Why Should i Buy Mac?

I was thinking of buying Macbook air next month.... but then this question popped in my mind... 'Why should i buy Mac ?' for that price i could get a high-end gaming laptop & this Mac OS wont run half of the programs around the world...

So if someone can explain me i ll be more confident in buying a Mac based computing machine

 

to be precise what does Mac offer that Windows based comp doesnt?

 

Mac is "easier" to use then Windows. Bad part is that Windows can run almost anything, and Mac's can only run like 3 programs rofl....

If you want a high-end gaming laptop, Windows is the way to go. I would recommend looking into the Alienware forums, or Sager and Clevo.

 

Mac is simpler. Personally I am fed up of Window's hassles and stupid bugs and glitches. I know OS X is not free from those things but I want a fresh OS to make a nice start from. If you want to go mac, it is because you want the OS X and it's superior hardware. You can also boot into Windows if you wish, or even dual boot, but keep in mind this uses up a lot of resourced. And if you boot into Windows it becomes just as good as any other PC you can get, and I hear it works beautifully. I am a gamer and plan to go mac because my notebook PC is really getting on my nerves and I know that if I go with a mac I can choose to come back to windows for anything that mac doesn't offer and vice versa.

People are saying really good things about Leopard and it is acclaimed to be better than Vista. If possible try test driving a mac for yourself and see if it would work for you.

 

I would suggest that you do some research into the inventory of Mac software.

And when you're not sure at all whether to switch to Mac or not, why consider MacBook Air right away? That is: Are you spesifically in need of a "thin" laptop, whatever the payoff in performance and features? You are aware, that the far more affordable MacBook is a much stronger machine, right? And that for about $200 more you can get a MacBook Pro, which is "thick" alright, but *ahem* considerably more capable.

Usually when people ask to be "convinced to get an X", they usually have done some research, and are already decided, and all they need is some justification from their peers as to the imminent financial investment. Or, they want clarified certain spesific (often minor) worries, such as: "Isn't the single button mouse a hindrance?" or "Is the 13" screen too small?" or "Am I going to be able to do this and this" etc.

You sound somewhat different, however: I'd strongly recommend that you read other "should I get a Mac" threads on these forums; and read Sam's thread about "making the switch" (it's stickied).

 

Really? That's an odd thing to post, considering that Windows can be installed in a Mac.

BTW, I don't think anyone looking for a high-end gaming machine should be considering a MBA or any other lightweight or ultraportable machine for that matter.

Macs aren't really targeted at gamers, but if you'd like to game on a Mac, I'd suggest a MBP. If you simply want a gaming machine, you'd probably be better off with a Windows machine as suggested earlier.

Why should you buy a Mac? OSX, for starters. Security, stability and of course, the ever popular style and resale value of Macs.

 

There's a lot of great programs for Mac too. And hell even Microsoft is supporting Mac OS X with Office 08. You also can run all of apples mac-only software. Any program worth owning has an OS X version anyway, or will soon. And for gaming... just install Windows XP or Vista.

As for if you should buy a Macbook Air specifically. Personally I think buying a MBA is a total waste of money when you can get a much, much more powerful MBP. Nothing beats running OS X, Windows, and being able to play any game on the market.

 

Is there any specific software you're using that doesn't have a Mac equivalent? Because its a bad stereotype, but in fact Mac OS X has a lot of software now, most of what most people use.

For me, I love the Macs' designs and Mac OS X. Mac OS X works more logically for me...its got a nice look without using much resources (Vista), its fast, its easy to troubleshoot (whereas with Windows it could be so many things), things are much simpler (installing an application most of the time is just dragging an icon into the Applications Folder. Unbelievable, but true), there's no need to worry about antivirus yet or driver issues.

Mac OS X isn't for everyone, and it might not be right for you. But to me, I disliked Mac OS X, until I tried it. Now I prefer it over Windows.

 

You seem to want two different things. Do you want a high end gaming laptop, or do you want a super thin laptop you could shave with?

