Poll: Mac versus PC: Let's be nice about it

[gl1koz3]

I will just copy the list from OP and comment on the points.

Mac:
---Pros---
*Exceptional hardware (Exactly how? Last time I checked, they pretty much used the same chips as PCs; and what does "exceptional hardware" mean, anyway)
*Innovative design (do you mean aesthetics? Because I don't see how they innovate anything except for putting a fat price tag on everything)
*One foot ahead (see previous point)
(technologically) (see first point)
*Aesthetics (which is nice and all, but is useless when you're trying to achieve something with it - only gets in the way because of the prohibitive intentions of them)
*Master of nanotechnology (how is that? Every chip is a nanotech marvel; you can't just label a brand as such)
*Low virus charter (well, it makes sense to target the biggest market, right?)
*Strong, outlasting shells (can agree, but you just need to read descriptions before you buy it. I and a relative of mine own PC laptops that probably cost like Macs, yet they are sturdy enough to tip over on them and them surviving... not to mention it has lasted 4+ years and still looks like new)

---Cons---
*Counter-intuitive OS (haven't used it...)
*Closed-source OS (Linux is used when you need this, so it's kinda off point)
*More expensive (but you do get some extra in what you pay for)
*Expensive warranty (PCs can be the same; again, just read the descriptions before you buy it, as PC simply gives a lot wider choice)

PC:
---Pros---
*(usually)Easier to customize (depends on OS and form factor; I'm sure you can do the same with Mac's upgrade packages, as they seem to be specially selected not to screw up your system)
*More affordable (looks like it)
*Open-source (yes. but you still have to pay if you want to do anything with Windows... legally...)
*Wide variety of applications (yes!)
*Virtual monopoly on video games (probably)
*Constantly building upon itself (... ok? ah, I see. yes!)
*Being the most popular, it can also make things easier (a more pc-orientedworld) (I suppose... but it can vary a lot depending on the OS; though the hardware standards help; same as with Macs I'd guess, so it should be even, if you take out the "most popular" part and look just at one side of it)

---Cons---
*Viruses, viruses, viruses! (I've had exactly one since 2008 and I removed it myself; the others probably crashed)
*Frequent errors and crashes (that's what you get if actual people develop them; it usually comes in waves...)
*Obnoxious security system (Windows 7) (how exactly? each time a virus wants to overwrite system files, it asks me if I'm okay with the changes; just say no, if you don't need it; and having a head to know which files not to open helps)
*Vulnerable (non-isolated) core files (see previous point)
*Comparatively fragile hardware (as I've said, you can pay extra for well designed systems - you just have to know what you're looking for)
*Tendency to overheat (BS; you simply need the right cooling; also easier to screw up, if you've got so much freedom)

 

[DarthFennec]

I grew up with Windows machines and I've always hated them. It was constantly crashing and having all sorts of ridiculous problems that I couldn't fix, and I could never figure out why it was being so stupid. Yeah gaming was good on it but the cons definitely outweighed the pros. But I just thought all computers were like that.

I had heard a lot about Mac, and I tried looking into that. But I had no freedom with macs, I couldn't do anything, I felt very restricted and that was even worse than Windows. It was a big waste of money, and it was just something I couldn't use. When Jobs talks about anything, he makes it sound like the greatest thing in the world, but once you looked past that everything in there turns out to be a piece of shit. Nothing that goes on in a mac makes any sense, it's all way more complex than it needs to be. Yeah it works more often than Windows, but it hardly ever works well. I switched back to my Windows box.

Then I heard about another choice from a friend, about five years ago: Linux. At first I was skeptical, because why would I trust free software (all the freeware that I had used before worked like ass), but after I installed it I became increasingly fond of the fat little penguin. Linux is a dream come true for me. It's free, so it only costs as much as a Windows machine, but upgrading the OS and installing programs costs nothing. I have never ever had any problems with it (the people I know would beg to differ, but the people I know are too stupid to realize that when my RAM chips burn out it's not a problem with my Operating System). No bugs, no stupid pointless errors or anything remotely resembling a crash or bluescreen. If there's a problem, I can always (yes always, not just most of the time) fix it with a small edit to an config file somewhere. While it can't play the mainstream titles very well, it does what I need it to do for my gaming needs. Wine plays Steam and Starcraft fine, and there are more fun and addicting Open Source games that were written in Linux than there ever were market games for Windows.

I've seen a lot of hate for this system, and I don't really understand it. It's always run perfectly for me, it's easy to use, it's fun, it has more amazing games than I can count or have ever played, it's easily customizable, and every time there's a problem, there's a definite reason for it and an easy way to fix it. People have complained about hardware compatibility issues, and I guess I don't know what that's about, maybe I just happened to have accidentally chosen all the right hardware for it, I don't know. What I do know is, long ago I submitted to the idea that computers suck and I should just get used to not being happy with the operating system I'm running, but now I'm much more than happy with it. Linux is the perfect system for me. I will never have to use a Windows or Mac machine ever again.

