Laptop or Mac

Carcharodon · 25-11-2009 6:34am #1

My wife and I are currently debating on whether to buy either a laptop(no particular brand), a macbook pro or mac mini.

I was leaning towards a laptop but my wife uses a Mac at work and wants to purchase one of those. We are not exactly flush with money so that is why I was leaning towards the laptop but would stretch it to the mac if I thought it was worth it.
Basically asking people with a good knowledge of this stuff, what advive and opinions they have on it.

I will be using the computer mainly for internet browsing, i-tunes, photos, watching movies (not too important), not too big on gaming but maybe one such as Championship Manager.
My wife is pretty much the same, doesn't really need it for work, just basic word programs and such, nothing too technical.
Problem with Macs is the cheapest ones have the 13 '' screens, maybe Iam just being fussy but would prefer bigger screen, not a decisive factor, it is probably just fine I say unless people think otherwise.

So, I would be happy with Laptop for around 500 dollars or so but my wife would like Mac, can get the refurbished macpro for around a $1000 or the mac mini for $500 but you have to buy keyboard and screen separate.
Probably prefer Laptop or Macpro but if Mac mini is worth it I could go for that.
Not too sure if the Macs are worth such a big difference in price, is it just more of an image thing ? I heard Macs are less susceptible to viruses, last longer, faster etc but have heard people argue differently.

Thanks

Overheal · 25-11-2009 6:41am

cant hurt. especially if shes already familiar with them. they are expensive but as they loathingly point out, they bundle a bunch of bs prodictivity software and are pretty virus-safe. what do i know. could be a hoot. if you get sick of it you can always dualboot.

Carcharodon · 25-11-2009 6:52am

Overheal wrote: »

cant hurt. especially if shes already familiar with them. they are expensive but as they loathingly point out, they bundle a bunch of bs prodictivity software and are pretty virus-safe. what do i know. could be a hoot. if you get sick of it you can always dualboot.

Yea, its mainly though, what is best value for money ? I don't think we have too many needs in terms of software. Just thinking I could pick up a perfectly acceptable laptop for half the price, although I am not going to fight her over it

RoadKillTs · 25-11-2009 11:30am

what is best value for money ?

In your case I'd say the Mac in the long run anyways.

Overheal · 25-11-2009 4:00pm

thats debatable. but anyway.

The iMac may be worth investigating: http://gizmodo.com/5411073/why-its-gotten-straight-stupid-to-buy-a-mac-pro

Or then... http://gizmodo.com/5411547/some-core-i7-imacs-showing-up-dead

I dont know!

Carcharodon · 25-11-2009 5:07pm

Overheal wrote: »

thats debatable. but anyway.

The iMac may be worth investigating: http://gizmodo.com/5411073/why-its-gotten-straight-stupid-to-buy-a-mac-pro

Or then... http://gizmodo.com/5411547/some-core-i7-imacs-showing-up-dead

I dont know!

i-mac is a bit out of price range, macbook is more feasible.
Mac may be better long term option but just seems so much more expensive compared to regular laptop

Farcear · 25-11-2009 5:18pm

Not too sure if the Macs are worth such a big difference in price

If you're not going to be doing anything "serious" on this system and cash is a concern, then I can't see the justification in getting anything more expensive than a basic laptop.

As long as you keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware software up-to-date then viruses and such shouldn't be a real issue.

The fact that your wife is familiar with OS X is a huge tick in Apple's favour but given that you won't be taking advantage of a lot of the productivity software bundled with the Mac, it really comes down to whether you are prepared to pay $500 for the convenience of a familiar operating system.

ThePirateGay · 25-11-2009 7:04pm

Whatever you do DON'T buy a Mac! For your personal computing needs an ordinary laptop for €400 would be more than sufficient; so you're essentially torching €600 by going down the Mac route.

If your wallet is not exactly bulging with cash, why on earth would you be so spendthrift just for the sake of a badge?

cian1500ww · 25-11-2009 7:07pm

Get an ordinary laptop, cheaper to fix and easy to use.

uncle_sam_ie · 11-12-2009 11:39pm

I've got a Mac Mini and love it. It's not a "badge" , OS X is a solid operating system and worth every penny. I'm using as a media center in the living room as well as a family computer, with this free app http://www.plexapp.com/ It's really cool. Also, check out the Adverts.ie for a good second hand Mac if money is an issue. There are some good deals going there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ner5Z2WlAuI&feature=related

11-12-2009 11:48pm

Get a Mac.. I've mine 23 months and still get 4-5 hours out of the battery. That alone is reason enough to get one. Plus they have other little things that end up so handy on a daily basis.. Like I can open my macbook and use it in roughly 3-5 seconds.. Try that on a Windows.

It's more money but you get what you pay for imo.

edit: uncle sam, Plex is great but it's based off xbmc which is on pc mac and xbox.

