Differences?: Macs cost more for lower specs but come with Ilife (alternatives to Ilife on PC are available). Low-Mid range mac desktops lack expandability for the sack of looks.. Legally allowed to run OS X on macs (PCs can do it illegally, not recommended)
PC=Variety of specs, options, quality, prices, vendors, support
Mac=One vendor, limited options, still more expensive. Look below for more information..
Today, Macs use a subset of PC hardware. Why spend extra to get the same CPU chips, graphics cards and OS X isn't as secure as you think..
Don't believe the lies that Macs are better than PCs at graphics/animation.. Dreamworks Animation http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/ under studio click on Technology of Animation, an independent film maker I know uses PCs, a graphic artist I used to know uses PCs also.
A number of PCs can also run OS X (Mac OS) http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=os+x+on+pc&bt... as well just that Apple makes it illegal in order to get Market share.. The reason why Mac can run native Windows is because it is using a subset of PC hardware,
If you decide to buy a Mac for running Windows, you will still have to get the same virus/spyware protection, and run into the same issues as a regular PC.
Now is a Mac worth buying for OS X?
I say: NO... for the following reasons...
QUALITY/PROBLEMS
Contrary to belief, Macs are not better quality. Apple also has been changing suppliers to try to "lower the price" and thus lowering quality. Even with the lower prices, Macs still cost more, they spend a higher percent of budget trying to make it look pretty, and marketing.
Sample of problems: Overheating Macbooks, OS X- not responding to keyboard, some units with 16bit screens, etc. Apple statistics are misleading since Mac users with problem machines are more likely to go out and buy a new computer than PC users. Apple is lowering prices which means you can expect lower quality than in the past. Apple had switched the manufacturers producing parts. OS X also has problems slowing down.
Repairs are more expensive than PCs since the IMac, Mac Mini are compact units, and Apple charges a premium for their services. Some repairs can be done by another repair service but the compact design of the computer causes problems.
With an IMac, if the problem is with the monitor, the whole computer would have to be brought in.
IMac and Mac mini lack expansion.
VIRUSES
Mac OS X has viruses (and significantly on the rise), a friend of mine has a virused Mac. As more users use Macs, more viruses will come out for it. Especially when users think "they are safe".
Mac OS X was hacked in 2006 less than 30 minutes, and within 2 minutes in a contest in 2008, and within 10 seconds in 2009. In 2008, Linux and Vista were not hacked until another day when restrictions were lowered. Vista was next, and then Linux. In 2009 Windows 7 fell shortly after the Mac but Linux was unscathed.
Macs are standardized with Cameras, if your Mac gets hacked, the hacker can turn on your camera with more ease.
PLEASE NOTE: I compare Apple Mac's vs Dells best deal. If you really want an all-in one the Dell all-in-one has more ram, wireless keyboard and mouse and equivalent to $400 for free making the Imac still more expensive when you matching specs. Personally I don't think the All-in-Ones are a good choice, and consider them overpriced, lack expandability and repairs both more expensive and require the entire computer.
PS: Apple knows that they need to make Macintosh look different than PC so all Macs except the Mac Pro will not have a tower option. Apple's low end lacks expandability but it makes the Mac "look different", if Mac had a tower for low-end, more people would realize the similarities between the two.
The Mac Mini since it has no monitor, keyboard, mouse, very skimpy on options and setup and is not the best deal... The IMac is better price than the Mac Mini.
IMac ($1300)
CPU: 2.4 GHZ DUAL (2 Processor) CORE (SLOWER CPU)
SCREEN: 20inch Screen
MEMORY: (upgrade to) 4GB Ram (SAME)
HARD DRIVE: (upgrade to ) 320 GB hard Drive (LESS HARD DRIVE)
OPTICAL DRIVE: 8x DVD Reader/Writer (1/2 speed)
GRAPHICS: Nvidia Geforce 9400M (APPROX SAME BUT LESS MEMORY GAPHICS)
Aprox 90% of the market is Windows and most PCs have windows already pre-installed.
1) Some websites require Internet Explorer, to run IE on Mac you really get ies4osx which is the Windows version of IE running really buggy and illegal if you don't have a legitimate copy of Windows.
2) Supports more devices (printers and other things you hook into the computer).
