why should I buy a MAC?

[private_ryan]

I am used to MSFT software, it crashes every once n'while, it's buggy but I'm used to it. Now honestly I just use my PC for the Internet, to play around with a few images and word proccessing here and there.

Could I tranfer my (legal of course) MP3s to the MAC and can I network it with my old Dell if I buy a MAC?

what should I do? It's time for a new computer...

[HEyHEY]

1. why stop there...buy a Big Mac!

Well I'll say this about mac though...I like using them because they seem to be layed out better...... but the ones I've used also seem to crash alot.

[Wonk]

2. I want a Big Mac!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=111&topic_id=10456

re: crash a lot, not with OS X. Rock solid.

[wtmusic]

3. Because it's the best personal computer money can buy

Yeah it costs more but the savings in frustration is worth it.

[MrScorpio]

4. Why should buy a MAC?!?

Because it's the greatest computer ever to bless mankind.

Because, with the right software, you can run ANY operating system.

Because it's totally unnecessary to fuck around with root directory.

Because Mac viruses are almost unheard of.

Because your Mac won't bug you everytime there's some stupid update from MSFT.

Because you can buy songs on iTunes for $.99 a piece.

Because, if you did, you'll confirm your own genius.

Go here for more.

http://www.macaddict.com/

[JailBush]

6. Buy songs for .99 apiece?

I didn't know that; I'm sold!

[DS1]

8. You can do that in windows too

x(

[FloridaJudy]

19. How? n/t

[prolesunited]

24. All the info is here

http://www.apple.com/itunes/

Just download the software there, set up an account with a credit card and you're good to go.

[DS1]

25. download iTunes from Apple's site, install it, buy music n/t

.

[prolesunited]

12. iTunes — Time invention of the year

You can download it for Windows or Mac:
http://www.apple.com/itunes/

[FloridaJudy]

26. Wow, Thanks! n/t

[JailBush]

5. I'm thinking of buying a Mac, too, and I've done some research.

First, you CAN network a Mac and a PC. I don't know a lot about it, but you can buy a gizmo called a KVM switch that allows you to connect two computers to a single monitor (or vice versa). So, if you can't afford one of those fabulous Mac flat-screen monitors, just buy the computer and hook it up to the monitor you already have.

I believe you can also get a device that lets you transfer files between the two computers. Of course, not all Windows files can be used by a Mac and vice versa, but I think there are programs that allow you to use or convert them.

If I had the time and money, I'd like to set up a triple OS system: A PC and a Mac linked together, with an extra hard drive on one machine equipped with Linux. It would obviously be expensive initially, but you'd be able to use just about ANY software made. It would also give you tremendous stability; there aren't many viruses that affect PCs AND Macs AND Linux. The Mac would presumably be the easiest computer to use - and more stable than the PC - but you could probably get a lot out of the Linux drive if you had time to figure out how to use it.

[MrScorpio]

10. Network a Mac and a PC? YOU'RE DAMNED SKIPPY!!

The networking software is native to OS X

Buy a Mac a give it a shot.

[ronzo]

17. To what degree can you network a Win machine with an OSX mac?

I'm still using OS9.2...

[prolesunited]

22. Much easier if you upgrade

to OSX because its based on a Unix platform. Is there a reason why you haven't upgraded yet?

[ronzo]

33. Yeah.

This particular machine doesn't meet the reqs. It's an old beige G3.
It's the oldest one we have, but it still does what I need it to do. :)

Every other machine we have is a winbox. I was just curious.

[dwckabal]

49. Your machine can still run OS X

albeit a little slower than the current generation of machines. Go to

http://eshop.macsales.com/OSXCenter/XPostFacto/

and read all about it!

[MrScorpio]

30. Upgrade first, then peep this:

http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/networking/

[dani]

46. if you want to run Windows software

on a mac you use Virtual PC.

http://www.microsoft.com/mac/products/virtualpc/virtualpc.aspx?pid=virtualpc

It works great, I run Win 98 sometimes on my iBook.

