Why people are using expensive Macs .are there any advantages?

[bojany]

Hi all.

Why Mac...
After 20 years of windows-linux usage I just wanted to try OSX and my questions were the same as from first post, why pay more for mac when you can have the same thing for 50% less.
Well, after buying MacBook Pro in August I can say that this was one of my best decision in buying computers.
OSX is a pleasure to use, I get 5-6 hours of heavy work from laptop, software is nicer to use and looks better, syncing with my Nokia E72 works flawlessly, my computer back-up itself, ...
Bad things... my wife wants it for herself and there is few chess application like chessbase so I'd need to use windows virutalization but I don't want to. And another thing is that OSX forces you to use Cmd key instead of Ctrl, but I got used to this.

Bojan

 

[thekev]

if you put a price on your time? ... by eliminating the constant PC rebooting time ... Macs will save you $$$

I don't have to reboot more often under boot camp than I do in OSX. Either way time in between could be tracked on a calendar rather than a clock.

1. Mac is more advanced in technology.

3. Mac is of higher productivity.

.
.
.

These two are quite simply incorrect. The Mac has its own out of date stuff. Windows has crap like the registry to deal with. Windows has some incredibly irritating tablet pc animations if you use a wacom and there isn't a straightforward method to disabling these (I replaced the process file with a blank text document with the same name after half an hour of searching and googling for a setting to change).

Macs are always behind in terms of graphics drivers. Apple has most of the control here, and some things just don't run as well. They have an outdated buggy file system (HFS+). Disk Warrior helps, but Apple should have licensed that functionality as a baseline feature long ago. It makes an enormous difference especially if you have to use a number of drives for extra storage. If you need workstation gpus, you've typically got one NVidia option at any given time, and in the past it's taken a long time to get workable drivers for them (look up the old complaints on the Quadro 4000s).

Nice points . I just want to know if you felt some drawbacks..? I am considering to buy a Mac so I am trying to make some decisions

I listed some of the things that bug me with each. With Windows you often have a wider range of hardware availability. Apple does experience problems just like the other oems but they don't try to pull a Dell and put in the cheapest power supply possible (which is nice). The mac pro cases are really quite solid in spite of being an older design. Given that it's looked the same since 2003 an updated case would draw some attention to it which would be nice, but it's quite functional. The cpus seem to run cool enough. The drives and some of the heavier gpus can still run a little hot for my taste. The mac pros are silent even with the tower maxed out with ram, drives, cards, etc.

At the moment the entry level mac pro is just a lot of money for what you are getting. I would wait and see if it gets an update assuming you're looking at that model. Right now it's quite similar to what it was in 2009. The baseline drive capacity went to 1TB, the cpu was bumped from 2.66ghz to 2.8 on basically the same design, and the gpu was bumped up a generation or so. If you can wait until 2012, that thing is due for a major update (as I don't believe they'll kill it). In spite of the rumors they'll kill it, but I expect the design to stay mostly the same.

 

[vitzr]

if you put a price on your time? ... by eliminating the constant PC rebooting time ... Macs will save you $$$

This is a very worn out, tired excuse. It's also no longer relevant.

To use a Mac to it's fullest potential requires learning it. The same can be said for a Windows PC We are talking about computers here. By their very nature they are technical.

 

[torbjoern]

Nice points . I just want to know if you felt some drawbacks..? I am considering to buy a Mac so I am trying to make some decisions

I haven't noticed any drawbacks. Not one, for my usage, that is.

Even though I really looked for it...

 

[N0ddie]

Should have searched as the topic has been raised many a time. Best thread for answers is here:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1259866/

 

[elpmas]

The OP has respectfully asked for some thoughts and opinions on the different platforms. Too bad that one can't ask a question without getting treated so rudely as to be called a troll. No wonder people view Mac users as elitist snobs.

