Anyone have any thoughts on the issue?

I'm asking because I grew up PC (never could afford a mac) but for the past 3 or 4 years I've been using a mac. Now, when I first went to mac, I was massively hating PC's because of all the inherent problems with it, like how easily they get virus' and trojans, etc. Other than issues with adjusting to the new OS of a mac, I really liked the mac... until about a year and a half ago. We got the basic macbook, and we were told by the mac genius' (at the store, not using it as a general term) that what we wanted to use it for was storing pics, videos, docs, and internet access. They told us this comp would be fine. Well a few years later and after having already dropped over $1200.00 on the comp, we've had to buy 4 new charge cords because the other ones burned up (over heated or something) an external hard drive (the comp WASNT sufficient and has like NO memory left) AND an external burner (because it apparently, and unbeknownst to me, didnt come with one like basic PC laptops do, and because we are out of room, need to burn vital things to DVD-RW/R) Here's the kicker... THERES NOT ENOUGH SPACE TO RUB THE BURNER PROGRAM! grrrrr I'VE HAD IT! After all the money which has been dropped into this laptop I would have been better off buying a PC. I'm really starting to hate MAC.

Aaaanyhoo, thats why Im asking. I'm wondering if anyone else has had MAC laments and are considering (or already have) gone back to PC. Or are there any die hard MAC users who can offer some solid reasons to stick with the mac? Thanks.

Reasons to keep:

-I've had my iMac for 3 1/2 years and have never had a virus. My Macbook has been working perfectly for 2 years. This is with no anti-virus software. (I've just jinxed myself, right?)
-Even at nearly 4 years old, my basic iMac's graphics and os is still superior to a PC.
-If you need to fix something with the os, you can usually figure it out on your own without tech support.


I also have an external 1 TB hard drive, we have tons (I mean ridiculous TONS) of reference material that just cannot be stored on the desktop itself.
If you transfer all your larger files to the external drive, will it still not run? Aside from the burner not being included, you would still have the same problem if you filled up a the hard drive on a PC laptop as well.

Mac. And I'm sticking with it.
I'm an art student in college, and in my department, having a Mac is a must. If you don't have one, you'll pretty much fail. Plus, the Mac is a perfect tool if you're studying art. It's got a lot of programs already catered to artists/designers/typographers, etc. It's an artsy computer.

Same here. I had to get an external harddrive for my old Macbook. But it's a good investment anyways; you back-up your system, because be it a Mac or a PC, the system will eventually crash. In all honesty, I hated the Macbook - not the Macbook Pro (the newer ones, I have one of those <3). The older Macbooks just aren't good enough if you're doing a lot of photos or digital images. It can only handle so much room. A Mac doesn't have memory or storage like a PC does.

I had a PC - WAY back in the day when I was younger - but since Dad bought the whole iMac, everyone in my house uses Macs. We don't have any PC's anymore.

But I don't think I'd want to go back to PC.
It's just... too "boxy" and business like.

I am sorry to hear of all your Mac woes. It sounds like you might have gotten a bad "apple" out of the lot and also the unfortunate luck of a salesperson who didn't listen to what you really needed from your laptop. I can understand why you would be frustrated with yours.

Personally, my experience with Macs has been positive as has been my sister's. I'm not a die-hard fan of either Macs or PCs. I have both and they both have their advantages. It just depends on what you want to do with it. If I were into gaming, the Mac I have would not cut it. I use my Macbook more than the PC because, well, it's newer and the honeymoon phase isn't over. I've been seeing how much and how far I can take it before I run into errors, but so far, it's been doing well.

Honestly, as I've said, both have their pros and cons. You can have people arguing this back and forth forever. In the end, you gotta pick a laptop based on what you need it to do and what you are comfortable with. Heck, I know people who simply chose the Macbook because they liked the shiny brushed 'titanium' look.

I have a older model MAC and I've only had to send it off once to get it fixed. And that was years ago. I use to have at PC and would have so many problems with it including viruses and it crashed all the time. Since I've had my MAC I haven't looked back. Its a great product to use especially when you are dealing with art, music and writing which is basically all I use mine for anyway. My MAC is about 6 years old now and I still love it!