As for Linux on PPC,
http://www.yellowdoglinux.com/

[burrowowl]

7. They are sturdier

Apple doesn't use cheap thin motherboards that warp. Math co-processor not disabled like in Celerons, etc. My old Mac II fx from 84 still works and I love my G4. OS X is nice, very nice and you can UNIX too!
Yes you can network with your Dell.

[saline]

9. what are you coming from

If you haven't tried Windows XP you should check it out. I've personally been pretty happy with it. I've had it really crash on my (like frozen up pull the power style) maybe once. It's pretty stable. If you're used to Window's it's a pretty good choice. You mentioned networking which is what XP is damn good at. I literally had to do nothing but connect the wires to get XP to network with other computers.

I've had experience with macs and it was ok although I did notice it seemed to lock up more often than my XP box. Often times I would drop to the command line base OS X was built off of but thats neither here nor there.

For what you seem to be wanting to use the computer for I don't think you're going to have a whole lot of difference between options. Networking with the Dell might be the biggest difference and even that might not be too bad as a mac.

Remember though, Linux is free and they've got the best mascot... I think I might be migrating that way soon myself.

http://www.linux.org
http://www.linux.org/info/index.html

[prolesunited]

11. Buy a Mac

I use both platforms and have a PC and a Mac networked in my house sharing cable Internet access. You can set up shared folders for documents, but you need to have the software you're using for both platforms or get a program like Virtual PC
http://www.apple.com/macosx/applications/virtualpc/

I use my Windows machine, but I live on my Mac.

Safari is an excellent browser that allows for tabbed surfing and has a built-in spellcheck feature.

[gmoney]

13. Buy based on your support system

If you're not much of a tech-head, and you count on someone to help you figure out computer problems, go with the platform they know. If your support person knows PCs, they won't be much help with Mac problems, or vice versa. I'm a Mac person, and while I feel they're easier to use, problems do arise, and you have to know some basic troubleshooting skills, as with any computer.

Realize also that you will need to re-purchase/re-obtain Mac versions of your software. It does come with a lot of good Apple branded programs (iPhoto, iMovie, AppleWorks, iTunes, etc.) but if you NEED MS Office or whatever, you'll have to plunk down for it. (The new teacher/student edition is affordable if you can get it.) Most software manufacturers don't allow for platform "cross-grades" so consider that as part of your expense.

If you decide on a Mac, consider the eMac -- I feel it's the best value, and a rock solid machine.

Also, consider waiting until the end of January if you can... they hold the MacWorld convention in January, and that's usually when they introduce the new models and other coolness, which can also result in lower the prices on current models.

[politicat]

35. Regarding software, especially office type products....

I'm on a Mac after 7 years on a PC, and the years before that on things running.... well... OS was a little advanced to be calling what they were running. (Pro-DOS, the basic OS that came on Timex-sinclair 1000s and TI-94a's....)

I write professionally, edit a few journals, that kind of thing. I was certain I would have to shell more money for office.

Nope. I have two products on the machine that I use interchangably. MarinerWrite (www.Marinersoftware.com) and MarinerCalc for writing and spreadsheets and Thinkfree office for spreadsheets and presentations. I don't like Thinkfree's word processor but that's because I like my misspellings to highlight as I go along. I've also used NisusWriter Express for OSX and liked it, but I prefer Mariner. Thinkfree is $49 for the package; the Mariner suite is $69 (and I feel a superior product, but YMMV).

I still have an old, OS9 copy of office and an unused copy of Appleworks loaded on this machine under the 9 Apps. I have yet to receive any document that Mariner has not been able to open correctly, and most of the people I edit for are on XP and Office X.

That said, I love my mac... so much that I might become one of those neo-luddites who decides that N Operating System on A hardware set is the pinnacle of technology and never gets a new machine.

