any reasons not to switch to MacBook?

You can put shortcuts on the dock, just drag the .app icon to the dock and it creates a shortcut.

Do you mean that, in MacOSX, menu bars are at the top of the desktop as opposed to at the top of the application window? This is a definite difference from Windows, and, the thing is, many people prefer it that way! It's a matter of getting used to it.

Well, I think the difference is that you are used to the way Windows organizes files. People who have been using MacOS for a while feel exactly the same way when they have to use Windows.

True (with respect to internal hardware). This can be a good thing or a bad thing. This used to be one of my strongest criticisms of Macs in the past until I decided to switch. Look at it this way: no more fiddling with drivers and such! That's a good thing! Sometimes I'd try to update my PCs just to run into problems with RAM not being compatible with the mobo, or network adapters that would stop working properly. If the same company makes both the hardware and the software, it's more likely that you won't run into compatibility problems. And, well, this does come at the expense of harder/more expensive hardware upgrades. People who switch to Macs tend to see this as an advantage, if someone doesn't like that, maybe PC is a better option for them.

Just keep in mind one truth I saw here in the forums: If you think of MacOSX as Windows + everything wrong with Windows fixed, you're in for disappointments. MacOSX is a different OS, with different strengths and weaknesses. It's not supposed to just be a better version of Windows!! I can say that, in general, MacOSX's strengths fare well when compared to Windows's strengths, and MacOSX's weaknesses aren't as bad as Windows'.

 

How does Mac OS organize files?

 

I do not like that Windows Vista maximizes Windows to the full screen

Actually, you can create one just by dragging your App folder to the dock to the right side and it'll function almost exactly like the Start Menu. [courtesy of hldan for this info]

However, even that's unnecessary when you can just hit ctrl-space and perform any action to any file instantly (QS). Vista's new search thing is similar to that - except it's more like Spotlight than Quicksilver.

I'm undecided about this. I like how OSX gives you more real estate space (you can autohide the menu bar at the top), whereas you can't do this for all programs in Windows. However, having the menu bar in the Window can be convenient, especially when I've gotten used to using the keyboard to navigate it. It would be nice if this was an option you could choose.

By file system, do you mean Windows Explorer and its interface to navigate and organize files? If so I agree completely. However, if you're referring to actual file systems, I much prefer HFS+ to NTFS, for the reasons posted above.


I'm actually drawing a blank when it comes to things I hate about Vista and OSX - I don't think either of them has made such a strong impression on me in either way that I'd choose a machine solely based on the OS.

oh and PS:
I do not like that Windows Vista maximizes Windows to the full screen

 

I like the dock, but I prefer the start menu. I heard rumors that a start menu can be installed on Mac OS, but I am not sure how well it will work.

Most Windows users and I would disagree.

True. I am faster and more effective on Windows, but Mac users are faster and more effective on Mac OS

I think it makes Mac hardware more expensive for no reason. Let HP, Lenovo, Dell, and other manufactures make the hardware.

Choosing an operating system is subjective and not objective. I think Windows is better, but this is my opinion. Competition is good.

 

Not fair. Two against one.

Personal preference. I love it.

I already mentioned that I heard rumors of Start Menus for Mac OS. I really like the Mac Doc and I like the Start Menu, I WANT BOTH!

I agree.

I like the Windows Explorer interface and I like the file system. I know where most of my files are.

 

Actually the Apple icon top left is what that used to be. All applications and control panel were there. Apple took away only the applications and left everything else to access from the Apple menu.
It should be by default but Apple now makes a separate Applications folder to be sat in the Dock next to the trash (I've said it before, it's a weird place).

Go into the Macintosh HD and drag the Applications folder to the Dock next to the trash. Either Right Click, Control Click, double tap or just hold down on the mouse button and the applications spring open just like the Windows start menu.
The biggest advantage of this is you avoid, Start-All Programs- and yada yada yada. It's more complicated in Vista since all the programs are crammed in a smaller space. The older way was better in XP.
It makes zero sense to hit Start-Shutdown-Hibernate-Sleep. Why would you hit the start button to shut down the system?

 

I see no reason why anyone would want to look through the Start Menu for an application when its as simple as pressing Apple + Spacebar and typing in keywords to launch the application.

Spotlight (the search feature that I'm talking about) is much faster than looking through a Start Menu.

But as hldan stated, you can drag the Applications folder onto the Dock and launch programs from there. Stacks in Leopard will further maximize this.

And Homer, you do know the Menu Bar changes with the application, right? They're stationary at the top, but they're not generalized.

