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

[Cowabungaa]

Let's face it: regardless of how capable Macs are or not, Jonathan Ive is an extremely capable dude. A true modern testament to the ideals of Industrial Design. He's definitely set the look for decades to come in the same way Raymond Loewry did for the 50s and 60s.

Simplicity is elegance.

Maybe, but I never liked my tech in white, so the majority of Apple's design look rather meh to me. I like the look of the iPhone though. Just the look, mind you, I'd rather get a Samsung Galaxy S or something. Never did fancy that wheely thing on the iPod either.

It comes down to taste a lot, but I do get your point; their designs work well and are, well, pretty pretty. But in a way that makes it all the more sad, that people let themselves get ripped off so easily in favour of shinyness.

Mac has always been closed-source, meaning its internal files cant easily be edited by applications without special privileges, making it harder to create viruses. It also makes it harder to make custom themes and applications, thus making Mac the less popular option.

*ahem* [http://www.itwire.com/it-policy-news/regulation/23804-mac-os-x-easy-to-crack-says-researcher] You were saying?

I am a little bit biased towards macs, mainly because I have little to no luck with viruses, every time I get a virus on a computer I no longer trust that computer and do not enter any passwords at all onto it. Macs aren't virus free but I am still on the original mac that i've had for 2 years. Most of my windows pc's only last a month

A month?! What are you doing with them, going on off-road programming trips or something? Buying uber-cheap prebuilt nonsense? No firewalls, virus scanner or any security whatsoever? In the 5-ish years that I've had my own computers I never had a virus infection on both my Windows PC. A bit of security is all it takes.

 

[Conza]

I think they'll never be a perfect operating system, but seeing them compete (finally) is good, because it forces them both to improve in the areas they are lacking in. Also I know Mac have been competitive for several years now, its a much better OS market because of it too.

I voted 'Self-built computer (with windows)' - I suppose you're looking at the entire computer system?

PC:
---Cons---
*Obnoxious security system (Windows 7)
*Comparatively fragile hardware
*Tendency to overheat

The security system can be altered with some hunting around, not a big issue. I'd say laptop-laptop and desktop-desktop (neither is fair, there are way more PC models), that there would have to be a stronger set of PCs vs. Macs, they don't generally look that strong either, more 'stylish'. Overheating is subjective as well, I'm sure Macs overheat less often because they aren't custom built/ fiddled with.

In the past (say OS9), I'd never consider them, and yes I did use this OS. It was alien, it was limited, and it was all over just no match for Windows 2000 /XP /whatever we were up to. Currently though, there is a fair argument to suggest that Mac has an easier user interface, especially for the computer 'un-associated' shall we say. But the bottom line for me is, until big business starts using Mac instead of Windows, and I mean it becomes 'the' option (like Windows is now), I'll never change. Oh and gaming, huge issue, I wonder if it's possible to cut a deal with MS and fix this?

Linux? Well, you know, you're basically hardcore if you use that in my opinion, but who knows, they might have a chance in the business sector too - which is almost my entire angle on this subject.

Mac:
---Pros---
*One foot ahead
(technologically)
*Master of nanotechnology

I'm actually curious to know how they are ahead in both these areas, someone untechnical tried to explain it once but got stuck. Could someone explain this possibly please? Techno talk if possible, I can tell a FSB from a Northbridge, from a L2 Cache, so...

 

[Danny Ocean]

Some of the technology Apple puts into their products is pretty amazing. The evolution of the iPod is a proper example. PCs tend to lack that sort of fancy new-technology feel, and are much cheaper as a result, but simply less flashy or impressive. It's all a matter of opinion.

Normally I'd agree but in this case I can say this. I remember when I was looking into buying a mac, so I looked at the mac pro. The most expensive graphics card option was almost 3 years behind the current-gen PC stuff.

It really is true that PCs are cheaper than macs. It's a logical deduction, therefore, that if you pay the same price for a PC as you do a mac, you'll get better hardware.

Macs do come with some sweet software and a swish OS, but I'd rather stick with my custom PC.

 

[KrazyShrink]

The extremely biased and blunt way that I view it is that when you buy a mac you're paying several hundred dollars extra for a slightly more user friendly interface that could easily be made up for by learning how to Google stuff that you're confused about. And apparently they're better for artsy stuff.

 

[mikecoulter]

I love technology as a whole. I have a few Macs and a Windows laptop, I'm also looking at getting a Macbook and eventually a stand alone Windows based gaming rig. I did have one years ago but it's rather out dated now. I don't mind what I use, as long as it works smoothly and efficiently at what I need it to do.

 

[lacktheknack]

Things relevant to me:

PCs have way more games, I understand the OS, and I'm charmed with excellent stability and no viruses.

Macs have better software, but are reeeeeeally expensive and like to crash the instant I look at them.

Therefore, I use PCs. I'm considering a swap to Linux, though...

