Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

I used to buy a lot of Macs for work, and our account rep from Apple and I had known each other for about 18 years as friends, so he was always upfront with me on stuff. Basically, Apple sets the price for a device at launch, based on the prevailing exchange rate, then doesn't change it until the device is refreshed, regardless of how much the exchange rate shifts during the product cycle. If it gets seriously out of whack in Apple's favour, they will start throwing in things like gift cards or ipods to make up the difference.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

Wouldn't the "crack IT team" be the one that could get that laptop on your desk for $275 with the anti-virus and docking station thrown in? Unless your job is "Games Tester" or "Porn Site Administrator" you likely need the same basic functions at work as at home. It shouldn't be the case that the machine costs the company more than the chair the user sits in (assuming the sort of employer that provides chairs).

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

It's not just about PC v. Mac, there are many different brands of PC.

As for my experience, I work in IT, deal with all kinds of different makes including Apple. From a hardware perspective there is little to choose between an Apple and say, a Dell, in fact the laptops are both made by Foxconn.

From an OS perspective it depends, generally speaking (very generally speaking) you may have more problems with Windows but the problems are easier to resolve because more people know how to fix them. With Apple you have less problems because they use a bespoke hardware configuration so by definition the OS will have less to deal with - but if you have a problem it's a nightmare to get it resolved.

I remember one Mac a couple of years ago that just randomly froze in Safari, but not in Firefox. Apple were absolutely no help getting it fixed. In fact it never did get fixed.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

They're not used principally because of software issues, because your bespoke accounts system or whatever will not work on the Apple.

I often have this come up in meetings, "oooh, can't we use Macs" which is always deep-sixed by (a) pointing out that x piece of software vital to the operation of the business doesn't work on it (often Microsoft Access) and (b) having a Mac with Windows on it or showing a video of Windows running on a Mac. Then they understand all they're buying are overpriced PCs.

A lot of Apple stuff is better than the competition, good example being iPhones and a daresay many non-IT experts will get along better with the Apple OS for typical home use but generally speaking in the business world, Macs make no sense.

I'm not an Apple hater, but money is money.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

I know bugger all about computers, so i use a PS3 for gaming, an iPad HD for surfing the web, reading, etc, and use a Lenovo laptop for work. For work i have an option of a Lenovo or a Mac. I chose the Lenovo because the IT support is there and you're on your own with the Mac (this is with a huge IT company as well).

If i didn't need a laptop for working at home, i'd not bother owning one. I'd stick with the iPad and the PS3. :thumbup:

I recently bought my mum a new iPad since she wanted to replace her old knackered laptop. She find it MUCH easier to use for what she needs :D

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

I work in IT and use HP laptops for work and have a MacBook Pro for home use.

As Steve_ said the reason that you get less malware on a Mac/OSX is because historically it has been less popular so malicious coders have been going after the biggest audience. This will change in the future so it is important to use AV and practice safe browsing. I have not had an issue with malware on my Mac because I don't go to dodgy sites on it and don't open unknown files and keep my Java, Flash etc up-to-date which helps protect against drive-by attacks. For example a legitimate site serving malicious content through an advertisement you happen to hover over. Malware is very highly dependent on user susceptibility and is best tackled by user education.

Having said that I do find the MacBook a joy to use. It is really nice hardware - the unibody design is solid and the keyboard is lovely. I would compare it to driving an Acura over a Honda - mostly the same thing but it just feels that bit nicer and yes has the label prestige lol.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

I'm not a fan of windows, but I'm much less a fan of Apple Technology based purely on what they charge for what you get...

IMHO Windows 7 is a good OS, and much better value than OSx

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

Each to their own.
Many people like to drive a Kia. Others prefers something a bit more expensive, even if it does the same job. Nowt wrong with either.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

Goodness, who'd have thought my little enquiry would spark such a discussion ;)

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

Oi, I'll have you know Kia Sportages are better than Honda CRVs and those Rav4's

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

And because Unix was designed to be (relatively) secure whereas Windows is lumbered with the need to remain compatible with software that ran on the early versions with no security whatsoever.

