<p>
[quote]
Only get a Mac if you like the look.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Or, God forbid, you like Mac OS... we couldn't have that, now could we? </p>
<p>:rolleyes:</p>
<p>Well, why can't mac OS's allow windows programs to run natively? It wouldn't be hard</p>
<p>Because Mac sucks.</p>
<p>i just got a black macbook for college.
amazon.com has the macbook starting at $999 but i opted for the free nano and printer rebate that comes from apple.com with my macbook.</p>
<p>dont just look at the price tag, in one year when your dell breaks and you need a new one. the quality of parts is important as well.</p>
<p>get a macbook, its perfect for your needs.</p>
<p>
[quote]
dont just look at the price tag, in one year when your dell breaks and you need a new one. the quality of parts is important as well.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I've used dells all my life, and I've never experienced one breaking down...</p>
<p>By the way most of my mac insults are just for fun. I'm not a fan of Macs (actually I can't stand them) but realize that they're okay to use.</p>
<p>The thing about ibm/lenovo computers is it seems as if they designers said, "wow, how can i make this thing as ugly and hideous as possible." I mean I understand that they are extremely durable and generally for business users but they are simply the ugliest computers i've ever seen.</p>
<p>It's hard to make Windows programs run natively in OS X because Windows and OS X are radically different OSs under the hood. Now that they're running on the same chipset it's easier, but it's still hardly a small task.</p>
<p>Yeah, but the guys at Mac are genisus. If they wanted to make windows programs run natively, they could. If they did that, I would buy a Mac.</p>
<p>If you want to run Windows programs on a Mac, use Boot Camp. The problem with running windows programs natively while in Mac OS X is that, while you open up the use of all Windows programs, those programs include viruses and spyware and such. As it is, most Windows programs have a Mac version or there is at-least a similar program for a Mac.</p>
<p>Yeah, but what if say, I was a gamer (I'm not), and wanted to join a Halo computer LAN party without constantly rebooting.</p>
<p>And you know, there are very good spyware and anti-virus software out there. That's like walking instead of driving a car because you might get in an accident.</p>
<p>I know there is adequate anti-virus and anti-spyware software out there, but why would anyone want to run more programs if they don't have to?</p>
<p>Well, that won't be a problem in a mac, considering how limited that program list is.</p>
<p>get a dell E1405 i'm using it now, it's soo cool plus i only paid 699 for it and that also includes free shipping</p>
<p>To say that Mac's have a limited program list is just perpetuating a myth. And while we're on the topic of programs, let's look at the top 5 downloads on Download.com for the respective operating systems.</p>
<p>Windows:
LimeWire
Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition
Spyware Doctor
ICQ
Webroot Spy Sweeper</p>
<p>Mac:
LimeWire
LimeWire (Classic)
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Ares
VLC Media Player</p>
<p>I can't help but notice that 3/5 of the top downloads for Windows are anti-Malware apps. </p>
<p>Now I'm not trying to start an argument here, far from it. If you're happy with you're OS, then that's great. I'm extremely happy with mine, and while I doubt that I'll "convert" you to a Mac, I think we both can agree that we should be posting in this thread to help the OP (and others) in making a decision on which computer to get, not get into a Mac vs. Windows debate amongst ourselves.</p>
<p>Oh...and on security...MacBooks have this program...I think it's called iAlertU...that's sort of like this car-alarm type thing where it will sound if the computer is moved.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Well, that won't be a problem in a mac, considering how limited that program list is.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>If only that were actually true, it might be a witty poke.</p>
<p>I think people need to stop looking at HOW MANY programs are available for Windows and look at HOW MANY WORTHWHILE programs are available for Windows.</p>
<p>I'd say go with a dell. Recommending a MAC to someone who just needs the basics at a CHEAP price is ludacris. DO NOT pay 1050+ for a macbook (which probably comes with 512 ram) when you can get a dell that would suit you just fine (im thinking E1505 - you can even get a dedicated video card with that one). Unfortunately for you, it seems that dell stopped its flurry of awesome coupons (like 750 of off a 1999 laptop, etc), but they'll start them back up soon if you can wait.</p>
<p>Dont listen to the guy who told you to get the ASUS s96j. It's an Excellent computer but it has way too much power for you since you wont be using any of it (you dont need a 256mb mobility x1600 unless your a gamer).</p>
<p>The only reason you'd get a mac is if you thought they were so 'cool' and 'sexy' looking that you could not resist them.</p>
<p>Pfft. I have a macbook and I'm a computer science student. </p>
<p>Macs really are worth their value, especially when you factor in the free $200 ipod I got. Macs are not overpriced or expensive anymore, for what you get.</p>
<p>I challenge anyone, go and spec out a dell with <em>all</em> the hardware and software features in the macbook. It's nearly the same price. And there are tons of features in the macbook that you don't get nearly anywhere else: magsafe power supply, magnetic latch, gigabit ethernet, super-thin case, and Mac OS X.</p>
<p>For 99% of what I do as a student, I can do in Mac OS X and Office for Mac (or even openoffice). For that final 1%, I can buy & install a program called Parallels which lets me run windows as an application <em>inside</em> mac os x. Or, I can use Apple Bootcamp and run windows seperately. Both methods let you run nearly any windows program.</p>
<p>126230,</p>
<p>There's more to it than just sheer processing horsepower.</p>
<p>This morning's NYT has a fair and balanced Tech article on things to consider when switching over to a Mac: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/10/technology/10basics.html?_r=1&oref=slogin%5B/url%5D">http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/10/technology/10basics.html?_r=1&oref=slogin</a></p>
<p>(You may have to register to read the article...or not)</p>