PC or MAC?

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 7:24 AM

I was informed by my special someone the other day, that he'd like to get me a laptop for Christmas. What a sweety!?

I bought my desk top that I still currently use in 2005... and honestly it works fine, considering all the crap it's been through, so I'll probably keep it along with my laptop. But I'm wondering... should I get a PC.. or take the MAC road?

I've talked to some friends on Twitter about this, but I thought I'd ask my blog friends what they thought, and why.

So, the question of the day is.... pc or mac? and why?

55 comments:

ExtremeReader said...: I have both and I have to say that I LOVE my MacBook!! My PC is forever getting viruses that result in rebulding the harddrive, but my Mac has never had a problem! There are wonderful applications for the Mac too.; December 9, 2009 8:09 AM
Alexa said...: Macs are the best and they're prettier too!; December 9, 2009 8:41 AM
Caitie F said...: Mac - I switched a year ago and it was the best idea. So much easier to use and it has NONE of the issues I had with my PC (viruses, slow, heavy). The only issue is that there are programs that don't work on a Mac, but there are a LOT of ways to work around that so they work.; December 9, 2009 8:43 AM
hcmurdoch said...: I have a PC at work and Mac at home. Definitely go for Mac! As the previous posters pointed out: prettier (of course that doesn't really matter), fewer viruses, very user-friendly, and Apple constantly comes up with fun techy stuff for their Macs; December 9, 2009 8:55 AM
Ursina said...: To have a choice on that matter? Amazing! Lucky girl! I'd Mac. While I do have a PC, it runs Linux (configured it myself and LOVE it!). I can hardly stand working on Windows anymore. At school we have Mac iBooks and they are amazing to work with. As said not all programs work on Mac but there's great alternatives. There is also a decreased risk of viruses (the same way if you use Linux). Apple also has great support from what I've heard. And final reason, Macs have a tendency to do better with the entertainment end of things (graphics, web-development, video editing, etc.) Good luck!; December 9, 2009 8:57 AM
Cassie said...: Looks like I'm the lone PC voice...I just bought a Lenovo laptop a few months ago, and I absolutely LOVE it.

It's cheap (less than $600--you won't find a Mac for that!), fast, and does everything I need it to do. If you play around with a lot of multimedia stuff (video and audio editing, mostly), then sure, get a Mac. Otherwise, you can get everything you need from a decent PC for a hell of a lot less cash.; December 9, 2009 9:14 AM
Kari (Flamingo1325) said...: I would say a PC... Macs are more expensive, and they are so proprietary that pretty much have to take it to apple to get it fixed. But if you go PC- not a Dell. The laptop before this one was a Dell and I had a million problems with it- but if you go Dell, GET A WARRANTY! I had to replace the screen once, the motherboard twice, the powercord about 5 times, the heat fan twice and the cd drive three times. That was in 4 years, but still. I have a Dell again, but only because I got a massive discount through my work (800 bucks off total...) but even then, I have still had to call them about 4 times in 14 months I have had this. So, my suggestion- a PC but not a Dell, or a Dell with a long warranty because then it covers basically everything, you just have to take the time to get it done.; December 9, 2009 9:20 AM
Mollie said...: I got a Macbook Pro in September and I LOVE it. Love it. I don't think I'll ever go back to PC.; December 9, 2009 9:59 AM
erin4464 said...: You should go with the Mac! like everyone said they do not get viruses as easily.

Erin Scott.; December 9, 2009 9:59 AM
Bianca said...: We got an iMac almost 2 years ago and it is amazing. There are some really cool applications and it hasn't gotten a virus.

But make sure you get the warranty or whatever. That allows you to call in apple anytime without being charged. And it's really good to have because if you don't know how to do something or whatnot you can call them and they'll fix it for you in a couple of minutes.

If use microsoft a lot, you will have to get Microsoft for Mac. I really really need that for school assignments and powerpoints, etc and Mac's Page app is not compatible with PC.

Mac fer sur!; December 9, 2009 10:00 AM
Enna Isilee said...: If you can get someone to program it, I would suggest getting a PC and them programing it to run Mac as well. Like reverse "Parallels." It's super-convenient and works a lot better and faster than parallels.

Or, if you can't find someone to do that, I'd get a mac and run "parallels" even though that's just not as good.

