Anyone got a Mac (Apple Computer!)

I'm thinking of getting one, I know theyre supposed to be good for graphics etc but I would only use it for internet, and the usual stuff. Just looking for something a bit different to a standard PC. I know theyre more expensive but i think they look cool and a bit gagety!!!

So .org, what are they like? Is it a pain to get connected to routers,printers etc?

I've got a 6 year old emac (bottom of the line!) that's getting a bit knackered now. TBH if you only need internet stuff it's a waste of money, you'll get a higher spec that'll be upgradeable in future if you stick to the PC route. If you do any design work, video editing or much picture editing I prefer the mac. I also like the fact that the user interface is more friendly, but if you know your way around a PC you may find the differences awkward (I started my computing with a Mac and have spent more time on one than PC's)

You sometimes have problems with compatibility, although I think they've addressed this on the Intel Macs

At the end of the day you pays your money and takes your choice. I'd go for a mac if I got a new computer, but I'd use it for video editing, and all the software and hard drives I have are configured for mac.

If you just want something that looks different, then a Mac is an expensive (albeit very apt) option. However, if it were me, I'd save my money and go for something from the PC lineage.

Something like these perhaps?

Bear in mind (no not YOU BEAR), that these are "Barebone" systems, so you'll need to add in stuff like CPU/RAM/GFX-card/HDD/ROM-drives/monitor/etc.

There's also a lot of "small form factor" PC cases about that may interest you, or perhaps "media centre" style cases/systems.

Failing that lot, buy a see-thru case and mod it with some internal neons
That funky/gadgety enough for ya?

HTH,
Pete

I love my macbook, it is so much more user-friendly than the PC I had (which had me in tears on a weekly basis), it doesn't crash, it does all the complicated stuff for me and I wouldn't ever even dream of switching back to PC.

And it looks pretty.

In terms of use, it has a lot of stuff that is just designed to make your life easier (and therefore quicker). I use mine mainly for uni (projects etc) and photo processing, and it's great.

Plus, they're supposed to last about 5 years, which none of my other PCs have. ahem, refer to smallprint.

AND your get out clause for any kind of computer-related questions will forever be "I have a mac", at which point people will nod and your perceived IQ will drop by about 10 points.

Smallprint: I am now on my 3rd Macbook in just under a year, but that is mainly because I am an idiot and keep dropping them. The people at ye olde mac shoppe have always been nice enough to replace my busted ones though, tres bien.

Macs are cheaper in the long run. You'll be lucky for a PC laptop to last 2 years without it falling to bits. My macbook is over a year old and runs exactly the same as it did when I first bought it (after LOADS of use). That includes the battery not killing itself too.

Macs don't need any drivers for printers, routers or cameras etc. They've been plug and play for years (real plug and play - not windows plug and play ). There's nothing that won't really run on it except a lot of games. Even then you can boot them in windows if you have a copy as the new macs use intel chips.

Originally Posted by gettin2dizzy

Macs don't need any drivers for printers, routers or cameras etc. They've been plug and play for years (real plug and play - not windows plug and play ). There's nothing that won't really run on it except a lot of games. Even then you can boot them in windows if you have a copy as the new macs use intel chips.

Errrrrr yes they do! Had to install drivers on my mates Mac for his canon printer. Some stuff is plug and play but not all.

Originally Posted by gettin2dizzy

You'll be lucky for a PC laptop to last 2 years without it falling to bits.

I must be lucky then ... mine last 2.5 years before the power pack decided to give up the ghost (I think its something to do with a dodgy connection on the cable that runs from transformer to laptop though, as it's one of those moulded jobbies and after every use it gets wrapped around the transformer - probably not ideal way to treat it, but neat - anyway think that's caused the cable to become lose) ... anyway, I digress ...

I'm sure the original question was about PC's/Macs, not specifically about laptops/macbooks ... in which case, I have a PC that has lasted 6 years Although admittedly, 6 months ago I stuck Linux on it to eeek out a bit more from it

Originally Posted by gettin2dizzy

Macs are cheaper in the long run. You'll be lucky for a PC laptop to last 2 years without it falling to bits. My macbook is over a year old and runs exactly the same as it did when I first bought it (after LOADS of use). That includes the battery not killing itself too.

I switched to macs (from Linux and Windows) nearly 3 years ago. I wouldn't want to go back to Windows PCs.

I'd agree with G2D that Macs can work out cheaper in the long run. Unlike PCs, they hold their value really well and you'll get a significant chunk of the purchase price back if you sell it after 2 (or even 3) years.

Originally Posted by andyb

I'm thinking of getting one, I know theyre supposed to be good for graphics etc but I would only use it for internet, and the usual stuff. Just looking for something a bit different to a standard PC. I know theyre more expensive but i think they look cool and a bit gagety!!!

So .org, what are they like? Is it a pain to get connected to routers,printers etc?

Like everything, they have pros and cons. More expensive, but don't fool yourself, it's not because of build quality. Stay away from first generation ones (like the new MacBook Air), they're usually riddled with teething problems (I've seen it happen more than once in several ranges, but especially laptops).

On the other hand, the user interface is supposed to be friendlier, the OS is supposed to be more stable and less prone to attack from viruses and the like (they're out there, but much lesser widespread than the PC counterparts).

Of course, all of this is based on my personal opinion.

we have them at work (primary school)

I hate them.

council are getting shot of them all and bringing in PCs