 

Yes they do and even still while Windows users have a choice of manufacturers to buy from many of them are buying Apple hardware to run Windows. Love this thread.

 

Homer, on the contrary the majority of all Mac users are previous Windows users which is why are Mac users.

 

I have been having a lot of issues with Windows XP and I have tried reformatting several times and there are constant problems left and right with many apps I use. I doubt the programs I use are the problem because several of them have issues and I only use official, legit versions and copies of the programs. Sounds to me that the Windows OS has many holes in it and I am willing to change to OSx just because I am fed up with Windows. Would you guys agree? Is OSx more stable than Windows XP? How about Vista? Thanks.

 

Ever considered bad/malfunctioning hardware as the issue? A bad stick of RAM can make a lot of weird stuff happen, as can a low quality cheapo motherboard or some badly written drivers. No need to instantly blame the OS.

XP is very very stable in my opinion, can't comment on OS X since I haven't used it extensively, but I expect it to be at least on the same level.

As for Vista, I think it's a bit less mature than XP, but definately stable and reliable on quality hardware.

Macs have an advantage though, the complete control over hardware and drivers means less risk for end users doing something stupid that affect the stability of their system.

 

Only a small fraction of Windows users run Apple hardware. It is too expensive.

I think the total of all Mac OS users in the World equals about less than 5%. According to statistics that makes Mac OS users insignificant.

The idea of a start menu is a personal preference. I cannot function without one. I think it works great. It works even better combining it with the Windows file system.

 

I'm able to play around with one before purchase and haven't had any isues yet! I do find it does take something used to but strange that nothing's going wrong like you would expect from win os. I'm getting used to for os to work and work well :>,

 

I'm not sure what people are expecting to go wrong with Windows these days. I mean, XP has been out forever, and most of the serious bugs have all but been resolved.

I did see my first BSOD in ages after my first Vista installation (IRQ conflict - go figure)...but that's Vista and to be expected.

 

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MONOPOLY!!!!
http://www.cnettv.com/9710-1_53-28784.html

Proof a Windows computer can run Mac OS, but Apple likes its Monopoly.

 

Actually, Mac market share is growing very fast. Its about 7% now. And in the US Apple is the fourth largest PC vendor.

"According to statistics that makes Mac OS users insignificant."

Y'know, its pretty interesting. People think "Apple is nothing, its users are nothing because they only make up 5% of the computing world."

Leaders of the world only make up 1% of the population. Are they insignificant? CEOs make up only 1% of the workforce. Are they insignificant? The wealthy only make up a small percentage of the population. Are they insignificant? Even though Mac OS X only has about 7% market share, the users often are high powered, influential people; journalists, publications, leaders of media empires, hotshot producers. They are significant.

 

93% of high powered, influential people; journalists, publications, leaders of media empires, hotshot producers run Windows .

Furthermore, if Mac OS will run on a Dell, why does Apple make it illegal?

 

Because Apple doesn't want to be Microsoft. Apple doesn't want to have driver issues. Apple doesn't want to have its OS incompatible with devices it doesn't know about. Apple wants to understand every aspect of the hardware it runs its OS on.

Apple makes its own computer hardware. They know everything about it, all the internal parts, the extra features found in each Mac. They design OS X to utilize the hardware best, and the hardware is designed to utilize OS X best.

Also, Apple likes innovation. If not for Apple hardware we might not (I'm not saying we "won't", but "we might not") have seen all-in-one computers, touchpads in laptops, Wifi in laptops, magnetic power cords, and Firewire and USB would not have been mainstream.

And you're wrong, Homer. Its not true that 93% of journalists, publications, leaders and hotshot producers use Windows. Most journalists and publications use Macs. The 93% of Windows users are usually the home computers, the business computers and the gaming computers. Not the computers of the hotshot producers, the journalists, the media barons.

Don't tell you think Windows Vista doesn't have driver issues...so many incompatible software and devices! Every time Apple releases OS X everything is working right. Drivers for most products are already installed in the install of OS X. I have not had any device that OS X did not recognize.

But its true that Apple is controlling OS X, and I don't see them licensing it out to Dell or HP. Apple, as I stated, likes to be in control, likes things to work from the first day. The only way they can do that is to know their hardware and software in and out, from all angles. Microsoft may partner with Dell or HP but not all information is shared between them. Apple knows everything about their hardware and software; they know what they're up to next (quad core, SLI, etc.) and they can write their software to best utilize that. They know they're limiting their market share, but that's okay: they have lots of media attention, they have satisfied customers, and their lower install base means they don't have to worry about security as much.

