Apple or windows XP type computer? Laptop or PC?

Windows XP for the following reasons.. (Windows XP is faster than OS X).

PC=Variety of specs, options, quality, prices, vendors, support

Mac=One vendor, limited options, still more expensive. Look below for more information..

Today, Macs use a subset of PC hardware. Why spend extra to get the same CPU chips, graphics cards and OS X isn't as secure as you think..

Don't believe the lies that Macs are better than PCs at graphics/animation.. Dreamworks Animation http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/ under studio click on Technology of Animation, an independent film maker I know uses PCs, a graphic artist I used to know uses PCs also.

A number of PCs can also run OS X (Mac OS) http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=os+x+on+pc&bt... as well just that Apple makes it illegal in order to get Market share.. The reason why Mac can run native Windows is because it is using a subset of PC hardware,

If you decide to buy a Mac for running Windows, you will still have to get the same virus/spyware protection, and run into the same issues as a regular PC.

Now is a Mac worth buying for OS X?

I say: NO... for the following reasons...

ADVANTAGES WINDOWS :

Aprox 90% of the market is Windows and most PCs have windows already pre-installed.

1) Some websites require Internet Explorer, to run IE on Mac you really get ies4osx which is the Windows version of IE running really buggy and illegal if you don't have a legitimate copy of Windows.

2) Supports more devices (printers and other things you hook into the computer).

3) More business software/games

4) Want the dock on OS X (Mac)? google/yahoo rocketdock, objectdoc.

5) Used by businesses.

ADVANTAGES LINUX :

1) FREE (most versions are)

2) Install software by either 1) Synaptic Package Manager, 2) Add/Remove 3) Opening a .deb or .rpm file (depending on distribution)

2) Like the Mac OS X effects? go yahoo/google COMPIZ FUSION which can do any cool effect a Mac can do and many ore....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Fbk52Mk1w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3gkX9HDfEE (there is no flickering when you use it like on the video, not sure why the person has the flicker)

3) Mac OS X Doc? google/yahoo Avant Window Navigator.Cairo Dock, http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3rf5q_cairo-dock...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0hzi22g2DE

4) It is FASTER/MORE SECURE to surf on the internet

5) Some Windows programs work with Wnehq/Crossover (also avail on Mac, but why pay $$$)

Instructions how to download, burn and boot http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-u...

Dual Boot Instructions http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_...

SECURITY

Mac OS X was hacked in 2006 less than 30 minutes, and within 2 minutes in a contest in 2008, and within 10 seconds in 2009. In 2008, Linux and Vista were not hacked until another day when restrictions were lowered. Vista was next, and then Linux. In 2009 Windows 7 fell shortly after the Mac but Linux was unscathed.

Macs are standardized with Cameras, if your Mac gets hacked, the hacker can turn on your camera with more ease.

Please Note: All OS's have vulnerabilities.

http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/security/soa/Mac-OS-X...

http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/03/27/Gone-in-...

http://www.infoworld.com/article/09/03/19/Research...

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Finds-Iro...

VIRUSES

Mac OS X has viruses (and significantly on the rise), a friend of mine has a virused Mac. As more users use Macs, more viruses will come out for it. Especially when users think "they are safe".

http://infosecurity.us/?p=4005

http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2008/07/m...

http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/poll...

QUALITY/PROBLEMS

Contrary to belief, Macs are not better quality. Apple also has been changing suppliers to try to "lower the price" and thus lowering quality. Even with the lower prices, Macs still cost more, they spend a higher percent of budget trying to make it look pretty, and marketing.

Sample of problems: Overheating Macbooks, OS X- not responding to keyboard, some units with 16bit screens, etc. Apple statistics are misleading since Mac users with problem machines are more likely to go out and buy a new computer than PC users. Apple is lowering prices which means you can expect lower quality than in the past. Apple had switched the manufacturers producing parts. OS X also has problems slowing down.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10020263-17.html

http://www.tuaw.com/2008/08/01/apples-quality-dwin...

http://www.appledefects.com/

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/os-x-operating-sy...