If you want something to game with, the MBA is not what you want anyways, and you should look at the MacBook Pro.

Otherwise, Compare the MacBook Air to something like the Sony TZ or the IBM x61.

 

MBA was just an example for Cost V/s Utility comparison..

btw i tried Mac Pro (intel xeon chip powered) at a showroom...have to say it was ultra powerful.. iTunes opened in microseconds,
The Garageband software has the the best GUI i ve ever seen on a Music edit software..


i am impressed enough to buy a Mac OSX based comp...but there are some questions such as : How well does Vista run on Macbook pro? Do i even need Vista?...

Where can i get a list of playable games on Mac osx?

 

The only reason to buy the Macbook Air is the sexiness and form. After owning my Macbook for about 3 months now, I now see no other terribly convincing reason to own any Mac over a PC. Well, I probably would never buy another PC again though. (Perhaps build my own tower when I settle down).

 

buy a MBP not an air if u wanna use it to game with, and mac i just brilliant im a converted mac hater after owning a MBP for a month

 

If you want to game. Windows is the way to go, so you may want to get Vista on your mac for gaming.

 

It was very simple for me - I needed a laptop that runs unix well. I did not want to meticulously compare every component against Linux compatibility lists for a standard PC laptop (and every one I looked at had at least ONE linux gotcha). Apple makes the best, most reliable, trouble-free mobile unix solution. Bingo sold.

My MBP boots OSX, Ubuntu or Windows XP. It runs VMware if I need to run a different OS while still running OSX. It games as well as any other Nvidia 8600 laptop when running Windows via bootcamp. I can build almost any open source app to run in OSX natively or via X11.

The other thing I noticed is that Apple's consistently have very nice screens. I have yet to get a Dell (on my 8th) that had a decent LCD panel.

It has been, flat out, the most flexible, fun laptop I've had in a while. And more importantly, girls will walk up and talk to me about my mac! Something that never ever happens when hauling around my employer-provided Dells. lol.

 

Vista runs just as well on a MBP as a normal PC with equal specs. And you don't need Vista, but to game you really need either XP or Vista on your Mac. Macs gaming library is very limited, since Macs are not primarily used as gaming machines.

 

I don't think anyone here will be able to "convince" you to by a Mac. You'll just have to take a close look at OS X and the hardware and decide which platform best meets your needs. There are some awesome Windows-based PCs out there with lots of features for the dollar, if those are the features you want. Likewise for Mac. Personally, I made the switch because OS X and the included software are exactly what I want/need in a computer (I just didn't know it until I finally met a Mac!). Windows was always way too cumbersome and, at least for me, disruptive to the creative process.

 

The MacBook Pro runs Vista fine, just like any other PC, using Boot Camp or virtually. Anything that runs on Windows, will run on the MacBook Pro in Windows.

Do you need Vista? That's a question to ask yourself . Is there anything in Windows (games, Windows-only software) that you need or want to use? If nothing really, then I see no reason why you should Boot Camp with Vista as well.

And just to clarify, yeah, anything that runs on Windows, will run on the MacBook Pro running Windows. Any game, software, etc.

As for games in Mac OS X, there really isn't a full list of games, but here's two examples: http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APP...86C4&node=home/shop_mac/software/action_games

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APP...0530&node=home/shop_mac/software/family_games

 

Then get a high end gaming laptop and be done with it. There is no comparing the two, the MBA is targeted at a very niche market and if you are even thinking the word 'gaming' then the MBA is not it.

As an aside, i think laptop gaming is expensive and unnecessary when compared with the benefits of console gaming.

