Well first off macs are not the best machines to play games, so by your logic I don't use my macbook the same was as i use my PC. If i want to use it the same way I use my PC, wouldn't I just use my PC?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Can't wait for MBPs anymore. Buy Windows?
- Thread starter nomnom
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Well first off macs are not the best machines to play games, so by your logic I don't use my macbook the same was as i use my PC. If i want to use it the same way I use my PC, wouldn't I just use my PC?
Gah! Having switched from the Windows world, I see no reason to move back.
While W7 is a major improvement over Vista, and does seem to run well enough from what I've seen (running in a VM), the experience still does not compare to OS X.
Reasons I choose OS X/Apple over Windows:
1. Unix based - get all the gnu software and Unix utilities I need. Much more stable and easier than Cygwin (though I have nothing against Cygwin, it's just not the same).
2. Better backup/cloning restore options in OS X. Though I will say that Home Server has some interesting appeal. For the most part, Time Machine is great. Cloning with Carbon Copy Cloner/Super Duper is great. Very easy, it works and is very easy to schedule.
3. Apple support has been great in my experiences so far.
4. Smoother operation/performance. I am much more frequently waiting on Windows to do something than I am OS X. For the most part, this really shows when Windows is trying to deal with network-related issues.
5. Much easier/faster installation of software.
6. No activation! No Genuine Advantage hassling me every time it thinks something may have changed.
7. Much easier/faster migration to new machines, and OS upgrades.
8. Much more useful utilities that leverage the computer, Launchbar, Quicksilver, Quick Search Box, MarcoPolo offer very interesting ways to interact with your data and applications. I get to the things I need to quicker.
9. MobileMe sync. While iDisk has largely proved to be a waste and BTMM seems to have issues with my router, the Sync between my Macs and iPhone is great.
Cons:
1. Apple's tossing out and rampant changing of functions between OS versions. And, by corollary, the difficulty of getting older OS's if you need them on newer machines. Working in the Unix arena, having binary compatibility and stability of the OS functions is a big deal with me. While I use OS X for my personal servers, Solaris remains my OS of choice in the enterprise. This is my biggest beef to date.
2. Sometimes ya just have to have Windows in this world. Though I have found using the various Virtualization products have met all my needs so far.
Compared to Windows, I spend more of my time actually doing productive work on my Macs. It's not a flawless platform, and it does have it's own quirks and issues, but for me it's amazing how much having to deal with Windows when I do these days makes my teeth itch.
My thoughts on price:
For the most part, I find both pricing and licensing of a lot of third-party Mac software to be much more reasonable than Windows counterparts. I also find that the Mac developers tend to be much more engaged with their customers.
For me, the added value of Mac is worth the premium one pays. In the long run, considering the range of tools I've found that are more reasonably priced or open source/freeware, I would say that the gap closes considerably. Having, in a previous life, worked in support of one major Windows/PC manufacturer, to me the software they add on for "extra value" tends to bloat the OS and make things worse.
People tend to get focused on specs. IMO, you need to look at what the entire package can do. If a lower-spec'd machine can do what you need to do more effectively for you, then it's better than a higher-spec'd machine. These days, computers are generally fast enough, even at the lower levels to do most things for most people, so look at the overall value, of which hardware specs are just one factor.
While W7 is a major improvement over Vista, and does seem to run well enough from what I've seen (running in a VM), the experience still does not compare to OS X.
Reasons I choose OS X/Apple over Windows:
1. Unix based - get all the gnu software and Unix utilities I need. Much more stable and easier than Cygwin (though I have nothing against Cygwin, it's just not the same).
2. Better backup/cloning restore options in OS X. Though I will say that Home Server has some interesting appeal. For the most part, Time Machine is great. Cloning with Carbon Copy Cloner/Super Duper is great. Very easy, it works and is very easy to schedule.
3. Apple support has been great in my experiences so far.
4. Smoother operation/performance. I am much more frequently waiting on Windows to do something than I am OS X. For the most part, this really shows when Windows is trying to deal with network-related issues.
5. Much easier/faster installation of software.
6. No activation! No Genuine Advantage hassling me every time it thinks something may have changed.
7. Much easier/faster migration to new machines, and OS upgrades.
8. Much more useful utilities that leverage the computer, Launchbar, Quicksilver, Quick Search Box, MarcoPolo offer very interesting ways to interact with your data and applications. I get to the things I need to quicker.
9. MobileMe sync. While iDisk has largely proved to be a waste and BTMM seems to have issues with my router, the Sync between my Macs and iPhone is great.
