MikeUK

We're really takling about an OS and its stabilty in use...

exenglishman

Do you own a Mac? Only reason I ask is that I feel only someone that has had a PC for years and bought a Mac, despite what your saying, notices the differences in terms of speed, lack of viruses. These differences 100% still do apply. I use a HP Windows Laptop for 6+ hours a day, and I own a Macbook Pro, both are very similar spec. I notice the differences and loath using the HP because of it.

jericho

I have two laptops- one provided from my employer, and one I use for random surfing etc. I also have an iMac (as mentioned earlier- I bought it 5 years ago).

Never had ANY issues with my mac.

Both my laptops are under 12 months old- one crashes regularly, and the other is already showing signs of age- slowing down, etc.

The cynics will say it's all Apple PR, sheep-like following, etc etc, but the reality is that in my experience (and seemingly others on here who also own a Mac), is that their performance for day to day use, and longevity, far exceeds that of a regular PC or laptop.
The chances are, those saying PC's are as good as macs probably only own a PC.

exenglishman

and never will own a Mac because they dont believe us haha

MikeUK

Still own an Apple][, and an Apple//c

Have owned an Mac PowerPC8100.....

Been there seen the hype... know my hardware and software....

Wouldn't spend the money !!! not for an Apple branded *nix clone on PC hardware... sorry but that's all you have

Duckman

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.

dbd33

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).

Steve_

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.

Steve_

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.

el_richo

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.

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

delsol79

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.

MikeUK

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

jericho

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.

Dotty P

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

el_richo

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