Mac vs PC

maccatracker

After switching from PC to Mac I hope I never have to use another windows machine again. Now that Mac can run windows I see less and less reasons to choose a PC computer. Even the argument of games being better on a PC just isn't the case any more, it is simply a matter of there being more games compatible with windows operating systems. What I noticed in switching from PC to Mac is that I was less frustrated when using my computer and saved a lot of time not having to wait for the operating system. If you want a simple test try the search feature on both platforms. Also I have never heard anyone talk about their love affair with their PC, where if you ask a Mac user what they think of their computer they talk about it like it's a close friend.

Anonymous

if its portable i love it
the problem i have with all the changes an systems is. it may look cool but is it better faster will my work slow down die online. it all very well walking into the nearest store and told this is it buy this model x and then you need x y and z....

you look at 2 other stores and they say the same this is the one to buy. problem its a another brand.

i work is with cameras and i know them i also have a pc and laptops . the pc is not on internet .

Mac is the better of the two but when it comes down to the end result my pc and laptops are fine it does not change the out come of my work, well no store person has told me different . Speed on the net , I'm not sure.
i buy direct from sony now they are older wiser and they repair replace there..

Timbo

Market share simply says more people think PCs are better value for money. As for greed, Steve Jobs keeps the Apple platform more tightly controlled than the PC/Microsoft one is. Bill Gates gives away millions to deserving charitable organisations. How does Steve Jobs rate in that arena? Vista is one of Microsoft's worst OS ventures, almost rivalling Windows Millenium Edition but Windows 7 is very good. Mac's Snow Leopard is also an excellent OS and it is interesting to see how the look and feel of both camps is merging. It is a myth that the Mac is less susceptible to viruses than the PC; look at the figures from anti-virus companies.

joany

I have used computers since 1984, self taught and only used Macs. Since 1990 I have had successive laptops and love them. Need a 17" screen now and use larger fonts. There is so much good software and I have never had a virus, so there is no way I will be buying anything different in the future.

Anonymous

mac's are good no matter what you hear people say but they can be annoying aswell and if you have internet on a plan it can be very costworthy. and with the new windows 7 on normal pc's its kinda making it look abit like mac products and layouts anyway.

kaz

Mac simply works, had more trouble then it was worth with PC, changed to Mac and after getting used to the system, it is the best

jayenmelb

Bit silly all these people despising Bill Gates and with the justification he's greedy they will pour their money into Apple who are all on the same rich lists along with Bill. Both systems do the job and the argument is pointless and futile. Which is the better car, Ford or Holden? Same pointless debate. They both work. I have both Apple and Microsoft and at the end of the day I can play the same game, write the same letter and surf the same sites on both.

lpullman

OK, I'm being pedantic, but this just grinds my gears. Can we get the terminology right:

Apple is the company that produces
Mac hardware which runs
OS X, the operating system.

Thus rewriting your original paragraph so that it makes sense:

"With Microsoft Vista coming out earlier this year and receiving mixed reviews, while Apple unveiled both a new operating system and a new iMac, it's probably a good time to try to get one question sorted. Do you prefer to use a Mac or a PC?"

Now the question of what constitutes a "PC" is much thornier, but I'll assume you mean Intel or compatible hardware running MS Windows.

Which do I prefer to use? Well, Mac hardware is identical to PC since the first Intel Macbooks shipped, so I see no difference under the hood. I don't much like using OSX unless I turn off all the animations and bling, but I can't because they are customer machines. I find the interface clunky and baulky and a very long way from intuitive. Now before all the Mac fans get their noses out of joint, I'll make most of the same complaints against Vista plus a few others.

So which do I prefer to use? PC because I know the short cuts and how to get things done - doing serious stuff on a Mac I usually have to open a terminal and pretend it's a Unix box. I usually have a couple of command lines open in Windows when I'm working as well.

I think Vista has actually grown the whole market, not just Apple or MS. A rising tide floats all boats, as they say. While I'm impressed with aspects of Vista (Vista 64 is a rocket ship, pity about the driver support...) I'm underwhelmed with others. On the whole I'm no more likely to switch than before.

The all-in-one concept excited me when I first saw it 20 odd years ago, but now I know the realities and limitations. Good idea but just doesn't work in reality.

Laurie

kyteflyer

OK, I'm being pedantic, but this just grinds my gears. Can we get the terminology right:

Apple is the company that produces
Mac hardware which runs
OS X, the operating...

PC: Vista is a PoS, XP was much better. Win7 is getting good reviews, and I'm looking forward to trying it.

OSX still gets my vote, though. I escaped Windows in Nov 2003 after years (10) of using it, preceded by 10 years of Commodores of various kinds, culminating with an Amiga 1200 which I reluctantly sold to get my first PC, a DX2/66mhz with a massive 500mb hard drive! I found, as time wore on, that I was spending more time fending off the nasties, than actually using the machine. I kept my last machine for 6 months after I bought my OSX machine (an eMac) but after 3 months of not even switching it on... sold it and have never looked back. I'm on my third mac now and still have the original eMac, chugging along on OSX 10.5 Try installing Vista and getting it running smoothly on a bog standard 6 year old PC! OSX for me, all the way.

Teneal

I am a recent convertee to Mac and I am loving it.

I still have to use a PC at work and it frustrates me to no end. There are still some positives about PC's, but I love my MacBook.

