Why would anyone buy an iMac instead of a Windows desktop?

[TechZeke]

Unfortunately Mac will NEVER win the pricing debate. It flat out is over priced. Even prebuilt machines by HP and Dell are significantly cheaper than apple.

Have you seen the cost of comparable All-in-ones like the iMac? I hope you aren't comparing desktop tower to an AIO like the iMac. Also, find me another PC AIO that has GTX775M or GTX 780M, which is ironic, since Macs are never known for being able to game.
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=27"+all+in+one

For notebooks, check out the XPS 15 Touch or Razor Blade 14 and please me tell how PCs are so much cheaper for the same hardware.

 

[Ddoubledub]

Here we go again... same post we've been answering forever.

Aint that the truth. Just showing my support for OP.

Image

Love scrubs, great use of the pic.

Anyway, I immediately found a windows computer with better specs and a few hundred dollars cheaper.

http://www.neweggbusiness.com/Produ...2-065&ef_id=U6l6PgAABUwAiKFj:20140820173336:s

The iMac has a nicer screen though and is probably quieter

As for notebooks, check out this side by side:
http://www.crn.com/slide-shows/mobi...ativ-book-9-vs-apple-macbook-air.htm/pgno/0/8

Again, let me mention, I like Apple computers. I really just know windows based are more useful professionally and personally.

 

[VI™]

Image

Have you seen the cost of comparable All-in-ones like the iMac? I hope you aren't comparing desktop to tower to an AIO like the iMac. Also, find me another PC AIO that has GTX775M or GTX 780M, which is ironic, since Macs are never known for being able to game.
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=27"+all+in+one

For notebooks, check out the XPS 15 Touch or Razor Blade 14 and please me tell how PCs are so much cheaper for the same hardware.

Yes. The saving comes when you don't need all the extras. It's true you can build a more powerful Wintel Desktop (and even run OS X on it) for a lot less than an iMac. You have the one time cost of a monitor and if you already have a monitor, you don't need to "repurchase" one every time you buy a new computer. You can get a more powerful machine without bluetooth modules and everything else. For pure computer power, a home built tower will get you your pennies for performance quota.

You can even get a similarly performing notebook for less. Of course, it's plastic, thicker, and doesn't have items like an SSD.

But when it comes down to it, once you start speccing out the similar machines like Razers, Alienware, XPS, etc... the prices start to even out quick.

The other point goes to a self built Wintel box for the upgradability. Mine is probably 6 years old with an Intel i7-920, 6GB of RAM and a 680GTX. It plays most games at high settings on my 2650x1600 30" HP. The only thing I've upgraded to stay relavent it the GPU from a 295GTX. When the time comes and there's a processor that offers a significant performance jump than what I have, I'll just upgrade the mobo, RAM and CPU.

But don't think you can do the same with a Dell or HP. They often times have proprietary internals meaning a standard PSU won't fit where it should or drives won't bolt in to where they should and you either have to buy OEM upgrade parts of figure out a way to rig your box to fit your upgrades.

 

[26139]

Huh?

If you're buying a desktop and care about how it looks, then i have to tell you, you're buying a computer for the wrong reason.

Why do you say that? Most of us can't or don't want to hide our desktops, so having them in easy reach requires they be in plain view.

What's wrong with wanting stuff to look...designed?

 

[Ddoubledub]

A computer is a tool. I think my desktop is beautiful, but it is there to perform a task. So for me function>form. If your computer is meant to look pretty, that's fine, i'll just go enjoy my useful software.

All of it.

Because it works.

...On windows.



I feel like that one might get me banned, i just couldnt resist.

 

[cirus]

Have you seen the cost of comparable All-in-ones like the iMac? I hope you aren't comparing desktop to tower to an AIO like the iMac. Also, find me another PC AIO that has GTX775M or GTX 780M, which is ironic, since Macs are never known for being able to game.

For notebooks, check out the XPS 15 Touch or Razor Blade 14 and please me tell how PCs are so much cheaper for the same hardware.

Why would you insist on this comparison? Apple doesn't offer a tower computer (mac pro aside) so any consumer who wants a desktop mac must buy an imac/mini. The comparison is only needed if an AOI is required/preferred.

 

[AppleFan360]

If you're buying a desktop and care about how it looks, then i have to tell you, you're buying a computer for the wrong reason.

That's kind of an odd thing to say. The footprint of the computer and the design can be important to a lot of people. If I was in a business environment, I surely would not want clients walking in and seeing a bunch of bulky, nasty looking boxes with wires hanging out all over the place. Same at home as well with visitors to my house. The iMac has a very sleek and appealing look to it that doesn't take up a lot of space. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[26139]

Okay...

