Whaddyareckon?: Mac vs. PC

Windows may have dropped the ball with Vista but a "PC" still is superior simply due to the fact that it gives you options. I can "Choose" what O/S I want and what programs I want to use etc etc. Mac with Leopard has done with the O/S but its running specific hardware, doesnt give you the choice when it comes to H/W and allot of S/W. Yes this may change with the Intel Platform but still to me personally its all about choice and the Mac limits your choice. Now let all the Mac Fan boys rip this to shreds but its just an opinion so be gentle!

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With 10.5 and the switch to intel I can run windows or any flavour of linux i choose through boot camp or parralells/ vm ware fusion. Currently I am triple booting XP, Ubuntu and OS X on my MacBook. Hardware wise granted the freedom isn't the same but that is ok for 90% of the market. If you want to build your own computer then the mac isn't for you, simple as that. If however you want to pull your computer out of its box, plug it in and have it 'work' then the mac is the way to go, think of how many people that covers compared to those who like to build and choose every component of their PC. In the usability stakes mac OS X is the clear winner while microsoft dropped the ball majorly with Vista. The unfortunate truth is that the mac has made up so much ground whilst not comprimising the the expierence that is 'the macintosh'. It is why they are doing so much better then other PC manufactures as they continue to grow at record rates whilst all others fall off. 5 years ago, the mac lagged in several key areas... that simply does not ring true anymore. Go into any Apple store and ask them to demo making a movie, or storing and editing photos, then you will see the true face of the mac, and why it is so popular!

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Vista on a mac. I am running a MBP with both Vista and OS X and the Mac partition has locked up, crashed and and frozen now and then. Not a lot but it has had the odd problem where the Vista side has worked 100% of the time. No lockups, no blue screen, no problems, at all!! I know this will annoy the mac fanboys but I love Vista on a mac. As to Mac growing at a greater rate remember it is always easier to grow quickly when you start at a low rate. Only real direction for Microsoft to go is down when you have near 90% of the market. When you only have 3% the only way is up or extinction.

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"Windows may have dropped the ball with Vista but a "PC" still is superior simply due to the fact that it gives you options." What uninformed waffle! There, that's gentle enough! Today's Core2 Duo Intel Macs running Mac OS X 10.5.x (Leopard} can just as easily boot in Windows XP or Vista, run it faster than many WinTel PCs .. and run the PC software versions natively. But wait .. there's more! The Intel-based Mac, running its Unix-based OS also runs the absolute plethora of software designed to take advantage of its immensely stable platform. And has the previous writer ever looked at/worked effortlessly with the fabulous iLife suite of programs that come FREE with every Apple Mac? So many frustrated Windows using friends of mine have abandoned their PCs and embraced the Apple Mac's easy, intuitive environment .. because EVERYTHING works with everything else. That's just it .. everything works as it should, thanks to the disciplined development that is Apple Mac OS X .. and it works EVERY TIME! Please, "nk100680", get some Apple Mac OS X experience under your belt before you dish up such utter and outdated Wintel propaganda.

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I was an XP user, changed to Mac recently just to find out that it is simply not true that 'Macs just work" I had to re-install the OS twice in 4 months because the latest update (10.5.3) wrecked my system. And Macs crash just like PCs. I had more options on PC, Software vendors update their programs for PC's months before the Mac versions, and Adobe (the mother of creative software) is going to release Photoshop in 64-bit for PC only for now, and is much friendlier to PC than Mac. Next purchase will be a Windows box, cheaper and more productive.

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PC vista/linux for work/productivity/security. Mac OSX because I need a honeypot. Let's see how much Apple has learned from Microsoft's experiences about OS security..

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Haven't used Vista, but used XP extensively. When my PC finally died I switched to Mac and absolutely love it. 1) The OS is less intrusive (what was with XP's giant ugly blueness?) and is far more usable, and by forcing software makers to adhere to their style it means everything just "fits" better. 2) Runs faster despite being on lower spec machine than my PC 3) Runs XP concurrently via VMWare so I can use all my Windows programs at the same time as the OSX ones 4) The box itself is more stylish than anything PC makers can dish out, and it's quieter, and uses less power. 5) The Apple software (iLife, iWork, et al) is easier to use, more intuitive, and more powerful than anything Microsoft has dished out (except Excel, but I don't need it). 6) Being fully Unix-compliant, the security issues are less extreme, even with increased popularity. I know PCs still have their place, and Apple did have some major problems with their latest OS release, but for me Macs just work and suit the way I do things

