EggXpert

first off, im going to say I know this is going to start a flamewar, and I apologize.

but I want to ask the honest question, why should I buy a mac? 

 

They're different?

I can make one crash in under 10 minutes. Not knowing how I did it or what happened... 

Many people seem to get a Mac because of their video/audio editing software. That, and to be a part of the mac community. 

i have a strong feeling this is going to get out of hand really quickly

btw, i dont do any audio or video editing, im just wondering why you would want to get a mac for general computing

goonygoongoon:

i have a strong feeling this is going to get out of hand really quickly

btw, i dont do any audio or video editing, im just wondering why you would want to get a mac for general computing

I will now tell you the wonders of getting a mac ;)

I might have to continue this when i get to school because i only have about 5 min.

A) User Interface Macs have a much better user interface than Windows computers. It's easier to navigate, you have all of your main programs right at the bottom, and the awesome Expose features make navigtating more fun. 

 B) Looks Everything about a Mac looks better. From the exterior design to the nice shine of the bar.

g2g ill finish later ;)
 

The question is why don't you have one already?

Seriously, most people that are quick to slam Mac have probably never really used one.  I like both platforms personally they each have their advantages.

goonygoongoon:

first off, im going to say I know this is going to start a flamewar, and I apologize.

but I want to ask the honest question, why should I buy a mac? 

 

Here are a couple of reasons, for more detailed explanations check out the switch section of Apple's website. 

1) Macs are easier to use.

2) Macs are safer- no spyware, no viruses, built on top of UNIX for advanced protection.

3) Macs are reliable (no blue screen of death here).

4) Macs with an Intel processor give you the best of all worlds by letting you run Mac OS, Windows, Linux, etc...

5) The design of Apple's computers are lightyears ahead of the competition.

Etc...

All the things mac users brag on...soon and will change. They claim they are virus free, have no spyware, and or adware, and easier to use. The only thing I have liked mac's for are they are better for video editing since they had more pure power to do so. The reason windows based pc's can and will always win this computer war is....Games. Windows has so much more support for games. I know plenty of people that the only reason the buy a pc is to play games, even if it is only playing solitare. People sit down in front of a mac and they go oh crap this looks to complicated, I don't know how to do anything on here I'm gonna go back to my windows XP. The fact is, since windows is more plentiful and people have grown used to it; people are generally going to flock to whats popular and whats normal. Mac's have always been percepted as the work only type pc, and never really took off as a home user type pc. I've used mac's and i personally have nothing against them, they just don't have support for the games i like to play. If they did.....who knows, I might try them again.

goonygoongoon:

first off, im going to say I know this is going to start a flamewar, and I apologize.

but I want to ask the honest question, why should I buy a mac? 

 

 

Honest answer -

 

1) Curiousity

2) Extra cash

 

Basically, there is no compelling reason to buy a Mac other than for entertainment value.

 

That said, with reasonable expectation (they are poor bang for the buck value) they can be an enjoyable alternative to what you have been used to in the Windows/Linux world. 

 

But nothing earth-shattering, change your life kind of thing. 

At this point, its really coming down to personal preference.

I provide support for Windows and Mac systems, and use both daily. Both have pro's and cons, some of which overlap. For general computing usage, either will suffice. Both are decent enough systems for what you use them for.

I personally prefer Windows based systems for my own use, but thats because I have been using them for nearly 16 years and know the ins and outs of the OS's and are comfortable with them. Because of that I don't find the OS X interface particularly 'easy to use' and have some trouble with it still.
 

1) Since when? Maybe it's just easier because some people use them and some people have never used one. Things you have experience with are easier...

2) I've got multiple PCs that have never had malware...as long as you're not a moron, you won't get viruses or spyware...the only reason it seems PCs aren't safer is because the are WAY more viruses and spyware written for PCs, because PCs are so popular. When you write a virus, you want to spread it to the most people possible. There just aren't that many Mac users. And what's this about UNIX? You can't make money from UNIX.

3) ROFL when's the last time you got bsod from a PC? I get them in XP when I have bad (as in faulty) memory...and that's pretty much it. My 2 Macs lasted 3 years each, and then the damn CMOS battery failed. You also can't touch any hardware settings (aka overclock) a Mac...or even optimize them.

4) Why the hell would you pay a PREMIUM (EXPENSIVE) price for a Mac when you aren't going to use its operating system?

5) Be a little more specific...what do you mean by "design"? The white cases? I don't get it.

etc) No, not etc. Please ellaborate more.

