[Tessifer]

Hi,
My old computer (an Advent- please don't ask) recently gave up on life so I have an excuse to buy a replacement. I would really appreicate some clear and rational advice on whether I sould opt for a PC or a Mac.

I rarely use my computer for anything particularly specialised. I mainly use it for storing/playing/organising music (LOTS of it), so i suppose a system with plenty of storage and good speakers would be best. I also use it for the usual writing tasks (Microsoft Office etc) and creating presentations. Otherwise I occasionally indulge in memory greedy games like the SIM's.

For someone like me, given that my budget is not exactly without limit, which should I go for? And if its a PC, what make/brand is trustworthy?

Cheers

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If I were you, I'd make a list on what applications I use, what games I play ,etc. , and find out if my applications do support Mac, if there's a similar application for Mac, if my games are supported by Mac and so on.

From personal experience with using branded pcs, try to stay away from HP(very poor technical support) and Compaq rocks.

Edited by Chicken mania, 08 April 2007 - 08:47 AM.

[Chicken mania]

If I were you, I'd make a list on what applications I use, what games I play ,etc. , and find out if my applications do support Mac, if there's a similar application for Mac, if my games are supported by Mac and so on.

From personal experience with using branded pcs, try to stay away from HP(very poor technical support) and Compaq rocks.

Edited by Chicken mania, 08 April 2007 - 08:47 AM.

[pccromeo]

I was in your same position last October, when I was finally able to really afford a computer I really wanted. I had wanted a Mac for several years, but had to use Windows. Windows was OKAY, but it seemed everytime I had something important to do, it would give up on me! After a lot of research and putting quite a bit of thought into it, I finally decided to gamble on a Mac, and let me tell you, it was the best PC related move I have ever made.

I'm currently in college so I mostly use it for my online classes and word processing. I also have quite a bit of music, among other things. The only thing I have to use my HP for is the discs that came with my books that have to be installed, as they only run on Windows. I recently bought SimCity 4 and it runs great on my iMac. The only problem with that is that it has very limited support from EA, which of course is no fault of Apple. The best thing about switching is that I am just so much more productive now. At first it did take a bit of getting used to, as some things you just do differently on a Mac, but I was expecting this. To this date I haven't gotten any error messages that are completely random and make no sense, like I used to get continuously on Windows. I got an 20" iMac Core 2 Duo with 2GB of ram, a 500GB hard drive, a 256MB ATi graphics card, with a 3 year extended warranty and Microsoft Office (student edition) for under $2,200 (with my student discount) and it was most definitely worth every penny.

With Windows based PCs I actually prefer HP because I have had a totally different experience with their tech support than Chicken Mania. With that being said, if you do go with an HP be sure and get a higher end model and NOT a Compaq, as they are continuously troublesome. HPs do tend to have hard drive failures quite often though, so beware.

The decision is ultimately up to you though, and no one can make it for you.

[james_8970]

Just one thing that I want to add here, for a Mac you pay around 300$ more for the same hardware.
Windows does have thier glitches I as well as everyone will say it, but to be able to be able to use pretty well every program handed out there on your compuer far out weighs the endless limitations that seem to be related to the Macs. I find there is much more freedom on Windows, but the next guy could say the opposite. If you have a friend with a Mac give it a try and see if you like it, or else to to best buy and fool around it for a couple minutes.

What are you planning on using it for?

James

[stettybet0]

there are already a ridiculous amount of topics on this forum discussing PC vs. Mac vs. Linux, etc. A mod will probably come and close this down shortly, as most of those topics turned ugly. (pm0g m@c n00b! PC$ r 1337!)

Unfortunately, due to the awful search feature on this forum, you can't do a search for "PC vs. Mac" or "PC or Mac"... If you do some looking around, you may find some topics.

Try googling PC vs. Mac. But basically, unless you have a specific reason to get one or the other, both would be fine. (Linux would be fine too)

[warriorscot]

Depends on budget and use, personally im not a mac fan in general if i dont want to use windows ill use linux which i prefer to OSX anyway and its free. The best way to get a good reliable PC and be assured of value for money and quality is to build one yourself, by the parts and put it together its pretty easy to build a modern PC and there is plenty help available and then you have a good PC and get to pick the operating system/s you want.

[james_8970]

Agreed but then OSX wouldn't be an option. Like I said go to bestbuy and see if you like what you see. Also it depends on your uses as well. What uses are you wanting for it? But the fact that you want good speakers leads me to believe you should go with the PC and a X-fi extreme audio sound card. Does apple even have half descent sound cards on thier higher end desctops. I have never seen one myself, only the jucky little ones used by schools and businesses.

@ everyone here. I think this topic is over. It was posted on the 8th of april and the OP hasn't posted since then.
James

Edited by james_8970, 22 April 2007 - 11:04 PM.

[starjax]

Well, if you really want an apple computer, then go ahead and get it. Apple does have some killer applications. You can always install Parallels or Boot Camp and dual boot with Windows XP. I know several people who do this so they can game and are quiet happy with that.

On the other had if you into hard core gaming and want to run the latest and greatest then I would advise you to stay with the mainstream pc. Greater hardware options available for Windows than for the Apple computers.

While Scot is quick to point out Linux, it isn't for the faint hearted. Even with the latest Linux distro's it takes a bit of time and research to get everything working just like you want it to. It's not quiet to the point of "Poof" instant computer, but it has gotten much better.

Again it comes down to what you want to do with the computer.