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Time for an update! (Reply to this comment)
by aohcapablanca
Dear DeRango,
Thanks for your review. It begat many comments, too. All the better.
It's been 2 1/2 years since you wrote on MACS v. PCs. I look forward to a fresh essay. It's time.
Again, thanks!
AOHCAPABLANCA/Patrick K
(a contented MAC user, but not unaware of PCs, either)
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Jul 16 '09
3:12 am PDT
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Re: Re: I always get a kick out of... (Reply to this comment)
by Gr8ful
For some reason, Epinions just notified me of this comment today. Anyway, I'd like to say that you are very correct about the pricing. MAC is more expensive; always has been and probably always will be.
On a side note, I too have PCs that last long past their technology and I just built the following.
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 3GHz 12MB cache
EVGA 122-CK-NF68 motherboard
8GB OCZ SLI compatible DDR2 800MHz
2X 1GB Hitachi SATA 3Gb/s 7200RPM RAID 0
2X GeForce 9800GTX 512MB
Ultra 700W Power supply
SoundBlaster Audigy2 ZS w/front panel
Sony 22X DLDVD-RW
HP dvd640i 16X DLDVD-RW w/Lightscribe
Front panel 50-in-one card reader/floppy drive
This setup cost me a total of $1484 and some change. That includes shipping costs and tax on some locally purchased items. I know the review is about a notebook, but try to buy a MAC desktop with all that for under $2000. You might possibly find a PC shop that will build one for you near that price.
Gr8ful ;-)
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Nov 09 '08
6:07 am PST
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Re: I always get a kick out of... (Reply to this comment)
by macandpcguy
Wow I realize this article is a bit old but I was compelled to throw in my 2 cents worth.
First off I have to agree I get a kick out of hearing that as well... "My MAC cant get a virus".
um lol...
Wonder why it is then that I had to clean up a bunch of Macbook Pro's this week then, maybe because they use Intel processors now they were confused...unlikely. Simply put mainstream systems are the more likely target for the simple fact that it makes more sense to develop something that will hit the majority of systems.
Hearing people say I have had no issues or maintenance problems with my "insert mac product here" also holds no real value. I had a clone I built that ran for 8 years with no issues, I wont however arguet hat clones are reliable as that is based on a single unit.
None the less people for years have done this and will swear by a product name brand, the auto industry is where we see this the most.
Someone else was criticizing the originator of this epinion for using older technology to compare with, I think you went the wrong way in doing that as in truth during the XT - 286 era the MAC was light years ahead of PC's, they had better graphics, sound and a much nicer OS, back then I was hoping for the Amiga in truth though.
If I could point out another comment made by another poster that referred to how misleading this post was, followed by a comment that suggested more companies were switching to the MAC. Compared to what I checked your blog site... nice advertisement?
I have a lot of friends in the IT industry, I know people that work at companies such as Royal Bank of Canada (70,000 employees), Price Waterhaus Coopers (65,000 employees) Sunlife Insurance (13,000 employees) I guess using Microsoft would be a biased point here, eh? None the less at all of these companies the people I know assure me that MACs are either non- existent or so far below 1% it is not worth discussing.
Anyone see those recent MAC ad's on TV? Where were those when Microsoft was wiping the floor with them??? I would have loved nothing better than to see a 50% market share of apples vs PC's today, it would provide a win win for all consumers, a lower cost on both platforms and an easier choice for anyone.
One last point and this wont be 100% directly comparable but someone else pointed out that they were able to purchase a MAC for about the same price for an equivelant PC.
I have pointed out blatent upgrades on the PC device and also noted points that are subject to review.
