Apple or Dell

[astudentis]

Hello everyone,

I am looking to buy a new desktop (replacing my almost 10year old dell P3 500MHz!!!) I do have a black macbook that i bough past summer, but now i am looking to by a new desktop. I would like to do a bit of gaming and movie watching. My requirement is that I can buy a desktop that will last me another 8-10 years... So have upgradability option is good. and by budget is below 2grand. Now I am looking at the 24inch iMac vs the dell XPS 420. the imac costs 1799 (canadian with edu. discount) vs the dell which 1560. Any advice/ comments as to which one i should go for?

i presume all the mac fans here know the specs of the imac, however i am attaching the xps's specs in the attachment

[psychofreak]

The question is how much you value the beautiful hardware and OSX.

[Much Ado]

My requirement is that I can buy a desktop that will last me another 8-10 years...

As in, you're still using a computer from 1998?

That's ambitious, mate ;)

[astudentis]

both of the hardware's beauty are almost equivalent in my eyes (though form a performance perspective the dell's hardware seems better... however apples os x is better too)... though i like os x, i dont mind vista

-------

haha yea i am still using that as well for some purposes... it still seems to work well, but compared to my macbook which i use more often, its it too slow and is starting to show its ware and tare, so now its about time to put it out of commission

[QuarterSwede]

As in, you're still using a computer from 1998?

That's ambitious, mate ;)
My mother is still using a Dell from 98 but has been wanting a new computer for at least 5 years.

Remember that the iMac's footprint is A LOT smaller. It's even smaller than just the monitor's. Really sad actually.

[JML42691]

Personally, I believe that you should go for the iMac, but then again, my opinion is a bit biased. That does look like one hell of a tricked out PC though. (Does anybody else find it funny that they have to advertise the point that it is a Genuine version of Vista. For movie watching, I would go for the iMac, FrontRow is cool and a great interface, and I always seem to find some sort of problem when trying to get a movie to play on a PC. I am not all that knowledgeable when it comes to gaming, but my feeling tells me that the PC might be better for it.

My mother is still using a Dell from 98 but has been wanting a new computer for at least 5 years.

Remember that the iMac's footprint is A LOT smaller.
I just replaced my grandmother's computer over the summer from a 1998 and it still worked fine, but the look on her face when she got to see the difference in performance from a computer that had practically no specs to the one that I made that was tricked out was pretty hilarious.

[CrackedButter]

Nobody walks into a Ford Car dealership and asks the people inside whether they should buy a Ford or a Nissan. Why walk into a Macintosh Forum and ask your question?

[astudentis]

My mother is still using a Dell from 98 but has been wanting a new computer for at least 5 years.

Remember that the iMac's footprint is A LOT smaller. It's even smaller than just the monitor's. Really sad actually.

footprint is smaller?



Personally, I believe that you should go for the iMac, but then again, my opinion is a bit biased. That does look like one hell of a tricked out PC though. (Does anybody else find it funny that they have to advertise the point that it is a Genuine version of Vista. For movie watching, I would go for the iMac, FrontRow is cool and a great interface, and I always seem to find some sort of problem when trying to get a movie to play on a PC. I am not all that knowledgeable when it comes to gaming, but my feeling tells me that the PC might be better for it.

windows media center is nice as well... and there is the all purpose vlc player for both platform to play videos :D

[QuarterSwede]

footprint is smaller?
The amount of room the computer takes up (stand for the iMac, box for the dell and stand for the monitor). ie. what actually sits on the floor or desk.

[::Lisa::]

You mention that you do a fair bit of gaming. Will all your games work on OS X?

[astudentis]

You mention that you do a fair bit of gaming. Will all your games work on OS X?

no i would probably have to but extra copy of windows ($$ :() and run it via bootcamp


Nobody walks into a Ford Car dealership and asks the people inside whether they should buy a Ford or a Nissan. Why walk into a Macintosh Forum and ask your question?
I am just asking for some honest advice, if you dont want to give any, why bother replying?

[QuarterSwede]

no i would probably have to but extra copy of windows ($$ :() and run it via bootcamp
You'll probably just want to go with the Dell box then. It's much more upgradeable than the iMac anyway. Too bad though because OS X really is a much better experience than Windows, even Vista.

[Techguy172]

Well, the dell could kick the iMac's *** in everything except foot print but the dell seems like a better computer for you because you want it to last the dell can take more ram more hard drive space. It also has better Graphics for movies and games

[blurb23]

If you want the ability to upgrade, then undoubtedly you'll want the Dell.