 

Apple likes its Monopoly because they can charge whatever they want. It also explains their lack of options. Apple only provides customers with the most expensive options so they make the biggest profits.
Most hotshot producers, media barons and journalists run Windows. I think HP supplies most of them. Dell lost most of their customers, but that is OK because I like HP too.

 

This the unfortunate truth, and one of the reasons Apple philosophy makes me sick to my stomach. Most of these journalists know little or nothing about computers and have no desire to. They are encouraged to be ignorant about the tools they run and even celebrate it. Its like Jobs is the midget behind the curtain telling everyone to stay away from his magic hologram machine. The people that should be pulling back the curtain, revealing Apple for the ******* company that it is, but instead they are indoctrinated by Apple's endless BS.

Apple comes around to my grad school and gives us all free stuff, free labs, free software, free everything. Because at my particular grad school, some of the most influential people in media are produced. And apple does it because they know they can indoctrinate those who come to be "educated." They have such a good college program for the same reason that cults focus on colleges. To fill young minds with false, easy, truths that involve little responsibility and turning over lots of funds to them.

Yea I said it, Apple is a sick cult and one that disturbs me more than all the other current ones these days.

 

Its pretty interesting you feel that way. Microsoft sells its software and OS for lower prices (sometimes free) at a lot of universities and colleges. Aren't they trying to do the same?

And as much as you're right (yes, its kind of a form of brainwashing - if you accept it), I think Apple's doing a good deed. It may help them in the long run (more people are familiar with Macs; therefore they consider them later on), but for now many schools can't afford new computers. A lot don't even have computer labs. Schools in poor areas have 10 computers in their computer labs, running Windows 98. The fact that Apple will give them new Macs and software for free is a good thing.

And talking about that issue again, my school has a Mac lab of 15 iMacs. Only photography and design classes use those. They bought them. My school also has two PC labs of 40 computers each. All running Windows XP. The school got a huge educational discount from Microsoft and Adobe. Isn't Microsoft trying to brainwash us into using, loving and buying Windows because we're almost stuck on using them in school?

 

Dell, HP and Lenovo gives out free 3 or 4 year complete warranties to most Pharmacy schools. How is that any different to what Apple does? In fact, Dell and HP are the computers of choice to most graduate schools. Where did this rumor start that most journalists use Mac OS? Most journalists use Dells or HP computers.

 

If they get indoctrinated into a "cult" simply due to their own ignorance and gullibility at believing propaganda, it's their own fault then isn't it? There are legitimate reasons to prefer a Mac and legitimate reasons to prefer a PC, but if someone makes their decision solely on such "indoctrination" (for a Mac or for a PC), then it's their own fault for their ignorance.

Why blame Apple, especially when Dell and Microsoft and whatnot all try the exact same thing at schools and universities? As the posters above stated, it's just standard business practice.

All businesses can, should, and do use any and all means at their disposal to get the most profit for themselves. Apple is no exception. It's the consumer's responsibility to make an educated choice.

 

HAHAHAHA come on guys... i serisly wanted tu buy a mbp... but after i saw this guy talking... i cant :S!... it remind me how closed mind are the mac users, i meant... if i buy a laptop! i want to be compatible with everything!... and the fact that vista works with every piece of hardware available at any configuration, make you wonders... why mac users feel so superior if they only play with the basic configurations?, so overpriced and so lack of perfomance, tell me something... does Microsoft tryed to run osx in their operative system!?... AND WHO CARES IF SOME COOL PEOPLE RUN MAC OSX?, or the leader of the universe does, i just want to be abble to do whatever i want. Dont install vista or xp in your osx... and tell me if you can live without it. HA!

 

A number of the major J schools switched over to apple. I worked for the first newspaper in the world that went fully apple. Medill is the last J school that has stayed strong, they use thinkpads across the line for all graduates.

I have no problem with companies giving their stuff to grad schools, its just that when they philosophy is fundamentally bad (aka, dont' think about stuff let us do all the work, just give us your money) it pisses me off.

Its like when you try to buy a used car from someone and you check the transmission fluid and see that its empty. When you ask them about it they just stare at your like "what I didn't know I had to refill anything on this car but the gas." I find apple people to be the same way. They say it "just takes care of itself" because apple encourages them to think that way. But in reality its just being wasteful and irresponsible.