I prefer a Mac, but I don't bash PC's to justify the high profit markup Apple charges. I'm honest about it. It's just business. If you want the Apple OS you're going to have to pay Apples price. It's as simple as that.

That's really unfortunate isn't it? I feel really bad................

 

[asifnaz]

That's really unfortunate isn't it? I feel really bad................

Its ok . I hope you are not sarcastic .

what I have get from discussion so far is...

Apple Pros
1. No viruses
2. Stable
3. Pretty Cases
4. No activation or serial numbers to deal with
Cons
1.Priced.
2. Limited Hardware Support/Availability.
3. No backwards compatibility. (Old apps/hardware wont work when you upgrade operating system)
4. Closed Market (If you want an Apple, you have to buy an Apple.)

 

[Lankyman]

Comparing a Windows (Linux) PC with a Mac, I can say that
1. Mac is more advanced in technology.
2. Mac is more stable and reliable.
3. Mac is of higher productivity.
4. Mac is more enjoyable to use.
.
.
.

Look, I have an iMac, Mac Mini, iPad. However, I also run a Windows 7 PC and quite frankly I do find the old old wives tales about Windows and why I moved to Mac's more than a little tedious.

So for a start -
Mac is more advanced in technology - NO
Mac is more stable and reliable. - NO
Mac is of higher productivity. - NO
Mac is more enjoyable to use - NO certainly not since W7

Another old wives tale - maintenance defrag etc. W7 auto defrags in background updates are auto.
BSOD - virtually never seen one - right from Windows 3.1 I do question many users computer skills if they encountered many of these.
Viruses - never had one and always use the Free AV's

I bought my Mac's simply because I wanted one. However, I don't feel the need to justify my purchases by constantly slagging off a competitors more than competent products. More honesty please folks.

 

[Catch]

5.Mac is Expensive

On serious note Macs' strong point is in the multimedia department. Personally, if you aren't doing any kind of heavy duty video editing or image editing or musical recording, they aren't worth the price

Across my businesses we have moved everything over to Mac OS X and that includes the back office accounting guys as well.

To me having the team sitting around doing nothing because we are waiting for the tech guys to fix a problem is expensive. After we moved over to OS X we simply have fewer down time hours. For us thats a fact and it means we save money.

For you it might be expensive or 'not worth it'.

If you want to use OS X you need to be on the Mac hardware. Professionally there is simply no way around this.

Have a nice day,


C

 

[seepel]

I don't think the Apple tax is as true as it once was, certainly not in the notebooks and maybe becomes a little more true as you move towards the Mac Pro. The thing you need to realize is that Apple pretty much only makes premium machines, as such if you are going to compare, you need to compare to a similarly specced PC in every category, right down to the webcam. Of course there are caveats, for example Apple hasn't traditionally been too concerned with putting the best graphics in their computers so Mac will typically lose there. Also Apples pricing scheme doesn't change from when they first release a product, so the Apple tax will become slightly more apparent as a product reaches refresh time. These factors aside, if you spec a premium PC of truly equal quality to a Mac I think you'll find the price difference to be less than you expect.

 

[leman]

I am above average PC user . I know Macs look cool but I see absolutely no point spending more than twice money for bit dated hardware .

If you are going to say it is safe from viruses I might say I don't get viruses on windows either (using free antiviruses ) and I use Ubuntu Linux as well which is quite similar to Mac OS X in design and feel

I am not against Apple or Mac just curious why so many people have these expensive machines
Thank you

I am not sure what about the iMac is supposed to be "dated".

Anyway, try building a PC which would match the iMacs characteristics (size, power consumption, weight) and still pack the same high-end hardware. Right, you can't. Not for 1000$, not for 3000$, not for any sum at all. In the end, its not so easy to pack an entire computer tower and a LCD panel into the body of a monitor.