GoBears

I'm happy sticking with the PC at the moment. Did have dramas switching to MS Vista but ended up reverting back to XP as it is much more user-friendly. Still watching MAC's growth and what they offer.. may switch in the future as MS products are getting expensive.

Anonymous

PC all the way... i'm a student and the Computers that the school i go to are a total pain i mean i can use them but i defanatly prefer Windows Vista
i am happy with the update i honestly think that windows is now easier to use..
iMac doesn't really excite me because a computer that has it all isn't really that useful its a computer its not suposed to. yes computers are getting smaller and all but really do we need to be able to chuck it in a bag like most technology

Anonymous

I prefer Microsoft PC, i do prefer XP over Vista, but Vista will one day be good. Also i find more games are made for Microsoft with less hassle of trying to install it.

As for Mac's, i find alot of the good set of games need mods to install them on mac, plus I really do not like Apple. =)

boags

PC all the way.

Macs are over priced and over rated
I build PC's and like an earlier poster, can put in hardware and tweak to suit a customers specific needs.
Can you do that with a MAC.....I don't know.
Hate Vista, What a bloated, over-rated pile of crap!!!!!!

However I'm currently trialling Windows7 Ultimate, Vista the way it should have been.
It even works a little like Linux in that your hardware seems to just be there and is ready to use, No installing drivers apart from Graphics card, had to install that.
I must say that it installed with no problems or errors, is LESS system hungry than Vista, is faster than Vista and just seems to work well, UNLIKE Vista.
Oh and by the way, I'm not a Microsoft fan. My main PC uses Ubuntu Linux
But I DO like Windows 7

g

Do you prefer to use a Mac or a PC?

MAC MAC MAC, i felt in love with their product. i took too much time to get use to mac, because the transition from PC is difficult. But now, i can't stand PC anymore. realize it is more about dealing with bugs than dealing with a computer hardware.

How has Vista changed your opinion of a PC, are you impressed with the update, are you more or less likely to switch to a MAC?

Vista has even DAMAGED my opinion about PC. they still have created new format on XLS, WORD which is more and more confusing. I realize their version is even more difficult than before, lack of consistency in their navigation over time (millenium, xp now vista.. all very different) ==> very confusing

Does the idea of an all in one machine (the iMac) excite you or would you still prefer to use a PC?
i love it. One machine, one life. life is more simple if all integrated. At the airport, i can bring my 2kg of IT containing 20years of knowledge..
i love digitalizing everything, making things lighter and much faster to access. I am a digital and webcitizen!

joeoden

I have 4 Desktop PC(s) and a HP Notebook, the HP came preloaded with Vista, not impressed as most of the software I use under Microsoft has to be upgraded to the Vista versions which means payout more money.

Have got some of the older programs working (not all features work) but there has been quite a bit of configuration to get them to work without crashing the system.

The only reason I use Microsoft is because my friends use it, so that when (notice I said when and not if) their systems breakdown I can repair them, Microsoft is good for making of profit. (I don't charge my friends for software repairs)

Doesn't matter which computer you purchase, it is the software installed that actually runs the computer the end user must learn how to use the software.

I prefer to build my own Desktop PC(s) and only use hardware that is compatible with Linux, there is that many different flavors of Linux to choose from the hardest thing to do is to pick the one you like. Most are available as a Live CD or DVD which means you can try them before installing, you also have the choice of Mac or Microsoft style Desktops (Gnome, KDE as well as others).

At the moment I am using the very bloated (most common software) Linux Sabayon (Gentoo) distribution and have found it very impressive, not because it is free but because it works straight out of the box. (Even on the HP Notebook)

The next time I purchase a Notebook/Laptop that comes with Microsoft preloaded, I will not agree to the license agreement that is required just to use their software and wait for the refund.

joeoden

You can "downgrade" to Windows XP if your new system has Vista Business. All the serious Toshibas come with an image disc in to box - takes about 30mins. Otherwise dig up any XP Pro disc, hit the...

Just purchased another HP notebook that has Windows 7 preloaded

HP no longer refund the cost of the Operating system because it is installed for free and they do not admit to the price being worked into the price of the product

I guess manufactures must have a pretty good deal with MS

But I still prefer to build a PC with no Operating system, that way the choice as to which one is mine

To answer the original question
Does the idea of an all in one machine (the iMac) excite you or would you still prefer to use a PC?

The idea of an all in one machine does not excite me as all in one machines are already possible no matter what Operating system is installed on the machine and I still prefer to use a PC because of the cost factor

lpullman

I have 4 Desktop PC(s) and a HP Notebook, the HP came preloaded with Vista, not impressed as most of the software I use under Microsoft has to be upgraded to the Vista versions which means payout...

You can "downgrade" to Windows XP if your new system has Vista Business. All the serious Toshibas come with an image disc in to box - takes about 30mins. Otherwise dig up any XP Pro disc, hit the HP website for drivers and ring MS for an activation code.

If you workplace is buying Vista Home, well that's another issue...

As for Linux, we've settled on Ubuntu for desktops and Debian or Fedora (formerly known as Redhat) for servers.

Oh, and I note that ever since the big protest a few years back where a LOT of people did exacty what you are talking about with the windows preload, Toshiba have been putting a sticker on the box that you have to tear open saying that by opening this you agree to the Windows license. I don't know how this stands up under Aus law, but are you willing to go to court for $50?

