Why should I buy a Mac??

Originally Posted by mink31

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until you realize how intuitive and simple the Mac OS actually is. After being conditioned to perform tasks a certain way on Windows, that is quite a shift.

I always hear people say that and I just don't agree. Then again, I know my way around Windows pretty well.

Two quick examples:

1. I wanted to stop a program from running at startup. Why the hell do I have to go into the user account preferences to find that? I had to do a Google search for that.

2. I had to install a bloody program to get my mouse to scroll one page at a time. How is this not a basic feature?

[*]It's fast. Really fast. I have the slowest MacBook (2.0Ghz), but I slowly realized that i didn't need to close any of my programs. OS X is designed for programs to run continuously.

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Unless you're comparing the same processor and hard drive between Windows and OS X, that's hardly a valid comparison.

Also, the ability to run programs continuously is hardly unique to a OS X. I have no issues doing so on Windows. Limiting factor is likely RAM.

[*]EDIT: of course, not having to install anti-virus software frees up a bit of memory, contributing to the overall speed. (You still need anti-v if you plan on running Windows, of course.)

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You don't need antivir on Windows. I ran it for years without and never had a problem.

I do concede that for most people it would be a recommendation though and almost a need.

***

Other than those gripes I have with your post, congrats on your new computer. I'm not biased one way or the other and people should use whatever they like/want.

I suggested OS X for my parents because I think it's a better fit for them than Windows in terms of what they use a computer for.

Originally Posted by tiecollector

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I use a Mac because it's cuter than Linux.

Are you my sister? She loves her Mac cause "it's cute!"

Originally Posted by RedScarf7

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Have you used both OS? I think it is safe to say you perfer Windows, what is your major reason for this preference??
Wasn't directed at me but here goes: 1. Cheaper. Apple has huge markups and the notion (as evidenced by this thread) is that their hardware is better. Yes, the $2k computer is likely going to have better hardware than the $500 one but there are some more expensive computers out there that will more than match it. If building your own, this becomes even more apparent. My current machine can run OS X. It's possible through various means using specific hardware and I chose this hardware for that particular reason for my own personal satisfaction in getting it done. I installed OS X, ran it for a few months and then went back to Windows. I dual booted for a while but I formatted a while back and didn't bother installing Leopard. My computer cost me approx $1500 to build from scratch (previously using a laptop). The closest equivalent Mac was around $4k. 2. This is my biggest one - the options and customization of a PC. Out of the box, OS X might be better for most people than Windows. However, once I set up Windows how I like it and install the programs I want, I much prefer it to OS X. There are also some programs that I use and love that just don't work on a Mac and I don't want to dual boot or run them in a virtual machine like Fusion or Parallels. I can choose what hardware I specifically want in my machine and can upgrade it as I see fit. 3. Minor but the obnoxious, "superior" attitude of many Apple users and the idea that all things Apple are somehow inherently better than all else is a turn-off. This is obviously a subjective thing and is not pro-Windows or anti-OS X in terms of software platform but I can't deny that it exists.

Originally Posted by mink31

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(At the risk of coming off as a fanboy), as far as I know, this is simply not true. Although it has been demonstrated that OS X can be susceptible to viruses, none have shown up "in the wild"--yet.
As far as you know, or as far as Apple has told you? Notice that I didn't say viruses. I said malware, exploits, and spyware. Over the years, several pretty nice pieces of malware have been written for OSX. As with the 98% of all the malware written for PC, you have to be an idiot and install it - which means that only computer illiterates generally get infected - but then essentially, there is no difference between that and pc, except your pool of available infections and also illiterate users is much less. Mac users tend to be less cautious because they believe themselves to be invulnerable, which is stupid. If you open email attachments or unverified program intallers, or visit Appreciation pages and accept shady cookies from them, you deserve what you get. I suppose.

Originally Posted by grimslade

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To make Tokyo Slim angry?
I've been on a Mac for over 15 years and this is about the best answer I could come up with.

I think my biggest complaint about having a Mac has been how web developers tend to make things PC-first, Mac-second (if ever) and thus I can't use a particular website, plugin, etc. But now that things have swung towards Intel for good I don't imagine being too bothered by having to switch over to Windows every now and again once I upgrade my G5.

And yes, websites are my only complaint. Everything else (music, photo editing, video editing, word processing, etc etc etc) I can do with ease on this machine.

Originally Posted by grimslade

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To make The Gods angry?

FTFY

You'll pay a bit more for a Mac than a similarly equipped pc but I hope you already know that if you're considering buying one. If you're HPs keep failing, maybe it is time to consider another brand. I've heard many horror stories about Dell as well. My last PC laptop was a Fujitsu and I would highly recommend one. Probably one of the only laptops made in Japan. Most other laptops I see, including Apple, are made in China. I've had both Mac desktops and laptops. The hardware is very durable. I never try to convince PC users to switch to Mac, but if you're thinking about it already, I say go for it. Learning the OS will take a couple days to get used to, but it's pretty much the same thing as Windows.

Originally Posted by Mauby

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but it's pretty much the same thing as Windows.


*chokes*

The Mac vs PC arguement is the 21st century equivalent of "does God exist?"

