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#1 |
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Anyone who can chime in regarding the pros & cons of a switch from PC to Mac (in regards to the learning curve when changing modes of work plus thoughts on how each system will evolve over the next 3-5 years) will be greatly appreciated ...
Because: My ancient PC is on its last legs. It's a DELL with minimal power and not a heck of a lot of memory that was rebuilt following a crash in '04 and then bolstered following a flame-out in the Summer of '05 when our building had a power outage and a surge cooked my External HD. Now I've got to get me a new machine and a friend is urging me to go Mac, and I'm very tempted (I don't gaming, so that's not an issue). I've never really used a Mac beyond some real minor playing around. But I live just blocks from the downtown Apple Store -- where today I managed to corner a couple of the Apple-ites and got some good info and a sense of what's up with the iMac. If you're switching from PC to Mac the Apple gang will move your files to the iMac for free, plus there is the Genius Bar and classes from 9A - 9P and the $99 / year of 52 1 hour classes, should that be needed. I'm not looking for a Laptop, a nice Desktop will do me fine. When I leave the house I like to leave the computer behind. I'm considering a 20" screen iMac with the 2.66GHz Intel Processor, 320GB Serial ATA Drive and 2GB 800MHz RAM. Add the 3 year Apple Care Package along with basic MS Office and a 500 GB external HD: The cost (inclduing tax) is up around $2150. A DELL Optiplex 760 Small Form (aka Slim Form) with comparable power but a tad lower (2.53 GHz Intel vs. the 2.66 for IMac) and memory (same) and other goodies in line with what I've priced at Apple would run around $1750, which is more in the neighborhood of what I want to spend. However I'm hearing that DELL might be having some management & business problems -- and that that they've gone cheap on lots of their components. The DELL package would run VISTA with an XP Downgrade (I've been using XP for years). That XP tie in supposedly gets around those irriitating problems folks have reported with VISTA. Another thing: When I was on the phone with DELL sales division a series of salespeople with whom I talked were somewhat clueless about my tech questions (and I'm no tech wizard, but my Mac-freak friend had coached me and my inquiries were clear and to the point). These folks actually lied to me (instead of admitting they didn't know the answer) when I asked questions about the existence FireWIRE ports -- and those lies just may have lost them my business forever (btw: The Optiplex does NOT have any FireWIRE ports built in or available as optional add-ons). I love how the iMac looks, but that's secondary. My main concern with going Mac is the learning curve and how well and quickly I'll adapt to the new system of working. My main concern with DELL is the VISTA thing along the Virus / Intrusion thing. I hear that MS is now "leaking" the new Windows 7 which is supposed to be a big improvement over XP / VISTA and it's getting a lot of buzz -- but it won't be available until 2010. So ... What do ya'all think? Do you love your Macs? Or is there anyone who will help me keep my money in my pocket by directing me back to DELL? Is the DELL / PC totally 20th Century? And is Apple the only road to the Future? I'm in a quandry ... |
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#2 |
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#3 |
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#4 |
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Gotta go, but why are you looking at Optiplex? It's tailored for business users - networks and stuff. Also Precision - heavy CAD.
For home use, XPS or Inspiron. Unless you want portability, don't be fooled by that image. Because everything is miniaturized and packed close together, laptops (that's what that is) aren't as durable (or cheap) as desktops. |
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#5 |
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That Apple shown is no laptop -- it's the iMac. Iasked the salesman at Apple today what was the size of teh tower and could I see it
![]() He pointed out that everything is in the body of the flatscreen -- that's the whole thing. Weighs about 20 pounds. A tech advisor I used in the past suggested the Optiplex and was able to get me a good quote. Seems a lot of what Dell offers is geared towards business use. |
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#6 |
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I faced the same choice last year. I was interested in the Mac's sleek design, user-interface, security features, etc. In the end, I realized that for what I would spend on a mid-level Mac, I could get a high-level Dell. I went with the Dell, but specified that it come with XP installed, rather than Vista.
I am very happy I did so. XP flies on the dual core processor (whereas Vista can be sluggish). A month or two ago I did a full reboot/wipe (gets rid of everything pre-installed on the machine) and started over with XP disks that came with it, and the computer has never run faster or smoother. Some people do this on an annual basis, keeping their machines healthy and speedy for years. For half the price, the PC runs as fast or faster than the top-level ($3,000+) Macs I've used. I spent some of that saved money on a much bigger monitor. Good luck. |
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#7 |
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For me design is always an issue. I am using a 24 inch IMac. It's just nice and clean and sleek. OS is visually beautiful, fluid and intuitive. So if you respond to beautiful things get a Mac.
Also: Over the last few years, I hear of PC users switching to MAC but I don't know anyone who has switched from Mac to PC. There must be a reason for that. Speed issues: The Mac work flow is faster. Crashing... rebooting... viruses... I have worked side by side over the years with guys using PCs. Sorry: all things considered the Mac gets the job done quicker. However: I must say, I've had terrible luck over the years with Mac hardware. If I listed all of the things that have broken down you would think I'm making it up. But that seems to be my own particular karma thing with all things electrical. -- |
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#8 |
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I think with either choice you will be happy if you are spending that amount of money. I wouldnt listen to Apples propoganda. I havent seen a desktop ever have that amount of cable coming out of it. I would also take a step away from the Apple store workers as they are obviously selling. Dont be the guy who thinks the stripper really likes him. I use a Sony, laptop granted, and Im now on my second one. Never had an issue with the last one it just got old and wasnt fast enough for AutoCad 09. I think you need to be intensely computer savvy to actually notice a major difference in your life. I almost bought an Apple before I came back to college and Im glad I didnt they are way more expensive just for the pretty box.