 

If your just going to compare specs of macs vs pcs on paper, pcs are for the most part, always going to win. What makes macs worth it is that besides being nice pieces of hardware, and for a lack of a better term at the moment, is the "mac experience." Mac OSX is a very "pleasant" operating system to use, especially for common daily tasks such as web surfing. There is plenty of very good software available on the mac platform (however there does seem to be less freeware) so its not very accurate to say Macs don't run any software. Outside of games and engineering software, there is most likely a mac equivalent. Also a big advantage, is that apple controls the hardware, so things "just work" as the sofware only has to work on like 5 computers compared to Windows software that has to work on hundreds of different models. I would suggest, if possible, to try a mac first before passing judgment on them. I've been a PC user all of my life and I've found using my macbook pro for the most part a very pleasant experience and definitely worth the $1700 I payed for it.

 

If you like video editing then you'll love FinalCut Pro. If you like games then don't get a mac. Each can run similar software. If you really want to run a windows program then you can dual boot windows with bootcamp.

 

buy a mac if you are not short on $$$..I still have a useable g4 emac and it uns smooth with tiger,,,they'll won't disappoint you...

 

get a MBP if your gaming. im writing this on mine now and i love it ots awesome. its so powerful its unbelievable itunes opens instantly (normally around 20 secs on equally spec'd deskie) as for running vista i dont have a need for it, but i have heard that the MBP runs vista faster that the equally spec'd pc lappys out there

 

I don't know where this stuff comes from.... but no... if the specs are the same then they'll run Vista or any other OS at the same speed.

 

It's really up to you. I suggest going to a Mac store to try one out yourself, and same for the pc. Everyone needs different things from a computer, so the advice you get it going to be extremely varied.

Generally, I find that most people who own Macs really have no idea why they own a Mac over a pc. They just know that they look cool, are easy to use and have seen "cool" people use them. Not that theres anything wrong with those things. Apple is incredibly good at marketing, and unfortunately, I cant help but believe that a lot of what Apple sells is sold off of brilliant marketing tactics.

Mac hardware is not superior. There is nothing technically superior about the hardware of a Mac over a pc. Pcs generally have higher technical specifications, actually. But like a lot of people have said on here, Macs have a much smaller range of hardware to work with as opposed to pcs. So, things will just simply work better with less hitches, although i have been running Xp pro since it's launch with 0 issues and 0 viruses. Remember, the only anti virus method that is worth anything but a hill of beans is common sense.

OSX is a beautiful thing. Sometimes, when I am bored and at the mall, I will go into the Mac store just to mess with OSX. I really love it. It's so simple, elegant and quick. It really is an OS that I feel good going to. Quite the work of art, i think.

I really wish Mac people would do a little searching about before getting onto forums and giving advice to sincere people wanting true advice. Some of you have given the op some bogus answers that could quickly be found by using google or any other search engine. In todays world, not getting the correct info about products that can be found in 10 seconds is just lazy and irresponsible.

Macs are not the main choice for gaming.

Macs do not have superior hardware than Pcs.

OSX is wonderful, but Windows is still a great operating system with tons more software choices.

Logic Pro rules. (Seriously, this is one reason i would own a Mac)

Macs are not going to run one program 10x better than a pc just because its a Mac.

I am a pc user, and have been ever since my father introduced me to his Compaq portable II. There are a lot of things that i love about Macs, and a lot of things i love about Pcs. Right now, pcs give me exactly what i need from a computer: OPTIONS and customization. But, I will own a Mac sometime in the near future.

Good luck with your search, dude.

 

Whoever told you that lied to you. Steve Jobs doesn't have some magic pixie dust that he can sprinkle on Macs in order to make their hardware run faster even though other PCs use the exact same stuff. Macs can seem faster than PCs because OS X is just that: real fast. But if you take an equally spec'd PC and Mac and have them both run the same version of Windows they will perform exactly the same. (unless you've got a bunch of crap running in the background, of course )

 

That's as close to unbiased as it gets. I agree with what he said, very honest. PCs definitely give us more options, but PC companies just can't get the designs right, from the hardware to the software... even the new Vista look crappy next to Leopard (tho it's clear that they tried hard on improving the design, very hard). Apple definitely has better taste than any PC companies. I mean... Have you seen and type on one of those new IMac KEYBOARD??? Using a Mac is definitely an experience. No wonder they always say "Once you go Mac, you'll never go back". (heheh, good marketing right there)

I would get a MBP if they drop the price by around at least $200. Don't try to convince me cos whatever you say, I still think that Macs are overpriced, except maybe like the base IMac 20". In the end, it's all personal perference, would you be willing to sacrifice options for designs? Cos with a Mac, you ARE paying more to have less options...

