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I should title that "Switch BACK to Mac?" since that's what I started with - but we're talking many years ago, so I'm clueless about the current Apple computers. Anyway, I desperately need a new laptop, as my 2.5 year-old HP Pavilion is dying a slow death... keys are missing/broken, the hard drive was recently replaced, and a variety of other issues. My friend who replaced the hard drive (he's a technician) said it won't last long, and will probably be "non-fixable" within 3-6 months. He recommended replacing it with a Mac, as supposedly they last longer with fewer repair needs.
What are your opinions on Mac vs PC laptops? The laptop is my only home computer, and I primarily use it for basic Internet stuff (email, news, forums, etc) and light gaming... I mostly just play Sims, trivia/word games, and desktop-based games from BigFish. I do travel occasionally, and therefore want something that's fairly portable, but also with a DVD/CD drive & good battery life. I'd like to keep costs under $1000, and even that is pushing it. Any recommendations?
P.S. Will I have to replace all of my software if I switch, or are things more compatible these days?
Last edited by ShadowCaver; 10-01-2011 at 11:11 PM..
I got a Mac Book Pro recently. I'm a Windows guy. I like it very much. However, I'm still not sure it is worth the extra money we paid for it. If you get one you will like it very much. My PC laptops have always lasted me 5+ years, so I don't think that will be much of a difference. Almost everything we use on Windows works on the Mac, except for certain specialized programs which do not have Mac versions. If you don't have to worry about special applications then I think it will be fine to switch. It's up to you.
^^^ Same here have had my Mac Book Pro almost two years, software-wise it's considerably easier to maintain than my Windows system, updating virus/trojan/whatever defs are a thing of the past. Backups are a dream compared to my Windows machine. Don't see the goofy problems like I do on the other machine.
Hardware-wise I'm disappointed...
~ After 16 months I've had to replace the AC adapter
~ My battery life is now down to about 2 hours before recharging (about $100 bucks to replace it, my labor)
~ The headphone jack no longer works
Not to mention you can dual boot Windows if you had to...
Don't be fooled though Macs can definitely fail hardware-wise just like any computer.
And even though Macs are still good against viruses you still have to worry about being careful online. Where I believe the real danger can happen and where Macs aren't really safer.
The only thing you say you want is battery life and Macs excel at that. I haven't seen a cheap PC with good battery life, well unless you get a huge battery pack.
If it weren't for your stipulation about needing a DVD player then you'd almost be fine with an iPad...
The only thing you say you want is battery life and Macs excel at that. I haven't seen a cheap PC with good battery life, well unless you get a huge battery pack.
If it weren't for your stipulation about needing a DVD player then you'd almost be fine with an iPad...
The main difference here is that a cheap Mac is $1000 and a cheap PC is $350. Once you get to a $1000 PC you aren't in the cheap seats anymore.
As for almost being fine with an iPad; besides the DVD, it also won't run any of the apps that the OP listed.
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Originally Posted by gizmo980
P.S. Will I have to replace all of my software if I switch, or are things more compatible these days?
You'll probably have to re purchase most of your software. While you'll probably find Mac versions available, the windows versions that you have won't install on the Mac.
Big Fish has a Mac tab, so you could check the list of available games to see if the ones you own / like are on it. You'd also have to check to see if you can download the Mac versions (this may be one area where you don't have to re buy them).
Last edited by ShadowCaver; 10-01-2011 at 11:12 PM..
That's really my biggest issue with Mac... price.
I like all technology, and Macs are fine machines., but...
If Apple would sell a $600 laptop new to compete with the inexpensive WinTel Laptops, they would really start stealing market share. But they prefer to be a niche player and sell those "low end" $1,000 laptops which is the cheapest one they sell.
The main difference here is that a cheap Mac is $1000 and a cheap PC is $350. Once you get to a $1000 PC you aren't in the cheap seats anymore.
No but if the OP is willing to spend that much and wants good battery life Macs are a safe bet; They consistently have good battery life.
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As for almost being fine with an iPad; besides the DVD, it also won't run any of the apps that the OP listed.
There are versions of those games and apps.
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You'll probably have to re purchase most of your software. While you'll probably find Mac versions available, the windows versions that you have won't install on the Mac.
Unless he dual boots.
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Big Fish has a Mac tab, so you could check the list of available games to see if the ones you own / like are on it. You'd also have to check to see if you can download the Mac versions (this may be one area where you don't have to re buy them).
Yup,. I can't search here at work but there are some threads in Google that ask about this very topic.
That's really my biggest issue with Mac... price.
I like all technology, and Macs are fine machines., but...
If Apple would sell a $600 laptop new to compete with the inexpensive WinTel Laptops, they would really start stealing market share. But they prefer to be a niche player and sell those "low end" $1,000 laptops which is the cheapest one they sell.
Yes, but get what you pay for. What’s the use of a $350 machine that falls apart? Macs don’t self-destruct (keys are missing/broken, the hard drive was recently replaced) in under three years. People pay a lot of attention to the look of Macs, but to me, the feel is equally, if not more, important. The unibody construction is really solid and feels great in the hand. PC laptops, unless they’re really high-end and more expensive than Macs, feel cheap and flimsy, which they are.
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