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#9 |
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That Apple shown is no laptop -- it's the iMac. Iasked the salesman at Apple today what was the size of teh tower and could I see it A laptop is a design compromise. To make it portable, components are crammed together in the box; there is no empty space, and heat dissipation is a major challenge. When I look at a solid aluminum frame, I see a heat-sink. No matter how well they are taken care of, heat is what ages a computer. On a hot summer day, you might think twice of leaving the AC off to save some bucks, just to keep the computer happy. You accept this in a laptop, but a desktop looks the way it does to separate components inside the box. Lots of air space to get rid of heat. If I was considering something like that iMac, I'd get a true laptop as my main computer. Get a big external monitor for home, and just unplug it when you want to take the computer with you. Macs are fine, but you're going to pay more both upfront and for repair. If you get a PC, specify XP, not Vista; and upgrade to Windows7 when available. What I hear is that the upgrade will be free if purchase is after July 1, and discounted if sooner. Whatever you get, make sure you have a good power supply, not a $20 power-strip. |
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#10 |
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About 4 months ago I bought a brand new, top of the line Dell with Xp.........All my friends chastised me for doing it-
"Get a MAC" is the Chorus I keep hearing from All of them! (most work with putters for a living) I should have listened. The New Dell (other than having a fancy tower with what I call "Disco lights" built in), has been one headache after another. It's seems to be falling apart system by system ![]() I'm a staunch PC user but- NEVER again! I already can't wait till I have to replace it with a Mac. ![]() The learning curb is not that bad for someone with your intellect, I wouldn't worry about that. I havent seen a desktop ever have that amount of cable coming out of it You haven't seen my set up- I transfer Lp's and VHS tapes to Disks- MY PC looks like it's in ICU with every life support gadget that could be found,wired into it-front and back- what a nightmare. |
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#11 |
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The best price/performance would be a refurbished Vista PC, something like this, at $470 (without monitor) - http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...Sku=S445-10009
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#13 |
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The best price/performance would be a refurbished Vista PC, something like this, at $470 (without monitor) - http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...Sku=S445-10009 |
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#14 |
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#16 |
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OK, here goes.
PC's are better for one main reason. Cost. If you are NOT at all technically literate, and want everything to work instantly, get a Mac. The main reason for this being the case is that many things just do not WORK on a mac. It was only recently that they started accepting video cards that were not their brand name. Also, the current macs are using, I believe, Intel cores anyway, so we are gradually seeing a convergence. As for that Mac ad above? I have tons of stuff hooked to my machine and it does not look like that. You can have wireless internet on a box, a single optical line to your stereo for surround, a flat screen that has its own built in camera, a front panel card reader, USB port and Firewire port, and even a wireless KB and mouse, making that dell box look remarkably similar to the Mac, for much MUCH less money. The main advantage the mac has is compatibility, in the limited sense I remarked on before. If you get something that says "Apple" on it, it will work on an apple computer. No worries about drivers or compatibility. If it fits, it will work. The problem is, you do not get generics or very much competition. It is much like Sony in that respect (having to use their proprietary stick memory on their cameras was a major flaw a short while back). Apple is also easier to use in that many things are user friendly. Provided everything goes right (and yes, I have crashed a Mac, and so has my mother on her School computer (teacher)...). But customizing in any way but the cosmetic is difficult. As for shopping for a computer? Try putting your own together rather than Dell or HP. If you know how to use a screwdriver and can read the instructions on a forum for recommended assemblies, you should have no problem! Sites to see: www.tomshardware.com - Hardware www.sharkeyextreme.com - Hardware. Look for their recommended computer builds www.pricegrabber.com - Price comparison www.fatwallet.com - Coupons and deals www.dealtaker.com - Coupons and deals www.resellerratings.com - Retailer ratings/warnings And there are more sites available. Lets put it this way. I put together a compact shuttle box with Intel duo core and a blue ray player/DVD burner, wireless long range keyboard and wireless network card for about $700. It is powerful enough to play full HD movies across a network without skipping and is about the size of a black shoebox. (the only wires coming out of it being the hookup to the TV, the antenna wire for better network reception, a single fiber cable for surround sound and a USB wire for the KB remote). If you work with Apple at work, or have experience with it, or work mainly on things like Photoshop, I would swing more toward the Apple. But for just about anything else, look PC (just don't think that it is only Dell/HP). |
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#17 |
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A couple of examples? And how did you get things fixed? I order things from www.Newegg.com (one location in NJ) and stuff gets delivered, tax free, to my door in a day (admittedly, if I am lucky). Prices are usually competitive with other online stores, but they all blow the B+M's out of the water (B+M = Brick and Mortar). Like with most things, you don't go to the Amish Market to do your weekly shopping (unless you are rich, in which case, call me. I will make you a machine!! ![]() |
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#18 |
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#19 |
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#20 |
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Their are PC's that are just as and more expensive than Macs. Once you fully understand the difference in machines and what you are paying for, you then understand the difference in cost. I know more than you think, such as how Intel is now doing the chips inside the Mac.... Mac is, was and as far as I can tell, will be more expensive for what you get. Also, with a PC, you are not forced to one OS. You CAN get Ubuntu or other Linux compilations, but that is another matter. Apple is very much like Sony in that it relies on name-brand recognition to sell hardware. Also, it is VERY proprietary when it comes to peripherals (it was only recently that they started going 3rd party for things like video cards... Ithink they now have ATI doing this, but I will have to double check). Teno, just be careful when you start saying things like "some PC's are just as expensive as some Mac's", you know that that is an ill-suited and very loose comparison! ![]() |
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