TL;DR: I've spent a lot of time with both Windows and Mac, and neither of them were good enough for me. Linux is the most reliable, most competent, most enjoyable system, by far, in my experience.

 

[Bender Rodriguez]

Mac here, was an advanced PC user up to 4 years ago.
I just got tiered of all the shit, viruses, bluscreen, crapware included etc...

Macs are brilliant and on the way up.
Soon the gaming argument will be gone, games are being frequently ported to Mac.
And now with the MacAppstore we have a new ground of distributing.

GTA 3 to San Andreas was recently released for the Mac with updated graphics.
Brilliant.

Besides, if i need to game some windows only stuff i'll just fire up XP.

 

[Nigh Invulnerable]

What's this about "exceptional hardware"?

Personally I just think Macs are stupidly over priced. That's all there is to it for me and all there needs to be.

Oh, that and the gaming thing.

Agreed on the over priced issue. A buddy of mine builds PCs and helped me with mine, and according to him, he can build a PC with identical hardware to a Mac for about half the cost (or better if he gets lucky on a sale).

 

[Exterminas]

If there was a objective way of deterimnate which product is best, then there wouldn't be two products.

Wrong. You're telling me shitty movies, games and so on are not supposed to exist, yet they do. There are a couple of things you could think through, like marketing and the non-discriminative nature of the average consumer, for one.

PC, all the way through. Macs are horribly overpriced and not any more functional, in fact, they're lacking in functionality compared to PCs. And Apple is a bad, bad company.

It might be a little extreme to call out Apple as a company, but it is true that their advertizing goes out of its way to appeal to hipsters, while hiding the fact that their computers are significantly more expensive for hardware that is not quite cutting edge.

Something like a shitty movie does not exist.
There are only movies and people who consider them to be shitty.
Shittyness is a judgement, not an attribute.
It's basically the same with PC&Mac: If you consider something shit doesn't really depend on the product, but on your expectations.

Of course one could argue "If the product was different, fitting my expectations, it wouldn't be shit" but that sort of misses the point if you are dealing with already made products (like PC&&Mac).

 

[WOPR]

Well
I've made quite a rude rant that leaves both sides scared (probably mac more then windows, excuse me for that) but I'm going by what I've seen

on an off note, about Macs though really quick
You say they're ahead in technology, well lets look at this, the people that seem to really care about technology and always getting the best thing out there are GAMERS
what can Macs not do? GAMES
so I think that alone is kinda... dumb...
Now back to my rant that probably breaks about 5 rules, will make you laugh, then suddenly hate me again...

no one call me Yahtzee this time!


Getting a Mac is like paying an extra thousand for Shine, a one click mouse for the more simple minded, and an invincibility contract so it'll never kill itself and die (until you need to upgrade that is)

Getting a Windows is more understandable if you know about computers, but if you don't you'll spend more time trying to explain to tech services that you don't know what a virus is and how you got it then actually using the computer

My theory to back this up

All the 40-60 year olds I know got mac because (and I quote) "Windows is too complicated"
All the teen-aged nerds I know (including myself) Bought windows, and built the insides ourselves to make them good for a decent price, we all also keep track of our AV-software to keep our computers alive

While my mom is constantly wondering how she managed to kill my computer 3 times, and always blaming me, despite that whenever she's on it she's on facebook clicking every link there is, using Internet explorer instead of FireFox and not knowing how to run scans, CCleans, or clearing her flash saves

*grumbles*

Spoiler: this is very rude but makes a point

if you're too stupid to properly take care of a computer get a mac, those things are next to impossible to kill and they look pretty (stupid people like shiny objects)

if you have no social life and spend all your time indoors get a PC for it will be your god

(I don't know anything about linux so I'll keep quiet there)

and just saying, Every OS kinda sucks... When will we get something like HAL or WOPR or a computer like that?

 

[pspman45]

Linux works pretty well, and has an OS that uses little computer power to run, making it great for gaming, but hardly any games run on linux , so i have to use windows and be constantly alerted that windows wants to restart, ruining my 15 kill streak...

 

[WOPR]

Mac here, was an advanced PC user up to 4 years ago.
I just got tiered of all the shit, viruses, bluscreen, crapware included etc...

I'd like to go on the statement "Take better care of your computer!"

I've had this thing for YEARS

Only had 2 viruses that caused damage (both my mom's fault- repaired the computer once, took it to a professional once)
And it's only blue-screened once

I looked it up online and it was something to do with my logitech drivers, I fixed the problem in about 2 minutes

I've no idea what you mean by "Crapware" though

 

[The Stonker]

Do you know why there aren't many viruses on the MAC?
It's because there is a bigger striking pool for the PC but not the Mac since there are much more PC users then MAC users.
So I choose you! Windows!

 

[Mister Eff]

I like both. I just got a new top of the range Macbook Pro and I'm loving that more than the Windows 7 computer I had however. I'm a film student, so I need to use it for editing etc, which is one area where Macs dominate.

 

[Demonicdan]

I wouldn't trust myself enough to build my own computer, so I use a PC with Windows, purely because Iv'e used Windows almost exclusively and when I use a mac the differences confuse me.