Yikes, I'm sorry to hear your problems, especially when you've dished out a nice chuck of change.

I am a Apple user as well. I've switched from PC to Apple around 3 - 3 1/2 years ago, and, even after the large sum it took from my bank account, I'm still in love with my MacPro. Like the rest of you, I've had similar problems with my laptop, but they haven't hurt me too much. A bad graphics card and one charger are the only damages occurred so far, and the protection plan took care of the costs. My experience is pretty much this:

Apple:

The good:
No viruses.
Good platform for artists.
Sleek.
Long lasting (a couple professors of mine have had their apples for 14 years).
Very easy shortcuts.
Specialized Programs.
Some similar default programs (EX: TextEdit = Notepad, Safari = Internet Explorer, Finder = My Computer, etc.).
Easy to use from the box.
Apple Care (It's great for new macs. Sadly, my term has come to an end. So any problem I face now that requires new parts, I'll have to pay out of pocket).
The magnetize power cord (My favorite!).
Ipods (already synced with mac, just plug it in).

The bad:
Specialized Programs (any program you have for windows you cannot run on Mac - unless you use both OS and Windows operating systems. And some programs can be pricey, not to mention you have to make sure programs run for mac before you buy).
Not for gaming (seriously, don't even try. I have Second Life on my baby and it's a pain in the butt to run, even after upgrading to Snow and fiddling with the preferences).
If not enhanced, it will run slow (really, you have to customize your laptop from the very start with better ram and memory and all that jazz; which means a very large sum of money flying out of your pocket).
No default art program (If there is, I haven't found it. Kind of made me sad).
The color rainbow wheel of death (I think you understand. Be a frequent saver!).
Upgrades. (Seriously, they come out with new ones as soon as you buy the one before it. The new track pad on the new MacPros doesn't have the long button, it IS the button; which is pretty snazzy to me. Also, the look is a little different).
MacBookAir (just no).
Ipad (again, just no).


PC:

The good:
Nice designs (Dell has those pretty snazzy case designs).
Most programs you find are made for windows.
Most portable hard drives are made for PCs.
Most office buildings and regular job places use PCs.
Word (I love word, I have the equivalent Pages, which is pretty nice, but not the same. So I just use TextEdit most of the time.)
Gaming (My old Toshiba ran SecondLife like a pro, and other strange games I had laying around).
Many online games (Some websites do not serve Macs, unless you're using window's programs).
MUCH cheeper.
The freebies (Like solitaire, hearts, the art program, minesweep, etc.).

The bad:
Start up (little bit of a long wait).
Viruses.
Quick to slow down (Those commercials for this problem are funny).
The power cord (My Toshiba's prong located inside the computer broke away from it setting and no one could fix it, so I had to always fiddle to make sure the charger was connected and keeping my laptop alive).
Desktops are kind of bulky unless you get the slim monitors.
The hourglass.
The blue screen of death (I cried a little when I saw one of those).
Virus protection programs (all that money you saved will go towards buying these, unless you don't use the internet).

So those are just my personal opinions on the computers. I love my Mac and I don't think I'd ever return to, especially after buying specialty items made for running on macs, but I don't think PCs are bad - just not for me. Also, sorry for typing so much, got a little carried away.

I have a older model MAC and I've only had to send it off once to get it fixed. And that was years ago. I use to have at PC and would have so many problems with it including viruses and it crashed all the time. Since I've had my MAC I haven't looked back. Its a great product to use especially when you are dealing with art, music and writing which is basically all I use mine for anyway. My MAC is about 6 years old now and I still love it!














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I've been debating for a while whether to get a Dell or a Mac for a new laptop as I have to return my current machine to the company I work at. After looking through the specs and talking to salespeople and friends, I've decided on a Dell PC. The main advantage of the MAC seems to lie in its virus protection. However, I've used PC for YEARS, without a single virus problem - a good virus protection program like Quick Heal Total Security Pro, which takes care of regular, online and device protection made sure I never had a virus nor a computer shutdown. The only times I've had a PC issue is when my antivirus wasn't up to speed...or when I had to use McAfee (on my current machine, but that's due to company laws, I don't have any control over what programs I'm allowed to run).