Politicat

[MR. ELECTABLE]

14. networking with a Mac is no problem

All you have to do is enable Windows file sharing in Mac OS X's Sharing control panel, and then you can mount the hard drive on your Windows PC like any other remote drive. Very easy. Or you can enable FTP sharing in Mac OS X and just use CuteFTP or whatever you want.

For MP3s, if you have iTunes for Windows, you don't even need to copy the MP3s across to the Mac. You can actually steam them from your Windows computer and listen to them on your Mac from across the network. We do the same thing here, except all the MP3s are on my Powerbook, and my wife listens to them all on her Windows 2000 PC.

[ArmchairActivist]

15. Why buy a new computer at all?

If it's true that your only applications are internet, wp and light image processing, it seems like what you really need is a good, old computer. Maybe I'm way off base here, but it seems like any kind of cheap PIII or so would be fine for that, and super cost-effective. But that's just me.

-AA

P.S. Oh, if you buy a Mac though, you'll be COOL! And you'll be more of a free-thinking creative spirit! So actually, when you think about it, Mac's the way to go. Ignore what I wrote above.

[private_ryan]

20. why?

I work online a lot and I have 5-10 windows open, song playing etc and a lot of times I have to reboot after a few hours because of memory problems (I have 384 MB too).

not sure if I should just get more RAM...

[BlackVelvetElvis]

32. 384 is nothing if you're running X

OS X takes a minimum of 128mb to RUN, not to mention the programs in the background. It's a hog. Especially if you are running media files.
Other than that, I am so glad I upgraded to X. I am a former Windows user and will remain one.
I have an older G4 with 640 mb RAM. No problems. Only had to reboot once in 8 months.

[Endangered Specie]

16. all the macs I used...

crashed on a regular bases. I switched to windows, much better. And it doesn't take much of a comp. IQ to avoid viruses pop ups, trojans, etc... Ive had much fewer problems with PC's, that, and they are easier to fix. Mac Monitors REALLY SUCK, every single mac I have owned (4), the monitors have broken in some shape or form.

Macs are bloody expensive, and it is difficult to run PC stuff on it (if not impossible).

Mac followers are like cult members

Just remember
MACINTOSH:
Many Applications Crash, If Not, The Operating System Hurls.

[prolesunited]

21. Sorry that you have had bad experiences

but when is the last time you used a Mac? None of what you said is remotely true presently.

The OSX operating system sits on a Unix shell and is incredibly stable. The flat screen monitors on the iMacs are stunningly clear.

They have come down in price and you can run any PC stuff you want on it with VirtualPC.

[BlackVelvetElvis]

34. I agree

Especially if you were running OS 9 and prior.
All those damn extension conflicts were a pain. With X you never have to mess with the system folder. If a program freezes, you just force quit and never have to reboot.

[politicat]

36. Nope. Not any more. This ain't your Father's macintosh.

And I resent being called a cult member - I very carefully evaluated my computational needs and Mac fit them. Take it back or risk being called a MS drone. (Sarcasm off.) Seriously, though, Mac users will extol the virtues of their machines because their machines are virtuous. Ever talked to a professional bicyclist? They do the same thing. And, I must very gently say that you, too are proselytizing your own brand of hardware/software prejudice. It's not a one sided argument.

Miranda, my computer, runs OSX. Miranda has not been shut off in nearly two weeks, not since the last time I did a software update and had to reboot.

Miranda's brother, Irwin, our server, also runs OSX and runs continually. Mr. Politicat can't remember the last time Irwin was rebooted.

Mr. Politicat reboots his Mac, Dustpuppy, 2x a day because he carries DP from home to work and work to home and he's paranoid about vibration and dust and other such.... DP doesn't seem to mind.

Now, let me tell you about Boris and Natasha. Those were our Intel/MS boxes, to whom we bid a not so fond farewell about 20 months ago. Boris was a custom build with top of the line consumer parts specified to work together running successively, Windows 98 se, 2000 and finally XP. Boris was a 750 AMD processor with a 40 GB HD, 784 of RAM. Natasha was a Gateway, purchased on a service contract by my former employer and given to me in lieu of wages. (I was the only person who ever used Natasha, so it wasn't someone else's screw ups.) Natasha ran 2000 and XP and was 600 processor with a 32 GB hd, 512 of ram in 2x256.