3) More business software/games
4) Want the dock on OS X (Mac)? google/yahoo rocketdock, objectdoc.
5) Used by businesses.
ADVANTAGES LINUX :
1) FREE (most versions are)
2) Install software by either 1) Synaptic Package Manager, 2) Add/Remove 3) Opening a .deb or .rpm file (depending on distribution)
2) Like the Mac OS X effects? go yahoo/google COMPIZ FUSION which can do any cool effect a Mac can do and many ore....
I will be re-using the same answer I gave for the previous Mac/PC Differences question...
First off, it's Mac and not MAC. Mac does not stand for anything, it is short for Macintosh, the name of the OS.
Second, the main differences are in the OS, as now Macs are running the same hardware as most PCs. However, Macs have a tendency to crash due to hardware (if that was confusing, it basically meant "Macs get fewer hardware-related crashes") less than PCs, as OS X (the current Macintosh OS) is optimized to work with the hardware pre-installed into the Macs. Macs also tend to need less upgrades and also last longer than PCs. Macs do not necessarily get infected by viruses - it is possible for a Mac user to accidentally download a virus onto a Macintosh OS PC (yes, I called a Mac a PC. Because technically, it is a PC, as PC is for personal computer), but if the virus is in a .exe file, like many, the Mac will remain unharmed.
For hardware, yes, PCs are easier for upgrades, except in the case of the Mac Pro, which is a tower computer (AKA, the kind that looks like a big box, and doesn't have a screen installed directly onto it.) like most desktop PC. The Mac Pro is designed to be easy to upgrade the internal hardware.
Software - Yes, OS X has a much smaller library of software to choose from. However, it is possible to install Windows onto a Apple Computer, therefore breaking the idea of the software debate when it comes to the computer it self.
Games - No, for the last time, gaming is not a valid argument. Macs are not designed for gaming. However, they still are suitable for most games, even more-so after the switch to Intel. Mac OS 10.6 (Mac OS X Snow Leopard) can support large amounts of RAM, a theoretical 16 Exabytes (16 Exabytes ≈ 16 billion gigabytes). Plus you can run Windows XP SP2 and up on a Macintosh, so technically, a Mac can do gaming. And yes, there are games for Mac. Besides, if you just want to do gaming, shouldn't you just buy a video game console?
Cost - Yes we all know Macs are expensive. You have to remember, though, they last very long, have few problems, retain resale value, and many other factors. Plus, Apple sells computers in the Premium Range - in fact, although it only has 8% market share in the entire spectrum of computers, in the business it is in (once again, premium computers) it is the top company, I believe around 70% of the market share in Premium Computers.
I was very recently in the same situation.. about to buy a computer and could decide mac or windows??? I can assure you that your best bet is a mac. Even though they take some getting used to they are far superior to windows. You can run Windows on an apple machine (mac) and you will come to find that OS X (apples Operating system) Outperforms windows, Even when they have the same resources. Mac OS X Snow Leopard is very FAST SUPER FAST!!! In fact it has been called The Worlds Most advanced operating system. Also Viruses for mac do exist but they hold only a 7 percent market share most hackers tend to go with Windows. Plus MAC OS X is built off of UNIX which is harder to crack. There are SO MANY Features that I love about a mac... I can only name a few 1) SPEED 2) Practically Everything you will ever need is on it 3) it has this awesome spell check feature that puts the little red lines under spelling errors under your errors no matter where you type. It is very powerful and I seldom get error messages. Plus there Machines are BEAUTIFUL!!! go to www.apple.com/mac and check out some tutorials. You will love it! Also you CAN upgrade a Mac (there is an entire chapter on how to do so in the manual)
Good luck!! and also I do NOT work for apple. I wish I did though... hahahhahahaaa Good luck : )
PC is alot cheaper than a MAC. PC has alot more than a MAC. MAC uses hate commercials to make you think they are better. PC allows you to accualy play games on them. MACs cannot be upgraded. PC can. Basicly PC is the best.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Differences?: Macs cost more for lower specs but come with Ilife (alternatives to Ilife on PC are available). Low-Mid range mac desktops lack expandability for the sack of looks.. Legally allowed to run OS X on macs (PCs can do it illegally, not recommended)
PC=Variety of specs, options, quality, prices, vendors, support
Mac=One vendor, limited options, still more expensive. Look below for more information..
