I've had a PC laptop for 2 years and it's starting to crap out on me. There are of course the options of getting a new fan, or getting it fixed, but where's the fun in that? I prefer to buy a new one.
I might have mentioned before that the hubsters is a manager at a huge electronic retail store. It may or may not sport the colors of blue and yellow. Anywho, one of his employees totally got me hooked on a Mac. You can tell this guy is a "Mac Guy". He loves his Mac and will convince you that you absolutely need one to live. Like, you'll die if you don't have one. And, since I'm TOTALLY gullible when it comes to electronics, I believe him.
So then, I come to work the next day and tell my crit partner that I want a Mac. He then proceeds to tell me how he is a "PC Guy" and totally convinced me to get a PC instead.
So, now I want to know from you all. You are writers. If you had the choice, would you go with a Mac or a PC? I'm still leaning towards the Mac, but they are so different it kinda scares me a little.
Here are some of the things that were said**:
Mac Guy:
- Mac batteries are built into them so you can leave the laptop plugged in all the time and it won't make the battery crap like PC laptop batteries tend to do because they are made like cell phones- intended to run down and then recharge. (side note: I get about an hour out of my laptop battery right now)
- Macs are made to last 7-9 years, PCs made to last 2-3 years (he has had his for 9 years)
- Their iwork is easier and cooler than word. And you can save it and send it as a word document.
- PC's are cheaper and are compatible with more "stuff" (like printers and stuff...although the mac guy told me macs are totally compatible with that stuff too....so yeah...no idea)
- They are able to run more programs and download type stuff from the internet
- Better for gaming (totally doesn't apply to me though, I'm not a gamer)
- Better virus protection (I read about this one in an article...but I have also heard that Pcs get more viruses because they are the most targeted)
**Disclamer: I have no idea if any of this they told me is true. Remember: totally gullible
27 comments:
I have a PC desktop, but when we finally have the money, we will definitely be getting some sort of Mac laptop.
I was pretty sure that Macs didn't get viruses, or at least not like PC's, so I'm not sure where he got that from...
No contest for me-Mac all the way!!! Granted, I use mine for creative purposes... and Mac blows PC away in that dept. Easy, virus free (knock on wood), and let's not forget a huge priority... they are so PRETTY! :) I DO recommend getting the protection plan through your Hubs' work... ALWAYS better safe than sorry with a major purchase like a computer that you have so much of your life invested into.
I can tell you that everything the Mac guy said is accurate...PC guy, not so much. Mac's are more expensive, no doubt about that one. As far as compatibility, install virtual windows and you have both a Mac and a PC. And, viruses are almost non-existent for Mac's, maybe because hackers get a bigger bang for their malice when screwing with PC's? If you do any kind of design work, it's a Mac...hands down!
I'm a PC, only because it's cheaper. And all of my PCs have lasted 5 years+.
I'm a Mac user. I switched a little over 3 years ago. I LOVE mine. I had so many problems with the PCs over the years. The last one got infected with viruses and I lost everything when I tried to get it fixed.
My Mac actually cost less than my former PC and had pretty much everything I needed already installed so I didn't need to buy a ton of software. I used iWorks for a while, but in the end it was easier for me to use Word. I just got the mac version of it and I was good. I do use iWorks. For some things (like handouts for lessons or flyers) it's much easier. The main thing I had a hard time with at first was there is no forward delete button, but I started thinking differently about how I delete and then there was no problem. Also on Mac the x and minimize are on the opposite side of the screen from PC. That took a couple of days of adjustment--but nothing too challenging. I found when switching over that the Mac worked more the way my brain does, so everything seemed easier, more straight forward, than on the PC. One daughter has switched to Mac thinking she'd not like it and loves it.
Okay, this is my take on this. My husband used to be a Mac guy. We had two Macs that, to be completely honest, were pretty to look at and had lots of cool features and had state of the art music recording equipment. Both these computers started sucking pretty fast.
