difference between a mac and a pc?

What exactly is the difference between a mac and a pc? What are the advantages and dissadvantages of a mac versus a pc, and Which is better?

 

Mac uses the operating system Mac OS X
PC uses the operating system Windows XP (start button)

There is no way to say which one is the best, as different people like different things. What do you currently use? If you have no problems with your current platform, then stick with it.

I think most compatibility issues have been resolved.

I personally like PC (windows) becuase it just seems to make more sense to me, plus it is what I have been using since Windows 95.

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Fujitsu S6210: 1.6Ghz PM ~ 768MB RAM ~ 60GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
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I use windows XP but I'm looking to buy a notebook, so i have been looking at all my options. I really like the powerbook series the only problem is i would like to try it out before i actually buy anything and they are extreamly expensive, I live in Canada so it cost more. As well i would like to be able to play games like Civilizations 3 and The new Sims 2 coming out. I haven't really made a coice yet but the price of a power book is really turning me off.









<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Run1track

 

I came close to going Apple about 8 months ago. My problem was lack of support for things I use like my Sierra Air Card. I don't want to fight the notebook to get things done. Just too many software and hardware support issues if you go outside of the 90% of the things that work fine.

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

Hi, sugar_150

What will you be using it for? Just games? If so, make sure your games run on OS X. I was very disappointed when I bought my G4 tower that Counterstrike and Day of Defeat (Both are Half-life mods) do not run on OS X. My Acer Travelmate however works great! Oh yeah, are you a student? If so, make sure you take advantage of the educational discounts that they offer. I got my G4 tower and my IPOD mini at a significant discount!

Lastly, Apple computers really aren't that much more expensive, a little yes, but not a lot. You really have to compare apples with apples(or not apples [ ]). A powerbook has a complete aluminum body, backlit keyboard, amazing screen, and a design that is just plain cool! You have to factor these things in. So I highly recommend that before you even decide which to buy or not to buy. Think about what you are using your notebook for. If it is to play games, and the games do run on OS X, I would seriously consider the Apple computer.

 

I use a G5 desktop and a powerbook for work and a PC at home. If it wasn't for the games I would have traded in my pc for a G5 for my home for sure. I have been using both PCs and Macs since the apple IIE days, I gotta tell you Macs r just easier to use, you will encounter less problems with software and hardwares but as you know already, you are paying a premium for that.

 

I'm a long time PC user, and one thing that bugs me about Apple's line of OS'es is how much it depends on a mouse. There are remedies, but I just wish Apple would make things easier to hotkey and more accessible from the keyboard. Otherwise 12" ibook is absolutely lovely for it's price.

 

hi mistamushu

I can't say I have the problem with mouse as you are describing. Can you please elaborate on what kind of hot keying you do? I use the clover leaf for a lot of hot keying, like saving, printing, copying and pasting. Is that what you mean? I can't I say I use my MAC mouse anymore than I would on my Windows machine. The only thing I hate about Apples relating to the mouse is the actual mouse that came with the computer. It was the clear mouse that had no buttons... You just pushed down on it and it would act as a button press. Well, it was cool for like five minutes. I couldn't believe there was no scroll wheel on it! Who designs a mouse with no scroll wheel! I must say, this mouse, took the the aesthetic appeal over actual usability too far.

 

its a tough question, real tough...macs look wayyyy better than pc's (with the exception of the Sony A Series and they only look better with notebooks, desktops i dont like look, jus to mention)but the software and compatability suck so bad thats the problem. as you said the mouse control is REALLY WIERD and theres no right click whatsoever and no good games work on it. thats y i would go with a pc, since i'm a gamer type person.

 

I just wanted to post a comment regarding Ballin4life's incorrect assessment of Apple computers. I've been using PC's and Macs for several years, and earn my living as a support tech for both platforms.

There is a right menu or submenu with Macs. Press down and hold the Control key, then click the single mouse button. Or an easier way is to just swap out the standard Apple mouse with a Microsoft or Logitech USB wheel mouse. Too simple.

