Mac vs. PC

[Guest Saz]

you are missing the point.

 

if you had 1000 pounds to buy a computer, the pc would be the better spec computer than the apple

 

Depends, you can get a fully loaded Honda or a Mercedes for a little extra.

 

Like I said, because you are going around in your usual "Lalala I'm not listening" cycle.

 

PCs are modular, meaning they can have any make of motherboard, hard drive, DVD player, Graphics card etc.

 

A good PC will have updated parts, a poor PC will have the older type parts to save on cost.

 

Though the spec seems the same, the parts are not of the same quality, poor components tend to break and lower the life cycle of a PC.

 

Hence, you may be spending less, but you are getting less bang for your buck because Macs are custom built to work in unison.

[Guest Saz]

You can all just avoid this argument by installing Windows 7 when it's released at the end of the year. Then we can all live together in harmony with a dedicated thread called "Windows 7: Great OS? Or Greatest OS?"

 

It's not just the OS - it is fantastic for PC performance. Most low-spec PCs have been reported to work much faster with it than with something as bloated as Vista. With a PC like mine (dual core, 3mb memory, etc), it's a dream.

 

Any major updates with it, or is just speed etc? TBH, I'm on Vista, and despite the rest of the world hating it, I think its quite swish really.

 

I've heard that Vista users will be getting a free update to windows 7.

 

There is a lot I like about Vista, the file manager not being one of them, so I am looking forward to Windows 7.

[Guest Jayfunk]

Like I said, because you are going around in your usual "Lalala I'm not listening" cycle.

 

no that is your cycle too saz don't kid yourself.

 

people think apple is quality because they are told it and they believe it not because it is true.

[Dead Crow 370]

The main things, really, are the taskbar and the automatic installations. I didn't have to run an installer CD when I plugged in my printer or wireless - Windows found the drivers for me automatically without even prompting me, and I was up and running in about 30 seconds.

 

The taskbar is the best bit because it makes full use of Aero.

 

http://lnx.web-burning.it/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/17b33_peek.png

 

Hover over the icon of a programme you have open and you will get a small pop-up to see what's there. Hover over the pop-up and you can turn everything transparent except for what you've hovered over until you unhover. Sounds more complicated when I say it but that pic above explains itself, really.

 

Oh, and it's also fixed the really annoying User Account Control feature from Vista so that it doesn't black the whole page out.

 

There are other changes with speed and general capabilities, but it's only in BETA at the moment. The release candidate is out in May so I'm going to upgrade at that point and see what's changed. From what I gather, they've improved shortcuts and allowed the provision to delete/disable pretty much everything you get with it if you wish (ie. the bloatware).

 

I'm seriously trying everything I can to not go back to Vista. I have it on this PC as a partition if I ever need to go back to it, but I can't see myself giving up 7 any time soon.

 

 

EDIT: Wouldn't bet on the free upgrade from Vista. It'll be cheap, I hear. But not free.

[Guest Nicole]

That looks and sounds quite nice, knowing me I'll be the last to switch over.

[Dead Crow 370]

Grab the release candidate. Windows release it free to anyone who wants a key. I just partitioned my hard drive into chunks and run Vista and 7 until I have the full version of 7 - at which point I'll delete Vista.

 

Best thing is that it works with all my essentials (Filezilla, Photoshop, Firefox, KeePass, Tweetdeck, Avira, etc) and the only thing I had a problem with was Adobe Audition, and Microsoft released a very quick update which fixed that, so my issues were limited to a couple of weeks. Which isn't bad for a BETA.

[Guest Anime Otaku]

Any word on compatibility with Vista games? I've quite a bit I've downloaded of Steam (the Orange box and Sam & Max mostly) and a site called Good old games like an updated version of Cannon Fodder and I'd hate to upgrade and find they don't work.

[Dead Crow 370]

As I'm out of my depth when it comes to gaming, try this: http://www.sevenforums.com/gaming/5739-windows-7-game-compatibility-list.html

 

The other cool thing about Win7, as is coming in the RC, is the ability to change the login screen background. So if you need a password to get in to your PC, change the background. Especially convenient for businesses or PC's for a specific purpose (for instance - Saz could stick a big K-Star logo on his login screen).

Edited April 7, 2009 by DraVen

[Guest John Hancock]

MAC

 

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1755130335.1239061007@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccciadeglmlgfdgcflgceggdhhmdgmh.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=604068&category_oid=

 

PC

 

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1755130335.1239061007@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccciadeglmlgfdgcflgceggdhhmdgmh.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=940580&category_oid=

 

PC world please check facts out first saz. PC with better spec is almost 150 quid less dear

 

PC World prefer PCs!?

 

Shocking.

 

Niether's better or worse. It just depends what you're going to use it for. If you're doing any sort of graphical design, or audio editing or anything, significantly more reliability, Macs have a really big advantage.

 

Compatibility, games, amount of software choices, right mouse buttons, pick a PC. Just depends what you're doing.

 

Really, just get over yourself.

[Guest Fiona]

PC World prefer PCs!?

 

Shocking.

 

Niether's better or worse. It just depends what you're going to use it for. If you're doing any sort of graphical design, or audio editing or anything, significantly more reliability, Macs have a really big advantage.

