Comments | fishpatrol: Mac vs. PC

fishpatrol

Mac vs. PC

Aug 03, 2009 14:09

I've had my lovely Toshiba Satellite (named Juggie) since I first started university. It has, thus far, withstood the wear and tear of being dragged to classes and libraries. It died once and only once in my first year, but was recovered by a friend, no harm done. I love it like a second brain, but it is slowing down in its old age. I'm looking to ( Read more... )

electronic toys, questions

Comments 14

illuminations August 3 2009, 18:59:27 UTC

I heard somewhere that all the parts Apple uses are top of the line, and thus worth the price, but I've only heard that so I don't know for sure. In terms of specs though, there are a bazillion non-Apple laptops that beat Apple by miles, so it really depends on what you want? Funnily enough, I have a HP laptop and it's lasted me 2.5 years so far without any problems. Though I have considered looking at an Apple if/when this does die out on me. My main issues then is that everything is guaranteed to work in Windows but there's a chance you'll want to download software, but discover that it's Windows-only. Although I do know that you can install Windows on a Macbook and switch between the two systems though I've never tested it out. Re: right-click though, the Macbooks now can be customized so that tapping the touchpad with two fingers = right click so there's that ( ... )

fishpatrol August 3 2009, 19:09:11 UTC

In terms of specs though, there are a bazillion non-Apple laptops that beat Apple by miles

Yeah, that's totally true. I have no need for 4GB RAM and 400GB memory, but it still feels as if Apple's ripping you off by charging double the price for 2GB RAM and 160GB memory and a processor that's good, but not likely to be twice as good.

My main issues then is that everything is guaranteed to work in Windows but there's a chance you'll want to download software, but discover that it's Windows-onlyMm, yes, this too. I was just looking at some software that I wanted to download and noticed that it's Windows-only -- I suppose if I get a Mac, and I can switch between it and my current Toshiba... The switching-to-Windows thing on the Mac works only if you shut down the computer and reboot, apparently ( ... )

illuminations August 3 2009, 19:19:31 UTC

Yeah, I think that with how much technology has progressed in the last couple of years, Apple's products aren't really standing out that much. I guess the software that comes bundled with is more useful than the junk PCs come with, but still.

The switching-to-Windows thing on the Mac works only if you shut down the computer and reboot, apparently.
Yeah, pretty much. So you might as well not bother at all with a Mac if you think you might use Windows-only software frequently enough.

y'know, the blue screen of doom and all that.I have actually never had that happen to me. The only time a laptop died on me was when I was using my dad's old IBM laptop that he gave to me only because his company gave THEM new Dells and it was like, 7-8 years old or something. Also probably half my fault since I wasn't that careful lugging it around ( ... )

fishpatrol August 3 2009, 19:52:53 UTC

But you can find more useful free-ware for Windows online, so it balances out. ;)

My current one has given me the blue screen a few times in the past couple of months, but a quick restart fixed problems. The only time restart didn't work was back in first year, when I've had the laptop for just a couple of months and calling the tech support was no help at all. Thankfully, my friend did some googling and fixed it in an hour. It just sounds as if PCs are more prone to random errors -- but, as I said, I could just be getting that impression because of reporting bias.

Out of curiousity, how long does the battery on your HP last? Toshiba laptops seem to be stuck around three hours -- and after four years of use, mine has died down to 1-1.5 hours.

Thread 5

kelene August 3 2009, 19:49:25 UTC

I used a PC until last September when I threw my hands up in despair (after one blue screen of death too many, and seriously, there were many) and pooled my savings into a Macbook. With a student discount, I managed to get it for £100 cheaper, which, you know \o ( ... )

fishpatrol August 3 2009, 20:00:50 UTC

One thing I've got to say about Macs is that every person who switched loves theirs (with the exception of my dad who just wants a working computer to check his email and doesn't use most of his Macbook's functions XD). What brand did you use before switching to Mac? I've only had a few blue screens, none of which resulted in loss of data, so I'm still feeling quite attached to my laptop -- but if Macs really are more reliable, I'm willing to shell out the extra bucks.

There are more keyboard shortcuts on the Mac, right? I've used my dad's Macbook a few times and most attempts resulted in frustration because I couldn't use any of my usual shortcuts. Oh, and you can use Firefox (along with its various add-ons) on the Mac, right?