 

[Boemmel]

I think the "be nice" part of the OP regrettably is already vanished into thin air and since those kind of discussion (especially with this topic) routinely go nowhere (this one included), I will just say my personal universal advice in regards to all OS discussions:

Keep an open mind and try to experience as many different operating systems as you can. Learn from all of them, appreciate their different strenghts. Realize that in the end, they will all find ways to drive you completely mad.

 

[blankedboy]

Well it's pretty damn obvious that Macs are ridiculously overpriced, and if they don't run .exe files either there's not really much point from my point of view.
And I say that having just recovered from 3 days of no computer because my Windows broke, and I had to load up KolibriOS (which y'all should check out cos it's FIVE FUCKING MEGABYTES) to backup all my files, then reformat the hard drive. Wasn't fun, but whatever

 

[drisky]

Mac:
---Pros---
*Exceptional hardware

---Cons---
*Counter-intuitive OS

Frist off I disagree with the fact mac hardware is good but the operating system is bad, its the other way around. I got used to mac in about a month, I was highly proficient with it and now I hardly every have a problem that I can't fix with out simply restarting it. On the other had the computer it self falls apart some how every 6 months, and I have to return it for repairs. They also make more and more horrible design choices; overly glossy screen that is to reflective, one piece mainframe because "it wooks pwitty" but if have a problem with any part of the computer you have a problem with the whole thing, the whole track pad is a bottom so when you press down your cursor shifts over. My mac has pissed me off time and time again, and it wasn't for the OS, it was for all the times the computer fell apart and I had to deal with the company that constantly tries to squeeze you out for all your worth.

 

[DanielDeFig]

I grew up with Windows on a PC, and as i have realized how closed Mac is (through friends and iTunes), i have yet to be convinced to switch.

I like windows for being far more open than mac, but the extreme openness of Linux (a bit complex for me) has yet to convince me. I am thinking of using a websit i saw on BBC Click that lets you try out a Linux demo, to see if you want to enjoy it before you overhaul your whole computer.

 

[Wicky_42]

Mac:
---Pros---
*Exceptional hardware
*Innovative design
*One foot ahead
(technologically)
*Aesthetics
*Master of nanotechnology
*Low virus charter
*Strong, outlasting shells

Can I ask about the hardware thing? I mean, apart from the nice screen, the components are standard computer hardware parts. Not exactly exceptional :/

Also, what do you mean about the nanotechnology thing? I mean, they are using intel chips, but don't upgrade the hardware until well after the next gen has come out :/ An up to date PC is more likely to have more advanced hardware.

Lastly, what's that about shells? Outlasting shells? Confusion.

---Cons---
*Viruses, viruses, viruses!
*Frequent errors and crashes
*Obnoxious security system (Windows 7)
*Vulnerable (non-isolated) core
files
*Comparatively fragile hardware
*Tendency to overheat

Viruses are simple to counter with free software, and errors and crashes seem largely to be a thing of the past in my experience of Windows 7. Which of course brings us to the easy to disable UAC, a silly idea that was implemented clumsily. Bad move, microsoft.

But come one, those last two points? Seriously? PCs are fragile and overheat? I thought we were going to be sticking to factual points :/

Personally, my experience with Macs has just been confusing. Closing windows without closing the program, that annoying 'peek' function that always seems bound to the most ridiculous button or mouse position, and iTunes - the less said about that obstructive piece of... the better. I guess a lot comes down to familiarity with the system - I can do what I want with a PC, but Macs just work all different and aim to obstruct me at every turn :/

 

[teqrevisited]

Self built PC with windows. I prefer my technology without the overinflated brand name pricing.
That and the freedom.

 

[Faladorian]

I think the "be nice" part of the OP regrettably is already vanished into thin air and since those kind of discussion (especially with this topic) routinely go nowhere (this one included), I will just say my personal universal advice in regards to all OS discussions:

Keep an open mind and try to experience as many different operating systems as you can. Learn from all of them, appreciate their different strenghts. Realize that in the end, they will all find ways to drive you completely mad.

Most people are being reasonable, but some people seem to have a vendetta against Apple. I asked for no bias and to give a good thing (just one even if you list a million bad) but eh... this is as close as it will get.

And you're right, every OS will drive you insane.

 

[Wicky_42]

I like both. I just got a new top of the range Macbook Pro and I'm loving that more than the Windows 7 computer I had however. I'm a film student, so I need to use it for editing etc, which is one area where Macs dominate.

I DON'T GET IT! People keep saying this without ANY evidence being quoted EVER :/ There's no way a Macbook can perform as well as a decent PC - I mean, those things start at £1000; you can easily build a decent rig for that, one with more than 4Gb of RAM and all that good stuff you need for processing large video files.

Is it the software? Cos both platforms have decent software, and personally I prefer the Adobe suite, so what is it about Macs that make them "soooo much better" for video editing and other creative pursuits? Where's the evidence?!

 

[xXDeMoNiCXx]

It's all preference, each is better than the other for something so whatever you need a computer for, choose which one accordingly. That's it. Me, I'm a laptop PC person.