PC or iMac?

[richard.mac]

^ check out my second post. i actually said that the Dell and Sony VAIO are of better value, but are not as good IMO.

when did i mention space? All-in-one desktops use notebook parts and are crammed behind the LCD. this makes the design, parts and manufacturing of the computer more expensive than a normal desktop computer. take the HP tower that the OP suggested and the HP all-in-one for example.

the iMac is the best all-in-one desktop computer, not the best tower desktop computer. i agree that PC tower desktops are better value for money especially when home built. then comes the Mac Pro argument which ive already posted about and wont get into so you can search for it yourself.

 

[Chappers]

How about - Don't buy either - they are in debt. Will they die without a computer?

Get out of debt - then come back and ask.

 

[fireshot91]

They aren't exactly in debt. its just that well, they just bought a house. and that costs a lot of money. so they do have money in the bank, they got food on the table, they got a lot of stuff, they just got GH: World Tour today for 190$ for the Wii. ..my point is, they got money, they just bought a house, so obviously they're a little tight. everybody except for really really rich people would be if they bought a house that sized to.

 

[Chappers]

So they are in debt but not so much debt that they can't afford an iMac which they have decided they want anyway.

What's the problem?

 

[chagla]

there is nothing (no operating system (yes, that includes osx thank you), no platform ..) that can prevent user stupidity.

but if my friends were in dedt, i'd first advise them to do everything they can to get out of debt. a pc/imac is a commodity, not a necessity.

 

[NightFlight]

I know that most of the people here will say "Get an Imac they never get viruses" or something like that.

However, if every Windows machine they have gotten in the past couple years has been corrupted to the extent that you have described, I'm thinking they might just need to learn how to use any computer a little more smartly and safely. It is fairly hard to do that, even on purpose.


Anyways, if I was in debt I would personally go for the cheaper alternative and just learn some basic commom sense about 'safe' computer use and how to take care of your computer.

Perfect....

I've used PCs and Mac my entire life. I have never once gotten a virus on my PC. You get the from going to shady websites and just being stupid in general. Don't open up weird links through AIM or open unknown attachments in emails...

 

[chagla]

However, if every Windows machine they have gotten in the past couple years has been corrupted to the extent that you have described, I'm thinking they might just need to learn how to use any computer a little more smartly and safely. It is fairly hard to do that, even on purpose.

.

yes! finally some enlightment!
thanks for pointing that out.
most non windows user try to make it sound like windows is a malware magnet. one does not need to be a geek to have a safe windows box. simple things like regular updates and simply avoiding clicking on "thousand dollar prize" or "vaction in hawaii offer" on the internet can keep windows box quite safe.

 

[Eddie.exe]

I think the iMac, especially a refurbished one, can be so much more than a new PC which would be the price of a refurbished iMac anyway. To me, it's a no-brainer.

The Mac, due to it's OS is somewhat safer than a PC against viruses. But in reality what makes the Mac OS far, far safer is that it is too small a target for virus writers and this will make any Mac virtually virus-proof.

I have used Apple products since 1979 and never got a virus until a few years ago, and even then it was rare as an occurrence. I have had a few PCs, and got hit by viruses much more requiring me to reinstall Windows. I found that no fun especially since I was a PC tech (MS, Dell, HP) for 8 years as well as fixing Macs, and mostly had to deal with PC/Windows viruses on a mass level sometimes fixing hundreds of machines. I would not want to deal with a PC if I wasn't a tech since I can see what can crop up and attack Windows.

There is also something to be said of the time you save using a Mac vs. troubleshooting a PC. A computer should be a tool, not a hindrance. That being said, Windows has come a long way but is still far from OSX.

Another great, cheaper option is the Mac mini and it's what I use everyday.

This is the best answer I've read.

I agree, tell him to get a Refurbished Mac Mini. I mean, assuming he's been though his share of PCs, he's bound to have a mouse,keyboard, and monitor lying around for it anyways. So I honestly think that's his best choice. But I'd make sure the software he uses works on it 100% though, just to be sure. If it doesn't, let him know in advance. I noticed people are really sensitive about that stuff nowadays

Also, I've been using PCs my whole life and have only gotten a virus once. So I don't know what sites they're visiting. I'm doing fine with my PC

 

[fireshot91]

It's not that they do not know how to use a computer. its that its Windows, after 2-2.5 years, all Windows computers just...die. its natural lol.