A computer is a tool. I think my desktop is beautiful, but it is there to perform a task. So for me function>form. If your computer is meant to look pretty, that's fine, i'll just go enjoy my useful software.

All of it.

Because it works.

...On windows.



I feel like that one might get me banned, i just couldnt resist.

Okay, so you do what works for you.

Note how I said "What's wrong with wanting stuff to look...designed?" not "everyone should buy the computer I want."

Also, if you're a windows fan, what's the point of being on here? Do Mac users routinely gloat in Windows forums? I've never understood the point of that.

 

[Ddoubledub]

Okay, so you do what works for you.

Note how I said "What's wrong with wanting stuff to look...designed?" not "everyone should buy the computer I want."

Also, if you're a windows fan, what's the point of being on here? Do Mac users routinely gloat in Windows forums? I've never understood the point of that.

I jumped on here because I am an Apple Technician. Mac people DO routinely speak up on PC sites. It's 6 for one half a dozen the other really. My company wastes hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on Macs that can not run statistical software or scientific software and can barely work with our DFS. All because they wanted the company to buy them a mac instead of getting a personal one. I seem to have made a mistake by speaking my opinion.

 

[26139]

Uhh...

I jumped on here because I am an Apple Technician. Mac people DO routinely speak up on PC sites. It's 6 for one half a dozen the other really. My company wastes hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on Macs that can not run statistical software or scientific software and can barely work with our DFS. All because they wanted the company to buy them a mac instead of getting a personal one. I seem to have made a mistake by speaking my opinion.

You're taking your anger on your company out on a bunch of Mac fans, who — far more likely than not — user their computers for either personal or small-business stuff?

Surely you understand that most computers users (not including corporate buyers) don't give a crap about statistical or scientific software, yes?

 

[6749974]

Apple is just a joke right now.

For you. Your emotions and use case are valid—for you. Clearly not everyone is you. Some people are other people. And they may or may not benefit from Apple's value disciplines.

The amount of "It's all about me" in this thread is too damn high.

 

[Ddoubledub]

You're taking your anger on your company out on a bunch of Mac fans, who — far more likely than not — user their computers for either personal or small-business stuff?

THAT... is a fair assessment.

Surely you understand that most computers users (not including corporate buyers) don't give a crap about statistical or scientific software, yes?

Wait... you guys don't do statistical analysis for fun? I knew I should have bought that guitar in college.

 

[ChrisA]

... I don't understand why you would get an iMac ? ....

The PC can't run Mac OS X. (Hackintosh is for hobby users not people doing real work.)

 

[6749974]

THAT... is a fair assessment.

You were so eager to prove your practical nature you forgot to consider you aren't the default, average use-case for mac owners, let alone the owners of an All-in-one known as an iMac—which is the problem the original OP had and apparently got banned for.

Someone buying an iMac clearly is buying for preference, as in—prefers a balance between form and function, simplicity and power. It's not about fanboyism, it's about buying your preference.

I'm a designer. Mac OSX is a joy to use. All my software is on mac OSX. Any games not on OSX I boot camp into. I can run a VM but dont need to. My screen is gorgeous. I live in an apt so I work in our bedroom: the fact that it's silent and follows harmonious aesthetics is important if it's going to be in the bedroom (imagine some Alienware plastic chassis thing, no, not a preference).

Apple is a preference. No it's not perfect to be in the ecosystem, but perfection isn't the goal, preference is. No one is an idiot or a sheep just because they prefer simplicity to optimization.

 

[TechZeke]

Aint that the truth. Just showing my support for OP.


Love scrubs, great use of the pic.

Anyway, I immediately found a windows computer with better specs and a few hundred dollars cheaper.

http://www.neweggbusiness.com/Produ...2-065&ef_id=U6l6PgAABUwAiKFj:20140820173336:s

The iMac has a nicer screen though and is probably quieter

As for notebooks, check out this side by side:
http://www.crn.com/slide-shows/mobi...ativ-book-9-vs-apple-macbook-air.htm/pgno/0/8

Again, let me mention, I like Apple computers. I really just know windows based are more useful professionally and personally.

Okay, 27" 1080p screen...is it even IPS? And what about the enclosure itself? A machine can be built well be made out of other materials besides aluminum, but that looks pretty cheap. Admittedly, I would wait for the 2014 iMac refresh though.

I guess you forgot Apple did a price drop on the MacBook Air, so it's exactly the same price as the Samsung for exact same specs.

 

[irnchriz]

Nevermind, he got banned.

 

[Ddoubledub]

Sadproz,
You had me until you started talking about an ecosystem? What?

I understand entirely that it's up to preference. I mean, you're the one spending the money right? The thing I neglected to do was remember that in order to have a debate on which is better, the criteria must be agreed on first.