 

You aren't really sacrificing anything if the Mac meets your needs. So I have to disagree. I'd say you're paying more for iLife, 0 bloatware, and a great looking, sturdy notebook, with a company that provides amazing customer service, and make a damn good OS. You're options are more in what Mac you buy, and not customizing every piece of, say, a MBP. If you need an 8800 then you buy a Mac Pro. If you want to run graphics intensive apps or games at high settings, and you're on the go you get a high end MBP, if you don't need as much performance, then a low end MBP will still play any game out there pretty well. If you want a good portable, that's small, and will do basic tasks well then the MB is what you're looking for. I don't think the customization is very limiting, I just think.. it's a different approach.

Dell kind of does the same thing. They give you about 2 options for a video card in the XPS. So does Apple with their MBP. And their inspirons only have an option for the X3100. Just like Apple with the Macbook. In fact, the only time you can really customize a notebook well, is with a gaming notebook from say, Sager or Alienware.

 

Sorry I didn't make myself clear. I meant Windows give you more options than OS X. With simplicity, you give up options. Think about it, you have so much to learn about windows, and PC computers in general, that you can even major in it. How much do you have to learn about OS X compared to that? OS X does what it was meant to, serve simple people in a simple way. "It just works". And then there's the limit of softwares written for OS X. Ya Ya, I know, most softwares that you actually NEED are available to OS X anyway, I hear that all the time, but I'm talking about options here, think about the amount of softwares available to Windows...

Please don't mention BootCamp... I think that was a big marketing mistake from Apple... "Our Macs are SO advanced... that they can also run... WINDOWS" !!??

WINDOWS??!!!!

afddagd....

WINDOWS?? #*^#%R^

What was that?

WINDOWS??????!!!!!!!!

You get my point. Don't get me wrong tho, I like Macs, I am definitely getting one in the future (maybe when MBP finally get a physical refresh with a new keyboard) but I would have done that a long time ago if Macs offer the options, customizations and varieties of Windows based PCs.

 

BTW, Arquis, do you play WoW? I think I might know you

 

I tried WoW about a month or two ago for like 10 days. Maybe you saw me? lol. And I apologize in advance but.... I HAVE to! What gives you more software options than running both OS's on one machine? xD. Apple never said they were "so advanced" they can now run it. They just said they just support it now, in order to convert more people. And correct me if I'm wrong, but it worked, so how can it be a mistake? Apple doesn't have to compete against Windows like a standard competition between companies. Since you can't run OS X (legally, or anywhere near as well) on anything but a Mac there's no threat in letting Windows run on it. I'm very glad they did that, personally, since now I don't need to buy a PC. Ever since Apples move to Intel processors, I think it would be unreasonable to not let it run, and being able to run both is a major selling point.

It's hypocritical of them, but hey, what do I care. It's pretty much what was holding back their hardware sales, and they just removed that block. Good for them, smart move. They realize a lot of stuff isn't for OS X, so they don't limit customers, and also the more Macs sell, the more software will be created for them. It's pretty win-win.

 

That is actually true, sorry.

It came from PCworld.com. The MBP 2.4 ran Vista with the highest scores and fastest loading times for all applications:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,136649-page,3-c,notebooks/article.html

EDIT: They didn't test the phantom, which was the faster laptop to run Vista.

 

Nothing in the article contradicts what I said. They simply didn't test any other laptops with the same specs as the MBP.

As I said, if the specs are the same, then Vista will perform the same.

 

I am just posting the article that states that the MBP runs Vista the fastest out of the laptops they tested. Did you even see my EDIT?

 

Maybe I misunderstood your post.