What do I mean by sucking? Hmmm, they still had all the cool features, but they got slower and slower and slower until they eventually just stopped working all together. On the positive side, we never got any viruses. I've had a lot more scary virus moments with my PC than I ever did with a Mac.
Sorry to go on so long . . . anyway, after our two Macs died, one after the other in about five years (so no, they do not last all that long), we bought a PC lap top for MUCH MUCH cheaper. And this PC has just as memory as the macs did, it functions just as well, and has, thus far, only had one major crash. I'm not a huge fan of Vista and the graphics aren't nearly as cool. And, to be honest, I do miss the state-of-the-art music recording equipment. But for the price you pay for largely the same stuff, we just didn't see the point buying another MAC.
I just switched to a Mac and I must tell you, I will NEVER go back to a PC. NEVER NEVER. Apple knows what they're doing. Yes, it's more expensive, but you get what you pay for. I don't know much about their laptops--I had to get a desktop because I'm a photographer and need a big screen to edit. Yes, it takes a while to get used to--there are still things about it I'm learning, but it makes so much sense. Now windows feels backwards!
My Mac is SO much faster than my PC laptop ever was. I had that thing for a good 5 years but it crapped out on me and now I see it was a blessing in disguise.
And I got Microsoft Office (word, powerpoint, excel) for Mac, so if you're worried about missing out on those, don't. As far as a writing program... I downloaded Scrivener--it's AWESOME.
ONCE you get a MAC you NEVER go back! I have had mine for two years and I LOVE it! I can't begin to tell you have much. It is the best money I have ever spent!
Not only do you get a superior computer if you live near an Apple store and buy your computer there for only $99.00 you can have a personal one on one with an apple geek. They are the sweetest and help you through EVERY aspect on your Mac. Not only that if you are into crystal-clear graphics and tons of features a Mac is for you.
AND you can created websites so easily with a MAC the post in through MoblieMe to get it to the world. It is AMAZING!
DON'T THINK! RUN TO YOUR NEAREST APPLE STORE ABBY!!!!!!!!
As you can see I have not preference..... lol
Michael
Don't get a Mac because when Sarai and I come over she will see it and want one because they are so awesome.
Save your brother-in-law some cash. ;)
I loved my PC, but when it died after four years, I got a Mac and never looked back! I love it.
Seems like you have lots of Mac votes! Hmmm. Whatever will you do Abs? ;)
Thanks a million for this post. I'm in the middle of the PC or Mac battle myself and still trying to decide.
I say PC. But I'm a gamer, so that sways me. Plus you have choices of operating systems with PC. Linux is VERY customizable which can be really fun. :)
You'll find that Macs have more loyalists than PCs just because a PC is a PC is a PC, it's all about the hardware.
I just got a new PC desktop. If Mac was cheaper, I probably would have considered it more seriously. I get very attached to my word processing programs though. So far, love the new PC.
Wow - I'll be no help at all (sorry), except to say that I've always used a PC and the comfort of knowing what I'm using is a good thing. Sure, I can learn new systems. The question is, do I want to?? (depends on my mood). I'd buy a Mac, however, if I somehow receive gobs of cash soon - because I love the look of that little neon apple... :)
Mac, Mac, Mac! I love my Mac! I used to have a PC, and like you, it crapped out pretty quickly. My mac is 5 years old and still going strong. Anyone can argue either side, but my hubs (who's a software engineer) describes it like this: If you buy a PC, expect to purchase a new one in 2-3 years, if you buy a Mac, expect to purchase a new one in 8ish years. PCs, while cheaper initially, end up being about the same in the long run. Anyway... this is getting long, but my Mac runs like a champ. You're unlikely to have virus problems because there aren't really viruses written for Macs. I also love using Scrivner, which is a writing program for Mac. But, yeah... I vote Mac. :)
I have a PC, and have never considered a Mac. However, I've noticed that the people who DO have Macs are diehard in love with them. :)
Oh wow guys, you are really tempting me here. It does sound like you Mac people are totally 100 percent loyal!
Loving all the facts and tidbits about each computer you are giving me- it's really helpful!