 

[V8 Ninja]

Personally, I find Macs to be the better option if the user just wants to get something simple done. However, if the user really wants to dip into more advanced things than Microsoft Word, PC is the way to go.

As for the poll, I voted custom-built computer with Windows.

 

[thylasos]

2 laptops with windows, an old desktop which doesn't work, but previously ran windows.

They're variously 9, 6, and 3 years old, in reverse order.

I can't afford a mac. I'm not entirely sure I'm sufficiently tempted, in any case.

They're attractive things, but I've not the money or the experience with the OS and its programs to make the change easily, besides having a fondness for windows-based games from the 1990s, which I'm sure there's a way of running, but would nevertheless be less convenient on a mac.

 

[zehydra]

I'd argue that "*One foot ahead
(technologically)" is not true at all.

 

[crazythunder83]

Well, while I try not to succumb to the never ending "PC vs MAC" debate, im my professional opinon (electronics technician and EE in training), the only real difference in value is relevant to the users needs. For my personal needs I find Windows built PCs to be of better value. Food for thought, there is nothing magical or special about a MAC or PC, they are both built around the same concepts internally. That is, for processing of information over a network of transistors and incorporating an internal "broadband operating frequency" carrier to computate this information through a sensory device (monitor, speakers etc...) while allowing data input through another sensory device (keyboard, mic, webcam etc..) There is no REAL difference in terms of hardware between the two manufactures. But that's not exactly true as there is but 1 MAC manufacturer, Apple; and an almost endless list of manufactures for PC parts. That's a definite plus in my book. Thus comes the quality argument. Yes MACs are very expensive, but generally they are well built with quality parts. However, for roughly the same amount of money, one could build an extremely reliable and superior machine for PC Windows inn terms of processing frequency, transfer rate and data storage. Simply put, more options + competition = better deals for hardware equal to or greater than the single brand of Apple's MAC. I.e. GO PC! =P

 

[Wieke]

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

None of these cons really apply. In order:

• 
  1: Recently checked my pc for virusses, after running it for half a year with only windows 7 in built security systems to protect it, and it was completly clean (apart from some tracking cookies, but who worries about those).
  2: Ever since windows XP SP2 i haven't got any serious crashes that were due to the operating system. Sure sometimes the drivers suck and software crashes but i can't remember the last time something crashed on my pc (except for programs i wrote myself, damn those segfaults).
  3: Meh, the firewall settings window could be nicer and you need to knock down the UAC a notch (so it won't do the annoying grey-out the screen bit). But security wise UAC is damn essential, you don't want programs messing around with essential bits without requiring authorization.
  4: Only programs with explicit permission get to mess with these. And if you break it yourself by messing about you can't really fault windows for it. Not to mention that windows nowadays warns you if try to mess with it.
  5: Uhm, compared to what? The rugged nature of macbooks? Why the hell would i require non-fragile hardware anyways, it's just going to stand there on my desk.
  6: If you put together a decent rig overheating won't be a problem. Granted a lot of laptop designs are completely idiotic regarding the heat management. That said i've yet to see a pc get broken due to overheating. While my last video card managed to get to 115 degrees celcius on a full load (it still works). And the cooling on my video card before that one actually broke (i had to replace the fan) with me only finding out after repeatedly crashing it while playing games (the card would shut itself down to prevent damage due to heat).

My reasons for going pc are, it's cheap (especially self assembled ones), lot's of software and games and easily upgradeable. My current pc, that runs all current generation games on max to high settings, set me back less than 1000$.

Also my primairy reason for not buying apple (apart from price, style over substance and prohibitively small game collection) are Apple inc's dodgy business practices (Criticism of Apple - Wikipedia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Apple_Inc.] & 5 Reasons you should be scared of Apple - Cracked [http://www.cracked.com/article_18377_5-reasons-you-should-be-scared-apple.html]).

 

[Wintermoot]

mac technology is,nt more advanced, its the same as PC technology. A 1000$ mac has the same specs as a 600$ PC.
Unless you are crash esting your PC you wouldny have any problems with durability.
Unless you run your PC in the tropics you wouldnt have any overheating issues (my laptop keeps overhoeting due to a terrible placed cooling fan and my PC never overheated yet becuas it has two big fans connected)
Although MAc,s do look nice
my system is partily self built

 

[ShakyFiend]

Kinda interesting thing about this poll; one hell of a lot of people build their own pc's, just under half, thats pretty damn impressive. Anyone willing to give a completely clueless guy help getting started with a desktop build?

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af150/The_FalconO6/CurrentLogicalPCBuyingGuide/Guide.png

Pick the row that fits your budget (as noted by the ***, if you can afford the high end stuff, wait until the problems with the Sandy Bridge motherboards are ironed out in two months, that sort of delay is uncommon but it's what's happening now), buy the stuff, plug it in and boot it up. There isn't much more than that.*

Three years ago when my wife gave me the pc of my choosing for a wedding gift, I picked out the items in a similar fashion from Newegg.com (God bless Newegg), put it together and haven't had a problem since (other than the fact that I put waay too much power in a cheaper case and thus can't keep the lid on it). If you have a question about how to plug the video card in, I guarantee if you search for video card installation on youtube there'll be a video that calms your fears.