Today, Macs use a subset of PC hardware. Why spend extra to get the same CPU chips, graphics cards and OS X isn't as secure as you think..
Don't believe the lies that Macs are better than PCs at graphics/animation.. Dreamworks Animation http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/ under studio click on Technology of Animation, an independent film maker I know uses PCs, a graphic artist I used to know uses PCs also.
A number of PCs can also run OS X (Mac OS) http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=os+x+on+pc&bt... as well just that Apple makes it illegal in order to get Market share.. The reason why Mac can run native Windows is because it is using a subset of PC hardware,
If you decide to buy a Mac for running Windows, you will still have to get the same virus/spyware protection, and run into the same issues as a regular PC.
Now is a Mac worth buying for OS X?
I say: NO... for the following reasons...
QUALITY/PROBLEMS
Contrary to belief, Macs are not better quality. Apple also has been changing suppliers to try to "lower the price" and thus lowering quality. Even with the lower prices, Macs still cost more, they spend a higher percent of budget trying to make it look pretty, and marketing.
Sample of problems: Overheating Macbooks, OS X- not responding to keyboard, some units with 16bit screens, etc. Apple statistics are misleading since Mac users with problem machines are more likely to go out and buy a new computer than PC users. Apple is lowering prices which means you can expect lower quality than in the past. Apple had switched the manufacturers producing parts. OS X also has problems slowing down.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10020263-17.html
http://www.tuaw.com/2008/08/01/apples-quality-dwin...
http://www.appledefects.com/
http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/os-x-operating-sy...
http://cybernetnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05...
Repairs are more expensive than PCs since the IMac, Mac Mini are compact units, and Apple charges a premium for their services. Some repairs can be done by another repair service but the compact design of the computer causes problems.
With an IMac, if the problem is with the monitor, the whole computer would have to be brought in.
IMac and Mac mini lack expansion.
VIRUSES
Mac OS X has viruses (and significantly on the rise), a friend of mine has a virused Mac. As more users use Macs, more viruses will come out for it. Especially when users think "they are safe".
http://infosecurity.us/?p=4005
http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2008/07/m...
http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/poll...
SECURITY
Mac OS X was hacked in 2006 less than 30 minutes, and within 2 minutes in a contest in 2008, and within 10 seconds in 2009. In 2008, Linux and Vista were not hacked until another day when restrictions were lowered. Vista was next, and then Linux. In 2009 Windows 7 fell shortly after the Mac but Linux was unscathed.
Macs are standardized with Cameras, if your Mac gets hacked, the hacker can turn on your camera with more ease.
Please Note: All OS's have vulnerabilities.
http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/security/soa/Mac-OS-X...
http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/03/27/Gone-in-...
http://www.infoworld.com/article/09/03/19/Research...
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Finds-Iro...
PRICE
A similar equipped PC is much cheaper to purchase than Mac. Lets use Dell (but you can compare with another PC Brand if you like)
**(LAPTOP)
Dell Inspiron Laptop Starting Price: $500
Ending Price: $500
15" Screen
CPU: 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo [5% slower]
Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD [Not as good/fine for general use[
Memory: 3GB DDR2 SDRAM [75% of ram)
Hard Drive: 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (same)
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx...
Cybperpower Notebook Xplorer X5-2900 Starting Price: $755
Ending Price After upgrades (not including 5% rebate): $860
15" Screen
CPU: (upgrade to) 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (+$100) [FASTER]
Graphics: Nvidia GFORCE 9600-GT 512MB [MUCH FASTER/BETTER CARD]
Memory: 4GB DDR2 SDRAM [MORE MEMORY]
Hard Drive: (upgrade to) 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (+$5) [LARGER HARD DRIVE]
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Xplorer_X5-2900...
Macbook Starting laptop Price: $1000
Ending Price After Upgrades: $1200
13" Screen (SMALLER)
CPU: 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (SLOWER)
Graphics: Nvidia GFORCE 9400 256MB
Memory: (upgrade to) 4GB DDR2 SDRAM (SAME)
Hard Drive (upgrade to) 320B Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (SAME)
http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MC240LL/A?mco=...