Rambo

I've always assumed windows is better than mac, purely because it's the only one ive used, bar those old old apples from my primary school days. I've been under the impression that macs are much better for arty people, and only recently they have started to venture out to a wider audience

Tarnz

I have recently converted to Mac prior to that I was a PC user through and through, I don't like Vista it takes up a lot of resources to give you the resources it offers. You know, I haven't had one worm or virus attack since picking up my mac - I love it. I will be converting my sisters to mac users, they have kids and without fail they get tagged with an infection all the time. For PC users, Vista must be excellent because it looks so great but turn to mac turn to mac turn to mac

elle

yes i;m very exited about MAC all in one machine, in fact i have used it and very impressed.

elle

yes i;m very exited about MAC all in one machine, in fact i have used it and very impressed.

vickieman

For me ...

If its not a mac take it back!

kezza052

I prefer to use PC as a have tried to use Vista and found it very complicated to use,as I'm only just learning to use a computer.

relicsinner

vista is such a pain to use ... i keep getting disconnected when i unplug a usb device. The ironic thing is that i work in an apple reseller here in mebourne and i see heaps of mac come in for servicing and the shop is charging them a hand and a leg for it. Mac does looks pretty sweet but they cost too much compared with the same specification, we can get a bigger bang for bucks if we go the PC way.

Art

For personal use and client support I have both Mac's and PC's along with one or two others that most of you will never have heard of (hppa for example).

Some Mac's sucked, some shone, most of the 68xxx based units were pretty decent. One of those still has a home here.
Some PC's were good, others were a PITA. A few of the genuine IBM's were hopelessly compromised in the design.

Don't confuse the brand or generic type of machine with the OS.

Some versions of the Apple OS's were just disasters, particularly if you wanted to upgrade some piece of hardware. A newer version of the OS fixed that but trashed most of your existing applications which then also had to b upgraded ($$$).
Windows in it's various flavours ranged from workable to not bad to abysmal to workable to **** to actually decently usable. Then it went to 'ugly American'!!

ALL of the machines currently resident here have at least dual-boot capability.

Default OS on all - Ubuntu Linux
Mac's - the latest version available and in one case an older version too.
PC's - Windoze XP and one with Win98 too.

Why? 'Cause each and every machine is pretty much indistinguishable from the others when using Ubuntu Linux, there is very little that can't be had in software applications for Linux and most importantly 'cause it just works!
Some applications for a Mac just aren't an option on Linux or Windoze, just as some for Windoze aren't the other way.

One of the most annoying things I've run into recently is PC type laptops supplied with Windozzzzzze Vista that will NOT run Windoze XP because the hardware drivers are not available for the earlier OS. It was very interesting that similar machines available in Europe have different mainboards and use drivers available for both XP and Vista, apparently because the EU had the ***** to stop M$ leaning on manufacturers.

As for Vista, I reckon that it's pretty simply to work out how they arrived at the name. It's so ****** slow on anything but the latest screaming machine that the users have plenty of time to gaze at the vista right outside their real-world window!!

Rundave

I have only used Macs a little bit in the past, but seriously, Vista is making me wish that I had never gotten involved with PCs. Vista=slow.

Animal

I have only used Macs a little bit in the past, but seriously, Vista is making me wish that I had never gotten involved with PCs. Vista=slow.

I am strictly PC all the way. Sure Vista was slow to start with, but if you have enough ram and disable some of the 'prettiness' factors it runs really well.
I'd only use a mac if I was doing sound/video editing work.

I won't go near apple products. I find them so 'dummed' down, with a lack of changable settings etc.

In my opinion macs are PC's for dummies.

morrbe0

I have used Pc all through my tafe learning. My friends have MACs and I have used them as well but on my PC I run Linux and Windows. Because I have chose a particular Linux Distro that I felt ran better on the PC I stuck with them. Vista changes are in the security to help stop flaws from taking over the Operating system. Linux users are also able to use the same graphics as mac users and the are the smae as the ones provided in Vista.

Everyone is allowed to use what they want and either are able to be administered in different ways.

gt422

I prefer MAC because its stability is better and also the viruses of PC are a big trouble. MAC gives all what people need!!!!!

Woodgrub

Definitively a PC.
Started with Amstrad CPC, and only gave to a friend last year (it's still going).
Used Mac's at work and they were ok for the work they did, but were so slow doing spread sheets but good on graphics.
Have had a lot of PC's now and enjoy building them myself.
At least you can upgrade a PC anytime and so many free programs.
Vista is a good O/S but the only fault is it takes so long to boot up.
Would have a Mac if I could but only on my PC not theirs.

risk

I personally prefer PC mainly due to using them all my life, I'm always worried about programs and games not being compatible with a mac. But the Mac vs PC ads are great. :)

bellina

I have a PC and I've had for over 15 years. I've never had any issues with a PC BUT I love the look of the Mac - I think they're advertising campaign is brilliant and they too are becoming quite dominant in the IT market. I wouldn't mind buying one to get the best of both worlds!

tash

I have a PC but i wish i had a Mac.
I'm saving up to buy an iMac.
At first they may seem foreign and strange but then you'll get used to them after a while and be like
WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE?
They have awesome programs, especially for movie making :)
And my friend who has vista says it's crap and wishes she could go back to XP
PCs are alright for like internet and school stuff like typing up and essay but for a computer, i would want a Mac

Hootie

I'm a PC fan, never had any major issues with PCs. However, I am staying away from Vista, I hear its a memory hog and very buggy. I don't have anything agains Macs, but I have no reason to move away from PCs at the moment.

burgo

I must be the odd one out, i love my vista, clean and easy to use much better then my old xp. Give me my pc any time

Tarnz

for me the issue is simple, I have a PC and a mac, MAC is simply better, quieter, easier to navigate and operate, less bulky and perfect for audio and visual applications. PC, well listen up, the Vista operating system uses ALOT of resources, takes ages to load and is painfully slow.