[biturbomunkie]

if you absolutely need your desktop to last 8-10 yrs, get the dell. in addition to better upgradability, parts for the dell are gonna be cheaper and easier to find. i'm typing on a 98 dell dimension pII 450 w/ 2tb+ hdds right now. iirc, mine will be 10 y/o in a few months, so yours can't be 10 y/o yet. ;)

[Eidorian]

Get the Quad Core Q6600 in the Dell XPS 420. You already have a MacBook so enjoy a gaming machine if you aren't up to building it yourself.

See signature!

[tersono]

Well, I'm still using a Mac from 99 and another from 2000 (both as servers), so you needn't worry about longevity. (Not to mention that my Mac Plus from '87 still works... lol)

Buy the Mac. It's better made, nicer to use and the next version of OS X will likely offer better performance, whereas the next version of Windows will undoubtedly be slower....

[Techguy172]

Well, I'm still using a Mac from 99 and another from 2000 (both as servers), so you needn't worry about longevity. (Not to mention that my Mac Plus from '87 still works... lol)

Buy the Mac. It's better made, nicer to use and the next version of OS X will likely offer better performance, whereas the next version of Windows will undoubtedly be slower....

The hardware it self will last long but he needs to upgrade it the iMac cannot be upgraded except ram and 1 hard drive as he gets more games and videos (the iMac cannot even play todays games that well) It will take up more storage one drive won't cut it he needs the 2 or 3 that the dell offers and macs are not built better than dell in any way dell towers are the best they last forever our 10 year old tower is still being used everyday.

[::Lisa::]

no i would probably have to but extra copy of windows ($$ :() and run it via bootcampI guess your best bet with the gaming n' all would be the Dell, rather than spending more than you have to with an additional copy of Windows to play your games.

It's obviously truly up to you. If you really want the iMac and are happy to spend the additional for Windows??

[cohibadad]

If you want gaming, an XP PC is the way to go IMO (actually consoles are the better choice). If you think the beauty of the 420 is equivalent to the iMac and you don't mind Vista I'm probably not the person to give you advice. Personally, my choice begins with OS and the only reason I would choose a windows machine is for gaming. For the occassional windows-only software I would virtualize. For those on a budget, a windows machine may seem like the better choice. In my experience, a mac gives more usable years of service but YMMV.

[Eidorian]

I have a copy of Windows XP Home and Pro that aren't OEM bound to a single machine. Why do people seem to think Windows is some sort of additional cost to computing?

[hockeysc23]

For upgradeability go Dell. That being said my LCII mac from 4th grade or 1992 still works to this day.

Macs if treated right do last a long time. Although I believe a more reasonable request from a computer is to last 4-6 years not 10.

[lofight]

This is an apple forum, what do you think the most people will choose?? :p

[Eidorian]

This is an apple forum, what do you think the most people will choose?? :pMac OS X or Windows doesn't matter as much as general hardware knowledge. The OP already has a MacBook so they know the value of OS X. Why try to push more Apple hardware as well? I have my MacBook for OS X and portability. My minitower takes care of the gamer and hobbyist in me.

It never hurts to be on the bleeding edge of technical knowledge either.

[lofight]

Mac OS X or Windows doesn't matter as much as general hardware knowledge. The OP already has a MacBook so they know the value of OS X. Why try to push more Apple hardware as well? I have my MacBook for OS X and portability. My minitower takes care of the gamer and hobbyist in me.

It never hurts to be on the bleeding edge of technical knowledge either.

sorry:o... But such things i would make out for my self, not with a poll, because it's what YOU want that you will (if you can) get.

[Simicino]

There are two principle reasons to get the Imac:

1) MacOS

2) Aesthetics

If thse two factors are not as important as others, get the Dell which will be much faster and more upgradeable. As far as specs go, Apple computers usually
fall behind within a year or so of release, if not less sometimes. For example,
with the Dell you will be able to upgrade to much nicer screens (in fact, you can already find higher resolution screens then what the Imac offers), whereas the Imac screen is already a bit obsolete--though don't get me wrong it is beautiful...at my roommate's architecture firm they use Apple computers but PC monitors. Anyway, it is the OS that make Macs great.

[Techguy172]

There are two principle reasons to get the Imac:

1) MacOS

2) Aesthetics

If thse two factors are not as important as others, get the Dell which will be much faster and more upgradeable. As far as specs go, Apple computers usually
fall behind within a year or so of release, if not less sometimes. For example,
with the Dell you will be able to upgrade to much nicer screens (in fact, you can already find higher resolution screens then what the Imac offers), whereas the Imac screen is already a bit obsolete--though don't get me wrong it is beautiful...at my roommate's architecture firm they use Apple computers but PC monitors. Anyway, it is the OS that make Macs great.