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MekonDelta - Yes Boot Camp can run other O/S but you can't customise your Mac. It is going to run on specific hardware etc. A PC will give you options to add components that a Mac wont. I dont understand now that Mac is on the Intel Platform it doesnt open up a bit. Like the Pystar. Thats a great idea and it has proved it can run on hardware other than "Macs" Hardware. Why not embrace something like what Pystar has done or at least do something similar and give Windows a real crack. At present they are never going to really threaten Windows because in the end its allot cheaper to buy a PC and in the current economic market, business and your average home user dont really care about booting 3 different platforms etc, they just want something that works for them and aint going to break the bank doing it. I use a PC, I dont feel particular loyal to Windows or any other O/S but if Mac wants to continue to bag the crap out of MS and windows with there stupid ads how about they grow a pair, release the O/S on other Hardware and really push it. In the end its going to be you and me who benefit because not only will allot of other users the chance to use a Mac it also might make MS sit up and notice and actually try to design a good O/S. Really do you think MS are trying their best at the moment. I think they just release a new O/S knowing that it will be adopted. Until there is some real competition they wont change and until the Mac is more accessiable to the masses it will still be your boutique PC.

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as a gamer, its pretty obvious who i prefer... :) pc

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Get out of your bedrooms nerdboys and buy yourselves a V8!

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mac ftw

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nk100680@yahoo -- While Mac and OSX go hand in hand, they are not the same thing. You can't release Mac on a PC because it is a computer system. And while OSX has been made to work on non-Mac hardware, it's not without some considerable effort, specific hardware requirements, and system instability. However you can get other OSs running on Mac hardware without any difficulty whatsoever. Here's the fundamental difference between Apple and Microsoft: MS sells software, and it's intention is to get it's software on every device in every home and pocket on the planet; while Apple sells hardware, and it wants to get its hardware in every home and pocket on the planet. Sure Apple does software, and it does it very well, but they are mostly selling points for their hardware -- which is why they mostly give it away, as opposed to selling it for exorbitant prices like MS does. They are different business models, which is why Apple will never release OSX for non-Mac hardware. And the question was Mac or PC, not Windows or OSX -- I don't like PCs because, while they're cheap, they're also (in my experiences, over the last 25 years) unstable, over-complicated, short-lived devices which cost more in the long run.

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I run a MBP with OSX, XP, and Vista. I also run a PC with XP vista and its also a hackintosh running osx. FWIW I think for standard computing applications there is not much difference. and, the Mac vs PC debate is about as productive as the Ford Vs Holdens debate. Software As A Service (SAAS) like Web 2.0 and Google docs make the OS irrelevant anyway.

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Hi, Years ago a friend of mine proudly showed me he MAC and was even prouder of the the fact that it could emulate a PC .... funny I have never seen a PC user who proudly said his PC could emulate a MC ;-)

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I used to LOVE Macs. Then I saw the PC light shine through the slick Apple marketing and I'll likely NEVER go back. PC's are cheaper, do WAY more and better, and in my extensive experience, crash less and have a much longer and more flexible upgrade path in both hardware and software. Windows has it's flaws, but when Apple releases a surprise new OS, it usually wont work on older hardware, forcing an upgrade to stay current. That happened to me .. 3 months after I bought a shiney new G3. I'm a graphic designer, I also like gaming and I don't like being ripped off.

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As all can see, there is no definitive answer to this question... i have recently made the switch from PC to Mac, and i think i will not look back from a personal point of view, it does just work. Comments have been made that PC's are cheaper. that may be true to some extent, you can go and buy PC out of the box for under $1000 dollars, but try to build a PC with the same specs as a Mac as you'll find them pretty competitive.... it just really depends on what you want to use it for... personally i have no reservations recommending a 20" iMac to a customer.

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Thank goodness for the intelligent comment from Ben ... in response to an absolutely stupid question posted by Matt Oxley.Was his post some kind of mad grab for attention, to make up for the tripe he published, posed as journalism Tools for tools.. One, Two, Three, Change hands !