I'm one of those people who's not a Mac or a PC. I'm a Pac. Or an MC. :); December 9, 2009 10:09 AM
MichieBee said...: While I like PCs, I definitely prefer MACs. I have a MacBook and I absolutely love it. :) Of course, the downside of MACs are the prices (they are definitely on the pricier side), but it's worth it. They're wonderful.; December 9, 2009 10:13 AM
Sweet Vernal Zephyr said...: I work on macs all day long and have both a macs and a pc at home.

The points have pretty much already been made but here's my two cents:

Get a mac IF 1) You go online 2) You have the extra cash

Get a pc IF 1) You just use it to typeset 2) Your tight on cash

Macs last a lot longer than pcs, in general.

Good luck and have fun with your new toy!; December 9, 2009 10:19 AM
s7anna said...: So far in the last 10 years...I've used about 6 different laptops...ranging from Compaq all the way to Acer.... I now have a Macbook and I think it is the best computer hands down that I've ever used. It's very user friendly...handles all updates on its own...I never have to worry about viruses and crashes...It's so comfortable to type on because the keyboard is slightly different from other laptops...the keys are more sunk in so there's less stress on your fingers.
I would highly recommend a Macbook.

Happy Holidays
Anna Shah Hoque
s7anna@yahoo.ca

P.S. You'll have to tell us what you end up going with. :); December 9, 2009 10:20 AM
My Blog 2.0 (Dottie) said...: I have to voice the same opinions already stated. I've had to return my Gateway more often than I've had the thing working in the house, but it was inexpensive, so you get what you pay for. I bought Acers for 2 of my kids, I've had to return them once as well. I got an Asus gaming computer for my oldest, and it's great, but it cost as much as a Macbook. We have several iMacs, they work great, and the hubs has a Macbook, it's at least six years old, and when we had a minor problem, Apple fixed it and returned it right away. (I had to wait weeks for the PC's to be returned.) So, I would recommend getting an extended warranty on almost any laptop - much more fragile than a desktop - and if funds are limited, get a PC, and if money is not a concern, Macbook. Apple makes a great computer that's super user friendly, but it does take time to get used to.

Have fun with whatever you get!

Dottie :); December 9, 2009 10:34 AM
Eli said...: I have to say PC. I can't really say much about Macs, though I have used them and when I did, I missed my old PC. If you're an art student, Macs are better, but if not, get a good ol' PC.; December 9, 2009 10:34 AM
Tina said...: I've had a PC for years. I finally got my first MAC about 4 months ago. I love it! It was worth the price and I'm extremely happy with it. I found it much easier to work with and navigate. Over all I'm happy with how my programs run (compared to PC). I also got tired with all the virus the PCs were getting and I had virusprotection!
I've only had desktops but I know lots of people who have the Macbooks and love them. If and when I get a laptop it will definitely be a MAC.; December 9, 2009 11:08 AM
Barbara said...: In the commercial I like the Mac. As someone that's getting a Windows Vistaectomy today unless the guy turns into an icicle since it happens to be -8 I'd go with Mac since I'm guessing I have a PC. I've had a lot of problems although I do like Herbie and hope he ends up getting fixed. This probably isn't helpful at all but hey it might amuse or not.; December 9, 2009 11:15 AM
Sandy Shin said...: I just bought a MacBook two weeks ago and am very much loving it. There are some inconveniences (default programs/applications PC has that you'll have to download for Mac), but it's very nice, and once you get used to it, you probably won't want to go back. :); December 9, 2009 11:27 AM
Book Chick City said...: I was a PC girl until three years ago when I bought a MAC. It was instant love. I will never go back to PC. Mac's don't crash, hang, lose stuff, generally they are just perfect *sigh* They are also user friendly, gorgeous to look at and to use. I can't recommend MAC's enough. If I was you, I wouldn't hesitate, buy a MAC!!! :D; December 9, 2009 12:01 PM
brizmus said...: It's a really hard choice - I LOVE my PC, even though it is constantly getting annoying viruses. My bf has a mac, and I hate it. There are so many things that seem logical and easy on a pc that are mega complicated on the mac. My bf agrees, but he still prefers his mac. And I still prefer my pc. There are so many great things about a mac, it's true, but pcs are just simpler.
So go with PC!!!!; December 9, 2009 12:17 PM
Morgan @ BLT said...: I have used a MacBook Pro since 2007 and I love it! The graphics are really great and the operating system is soo much easier to use than Windows. However, it's not a mac world out there so the compatibility is very trying. If you do decide to get a Mac, you might want to consider the dual boot system (Boot Camp) so you will be able to switch back and forth between Mac and Windows. This way you will be able to see/edit say Word docs people have sent you. BUT if you're going to keep your PC and it has all the Window stuff on it, then you could get by without having Windows on your Mac. Another "downside' is that everything (iLife, iWork, etc) is all separate and unless you have a hotmail, yahoo, MSN, etc email, you will have to pay for Mac's email system.
Blogging with a Mac is a bit different as well. Things you do on a Mac will not always look the same on a Windows operating system--but if you have both a Mac and a PC, you're probably going be covered!
I don't regret getting a Mac no matter how incompatible it is with programs like Microsoft Office--unless you're a student like me or run a business--compatibility might not be a problem for you. I'd do some research, find out what programs you need and stuff because like I said, unless you buy a package deal, everything is separate. If you do get a Mac you will instantly despise Windows!; December 9, 2009 12:17 PM
Gerb said...: I've been a Mac for almost three years now and I will never go back to PC. It took some getting used to at first, but once I was initiated, that was it. The only complaint is that Safari isn't compatible with all online sites, so I downloaded firefox, but that tends to freeze up more than I think it should. I need to find a better browser.