From the MAC store: as of Dec 05 2007
2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1680 x 1050 pixels
2GB memory
160GB hard drive1
8x double-layer SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 256MB SDRAM
$2,799.00 US pricing
From Hewlett Packards Webstore: as of Dec 05 2007
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit) (subject to opinion)
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor T7700 (2.40 GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
Display 20.1" WSXGA High-Definition HP Ultra Brightview Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050) yes same resolution but the screen is larger
Memory 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Graphics Card 256MB ATI(TM) Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 2600 XT ( I prefer the NVidia in this case but this is a directly comparable product)
Personalization HP Imprint Finish (Dragon) Fingerprint Reader Webcam Microphone upgrade
Networking Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection and Bluetooth(TM)
Hard Drive 240GB 5400RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (120GB x 2) upgrade
Primary CD/DVD Drive FREE Upgrade to HD DVD ROM with SuperMulti DVD /-R/RW Double Layer!!
TV & Entertainment Experience Integrated HP HDTV Hybrid TV Tuner and 4 Altec Lansing speakers the HP Triple Bass Reflex subwoofer edit
$2,599.00 US pricing
So for $200 less you gain a few accessories not included with the MAC such as webcam, biometric security etc, an additional 80 GB storage and a larger screen. And lets face it I chose hp opposed to a generic label to keep it in the same ballpark pricing. I found several other units landing in the lower 1900-2200 that were also comparable to the MAC Pro laptop as well.
Does that mean I think PC's are better...no but you know what else. I did not hang on to my beta player for 8 years while VHS movies were the mainstream either.
Food for thought.
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Dec 05 '07
5:10 pm PST
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Place to find helpful Mac information (Reply to this comment)
by rgoldston
I found this article very biased. That's ok though. If anyone is looking for good information on why so many businesses are switching to macs they should check out this blog post on www.askbigpapa.com. Here is the link to the post http://www.askbigpapa.com/blogs/16/Dump-your-PC-for-a-Mac-and-quadruple-your-productivity.html
There is also a very helpful guide to find business software for the mac at http://www.askbigpapa.com/blogs/15/Mac-Computers-In-Business.html.
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Sep 23 '07
8:53 pm PDT
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Ancient Technology Compared??? (Reply to this comment)
by skywlf77
Hi there...
Unfortunately, I had to give this review a "Not Helpful" rating. This was mostly due to the ancient technology that was referenced. The Mac G3's and Pentium II's are so outdated that using that comparison in this day and age was sad. Yes, all computer companies attempt to distort the results to say that their machines are "faster" or "more stable" or "easier to use". The key here is, that it's a subjective opinion...Not an objective one. However, just like this review and all of those on Epinions (including mine), they are just that...opinions.
I use both Macs and PC's in my home. I have also built both Macs and PC's...Yes it can be done with a Mac. I'm working on several now. I've done all kinds of upgrades to Macs and have actually converted a couple of G3's into PC ATX Cases. I have overclocked Macs...Yes, overclocked--It's much simpler on a Mac than on a PC. Push on a couple of mini jumpers (on a ZIF-based Mac) and away you go at a faster speed.
There are benefits and detriments to each type of machine. This is not only true between Macs and PC's, but also between different brands of PC's and PC components. It's a fact of life. That's why it's so difficult (if not impossible) to write an objective review on this subject.
The problem I find with this particular review, however, is the ancient technology used as a comparison and the obvious lack of experience using Mac OS X and newer Mac equipment by the author. This review would have been much better labeled "The Mac vs. PC Debate--The PC Side of the Story".
But, I digress. It is Epinions after all and we each have our own. My only request at this point is: DeRango, please take a moment to go check out the newer Mac Machinery and see what you think. Don't let this ancient technology ruin you against Macs forever. Maybe you won't like the newer ones, either--and that's your right, but you just might find that they're not as bad as you think they are.
Thanks,
Jason
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Feb 21 '07
12:47 pm PST
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Hmm well (Reply to this comment)
by madark
I still don't know. But, hey as a CURRENT Best Buy employee, i am curious when you said supervisor did you mean team leader?
Just curious, im from Home Theater, so still trying to pick apart what i'll get before college.