Cabaal · 12-12-2009 8:49pm

I used Windows for years, I bought my first mac in 2007 as a MacBook....I still have my windows desktop but when it needs to be replaced I'm getting a iMac

Overheal · 12-12-2009 9:23pm

cian1500ww wrote: »

cheaper to fix and easy to use.

True, when I saw a MacBook Pro that needed a simple fix (cant recall what that was it was my housemate's) but had a proprietary screwhead on it, thats when I began to really dislike the idea. I like to fiddle. My next machine will be self-built (probably to disastrous effect)

Bayan · 12-12-2009 9:44pm

Get a Mac, you won't look back. If you can afford it. Sounds to me like a regular Macbook would be perfect for you. Cheaper than a MacPro but unless you want to do high-end sound/graphic stuff (this is why you'll almost never meet a sound engineer/designer/architect who uses a pc) you probably don't need a pro. They're super robust, don't get sick, can do lots of things at the same time without having a wobble unlike PCs AND they're fun. I have a G4, 5 years old, has taken a good few knocks, heavy work for both work and personal and it still starts up in a flash and works great with no fuss. Battery is knackered in fairness. But it is 5 yrs old... Honestly, you won't look back. The new Macbook is under 1k, it's got lots of memory, and Snow Leopard OS.

Farcear · 12-12-2009 11:06pm

Overheal wrote: »

had a proprietary screwhead on it

Haha, and people think that Apple aren't using proprietary hardware any more.

Apple do make it difficult for you to tinker with their stuff but I can't believe that they're actually using non-standard screws... Did you manage to open it up in the end?

Overheal wrote: »

My next machine will be self-built (probably to disastrous effect)

I strongly recommend this. Recently built myself a nice little system and love it to bits. Teaches you a lot about computers and is pretty rewarding to boot.

Cuddlesworth · 13-12-2009 12:05am

Deleted User wrote: »

Get a Mac.. I've mine 23 months and still get 4-5 hours out of the battery. That alone is reason enough to get one. Plus they have other little things that end up so handy on a daily basis.. Like I can open my macbook and use it in roughly 3-5 seconds.. Try that on a Windows.

The batteries in Macs are no different from HP's or Dells. They are made in the same factory and the power draw on the laptops is pretty much the exact same, both versions of the OS use the same power saving features. The difference is how long ago it is made as it has a limited life span regardless of use.

As for booting in seconds, stand by is available in Windows too.

OP, if price is a issue and your not actually doing anything with the laptop which requires OSX then there is no real choice. A three year warranty and basic laptop with windows seven at half the price will be the exact same.

To the people who posted about fixing Macs, they are systematically making Mac's harder and harder to fix without specialised tools. Crack the LCD on a Dell and price up a replacement. It should be about 80 quid and twenty minutes. Then do it on a MAC.

Bob_Harris · 13-12-2009 12:26am

~€500 Laptop, with Windows 7 installed. (or free Windows 7 upgrade offer)

"Macs are virus free"
With Windows Security Essentials and possibly Firewall Control your Windows machine will also be virus free (for free and minimal-to-none performance impact).

Hey, if all comes to all, you could download the appropriate version of OSx and install it on your laptop :pac:

Overheal · 13-12-2009 12:45am

Farcear wrote: »

Haha, and people think that Apple aren't using proprietary hardware any more.

Apple do make it difficult for you to tinker with their stuff but I can't believe that they're actually using non-standard screws... Did you manage to open it up in the end?

i think he did eventually but the fact is apple is pretty anal about hardware tampering. Even going so far as to deny Smokers warranty coverage.

13-12-2009 12:59am

cheap laptop dual booting with ubuntu.

easy to do, and you get the best of both worlds.

Cluster · 13-12-2009 11:34am

Carcharodon wrote: »

My wife and I are currently debating on whether to buy either a laptop(no particular brand), a macbook pro or mac mini.

I was leaning towards a laptop but my wife uses a Mac at work and wants to purchase one of those. We are not exactly flush with money so that is why I was leaning towards the laptop but would stretch it to the mac if I thought it was worth it.
Basically asking people with a good knowledge of this stuff, what advive and opinions they have on it.

I will be using the computer mainly for internet browsing, i-tunes, photos, watching movies (not too important), not too big on gaming but maybe one such as Championship Manager.
My wife is pretty much the same, doesn't really need it for work, just basic word programs and such, nothing too technical.
Problem with Macs is the cheapest ones have the 13 '' screens, maybe Iam just being fussy but would prefer bigger screen, not a decisive factor, it is probably just fine I say unless people think otherwise.

So, I would be happy with Laptop for around 500 dollars or so but my wife would like Mac, can get the refurbished macpro for around a $1000 or the mac mini for $500 but you have to buy keyboard and screen separate.
Probably prefer Laptop or Macpro but if Mac mini is worth it I could go for that.
Not too sure if the Macs are worth such a big difference in price, is it just more of an image thing ? I heard Macs are less susceptible to viruses, last longer, faster etc but have heard people argue differently.