And if you think all companies can and should do all they can to increase their profit, you have very little real world education. Maybe because I am a journalist I am a bit jaded, but companies do do that, and the first ones that come to mind are Enron, Cotton Farmers of the 1800's, Wage Slaves, Sweat Shops and a endless number of greed driven atrocities. Companies should not do anything and everything for the all powerful dollar. They should do anything and everything to preserve their continued humanity, and their positive contributions to the human race, in whatever form they come in.

 

UBUNTU WILL RULE THE WORLD!, and Vista, OSX, or any future software! will be crushed by the opensource comunity

 

The community college I went to used Windows. The smaller liberal art school I went to used Windows. My Pharmacy school and the entire campus around it uses Windows. Every school I visited friends at uses Windows. Most colleges use Windows, in fact I cannot think of a single college that uses Mac OS. Most colleges of Mac OS labs, but that is it.

 

I have a name, I'm Sam.

The only reason I used the "cool people, leader of the world" bit was to counter Homer's statement that Mac users are insignificant. Leaders, CEOs are a small percentage of the population, but they are significant. I'm trying to make the same point here.

And based on your last post "UBUNTU WILL RULE THE WORLD", I can't see how you considered a MBP . You seem set on Linux.

And I don't get your statement...so a Mac laptop isn't compatible with everything? And Vista works on everything is great? Microsoft doesn't try to use OS X? Of course not, they use Windows!

Interesting to say it, I don't have Windows on my Mac. I don't plan to either. But I wrote the Running Windows on a Mac sticky . But the only reason I use Windows is for gaming (of course, others have university software like architectural software they need on Windows).

 

If you want to get acquainted with Mac OS X, there is a set of nice videos I found on youtube yesterday: http://youtube.com/watch?v=av3dGcFy8hI

There are 4 parts in total, finding them shouldn't be too difficult.

 

Sorry, but you mis-understood terms. A J-School is not a college. It is a graduate journalism program. There are only 10-20 in the U.S., the most prestigious being Berkeley, Medill, Columbia, Missouri, New School and Syracuse. These schools output a number of huge movers and shakers in the media world that go on to be anchors for CNN, producers for major shows, editors for huge papers, and generally influence most of the media you interact with. Apple has specifically targeted them to get a "cultural following."

 

...
I can live without XP and Vista perfectly fine. There is one program that I run on Vista currently - it is Neverwinter Nights 2, and probably maybe for an hour every two weeks, if that.

I'm not sure where you're getting "so lack of performance"...the 15" MBP has the best performance in a 15" at the moment in most areas (there are exceptions, such as the c90s for example, and possibly the G1S).

Where'd you get that idea? Vista does still have many issues with hardware compatibility and driver support - that's an acknowledged fact. It's certainly not as mature as XP.

.... Microsoft Windows is an operating system. I've no clue what you're trying to ask here when you say "osx in their operative system"...unless you mean virtually?

Sorry, but I'm not sure anyone who thinks that businesses "should do anything and everything to preserve continued humanity and positive contributions to the human race?" can really criticize anyone else for having "very little real world education"...although I suppose that optimism and naivette might contribute to you being a passionate journalist in some form or other. If we're talking about "should", then perhaps in some utopian society, businesses and people alike "should" do what you said...

But reality is never so sugar-coated. People and businesses will do anything and everything they can get away with. The only distinction of Enron and what you listed above are that they were caught.

Take a step out of the sheltered US or Europe and live a year in the real world, where working conditions are on par or far worse than said "sweat shops" and where cronyism and things like what Enron did are simply facts of life.

 

Well, personally I don't see why you're still targeting Apple on this issue. Apple supplies lots of free stuff to your school because others didn't it make there first . If Apple didn't, then it'd be Dell or HP doing it.

 

I meant, any laptop or desktop pc available, and yes i forgot to write virtualy.

As any new operative system!, its very common to find a lot of isssues.... and i hate microsoft for his lame actitude, but keep in mind that OSX are designed to work with only a few piece of laptop or desktop designed by them so its pretty easy to achive a nice perfomance.
That the laptop iam considering.
Iam not a Linux users, iam planning to get it or test it.
And still... iam considering to visit an apple store to check those macbook pro... cuz i keep hearing that they are very powerfull for design software, and iam studying architecture

 

I was surprised to find out you are right. Many of the top journalism schools require Apple laptops, but most of the top MBA programs require Windows. Students that graduate from top MBA programs make connections that lead them to influential jobs running many of the largest businesses. The journalists might use Mac OS, but the network or publication they work for use Windows.

