Mac vs. PC

[Toasty]

I've been considering getting a new computer recently, and one of the things I'm considering is a Mac model.

I've been using PCs pretty much all my life, save for when I was in elementary school, so I had to familiarize myself with Mac OS at least a little. I went to my local Apple dealer and tried out the new Mac OS X v10.2 Jaguar on a 1GHz G4 eMac. With the guidance of the local salesman, I've found a new love in my life--however, price poses a problem.

I don't play very many games, and what I do play isn't very demanding. In fact, on the model I'm considering (iMac G3 400MHz DV+ with 256MB Ram), only one game that I own (WarCraft III) wouldn't be playable on it, and that's due to the videocard--all of the G3 iMacs only come with an 8MB video card.

However, the price is an issue. Macs simply cost more than PCs because of the market they're in. I'd spend $450 on the stated iMac, but at Dell I'd pay $500 for an Intel Celeron 2.2GHz with the monitor and Windows XP included.

The difference is that I really want to get my hands on Mac OS and learn if I want to buy another Mac or go back to PCs. If I get the Mac, I'll probably take it with me to college, but replace it after a year or two. The PC would last a lot longer.

A lot of my course selections for next year would require multimedia presentations, so this Mac offering would be a definite bonus.

So, for those of you that know, is Mac OS really worth the extra money on an older computer? Would you reccomend it over the PC?

 

[Turner]

I wouldn't, no.

For the most part, there isn't much more you can do on a Mac anymore that a PC can't handle. Sure, there are things that Macs do better, but unless you're a real high-end user, you probably won't notice the difference.

I guess what I'm say is if you're going to just be playing games and maybe doing a little Office(Word, excel, ect.) type work, it doesn't matter which one you get. I would look at the programs you want to use, and see what kind of support is out there for it. For example, stroll over to Civ3 GD and see how many people with a Mac aren't playing PTW. Or whatever game it is you're playing. If you really wanna play WC3, then stick with the dell, dude. (Sorry, couldn't resist!)

I prefer PCs myself. The fact that my dad worked for IBM for 30 some odd years might have something to do with it. But in RL, I've used both, and just prefer the PCs.

 

[nihilistic]

Power is more important. Get the PC.

 

[GenghisK]

I am working on both platforms, actually. Each system has its own advantages and drawbacks. Since it's pointless starting a new Mac-PC duel I'd just say that:
_ if you want the largest programs collection then PC
_ if you just don't want to format the HD regularly because the registry gets f**ed up then Mac.

Own experience:
_ playing and sharing files on PC
_ image processing (photoshop), Office and email on Mac.

I really love the fact that trojans or other devastating ilovyou/melissa etc.. I often get on emails are just useless and harmless on my mac
Anyway I'd say if you have money, go for both

PS: new imac are pretty silent, compared to a 50dB PC.
PS2: just wait a bit, Apple will release the PowerPC 970 to replace the G4, so prices will drop down dramatically.

 

[Toasty]

Originally posted by GenghisK

PS2: just wait a bit, Apple will release the PowerPC 970 to replace the G4, so prices will drop down dramatically.

How soon and how much is the drop expected to be?

 

[Smash]

Stick with PC I'm afraid
MAC OS is a very good thing no doubt.But unless you like using Photoshop and Illustrator all the time,then forget about it.Or you have a money tree in your backyard

Macs are needlessly overpriced.You do get your money's worth but its kinda like having a new car and no roads to drive on.

I switched from mac a few years ago and will never go back despite the extra annoyances that come with pcs.

Its no coincidence I felt right at home in the XP os straight from Mac os 8.5.Remarkably similiar.

 

[JonathanValjean]

Because of the plethora of software available, my feeling comfortable working on/building PCs, and because of the cheaper prices, this guy is definitely sticking with the PC!

 

[Smash]

Let me put it this way:

Mac is very good and everybody should have one.However,if you can only have one or the other,then PC is the obvious choice.

 

[Inter4]

PC: it's more popular and it's better

 

[GenghisK]

Thought it was an objective technical talking, not a pc/mac bash again...