Time to Give Up the “PC” Stuff?
Hey, folks. Apologies for the post-free days. I’m trying my best to gain access to friends’ computers while I figure out which laptop to buy. I was going to order a computer via Dell this morning, but a few of my friends have risen up in revolt and in defense of the MAC. You see, I — like most people — have been in love with the PC for many years. But, I’m wondering if it’s time to give it up. Denzel was a PC.
Much like my relationships with men, one bad experience usually spoils the bunch. At various times, I’ve sworn off the French, the Brits, the Dutch, the Italians (twice), white guys, black guys, dudes from Columbia, every man with an American passport, and everyone else in between. After too many bad dates, I’ll say, “I’m never dating a guy who ___ again.” Then, of course, I’ll meet a cutie who happens to fill in whatever blank I’m trying to avoid, and I renew my faith in them all over again. So, um, yeah. All of this brings me back to Denzel.
As I mentioned before, my old laptop (Denzel) was a PC. I loved him dearly, but he wasn’t always very faithful to me. And, not to mention, he left me after only two years. So, I’m left wondering: Is it time for a MAC? In the end, I’ve decided to let my readers decide. I know you wouldn’t steer my wrong. So, please use the comment section to tell me: Should my next laptop be a PC or a MAC? Also, if you have any specific recommendations for what to purchase (or what to avoid), I’d really appreciate it. And, of course, big drippy kisses to all of you for sticking with me through the laptopless days and spotty posting!
August 31st, 2007 at 12:44 pm
I’m not a Mac fan, so no. My laptop is an HP and it’s going on three years now, no problems at all (touchwood!). I think you should be okay with a PC as long as you don’t do anything too dodgy with it (so no downloading movies/music illegally, as most programmes that do that tend to install the nasty spyware/adware crap to). If you’ve got good up to date antivirus and then other anti-spyware/adware stuff and you defrag regularly, you should be okay.
Goodluck!
August 31st, 2007 at 1:32 pm
I love love love my mac. I’ve had it for a year and have yet to have any problems. I love all the little widgets and gadgets. I’d definitely recommend at least looking into one. They’re amazing!
August 31st, 2007 at 2:49 pm
Hey FBC, I’ve been following your blog for a while but this is my first comment! I personally prefer laptops of the Denzel kind. Mine’s a Sony and works like a dream (except when I violate it and illegally download music).
August 31st, 2007 at 3:39 pm
I *heart* my Mac. My hubby is a graphic designer and would rather go without the internet (GASP!) than have a PC. We have very stable computers that always do as we ask. My two-year old computer is going strong and the only quirky thing was a battery issue that seems to have resolved itself. I have a PowerBook, my parents are set up on an older eMac that works great, my in-laws each have a MacBook and my hisband has a MacBook Pro. You get three months of Apple Care and you have the mother of all Apple Stores in NYC. Genius bar! That said, do not – NOT – buy your Mac from the Apple Store. It’s all sexy in there, but if you are in the market for new, let me know and I’ll give you the name of my dealer, um, I mean, distributor for a MUCH sexier price.
If you are in the market for a powerful and gently used Mac, let me know that too… ;)
August 31st, 2007 at 6:40 pm
I love my Mac! It’s a powerbook, and I’ve had it for three years without a single problem. I had a clamshell iBook before that (also for three years, and then my dad used it for another two – and it STILL works great), he now has another, newer iBook. Everything works so smoothly, and they’re just so pretty. Good luck with your search!
August 31st, 2007 at 6:47 pm
Haven’t used a Mac since grade school, but everyone I know who has one swears by it. My old principal told me that if I’d had a Mac instead of a PC, I wouldn’t have lost my fifth graders’ third quarter grades to a virus. (To be fair, he was really good about the whole situation, except for that snide comment.) If you check out the Macs and like what you see, perhaps it’s worth taking a gamble. You never know until you try!
September 1st, 2007 at 11:43 am
Considering that the innards of a Mac these days actually are made from “PC” components, I really can’t see a reason as why to go and spend silly money on a Mac.
Besides, if you’re used to Microsofts GUI, the Mac will be a pain in the derriere. That’s my two penneth worth anyway!