Londonshelley

I have had an iMac for over 4 years now, never have I had a virus or any other problems. It just works. Easily.

ronnie

i love mac because their is no virus update greaT OPERATING SYsTEM no errors and basically it just works, which is what a com p shuld do pcs well you have to have some virus protection because the operating sytem is so weak and lots of holes for hackers
macs are different but once you know how easy as
no more left and right mouse click
no more updates or drop outs clear as a bell for chattng
no more i explore errors
if you buy at didgi life they teach you for free how to use a mac
does bill do that no
you have no guarantees and you have to spend money on updates new systems etc like vista
sheep use pc because it is cheap and you can build your own but a pc i s only as good as its parts
most gamers recommend macs because the fastness and better components, governement use macs and schoold they are the smart ones, my money is on mac pcs sux and are out of date very fast

Anonymous

I have a PC & have always had a PC....but my flatmate has a Mac & the first time I used it I didnt like it because I was trying to use it like a PC. But I have to say that after using it a few times there is no comparision for me, I love macs & I am going to buy a macbook pro in a few weeks & say good bye to my PC. One feature I value on the macs is NO viruses. I am always worried about viruses on my PC. Besides everything Apple makes is so damn beautiful that its a no brainer. The new apple store has opened in sydney, I might just get that mac book pro sooner that I expected... im switiching.

MRFU2

Why the hell would you spend so much money on a MAC when a PC can do everything a Mac can for a quarter of the price

amazankh

I don't have anything against Macs (and I certainly don't hate them), I just don't get them. I prefer PCs, because I have grown up using them, and understand them inside and out. When something goes wrong, I often know how to fix them. If I had a mac, i'm not sure I would necessarily know how to fix them.

timmeee

I prefer the PC as it has more functional aspects I prefer, and the new Vista package is great as there are more functions that can be utilised when I need it.

Richo

It's a matter of opinion I suppose. But for those of you who choose PC's your opinion is wrong I'm afraid.

Mac's are so easy to use and these days can run almost any PC program, or a better version.

ayu

User with Vista window found out there are alot of hidden / unspoken changes related to other applications e.g., MS word. User has to be paying extra attention to itself, rather, it brings user extra effort and time. it is inconvinient. It is best to switch to MAC if user who has been using Window Vista on PC.

warey

This appears to be a great idea . I would like to change to MAC

wicko

you have to go with the flow. 90% of the world uses PC's,for cheapness,upgradeabilityand developer support.
The Mac might be superior in design,(both hardware and software), but Apple shot themselves in the foot with a closed proprietry diesign.
as to the comments about Bill Gates, do you really believe Jobs and Wozniak would act any differently if the PC had been stillborn ? i think not.
another example is Gary Kildhall,when IBM came knocking he went fishing !! and as you can see there are millions of CPM machines around,on various rubbish dumps around the world.
i rest my case.

Paulie

Macs since '84. They ROCK!!!

cactus

Take it easy guys - use both

Anonymous

Love my Mac!!! Used to have a PC ( for about 4 months, it went out on the back lawn and got smashed to bits with an axe because I had just had enough of Microsoft operating systems ).
The only bad thing I have found with the new Leopard software over the old Tiger is when I Bluetooth (BT) from my phone to the Mac. With Tiger it was dead easy and BT'd from the phone straight to my desktop, now I have to fluff around getting the Mac to browse the files on the phone, open the pictures and download across to the desktop - very annoying considering that the old system was sooooo easy to BT with.
I am having trouble lately with sound imbedded files sent to me from friends PCs which Mac just won't open, even with Office for Mac.
Other than that, not having to worry about viruses at all and updating virus checker is wonderful!!! YAH MACS!!!!

settantta

Actually, I don't use either (Windows or Mac OSX). That said, I'm currently contemplating a laptop, and if I decide to get one it will most defintely be a MacBook (Pro if I can afford it). While the hardware is more expensive, the OS is stronger, and better able to be locked down. Then too, there is that much tighter integration between hardware and software that you only find in Macintosh

(I actually have a couple of old Macs, a Mac Classic and two old PowerMacs. All runnin Mac OS 9.)... Only reason I don't use any of them is the lack of software. OSX. OTOH has all the software I need.

Mark

What a bizzarre TV ad. Both guys look challenged on various levels. Both products have their respective benefits and shortfalls. I like the PC slightly better because the Mac has more restrictions. If Mac removed all the restrictions I would purchase one in a heart beat. Regards Mark 0439500500

Anonymous

Same Old, Same Old, yes Mac has a lot of advantages if only it was easier to for compatibility with programs and parts.PC, easier on all fronts but not better if you use XP, Vista - the best offering yet from Microsoft if you are in the Mac or one of the Linux operating system clubs. Yes I have seen some new computers coming out with Ubuntu (Linux) operating system, never would have happened without Vista, thank you Microsoft. Personally i will stay with my dual boot XP/ Ubuntu PC.

williamjs

I have not used a Mac and have no inclination to do so although they seem to have a reasonable product nowadays. Regarding Vista, I still am staying with XP which I find really stable and historically, microsoft has not got it right until the second update.