MAC!! I love love LOVE my MacBook!
I've had many PCs (dell, sony via, etc) and had SO many problems and glitches and viruses and slowness and crashes.
I've had my MacBook for 3 years now and never one problem. I haven't done anything but abuse it (it goes everywhere I go...on vacation, to the cafe, downstairs, upstairs...). My original battery is still going, but I never got 9 hours out of one charge...more like 5.
Your PC guy made one major lie...PCs are MUCH more vulnerable to viruses. Like WAY more.
The ONLY downside to a Mac is the initial cost (though they do have warranted refurbished macs through Apple..but still not cheap).
I will never NEVER go back to a PC. They'll have to pry my MacBook from my cold dead claws.
I have a Sony PC which I love, but if I could afford it I'd definitely go for a Mac.. They are supposed to be so much better all around.
It all comes down to software. I've used a PC for years, so all of my software is for a PC. MACs are fine, but switching would mean buying all that software again. (That includes a lot of my games!) And there is more variety with a PC.
I have had a Mac for almost two years, and I absolutely love it. It's just as good as it was the day I bought it, and I have never had any problems with it. It's perfectly compatible with my printer, and Macs are better protected against viruses. The only problem with Macs is sending docs from a Mac to a PC (the other way around is not a problem), and software. Software for Macs is harder to find and usually more expensive. But now that I have used a Mac, I will never go back. Unless I'm broke.
ALL I do with my laptop is internet (blogging, goofing off, etc.) and the PC is working out perfectly for that (except the stupid cord, don't get me started on my cord issues this year). BUT two of my writer friends have been GUSHING about their MacPros this week. GUSHING, I tell you.
Don't tell my beloved laptop, but when it dies off, I think I'm going Mac.
erica
(see your mug at the blogfest tomorrow!)
Pc's may have better virus protection but only cause they need it. My mom's had the same Mac laptop for a good six years and its never had a virus. I've had three on my pc from stupid facebook and I have protection...
I was really looking forward to getting my own PC and I loved it (still do). That being said it's only been a year and a half and it's already going psycho on me all the time and has slowed down so much. I'm considering going back to mac when Ihave money to replace the laptop. We shall see though.
Love the new layout!
My vote would be MAC. I have a PC. I am too cheap to buy a MAC, but in reality, all the money I have spent on PCs over the past decade would have more than paid for a MAC. I can't seem to get more than three years out of a PC. My partner in Paws and Learn? She's had the same MAC for the last five years and it's still going strong. One of these days, I will make the switch. Probably. Maybe. Okay, I won't because again, I'm cheap. It's too much for me to fork out at once. But YOU should totally get a MAC.
Wow! This is quite the change on the blog you have happening here! I like it :)
I'm a PC girl because I haven't had anything wrong happen with it, and I promised myself no MAC's until I publish my first book!
So that means I'll eventually cheat ;)
So I'm a switch hitter.
I used to be a die-hard PC, but my journalism graduate school made us all buy Macbook Pros with money we didn't have (I literally spent everything I made at my summer job to purchase that heavy sucker).
I use it for the more hi-tech things - videochatting (LOVE the built-in cam), photoshopping pictures of my dog, and manipulating video or images. I also keep it downstairs on top of the toaster oven (I know I know) so I can have a standing work station. And sometimes I play around with the Garageband, mixing sounds to destress. As you can see, all the things I use it for are frivolous.
In the end I absolutely still love my PC and feel most comfortable on it. It's much easier to work with (don't listen to that Mac "intuitive" crap - its interface makes no sense). My PC is 6 years old, and even though it's needed more memory and a new video card, it's going strong - and survived 2 cross-country moves. I write my novels exclusively on it.
Also, the tech guys at j-school made us back up our Macs every hour because they're bound to fail. Verbatim they said, "not IF it crashes, but WHEN it crashes." They predicted a few years.
I am glad to have both though, because I definitely felt illiterate pre-Mac and now I can handle both systems somewhat decently.
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