September 2nd, 2007 at 10:13 am
Great question to pose FBC .. I’ve always been curious to know what other people prefer ..
I’ve never used a MAC so I’m sorry I can’t contribute. My lil HP laptop is pretty good considering how old it is. I hope to update soon too .. my only problem is whether to get a desktop or laptop. (I currently use both at home) Good idea for a post don’t ya think? ;o)
September 2nd, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Finally a topic I actually know something about…
For laptops… if you have money to spare, get a MacBook *Pro* not one of those wannabe basic thingies (cf. 4ft5 men).
If you do miss Windows, which I sincerely doubt given some time, you can always install Parallels or VMWare Fusion (better) and run both on the same hardware.
Do count on spending $2k+ for a *basic* model Pro.
Windows is unsafe mainly because the default user has administrative rights. This has changed somewhat in Vista, but Windows is *not* inherently more unsafe if installed properly, i.e. do not surf/log in with an account that has administrator rights.
If you do get a PC with XP Pro, then remove ALL ‘free’ crapware fresh out of the box, and install whatever applications you need as administrator. Create a NEW login account with limited rights, and only log in as admin to install new applications.
Read:
http://blogs.cnet.com/8301-13554_1-9756656-33.html
Anyhow, if this is too technical, spring for the Mac.
September 2nd, 2007 at 8:45 pm
No doubt about it. Go for the Mac. it can do Windows, in any event, if you must. As I am sure you have heard in another context, once you go Mac, you won’t go back . . . .
September 2nd, 2007 at 10:31 pm
In 1997 I bought my first Mac laptop, which was a Powerbook. It was faithful and true, unlike the slimy Mac salesman who “forgot” to mention that the iMac revolution was just around the corner. Then in 1999 I had a chance to buy a fully loaded one year-old Mac iBook clamshell from a friend. I then gave the 1997 version to a friend, and it was still being used until a few years ago (her computing needs were s-i-m-p-l-e!!). I used the iBook clamshell without issue until this past spring. It’s still working fine, but I inherited my (79 year-old!!) mother’s 2001 Mac iBook so I’m now able to download the latest operating system. And my funky mom? She bought a 2007 iBook and is digging it intensely and immensely. Of course my recommendation is – buy a Mac! They last long time AND they’re like a compu-condom against viruses and the like. Go on – you’re worth it.
September 3rd, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Okay, okay, I’m kind of sold. Sounds like I have to get a MAC, huh? I’ll be in Chicago for a work trip most of this week. But, I’ll be back in New York next week. I’ll look into getting a MAC then.
September 5th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
ech @ MACs. :(
I’m a PC chick…so if you ever decide to go with a PC, definitely go with Gateway because their support is top notch. We have 3 gateways in the house (2 laps and a desk) and their networking is pretty seemless.
September 9th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
I also recently switched from PC to a Macbook pro and SHOULD HAVE done this SOONER! I have had Dell, Gateway, and Toshiba out of the three Gateway was the better, but all of them had one problem THE BLUE SCREEN.
Mac is better on the eyes, better for graphics, design, better for life. I started podcasting using garageband which comes with the mac, not to mention I love the imovie and iphoto. I have MS office for mac and honestly it’s perfect! I wouldn’t get a pc now since Vista is pushed on everyone. I can run my Windows XP if I want to but who needs to Mac is and will remain the best computer decision of my life!
September 10th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Unless you use your computer to play lots of computer games, it doesn’t matter what you get – they all do basically the same thing. A Mac may be a little more secure because Apple isn’t nearly as big of a target as Windows (10% market share vs. 90%), but other than that there are few significant differences. The user interface on a Mac is somewhat different, so if you get one it will take a little time to get accustomed to it, but not a whole lotta time. If you do video editing or graphic design, definitely get a Mac. If you want a less expensive machine, get Windows. Otherwise it’s mainly down to personal preference.
A computer is a computer.
September 11th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
@ courtney: Denzel was a Gateway. There will be no Gateways in my home for at least a few years.
@ Baba Doodlius: Less expensive = good. In the end, the decision will probably come down to money.