Btw, try matching iMac's components to a custom build PC. And don't forget a high-end aluminium case, a high-efficiency PSU, a bluetooth and IR receivers and a 27" IPS display. Of course, you also have to trow the price of Windows 7 and a decent bluetooth keyboard/mouse into the mix. And speakers, obviously. Do all this and you'll see that the iMac is not that expensive after all...

 

[GGJstudios]

4. No activation or serial numbers to deal with

I'm not sure what you mean by this.

2. Limited Hardware Support/Availability.

I don't know what you mean by this, either. What limits are you talking about?

3. No backwards compatibility. (Old apps/hardware wont work when you upgrade operating system)

This isn't any more true for Mac than it is for Windows. I don't know of any hardware incompatibilities, other than old systems who don't have minimum requirements for the new OS. This, too, is the same scenario with Windows. Also, when any new OS version is released, software compatibility is determined by app developers, who either:

• quickly release updated versions that are compatible with the new OS
• slowly release updated versions
• opt to not upgrade their apps to be compatible with the new OS

4. Closed Market (If you want an Apple, you have to buy an Apple.)

Again, this makes no sense. If you want a Dell, you have to buy a Dell. If you want a Toshiba, you have to buy a Toshiba.

 

[173080]

Expensive is a relative term. What's expensive to one may not be expensive to another. I buy Macs because they meet my needs, primarily because of Mac OS X, and the price is one I'm willing and able to pay. Why do people buy Mercedes or larger homes or Rolexes or anything that has a cheaper alternative? Because they can!

Agreed. I don't think $2500 for a Macbook Pro is expensive at all. Just the briefcase to carry my MBP cost half that, I could have bought another laptop with what I paid for the briefcase.

I could get a PC with a faster processor, more memory, better specs for less money. But I don't need this extra performance. What I do want is an elegant computer, and that is non-negotiable.

 

[leman]

The OP has respectfully asked for some thoughts and opinions on the different platforms. Too bad that one can't ask a question without getting treated so rudely as to be called a troll. No wonder people view Mac users as elitist snobs.

I prefer a Mac, but I don't bash PC's to justify the high profit markup Apple charges. I'm honest about it. It's just business. If you want the Apple OS you're going to have to pay Apples price. It's as simple as that.

Its true what you say but you have to understand that the Mac community reacts rather sharply to such threads simply because its usually the PC guy who is a "elitist snob". Try going on a average computer forum and mention that you are using a Mac, you will start getting hate posts immediately.

The problem is that obviously, people don't have much hand on experience with things (the same applies to Mac users which claim that Windows 7 is less stable than OS X, its clearly not). I remember few years ago having a conversation with an IT guy at a party, who was bashing Macs as being user-unfriendly and not suited for professional work. Funnily enough, he didn't even know that OS X was built upon Unix. BTW, last time I heard from him, he bought a Macbook

 

[zigzagg321]

Built in capabilities, no bloatware, beautiful UI and unmatched support.

Seems like the Mac is the bargain in the computer world all of a sudden... oh wait, no...its always been that way.

 

[51249ca]

For me, using the mac for the last 3 years, the positives are:
(1) installing programs. 10X easier, 10X faster and more efficient than Windows. 90% of programs are just double-click and drag to the Applications folder. 10-30 second installations vs 2-15 minute installations + computer restart
(2) the look/feel of the HW.
(3) Excellent phone-in customer service.
(4) generally better laptop battery life
(5) easier setup of OS when you first purchase computer, Ethernet/Wireless "just work" and rarely have to be troubleshooted.

Downsides
(1) Some macs are too much trouble to install HD in. One shouldn't have to do 17 steps to install a HD (MacBook pro 2008). New ones are ok, minus the BS that Jobs did with the newer iMacs
(2) no USB3
(3) can't see Thunderbolt ever gaining real traction. Shouldn't HTC have sued them for the Thunderbolt trade name????
(4) Overall company arrogance of Apple Inc. (the stuff you don't read in forums and media).