 

Sometimes simple things in life make life simple and more enjoyble! Maybe MacBook or pro' is simple or not as compatable to every other software out there, but it works and works well.
I think I'd rather be surfing the web, than reinstalling/ rebooting etc. just because I can do anything, but that doesn't always translate to compatability.
Just like ipods compare to other players, I had Cowon D2 and like it alot as I could do many, many things with it, but its the little isues with it that anoy me alot. I just want to listen to music! after trying other daps I ended up getting iMod by RedWineAudio. Yes, it is very simple, I can't do as much as with other daps, but apple lossless sound amazing and works well.
I for shure it doesn't apply to everyone and maybe mac is not for everyone as well, but just because you don't like it, it doesn't mean its not working well.

 

Yeah, at first i thought it was the hardware, but I looked into it extensively and it isn't( I get similar problems on other comps). Drivers are most likely the problem, but it seems like since Apple has a monopoly on macs, there are never any crappy drivers for the systems.

 

LOL, Apple has nothing to do with what journalists write about and there are more journalists in the world that don't talk about computers. Do journalists that write about world news that write it on a Macintosh make you sick to your stomach? Take a chill pill dude, the OP just wants to know reasons to not switch to a Macbook, not reasons to dislike Apple.

 

Yeah, they are the choice because Sony's Vaio is way overpriced and comes with a short warranty, looks like you conveniently left out Sony Mr. Homer as many people do when ragging on Apple's computers.

 

Hmm, again you conveniently left out Sony's Vaio when it comes to lack of options and overpriced hardware. Remember Homer Sony is just another plain jane Windows PC at least the Mac OS is a choice and not forced upon us. Also for the price Apple's Macs dual boot. HP hardware is not designed to boot into OS X and Windows and hacking doesn't count.

 

Umm I think you are bit misguided, a lot of the Mac users on this forum don't try and act superior. We could care a less what OS you truly use as your computer is at your home. Your entire post spells superior attitude. I have used and still use my current line of Macs in my business. I run an insurance business with agents and we use Macs without Windows. Macs have survived just fine without using Windows. Sure we all have been forced to use Windows in our lives at one way or another but that doesn't justify reasons to be forced to buy another Windows PC.

Since this forum is made up of mostly home computer users then write down at least 10 things you can't do at home on a Mac that you can a Windows PC. Most likely you won't get to number 5.

 

Any computer can dual boot Windows and Mac OS. Watch the video.
http://www.cnettv.com/9710-1_53-28784.html
Only Apple calls this hacking because they would not have a Monopoly if they allowed it. I think Apple laptops are superior to Sony laptops. Sony laptops are useless.

 

Yes, any computer can run OS X now, but not legally. And if you support the use of OS X on a non-Apple-branded computer its almost like you're supporting software piracy. And I take it you don't support that, do you Homer ?

Sony laptops have a good design, but horrible customer service and reliability. HP, Dell, Lenovo and ASUS are much better than Sony's VAIOs.

 

Hmm, I'm kinda surprised that Cnet would show that. At any rate it's laughable because you made it sound so easy. System builders won't even go through that much trouble and drivers don't work. Point me to the next demo that shows the legality and ease of install as does when installing Windows on a Mac.

By pointing us to that video you just gave the OP a great reason to buy a Macbook.

 

I do not see it as piracy if you buy a legal copy of Mac OS. I have heard about this idea before and it runs OK. I never heard of any driver problems.

 

Actually Cnet said that wireless didn't work.

 

I would not consider that a problem. I am sure I could find a solution to that.

 

A lot of people don't see it as piracy if you install a single copy of Window on multiple machines, or if you download copyrighted mp3s for free either, but that doesn't change the fact that it's not lawful to do so....

Not to mention - where are you going to get a legal copy of Intel-based OSX Tiger?

 

I consider everything you mentioned here piracy. I currently do not have any illegal music nor am I running any illegal copies of Windows.

Currently searching...

This is a legal copy of Mac OSX. If I buy it, I do not see why I cannot put it on my computer.

 

Well exactly - that's quite the double standard. You consider it piracy to install illegitimate copies of Windows and music, but not piracy to install illegitimate copies of OSX?

I'm not sure what "this" is referring to...?

 

As Taelrak alluded to, Apple doesn't currently sell any boxed copies of OS X for Intel processors -- only for PowerPC. So you can't just "hack" a purchased copy; you have to download a completely separate set of machine instructions.

It's rather like buying a novel in French and saying that that entitles you to download the English translation off the net for free -- it doesn't.

If you buy a copy of OS X for PowerPC, you didn't buy the instructions for Intel x86 processors -- just the instructions for PowerPC processors. So, if you only want to be violating a EULA provision rather than engaging in outright piracy, wait for Leopard.