We clocked them both. The longest either ever went without a hard reboot was 17 hours. Any single day without at least 2 BSOD was grounds for a feast. Natasha spent more time waiting for parts and service calls than any other machine I've ever used, including my dad's midlife crisis car, a Fiero.

Boris and Natasha took a long trip to see Moose and Squirrel after Natasha ate a manuscript (backed up; I only lost a day's worth of work) of my first draft of my third published paper. Natasha thoroughly digested the MS - the forensic recoverer couldn't even find traces that the document had ever existed. Yes, we used power massagers and fuse strips. There's a reason the morning and the evening rituals were backup and restore.

Miranda was the best decision, computerwise, I've ever made.

Politicat

[BlackVelvetElvis]

40. Love that you named your machines

Sounds like where I work. We have almost 100 macs. They all have different names, almost like people. I love how you compared Natasha with a Fiero ( I am a sports car fiend so I get the joke). They've been so much more stable with X.
Cult? Whatever. I've used Windoze XP. It's nice but doesn't compare.

[Gore1FL]

18. You have a driving desrie to not find software?

n/t

[Wonk]

28. You just don't see it on the shelves at Best Buy

http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/
http://www.versiontracker.com/macosx/index.shtml

[prolesunited]

31. More than 17,000 software titles available

http://guide.apple.com/ussoftware.lasso

[politicat]

37. 3 words: CompUSA, Apple Stores. And hear tell Best Buy is coming soon.NT

[DBoon]

23. Mac OS X = BSD UNIX

Mac OS X is based on BSD Unix. A lot of Unix-based software will run prety much as is on a Mac. This includes a lot of free (as in speech and as in beer) gpl and BSD license software.

Macs are no doubt the easiest form of Unix around. Based on the BSD kernel, Mac OS X is rock solid stable, and based on an open industry standard.

[Nomad559]

27. Check out the Mac forums

I suggest you browse a Mac help forum, you will see that Macs are not any more stable than a Windows system.


A Google search for Mac forums. :)

http://www.macosx.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=22

http://www.computing.net/mac/wwwboard/wwwboard.html

http://forums.macrumors.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=45

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Mac+help+forum&btnG=Google+Search

[politicat]

38. Whoa! Self Selecting Sample, why dontcha? Of Course the help forums

will have people having problems.

So do the XP forums have people having problems with their XP boxes. Whodathunkit?

Rates per capita, Nomad. Those are numbers you're never going to find because no one is going to see any need to collect them.

Here's a hint: People don't post on help forums when their computers are working fine.

Got logic?

Politicat

[Nomad559]

41. Got logic?

How Is It a Self Selecting Sample? I posted the first three forums found In a google search.

And I never stated that XP users don't have problems with their systems, I said that Macs are not any more stable than a Windows system.


Got logic?

And again as always, the Mac or Linux users always start with the Insults when they cannot make a logical argument.

[Hogarth]

29. I've owned Macs since 1989 ...

... if memory serves. I traded in an Apple IIc for a very basic Mac ... I bragged to my friends that I had a full megabyte of RAM. Man, and that was with connected hard drives.

I'm happy with the Powerbook. It can be a pain in the ass at times, but it processes photography faster than I can take a dump--and in finer fashion.

That is all.

[Leftist78]

39. I spend 8 to 10

hours a day on one of my 2 macs (a 12in. PowerBook and a flat panel iMac) writing with MS Word, doing some graphics stuff with Photoshop, and a little freelance web design with Dreamweaver. Both are running OS X and neither of my macs have EVER crashed. They do what I ask. If I need software I get it. (just not at Bestbuy more like CompUSA or online) They run like a dream and stay out of my way while I work. I don't see how anyone could ask more our of their machines.

[Don_G]

42. I'm Listening

I just find the bias overwhelming at times and distasteful at best.