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Jan 15 '07
11:56 pm PST
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Re: Re: This Review (Reply to this comment)
by brad
Folks, please ignore "alexanderaku." He is a proven troll on anything that has to do with the Mac. There is plenty of evidence of this.
Thanks, Brad.
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Jan 06 '07
10:27 am PST
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This Review (Reply to this comment)
by DeRango
is about my experience with Mac and PC's in the workplace, and weather you agree or disagree, it is my opinion, nothing more and nothing less.
Thank you everyone for your comments, appreciate the feedback.
--DeRango
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Dec 29 '06
7:43 pm PST
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Credentials: "a proof of qualification, competence, or clearance that is attached to a person" (Reply to this comment)
by nx1at
I was searching for recent market trends to see how Apple's market share has been developing over the last year (some research which might form part of my M.Sc in Software Development) and just HAD to comment on this, seemingly recent, diatribe opposing the evangelical views of some Apple users.
I am, quite frankly, appauled by this incredibly poorly written, totally unresearched and subjectively reactive article and I want other people to know that this is in no way representative of the Apple vs PC argument.
I've been working with Information Systems (specifically Software Development and Systems Architecture) for many years and, for my crimes, I've been heavily involved in the implementation and support of large wide-area and local-area networks, database servers (MS SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL), Microsoft(r) Windows(r) NT-2000-2003 Servers and UNIX and Linux servers. I've also developed my own management systems, some of which are used throughout Europe in the automotive industry.
Let me address a couple of your points;
"Statistically Speaking" you have chosen some unbelieveably out-of-date facts and figures which have absolutely no bearing what-so-ever on the current state of the art of processor technology. Forget it. Macs now use Intel(R) Processors and are directly comparable with any PC with an equivalent processor - in terms of the abilities of Apple hardware, find an Intel Core 2 Duo 2GHz model and compare it with a PC with the same processor - they're the same in terms of speed. The only key factor is this; I can take a ten minute video on my DV Camcorder, transfer it onto my Mac, compress it into an incredibly high quality video which is so small it can be watched 'live' (ie; without delay) over a broadband internet connection and publish it to the web with minimum hassle. To do the same on my partner's Intel Core 2 Duo 2Ghz Windows(r) XP Laptop takes much longer, more hassle and results in a lower quality video. There's a benchmark; is my MacBook quicker? Does it reduce the amount of time it takes for me to do what I want to do? Yes, it does.
"Built my Mac"? What for? Apple have done an amazing job of building it and I actually bought it because I couldn't get another Windows(R) XP based Laptop with the same hardware spec of the MacBook for the price. The PC market is now a throw away affair; six years ago, I was building custom PCs and Servers - it just isn't worth it now. Upgradability? Most home users are buying laptops these days, and any laptop is hard to upgrade, Mac or PC. How many consumers really open their PC to pop in a new piece of hardware? Very few. It's an out-moded concept anyway; that was the idea of USB and FireWire, why open the box to add new hardware?
"Repairs" - Strangely, I can't comment on this, luckily, my Mac hasn't broken down or developed any faults. I'm told Apple aren't too good at service in this area - if this is the case, they should sort themselves out if they really want that extra market share.
"Mac are so reliable" Well, I'm often considered someone who really uses a PC to its maximum. My Software Development, 3D graphics, Video and Image editing work needs a powerful and stable software system. I crash Windows(r) based PCs (when I say crash, this ranges from 'blue screening' to system instabilities which mean I have to reboot) at least daily and used to think this was because of the software I was using. Since switching to Mac OS X (and still using the SAME software packages, only for Mac) I don't get, and have never had, any crashes. Are Macs more reliable? I rely on mine and it is yet to let me down.