He clearly Said he doesn't care about OS he already has a macbook he knows what OS X is The dell truly is better for him in every way.

[astudentis]

thanks alot for your input guys and gals, since i already have my macbook with osx and i am primarily looking for media/gamin desktop, i think dell would be a better option (considering it comes with a 8800GT card!) and it would most likely last another decade or so... only is there was a legal way of running OSX on dells hardware :D and who know i might but a macbook pro within the next 10years too to upgrade my macbook :)

[Killyp]

I have experience here!! (yay) I bought:

Dell Dimension 8300
£1,500
Won't run Vista without a considerable amount of upgrading...

MacBook Pro (okay, much later)
£1,400
Will run at least the next three Mac OSes without any major issues.


Heck my G3 iMac runs Tiger without any major issues. That's impressive.


Get the Mac =] You'll be glad you made that choice...

[m1stake]

Don't buy Dell. The use sub-par components. If you're not up to building your own, I'd recommend taking a list of all those parts to your local Micro Center or Fry's and getting all the parts and having it build for you buy them which would be about $80. It would be cheaper, you'd get grade A parts instead of half baked crap, and better warranty on each component instead of having to PAY for the extra warranty through Dell.

Also, if you do buy the Dell, pray that nothing happens to it, because Dell customer support is dire.

Hope this helps :D

[Eidorian]

Don't buy Dell. The use sub-par components. If you're not up to building your own, I'd recommend taking a list of all those parts to your local Micro Center or Fry's and getting all the parts and having it build for you buy them which would be about $80. It would be cheaper, you'd get grade A parts instead of half baked crap, and better warranty on each component instead of having to PAY for the extra warranty through Dell.

Also, if you do buy the Dell, pray that nothing happens to it, because Dell customer support is dire.

Hope this helps :DI'll just ignore that the XPS 420 uses the X38 chipset then. You'd also only have to deal with one entity for warranty purposes instead of multiple ones.

I already made the comment that it's a good machine if you're not going to build your own.

[biturbomunkie]

i know this is a mac forum, but i'm still very surprised with the current vote results (76.67% imac, 23.33% xps).

[m1stake]

I'll just ignore that the XPS 420 uses the X38 chipset then. You'd also only have to deal with one entity for warranty purposes instead of multiple ones.

I already made the comment that it's a good machine if you're not going to build your own.

All computer manufacturers buy slightly worse parts from the same company as you could buy retail, and make you pay more for it.

Just because it has a big X38 sticker doesn't mean that it's the exact same thing as what you could buy.

You WILL save money if you pick out the parts yourself and have the store build it for you. Most will OC for you too.

[Eidorian]

All computer manufacturers buy slightly worse parts from the same company as you could buy retail, and make you pay more for it.

Just because it has a big X38 sticker doesn't mean that it's the exact same thing as what you could buy.It's all OEM parts in the end just like everyone else.

You WILL save money if you pick out the parts yourself and have the store build it for you. I never said that they wouldn't save money.

Most will OC for you too.
http://www.math.purdue.edu/~abarreno/overclock.jpg


Oh noes!

[crazycat]

Whenever i get asked about this I always answer the question with this answer.

If you want to game get a PC, if you want to do anything else get a mac.

I run a private LAN (friends and family only and its free) with around 20 desktop in 2 locations, i run both Macs and PC. I tried gaming on my mac (via bootcamp) but it does not cut it, if you want to play the latest and greatest games get a PC, if you want to do "anything" else get a Mac.

This has worked great for myself and the many friends and family members i know.

Since you have a mac laptop get a PC desktop they should go great together.

[JG271]

Apple will likely offer better service and support - and almost any question can be answered on this very forum too!

[stainlessliquid]

If you want to play games then the XPS is your only option. The 8800GT in it will destroy and embarass the imac in games by epic levels.

If you dont want to play games then theres not a whole lot of reason to get the Dell.

[chronsbons]

a few things that anyone reading my opinion should know.
I am a pc user but have experience and appreciation for apple.
I have done my own hard ware upgrades multiple times.