Windows is improving, but it repeatedly gets hit by brain-dead decisions made many years ago. Automatically running random software from removable disks and loading DLLs from the current directory instead of the correct system DLL, for some recent examples.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

Was too many posts to read the whole thing but if your still checking this thread Dotty for playing games your husband wants an Alienware laptop.
Do not get a Mac! :)
The reason they dont get viruses is because there is barely anyone using them. The people who create all that nasty stuff havent bothered wasting their time as they dont hold a big enough market share.
Im a graphic designer and have used Macs and Pcs and yeah Macs are ok but i would never work on one!
They are more for Apple fan boys really.

Most average Joes compare their way overpriced Mac with the cheap PC they bought.
The software available for a Mac is pretty lame. The commercial where they make Macs look like they work with every piece of hardware going is a lie as well. A couple of my colleagues had Macs and they had some horrible trouble getting drivers for older printers. We ended up replacing our printers.
The computers running crappy Vista had no such issues!
Also some of the network issues they had were unbelievable.

If you buy like for like in specs the windows machine will always work out cheaper. Macs keep on working because they are very simple. They are designed for people who dont really know much about a computer and are scared they will break anything if they do anything to it. For that kind of user a Mac is fine but from the sounds of it your husband is a gamer and probably likes to dabble on it. :)
I would go for the Alienware everytime. Even better just build his own desktop if he knows how? Check out a computer shop like memory express.
I used to work in a computer shop building computers years ago and it works out much cheaper to just build your own.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

oh yeah and i surf the web all day and i have had no issues with viruses of any kind or Malware. I run avast on my machine. The free version keeps it running great but i upgraded to the paid version as i wanted to show my appreciation for a really great product.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

If this was justification for a Mac, then its not very good, its would be a much stronger reason to buy a PC and install Linux

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

My wife has a Mac pro and an iPad 2 i have an HP laptop and the original iPad and also a Lenovo laptop at work...by far the worse machine is the Lenovo its brand new i7 spec but its so slow and keeps freezing all the time...the HP im impressed with it does exactly what it says but is beginning to slow down..the Mac pro is the best laptop its super fast, however its does have some compatibility issues and does take some getting used to. Best of all are the Ipads which we both use far more than anything else because they are convenient easy to use dont suffer any bugs..brilliant..in fact i mainly use the HP to stream TV programmes and movies to the telly and that's it.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

absolute, complete utter garbage, do you even have any idea what you are talking about?

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

There are entire forums on the internet dedicated to the subject, "Unix" is a very vague term, I mean we're sat here going on about Apple OS v. Windows, but the Apple OS was based on OpenBSD. But there are tons of different versions of unix that run the gamut from total crap to decent.

As much as I despise it, the UAC in Windows does stop a lot of the stupidity built into Windows, but yes it's not very clever.

All I know is that when someone suggests Apple I'm able to point out the pros and cons of using it but with Linux you end up with a discussion about what flavour of Ubuntu is out today and endless tedious discussions about how to integrate it, get support for it and so on.

Apple needs to get up to speed with their security patch system though, people are starting to take advantage of their slowness to issue updates.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

Hi there, I have been skimming this post, just in case there was any relevant info to my original question ;). Thanks for your first paragraph, my husband doesn't like Macs for that very reason.....which I think I mentioned earlier in this post's life. Still, it's been a giggle watching this post grow and grow and it confirms my suspicion that guys really DO love their gadgets.....:)

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

I agree, the Lenovo's are a bag of wank after a few weeks usage. I'm on my 7th one in as many years.

I use my new iPad much more than i expected. For most people looking to just surf the net and reminisce at photos and videos, it's great. Especially if you're of the older generation or technologically retarded.

Main use for me is:

Wanky laptop for work only

PS3 for games, movies, netflix, music, looking through photo's and videos

iPad HD for surfing t'internet, netflix, taking videos and pictures, reading books, newspapers, and magazines, skype / FaceTime, internet banking, investments, watching motogp.

The average joe doesn't need a swanky laptop of desktop these days, if at all.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

How do you find using the iPad as an ereader? I struggled with this one after reading tons of pros and cons and ended up spending less and bought a kindle. I read a ton of books and the kindle works fine but wonder if the iPad would have worked as, like you said, I could ditch the laptop.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

I think it's great. The new Retina screen gives it a great quality for me. I much prefer it to a real book.

The only downside is you can't really read it well outside in the sun since the glare makes it difficult to see. For that the Kindle has the edge.