I don't know what early Macs were like. I've used Windows(r) based PCs for my entire life until six months ago. I've built a career and life around Microsoft(r) and like and respect their products. Professionally, I've never used or installed Macs anywhere, mainly because people have out-dated views of what Apple have to offer. Microsoft have one of the very few products capable of extending integrated domain-level security services and groupware, using very stable and reliable back-end code, across large enterprises with minimum hassle. Their server products are excellent and I still don't consider any "alternatives" to be as worthwhile or cost-effective.
But I don't see Apple in that market - yet. If you're thinking about buying a home PC, go and play with a Mac. Macs are about usability, they're lovingly designed to cater for the needs of the person using it. To help them do what they want to do with the best possible results. Apple employ some revolutionary user-centric design principles to make sure this primary objective was fulfilled above all others. Apple are about taking technology and integrating it with people, where some other companies believe the opposite scenario, in which people should adapt to technology, is true. This isn't evangelical, it's a necessary part of the evolution of computing - it's just that Apple do it far more successfully than their competitors.
My confession is this; I bought a MacBook because I loved the way it looked and because it was the most cost effective way of buying a very light, very small and very powerful laptop with a four-hour-plus battery life. As I had NEVER used Mac OS X (or any earlier versions) I was concerned about buying a Mac. I found out that you can install Microsoft(r) Windows(r) XP on an Intel-based Mac now anyway and decided to buy a MacBook and a copy of Windows(r) XP. My natural curiousity led me to play with Mac OS for a while before I wiped the laptop and installed Windows XP. Windows XP never did get installed...
I love Mac OS X (including iLife, iMovie, iPhoto, iDVD) and it has enabled me to achieve so much more in my six month 'Apple career' than the preceeding ten years of Windows(r) use. I've authored DVDs, started creating custom video content for my websites and even written music - generally my work has taken on a more professional dimension as well. If you're a home user, regardless of your knowledge and experiences, I believe an Apple Mac (running Mac OS X, of course) is currently the best option. Apple blur the gap between traditional computer systems and friendly consumer technologies so well that the result is hardware and software that will fit in with your life beautifully - removing some of the barriers that sometimes stop people making the most of their home computer.
Regards, Seth
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Dec 27 '06
5:29 am PST
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Mac and PC (Reply to this comment)
by lawman67
I use both everyday, own both, and have owned both since 1993. There are some tasks that I prefer to do on a PC (games - more variety, web surfing - faster) and some that I prefer to do on a Mac (music and movie viewing and manipulating - better tools). That said, I honestly don't care very much at a given moment if I am seated in front of a PC or a Mac, while each has advantages, they are minor.
Viruses and spyware on the PC ARE A BIG PROBLEM, but if you are smart about dealing with it, it will only cost you a small performance hit for all those scanners running in the background. Macs are free of that burden, but impose different burdens, mostly relating to compatibility with industry-specific applications and the documents they create. When bought my house, the realtor sent us files with pictures and descriptions of listing that were in a Windows-only web application format. With a PC it was easy to view, with a Mac, only possible with PC emulation (in effect, a PC).
My office is mixed Windows and Mac, all served by a Windows 2003 server. Windows plays nicer by letting the server control all updates and patches, but otherwise OS X is a fine Windows domain client as well. My Macs have full access to network shares, Exchange email and calendar, and most importantly, require no additional fuss.
If you have a singificant library of Windows software, you probably will not want to switch to a Mac. If your software is all old and out-of-date anyway, you may find that a Mac is better for you (less annoying to maintain). Personally, I love Macs and prefer their OS, but will not give up essential hardware features (tablet pc) to use it.
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Dec 17 '06
12:09 pm PST
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Re: brad's View (Reply to this comment)
by cspu
I've got to agree with Brad here. I just got my first Mac in April 2006, I hated the old OS's (Pre OS X), but OS X is very slick. Also the processor argument is only valid for used hardware since all new Macs use the same processors as their PC rivals. Upgrading a Power Mac isn't much different than upgrading a PC and the G4's are easier than PCs of the era to open. In the end it's whatever the buyer decides they want. I chose OS X on a Mac over Linux and Windows on my home computer, but I use all three operating systems (and others) regularly.