The iMac is a foolish choice for future upgrade ability and longevity, it is possible to upgrade its internals however it is most certainly something i would equate to surgery. The xps on the other hand is very readily upgradeable and also has the current technology to last you a very long time. the added bonus of the xps is that you may actually be able to play a certain comp killer of a game so named Crysis.
My second reason for the XPS over the iMac, If you really do have extreme preference for the UI of a mac over a pc (i admit, vista Blows) then there is also this option: Load OSX on a pc (http://lifehacker.com/348653/install-os-x-on-your-hackintosh-pc-no-hacking-required)
Also you have the possibility of running Linux on your PC, Something that is a bit more difficult on a mac.

You already know that the XPS is cheaper, and now you know you can be using osx on either, so why pay more for less?

[johny5]

Suspecting that this poll may be fairly weighted as your on an apple forum :D

but I would say Imac, honest.

[Virgil-TB2]

... a desktop that will last me another 8-10 years... If this part here is a serious requirement, then you only have one choice, the iMac.

Computers generally don't last that long ever, but the average for a Windows PC is about 2 to 2.5 years. The average for a Mac is about 3.5 to 4 years before they get slow enough to be a pain to use. Some are still useable for up to 6 years if you don't mind the slowness. That's my experience based on many years of Windows PC and Mac ownership and working as a tech in a mixed Windows/Mac environment for about as long.

The only way the Dell will last longer is by upgrading it to the point that you are not really left with the same computer. In other words all those people that will claim that their Windows box has lasted for some incredible amount of time have basically replaced the HD, the video card, added memory etc. to the tune of the same cost as buying a totally new PC every 2 to 2.5 years.

Macs have always lasted longer, and maintained usability longer as they are just built better and out of better materials. In addition the OS is a lot leaner and faster and maintains backwards compatibility longer also.

Note that I am typing this on a six year old G4 tower running Leopard, :eek: that has only had a slightly faster HD put in (3 years ago) and more memory added (about double the amount it came with).

Works fine. :D

[KJmoon117]

Hmm.. If you want Mac OS X and your needs (in terms of upgradeability) get a Mac Pro but since you want to stay under 2k get the Dell. I mean it all depends on how much OS X is worth to you.

Dell's spec blows the iMac out of the ****** water but if I had to make that choice, I'd get the iMac. Windows is just too much for me to deal with right now.

[BOSS10L]

As someone who has been a hardcore PC guy/gamer for so many years, I cannot believe that the OP feels that a PC will last him 8-10 years. Sure, the PC I have here at home is pushing 6-7 years, but it is far from a bleeding edge machine.

I agree with Virgil. If you want a desktop that will truly last you almost another decade, get an iMac. Anyone who is a serious gamer knows that no sooner do you unpack a new video card, and it is already outdated. The OP will be making changes to his PC so that it will not remotely resemble the original machine that he will get from Dell.

10 years is a long time. This isn't 1998 where you could conceivably spend $1500 and be good for a decade. Technology is moving so fast that who knows, in less than 10 years, computers will become a throwaway technology. It will be more expensive to fix or upgrade a machine than it will be to replace it with something competent.

If you want to game, buy all 3 consoles and a library of games. They'll last longer and you'll get more bang for your buck.

[stainlessliquid]

If this part here is a serious requirement, then you only have one choice, the iMac.

Computers generally don't last that long ever, but the average for a Windows PC is about 2 to 2.5 years. The average for a Mac is about 3.5 to 4 years before they get slow enough to be a pain to use. Some are still useable for up to 6 years if you don't mind the slowness. That's my experience based on many years of Windows PC and Mac ownership and working as a tech in a mixed Windows/Mac environment for about as long.

The only way the Dell will last longer is by upgrading it to the point that you are not really left with the same computer. In other words all those people that will claim that their Windows box has lasted for some incredible amount of time have basically replaced the HD, the video card, added memory etc. to the tune of the same cost as buying a totally new PC every 2 to 2.5 years.

Macs have always lasted longer, and maintained usability longer as they are just built better and out of better materials. In addition the OS is a lot leaner and faster and maintains backwards compatibility longer also.

Note that I am typing this on a six year old G4 tower running Leopard, :eek: that has only had a slightly faster HD put in (3 years ago) and more memory added (about double the amount it came with).

Works fine. :D
Thats wrong on all accounts. He said himself he is using a 10yr old Dell. My mom is using a similair aged HP, it came with Windows ME installed, which was around summer 2000. Works perfectly fine and has never once in its entire lifespan needed rapair or maintenance, the only thing upgraded was ram and HDD, she does not want to upgrade to a new computer. It hasnt even seen an OS reinstall in several years.

Macs dont last longer for using programs, that doesnt make any sense. If that were true then PC's would need to have insane specs compared to Intel Macs by now just to run notepad. They are almost identical in performance for their timeline, a 5 year old PC will run photoshop just as crappy as a 5 year old mac.

