When this topic comes up, I think there is always one thing that non-mac users fail to understand, (in the words of SJ "they just don't get it"). First off, specs are not everything.
Not everyone wants to tinker around building a PC, and not everyone wants a computer that you have to "work on" to keep running. Some of us want something that just works, and is basically plug and play.
I started out on macs, first computer was a perform 636CD. That lasted me a good 4-5 years before I needed a new computer. Could not afford a mac, so got a windows based machine, and for the next 4-5 years went through two windows based desktops and a laptop.
In each case it seemed like when I got to the one year mark, the system slowed down dramatically, and even when running anti-virus software I always still ended up with malware infecting my computer, and would usually have to wipe the drive clean and start over.
Also, when it came time to setting up a windows based wireless network that was no easy task either.
Since 2007 and Im back to using Apple products. No issues, no malware, no system slow down after about a year, don't have to waste time trying to trouble shoot when there is a problem because I have not encountered issues.
This final experience I am about to relay sums it all up. A year ago I picked up a linksys wireless router. Took a fair amount of time to set that up...maybe an hour or so, and I would still frequently have issues with it.
A month ago I replaced this with a 1 tb time capsule that has a wireless router built in. Basically all I did was plug it in and my network was there. In less than 5 minutes I was up and running and have not had any issue since than.
Apple products really are the ultimate in personal computing products. Seemless integration of both hardware and software makes for a product that will give you far less issues than a windows machine. They aren't perfect, but they are better than the alternative.
You may pay more upfront, but when you consider that you will be getting a machine that will essentially still be running strong long after your windows machine has stopped running, I think the costs even out.
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I did. Still didn't work. I really, really wanted to make my Mac's work. I really tried everything I could. I even subscribe to Maclife and Macworld magazines and tried the solutions they offered and still nothing but trouble. Hell, I like Mac's so much, some days I still want to go pick up an Air or Pro or Imac and try again. Can most of you really say you don't lose connections or have problems with your Mac's waking up from sleep. In either Maclife or Macwolrd they were stating they were now having problems with Lion. I never had Lion and had all of these issues with SL.
I am having problems picking a Windows machine. Nothing comes close to the design of a Mac. I don't really want a separate tower from the screen. I've been without my own computer for awhile now since I can't make up my mind on what PC to get. It will probably end up being a Lenovo. I hear the customer service sucks though and takes many months to get a product back.
Never had any of those issues you are describing!