If you've never had a Mac and are interested in getting one, go ahead. If you hate it, just return / sell it and go to newegg.com and get a PC.

There is no correct answer to "which one is better." This is because, like anything else in life, you have your own preferences and one might suit you better than the other.



For me, I have both. Quad2.4, 8800gt, 4gig DDR3, Antec900 case PC (white boxed). And a two year old MacBook. And in my own honest and humble opinion, I prefer the Mac.

Originally Posted by mink31

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(At the risk of coming off as a fanboy), as far as I know, this is simply not true. Although it has been demonstrated that OS X can be susceptible to viruses, none have shown up "in the wild"--yet.

Apple recently recommended that all Mac users start using anti-virus programs. I'm not sure why, but it was recently announced on AppleInsider.

My two cents: Apple laptops are future-proofed in two ways. First, they perform great years after purchase. People still use aluminum PowerBooks today, and my MacBook still performs perfectly almost three years after purchase. Second, they have sick resale value and sell well on eBay.

Also, I've personally had some very bad experiences with PC laptops, and I don't trust any PC manufacturers as a result. In general, I think the problem rests with how these companies fill their computers with useless software and third-rate components. Avoiding either problem requires hundreds of dollars in upgrades or tech support. You can avoid both of these problems by building your own PC, and its actually easier than it sounds.

Anyway: Apple laptops and homemade PC desktops.

Mac hardware is superior. Yes, there are some PC's out there that can match them, but never component for component, Apple just doesn't make crap computers*. Every PC laptop is missing something, I've never found that perfect combo. PC laptops that do manage to meet and exceed are not cheaper and are actually more expensive. Go price a Dell to a MBP's specs, it's almost $150 more. Maybe you can get it on sale if you call them, but they need to be much cheaper for me to consider that. Also, MBP's can run Windows better than PC's, so you don't lose anything. Everything will run on them. You can Hackintosh your PC, but it's such a pain **********, on laptops anyway. OSX is super intuitive, but I hate not having a right "mouse" button. Is that being different for difference sake? I had to get a real mouse and run a program to fix that in OSX. *The MBAir is crap. Get a Lenovo or Sony if you need an ultra portable... or a MBP and a Netbook.

Originally Posted by JoeWoah

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PC laptops that do manage to meet and exceed are not cheaper and are actually more expensive.
After a quick search on newegg I found this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834220395 This computer has a better video card and 2gb more of ram and only costs $1200. Wait another year and this computer will get cheaper and phased out for faster ones while apple doesn't change a thing and charges the same price.

Originally Posted by JoeWoah

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Also, MBP's can run Windows better than PC's, so you don't lose anything.
How exactly does a MB run windows any better than a similarly spec'd laptop?

Originally Posted by breakz

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Apple recently recommended that all Mac users start using anti-virus programs. I'm not sure why, but it was recently announced on AppleInsider.

And even more recently, Apple deleted the notice. Apparently it was old, and was brought to the surface by an update of the software version numbering. The reason for deletion was apparently that it was outdated and inaccurate.

@TokyoSlim: I know of two functioning trojans for Mac OS X 10.5.5. OSX.RSPlug.A and OSX.Lamzev.A. Care to list any more malware?

Their so-called Genius Bar is absolutely useless; it should be called the marsupial Bar.

The no malware thing is a lie. All operating systems have malware of some sort, it's just some are more susceptible. The susceptibility has more to do with design than popularity. Popularity determines how big of a target it is. Windows has a terrible design because of how it handles permissions. It gives too much to the user, so things can be automatically installed and executed without the user being aware of it. Mac's are based on BSD, so just like Linux, it handles permissions correctly. However, I believe Mac's are more susceptible because they're slightly more automated in the installation process. I'm not entirely sure about that last point.

Another example about how design affects susceptibility is rootkits. Since Windows uses an internal API, combined with giving users too much power, rootkits can easily be installed. The issue with Windows here is the user space vs. kernel space. Windows rootkits uses a process involving hooks and trampolines. I don't know Macs as much as Windows or Linux, but if it's got an internal API, it'll suffer from the same vulnerability. One of the reasons why Linux was designed without an internal API's was because it would be harder to design and install a rootkit.

Anyone who both receives files and sends them to Windows users must have an AV regardless of OS. Even Linux, if you're receiving files and sending them to Windows users, you are highly suggested to have an AV. It's not to protect you, but really to protect Windows users who receive your files.

As far as other exploits go, Mac lost at the PWN 2 Own contest. Since it's only zero-day attacks could be use, it doesn't really mean much for you. The only information you can get from that conference is that if you get a Mac, don't use it; if you have Vista, don't install anything; if you use Linux, do whatever you want.

All in all, I'd say stay away from Windows whether that means going Apple or checking out Linux. Personally I'd suggest giving Linux a try, and I mean a real try. Not just a 1 hour or less session. No matter which OS you go to, it's going to take some time to adjust and become comfortable. If Linux doesn't suit you, go with a Mac. Either way, if you game, you can dual boot Windows. I can't really say much about the Mac experience. I've used it a couple of times because the power supply to my computer broke (luckily nothing else), and I had to borrow my roommate's macbook pro. I stayed in the Terminal (or as you Windows users would call it, the command line). On that low of a level, it's more like *nix.