Games for the Macs are usually 6 months behind their PC counterparts release but then that's understandable. Game developers would naturally write games for the biggest platform first (Windows) and then maybe release a Macintosh version later. It's simple economics. Why wouldn't you develop programs for the widest possible audience first?

Programs, games and hardware are usually more expensive for the Macintosh but they are of good quality. If you were to purchase a new Apple notebook I feel the biggest decision would have to be whether you could afford to purchase all of the equivalent programs to go along with it. If you already have a number of Windows programs you weren't planning on upgrading or wished to install on your new laptop, then I'd hesitate to switch platforms. Purchasing a new notebook plus the associated programs would be a hefty initial investment. But if money is no object, then I'd heavily consider it.

As far as Windows program compatibility is concerned, MS Office (for Macintosh) files are interchangeable with Windows Office files. I Exchange files like this all the time between my iMac and my PC at work. Neither machine has difficulty reading the files no matter which platform created the intial file. Other programs may not be so interchangeable, however there are Macintosh versions of most Windows programs.

Tough call. Sugar_150, I just wanted to dispel the Macintosh myths so you could judge things on a level playing field.

Good luck in your hunt for a new notebook.

 

In a similar vein, my laptop (an 18month old Compaq Presario) gave up for dead last week and I'm faced with having to replace it. (Frankly, I can't believe that it must be replaced after such a short life, but there you have it - that's another forum topic for another day).

I mainly use a laptop for personal web page design (using Dreamweaver), for the internet and for limited gaming (such as Championship Manager).

I'm considering the following as replacements :

1. Toshiba M30 725 or 735
2. Apple Powerbook G4 15"

I just love Apple Mac, have done since I was at University when they were the PC of choice. Software availability and cost (and if I'm honest, swapability), has lead me to PCs and PC laptops ever since. However, I'm now at a cross roads - so help me decide on my direction?

How good is VirtualPC for programs like Dreamweaver, or MSOffice? I'm so reluctant to buy these all over again as it'll add to the high bill to buy the Apple in the first place.


Love to hear your thoughts,

J

 

jonthegeologist,

I had completely forgotten about VirtualPC for the Mac. Unfortunately I have no prior experience with this program, so I cannot comment one way or another on it's usability. I've never heard anything bad about it, if that's any consilation.

You might try a google group search for VirtualPC, just to see if there are any reports of issues with this software, specifically as it relates to the Windows programs you wish to utilize.

Good luck,
RJ40

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by ang4561

 

Hi, i was interested in purchasing a mac computer to do like regular things on, for example homework, chatting with friends, surfing the net, etc...and i was wondering would it be better to stick with a regular windows computer that im really familiar with or to change to a mac? I wouldn't mind getting used to a new interface though..

 

Hi,
I am about in the same situation as you...
All being said... it all comes down to how much money are you willing to spend? and are you willing to sacrifice hardware for software... i.e. for the same amount you can get better hardware on a PC but on a Mac you get a better OS and stuff...
On asking why should I go for a Mac rather than a PC, an apple store guy told me its like purchasing a Ford Vs a Merc...
I choose to wait for PCs with Core2Duo to be launched and then will decide whether I go for the MacBook or for a PC.

 

You need to also remember that Mac OS X is coded completely different, and on a unix platform, the needs of OS X is far less than what Windows XP needs.

The same idea applies for linux, you can use old computers to run stuff fine, whereas you put on Windows (any version) and it'll lag like a cow walking to the barn with 3 legs.

So I might sound biased, but I'm not this is all proof that I have witnessed with my own eyes.

As for running windows applications on OS X, its possible, and it's gonna be made even better soon when CrossOver for Mac is released by Codeweavers. I'd wait to see what the word is by the community on Crossover when it comes out, until than decide what your priorities are, and go with the PC or Mac.

Personally I've met many people who went Mac OS X and never looked back, I used to hate Macs back than, but it was out of ignorance and Windows Fanboyism, than I went to linux (still use linux) and than to OS X, I hated Mac OS before OS X, but now they finally fixed the problems I hated on OS 9 and prior.