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As a Gamer, Music Producer, Downloader, Googler, and DJ. I can still not see the value of going to an Operating System that limits me, I want to do all things on the one machine. Comments by Ben are to be honest unfounded owning a PC is not more expensive in the long run. I guess you must be buying your gear from Harvery Normans. Check out the pricing on at MSY these guys are doing an incrediable trade on PC ( and no I dont work for them). In fact this argument is to be honest pointless as every user has a different requirement. It like some who listens to Country telling the Metaler his is doesn't have any Soul. As to stability if you know how to look after your operating system you wont have issues with either. Pc RULES so does MAC cant we all just live in Harmony. :)

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I have used both systems, plus four or five Linux desktops and I find myself coming back to some simple choices of which one I will use at a given time: Email and Web: Linux Ubuntu Gnome Gaming: Vista (although I have just down graded to XP- that says something) Garage Band (legendary program) OS X If you want to go on eye candy neither system matches the latest KDE on linux, so what else do you argue for? Ease of use? None of the systems are truly intuitive- it just feels that way if you have been using them long enough. Vista is bloated, OS X limited by hardware choice. Vista is expensive software, OS X sits on expensive hardware. Reading my comments, I am starting to be surprised that there is even an argument. No one will win- our individual experiences will dictate how we choose, and we will all believe our own choice is superior to an others and I guess in the end, it is just what is right for us, and no one else. I suppose the real question is, why are you trying to convince anyone, that one is better than the other? What is it that you need? Why do you even want to convince me? Oh and hi to Bill, Steve and Linus... What do I need? I think 5 to 7 years of medium to intense therapy and a dab of self reflection- make that two dabs. Best to you all, thanks for the entertainment from the other commentators. As soon as I read the title "Whaddyareckon?: Mac vs PC" I knew that there would be a lively discussion happening and it got me to thinking: There might be a special place in Hell for Mr Oxley

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I'm an intermediate knowledge computer user (I know enough to keep my system healthy and how to play games :D), and Mac culture reeks of a major superiority complex. Those Mac v PC ads are a perfect example of this. I use a PC/Windows but I'm not particularly "loyal" to them (how ridiculous to be loyal to a computer program). It works, it's user friendly, and it runs absolutely everything under the sun. If Mac wants to appeal to the unwashed masses like myself they need to realize that no one other than die hard Mac fanatics cares about their holy crusade against the evil PC empire. Decrying everything they feel is wrong with Windows doesn't work when the majority of people use PCs and are (most of the time) happy with its functionality.

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Mac has it all over PC. A Mac can even run Windows, game over.

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I'm a PC user from well back around 91. I've always been pretty good with computers and just figuring stuff out (mostly by making lots of mistakes early on). I switch my home system to Mac in late 2006 and not too long ago I actually sold my slightly dated gaming rig. From my perspective Mac do everything I need incredibly well, be it multi tasking, design work and multimedia, not that my PC did a bad job at any point, but it was never a pleasure to use. That would by main argument in favour of Mac - they are enjoyable to use. I openly agree that they are not as flexible as your home built PC which I miss in a slightly nerdy way, but at the same time, how many users actually pull their PC apart unless something actually goes wrong or is out of date... neither of which has happened to my iMac. Also, I do sometimes wish that my Mac was better equipped with a lot more 3d gaming capabilities - which is now the job of my PS3 which I think is a good healthy option for me to keep me in a social area and out of the office - but then I don't really miss many of the games enough to go buy another PC. Finally, I have also managed to convince or assist quite a few people in their buying decision to move to Mac, mostly for their ease of use, which ultimately means I'm not called as their 'tech-support'. All in all, PCs are so far entrenched in the Enterprise/Corporate environment that I'd almost say Mac will never win, but thats not to say they cannot gain alot of ground in the home/entertainment (gaming) arenas.

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Having owned a MacBook Pro for 2 yrs after being a solid Windows user before that, my comments as follows: 1. The Mac O/S is clearly more stable/works out of the box. 2. Mac native apps integrate well, if generally underpowered vs Windows equivalents (Mail, iCal, etc). 3. 3rd party software for Mac generally suck - particularly MS products...esp. the laughable Entourage. 4. Compatability wise - Macs work well with other Apple stuff, and not well with 3rd parties. As an example, my multi-function device became just a printer...I won't even talk about my Windows Mobile Device. 5. Virtual machine stuff works okay, but long term is a pain to use, and not as fast as native. 6. Boot Camp is again okay, but I still have questions over stability - and its not supported by MS. 7. You can't play games on a Mac unless you use 5 (slow) or 6 (a pain). Overall, the design is great, Mac O/S works well as do other apple apps (although they don't generally compare well to Windows based business tools). 3rd party apps and support are generally painful (particularly MS). So, in summary, if you don't need MS Office - choose a Mac. If you do..don't.