At the end of the day, the PC was giving me what I needed for half the price of a MAC, and I realised I don't want to pay over and above my head for something that a decent antivirus can fix with no trouble. To top it off, MACs are pretty expensive machines, period, with all the specialsed programs you have to keep getting or else run two OSs. Too much trouble and not worth it for the brand name and looks only, in my opinion. There are plenty of good looking PCs out there as well! A little care with battery usage, charging and backing up data will result in your PC sticking about for YEARS. At home, we've had out desktop for 11 years, and the only thing we do to it is an occasional upgrade.

I'm honestly too poor to afford a computer of my own after my last one was destroyed in a car crash... so I'm stuck with using friend's computers and the computers at the local libraries, all of which are PCs. I have owned and used both kinds of computer, though. I like how simple MACs are to use and I like how they look, but I did find that my PCs were way more versatile.

(The no viruses thing on MACs is pretty nifty though.)

I personally love PC. I've had my fair share of problems with PC though. I've considered getting a Mac, especially since that's what my schools had. However, having experience with both at the same time, I have to say that Macs do have a better anti-virus, but it is a hassle to find programs for it and those programs tend to be very expensive. Yet, there are things I like about it and I do run a Mac OS emulator on my laptop for the Mac programs I need for school. It's the better systems for graphics and video editing. Though PC seems better for just about everything else.

Also, to Eos Sol, Microsoft has a suite for Mac that does include Word. There's Office 2008 and Office 2011. I only know because my cousin has a Mac and uses it.

I love my Macs. I've been through my share of PC's and the issues I've had with them.

For my family, including my eldest son who has questionable computer habits including clicking on everything that blinks, Mac has been the tool for us.

I don't do art, I dabble in writing, and my youngest uses it for some games and huge amounts of research for his advanced classes. Granted, you can't play a whole lot of online games on the thing as Mac isn't always supported. However, I do love the parental controls, even for my eldest clicking-addict, it's kept us from viruses. You can control the sites children can go on and limit the time and when they can be on the computer. The 26 inch monitor I have is fantastic and I love the fact that the hardware is inside. No external hard drive.

I just picked up a Macbook Pro for my daughter, who's in college, after she caught that awful email virus. The laptop was only 9 months old, and was already exhibiting slow processing amongst a bunch of other issues. She bought the PC because that was all she could afford at the time. Fortunately, the PC was cleaned and fixed and she didn't have anything important on it (thanks to a thumb drive), but she was done with it and sold it to the click-happy brother for a song.

I guess it really depends on what you need and what you can afford. Be sure you talk to a couple of different stores and compare notes. Have a list of requirements ready so you know what you need.

My family has always had PC. I've actually been using an old model Dell laptop for the longest time, and I've rarely ever had a problem with Viruses and/or Trojans. I find PCs are user-friendly. It could just be habit (I grew up with them, and I don't really like change), but the few times I've used MACs I've found them confusing, frustrating, and I just generally don't like the feel or use of them. Though of course, each has its own perks. I hear that MACs are better for people who run graphics programs and such, but seeing as I'm not in need of that...I do believe I'll be sticking with PCs for a long time to come...

Also, I've avoided all my PC virus issues by having AVG anti-virus installed. It's great, and keeps your computer clean. Adware is also a great thing to have as an anti-spyware program, and to clean your computer of stuff that's slowing it down. I don't even really have to run it that often... I've had maybe one noted Trojan in the past year, and it was caught and destroyed by my antivirus, with no notable effect on my computer.

There isn't really much difference between a MAC and a PC. Both are just platforms of technology do the same thing, run computer applications. One however should always consider what they want the PC and or MAC to do before purchasing a PC. Nowdays there are generally several basic types of computers, Desktop, Laptop/Notebook, and Netbooks.