littlechap37

Perfectly satisfied with Windows XP Professional SP3. Would only ever consider a change to Linux. Mac is so far behind it is laughable. I have used a PC since 1985 and mainframe computers prior to that.

zacisbac

I have always been a PC user as I like the idea of being able to change componants as they become available without having to buy a whole new machine. The MAC is great for multimedia applications, far better than the PC, but I have stuck with my PC.
VISTA however is NOT a good product and Microsoft should stick with XP.

gjcooper1960

I'm a network administrator. If you need business applications, file and document sharing PC is the way to go. If you want to do sound of video editing to a highly professional level - get a mac. Macs have lost some of my support with the release of OSX. Most people are unaware of the fact that the kernel (core of the system) is no longer 'mac', it's now unix/linux. Be prepared mac users as you are now open to virus attack from the internet. As for micro$oft and pushing out Vista - they must have shares in the hardware companies. the amount of 'grunt' you need just to start the desktop is absurd. Most users of Vista will, in their lifetime, use less than 5% of the software, as they don't want it, don't need it, but have it stuffed down their throat anyway.

yahpete

I've never used a Mac so I can't comment on its qualities from my personal experience although I have heard some 'mac maniac' rave on about how much better Mac graphics is. On the other hand, I've heard that its operating systems are not a user friendly type and is more for the business graphics specialists or people who are really fanatical about graphics speeds etc.

As far as I am concerned, Vista is just a 'beta' program which you have to pay a lot of money for. It has too many faults/incombatibilities and microsoft being the greedy people they are, had to let down the WinXP people(probably most PC users by now) and load such a dud unneeded operating system on the consumer. Microbrain should be forced by consumer boycot of Vista to keep supporting XP until Vista is sorted out. It's enough to make you want to take a punt on Mac.

uncle fat stuff

I am not all that versed on eiher Imac or PC but I am quite satisified with PCs namely Laptops.
From reports that I have heard from friends using Vista...they prefer Windows X.P. much easier to use.
As I could never afford an all in one machine (iMac) I have no idea

MITCH

I PREFER A PC AS IT IS EASIER FOR ME TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT I NEED A COMPUTER.MY SON HAS A MAC AND HE TELLS ME IT IS FRUSTRATING SOMETIMES AS YOU CANNOT DO THINGS LIKE YOU CAN WITH THE OLD PC.I AM A PERSON OF CHANGE SO I KNOW IF I BUY A NEW PC VISTA IS THE NEW FUTURE OF COMPUTERS

admiral

For the general user PC has the software that is compatible with most.
For anyone wishing to use graphics, printing etc mac is miles ahead.
Check the typesetters who have mac against those using pc.

19tony44

My son Swears by Apple Mac .He has had it for years and never had a problem .The only reason we have Windows is because my wife was a teacher and the Education Dept in S A unwisely chose windows .(unfortunately

Art

As a former systems engineer with one of the largest global personal computer retailers I have a great deal of respect for manufacturers of both PC & Mac hardware.
Don't confuse the operating systems (and therefore software applications) that are available on each platform with the hardware.
Linux is my personal preference and I've yet to find a need that hasn't got a solution somewhere on that OS.
It is currently running on PC's (both laptop and desktop), a Mac and a Hewlett Packard RISC machine and on none of them is there a noticeable difference from the others.
One PC dual boots to Windows XP for when I HAVE to use it and the Mac also dual boots to OS/X for the same reason.
Each is good in it's own area.

reddragon

I like the concept of the Mac but like other PC users find the lack of compatibility with software, and some hardware a real turn off. I have been using PCs since 1988 and have been through the proprietary platform era and remember all too well the exhorbitant cost of software, idiosyncracies of 'same' brand products installed on different computer brands, the difficulties of networking, file swapping etc. I have a testbed system with Vista on it which I keep up to date but frankly regard it as crap. I am using a laptop with Linux OS, some small number of Microsoft products , so I am staying with the benefits of the greater options in laptop and PC hardware with the associated choice and cheapness of associated peripherals and software.

scrappamammy

PC does the job for me.

Gazza

Ibdefinately prefer PC. Iam currently running Vista, which has some good features, but most of it is just a rehash and pretty annoying. An all in one machine does not appeal to me at all.

josh909

you couldn't pay me to use a PC these days and when it comes down to it, i have no reason to. there is not one app i need in my daily workflow as a grahic designer that i cannot get on my macbook pro (and no, i don't use bootcamp).

Things on a mac just work, and work consistently, and example being the force quit function. ~If~ an app locks up on a mac (and it's literally been at least a month since this happened on my mac) and all i have to do is hit Command-Option-Escape, and force quit the app in question. Compare that to the function on XP (let alone Vista) which is a farce, i don't know why they even bothered to include it.

Sam

I love my PC! Vista hasn't really changed my idea of PCs, but I'm not very likely to switch to a MAC. The all in one MAC doesn't excite me as much because you lose more if your computer crashes.

DeeMon

I've studied and worked on both. I'd have to say that in my opinion the Mac is great for beginner to intermediate users, whereas the PC is deffinately the better option for advanced users. I think the PC is also a much cheaper option in the long run, especially if like me, you upgrade and work on your own PC's. In my industry (Game Development) Macs are a rarity. But, do not get me started on Vista's flaws :P

tracwy

I have a pc, never had a mac so cant help there

Brad

Macs rule. We have four. When we travel abroad, we carry the iBook in a motorcycle pannier. Check out Eurobikers on You Tube.

dazali35

Well i have used both computers mac and windows, while i love xp not sure about vista so can not comment on that i am not a fan of mac only because i know windows left right and center and well i still find the mac confusing. So for me it would have to be windows.

billtz

Vista is great but I have not used a mac so how can we compare in the real world?