Cons:
1. Apple's tossing out and rampant changing of functions between OS versions. And, by corollary, the difficulty of getting older OS's if you need them on newer machines. Working in the Unix arena, having binary compatibility and stability of the OS functions is a big deal with me. While I use OS X for my personal servers, Solaris remains my OS of choice in the enterprise. This is my biggest beef to date.
2. Sometimes ya just have to have Windows in this world. Though I have found using the various Virtualization products have met all my needs so far.
Compared to Windows, I spend more of my time actually doing productive work on my Macs. It's not a flawless platform, and it does have it's own quirks and issues, but for me it's amazing how much having to deal with Windows when I do these days makes my teeth itch.
My thoughts on price:
For the most part, I find both pricing and licensing of a lot of third-party Mac software to be much more reasonable than Windows counterparts. I also find that the Mac developers tend to be much more engaged with their customers.
For me, the added value of Mac is worth the premium one pays. In the long run, considering the range of tools I've found that are more reasonably priced or open source/freeware, I would say that the gap closes considerably. Having, in a previous life, worked in support of one major Windows/PC manufacturer, to me the software they add on for "extra value" tends to bloat the OS and make things worse.
People tend to get focused on specs. IMO, you need to look at what the entire package can do. If a lower-spec'd machine can do what you need to do more effectively for you, then it's better than a higher-spec'd machine. These days, computers are generally fast enough, even at the lower levels to do most things for most people, so look at the overall value, of which hardware specs are just one factor.
If your argument is that specs (mostly) don't matter, then why wait to buy one? The update, when it comes, isn't going to be a total revamp; it's going to be a spec upgrade. With the impending release of the iPad in ~2 months, it seems even more unlikely that Apple with choose to clutter the market/PR space with another announcement until afterwards (speculation, I know). Regardless, if you (OP) really need a computer now, there's no reason to wait. Nothing you're doing will particularly tax a current MBP.
Of course, if you just want to wait and buy the newest and shiniest toy, then by all means do so.
Juvenile, huh? And you're a regular Eliza Doolittle.
Besides widespread use of Final Cut, which is largely preferred over any single Windows video editing software, the assumption has long been that artist/design types are less tech-savvy and would thus prefer the simpler interface of Mac OS, though this is changing. Perhaps more importantly, Macs have simply been trendy, and art school kids sure do love them some trendy.
This guy is probably a troll. Just registered to get some sort of reactions. You contradict yourself. You say you want a new Mac, and are disappointed that they were not refreshed. Then you say that the Macs' are not that great. OK, so why spend the extra money on them?
Also, if your PC has gotten you 4 years of use, why change from Windows? Especially if Win7 is supposed (pretty much is) bad ace!?
I'm a girl >_<
I'm looking at Windows and Macs from the same perspective. Just weighing them both out... what's wrong with that? Why do I have to take a side?
I want macs because, first, my school runs all their machines on it. Second, because I use the creative suite and final cut express a lot, so thats much more convenient for me, and i haven't had a new computer for years, I feel like one, because it looks slim and clean, is that a bad reason?
I'm a girl and you're a fat gorilla.
Guy, girl or something in the middle, you're just proving your stupidity to everyone. I don't mean to be harsh but your posts don't make any sense. No one is asking you to take sides choosing Mac or Windows. You're writing stuff as if you're threatening Apple that if they don't update MBPs they're gonna lose a user. Then when someone tries to bring you to your senses, you talk ridiculous crap about Macs and compare it to iPad !
Just choose one and go away, can't you ? Why drag it so far ??
If it helps you, have a look at the MacRumors buyer's guide and do a bit of math : look at the dates since 2006 when MBPs have been updated - at exact 8 months intervals. Its not 8 months yet since June 2009, so please, take your racket elsewhere.
@nomnom
Don't listen to fatgorilla. I'm sure you just made this thread to get multiple people's opinions on the matter to help you decide.
Here's mine: I like mac and pc equally. I just bought a MBP a few months ago and I love it. I'm still using my pc as a desktop when I'm at home though my LCD is hooked up more often to my mac than my pc.
I originally planned to buy it in May but then I considered waiting a few months and it was worth the few months wait. However, if you need it NOW, then just buy the current model. It's a great computer and you won't regret choosing over buying a PC now.
Anyways, my opinion is that getting a mac or waiting for it is totally worth it, but if you want to buy a PC, go ahead, but you'll regret it when you see what Apple comes out with next.
Don't listen to fatgorilla. I'm sure you just made this thread to get multiple people's opinions on the matter to help you decide.
Here's mine: I like mac and pc equally. I just bought a MBP a few months ago and I love it. I'm still using my pc as a desktop when I'm at home though my LCD is hooked up more often to my mac than my pc.