You were so eager to prove your practical nature you forgot to consider you aren't the default, average use-case for mac owners, let alone the owners of an All-in-one known as an iMac—which is the problem the original OP had and apparently got banned for.

I wish I liked windows half as much as you like the sound of your own voice.

 

[appleii.c]

OK, just adding MY 2¢ for whatever it's worth... For me, there is nothing I need (or want) to do that I cannot do on a Mac. So looks + design + OSX is worth the extra $200 - $300 or so that I will pay for a SIMILARLY EQUIPPED Windows box.

Once you (Ddoubledub or Haywire or whatever the OP's member name is now), or anyone else convince me that I NEED to go the windows box route, then I'll give it some thought. But for now, I'm perfectly happy, and perfectly equipped with my Mac.

 

[6749974]

If you're buying a desktop and care about how it looks, then i have to tell you, you're buying a computer for the wrong reason.

Form IS function. Form has benefits. Either you're unaware of those benefits or don't have the personality type to care—which is fine for you, but to assume others are making the wrong buying choices for themselves and that you would be making better buying choices is plain arrogant by definition.

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Sadproz,
You had me until you started talking about an ecosystem? What?

I understand entirely that it's up to preference. I mean, you're the one spending the money right? The thing I neglected to do was remember that in order to have a debate on which is better, the criteria must be agreed on first.

I wish I liked windows half as much as you like the sound of your own voice.

Except typing and words aren't the sound of my voice. I am not speaking.

 

[JAT]

Nevermind, he got banned.

About time someone else noticed this.

 

[6749974]

Sadproz,
You had me until you started talking about an ecosystem? What?

I can elaborate. The value in an imac or any apple product isn't just the list of parts or specs, it's the experience of owning the product, and the ecosystem it's a part of. I didn't just buy an imac and iPhone, I bought iCloud (and iWork/iLife apps), FaceTime, AppleCare, Airplay, and a commonality with the mac and design community. There are so many intangible benefits that my tangible money paid for, but many mac attackers don't account for in their side of the debate.

To further elaborate, that ecosystem isn't perfect, as in a lot of software on the. PC side may have more features and capabilities, but the simplicity of the mac ecosystem creates a preference in people, where as they prefer it to the more complex (although perhaps more optimal) ecosystem on the PC side.

----------

Nevermind, he got banned.

I'll never understand why we ban the attackers. We clearly enjoy the debate

 

[Icaras]

Sadproz,
You had me until you started talking about an ecosystem? What?

Really? You're not seriously clueless on the subject of a strong eco-system, are you? It has always been one of Apple's strongest suites when it comes to any of their products. OS X, iCloud, iTunes, and tight integration with iOS is what will keep me from ever buying anything other than an iMac for my desktop needs.

And I am even more stoked about iOS 8 coming out this fall to tie the knot even tighter with Yosemite. I can't wait for features like iCloud Photos, Hand-off, Continuity, iTunes extras support, and family sharing. All of which, will play beautifully with my iMac, and not a Windows PC desktop.

 

[insane79]

I like Apple hardware and actually have MacBook air, but I feel like I am far less productive using Mac OS X than Windows 8.1 Pro/Ent for anything than than browsing the Internet.
Also my work laptop (Lenovo T430) with Windows 8.1 Ent for some reasons feels smoother/snappier even though spec is very comparable to my MBA.

There is nothing wrong with going Mac OS X or Windows 8.1. Different things for different people. I am not vouching for either, but I use Windows for work (I am in IT) and like I said earlier, I cant see myself using Mac OS X and be productive. It just does not work for me when I need to use full Office suite/Visio/Project/OneNote and various other utilities that do not even exist on Mac OS X.

The same way iPhone is not for everyone (and many prefer Android for various reasons) the same can be said for Mac OS X so no need to bash or hate either OS.

no offence but MB air is like a tablet with a keyboard, the topic here is about iMac & windows desktops, iMac will blow away the mba in user experience, gpu performance & the same time have a stable os that doesn't need anti virus , spam control & the rest of the balls.

 

[joema2]

Form IS function. Form has benefits....

I've never understood why many PC builders criticize Mac people for caring about form.

They also care about appearance and form, else their tower PCs would not be festooned with lights, viewing windows in the case, lights on fans, lights on cooling tubes, glowing black lights, colorful visible cables, faceted cases shaped like a stealth fighter, lightning bolt decals, etc.

So the PC builders care strongly about form and appearance, it's just a different vision of form and appearance. Their preferred appearance is largely form without function -- gaudy, added-on, the PC version of chrome-plated tail fins on a car. By contrast a Mac's design blends form with function in a visually quieter, understated manner.

 

[Sodner]

OS X

Answered. Now lets all move on.