Dirk

I currently use a PC and would love to be able to change to a Mac for its superior multimedia capabilities but uncertainty about software compatibilities is holding me back. I did not change to Vista because, when I ran the test program from the Microsoft web site, it told me Vista would not support 21 of the programs on my PC. I normally change my PC and laptop every 2 years, but that won't be happened this year because of Vista coming standard on all new off-the-shelf systems. I will have to continue using XP for as long as I can so that all my non-Microsoft software still works.
I think an all-in-one machine is the way of the future and I would buy one if the changeover was painless.

PGS

Haven't used a Mac - although I've often thought of trying one, but don't want to pay that much in case it's too much trouble. Working for an ISP, I know Macs aren't the 'plug it in, it works' system it's claimed to be. Add to that a lack of software...

Vista is the biggest pain I've hit with Windows. I can hardly wait to see how bad it's replacement is.

bridgins

I have used Mac's and PC's. PC's have a lot of problems, I havnt even dared to put Vista on my computer yet. I think Mac's are very flashy and would appeal to the younger generation. However, as I, and most people, are so used to PC's, sometimes using a Mac can be troubling. For gaming, PC is much better, but I think that Mac's definitely are increasing in popularity as they seem more high-tech and flashy. For now, I'll stick with my PC instead of my Mac for the PC's gaming capabilities.

mtb

I own the latest Imac with the 20" screen and this is my 5th Mac. Also have a Mac Notebook. Would not dream of changing back to PC with all the trouble they bring. My husband is a PC user and is on Vista OS and there is no way his machine is as easy to use an my Mac. Not only does the Mac look nicer and really up to the mark in style and operation but it is so easy to use. For Mail, Safari, Iphoto you can't beat it. Dollar for dollar the Imac gives more benefits at a great price than a PC. Their advertising line "Out of the box and just start it up" is so true.

grinder10

i am a card-carrying PC endorsing machine. I HATE Macs!

Danny00000000001

only ever owned PC and my latest with vista needs to be reformatted every 6 months because programs just stop responding and close all the time. i think my next will be a Mac.

ewen

i had only liked Microsoft until recently and after purchasing a new and shiny iMac id never go back. is it the sleek design?, the ease of use?, the ready to use out of the box?, the amazing built in features? well really there is much more to it.
you get what you pay for

Jules

Use both PC and Mac. Like both. Have got publisher on PC which I don't have on Mac and miss it.

cartoon_dave

Have both a Mac and a PC. Tried Vista, but incompatibility with peripherals and some software forced me back to XP. Had a chance to play with an iMac, so I took the plunge and love it. Very easy to use, fast and stable. Not a single problem. Now I get frustrated whenever I use a PC, but I guess it's more about what you're used to. They both have their benefits. PCs are are much better choice for gaming, but the Mac has simply come into its own with the creative stuff. Bootcamp is there if you need it, but I no longer use it as I have a Windows notebook for work - that will soon be traded for a Macbook... I know this is shallow, but I also love the style of the Mac. The keyboard is sweet to use, too. Sure, I could build a red-hot PC for half the money, but I'd still look at a Mac and be jealous.

Morgan

I'd be happy to move to Mac (and even considered it a little while ago with the new MacBook) but there are a couple of applications (and yeah, alright, games) that are PC based that just won't run as well under emulation as they will on a PC. And all my other computers, plus my work computer are PCs so it just made sense to stick with it.

Having said that, I am currently considering a move to Linux on my laptop as I am starting to really hate Vista's unreliability.

dannyboi

Well, I have been a PC user all my life. At Work, School and at Home. Unfortunetly, my exposure to Mac's has been very limited. However, this goes to say, Mac's are serious computers. Many think that people buy Mac's for their aesthetics; I beg to differ. All my life, as I said previously has been run along with the help of a PC. I have not switched to Vista - and don't plan to - as I've heard about some pretty nasty problems associated with the OS. Getting back to Mac's; sure, they look fantastic, however, most people think that they are just 'toys'. I for one thought that slow and sometimes irresponsive computers with never end updates were just a part of life. Then... I experienced what Mac's have to offer. WOW! (Just like the Vista had) They are amazing! Seemless computing, easily adapt to the new OS and have the capabilities of four or five PC's put together! I do have a PC at the moment - with graphics that cannot be upgraded due to Product discontinue, am 90% considering buying a Mac very soon. I have been researching them extensively, looking at many independant review sites and have a play on my friends Macbook. I am considering buying a Macbook Pro as its graphics are astronomical and 'kick the butt' of my PC into next year.
People, don't be afraid of change, who knows.. the grass could be a lot greener on the Mac side.

Anonymous

I am now just over 70 years of age and have been working with computers since 1964 /65 - Paper tape, Punch cards, mag tapes and memory banks that looked like top load washing machines that held what I can now fit on a $20 flash card. The thing I like about Microsoft and the PC it that it has pretty well remained backward compatible from Version to Version. Software that I wrote on retiring some 17 years ago will still run on any PC running Windows software. For me its the PC. Also you can get cheap software - some good stuff even free from all around the globe.

