Lord Blackadder
macrumors P6
I would do it in this order:
1. Buy the MBP now.
2. Build a PC if you want one for gaming. A homebuilt-PC is the most bang-for-the-buck when it comes to gaming, and often a little cheaper than a brand name PC.
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Apple or Dell?
- Thread starter Emrtr4
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I would do it in this order:
1. Buy the MBP now.
2. Build a PC if you want one for gaming. A homebuilt-PC is the most bang-for-the-buck when it comes to gaming, and often a little cheaper than a brand name PC.
weg
macrumors 6502a
Ever tried to search for "I hate Apple" on Google? You'll get around 11,800,000 results, so I will not accept a single webpage as proof that Dell sucks 😀
zim
macrumors 65816
I think that is it funny that you address you at first sound concerned about college and the new computer but then immediately jump to addressing your gaming needs. What will you be studying? Most any first year student is going to be focusing on fundamentals so don't feel that you need the latest and greatest for your first year. Plus consider the cost of switching. Will all your current software work on a PC? Will saving the small amount really be worth it in the long run?
VanNess
macrumors 6502a
Well, there's one thing the Dell laptop can't do - run OS X. However, a MBP can run both OS X and Windows.
You get a Dell and you get a one-trick pony. With the MBP, you have options: you can use OS X as your OS of choice, but if you ever run into a situation where you just have to use Windows, you can. With the same laptop. You don't have to buy another machine.
You decide you no longer need or want Windows on the MBP, just erase it. You can move right along with OS X. If you erase Windows on a Dell...well, then what? Reinstall it? lol
You get a Dell and you get a one-trick pony. With the MBP, you have options: you can use OS X as your OS of choice, but if you ever run into a situation where you just have to use Windows, you can. With the same laptop. You don't have to buy another machine.
You decide you no longer need or want Windows on the MBP, just erase it. You can move right along with OS X. If you erase Windows on a Dell...well, then what? Reinstall it? lol
weg
macrumors 6502a
I love how the "MBP can run Windows" is used more and more often to convince somebody to buy a Mac. Only two years ago, the main argument for a Mac was that it DOESN'T run Windows 😀
We Mac-heads are really adaptive ;-)
EagerDragon
macrumors 68020
If you just need something to tie you over for a couple of years, consider a refurb MacBook or MacBook Pro.
If you can wait then do, else just get it.
You already have the software so no need to repurchase.
If you can wait then do, else just get it.
You already have the software so no need to repurchase.
EagerDragon
macrumors 68020
VanNess
macrumors 6502a
I think the argument was that OS X was a superior operating system and a superior user experience. That argument is just as valid today as it was two years ago (or a decade ago, for that matter). I have an intel Mac, and I have no interest, need, or desire to install Windows on it. It just works...
Generally, a Mac and OS X is more than able to fill everyone's requirements without the need for Windows. Nevertheless, in the real world, a user may encounter a specific situation where software (in either an educational setting or corporate setting) is Windows only. In the pre-intel days of Apple, a Mac user would simply be out of luck, but today, a Mac is like a master key that can open all locks. For a student (or anyone else who might not feel secure or nervous in making the switch), the present ability to run Windows acts a safety net for any concerns about software compatibility.
NightFlight
macrumors 6502
What a ignorant claim. I've had three Dell laptops and multiple desktops. I have never experienced a hardware failure, ever. My last laptop was almost never turned off and it was 5 years old and not a single problem.
I am not a PC fanboy by any means, I just don't understand why some of you Mac users bash Windows any chance you get. My PC doesn't crash, and I don't have any problems or viruses.
Back on topic for the OP. You should get the computer that suits your needs the best. If you love OS X then you should get the Mac 🙂 but if money is a big concern, and that little percentage makes a difference to you then you might want to get the Dell. I have no complaints with mine, I am just ready to try something new! Keep in mind most of the opinions here will be biased.
Sesshi
macrumors G3
Indeed 😉
As probably one of the very few with a fair shot at making a somewhat balanced statement, I'm staying out of this one and just pointing to the above. I'd angle for a little more off both machines - the possibility of a further discount is I'd say higher with the Dell. Don't forget the service either on either machine - it doesn't pay to cheap out on that.
As probably one of the very few with a fair shot at making a somewhat balanced statement, I'm staying out of this one and just pointing to the above. I'd angle for a little more off both machines - the possibility of a further discount is I'd say higher with the Dell. Don't forget the service either on either machine - it doesn't pay to cheap out on that.
Cybergypsy
macrumors 68040
Cybergypsy
macrumors 68040
The HP iq770 Has more option the the imac 24" ever did, and runs smoother...... I am a true macfan BUT 4 bad Apples in 6 months....where is the QC?
dejo
Moderator emeritus
NightFlight
macrumors 6502
if you just want windows, go with the dell, if you want to use mac, or a mac windows combo, get the apple. I have recently moved to Mac,and so far its not been too bad of an expirience, as long as i try to stay open minded, and try to get into a mindframe besides window. however i would never put dell down. my first laptop , a dell inspiron 8500 was purchased almost 5 years ago, and is still running xp fantastically, and has a way better screen than my MBP. when the screen developed 3 dead pixels 3 years ago, dell sent out a technician to my house, who replaced the screen there and then. i have mostly great things to say about dell. i cant vouch for the quality of their latest laptops, but if its anything like my old dell, they are a winner. not as pretty as the MBP, but a lot more durable (IMO). apple support has been somewhat a disapointment to me also, not as helpful as apple. Im willing to give apple a fair chance and so far i like the mac. It comes down to what you want, windows, mac, or a combo, functionality and/or style. get a look at both in the flesh. you will know pretty quickly then what you want. its your money, you should get what you think is best. nobody here can tell you a certin yes one way or the other
I wouldnt go Dell. I am a long time Dell customer. Have bought around 4-5 machines from there but over the years they have been geting worse. Thier hardware is stripped down versions of what they are actually named after, Some hardware is of poor quality and they fill your machine with alot of un needed crap.