Mac users just want to feel like they're a part of something. The truth is that Mac users are people who don't care about how a computer works - they just want to assume that the claims that Macs are simply better are true. It's a cult, really.

Fantasykeyx:

goonygoongoon:

i have a strong feeling this is going to get out of hand really quickly

btw, i dont do any audio or video editing, im just wondering why you would want to get a mac for general computing

I will now tell you the wonders of getting a mac ;)

I might have to continue this when i get to school because i only have about 5 min.

A) User Interface Macs have a much better user interface than Windows computers. It's easier to navigate, you have all of your main programs right at the bottom, and the awesome Expose features make navigtating more fun. 

 B) Looks Everything about a Mac looks better. From the exterior design to the nice shine of the bar.

C) Security - Macs are extremely secure and safe compared to windows computers, you don't need to pay for virus protection and there are very few viruses for mac.

 D) Networking - Everything about networking on Macs is easier. Windows networking sucks, is ahrd to set up, and is hard to maintain. On a Mac it's extremely easy. ;)

E) All Programs Linked - Macs come with so many free, great programs, and best of all they are all intertwined. You make a song in garageband, you can easily listen to it in iTunes. Make a movie in iMovie, watch it in Quicktime or iTunes easily. Take pictures with their awesome built in camera, view it in iPhoto and easily make it your iChat icon.

Overall, everything about a Mac is so much easier to use and navigate, and much more fun to use. And with parallels you can know run Mac OSX Linux and Windowsa all at the same time. ;)

how are all of the programs linked?

it sounds to me like all of the programs just create files of the same type for compatibility.
 

goonygoongoon:

how are all of the programs linked?

it sounds to me like all of the programs just create files of the same type for compatibility.
 

It's just really easy to get something between programs, for example, I opened up ComicLife the other day (fun program that comes with macs) and automatically had all my pictures from iPhoto right there, loaded up with thumbnails into comiclife. 

that sounds like programs in windows remembering which folder they opened up last

I hate that XD, I open something from like C://Blah/Blah/Blah/Blah/Blah and then I go to upload something say, and I'm like "Wtf? Why is it here."\Probably a way to disable it but I'm too lazy =|

Nobody can tell you why you should or should not buy a mac. It is all a matter of personal preference.

I made the Mac switch back in 2003 and fell in love immediately. I am not a gamer. I am software engineer. At work I use a Windows machine. Not because I want to, but because it's company policy. I would prefer to use my Mac. All of the work I do on the PC could be done on the Mac. I own a PC at home, but any more it rarely gets turned on.

Here are some of the reasons I will continue to use a Mac: (Not in any particular order)

1. OS X is built on top of Unix. I do a lot of commmand line stuff and for me, Cygwin on a PC just wasn't cutting it, and I don't have the time to setup a proper Linux install.
   
   
2. The cult. Yes, being different than the majority of the population has its appeal. I still get a kick when I pull out my black MacBook in a room full of Dells. I love that "he has a Mac" look.
   
   
3. It just seems to me that the quality of freeware applications available for the Mac is a step above those available for Windows. I'm sure this point will get someone fired up.
   
   
4. I like the visual and interface appeal of OS X. It just fits my personality better. I wouldn't say its any easier to use than windows. It's just different. One particular aspect of OS X that I really like and believe is much easier than the Windows equivalent is applacation install and uninstall. To install an application on a Mac you basically just drag an icon to a folder. To uninstall it you just delete the icon. There's no "install" or "uninstall" process. Sure, there are some exceptions to this, but for the most part, it's that easy.
   
   
5. Regardless of why, the fact is there are currently far less viruses, spyware, and other badies affecting Macs. That may change someday, but for now it's true. That being said, until fairly recently I used a PC at home quite often. And in the last 7 or 8 years I think I've only had one virus. If you take the proper precautions on a PC, you'll be fine. It's just that, for now, I don't have to really worry about any of that on my Mac.
   

Apple likes to promote the iLife suite of apps, and rightly so. They are a nice set of apps. But personally, I rarely use them. I'm not real big on music making, movie making or pictures. For my needs, which include lots of programming, basic web usage, iTunes and chatting, my Mac is well suited.

If your thinking about making the switch, I suggest you head to an Apple store and play around with some machines. The Apple store is a whole experience in and of itself.

Now, save the debating. All of the above are my personal opinions. Your's may differ.