Ray

wazza888

I prefer a PC but I cant compare with anything else as that is all I have used, though I do know at work we do experience so problems with vista compatability with our programs.

spaniel

i have looked at the new mac and they look great and i will definitely buy one the next time i buy a computer

Paulie

Macs rule, OK? I've been using them every year since '84... and currently use four different models. I travel with a MacBook... and have motorcycled for four months thru' Europe with an iBook in my frontpack: See Eurobikers on YouTube. Steve Jobs and the team at Apple are so far ahead of the PC crews that Vistas lights aren't visible in my mirrors....

Anonymous

I currently use PC at home and work, but have had only minimal exposure to Mac. Some of my work colleagues have Macs with nothing but positive comments that does tempt me to try them, which I may do when I'm in the market for a new computer.

coops

I converted to Mac last October after years of using a PC and have never looked back. Mac's are just so easy to use and are now so compatible with Microsoft software I have the best of both worlds and no anti-virus software slowing my computer down (sorry Norton). I use Skype to stay in touch with friends and relatives here and overseas and on the 24 inch screen it is brilliant and to watch TV and movies through Front Page is just awesome. I use my Mac as an extra TV cum PVR - brilliant!. The photo and movie editing software is just so easy to use too so my multi-media needs are fulfilled, Oh, and I also do some work on it too, so once again I have the best of both worlds. For me the answer to the question is easy, buy Mac!.

smokey

Having used both mac and PC I find pc more user friendly

mark

When you have used a Mac you'll never go back.

lpullman

When you have used a Mac you'll never go back.

Love the smug assertion. Can you see what you had for breakfast from there?

Back and forth all the time myself and the Windows interface is nicer to use.

Laurie

Redbepper

As a Vista user since June last year I love it.

I use Home Premium running on a HP notebook and believe that the secret to Vista is having upto date system with plenty of resources.

Ernie

I've never used a Mac, so realy have nothing against them. But I use a PC at work and I guess I'll just stick with what I know.

However, we have Vista at work but I've seen nothing to make me update from XP at home.

poptus

Definitely a PC enthusiast, I think MACS are just a gimmick

lpullman

well i do like pc much easier to use, but MAC is a new generation computer.

What exactly IS a new generation computer?

From a technical point of view it's previous generation intel hardware running a version of BSD unix with the less awful parts of the NEXT interface on top. For those who don't know the history, both of those date from the mid 90s.

From a social point of view, it's targeted at affluent, status concious market segment. Most of the next generation couldn't give a stuff so long as they can use an IM and view facebook.

An important lesson for life: just because it's new to you, doesn't make it new to everyone.

Laurie

elle

Definitely a PC enthusiast, I think MACS are just a gimmick

well i do like pc much easier to use, but MAC is a new generation computer.

mr p

I dont understand why the hatred of Bill Gates - Ok so he has a friggin great business and he's protecting it! wouldn't you? wouldn't all of us?!! I'ts a joke to assume that he should just "allow" everyone to use his software without question - that's just rubbish. Anyone who disagrees with me - go out to the real worls, start a business, create something and then see how you feel when some bastard just takes your ideas or clients! - put your money where your mouth is.

As regards PC and Mac - I dont think it makes a load of difference - I bought Vista cause I thought Robert Fripp did all the sounds (cant find em) - it's OK but no big deal really.

lpullman

I dont understand why the hatred of Bill Gates - Ok so he has a friggin great business and he's protecting it! wouldn't you? wouldn't all of us?!! I'ts a joke to assume that he should just "allow"...

With all due respect, this rant is really no different to the Mac zealots.

No one has suggested the MS should let people use their "software without question", so calm down. As for taking MS's ideas and clients, I'd not go down that path 'cause they don't have a great track record on either front.

Oh, and I did indeed put my money where my mouth is - I'm typing this on Firefox running on Ubuntu...

Laurie

Jafj

Have used Macs of various sorts in the printing/graphics/newspaper industry since the early nineties.
NEVER HAD A VIRUS to disrupt work. Upgrades etc may be easier and cheaper on a PC and many have told me all the things they do with their PC. But I have rarely seen the inside of my Macs (my personal Mac eMAC of several years has never ANY problems) which is how I like it. Because is it productivity you need (not spending time fixing it). They are set up in a commonsense way for the user (my son into music has just bought a new Mac Laptop - for garage band etc. having used mine for some years).
I suppose it's like building your own car, fun if you wish to spend more time building than driving. Or having a Merc. The Mac (hardware and software) is built from one compatible source and you spend more time on the road - yes quality and reliability (not perfection) come at a little more expense. But you get what you pay for-productivity.

lpullman

Have used Macs of various sorts in the printing/graphics/newspaper industry since the early nineties.
NEVER HAD A VIRUS to disrupt work. Upgrades etc may be easier and cheaper on a PC and many...

As someone working in IT and keeping these systems running I've got to disagree. I don't know how many times I've been down to the Apple shops we support to deal with one of their systems being off the air due to hardware failure. I suspect I remember the Apple failures more because they are often harder to deal with (a quick note to Apple users - don't buy parts from Apple, get them from your local PC shop where they are half the price for THE SAME THING). If I'm objective I reckon the failure rate is pretty much the same. Remember, people talk more about the failures, especially if it's an excuse for them not getting something done, than successes. If you haven't seen it from the outside you cannot judge.

Productivity? Most of the world uses PCs, if it was a real problem they would have switched.