**(DESKTOP)
PLEASE NOTE: I compare Apple Mac's vs Dells best deal. If you really want an all-in one the Dell all-in-one has more ram, wireless keyboard and mouse and equivalent to $400 for free making the Imac still more expensive when you matching specs. Personally I don't think the All-in-Ones are a good choice, and consider them overpriced, lack expandability and repairs both more expensive and require the entire computer.
PS: Apple knows that they need to make Macintosh look different than PC so all Macs except the Mac Pro will not have a tower option. Apple's low end lacks expandability but it makes the Mac "look different", if Mac had a tower for low-end, more people would realize the similarities between the two.
Dell: ($700)
CPU: 2.33 GHZ Dell Inspiron QUAD (4 Processor) CORE
SCREEN: 20inch Screen
MEMORY: 4GB Ram
HARD DRIVE: 500 GB hard Drive
OPTICAL DRIVE: 16x DVD/CD Read/Writer
GRAPHICS: ATI Radeon HD 512MB
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx...
The Mac Mini since it has no monitor, keyboard, mouse, very skimpy on options and setup and is not the best deal... The IMac is better price than the Mac Mini.
IMac ($1300)
CPU: 2.4 GHZ DUAL (2 Processor) CORE (SLOWER CPU)
SCREEN: 20inch Screen
MEMORY: (upgrade to) 4GB Ram (SAME)
HARD DRIVE: (upgrade to ) 320 GB hard Drive (LESS HARD DRIVE)
OPTICAL DRIVE: 8x DVD Reader/Writer (1/2 speed)
GRAPHICS: Nvidia Geforce 9400M (APPROX SAME BUT LESS MEMORY GAPHICS)
http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MB417LL/A?mco=...
ADVANTAGES WINDOWS :
Aprox 90% of the market is Windows and most PCs have windows already pre-installed.
1) Some websites require Internet Explorer, to run IE on Mac you really get ies4osx which is the Windows version of IE running really buggy and illegal if you don't have a legitimate copy of Windows.
2) Supports more devices (printers and other things you hook into the computer).
3) More business software/games
4) Want the dock on OS X (Mac)? google/yahoo rocketdock, objectdoc.
5) Used by businesses.
ADVANTAGES LINUX :
1) FREE (most versions are)
2) Install software by either 1) Synaptic Package Manager, 2) Add/Remove 3) Opening a .deb or .rpm file (depending on distribution)
2) Like the Mac OS X effects? go yahoo/google COMPIZ FUSION which can do any cool effect a Mac can do and many ore....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Fbk52Mk1w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3gkX9HDfEE (there is no flickering when you use it like on the video, not sure why the person has the flicker)
3) Mac OS X Doc? google/yahoo Avant Window Navigator.Cairo Dock, http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3rf5q_cairo-dock...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0hzi22g2DE
4) It is FASTER/MORE SECURE to surf on the internet
5) Some Windows programs work with Wnehq/Crossover (also avail on Mac, but why pay $$$)
Instructions how to download, burn and boot http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-u...
Dual Boot Instructions http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_...
Equivalents to ILife
http://www.jakeludington.com/ask_jake/20070830_ili...
http://www.xsellize.com/showthread.php?t=20518
FREE Windows Stuff
http://www.comodo.com/products/free_products.html
http://www.iobit.com/
http://www.ccleaner.com/
ANTI-VIRUS
Avira Antivir (FREE) for 2009 personal edition is free (there is a paid version) the free version was rated the best by consumer reports 2009.
http://www.free-av.com/ Avast (Free- Click under Free Software and download Avast Home Edition) http://www.avast.com/
ANTI-MALWARE
Windows Defender (FREE)
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamil...
Malware Bytes (FREE) Limitation - No Realtime protection on free version.
http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware...
Super Anti-Spyware (FREE)
http://download.cnet.com/SuperAntiSpyware-Free-Edi...
LINUX INFO:
http://distrowatch.com/
http://polishlinux.org/
http://www.desktoplinux.com/
http://polishlinux.org/
http://www.ubuntu.com/
I will be re-using the same answer I gave for the previous Mac/PC Differences question...
First off, it's Mac and not MAC. Mac does not stand for anything, it is short for Macintosh, the name of the OS.
