Mac or PC? Help me decide.
June 26, 2010 at 9:55 am (Technology)
An opportunity recently came up where I can purchase a used MacBook (15.4″/2.4 GHz/160 GB disk/2 GB RAM/OSX 10.6) for $600.
I know it’s in good shape, but for half the price I can buy a new netbook, or for the same price I can get a brand new Dell (15.6″/2.2 GHz/320 GB disk/4GB RAM/Win7-64bit).
I do use a Mac at work and like the feel of it.
Whaddaya think?
Kara said,
June 26, 2010 at 10:41 am
I vote for the mac!!!
Meandering Michael said,
June 26, 2010 at 10:49 am
I like my MacBook Pro because I have far fewer problems with it (software-wise) than I ever did with my PCs. It’s definitely more stable and reliable and I like the software. That being said, I once had to get the screen replaced. If it hadn’t been under warranty, I would have been the owner of an expensive piece of junk. It backs-up easier than any other computer I’ve ever owned (with Time Machine/Time Capsule (extra $$$), I don’t even need to worry about it).
As a work machine, I wouldn’t even think about going back to a PC. As a personal computer, for the cost, I would seriously need to consider how much of a premium I place on faster-and-easier-to-use software, fewer crashes, and auto-backups.
(I’m not familiar with Windows 7 but wouldn’t ever consider buying a computer with Vista.)
Don't Bug Me! said,
June 26, 2010 at 6:36 pm
I have a PC, because that is what I have at work. I have a friend who has a Mac at home and PC at work – she is constantly complaining about having to work with two different systems that are not always compatible. I would go with whatever you have at work. To be honest, I would have chosen a Mac if it wasn’t for the work PC issue.
Geof Harries said,
June 27, 2010 at 6:38 am
I use a PC at the office (Lenovo workstation + Sony laptop, both running Windows 7) but have owned many Macs over the years. In fact, I’m typing on a newer model iMac right now. I’m on a PC because we do a lot of Windows software development.
Macs are simply easier and more fun to use. Just like Michael said, it’s still just a computer, so things may break down. No matter what you choose, it can happen.
I’d recommend spending $100 (possibly less) to add another 2GB of RAM. You don’t “need” it, but the extra memory really helps speed things up.
Stacie said,
June 28, 2010 at 1:19 pm
I say go for the PC and send me the info for the Mac, ’cause I need a $600 MBP right now!!
Carole said,
July 4, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Thanks for all your comments folks!
Contact Meadia Solutions to see if Trevor might have an extra one to sell.
Kara, thanks for your vote!
Michael, something to think about since the warranty runs out in November. Still, for $600, I’m leaning toward the Mac.
DBM, I’ve been using a PC at home and a Mac at work for the last 2 years. Oh, and the Mac had all French software and menus, which made the help feature useless since I only knew the English techie lingo. What a learning curve that was!
Geof, thanks for the suggestion about the extra RAM. I might just do that.
Stacie,
WackyMummy said,
July 27, 2010 at 10:01 am
This is quite the existential question. I say, if you haven’t already made your decision: go for Mac. It’s just worth it. If the only reason you use PC is because it’s compatible with other systems, then that’s just all the wrong reasons. Mac has improved their compatibility with PC and they’re just better and more powerful. I gave up on desktop PC models and all PC models in fact because it takes so much time just to maintain them… running upgrades and virus checks and so on. Mac takes care of itself. Like my cat. Only better.