The hardware inside the machines are not better either. They are the same. Exactly the same. There are no apple branded HDD's or ram, Apple uses the same generic crap that Dell and everyone else uses to save money. You will not find a high end Western Digital HDD or high spec OCZ memory in a Mac, youll find whatever apple can get at the cheapest rate at the time of manufacturing.

"Macs are more backwards compatible" is crazy. Windows backwards compatibility just beats OS X's backwards compatibily with a huge ugly stick. Microsoft probably cares a bit too much about making old ass programs work, it hinders the advancement of the OS since it needs to work with previous programs and drivers. Apple has been criticized for horrible backwards compatibility before, OS 9 apps are officially out the window and PPC apps run like ass. Then theres the apps that keep requiring the many new versions of OS X, forcing people to keep buying the new versions.

Yes you have to upgrade a PC with ram and a HDD to make it last 10 years. Macs are not magically exempt from this either. You said yourself that you upgraded the ram and HDD on your mac, how are you supposed to run Leopard with 64mbs of ram? And the video card on the imac is simply laughable compared to the 8800GT in the XPS, the 8800 will be playing new games 2 years after the card in the imac should have just stopped trying.

The XPS WILL last longer than the iMac. Unless it breaks down (I know some fanboy will say "dells always break! Macs are invincible!"). Assuming neither computer has defects then the XPS will cream the iMac in longevity thanks to the great video card. But either way I would advise against trying to make any computer last 10 years, its just too slow and makes your life a pain.

[maxrobertson]

My mother is still using a Dell from 98 but has been wanting a new computer for at least 5 years.

My mom is using an iMac from '98 running Panther. It's pretty slow, but it gets the job done.

Edit: to the guy talking about Macs being less backwards compatible: This computer is running Panther. That's the operating system that is at least as good as Vista, if not better. I wouldn't run anything on a '98 PC but Windows 98 or Windows 2000, and I'm pretty sure that's the common way of thinking.

[stainlessliquid]

Then those people are thinking crazy. Win98 is a horrendous OS that freezes constantly. XP is totally stable and should be a requirement for old computers since they need all the help they can get, turning off the shadows and animations will imrpove performance to win98 speed or faster. Anyone who uses win98 by choice is a sadist.

[nsbio]

My vote is for the Dell, which is better for gaming and for tinkering with/upgrading if you are inclined to do so.

[Prof.]

Here's my comment... "Dell sux":p

[CrackedButter]

I am just asking for some honest advice, if you dont want to give any, why bother replying?

My reply WAS honest advice dummy!

[Techguy172]

To all those who say pc's don't last well we have a laptop going on 8 years and a 9 year old desktop both are dell and are still being used today both are XP capable we don't even have to upgrade that's pretty good considering they came out 3-4 years before XP was out so don't say macs are magical or something the only reason they last so long running new OS's is because apple doesn't change much so the requirements don't go up and because they release one like every two years MS is a lot slower releasing there's

The XPS will last longer because of more powerful components and what happens if the iMac's screen breaks well you can get it fixed but that is expensive where is the dell's is external so if it breaks go buy a new one nothing else is affected no installation required.


Those people who said dell uses cheap components guess what they are exactly the same intel in the dell intel in the mac no different apple is just as much a cheap *** as dell Apple is not your mom or your dad or even your friend it's a company that wants your money and nothing else they don't care if your computer breaks they want you to buy a new one. that's it.

[iLao]

i presume all the mac fans here know the specs of the imac, however i am attaching the xps's specs in the attachment

Hi!

Is the Dell you want to buy new?
Where did you find these specs and the price! I think that the price is just too low, really!:eek:

My vote is for iMac, just because Mac OS X and 24" display and good looks, etc.:)

Oh ****! My english does stink!:(

[WhiteNoiseMaker]

I'd buy the Dell, but i'd make sure the monitor you get with it has a few inputs (or buy a KMV switch). This way you can hook your MacBook up the the bigger screen and have both systems running simultaneously. You can switch between them with the press of a button.

[heatmiser]

I voted for the iMac, but if you already have a Macbook, I'd get the Dell. Cheaper, *far* more upgradeable, and a more powerful machine to boot.

[omenamato]

Buy xbox360 or ps3 if they have the games you like. Both are great for movies. You already have a great computer which you could use as a desktop replacement for atleast next two years.

[mr.light]

I choose iMac. Windows confuses and frustrates me way to much.