-3 years, i never change the os unless i want to, never have i been forced to either.

Directory fuckups? Explain that please.

3) Macs are easier to set up and connect to LAN's, internet, VPN's etc.

Bullshit, all drivers needed for any motherboard lan is included in every windows version and if not it comes as on a cd with the hardware.

4) Macs can run windows (if you want to LOL) at the drop of a hat either natively or by virtual machine.

Yes and by emulating you will loose alot of cpu/ram in the process, why would you even want to emulate a mac? If you preferences is a mac to begin with; buy one. But dont come here and call a mac better, because they really are not. Same hardware, ALMOST same OS, but a huge difference in price and dandy factor.

5) The cost difference between similar configured macs and pc's are either similar or within 10%. And I do know the components used on macs are almost always superior then their pc counterparts.

Yes and you know this because? I demand proof on this one or some serious technical knowledge, lay it out brother.

6) If you are using any flavor of windows, you are in fact still using DOS circa 1977.

Here your oppinions is a stupid as your facts, dos didnt arrive before 1981, but i agree there are some residue code left behind because of backward compability but not the way you put it; far from it.

Now, these are not opinions... they are fact. I don't really care how you compute.

Well too bad sucker cuz this is not fact this is bullshit.

These simple reasons are why the mac market share has doubled in the last 5 years.
You can hate, twist and ignore these facts and stick with a pc and I don't think anyone
really cares.

The one and only reason why mac has done well is because it has a sweet interface, a sleek design and dandy(technically retarded) people will enjoy having it in the livingroom if only to say "and here is my mac".

But I laugh at folks who say they can do what I do for less money on a cheap ass pc. That's self serving bullshit.

Oh really? How so? For the price of a mac i can net up 4 high end computers to work together that will leave your mac looking like a nintendo ds lite.

And yes I do own pc's. Just don't have much use for them beyond payroll and gaming.

Specify, what kind, what os etc, send me your dxdiag log file Leave out the personal information.

 

[Grat3fulh3ad]

bullshit... off the shelf macs run windows faster than most off the shelf PCs, and can do so natively without any emulators.

I agree with the "why would you want to?" sentiment though... I've deleted every windows partition i've ever bothered setting up, due to non-use.

 

[Mala Tempora]

But I laugh at folks who say they can do what I do for less money on a cheap ass pc. That's self serving bullshit.

No. It's completely true.

 

[Grat3fulh3ad]

wonder what percentage of Dell Mini9/mini10s have been un-windowed + hackintoshed...

 

[cyber echo]

I don't know about the mac workstations vs desktop pcs.
I prolly wouldn't buy a Mac workstation, but when it comes to laptops macbook pros arent that expensive anymore (2.53 ghz 13 inch at 1450$ or so), but hardware/reliability wise are generations ahead of most pc laptops.
The magnetic charger socket design, the multitouch pads and their integration into the OS in an extremely convenient manner to switch tasks in a flick of a wrist (expose) for an example, the high performance batteries, mac osx's superior energy saving properties (win xp/7 on the same laptop can barely run more than 3 hours with actual use with wifi,, opposed to 5-7 on macosx). The all-aluminum body which keeps things cooler, the superior vent designs (intake from keyboard, outtake along the bottom of the monitor), and many more..

After working with a macbook pro (the one I got for 1450, the new models have been launched at 100$ lower than last year by the way), I don't think i'll ever buy a standard plastic pc laptop. I've had enough of HPs, Dells, and toshibas tbh.

I don't think mac laptops are more expensive than pc nowadays, check the prices and you might see they are becoming more competitive. You might pay a 100 bucks or so more to get a mac with the same specs, but you pay for better design and features, not to mention you get the mac os which is superior to windows ( I don't think theres much debate about that)

ps: Not to mention, the cost of updating Mac osx is extremely low. I think they charged 20$ or so for the last update (leopard -> snow leopard). Beats buying updates from microsoft :]

ps2: The latest macbooks pros atleast are all 100% compatible with windows up to 7. The bootcamp application which comes with the OS makes it easy to install windows to dual boot, no virtualization needed. To be honest tho, I rarely ever need to boot windows anymore. Only do so when I need to play games or run specific pc-only programs.

 

[grapeman]

Yea your right, bullshit! Just because you are used to seeing pc used to process payrolls it doesnt mean that the pc suck, but the whole idea of programming a mac to do the exact simple process would take millions of dollars and apple approval. Well not far from it anyway.



This is not facts this is your oppinions, and as facts they are utterly untrue.



Probably true, but this has nothing todo with hardware, it has to do with the nazi regime of apple and the disney feel everything must have.