Basically the last 2 machines my father has bought and the last one I bought both had hard disk failures. I have hurd alot about this in the past and personally have felt the anger of this. Mine lasted only a year fathers a little over that. I would expect much more out of a hard drive.
Could I be unlucky? I dont know but once I get around to geting another windows based machine I will be building it myself.
Macs work simple as that there is the odd problem with them, always will be. Hardware is hardware there will always been dodgy problems with the odd customer. I'm not gonna argue the difference between windows and Mac OSX because I see the uses on all operating systems Infact those type of arguements drive me around the bend and back. but if you invest in a mac you will always have the chance of boot camping and installing windows. go the other way and you will be wasting more cash.
Basically the last 2 machines my father has bought and the last one I bought both had hard disk failures. I have hurd alot about this in the past and personally have felt the anger of this. Mine lasted only a year fathers a little over that. I would expect much more out of a hard drive.
Could I be unlucky? I dont know but once I get around to geting another windows based machine I will be building it myself.
Macs work simple as that there is the odd problem with them, always will be. Hardware is hardware there will always been dodgy problems with the odd customer. I'm not gonna argue the difference between windows and Mac OSX because I see the uses on all operating systems Infact those type of arguements drive me around the bend and back. but if you invest in a mac you will always have the chance of boot camping and installing windows. go the other way and you will be wasting more cash.
gkarris
macrumors G3
Only 3 Dells? I've personally owned 5, and my chuch *had* 10. All problems... Switching church to HP and Apple. Getting rid of all of mine.
I did recommend HP (but you obviously didn't really read my post...)
princealfie
macrumors 68030
iW00t
macrumors 68040
That's not true. If you buy straight after an update it will be another 6-8 months before the next update. In fact never has us Mac users "always" gotten a "faster computer" in a "couple months".
Case in point: Mac Pro.
4 months out of date and still counting!
Another case: Mac Mini.
Out of date out of the box, and no, you can't get a faster processor even if you pay for it!
Since this guy is out for the absolute best bang for the buck, the best advice would be to wait. After all people who are poor "needs" a fast computer... 🙄
Just wait another 2-3 months on whatever you are using currently, you obviously own an existing computer.
Are you confusing Vista with having to rebuy Mac OS X to run the latest shareware apps where API compatibility mysteriously breaks every now and then? Last I checked you can still run ancient 10 YO apps on Vista. It just works, albeit in a sucky way.
johnee
macrumors 6502a
I have to agree. I have had my dell desktop for 9 years (pentium 2). My hard drive went out about a year ago, but that's it. it's a great computer that chugs along fine on 128MB of ram. I'll concede it's slow with some new stuff, but it's running win2K just fine, never had viruses or malware.
However I don't like the fact that dell simply builds machines and loads some software on it. The thing I'm starting to like about apple is the fact that they make the OS and ensure it runs smoothly on their machine.
I've worked with apple before and I must say they are pretty dedicated to making things right.
Aperture
macrumors 68000
One day my brother's Dell Inspiron 5150 booted into a black screen with the scary dos-looking font /etc. After 2 days of being on the phone with Dell and $75 down the drain (Had to pay for software support, what a load of bull) they finally tell me that the hard drive is fried. 'Went out to CompUSA and had to buy another hard drive and install it. Oh and next month the battery died on it. I know these problems can inflict upon Macs but I think it was because of the low quality parts used in the Dell. Also, our "family" computer is a Dell 8400, top of the line Dell desktop in 2005. The disk drive broke twice only to have some third party technician with horrible B.O. come to our house and replace it. Surprisingly, my neighbors drive in their Dell desktop died too, amongst a few other things.
Just a month ago I had to reinstall Windows on the 8400 as the whole system was bogged down. I must have hit the wrong key when I was formatting the HDD as somehow I still have parts of the old installation floating around. The drivers they gave me.. were the wrong set. I had to go online and find them on Dell's site and download them only to figure out how to install them properly with Device Manager in the Control Panel...
My advice is what others have said. Do you like OSX? If not, get a PC but a high quality one. Oh and if you do go with a PC, stay away from Vaios. I've heard they also break a lot.
Anyway, good luck. I'm sure you'll choose the right decision.🙂
Just a month ago I had to reinstall Windows on the 8400 as the whole system was bogged down. I must have hit the wrong key when I was formatting the HDD as somehow I still have parts of the old installation floating around. The drivers they gave me.. were the wrong set. I had to go online and find them on Dell's site and download them only to figure out how to install them properly with Device Manager in the Control Panel...
My advice is what others have said. Do you like OSX? If not, get a PC but a high quality one. Oh and if you do go with a PC, stay away from Vaios. I've heard they also break a lot.
Anyway, good luck. I'm sure you'll choose the right decision.🙂