Keep me from switching to Mac.. if you can

[angelsfreeek]

Is there truly anything that a PC can do that a Mac can't? Before you answer, let me say a few things and dispel some common misconceptions about the Mac platform.

- I use my computer for mainly music, photos, videos, some games, IMing, and A LOT of internet.

- I'm not interested in being able to upgrade my motherboard, graphics chip, PCI slots, or in the ability to just put any piece of internal hardware lying around into my Mac.

- Windows is no longer run through an emulator, it can be installed natively on a Mac and run full-speed Windows-only applications.

- I'm not a hardcore gamer who plays Halo, Warcraft, Counter-Strike, or anything similar to those I just listed. I occasionally play some small internet games along with other games which aren't too processor/graphics-intensive.

- I believe in the phrase "You get what you pay for", therefore I do not want to buy a $300 Dell. I currently have an Inspiron 1100 which is literally falling apart after only about 2 years of use, and most of the time it's just sitting on my desk, with some occasional travel.

- There are >100,000 spyware/viruses/trojans for PCs, and ~4 trojans for the Mac that are required by the nature of the Mac OS to ask your permission before it is launched.

- Apple support sounds much better since they're usually the only company you have to contact if you have a problem, since they make the whole enchilada. From my experience, PC support usually consists of contacting several companies and having each one blame one the other.

Please reply if you have any reasons I should NOT buy a Mac. Reasons such as "macs suck buy a pc" are not what I'm looking for. Thank you for the replies. I'm just trying to get the whole story since I've read a lot about how great Macs are, and now I want to see the opposite perspective. :)

[Belatucadrus]

Vista is also going to need huge computer resources, just to run the operating system. I'm not changing anything at the moment, but when I have to, MACs are going to get a much harder look than they have as yet.

Besides why get hooked on any one system, the parochial "your OS sucks " crew from either camp can be safely ignored by anybody wanting clear info.

You want a MAC, go for it, If you want Linux why not, If you feel the urge to go slightly further left field and try Solaris, again be our guest, just enjoy whatever you get.

[-pops-]

Go for whichever type of computer you want - it's your choice. If you don't want the facilities offered by a PC but do want the facilities offered by an Apple Mac then there is no contest.

I do feel it is somewhat unfair to compare a bottom of the range PC with a Mac though, especially a Dell machine. I build computers and mine don't "fall apart after two years". I use quality components, unlike many of the commercial manufacturers - who build to a budget, a low one to maximise their profit. You can buy pre-built high quality PCs.

Regarding viruses etc., the only reason that Mac machines (and Linux and all the others) don't get infected very much is because the virus writers are very egotistical and want their talents to be known by as many people as possible - thus they choose the PC to display these talents. If/when the Mac even approaches the popularity of the PC then I am sure there will be a huge increase in the incidence of malware written for them and the same applies to the other systems.

So, if you want a Mac, go for it.

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

You don't buy a computer to have a beautiful toy on your desk, but to perform certain functions. If I buy a computer I check if the applications I need or want are available for that system, if not, then it's not what I need.

Both Mac and Windows systems have their advantages, so check on what system your target applications perform best.

[CurlyWhirly]

Vista is also going to need huge computer resources, just to run the operating system.

I'm currently running the 32 bit version of Vista BETA on my PC with no problems so I disagree as it is only a little slower than XP is.

My PC is out of date so I don't think Vista's minimum specs are too high to be honest especially when you consider that XP's launch was over 5 years ago and computer hardware has come a long way in this time.

[andsome]

You ask people to keep you from switching to a Mac. I can see little point in anyone trying, it has to be your choice. Personally I have no desire to do so, and could not be persuaded to even consider it. It would be a similar thing that has frequently happened in the past on this forum, someone has a problem with IE, and someone else instead of trying to help, immediately tries to persuade them to install a new browser. Enjoy whatever you decide on. It's as free a world as the politicians will allow. Let us know how you get on, and whether or not you find any advantages.