I suspect your speaking from personal experiences, and if this rule of yours applies to the average worker its somewhat true, but a properly set up computer with only access to software needed(as it is with most mac software), a pc wont run into any problems either. I buy a top notch computer every 2-3 years, i never change the os unless i want to, never have i been forced to either.

Directory fuckups? Explain that please.



Bullshit, all drivers needed for any motherboard lan is included in every windows version and if not it comes as on a cd with the hardware.



Yes and by emulating you will loose alot of cpu/ram in the process, why would you even want to emulate a mac? If you preferences is a mac to begin with; buy one. But dont come here and call a mac better, because they really are not. Same hardware, ALMOST same OS, but a huge difference in price and dandy factor.



Yes and you know this because? I demand proof on this one or some serious technical knowledge, lay it out brother.



Here your oppinions is a stupid as your facts, dos didnt arrive before 1981, but i agree there are some residue code left behind because of backward compability but not the way you put it; far from it.



Well too bad sucker cuz this is not fact this is bullshit.



The one and only reason why mac has done well is because it has a sweet interface, a sleek design and dandy(technically retarded) people will enjoy having it in the livingroom if only to say "and here is my mac".



Oh really? How so? For the price of a mac i can net up 4 high end computers to work together that will leave your mac looking like a nintendo ds lite.



Specify, what kind, what os etc, send me your dxdiag log file Leave out the personal information.

LOL. another angry pc wonk. It's ok dude. I don't care if you like windows. I use that os also.

But your rant is so full of holes I don't know where to begin so I'll just say this so you can google it and simmer and stew.

Just 2 years ago, the fastest pc laptop, as tested at pc magazine was the macbook pro running windows via VM.

But be my guest and stick with your pc and don't ever try a mac. You are better able to analyze and defend your position when you only know one side of the argument and guess or fabricate points on the other side.

that's the way it is done at Treehugger.com.

 

[cyberwax]

LOL. another angry pc wonk. It's ok dude. I don't care if you like windows. I use that os also.

But your rant is so full of holes I don't know where to begin so I'll just say this so you can google it and simmer and stew.

Just 2 years ago, the fastest pc laptop, as tested at pc magazine was the macbook pro running windows via VM.

But be my guest and stick with your pc and don't ever try a mac. You are better able to analyze and defend your position when you only know one side of the argument and guess or fabricate points on the other side.

that's the way it is done at Treehugger.com.

What i see here is zero facts just the usual "its not true" statement, come up with facts and ill discuss this further with you. I like the options and possabilities of windows yet i like the interface and the layout of the mac better, however that is not the issue, the issue remains; is the mac just a dandy pc? 100% fact; yes.

And please note that i do own a mac for music use, i like it but not as much as i like a good pc and they are both the same with a twist of the OS yet at a horrible price difference.

 

[cyber echo]

"is the mac just a dandy pc? 100% fact; yes. "
Not in the case of the macbookpro vs. conventional laptops. The price doesnt differ much in that domain tho. I agree with you as far as their desktops go though, I'd never buy one with their current prices...


btw, most of your assumptions are false cyberwax...
I'd give you some facts but tbh I dunno where to start. You seem to not grasp the idea of Mac OsX's unix base. You can pretty much compile anything, freely, your arguements about them being restricted to only some applications are terribly false. Its even easier to install apps on a mac as opposed to windows or linux.. Specially that mac osx being unix based doesnt need a retarded registry system that craps itself for no reason every once in a while (even with windows 7).

As far as the OSs being very similar, ur also very wrong. MacOsx is generations ahead... (being unix based is enough to throw it light years ahead of microsoft's ever so crappy kernels)

 

[grapeman]

What i see here is zero facts just the usual "its not true" statement, come up with facts and ill discuss this further with you. I like the options and possabilities of windows yet i like the interface and the layout of the mac better, however that is not the issue, the issue remains; is the mac just a dandy pc? 100% fact; yes.

And please note that i do own a mac for music use, i like it but not as much as i like a good pc and they are both the same with a twist of the OS yet at a horrible price difference.

I gave you facts in an above post. You just choose not to believe them. It's OK with me. Hard to believe you are a windows user and don't know how the directory gets fucked up so often it requires a complete reinstall often. But you are the one and only windows user that this has never happened to.

And yes, under every flavor of windows is a flavor of DOS from the late "70's early '80's. That's the main reason the OS is fucked up. MS should've shit canned DOS years ago but they were too greedy and wanted to keep people and companies locked into their OS for $$$.

Unfortunately for MS, they underestimated the use of the internet which makes OS's fairly irrelevant, leaving PC users to choose better options. Thus the resurgence in the Mac with their OSX and their unix underpinnings, ease of use and far better reliability.

 

[Bud Bug]

Apple has nothing to offer me that would put it over the top of Linux/Windows.