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I am a bit of all three. I love mac for my main usage as a internet and multimedia computer (owning a aluminum mac) and i just love using it. I have had some small problems i admit. At first some programs had bugs and some didn't work full stop (updates to the rescue). Another problem was the 10.5.3 update (never worked, thank god for 10.5.4). I am a vista boot camper, strictly for games. But really, if you want to play games, get an xbox. Although i will lose my beloved RTS's. Linux is great to play with but also (as i found out recently) can be very practical. With my xp comp on it last legs (taking 5mins to boot, stuff like that) i revived it with Ubuntu and now it flies! I just love how easy it can be to use and how if something doesn't work, you just get something better..., for free! They all have their downsides and their advantages. But i will always really only be a true mac owner.

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PC ALL THE WAY

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Definitely Mac, all the way!!! :) * No viruses. Plus because they are more secure there are WAY less of those annoying security-related warnings popping up every 5 seconds every time you want to do something. * More stable. I've never had any problems, ever, after many years of owning Macs. Not one crash, not one "screen of death"... compared to when I had a PC, having to clean up windows, reinstall stuff etc etc- it was a nightmare. * Plug & play devices- stuff just works (usually no need to install drivers). Printers, cameras...all good to go. * If you really can't do without windows, install it on a Mac (using additional software VMWare Fusion lets you run both Windows & Mac OS side by side without having to boot in & out) BEST OF BOTH WORLDS :) * And the included software, including the latest OS Leopard, and iLife08 really is in a league of its own, and worth updating to if you haven't already. * User-friendly (my only issue after switching was getting used to the new keyboard shortcuts- eg. apple/c instead of Ctr/C to cut) It's intuitive to learn- I've never had to look at a manual. * It may be a bit more expensive but it's soooo worth it, and I will never use a PC again! * Once you use Mac, you won't go back ;) P.S. Yes I am a Mac addict :)) P.P.S. If you buy a Mac from NextByte they give you 12 months free training, to make the switch even easier :)

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"Hi, Years ago a friend of mine proudly showed me he MAC and was even prouder of the the fact that it could emulate a PC .... funny I have never seen a PC user who proudly said his PC could emulate a MC ;-) azhall" Haha good good! MAC needs PC applications, PC needs nothing from MAC

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I googled to this thread searching for info on which is best - Mac or PC. (I use a PC, haven't seen an Apple computer in more than ten years). After reading all this I still don't know. So I had a quick think. What does 'better' mean? and why do I want to know? Leave the 'better' question out for a moment. Well I want to know because I've got a friend who's bought a Mac and he's telling me about it and criticising PC's (or Windows, really) and I wanted to be informed so's I could respond to him. Now, after a little think, I see that I'm just trying to respond to little criticisms by settling the question 'which is better?' Well that's a silly thing to do. A little criticism, a little fault, doesn't invalidate a whole machine or a whole program or OS or suite of programmes. i.e. I'm over-reacting. He tells me Windows suffers from memory leak and implies that therefore Mac is best and PC's are no good. Stupid. XP does suffer from memory leaks, I think, but there's software to deal with it. It's a detail. Not the whole story. There'll be similar details with the Mac. A flaw with the Mac doesn't invalidate the whole Mac thing - hardware and/or software. All this tossing backwards and forwards of little flaws and problems found with each machine (and/or software) is really pretty nit-picking. It doesn't solve the 'big' question: which is best? But everyone takes these little things so seriously you get sucked into thinking you really are addressing the big question. Well we're not. So how to address it? Which is 'best'? Well I think it is pretty obvious that they are simply 'different'. Mac deliberately states it is different and intends to be different. They are aimed at a certain niche market. They do not compete head-to-head with the PC on the same playing field. They (Steve Jobs) said that years ago when actually there was a chance that Apple could become THE desktop machine. It's hard for ignoramuses such as I to know just what it is that Mac does. Just what is their 'niche', just what they're so good at but I feel it is something to do with multimedia isn't it? Whatever it is that's the point of difference. Like the difference between a taxi and a private car, or a car and a ute, or a Ford and a Holden. The Mac is aimed at some speciality and the PC is aimed at generality. They've all got faults and nevertheless they've all got their specific uses and we choose the one or the other according to which best meets our needs. Mac and PC, OSX and Vista, are all good. And none perfect. Though they're pretty much alike they're still different. Some posters have pointed this out. Frequent mention of the hardware thing. You can't find 'the best' you can only find the best for you and then you'll still have the problems, the weaknesses that come with it. The best for me I think - still being after this research largely ignorant of the whole thing - is the pc. Because I like trying new software (download more than a gigabyte of free software in the last year) and I like swapping hardware and building/upgrading my own machine and it seems to me that what everyone is saying is that pc is the thing for this. Too many words. Succinctly: Mac for specialist use. Pc for general use. I think. :)

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