[BlackVelvetElvis]

43. Details? Distasteful? How?

I've used both operating systems. Mac wins for me.
It a great machine and OS. That's all I care about.
I'm not a tech person. Just a user.

[Don_G]

44. Dean Vs Clark

Windoze Vs Linux.

Mac Vs Script kiddies.

Linux Vs Microshaft.

Dell Vs Compaq.

Compaq Vs Microshaft.

Dell, Microshaft, Mac and Linus Vs the Script Kiddies.

RIAA and DCMA with Microshaft Vs "The World"

Apple Records Vs Apple Computers in spite of a signed contract 10 years earlier.

[MojoKrunch]

45. All the partisan vitriol aside...

Now honestly I just use my PC for the Internet, to play around with a few images and word proccessing here and there.
Since you aren't a power user and you are already familiar with Windows and Windows apps, why not simply upgrade?

I've seen ridiculously cheap specials currently being run for PCs.
Wait until the end of year/clearance specials for "more bang for your buck" buys.

You could probably find a P4 2.0Ghz machine with 512mb RAM, an 80Gb HD, a CD-RW/DVD and Windows XP for under $500, easy.
You could shop around for boxes without monitors or get a new clearance flat panel for cheap.

Macs are wonderful machines and fun to use, but why shell out new money for something completely different?

Depending on what sort of Dell box you had and if you were adventurous/tech inclined, I'd simply recommend an upgrade to XP and whatever hardware changes you need to get up to spec to do what you need.
(would include processor upgrade, memory upgrade, additional hard drive and possibly a new motherboard, so in the end you might be better off just buying a new clearance machine.)

Check out Best Buy/CompUSA/Sams or even PriceWatch.com for bargin deals.
Just make certain that you get an actual XP disk with any system you purchase.

IMO, upgrading to XP will solve mots of your memory/crash issues, but I'm not sure if your hardware is up to spec for it.

Good luck.
Mojo

[REP]

47. If You're Doing Graphics, Macs Are It

The major graphics programs are practically built for Macs, and Apple's iPhoto and ImageCapture are the simplest and easiest ways to import photos from a digital camera. One advantage of using a Mac on online is using Safari; until I saw a thread in Ask the Administrators, I had no idea this site had pop-ups. Safari is much, much, much more efficient than Exploder or Nutscrape. MT-Newswatcher and Toth are two Mac newsreaders; I've used Newswatcher forever and love it, especially the easy and powerful filtering. I think I had OSX give a kernal panic once, and that was when I was using a beta demo.

If you don't want your computer to do much more than it's doing now, I agree with the suggestion to upgrade your current box or buy a cheap new one. Macs are a little pricey, but I think they're well worth it (but I do tons of graphics).

[private_ryan]

48. I'm leaning towards buying another Dell or something similar

Looked at the Apple site and the one I'd want is $2500+. I'm not saying that it's not worth that much but...

many thanks to all for the suggestions and advice.

[prolesunited]

50. What CAN we do to convince you?

With all of these comments, how did we fail to persuade you? Which one do you covet and which one do you need? Why don't you show us a side-by-side comparison of the Mac and Windows systems that you want.

[bikebloke]

51. Just ordered an eMac

My six year old, coal powered, steamed driven PC crashed a couple weeks ago. Again. I did manage to revive it, though it has a limp now. For the past couple years I had been thinking about an upgrade, but decided to use the money to go away on holiday instead. Not this past year though. (As well as a few XP horror stories.) There's an Apple store nearby, so I went in just to see what they had and discovered the Macs can do everything I do and more. I'm tired of Windows, and don't care for their policy of releasing software so the customers can do their debugging and troubleshooting.

The only obstacle was transferring files (jpegs, docs. html etc.) from the old machine to the new one. I think I may have that solved with a kit I found. A geneaological program is the only application that won't work on Macs. It's buggy anyway. So now I'm writing everything down by hand. Something I should have done long ago anyway.

So I'll see what happens.