 

[Doctor Q]

Here's my 2 cents on the tradeoffs:

Macs don't "just work" 100% of the time, but they do so more often than Windows PCs. Most Macs cost more up front, but over the long haul they can save you money if your time is valuable. However, when people who are casual computer users (not hardcore geeks) ask me which platform to use, I tell them that the two most important factors are these:

1. Where you'll get your support. Some people are computer geniuses and do-it-yourselfers who can figure things out for themselves or find their answers online. For everyone else, consider where you'll get support. If there's an Apple Store near you and that's where you'd go for support, Macs have the edge. If your support will come from a friend, relative, coworker, classmate, or neighbor, then the platform that that person knows best will give you an advantage.
   
   
2. What you're used to. Unless you purposely want to "learn the other side", it takes less work to continue using the platform you've been using. Don't switch unless you want the cross-platform experience or don't mind taking the time to get used to doing things differently.

In my experience, other factors, like total cost of ownership and the ease of doing any particular task, are secondary factors.

 

[stickybuns]

I'm surprised that no one has mention the cost differences AFTER you buy the computer itself:
- iWork is $33 vs $150 for MS Office
- upgrading OSX will cost you $30 vs $120 for a Windows 7 upgrade

Yes, I know there are probably better bargains out there on MS products. The point is that the starting points on software are quite different and help to bring down the overall cost.

 

[gnasher729]

I will defiantly buy one . I will not face a learning curve as I am coming from Ubuntu/Linux (and windows as well ) . I will start with less expensive Mac like MBA or Mac Mini (or may be a slightly used one)

This doesn't make sense. You are saying that you will buy one in bold disobedience? What is that supposed to mean? Please explain.

 

[seedidea]

Switched late last winter after decades with PCs. Got frustrated with hardware and software product fragmentation in the Windows world. Took 2-3 months to adjust to OSX and it feels like I've passed the sound barrier: smooth as silk. Now I use the compter and mobiles to get things done, not maintain them. Apple's hardware-software integration and design quality of both domains is worth every penny of the Apple premium.

 

[Sandman1969]

My wife and I switched 4 years ago. I had always been a PC guy, building every computer I ever had. Used Windows since day 3.x and linux during my college days.

It was the time I needed to upgrade both of our computers and decided to bite the bullet and switch to the MAC. I had never really seriously used a Mac much. My friend did have a IIe that I messed with some, but that was ages ago.

It was a good learning curve with the switch, but coming from XP it was very nice. Everything you get with a new MAC needs to be considered as well. You get a great suite in iLife which I use GarageBand a ton and my wife spends a lot of time with iPhoto and iDVD. We bought two 24" iMACs which at the time were top of the line. 4 years later they still work wonderfully for what we need. We even spent a good bit of time early on playing WoW on them. No desire for those time sink games anymore.
If you build a comparable PC with everything that is in the iMAC, the Apple is not that much more considering the cost savings you get with included software and OS upgrade prices. Don't forget the software cost if you need anything that is included with iLife.

I haven't had to worry about viruses, and everything just works. Yes it does. Since then we both have an iPAD2, the Apple TV 2, and both have iPhones and how everything just works seamlessly together is a huge plus.

My kids both still use a PC running Windows 7. It is definitely much nicer than Vista. However, I definitely want to get them on OSX sometime. Was thinking two minis but now I am thinking next year or so buy new iMACs and give them ours. How quiet our office is with the two PCs off is amazing. That right there is worth a couple $$ to me.

Anyway, buy what you can afford. We can afford MACs and the only regret I have is not switching sooner.

 

[elistan]

I am above average PC user . I know Macs look cool but I see absolutely no point spending more than twice money for bit dated hardware .