I think you are right, however on the subject of getting what you pay for. If you spec PCs properly and they are set up correctly you'll get your reliability. The problem is that PC hardware is very cheap, and people don't see a difference between a $90 motherboard and a $150 motherboard until the former pops a capacitor and leaves them stranded. Then they blame Microsoft. Go figure. The bottom line: with a PC you get the choice to spend the money or take the risk, while with Apple you don't.

Oh, and I've never had a virus disrupt my work either, in, oh dear, 25 years of using PCs.

Larie

Rowdy

I myself build PCs and I can put just about anything into them and for the same power or even better I only have to pay half for a system what Macintosh's cost plus there are so many more programs that run in a PC. I could go on but when you get a proprietary system like Apples then you're going to pay through the nose for it so i'm sticking to PC and the flexibility they offer.

crossys

With less than 10% of computer users worldwide using a Mac, Apple will never be able to have the range of applications & games that are available to the PC User. It is just not viable. A good quality PC is just as stable as a Mac & you dont have to run a MS OS (But it helps!). I have worked on both and I know which is cheaper (& easier) for parts/upgrades etc. For me I will stick with a PC.

splice

With less than 10% of computer users worldwide using a Mac, Apple will never be able to have the range of applications & games that are available to the PC User. It is just not viable. A good...

I was a PC user for many years until I discovered MAC. I have now been using Mac for 2 years and would never go back to PC again. My PC laptop died as have my previous ones, never seem to last long and I am so happy not to have an anti virus program running through my computer any more, one of the downfalls about using a PC.

waspnin

If you want ease of use and have a career in media then a Mac is essential.

Anonymous

i myself would never buy a mac!
even thought the mac is able to have great graphic designing capabilitys, i still prefer the good old pc
for its gaming qualitys

lpullman

With less than 10% of computer users worldwide using a Mac, Apple will never be able to have the range of applications & games that are available to the PC User. It is just not viable. A good...

The Mac has no greater graphic capabilities than anything else. This myth has been floating around since Adam was a lad. The software you run has the capabilities and facing facts, all the software available today is written first for PC then ported to OSX if at all. There are pluses and minuses to being on the end of this process rather than the beginning.

The games thing is another matter entirely and has more to do with the realities of a mass market than anything else.

Laurie

Vinnie

Never been much fan of Mac's till recently. Always loved windows, XP is godlike.

Vista is still like a 'baby'. It has the capability and potential but it still needs to 'grow up' and 'learn'. One day...

beanbagdan

When most of our IT Department bought MacBooks last year, I followed.
NEVER having to do a virus scan also got the rest of my family hooked, so now we have four MacBooks and love them, communicating around the world through Skype. My dad in his sixties even got the hang of a Mac better than I expected.
Apple and Steve Jobs are very clever - big admiration

julzngemz

When most of our IT Department bought MacBooks last year, I followed.
NEVER having to do a virus scan also got the rest of my family hooked, so now we have four MacBooks and love them,...

yep I love my Imac g5!

Wizzy

I have not had anything to do with Mac ... Hate Vista ... Would like to try Mac, to see the difference.

Megan

I hate to be the odd one out. But I myself quite enjoy the use of my PC. It is easy to use, has a great range of products. I find macs are difficult to use and don't work with any of the programs I use. Vista - well doena't it look pretty...otherwise I beleive it has actually made my PC harder to use, I'm considering reverting backwards (a dangerous step). Why make something simple so hard?

ahbiteme

I switched to Mac about two and a half years ago... got an iBook for uni because most of the stuff in my department was Mac. I've been very impressed. It's very easy to use, hardly ever has a problem and got me through my honours year without a problem.

With the move to more cross-platform standards, such as web-based applications, incompatibility is less of an issue. Plus, the Intel Macs can run Windows anyway for those few programs that don't have a Mac version or equivalent.

At first I found the switch a little difficult while I got used to the change, but now I'm Mac all the way and will be buying a new Macbook Pro sometime this year. I will probably run Windows on it too. As Steve Jobs said... Apple is trying to get away from the idea that for Apple to succeed, Microsoft has to lose. It's just not like that.

Josh81

Yeah that's right, i was using an old mac which was given to me by a friend, but i was so frustrated with it's lack of compatibility with software, and some hardware, that i bought a PC.
Mac does have bootcamp where you can use the windows OS as well as Mac OS, but seeing as Mac's are slightly more expensive, and the laptop range doesn't offer good graphics card options, then i'm sticking with PC's. Much more options in laptop choice with PC's, and some customisable.

Marty

For myself the concept of Mac versus PC is simple. i along with others despise Bill Gates and Microsoft. I do not trust their motives or methods but unforunately their greed has still enabled them to monopolose operating systems and software associated. If software companies to do not get into bed with microsoft then it is a hard road.
i do see light however with Mac getting bigger and making in roads. Also linux is becoming an alternative that with opening the source code is increasing in its popularity.
So for me its Mac but until they progress further into the microsoft monopoly I think a lot of people HAVE to resort to PC.

lpullman

For myself the concept of Mac versus PC is simple. i along with others despise Bill Gates and Microsoft. I do not trust their motives or methods but unforunately their greed has still enabled them...

I really don't get this: why do you dispise a man you've never met? A man who is (partially) responsible for YOU having the cheap, accessible and easy to use computers. You do realise that without MS / IBM / Novell / etc we'd all be stuck with expensive and slow machines and almost certainly no internet as we know it today?

MS as a company is another matter, but the same goes for any corporation. I don't trust their motives, Apple included. As for "people HAVE to resort to PC", the very fact that we are having this discussion give the lie to that statement.

Laurie