Re: Switching to a Macintosh computer?
I don't know you, or what you do on a computer, but for about 95% of the general public, I would say that YES you should absolutely switch to Mac. I had been using a PC my whole life, and was pretty good with one, but decided to make the switch almost a year ago. I don't think I will ever go back.
Pro's:
* The OS is so much more stable it is scary.
* Programs work together on a Mac instead of fighting each other as on a PC.
* There is no such thing as a program you can't run. Macs can also run windows, so if on the off chance you do come across something that isn't made for Mac, you can still run it on the Windows side.
* Start up, shut down, and opening programs is much faster on Mac.
* Macs use RAM more efficiently than PCs. Rule of thumb is that 2 gig of RAM on a Mac is equal to 3 gig on a PC.
* In my opinion, and the opinion of most people that compare the two, fit and finish is much nicer on a Mac than a PC.
* I can't speak to this personally, but in doing some research, I found that Macs tend to last much longer than PCs. Also, Windows PCs tend to "slow down" over time. I have heard that this does not happen on a Mac.
* Devices are TRUELY plug & play. i.e., all I had to do was plug in my camera and it worked instantly. No drivers to install, no configuring, no optimizing. It just worked, perfectly. Same results with my ipod, Multi-function printer, video camera, external hard drives, etc., etc.
* Dealing with music, photos, movies, etc. is SO much easier on a Mac.
* Many more reasons too numerous to mention here.
Cons:
* On laptops, speakers are better on most PCs.
* MANY more optional accessories made for PC than Mac. (though there is nothing you CAN'T get for a Mac).
* Many more software titles available for PC. (See # 3 under "Pros")
* Gaming is better on a PC.
* If you currently use a PC, there will be a slight learning curve. Well, not so much of a learning curve as it is unlearning bad habits. i.e., to completely uninstall a program, on a PC, you have to uninstall the software, perhaps go into system settings and uninstall there also, then find all DLL files in the system and delete them, then perhaps go in and repair your registry. On a Mac, just drag the program to the "Trash" and you are done.
* There are no "bargain" Macs. You can buy a $300 PC, though it is bottom of the line. You can't do this with a Mac, they don't make "bottom of the line". BUT, if you compare the prices of a PC that is equipped equally with the Mac, you will find that they are almost identical in price, and in fact, sometimes Macs are cheaper.
* Almost impossible to "home build" a Mac as you can with a PC. Yes, you can add ram, hard drives, etc. but it isn't as easy to completely build a Mac from the motherboard and case up, nor would you want to.
IMO, Macs are the only way to go for most people. If money is an issue, and all you do is check email and surf the net, one of he $300 PCs will be fine, but if you use a computer for anything else, seriously consider a mac.
BTW, I have a Macbook Pro, and I am working on a friend's PC laptop right now; they are side by side. I am amazed how much more complicated things are to do on a PC than a Mac. There is nothing that I like on the PC better than my Mac, other than built-in speakers, and I am talking about hardware, software, and Operating System.
BTW, I am NOT one of the obnoxious Mac elitists that think Steve Jobs is God. That is another "Con" for Mac, and I almost didn't buy one just because I didn't want to be lumped in with them. Now, I'm glad I got over that, because I much prefer my Mac. I have nothing against PCs, but just think, after using both, that Macs do some things a little better, and MOST things A LOT better.
Sorry for the long reply, but I hope this helps. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask me (PM or in this thread).
Erik