*Well, and the OS, hah.

Thanks a lot Although this guide says nothing about sound cards, and im interested in getting a very good one as id quite like to do some basic recording with this build ?

 

[Dr. Pepper Unlimited]

Self-built desktop/laptop with Windows. I've never really liked the way Mac has their layouts designed. Personally, Microsoft and Apple both annoy me, but both for different reasons. They are, essentially, necessary evils.

 

[TheDandyHighwayman]

In my opinion PCs are cheaper and easier to upgrade when time comes and I've used them most of my life. on the other hand, Macs are hella shiny and that is very important(what I mean to say is they not only look good they look a lot sleeker than PCs)
For now though I'm ok with my PC and I don't think I'll need a mac until Apple makes iPod only compatible with them (which would be bloody stupid, they'd lose half, if not more, of their market)

 

[Cowabungaa]

Kinda interesting thing about this poll; one hell of a lot of people build their own pc's, just under half, thats pretty damn impressive. Anyone willing to give a completely clueless guy help getting started with a desktop build?

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af150/The_FalconO6/CurrentLogicalPCBuyingGuide/Guide.png

Pick the row that fits your budget (as noted by the ***, if you can afford the high end stuff, wait until the problems with the Sandy Bridge motherboards are ironed out in two months, that sort of delay is uncommon but it's what's happening now), buy the stuff, plug it in and boot it up. There isn't much more than that.*

Three years ago when my wife gave me the pc of my choosing for a wedding gift, I picked out the items in a similar fashion from Newegg.com (God bless Newegg), put it together and haven't had a problem since (other than the fact that I put waay too much power in a cheaper case and thus can't keep the lid on it). If you have a question about how to plug the video card in, I guarantee if you search for video card installation on youtube there'll be a video that calms your fears.

*Well, and the OS, hah.

Now that's a nice guide, seems that my PC falls in the Great category, even has the price right. Kinda wish I had gone for that i5 though... I thought they were crappy and all... *sigh* I wonder though, do they update that guide? Is there some website or forum or whatever that I can follow? You know, for whenever I want to buy another computer.

Anyway, lets for shits and giggles put a Mac chart next to it. Mind you, it's hard to read the small letters on it, but it's worth posting in full regardless:

Oh Apple, you so funny.

 

[SpAc3man]

*snip*

Macs have outdated hardware compared to PCs, they are always trying to catch up. If you look at any of the hardware that is inside the latest mac you will see its normally a few revisions behind the latest PC hardware.

A larger proportion of Macs than PCs are infected with viruses these days. All due to the myth that OSX is secure causing dumb users to be careless.

You have to be very careless to get a virus on a PC with Win7 and an updated antivirus program these days.

I hardly ever get errors or crashes and any I do get are normally just unstable freeware programs which is to be expected.

I wouldn't call my PC fragile. Its had beer spilt on it while it was on (the RAM and GPU got hit) everything was fine after it got mopped up and the RAM spent a night on top of the hot water cylinder.

PCs only ever overheat if you block airflow, just like a Mac funnily enough.

EDIT: What the hell does "Master of nanotechnology" mean?

 

[Implying I'm A Troll]

EDIT: This is about which one you prefer, not which one is better!

Okay, so here I'm starting a thread to talk about why people like or dislike either Mac or PC. I'd like everyone to be fair, though. If you have a whole list of things bad about one, fine. post ONE good thing about it.

Side note: I have a Mac Mini that runs Windows on BootCamp, so I'm sort of in a neutral position here. I love my mac, but windows has the versatility that I need.

Here I'll weigh a few pros and cons myself:

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

---Cons---
*Counter-intuitive OS
*Closed-source OS
*More expensive
*Expensive warranty

PC:
---Pros---
*(usually)Easier to customize
*More affordable
*Open-source
*Wide variety of applications
*Virtual monopoly on video games
*Constantly building upon itself
*Being the most popular, it can also
make things easier (a more pc-oriented
world)

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

Now, I'd like to hear what everyone has to say. Oh, and none of that <Mac/PC> SUCKS BECAUSE I SAID SO!

Side Note: A lot of people get their impression of Macs from those crappy eMacs in public schools. Those suck, I agree. I want you to compare current-generation macs to current-generation PCs.


[sub]do they really need to make the captchas THAT illegible...?[/sub]

This whole post is a TROLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

and i would know

 

[Super Toast]

I'm just gonna come out and say it; I think Macs are fucking horrible.

 

[Trolldor]

I prefer PCs for their kick ass video games.

Macs have no appeal to me because they offer nothing I can't get on PC.