Make sure if you go Mac that you know how many Mac-authorized service places there are near you. We have only one in this area and it's half and hour away. Kind of a pain, but I haven't had to go into the genius bar more than two or three times over the years, all under warranty (be sure to get the extended warranty!); December 9, 2009 12:39 PM
Rachel said...: I have always been a mac person they are so much better and easier to use. Plus there are barley NO VIRUSES!!! Mainly because no one wants to write the code to make a virus =) I would not trade my mac for a pc even if someone paid me!; December 9, 2009 12:46 PM
Jessica Ashmore said...: Kristi!!!
are you kidding? after all my offers of talking to my hubby who is a manager at apple you still have to ask?
Mac! and not just because he works there. they are better. they are easier. they have like a handful of viruses where pc's have hundreds of thousands. we've been mac people for about 9 years and have never had a virus. plus, if you have any questions you can always ask me. and if i don't know i'll ask him.
mac, mac, mac, mac.; December 9, 2009 1:01 PM
Sarah Laurence said...: I'm a MAC person and always have been one (except for office jobs). That's been over 2 decades . My computers have never had a virus. Macs are so user friendly and well designed. Plus they're cool.

I just upgraded this fall to a MacBook Pro running Snow Leopard, and I love it. I chose the non-glare screen because it's easier on the eye while writing for long hours. In addition to being a writer, I'm a professional photographer and artist so a big part of the appeal was having a dedicated graphic card (mid range one) and excellent graphics.

What a nice holiday gift! Sounds like he's a keeper (as they say in Maine.); December 9, 2009 1:13 PM
Gricel said...: The battery life on a Mac is great, so if you want to do a lot of work without being connected to your charger, get a Mac.

If you're going to be doing something other than writing or going online, see if the programs you will be using are available for Macs.

As others have mentioned, if anything happens to it, you will have to send it to apple care, but if you have a back up computer, it shouldn't be too much of an inconvenience.

I'm a PC user, but most all my friends have Macs and they run well.; December 9, 2009 1:39 PM
Alyssa said...: For me, a PC all the way. Why? Well, I used both a PC (home) and a Mac (school) while growing up and always found the PC easier to use. And now Macs are just plain confusing to me.

Plus this: I've crashed three Macs. Which are supposed to be impossible to crash. Oh yes, and they were dead, dead too. As in having to be sent back to the factory dead. So how's that for a computer that "doesn't crash"? And one of the school computers also got a virus on it while I was using it (computers hate me), which is also supposed to be impossible for Macs. So now I just stay away. Far, far away.; December 9, 2009 1:46 PM
Christy said...: I must vote for a Mac. They are more expensive, but they hold their value. I bought my first MacBook this summer, and was totally convinced I was going to get a great deal on eBay. It did not take long before I realized that used Macs were going for prices very comparable to new ones. So I bought a new one and got a free iTouch and $100 printer credit. I'm so, so, so happy. And I know that if/when I want to upgrade, my computer will hold its value. I can sell it and take that money and apply it to my new purchase. My husband can only use his old PCs for parts. :)