Still, the visual quality more than makes up for it, especially with magazines and text clarity. My wife enjoys Vogue and the sharpness is astounding for me. It's pretty impressive.

For just reading books only i'd have probably gone with the Kindle but add the other capabilities in there and the ipad HD wins hands down for me. It saves having an e-reader and a laptop.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

Just picked one up with Reward points and I concur.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

Yup - there is that. The other slight was the weight and holding it like a book for long periods as the kindle is way lighter.

The downside to my kindle is reading at night - you need a light.

Thanks for the comments, gives me something to think about.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

So you need a kindle/kobo for daytime and sunshine and a iPad for nighttime reading:rofl:, as for weight just make a nest with your duvet and pillows and rest it against those, this is what I like most about my kobo, you only have to rest it, no holding pages open or anything FAB!

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

Oh i didn't realise they were illuminated at night. The iPad adjusts the brightness and illumination for you which is aces.

I don't really notice the weight but i'm not a 95yr old arthritic granny ;)

Go on, treat yourself. You know you want to :D

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

Do you find the voice to text understands your accent? It works perfectly with my wife, and is about 90% accurate with my Yorkshire accent. It could be good for eloquition lessons for me since it's making me talk all proper like.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

Not used that.... still just marvelling at its beauty.

How do you voice to text ?
Edit. Never mind. Found it.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

siri or the voice to text on my iphone is hit and miss with my accent (surrey-ish) however put on a canadian or american accent and it does seem to pick it up better!!

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

They are also aware and taking advantage of the fact that the vast majority of Mac users think they're invincible and take no precautions…

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

UAC is largely irrelevant. Yes, it provides a minor road-block when a trojan wants to install a root-kit on your PC, but so what?

1. Most users see a message saying 'Happy Kittly Screen Saver wants to: write to hard disk' and hit 'OK' because they have no idea what it means and just want to see fluffy kittens on their screen.

2. I don't much care whether the trojan installs a root-kit on my PC. The important thing on my PC is my data, which it has complete access to when I plug an infected USB stick into the PC and Windows automatically runs the trojan. Reinstalling the OS is easy compared to getting my money back after a trojan with no admin privileges steals my bank login from the web browser.

UAC is simply a bad solution to the wrong problem.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

Yes thanks. Have been working with computers since i was a child.
Did IT and Graphic Design at college.

Macs are computers for dummies.
They are well built machines but built for those who don't have any interest in knowing how the machine works or loading much else on it. isheep!
They are point and click type users.
Just the same as the ipad etc. They are very limited in what you can do on them.
Those who defend them are just fan boys.

My dad would be an ideal Mac user. He doesnt have a clue about using a computer and as its so limited he wouldnt break a thing.

Another example of something that should be very basic to do but isnt is adding a html signature in the mail program.
I have clients with Macs asking me to do this for them all the time.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

I have voicemail to text. Whenever any of my English mates call me it always says it cannot translate it.
I have changed my voice to text settings to the British so it will understand me.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

I just disable UAC. Its more of an annoyance.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

Awesome- I guess some of us are well paid dummies.

I don't know about all the other Mac users but I can build a PC from parts, take it apart and put it back together again and it even works. But I'm just a so what do I know.

On the whole, hilarious comments. Do mind if I ask, what kind of car do you drive?

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

His mums

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

Before i moved to Canada a Mercedes CLK . Now with kids an Envoy but im going to get myself an Audi or a Charger.

And i wasnt calling you specifically a dummy Hawk. The majority of people who buy Macs are though. Apple could tell them their machine can make gold and they would believe it. All systems have their flaws but Apple fan boys are just blinkered.

How many Macs have you taken apart Hawk to do upgrades?

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

A funny Yorkshireman i see. Do they even exist?
Hmmm I guess Leeds Utd, Sheff Wednesday and Sheff Utd field 11 of them each week so they must do:thumbsup:

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15969065

:thumbup:

As an undergraduate I recall becoming obsessed with assembly language and machine code programming on this. Probably why I got no sex.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

I loved messing around with basic when i was a kid.

Re: Quick question re. purchasing laptops
 

Yeah, I did basic on the ZX81 and Spectrum. Machine code was hardcore though. There was something about an assembly language subroutine that was so satisfying. My undergrad years were really not my finest moments....