Repairs are more expensive than PCs since the IMac, Mac Mini are compact units, and Apple charges a premium for their services. Some repairs can be done by another repair service but the compact design of the computer causes problems.

With an IMac, if the problem is with the monitor, the whole computer would have to be brought in.

IMac and Mac mini lack expansion.

PRICE

A similar equipped PC is much cheaper to purchase than Mac. Lets use Dell (but you can compare with another PC Brand if you like)

**(LAPTOP)

Dell Inspiron Laptop Starting Price: $500

Ending Price: $500

15" Screen

CPU: 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo [5% slower]

Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD [Not as good/fine for general use[

Memory: 3GB DDR2 SDRAM [75% of ram)

Hard Drive: 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (same)

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx...

Cybperpower Notebook Xplorer X5-2900 Starting Price: $755

Ending Price After upgrades (not including 5% rebate): $860

15" Screen

CPU: (upgrade to) 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (+$100) [FASTER]

Graphics: Nvidia GFORCE 9600-GT 512MB [MUCH FASTER/BETTER CARD]

Memory: 4GB DDR2 SDRAM [MORE MEMORY]

Hard Drive: (upgrade to) 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (+$5) [LARGER HARD DRIVE]

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Xplorer_X5-2900...

Macbook Starting laptop Price: $1000

Ending Price After Upgrades: $1200

13" Screen (SMALLER)

CPU: 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (SLOWER)

Graphics: Nvidia GFORCE 9400 256MB

Memory: (upgrade to) 4GB DDR2 SDRAM (SAME)

Hard Drive (upgrade to) 320B Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (SAME)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MC240LL/A?mco=...

**(DESKTOP)

PLEASE NOTE: I compare Apple Mac's vs Dells best deal. If you really want an all-in one the Dell all-in-one has more ram, wireless keyboard and mouse and equivalent to $400 for free making the Imac still more expensive when you matching specs. Personally I don't think the All-in-Ones are a good choice, and consider them overpriced, lack expandability and repairs both more expensive and require the entire computer.

PS: Apple knows that they need to make Macintosh look different than PC so all Macs except the Mac Pro will not have a tower option. Apple's low end lacks expandability but it makes the Mac "look different", if Mac had a tower for low-end, more people would realize the similarities between the two.

Dell: ($700)

CPU: 2.4 GHZ Dell Inspiron QUAD (4 Processor) CORE

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: 4GB Ram

HARD DRIVE: 500 GB hard Drive

OPTICAL DRIVE: 16x DVD/CD Read/Writer

GRAPHICS: ATI Radeon HD 256MB

The Mac Mini since it has no monitor, keyboard, mouse, very skimpy on options and setup and is not the best deal... The IMac is better price than the Mac Mini.

IMac ($1300)

CPU: 2.4 GHZ DUAL (2 Processor) CORE (SLOWER CPU)

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: (upgrade to) 4GB Ram (SAME)

HARD DRIVE: (upgrade to ) 320 GB hard Drive (LESS HARD DRIVE)

OPTICAL DRIVE: 8x DVD Reader/Writer (1/2 speed)

GRAPHICS: Nvidia Geforce 9400M (APPROX SAME BUT LESS MEMORY GAPHICS)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MB417LL/A?mco=...

Equivalents to ILife

http://www.jakeludington.com/ask_jake/20070830_ili...

http://www.xsellize.com/showthread.php?t=20518

FREE Windows Stufff

http://www.comodo.com/products/free_products.html

http://www.iobit.com/

http://www.ccleaner.com/

ANTI-VIRUS

Avira Antivir (FREE) for 2009 personal edition is free (there is a paid version) the free version was rated the best by consumer reports 2009.

http://www.free-av.com/ Avast (Free- Click under Free Software and download Avast Home Edition) http://www.avast.com/

ANTI-MALWARE

Windows Defender (FREE)

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamil...

Malware Bytes (FREE) Limitation - No Realtime protection on free version.

http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware...

Super Anti-Spyware (FREE)

http://download.cnet.com/SuperAntiSpyware-Free-Edi...