Apple computers are simply PC's that come with OSX pre-installed.  The only reason to not get a Mac these days is due to the hardware restrictions.

I had a Mac Mini as a back up rig for a while and really liked it.  Not so much a fan of OSX but it is good for the basic stuff (writing and web surfing) and wonderful for video and photo editing.

I hope my next laptop is an Apple and dual boot with Vista Ultimate. 

nreckart:

Nobody can tell you why you should or should not buy a mac. It is all a matter of personal preference.

I made the Mac switch back in 2003 and fell in love immediately. I am not a gamer. I am software engineer. At work I use a Windows machine. Not because I want to, but because it's company policy. I would prefer to use my Mac. All of the work I do on the PC could be done on the Mac. I own a PC at home, but any more it rarely gets turned on.

Here are some of the reasons I will continue to use a Mac: (Not in any particular order)

1. OS X is built on top of Unix. I do a lot of commmand line stuff and for me, Cygwin on a PC just wasn't cutting it, and I don't have the time to setup a proper Linux install.
   
   
2. The cult. Yes, being different than the majority of the population has its appeal. I still get a kick when I pull out my black MacBook in a room full of Dells. I love that "he has a Mac" look.
   
   
3. It just seems to me that the quality of freeware applications available for the Mac is a step above those available for Windows. I'm sure this point will get someone fired up.
   
   
4. I like the visual and interface appeal of OS X. It just fits my personality better. I wouldn't say its any easier to use than windows. It's just different. One particular aspect of OS X that I really like and believe is much easier than the Windows equivalent is applacation install and uninstall. To install an application on a Mac you basically just drag an icon to a folder. To uninstall it you just delete the icon. There's no "install" or "uninstall" process. Sure, there are some exceptions to this, but for the most part, it's that easy.
   
   
5. Regardless of why, the fact is there are currently far less viruses, spyware, and other badies affecting Macs. That may change someday, but for now it's true. That being said, until fairly recently I used a PC at home quite often. And in the last 7 or 8 years I think I've only had one virus. If you take the proper precautions on a PC, you'll be fine. It's just that, for now, I don't have to really worry about any of that on my Mac.
   

Apple likes to promote the iLife suite of apps, and rightly so. They are a nice set of apps. But personally, I rarely use them. I'm not real big on music making, movie making or pictures. For my needs, which include lots of programming, basic web usage, iTunes and chatting, my Mac is well suited.

If your thinking about making the switch, I suggest you head to an Apple store and play around with some machines. The Apple store is a whole experience in and of itself.

Now, save the debating. All of the above are my personal opinions. Your's may differ.

lol, i like number 2

just the way you put it as the cult is really funny 

goonygoongoon:

lol, i like number 2

just the way you put it as the cult is really funny 

It's a good cult. There is no crazy initiation and there is no mass suicide. At least no one ever told me about any. Maybe I should check the cult charter.
 

we all know that Steve Jobs is the grand master of the cult

you must obey him!!!

oh, and theres gonna b a mass suicide on launch day of the iphone

lol
 

Oh yeah, I forgot about that mass suicide. I found the memo. We're all supposed to wear a black turtleneck and jeans. Don't tell anyone I told you. They will kick me out.

Gotta love Mr. Jobs.  

nreckart:

goonygoongoon:

lol, i like number 2

just the way you put it as the cult is really funny 

It's a good cult. There is no crazy initiation and there is no mass suicide. At least no one ever told me about any. Maybe I should check the cult charter.
 

Then those people who invited me to the mass suicide meeting were lying? 0_0 Crap, maybe i shouldn't go if it isnt for Apple. 

rofl

nreckart:

Oh yeah, I forgot about that mass suicide. I found the memo. We're all supposed to wear a black turtleneck and jeans. Don't tell anyone I told you. They will kick me out.

Gotta love Mr. Jobs.  

I use both Mac and Windows machines.  They each have their uses.  Personally, I don't think OSX interface is better than XP or Vista.  I think mac developers spend too much time making things look "pretty" and less time on usability.  Either way.. OS does not determine usability of a machine; applications do.  I've had to restart my mac more often than my XP machine because of system lockups.  There are viruses abound on both systems: If mac doesn't have viruses why are there all those anti-virus programs for it?  I don't buy Apple's "more secure" marketing BS one bit.

Short answer is, you should buy a computer.  Choose a mac if you want a mac.  Choose a wintel box if you want Windows.  In the end, they all do the same thing... that is whatever it is you want to do with a computer.