No matter what you decide, enjoy picking out your new computer. What a generous and thoughtful gift!; December 9, 2009 1:52 PM
L. Diane Wolfe said...: Sorry, gotta go with PC.
They are more versatile and you aren't constrained by brand. A Mac is a Mac, but a PC can be any brand - which means if you need to upgrade, change something, etc. you won't be forced to shop from the Mac store and pay their prices.
And software often comes out for the PC first, too.; December 9, 2009 2:08 PM
Sarahbear9789 said...: I had a Mac, ages ago and you can't use a lot of programs on it. Also you have to spend close to $3000 on a Macbook that is similar to a $700+ PC Laptop. I only want a Mac for Scrivener and imovie, which are two amazing programs.; December 9, 2009 2:18 PM
Dannie said...: DO NOT GET PC! I had one for three weeks and it just crashed. Then I got *another* Pc and it crashed after *four* weeks. PC is crap.; December 9, 2009 3:08 PM
Laura Herbertson said...: It depends on what you plan to do with it. If you are surfing the internet, writing, and playing games...stay with a PC. It's cheaper and you can customize the speed.

If you are doing video editing, home videos and that kind of stuff, go with a Mac. So far, I've been working on a 46 second video for 4 hours and still can't get it working. I'm making friends with people in Vista forums. You should see all the problems people are posting.; December 9, 2009 3:43 PM
Justine said...: Mac, Mac, Mac!!!
My mom wants a Mac and she wanted one for Christmas...but a few things came up.
But seriously, you need to get a Mac. It's so useful and it doesn't crash.; December 9, 2009 3:44 PM
April said...: To be honest, in reality PCs are more expensive than Macs in the long run, seeing as how you basically need to replace the PC every 6 months, and there is a greater risk of viruses and crashing. Whereas, yes a mac in the short-run is more expensive, but over time, you actually save money with the mac, since you aren't constantly fixing or replacing it.; December 9, 2009 4:13 PM
Alea said...: Mac. Faster, no viruses, less clunky and easier to use. Plus it's pretty. But they cost a lot!; December 9, 2009 4:51 PM
Liz said...: When I had a PC I had a lot more problems with viruses, spyware, etc. I've only had my Mac for a few months, but it's true love. If it's a big deal to you, Macs are pretty envionrmentally friendly. They have a really long battery life so you don't have to keep them plugged in all the time and they are made of recycled materials, I believe. Also, my Mac is way more lightweight than my old Dell was, so it's a lot easier to travel with. I hope this helps!; December 9, 2009 4:53 PM
AnimeGirl said...: Having been there and done that I can tell you that if you have never used a Mac and switch is going to be a bit of a, say, culture shock. It wears off, sure, but from then on you do have to look out for compatibility issues.

But, on the plus side, Mac's crash a lot less and no viruses.

PCs, though, are more user-friendly, I think.

AG; December 9, 2009 5:31 PM
Rebecca Herman said...: I prefer my PC, my sister has a mac I use sometimes and I find it hard to get used to using it after so many years of PCs.; December 9, 2009 5:54 PM
Princess Neve Reviews said...: For sure MAC it's easy to do work where ever you want to. MAC is better when it comes Videos, Pictures and writing too. MAC is a pro thing and it looks cute...; December 9, 2009 5:57 PM
Ashley said...: PC PC PC PC PC for sure! I don't really like Mac's...; December 9, 2009 6:59 PM
Lea said...: Mac.

I have a PC laptop right now, and it has all sorts of problems. Mac's are supposed to be safer, but take a bit of time to learn how to use.

However, PC's are cheaper. If you get a PC, go for a Vaio, because those one's last forever (and all of the many people I know who have one have had zero problems--I probably should have gotten one of those!); December 9, 2009 7:18 PM
Catie S (Book Bound) said...: My opinion? PC.

I have had my laptop for 5 years now. I don't recommend Dell or HP or any of those. Partially because the little experience I've had is not good.

I got my computer from a place called PC Laptops. They aren't a huge chain so that might be a problem for you. Maybe there is something similar where you are. The advantage to having a local place is you don't have to mail your computer somewhere, you take it in & they fix it when you have a problem. I was an idiot & had no antivirus or anything else for a long time. It caught up with me. I took it in, they cleaned it up, & it runs great again.

