I just read this entire tread and to put it bluntly, and I'll go ahead and apologize now, you've pretty much proven my theory about Mac users right. Macs are for idiots.
And what I mean, specifically, Macs are for Windows idiots.
Sure, less viruses blah blah blah but of course Windows will have more. It's a more widely used and compatible system, hands down. That's a no brainer. I have a lot of experience with Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8. Linux Mint and Ubuntu, and of course Mac in various flavors. I'm a hardcore, HARDCORE, Windows user. I abuse the heck out of my systems. Why? Because they can handle it.
That's not to say Mac can't but I've been a primary Windows user since 3.1 and I've never had an issue with malware, viruses, or "bugs" -- at least not bugs that I could control.
The problem for many of you, it would seem, is that you're too stupid to properly operate the compatible and expandable system that Windows provides. Probably visiting the wrong websites to download some piece of software or not getting the good (and often free) AV scanners with web shields, and many other variables to consider.
Again, I've never had any of the issues you guys have been complaining about here.
So use your Macs, they're great machines. No doubt about it. But I'll keep firing away at my Windows... gaming, using Office, and all the other joys that come with using the world's most used system.
This turned more into a flame reply and I apologize. It's not meant to be that way. But my point stands. Mac is obviously more for users who don't know what they're doing.
While I generally agree with you (as a Mac user) I still think you should look more closely at your argument. First off, you should ask yourself whether or not all this knowledge that you presumably have should be necessary to operate a PC. There are still quite a lot of people with your level of knowledge but I think those type of people are simply getting less and less. Apple's "it just works" marketing is mostly true and many people would never bother with serious learning. Macs can do less than PCs, I'll give you that. But the things they do are generally more intuitive and dumbed-down, if you will. However, for many people this is enough.
Now in terms of reliability, Macs ARE more reliable than Windows machines. Mac OS is built on the Unix kernel. This IS a more stable foundation than Windows. It's why all seriously important software like power company energy management systems are almost exclusively run on Unix and not Windows. Windows does become slower with use and this is not really the case for Macs (or any Unix or Linux systems for that matter). Windows and its directories are a PITA and the systems does become bogged down over time.
Now a thought experiment: assume Macs cost the same as Windows PCs. Why should an ordinary user (Internet, Mail, Photos, Office....etc.) not buy a Mac?
All of my family has now switched to Macs and they couldn't be happier. I you constantly want to tinker with your system and worry about a lot of things then go the windows route. If you're short on time and simply want to actually use your computer then go with a Mac.
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In terms of price, hardware, and upgradability, I'm certainly considering a move to windows in my future. If apple won't let me upgrade a hard drive or RAM anymore, and expects me to spend $3k+ every two years, forget it. Razer blade 17" is looking pretty darn good ATM, even if it's expensive I can at least use it for a long while.
Why do you need a new $3000 Mac every two years?
If you're a serious Video/Photo/3D user and you're mostly submerged in these applications, then a Mac makes no sense. The Mac is great for everyday-use because of it's great interface and great usability. If you're just using Photoshop, for instance, then I don't think it's going to matter if that App is running on a Windows or Mac machine.