LINUX INFO:

http://distrowatch.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.desktoplinux.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.ubuntu.com/

http://www.kubuntu.org/

http://www.freespire.org/

http://www.pclinuxos.com/

http://xwinman.org/gnome.php

http://xwinman.org/kde.php

http://www.linuxalt.com/

http://screencasts.ubuntu.com/

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbunt...

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbunt...

http://www.linuxfoundation.org/en/OpenPrinting/

I'll make it short and sweet. Been into PCs since they first hit the market. Used computers for 30 plus years. Mac IS ALL hype. Mac is hi priced, wont run most of the software on the market, is no where near as upgradable as a PC, etc. Some will tell you get a Mac and install windows on it. It seems to be the work around to make it compatible with the software market. Ask yourself tho "Should I buy a Mac for 1500 bucks, spend another 200 to install windows OR buy an already compatible PC for 500 bucks thats every bit as powerful?". DONT let the misleading Apple commercials sway you.

You really need to consider how you're going to use this computer. If you use Mac computers more often than a PC, use the one your most comfortable with. When choosing between a laptop or a desktop, are you going to need to take this to work or school, or maybe you enjoy sitting outside while searching the web? A laptop is just like a desktop, however, desktops do tend to be cheaper. Laptops are much more energy efficient, check my sources for a link to an article about how to be more energy efficient when choosing a computer. Laptops use 80% less energy then a desktop and this can save money on your electricity bill. You can also buy attachments for your laptop and use it just like a desktop, with a mouse and keyboard and still have the perk of taking it on a road trip, or being able to take it with you. However, if you play games regularly a desktop might be the way to go.

PC = Personal Computer (Desktop or Notebook or Netbook)

Different between Notebook/Netbook and Macbook (Apple) is that Notebook/Netbook can only run Window (XP, Vista and soon to be Window 7). While Macbook can run both Mac OS and Window.

Netbook price range usually from $200-$450

Notebook price range usually from $500-$5000

Macbook starting from $1000+

If you're on budget go with netbook or notebook. Macbook can be pricey but you won't likely get attacked by virus or spyware and such.

If your gaming, a PC for sure, and not a XP. Vista, because windows 7 is almost out, and that will make XP a Extremely old system. Laptop if you can afford it, PC if you have 500 bucks, and want a decent computer rig that can game. If your just a web browser get this laptop. http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/compute... Can run sims 3 easily, but thats about all it can handle.

Macs are extra costly because of the fact they're plenty extra technologically greater, have extra effective pix, and are earlier than living house windows via a procedures. I unquestionably have a MacBook stunning now (the hot one) and that i like it! I unquestionably have by no skill had any themes with it, it particularly is quite speedy, and definately easy-weight. The battery existence is likewise very long and it by no skill gets any viruses, no could desire to purchase a deadly disease protection. in case you have a flexible funds, i might get a Macbook professional because of the fact even although they're extra suitable in length, they're outstanding desktops from what I unquestionably have heard approximately them, yet you will possibly no longer desire each and every of the effective aspects it has on there , so do slightly learn in the previous paying for or make a journey to the Apple keep and that they may be chuffed to respond to your questions. additionally I heard Vista sucks in comparison to XP, so in case you elect for to get a computer, get an XP. i might say keep on with Sony and HP, as they're the suited competetors with Macs. even although they're thoroughly distinctive from computer's, you will get used to this transition and could be chuffed in the tip with your Mac. yet in simple terms pay attention which you have have been given to spend extra on paying for classes for the Mac mutually with Microsoft workplace in case you are able to desire to. wish this helped and robust success :)!

if you know how to edit settings on a program, then go with windows. if you have money coming out of your ears, but have to call tech support to figure out how to tie your shoes, go with a mac.

desktop or a laptop if you go with windows

laptop if you go with mac. macs aren't supposed to be desktops. its just wrong. and windows laptops are nice, thats what i use and i don't mind it at all. laptops provide more ease and comfort to use, but desktops can be upgraded without costing you a bundle.

Oh, Apple, for sure!