Mac vrs regular laptop- can someone explain to me?
 

Can someone explain to me why a Mac is different than a regular laptop is simple man terms? (no computer lingo :)) I'm not all that computer literate :)

What do you mean by no windows?

I just found out the Dell I ordered isn't going to ship now until 10/04 !!! I'm TICKED! I ordered it 08/01

So I thought if someone could please explain it to me in simple terms........

I may cancel my order!

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Try this again. Windows is a type of software that Dell and a lot of other companies use. Mac manufactures it's own brand of software. Bottom line you can do the same things on either one. I'd wait for the Dell, because I have one, and I love it.

well, here it goes...my bf is a mac lover and i like pc's but from what i know...
windows in an operating system (which most are familiar with). mac computers have their very own operating system that is unlike windows in many ways. It takes some time to get used to. For example, there is no start menu with the list of programs. On macs they are generally on the main screen. But that is basically the main difference in the two computers. Hope is helps a little!!

What about adding software? Will any of my software work on a Mac?

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.

You might have to get specific software, just for mac.

OK I can usually take the "techie" stuff and explain it to the non-techie people. I've been using PCs (that's windows) for 10+ years and switched to a Mac a few months ago. I LOVE IT.

Here's what you don't need to know: Windows is an operating system that runs on PC's. Mac OSX (10) is the operating system that runs on Macs.

Here's what you need to know: You will have to adjust to the new "layout" of a Mac. Programs are in a different spot. Menus are a little different. BUT - I bet that new Dell has Vista on it. Vista is a version of Windows. Most computers had Windows XP which is what you are thinking of. Windows "Vista" is completely different. No matter what, you will need to learn a new way to navigate your programs and files. This is a great time to switch.

Macs cost a little more because they have better parts. You can get a cheapo version of a PC. You can't really get a cheapo version of a Mac. They don't build junk.

Software is complicated. Most everything you need comes built in. Email, Internet Browser, Photo Editing (iPhoto is AWESOME - you plug in your digital camera and it just figures it out.) You can still use Microsoft Word, but you have to buy a special version. You can buy different word processing software that will probably be cheaper and better.

It took me a while to adjust to the difference, but now that I have, I can see that the Mac is better. Windows overcomplicates things. My only problem with it was MY adjustment, not the computer itself. Now I'm a fan. :D

Oh - most importantly - the Mac almost never crashes. And it turns off and on REALLY quickly. And my Macbook weighs less than Sammy.

Erin did a great job explaining the differences. I started out on a mac 19 years ago and about 6 years ago, I decided to get a PC for my home computer (my office computers are all macs) so my hubby could learn computers (he had PCs at his work). It nearly DROVE ME CRAZY! Oh, and I'm typing this message on my home mac now! :)

You don't have to learn macs - well, if you are used to a PC, then yes, you have to unlearn the PC "way". Mostly, you just let the mac "do its own thing". I loved when Erin said, "you plug in your camera and the mac figures it out". This is exactly TRUE.

I know NOTHING about how computers operate and I've been mac literate since the day I turned it on in 1988. It is so easy. But, I have heard my PC friends say, it is a pain to "unlearn" PC ways. However, if you just let the Mac "do its own thing" you don't have to unlearn anything - OK, that's not exactly true, but it feels that way.

The part about the viruses is partially true - it is true that Macs don't get viruses, but not because the CAN'T get them, but because there are so few macs, the hacks don't bother creating mac viruses. It may be true that they are safer from viruses, but I guarentee if some hack wanted to create a mac virus, they could!

It is also true that almost everything you need comes already installed in the mac - installation of programs is a breeze - YOU do nothing, except stick the disk in and let the mac "do its thing". You will need a word processing program, eg. MicroSoft Word - but that is about it, unless of course you are into graphic art or something like that!

I grew up on Macs (I'm from the town where Apple is located). I love Macs. But during college financially it didn't make sense to have one. Luckily, last year my work got us all a MacBook. I've always thought Macs are easier to figure out. I would spend the extra money and get a mac. :D

I'm with you girl! I love my Macbook too. :love: :love:

I also have a MacBook & I love it!! I have always used PC's and switched to a Mac in June. I find the Mac much easier to use, and much more user friendly. I even like the MS-Word program better for Macs than for PC's. I find the Mac to be much faster, fewer problems, no viruses, and just a great computer all around. I tried using Windows Vista and I hated it, it felt like I was using a messed up version of the Mac's operating system. I would really suggest going for the Mac!! & if you're a student you get a free ipod nano & printer ;) Also, everything is magnetic! When you close the computer it doesn't have a latch that can break, it's just a magnet. The power cord is also magnetic so if you trip on it, the whole computer wont fall! Did I mention it comes with a built in webcam? Oh and it has a built in wireless port.

-- The only thing is if you're a gamer, a MacBook isn't good for a lot of gaming. You would have to go with the MacBook Pro for gaming.

2nd pic- you see the dock at the bottom? that's what they use instead of the start menu.

3rd pic- front row program. it's where you can watch dvd's and stuff & it comes with a remote.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: LOVE my MacBook!

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?

Do you live close to an Apple store? Many of the big malls have Apple stores, and the kids who work in those stores can answer all your questions. You can also call Apple 1-800-myApple and they will help you with your concerns. It is true that there are some programs designed for the PC that will not run on the mac. If that is a program the you must have, then that will be a problem for you.

Oh yeah, if you ever do have a problem with your Mac (rarely), you can take it to the Apple store, and the kids there can usually fix it.

You don't have to worry about upgrades, whenever there is an upgrade for your operating system or to any standard Mac program (e.g., iPhoto or iMovie), you get it automatically. You have a program on the Mac that checks weekly for upgrades for all your systems and programs and you get a dialog box asking if you want to upgrade now, you say yes, and agree to terms and then the mac installs the upgrade.

Of course, if mac develops a whole new operating system, then that type of upgrade wouldn't be automatic. It's my opinion though, that mac operating systems are so great, it wouldn't matter - you could easily wait till you were ready to get a new computer.

I know it sounds like we are trying to "talk" you into a mac - the truth is though, that we love ours so much, we want you to take a look at Macs. But if it is not right for you, then don't be swayed by our enthusiasm! :)

Good luck!

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

Windows Vista is from hell !!!!!

I want my XP back!

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

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.

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

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!

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: 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.

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.

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.

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

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....:(:(:(

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! :D

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 ;)