Mac vrs regular laptop- can someone explain to me?

[Breny]

I'm open and looking at all aspects My software just worrys me a bit. I need it.

What do you guys think of this???? http://electronics.hsn.com/gateway-intel-core-duo-1gb-ram-160gb-14-lcd-tablet_p-3670271_xp.aspx?webm_id=0&web_id=3670271&sf=ec&dep t=ec0027&cat=ec0033&attr=50&ocm=ec|ec0033|50&prev= hp!sf!cat!50#product_tabs

[zoeybear]

Windows Vista is from hell !!!!!

I want my XP back!

[Breny]

REally?????WHY?????

[zoeybear]

What used to be done in 1 step now takes 2 or 3. I don't like anything about it. Maybe if you are a real computer wizard, there are some improvements that I dont understand. I think it complicated things for the avg. user.

[MaxwellHouse]

Originally Posted by theS3X

Personally I would go with a Mac. They are safer and more reliable. You do not need antivirus software or spyware removal tools on them because the Operation System is set up in a way that you cannot get viruses. Plus I absolutely hate Windows Vista with a passion and that is what you will get with your Dell. It is so buggy and is absolutely retarded. What should only take 5 minutes with say XP takes a good 20 on Vista because you constantly have to allow or deny processes that are running or you wish to use. If I had an extra 2 grand I would go out and buy a nice Mac myself. Mainly cause I do a lot of graphic and video editing and Macs are power houses when it comes to those types of things.

As for installing software, as long as it wasn't made by Windows it should work on a Mac. So that means instead of using MS Office you could use whatever it comes pre-packaged with or maybe even Word Perfect. If you got any questions or concerns just hit me up and I can help ya.

Ditto above. Love my iBookG4 -- it is user friendly, and NOT complicated like the PC.

[donatella80]

Originally Posted by Breny

I'm open to check one out But which one do I get? Can someone suggest which one to get? I want one thats FAST and I'll never have to upgrade. This baby would have to last a LONG time

My main concern is adding my software.
I'm into pictures and making cards so I have picture software and card software.

Then I have an expensive breeder program I bought that tracks my dogs and litters I'd need on it.

Then what about my documents as far as my breeding contracts...how would I get them on there. They were done on microsoft works?

Are they good for pics and music and digital videos?

The newer Intel Macs allow you to run Mac AND Windows software. You need a program called Parallels Desktop and Windows XP. We're running one at home like this and it's great! Although DH & I are both diehard Mac addicts, we both need to use certain programs for work that are only made for Windows. The Intel Macs give you the best of both worlds!

[laurenr]

Originally Posted by donatella80

The newer Intel Macs allow you to run Mac AND Windows software. You need a program called Parallels Desktop and Windows XP. We're running one at home like this and it's great! Although DH & I are both diehard Mac addicts, we both need to use certain programs for work that are only made for Windows. The Intel Macs give you the best of both worlds!

After reading all the posts here, I am so glad you mention this. With Parallels Desktop, you can even open a Windows program in another window, while your Macintosh operating system is running. In other words, you do not have to reboot (shutdown and restart) your Mac to open a Windows based Application.

Also, please be aware that in October Apple (the Company responsible for anything Mac), is coming out with its next Operating System (called Leopard). This will be even more user-friendly than the current system.

A Mac just works, there is very little learning curve; it runs an extremely intuitive OS - very little it does not figure out on its "own" - from printers, to camera, to wireless network. PLUS - it just never crashes. In the 12 years I have been using one, I have NEVER lost any data. Not many PC users (and I am also one) can say that.

[pepe mint]

very true info.

i have been converted to a mac and HATE using windows computers.
yes, it takes some getting used to but everything is SOOOOOOOO easy to learn and get comfy with. I will never use anything other than a mac. Especially since I can run windows flawlessly on my mac...IF there is software that I cannot use on my mac, i use it on windows. and now that parallels (the program that allows you to run windows on the mac) is available in "coherence mode",, you can run windows and mac at the same time and not even notice that you are running both operating systems. everything is on 1 screen.

we have converted many many many of our friends into macs they are just easy, VERY safe and extremely reliable machines. I have never been able to say that about any computer that i have ever owned.

Originally Posted by theS3X

Personally I would go with a Mac. They are safer and more reliable. You do not need antivirus software or spyware removal tools on them because the Operation System is set up in a way that you cannot get viruses. Plus I absolutely hate Windows Vista with a passion and that is what you will get with your Dell. It is so buggy and is absolutely retarded. What should only take 5 minutes with say XP takes a good 20 on Vista because you constantly have to allow or deny processes that are running or you wish to use. If I had an extra 2 grand I would go out and buy a nice Mac myself. Mainly cause I do a lot of graphic and video editing and Macs are power houses when it comes to those types of things.