Thanks

MACs will not give you as much trouble and If I was buying a laptop again I'd get one.

If your not fussed though, a laptop will do the job just aswell and for half the price.

slowlydownwards · 13-12-2009 12:55pm

Apple all the way!!! So what if it is twice as expensive compared to pc and ten times more expensive to fix... that badge gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling that only comes when you've bought something expensive.

BTW, apple has a brand new (ok, not so new) macbook, called Macbook Wheel. It's bitchin', in the words of steve-o himself, a true testament to way they think so creatively, up there in Cupertino. Here's a linky:

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/apple_introduces_revolutionary

On a more serious note, have a look at this:

http://www.osx86project.org/

<note to mod> Hope it's ok to post this here. :cool:

Bob_Harris · 13-12-2009 2:30pm

Cluster wrote: »

MACs will not give you as much trouble

Proof? Explanation? Or just waffle?

slowlydownwards wrote: »

Apple all the way!!! So what if it is twice as expensive compared to pc and ten times more expensive to fix... that badge gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling that only comes when you've bought something expensive.

I get a warm fuzzy feeling getting value for money, buying a product which does the exact same and more for a fraction of the price then laughing at the likes of you.

Bob_Harris · 13-12-2009 3:37pm

slowlydownwards wrote: »

Apple all the way!!! So what if it is twice as expensive compared to pc and ten times more expensive to fix... that badge gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling that only comes when you've bought something expensive.

BTW, apple has a brand new (ok, not so new) macbook, called Macbook Wheel. It's bitchin', in the words of steve-o himself, a true testament to way they think so creatively, up there in Cupertino. Here's a linky:

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/apple_introduces_revolutionary

On a more serious note, have a look at this:

http://www.osx86project.org/

<note to mod> Hope it's ok to post this here. :cool:

On second thoughts, I think you were being sarcastic with your first half of the post.

chillin_penguin · 13-12-2009 3:51pm

Personally Having had the same debate awhile ago i bought a laptop

Here is the simple reasons:
1: Cheaper like a lot lot cheaper.

2:There is a lot of things you cant do on a mac (games, and a hell of a lot of programs are not mac friendly)

3:There is nothing on a mac that you cant do on a pc

4: like your wife i too sometimes use macs in work whoever what is used on them is pretty specific software and i would not be able to afford or obtain a licence for this on a mac anyway!

5: Windows 7 is pretty amazing and has lots of cool features it also cheaper to hardware upgrade and you can diy.

I know now some one will come on a have a go at point number 2 saying u can load windows onto mac using bootcamp but this requires you to buy a licence and so extra expense and completely defeats getting a mac.

This is what i came up with when i was having the same probem unless you are very very big into editing either video, pictures, or music. I would get a mac. Altho i will give it to them they are very nice machines and are a taking point in any home i could not justify the price myself personally.

Cluster · 13-12-2009 4:02pm

Bob_Harris wrote: »

Proof? Explanation? Or just waffle?

I get a warm fuzzy feeling getting value for money, buying a product which does the exact same and more for a fraction of the price then laughing at the likes of you.

Do you know anything about computers Bob? The world and its mother know that there are infinitely more bugs on the Windows platform than on Mac.

Just trying to give some sound advice, no agenda and certainly no waffle.

Bob_Harris · 13-12-2009 4:53pm

Cluster wrote: »

Do you know anything about computers Bob?

Fully qualified thank you very much.

yoyo · 13-12-2009 5:40pm

Cluster wrote: »

Do you know anything about computers Bob? The world and its mother know that there are infinitely more bugs on the Windows platform than on Mac.

Just trying to give some sound advice, no agenda and certainly no waffle.

What Windows bugs are you talking about? I've yet to come across any problems in Windows 7.. Come to think about it, havn't got a blue screen in Windows 7 at all and been using it months,

Nick

PogMoThoin · 13-12-2009 5:50pm

Don't get a mac, get a laptop each and keep the change

13-12-2009 6:44pm

Cuddlesworth wrote: »

The batteries in Macs are no different from HP's or Dells. They are made in the same factory and the power draw on the laptops is pretty much the exact same, both versions of the OS use the same power saving features. The difference is how long ago it is made as it has a limited life span regardless of use.

As for booting in seconds, stand by is available in Windows too.

Without any backup whatsoever, I disagree with the battery claim.. It's not coincidence that every Dell my friends have doesn't work plugged out for more than 5 minutes.

And I've never used a Windows that can be used 5 seconds after opening the screen.

Maybe everyone I know in college has crap laptops?

boggly · 13-12-2009 6:55pm

what people forgot to tell you here is that with a mac you can instal windows so you hve the best of both worlds macs are far better

PogMoThoin · 13-12-2009 7:23pm

boggly wrote: »

what people forgot to tell you here is that with a mac you can instal windows so you hve the best of both worlds macs are far better

Which needs a Windows licence, which isn't free, more expense

Laptop or Mac

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