Desktop PCs:
Are generally a large computer made up of a central PC processor box or Tower that sits on or under a desk, isn't mobile, has loads of plugs, and cables, and comes (at a basic set-up) with a mouse, keyboard, and a monitor. Add-ons applicable include printers, scanners, or scanner/printer combo, drawing pads, external hard drives, and flash drives that plug in via USB. The desktop PCs usually do some with some form of adapter card either wireless, cable, or landline that you can plug in for internet access too.

Desktop PCs generally tend to have greater RAM, local hard drive memory, and either integrated video graphics support (a chip on the mother-board) or a separate video graphics card with onboard memory, than a laptop computer.

Desktop PCs can come at Entry-Level as in with basic features that can be purchased as a package from an computing/electronics store, or as a custom-build by which you choose the components and either put them together yourself, or hire an I.T specialist, and or a workshop to put it together for you. The result can be a fairly cheap PC that will allow you to do basically everything, to a heavy grunty PC perfect for online and offline gaming.

Laptop PCs
Are prominently designed for 'Mobility' and easy use and set-up, i.e you can take it anywhere, and set it up anywhere (within reason). These come as an integrated package with a keyboard, monitor, adapter + cable and plug, an internal battery, a DVD/CD recorder drive, and a touch-pad mouse as a basic set-up. They usually have less RAM, and local hard drive space than a Desktop PC, but this varies between models, brands, and price ranges. Video graphics is usually in the form of chipset on the mother-board rather than as a separate video graphics card with onboard memory (as in a desktop pc), although this can vary too.

Primarily a laptop is for ease of use and mobility, and not necessarily for gaming, and or for use in heavy graphics programs. Most other devices you might want to hook up to a standard laptop will need to be USB connectable, although some laptops could have the peripheral plug ins for some devices (e.g. printer/scanner), however this is not always the case.

Laptops like Desktop machines can have a single processor or be 'Dual Core' as in processing power is split between two processor chips and not one. For example some applications like Adobe CS3 can only be run on a 'Dual Core' desktop or laptop machine.

Netbooks
A portable or mobile laptop but with less RAM, smaller local hard drive and less powerful processor chips. The Netbook usually will not have a DVD/CD drive either, although it will have plenty of USB slots to plug in external 'Plug and Play' devices. Overall the Netbook as per its name relies heavily on web-connectivity to use many of its applications. I would tend to avoid purchasing a Netbook as it has less computing power than a standard Desktop PC, or a Laptop.

This is a basic guide to Desktop, Laptop, and Netbook PCs. There are variations with in the technology depending on brand, and the price-ranges. More expensive PCs can do more, while the cheaper ones do less.

Primarily however a good basic Entry-Level machine from the computing and or electronics store will do the majority of basic computing, provided you have access to the software, and the PC has the technical specifications (e.g. the RAM, hard drive space, and operating system etc) for you to install the software.

When purchasing a new PC it's always a good thing to think about:

1. What you want the PC to do


2. What software you want to use on the PC


3. Your price-range


4. The brand of PC you're interested in buying (e.g. HP, Dell, MAC, Apple, Compaq, Toshiba etc)


5. If you want a Pre-built from the electronics store, or a Custom-Build with features you've picked out yourself (note only specific retailers, and or IT stores that specialise in custom-builds will do this for you)


6. If the PC you want to purchase is under a Warranty, or an Extended Super-Cover Warranty (as in if something breaks on it, say the hard drive fails and it's not your fault, you can take it back to where you purchased it from and they'll usually send it back to the manufacturer for testing, and repair which should be covered by the Warranty for a fixed period of time)

The Best thing when it comes to shopping for a new PC is to 'Look Around'. Bargain hunt when there are 'Specials' on if you want a 'New PC' rather than a re-conditioned, and or second hand one.

Overall with a new PC you should be able to get a decent run out of it for a couple of years at best. If it zonks out before then, and you have a Warranty cover get it in and get it fixed, but that also depends on the type of damage too. If you spilled coffee on your PC and it rusted the keyboard etc, you likely won't be covered by your Warranty. If the hard drive fails on its own with in a reasonable time-frame you will be covered, but it's best to check out the minutiae by reading your Warranty contract very carefully, and asking the Sales Agent specific questions which they are obligated to answer.

~ Pyre