I originally planned to buy it in May but then I considered waiting a few months and it was worth the few months wait. However, if you need it NOW, then just buy the current model. It's a great computer and you won't regret choosing over buying a PC now.
Anyways, my opinion is that getting a mac or waiting for it is totally worth it, but if you want to buy a PC, go ahead, but you'll regret it when you see what Apple comes out with next.
Nicely put, this is exactly what I wanted to say too. Again, I didn't mean to be rude, but looking back at what this person wrote, its really annoying.
Btw, SJ mentioned in the town-hall meeting "this year's Macs are going to take Apple to the next level". I've been waiting since December and I'm sure I trust him for it !
Sales records for what? A lot of Apple's records are coming from selling iPhones and apps. And of course, seeing how MS just broke all OS sales records since the release of Win 7 and seeing as how some users on this own forum are running Windows 7, I'd say they've certainly done a good job of selling the OS
@nomnom
It's up to you. If you don't really care between OS X and Win7, then just spend what you feel like you want to spend your money on. For some people, the Apple tax just isn't worth it, etc.
As far as taking it to the next level... well unless Apple's are making a big change to the Mac's, they're going to be running the same hardware that was released to the PC world so it won't be anything shocking or new.
So in all likelihood, hardware will be the same (until the next PC refresh)
Well look at it like this;
First of all, the MBP update is most likely a processor update, and the 15 inch and 17 inch updates will, in my opinion, will get the i5 or i7, but I think the 13' will just get a speed bump on the core 2 duo. Thats just what I think though.
Also, just because the windows machine you are looking at has better specs, there are many other things to consider, the MBP has the backlit keyboard, multitouch trackpad, super thin and light unibody enclosure, and above all, OSX. If you really really cant wait anymore, just buy the current MBP, odds are you wont end up needing the extra power in the upgrade anyway.
First of all, the MBP update is most likely a processor update, and the 15 inch and 17 inch updates will, in my opinion, will get the i5 or i7, but I think the 13' will just get a speed bump on the core 2 duo. Thats just what I think though.
Also, just because the windows machine you are looking at has better specs, there are many other things to consider, the MBP has the backlit keyboard, multitouch trackpad, super thin and light unibody enclosure, and above all, OSX. If you really really cant wait anymore, just buy the current MBP, odds are you wont end up needing the extra power in the upgrade anyway.
This post is so wrong!
I have an HP laptop that is four years old as of December and it is still going strong! Your hate is shining through.
I am just stating that you said you can't wait for an update, you were disappointed that there isn't a refresh (update), yet Macs are not that great and your PC has lasted 4 years. So all I was saying is that if Windows based PC has lasted that long and treated you well, and obviously you have been using it, why not just get another PC? There will be an update. I am sure Apple doesn't want to take the hype out of the iPad, and also maybe they are trying to coincide it with MacWorld?..
OMG! This thread is reducilous. I hate all this PC and MAC bashing. Yes the hardware on a MAC is never up to date unless it was first released. But come on, if you compared apples to apples, it does not matter if it was PC or MAC for life expantancy of your computer. A lot of components may be from the same manufacturers.
The only computer I had die on me was an Acer. I knew it was a cheap motherboard and it lasted a year and half, but was hoping for 2 years. But it was 250 bucks and I expected it from one of their chip makers they use across their whole board of products. But the problems is we all love porn, and I would say 7 out of 10 times doing IT work, I will bet some idiot is surfing porn and spyware got in etc and they would bash on their computers or blame windows. (Windows Vista excluded) And since Apple computers don't usually have that problem, I'm going to say its a user problem. And there are a lot of PC software co. *cough* Norton, which their products weren't even compatible with their bundled software on the same CD! Mostly blamed on Windows too. Not a mac hater and not a pc hater but a user hater. =D But Apple does spend more time in QC on a product as a whole, which is why they have less problems.
The only computer I had die on me was an Acer. I knew it was a cheap motherboard and it lasted a year and half, but was hoping for 2 years. But it was 250 bucks and I expected it from one of their chip makers they use across their whole board of products. But the problems is we all love porn, and I would say 7 out of 10 times doing IT work, I will bet some idiot is surfing porn and spyware got in etc and they would bash on their computers or blame windows. (Windows Vista excluded) And since Apple computers don't usually have that problem, I'm going to say its a user problem. And there are a lot of PC software co. *cough* Norton, which their products weren't even compatible with their bundled software on the same CD! Mostly blamed on Windows too. Not a mac hater and not a pc hater but a user hater. =D But Apple does spend more time in QC on a product as a whole, which is why they have less problems.
Agree! I even have a 6 years old Acer (!) laptop here (Centrino 1.5GHz, Radeon Mobility 9700) and it's still running without any problems, only the battery is dead now...