If you are going to say it is safe from viruses I might say I don't get viruses on windows either (using free antiviruses ) and I use Ubuntu Linux as well which is quite similar to Mac OS X in design and feel

I am not against Apple or Mac just curious why so many people have these expensive machines
Thank you

Once you add in, say, a Dell U2711 monitor (which uses the same 2560x1440 IPS panel as the 27" iMac) for $1099, you have a Dell and an Apple that are actually fairly close in price. (Although the Dell does win out on a few specs these days, but also looses out on some features.)

So basically, if you assume you want a nice 27" 2560x1440 monitor, choosing between Dell vs Apple isn't much of a price consideration.

(The Mac mini, I'll grant you, does appear to be rather overpriced compared to similarly spec'ed monitor-less PCs.)

 

[Icaras]

As an above average PC user, your usual habit is in reading specs. Unless you break free of this notion, it will just be plain difficult to open your mind up to the advantages of a Mac, or any Apple product.

 

[DaHood]

Closed Market (If you want an Apple, you have to buy an Apple.)

If you want a Dell, you have to buy a Dell. If you want a Toshiba, you have to buy a Toshiba.

Not exactly what should have been said. If you want OS X, you have to buy an Apple. If you want Windows, you have many choices.

The thing for me is, since my family have converted to Macs, I don't receive phone calls every other day for support. I haven't had to reinstall anyone's machines due to data corruption or virus infections. Macs have saved me a LOT of headaches and to me that is worth the premium. I put my mother who had never used a computer before on a Mac. She has had very little trouble learning how to use it. She is still using a now very dated eMac for several years and seems to be satisfied. However, having used it recently I can say that it is due for an update as it runs all these rich content websites quite slowly.

Macs do break, and when it happens, it isn't pretty. But I have had to repair a Mac far less than I have Windows machines. Most Macs are sealed or relatively sealed and not very friendly for do-it-yourself repair unless you're fairly geeky. But let's face it, unless you're fairly geeky, you probably aren't going to know how to fix a PC either. You turn to your geeky friend. And if you do want to replace parts in let's say an iMac, for example, there is plenty of information available. iFixit buys the latest Macs and tears them down just about as soon as they're released. Then they post the directions online for those who want it.

Macs aren't the most powerful machines. But they are very stable. That is one of the advantages of having a "closed" system. When Apple updates OS X, they pretty much know exactly what you have and the installation generally goes easily, leaving all of your hardware running with stable drivers.

In short, my experience with Mac is a far less troublesome experience compared to PC/Windows and certainly less trouble than Linux. But I never got into Linux for ease of use. I got into Linux because I like to tinker. In the end, I chose to use Mac on a daily basis because I don't always want to mess around with a computer unless I'm sitting down to mess with a computer. I just want to get my things done with less headaches and I find the premium I pay to be worth it.

I won't say that Macs are "superior" to PC/Windows or PC/Linux. I will say that I have found Macs to be worth the premium in my experience. What you choose, is your choice.

 

[McGiord]

I have been using Macs since the MacPlus, and what I can tell you is that there are no better personal computers out there.
You are welcome to the real meaningful world of personal computers, and you are saying that you need to learn how to use a Mac?
HAHAHAHA....where is the Manual?
Say bye bye to those XXXX for Dummies books you were used to buy.

To transition from Windows or Linux to a Mac is like transitioning from an ordinary life and trying to be a Jedi, you have to unlearn what you had learnt.

Those complaining about the command key vs the control key:
The first successful application of cut, copy, paste and undo comes from the Mac. So thinking because you unfortunately learned to use a personal computer with Windows or Linux is not a very good argument. Also Word and Excel come from the work done by Microsoft for the Mac early days.

Anyway, current Mac's keyboards have the control and fn keys.
One thing I have never and will never be willing to learn in Windows is how to enter accents and letters used in languages different from english. Those Alt+some stupid number.

So far, in my experience I have been able to run any software I want to.
Can you run Mac software on any other hardware out there?
For sure is not the same as running it on a Mac.
Not having Mac hardware means a very crippled experience.
Those hackingtoshs are very nerdy to maintain.