My brother has a mac. I don't like it. (I don't use it much, so I only notice the stuff that annoys me compared to my computer.) There are minor differences between the two that I'm sure really wouldn't matter, but bugged me. Really minor, there is no delete key. Next minor difference: most laptops I've used have a mouse that you just tap & it clicks, on a Mac you have to push the mouse because its a button. If you like windows office, you have to get a different version & (using someone else's words) "If you are going to run windows things on your mac, you might as well get a PC."

I asked out of curiousity what a new computer similar to mine would cost, it was about the same as a new mac.

Another downside to a mac, if you don't have software to make your existing internet connection work on a mac, you will have a hard time getting your mac fully operational. I had to download the software for my internet on my computer for my brother's mac so he could access the internet so it could get the rest of the programming it needed to operate correctly.

Sorry, this turned out so long!!!

(I couldn't have done this on twitter if I'd tried!); December 9, 2009 7:59 PM
Tena said...: I am a PC girl, it is what I no, so I stick with it.; December 9, 2009 10:26 PM
Aimee said...: I grew up using PCs all my life. Like I was using DOS to open up my floppy disc video games when I was 4. I never thought I would be a Mac person because we had Macs at school and they were always causing problems. But after my PC was constantly getting viruses and finally crashed, I finally got my first Mac (an ibook) 7 years ago. Since then I have bought 2 other macs just just because I am kind of spoiled and had money burning in my pocket, not because any of them had problems. All three of the macs that I own are still running and are used by my parents. I LOVE my Macs. My only complaint is that I have trouble finding certain software for it because I don't have the money for expensive image editing programs. :P but that's about it.; December 9, 2009 11:08 PM
Erica said...: I love PCs. We have macs at school and I don't like them at all.; December 9, 2009 11:13 PM
Sheila (Bookjourney) said...: Reading these comments sounds like a lot of Mac people... I am PC.; December 9, 2009 11:24 PM
Cynthia said...: I love my mac but what are you the most comfortable with because that is what really matters.; December 9, 2009 11:49 PM
Holly said...: MAC. It's the best decision you'll ever make.; December 10, 2009 1:00 AM
Clara said...: MACs are just wonderful! Sofware is much better than PCs, and they are also so cool!
I'm writing this words from an iBook G4. Do u have a MAC or a PC?; December 10, 2009 11:31 AM
browneyedgirl said...: Although I'm challenged technology-wise, and both formats have given me their share of grief, I'd stick with the PC. I just find them more easy to use.; December 10, 2009 12:22 PM
jacabur1 said...: Year back July since switched from PC to my IMAC Desktop computer and will never go back to the PC for using on the Internet ever ever ever. I have not had 1 virus, not had 1 time where the computer has crashed and have tons of fun with the software already loaded on the Mac and there is so much more out there for different applications that cab be bought or downloaded.
The Mac is faster, has better graphics and once you get used to it's system is more user friendly by far than a PC, most of it is just common sense stuff...
The bottom line is that you have to see what you want to use the computer for, if Internet use 100% you do not have to buy antivirus software and you would be pleased with lesser cost that way. However the Mac's are more expensive to buy apps and software for but think in the long run they last longer and can be adapted to a wireless mouse and keyboard just like a PC and all the other whistles and bells that you want. There is one thing need to mention, NO INBOARD MODEM on the MAC, you have to either buy a USB modem If On Dialup or if you have HIGH SPEED INTERNET have to use a Router on the Ethernet plug in and the built in Wireless AIRPORT for the router connection lets you do away with the cord connection just like a PC can and that way you can set it up in any room you want..

I hope this helps and whichever way you go happy new computering.....; December 10, 2009 1:28 PM
luckybooks said...: You should get a Mac. They're great, and easy to use. Plus, they hardly get viruses or have problems. I love my MacBook!; December 10, 2009 4:11 PM
Lily said...: I'm having the same dilemma at the moment except I unfortunately have to buy it for myself- you are so lucky!

I'm thinking Mac though, the build quality of the laptop is heaps better than most I hear and the battery life is great. I want something portable, long battery, but still relatively powerful and a mac ticks all those boxes.; December 11, 2009 2:32 AM
Bunny B said...: Definitely MAC!! :) I've never had any problem with my mac and I don't worry about getting any virus! Plus, the start up time is great. I usually have to wait a long time to start up my pc :(; December 13, 2009 2:16 AM