Second, the main differences are in the OS, as now Macs are running the same hardware as most PCs. However, Macs have a tendency to crash due to hardware (if that was confusing, it basically meant "Macs get fewer hardware-related crashes") less than PCs, as OS X (the current Macintosh OS) is optimized to work with the hardware pre-installed into the Macs. Macs also tend to need less upgrades and also last longer than PCs. Macs do not necessarily get infected by viruses - it is possible for a Mac user to accidentally download a virus onto a Macintosh OS PC (yes, I called a Mac a PC. Because technically, it is a PC, as PC is for personal computer), but if the virus is in a .exe file, like many, the Mac will remain unharmed.
For hardware, yes, PCs are easier for upgrades, except in the case of the Mac Pro, which is a tower computer (AKA, the kind that looks like a big box, and doesn't have a screen installed directly onto it.) like most desktop PC. The Mac Pro is designed to be easy to upgrade the internal hardware.
Software - Yes, OS X has a much smaller library of software to choose from. However, it is possible to install Windows onto a Apple Computer, therefore breaking the idea of the software debate when it comes to the computer it self.
Games - No, for the last time, gaming is not a valid argument. Macs are not designed for gaming. However, they still are suitable for most games, even more-so after the switch to Intel. Mac OS 10.6 (Mac OS X Snow Leopard) can support large amounts of RAM, a theoretical 16 Exabytes (16 Exabytes ≈ 16 billion gigabytes). Plus you can run Windows XP SP2 and up on a Macintosh, so technically, a Mac can do gaming. And yes, there are games for Mac. Besides, if you just want to do gaming, shouldn't you just buy a video game console?
Cost - Yes we all know Macs are expensive. You have to remember, though, they last very long, have few problems, retain resale value, and many other factors. Plus, Apple sells computers in the Premium Range - in fact, although it only has 8% market share in the entire spectrum of computers, in the business it is in (once again, premium computers) it is the top company, I believe around 70% of the market share in Premium Computers.
Personally, I like Macs more.
Hello,
I was very recently in the same situation.. about to buy a computer and could decide mac or windows??? I can assure you that your best bet is a mac. Even though they take some getting used to they are far superior to windows. You can run Windows on an apple machine (mac) and you will come to find that OS X (apples Operating system) Outperforms windows, Even when they have the same resources. Mac OS X Snow Leopard is very FAST SUPER FAST!!! In fact it has been called The Worlds Most advanced operating system. Also Viruses for mac do exist but they hold only a 7 percent market share most hackers tend to go with Windows. Plus MAC OS X is built off of UNIX which is harder to crack. There are SO MANY Features that I love about a mac... I can only name a few 1) SPEED 2) Practically Everything you will ever need is on it 3) it has this awesome spell check feature that puts the little red lines under spelling errors under your errors no matter where you type. It is very powerful and I seldom get error messages. Plus there Machines are BEAUTIFUL!!! go to www.apple.com/mac and check out some tutorials. You will love it! Also you CAN upgrade a Mac (there is an entire chapter on how to do so in the manual)
Good luck!! and also I do NOT work for apple. I wish I did though... hahahhahahaaa Good luck : )
Nowadays the difference is the Operating System.
PCs use Windows, XP, Vista, or WIndows 7 RC
Macs use OSX. Snow Leopard is the latest version of OSX.
Both use Intel x86 processors and chipsets, older Macs used Power PC processors and were not compatible with WIndows.
So the new Macs can dual boot Windows and OSX easily, due to them using the same hardware now.
Mac = Overpriced PC= Fairly priced
Mac = Expensive support costs PC= Free support everywhere
Mac = Limited software selection PC= Extensive commercial and free software
Mac = You have to buy Windows to run it on a Mac PC = Comes with Windows
Summary: Don't waste your money on a deficient computer. Buy a PC.
PC is alot cheaper than a MAC. PC has alot more than a MAC. MAC uses hate commercials to make you think they are better. PC allows you to accualy play games on them. MACs cannot be upgraded. PC can. Basicly PC is the best.
MAC computers are always featured in Hollywood films.
Ever notice computers in movies: they are always MACs!
This gives them the illusion of sexiness...
Mac:
Unable to run many PC games.
Not many viruses because not enough people use it. (They do exist)
PC
Able to run high-end PC games
Many viruses that can be easily countered with anit-virus software.
Chuck Norris.