 

Compatibility, games, amount of software choices, right mouse buttons, pick a PC. Just depends what you're doing.

 

Really, just get over yourself.

 

That's the point I was going to make. For most of us it comes down to what we need the computer for and how much we are willing to spend to get what we need.

 

Most people go out and spend a fortune for computers that come with all the bells and whistles just so they can say, they have the fastest or the most powerful or whatever. Really no-one really cares or gives a damm.

[ShaolinHandLock 73]

I am a PC user, and have been for about (roughly) 17 years. The last time I used a Mac, would be when I was between 6-9 years old, as we had the really old Mac computers at primary school. I still remember putting those big floppy disks (which were actually floppy back then) into the disk slot, then playing such mind blowing games as Sesame Street and various other kids games.

[Guest Gemsi]

To be honest, Macs look far sturdier.

 

When laptop hunting (I don't ever want to go back to a desktop computer, they are nowhere near convinient enough for my laziness) I tend to look firstly at what exciting features and specs it has to make sure it can run my beloved Sims with no issues. Secondly whether the laptop is pretty or not (can't have an ugly laptop-it has to stand out and shine at me). Thirdly whether it's going to last more than 5 seconds in the hands of me-I have a history of laptop breakage. Fourthly whether I can actually afford it.

 

Macs definately look pretty, they look sturdy. They do look easy to scratch though.

Whenever I've been in the Apple shop in Meadowhall, I've turned back into a kid because everything glows, and the specs don't look too shabby. The cost tends to be the biggy for me, everything seems so expensive. But, that just means they are out of MY price range. If I had the money.......I'd want one.

 

Also one thing about Macs that entice me too. If I'm following correctly what Saz was saying about the parts.....Well only one person to complain to would be a blessing. No passing the blame on to different part manufacturers, like I had with my mum's old Compaq PC. No hardware compatabiltiy issues would be quite cool.

 

Oh, and jayfunk, the macbook officially has a higher model graphics card which is better to me, so not all the PC specs are better in your proofs. The Processor speed is the same on both, another important thing to me. 320gb hardrive-why the hell would any regular home computer user need that much space? I'd actually prefer the 120gb as it's easier to control how much junk you have stored on your laptop. The 3gb ram is ok, but I'm more interested in graphics card for what I use my laptop for. And the HP actually looks fragile in that picture. It looks like it would snap in 2 within seconds-that really does matter a lot to me.

 

Oh and saz's comment about PC world getting there specs wrong is right. Want proof? Just looks at the specs for the macbook, where it says "DVD drive-NO", "DVD drive speed-4 x" Why would they mention a DVD drive speed if it doesn't have a DVD drive?

 

I actually like PC's, and get along ok with Vista, but your proof of the facts you stated, pretty much fell through, as they're not the same facts for everyone. You're looking at the reasons you need a computer, when for the rest of the population who don't watch and download loads of porn to need that whapping great big harddrive, have other reasons for needing a computers, so your facts aren't facts for everyone. Which is how you were coming across, that they should be the facts that everyone needs.

 

*wonders how much longer she can waffle on about facts*

Edited April 7, 2009 by Gemsi

[Guest Jaycey Baby]

I think the general consensus is that Macs are easier to use, more reliable and look like nice, inviting boiled sweets, whereas PCs have wider software compatability and have more scope to upgrade the hardware. Apples are for technophobes and grandmas, PCs are for the rich and 1337, and people like Jay who pity poor Bill Gates now Apple have taken approximately 0.001% of his multi-zillion pound market share in operating systems.

[Guest Jayfunk]

pity Bill Gates? it a bit much all i merely said was apple is largely overpriced for alot its products when you compare the market, Iphones are more expensive than similer phones, Ipods are over priced when comparing it to an MP3 player with the same memory etc. Apple is a brand and largely people are willing to pay more for that brand. However I am not. that is my point. end of.

[ViciousPrism 177]

Having used both platforms, and owning both a PC and a Mac, I can't pick out which one I like more to be honest with you. Each one has their pros and cons. On Windows, I have more choice about the software I can use than I do on Macs. The Mac seems to run faster (Although most times, not when it's loading up) and is more user friendly without having a start menu, etc.

 

So, I'm gonna perch myself right up here on the fence on this one.

[Guest MastersGonads]

4) this is nothing you can do on a mac that you can't do on the PC,

 

What about Final Cut Pro?

 

if you brought a PC for the same value as a mac then you would have a vastly better system.

 

in terms of price PC wins all the time and spec. the mac may have its advantages but windows does have the CAD programs too which are good.

 

bang for your buck PC is greater than Mac hands down, mac may has specialist stuff but for cost per what it can do its not worth it especially for big firms or unis. for 99 % of the courses or work placed apps poeple need word, excel and maybe axces and microsoft rules that market that is why its 6:1 ratio of pc's to mac

 

Not technically true. Apple and specifically the Mac and the large storage servers bought on bulk is far cheaper than any PC, hence why so many Broadcasting companies and television networks are switching to Apple operated editing systems.

 

when i was at uni studying electronics they did rule

 

Is there any job you havent done? or course you havent studied>! :lol