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Dec 08 '06
3:28 pm PST
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Nice review (Reply to this comment)
by bettega
Boy, am I ever in the stone age! I have a cell phone that is 20 years old, a 9 year old computer that was state of the art in 1998 when I bought it and I have really only upgraded from tapes to CD's in the late 90's! I held an I-pod for the first time 2 weeks ago when my wife got one for my father in law...
Thanks for the nice comment for my Casa Noble review. It's been fun to start writing again. I really don't care much for royalties but its lots of fun to read and write about all these things people love and hate.
Thanks!
Bettega
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Dec 07 '06
5:30 am PST
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I loathe Windows (Reply to this comment)
by Stephen_Murray
but after decades, decided I needed to have a PC as well as my Macs. One advantage I may have missed in your exposition is that those writing viruses, worms, and other vermin target Windows.
Although I write on one or another of my Macs, I use WORD 5.1 (a product from the same Evil Empire as Windows), so if not "Luddite" probable qualify as "antedelluvian"!
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Dec 06 '06
12:32 pm PST
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Yeah, OK... (Reply to this comment)
by Dr_Steph,  in Computer Hardware
...so I think your review is biased and I totally disagree with it. But this IS a place for your opinion - and your opinion is just fine with me. :)
Steph
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Dec 05 '06
6:51 pm PST
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Re: brad's View (Reply to this comment)
by Brettkatt
Jeff,
I agree with Brad’s comments. I gave you a better rating than he did. I currently work on PCs (fix them) and I own two G4 Macs. One is three years old and one is two. They are running as well as the day I bought them. Every PC I built has crashed or broken with in 4 months. I got tired of the PC thing at home.
I also worked for The Apple Store near my home. Yes, Macs break from time to time. They don’t break or crash as nearly as often as PCs do. The newer Mac hardware and OS are much better than what you wrote about.
Just a different view.
Brett
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Dec 05 '06
7:36 am PST
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brad's View (Reply to this comment)
by brad
Hi Jeff.
I think your review is valuable because of your experience servicing computers.
However, I did not give it the top rating because you did not offer evidence that you have recently used a Mac.
The Macs that you are referring to are several years old. The OS that you are referring to is no longer supported.
As you probably know, Macs now run on the same chips as do PCs. You did not emphasize this, but rather emphasized their former chips, the PowerPC chips. That is history.
Basically, I am not going to give any of these essays the top billing unless the author has extensively used both Windows and Mac and used relatively recent versions of both operating systems.
It doesn't sound like you have used Mac OS X much, if at all.
If that's the case, then your review cannot possibly be objective.
That's just my opinion. I am sorry if this offends you, but if you don't know what you are talking about, I ask that you don't give advice. Since you most likely have not extensively used a Mac, how can you possibly give advice about it?
In the sense that you gave insight about your experience servicing Macs, I find this information "helpful," and so I rated it as such.
But as a guide for people who need help deciding on the merits of the both systems' GUIs, you did not address this fundamental argument.
Brad.
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Dec 05 '06
7:25 am PST
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I always get a kick out of... (Reply to this comment)
by Gr8ful
Mac users who claim Macs are more reliable tha PCs. I ask them, "Oh really, how many have you repaired?"
I have fixed, repaired, reinstalled software and troubleshot Macs and let me tell you, when they do have a problem it is usually a whopper.
Also, I have to laugh at people who really believe that Macs can't get a virus. I'm sorry but it is a computer and it CAN get a virus, just not one written for PC. Anyone who runs Microsoft Office or Internet Explorer on a Mac can and probably sometime will get a virus or a worm.
Don't get me wrong, I like Macs; but they aren't the end-all be-all of the computing world.
Gr8 ;-)
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Dec 05 '06
2:48 am PST
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