As for installing software, as long as it wasn't made by Windows it should work on a Mac. So that means instead of using MS Office you could use whatever it comes pre-packaged with or maybe even Word Perfect. If you got any questions or concerns just hit me up and I can help ya.

[pepe mint]

again, a very good and accurate post.

also, you can get a refurbished macbook for MUCH less than a brand new one and you would never know that it was refurbished. I have one that i have been using a year now and have not noticed any difference. If you CAN wait until october when the new OS comes out, you don't have to worry about it taking 2 months to ship. it will ship immediately. so there would be no difference in ordering the mac and getting it in OCT. than keeping your order now and waiting till OCT.

also, if you do not want to wait and would rather get a refurbished or new on NOW, I believe that you can always upgrade your OS later. this is my understanding anyway...and this is what I plan on doing.

Originally Posted by laurenr

After reading all the posts here, I am so glad you mention this. With Parallels Desktop, you can even open a Windows program in another window, while your Macintosh operating system is running. In other words, you do not have to reboot (shutdown and restart) your Mac to open a Windows based Application.

Also, please be aware that in October Apple (the Company responsible for anything Mac), is coming out with its next Operating System (called Leopard). This will be even more user-friendly than the current system.

A Mac just works, there is very little learning curve; it runs an extremely intuitive OS - very little it does not figure out on its "own" - from printers, to camera, to wireless network. PLUS - it just never crashes. In the 12 years I have been using one, I have NEVER lost any data. Not many PC users (and I am also one) can say that.

[pepe mint]

you can go into an apple store and play on their macs all day long if you want

and they would be there to answer any questions you might have.

i have always found their employees to be EXTREMELY friendly and very very helpful

Originally Posted by Breny

I'm open to check one out But which one do I get? Can someone suggest which one to get? I want one thats FAST and I'll never have to upgrade. This baby would have to last a LONG time

My main concern is adding my software.
I'm into pictures and making cards so I have picture software and card software.

Then I have an expensive breeder program I bought that tracks my dogs and litters I'd need on it.

Then what about my documents as far as my breeding contracts...how would I get them on there. They were done on microsoft works?

Are they good for pics and music and digital videos?

[laurenr]

Originally Posted by pepe mint

again, a very good and accurate post.

also, you can get a refurbished macbook for MUCH less than a brand new one and you would never know that it was refurbished. I have one that i have been using a year now and have not noticed any difference. If you CAN wait until october when the new OS comes out, you don't have to worry about it taking 2 months to ship. it will ship immediately. so there would be no difference in ordering the mac and getting it in OCT. than keeping your order now and waiting till OCT.

also, if you do not want to wait and would rather get a refurbished or new on NOW, I believe that you can always upgrade your OS later. this is my understanding anyway...and this is what I plan on doing.

Aaaah..... so great to see other Mac lovers here.... who knew? Oh, and concerning the "about to be released" OS, if you purchase a new Mac now, you will be able to upgrade if for free, or for a very nominal fee, especially if you buy it directly from an Apple Store.

As for my most recent PC horror story - Hubby and I were in Italy this month celebrating a really BIG Anniversary, taking tons of pics with the digital camera and uploading them to his PC every night. Well, wouldn't ya know it, his PC had a crash (for a change, NOT) and we lost ALL our pictures. Even sending the darn thing to a specialised Data Recovery company was to no avail. Our time in Italy will become but a dim memory, with no pics to remind us....

[donatella80]

Originally Posted by pepe mint

again, a very good and accurate post.

also, you can get a refurbished macbook for MUCH less than a brand new one and you would never know that it was refurbished. I have one that i have been using a year now and have not noticed any difference. If you CAN wait until october when the new OS comes out, you don't have to worry about it taking 2 months to ship. it will ship immediately. so there would be no difference in ordering the mac and getting it in OCT. than keeping your order now and waiting till OCT.

also, if you do not want to wait and would rather get a refurbished or new on NOW, I believe that you can always upgrade your OS later. this is my understanding anyway...and this is what I plan on doing.

I totally agree about their refurbs! My last 2 laptops have been refurbs and I've been more than pleased. Our Intel Mac is a desktop and I'll be buying an Intel Macbook in the next month or 2--it WILL be refurb!

[pepe mint]

Originally Posted by donatella80

I totally agree about their refurbs! My last 2 laptops have been refurbs and I've been more than pleased. Our Intel Mac is a desktop and I'll be buying an Intel Macbook in the next month or 2--it WILL be refurb!

we usually buy all of our mac stuff refurb'd. LOVE IT. what a bargain!!! and literally, you would never know. and they come with the same warranties as a new one...why wouldn't you go that route? the only difference is that you don't get the nice fancy box and packaging that the new ones come with. yes...they still package it VERY nicely and it LOOKS GREAT. but...you don't get the fancy boxes LOL

that's the ONLY difference I've noticed