How's the battery life on the Touch? I heard WiFi really cuts down on the battery life, but still, I suppose it's more convenient than lugging a laptop or even a netbook around. ;)

kelene August 3 2009, 20:22:36 UTC

Oops, wrong place!

I had an old Fujistu-Siemens something or other? It was my Dad's old laptop that he passed down to me when he decided it was a piece of crap (yes, thanks Dad!). It would crash and randomly shut down by itself while I was using it. Gah, I used to get so frustrated with it. >:|

Keyboard shortcuts are pretty much the same as long as you remember to substitute ctrl with the cmd button! Oh, which reminds me - instead of the two fingers on a trackpad thing, ctrl+click=right click.

And yep, Firefox in all its glory. Actually, remember when it first got upgraded to Firefox 3 and everyone hated it because it crashed all the time? That hasn't happened as much since I switched to Firefox for Mac OS. But I don't know if that's just because they fixed a few bugs in the upgrade.

WiFi does eat up a lot of battery. Mostly, I use it when I'm downstairs and don't have the Mac with me, or when I'm out and have an LJ craving. I'm a pretty heavy user of my Touch and the battery usually lasts me for about 3/4 days.

postingwhore August 4 2009, 00:07:03 UTC

GO FOR A MACBOOK PRO. I HAVE ONE AND IT IS THE BEST EVER.

ALSO THERE IS INDEED RIGHT CLICK AS THE COMMENT ABOVE ME STATES.

ALSO THERE ARE LOTS OF FUNCTIONS AND IT IS AWESOME AND IS SO WORTH IT. :P

fishpatrol August 4 2009, 01:48:21 UTC

If I were to get a Mac, I was thinking of either the 13.3" Macbook or the 15" Macbook Pro -- but there really aren't a lot of functions that the Pro has that I need (I just like the bigger screen options XD). What kind of functions does it offer that you find useful? I know I'll have to install iWorks and Photoshop separately; and one of the things that holds me back from purchasing a Mac is the various programs that are available for Windows only.

postingwhore August 4 2009, 02:58:48 UTC

I have the 15" :P

tbqh I like that it has more memory and shit because I always overload my computers with too much stuff and programmes running at the same time, etc. I do agree that it sucks that I'm missing a lot of programmes, but it's fairly easy to find many mac-equivalent ones...

Also, no need for iworks. :P Use Open Office, which is free! :P

Anyway, macs do seem to be more stable and less virus prone and the like, which is what prompted me to get one. :P I'd probably still get Windows desktops, but I'd recommend a Mac for a laptop.

ex_trolleys August 4 2009, 00:23:51 UTC

I've never owned a mac book so I can't vouch for its quality, but if you do decide to go for it make sure to purchase Apple Care. I had my iMac repaired twice - to replace the monitor glass and to replace my HD. I had my computer back in 1-2 days both times, which probably wouln't have been the case under a PC care plan.

Also, if you have an issue with your Mac you can take it to any Apple store and they won't charge you if they resolve the issue on the spot (they won't charge you regardless under Apple Care, but this applies to units out of warranty too).

Basically I think Apple's customer service is better.

fishpatrol August 4 2009, 01:52:55 UTC

I asked my dad if he purchased Apple Care for his Macbook, and he said that if it broke within three years, he'd just buy a new one. XD Since that option isn't available to me, I'd consider Apple Care -- it's three additional years on top of the one year warranty, right?

So if your Mac crashes after the one year warranty and you don't have Apple Care, they'll fix it for you without charge? :O

I don't doubt that Apple's customer service is much better; the one time I had contact with Toshiba's customer service, I decided that I'd never call them again. The tech guy gave me the most ridiculous instructions and didn't even manage to fix the problem. D:

ex_trolleys August 4 2009, 02:40:28 UTC

It's actually 3 years in total, but still very worth it IMO.

So if your Mac crashes after the one year warranty and you don't have Apple Care, they'll fix it for you without charge?

Yes, if they can fix it then and there. But not if you have to leave it overnight or whatever, in which case I'd assume they'll give you a repair quote.

Gah, PC tech support is a nightmare. A few years ago a Dell technician made me reformat my entire hard drive when all I needed to do was delete adware. And she didn't even know what she was doing until after the fact, and was like "oh whoops".