Apple versus Mac

[SantaCBear]

Not sure what you mean with the title "Apple versus Mac" ??

But to answer your question about "just emails, and reading forums and blogs?"

IMHO: A mid price laptop (PC) with Linux OS will suit one just fine.

One can find a new laptop locally with OUT an OS on it in most places in the USA

 

[trawler69]

Apple and Mac are really synonymous since you cant have a Mac without it being Apple. As said above, if that is all you want it for, a cheap laptop with Linux might be your best bet as it will save you having to bugger about with anti virus software.

 

[Jack Springer]

i am a former PC user that has totally switched to a MAC. It is so much easier to do anything. I have to use a PC at work after several years on a MAC. The older MAC OS were not very friendly but the newer OSX is fantastic. Check it out at an Apple store. MAC are a little more expensive -- but you really don't need to purchase a lot of software.

 

[JayboyCDA]

I bought my first Mac 3 years ago and am looking at getting another Mac. I do use PC at work, but my preference is Mac... I don't mind paying the extra $$$... in the 3 years that I've had my laptop, I haven't had any problems with it, except the normal wear and tear (power adaptor)

 

[trawler69]

Just thought I should explain where I was comng from in my Linux recommendation. For years I have used PC's and put up with them, sorted them when they fucked up etc. I hated macs as they were even less friendly and the software was not interchangeable. Then, well after mac osx came along people started to mess with linux and I was wary, didn;t want to compromise my pc by trying stuff etc. Then I gave up full time work for a bit and had time to experiment which has ended up with me using an imac core2 duo with 2 gigs of ram on os x 10.4.10. This is my main OS. I also run parallels and XP at the same time for those few apps that are not supported by os X, mainly visual basic progs interfacing with 3rd party equipment of rs232.

My old XP laptop I now boot from a 1 gig memory stick into Puppy linux which gives me all the internet and email access I need It recognises all of my hardware , even the wireless network card. The beauty of this is that it boots in less than 40 seconds and I can take my entire OS with me in my pocket and all the files and settings I choose. It is also very fast as it runs from ram and doesn't need any hard disk access. It is also free! Might be worth a look IMHO.

 

[andysayshi]

I use PCs and Macs every day. If you can afford it, I'd recommend the Mac.

Mac negatives:

Slightly more expensive (not very much, though, when you compare feature for feature).
Limited cam support for MSN.
Not as many games available (but changing rapidly now Intel Macs are around)
Screen size of MacBooks is small.

Mac positives:

No viruses or malware
Great build quality
You can install and run Windows if you need to.
Sexy design
Most hardware (like camera, WiFi, Bluetooth, Gibabit networking) is integrated, so very few hardware issues
Most external gear like cameras, printers etc work straight out of the box - don't even need to install drivers
Lots of great quality software included. iTunes, iPhoto, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand, even a built in Dictionary & Thesaurus.
Easy to use and intuitive.


Ultimately, spend some time in a store or with a friends and see which platform you prefer.

 

[sheep]

You can get a Mac Mini for $599. and use your existing monitor, keyboard and mouse.