<p>So I'm getting a laptop for my birthday for college, and I really can't decide which one to get. It's between the Dell Inspiron 1420 and the Macbook. </p>
<p>I've heard so many different things that just confused me more. I'm planning to major in psychology or journalism, so I probably won't be doing too much artsy stuff. Mostly just using Microsoft Office programs and the Internet, I guess. I've also used Windows all my life, but I have some experience with macs through my friend's computers. I also like that the mac is lighter so I could take it to class if I wanted.</p>
<p>Microsoft Office is available for Mac, and using the Internet is better on a UNIX-based Mac (as it is MUCH less susceptible to viruses, spyware, hacking, and other forms of badware)</p>
<p>It'll take a few hours of playing around with your Mac to get the hang of it, but you'll be glad once you did ;)</p>
<p>undoubtedly Macbook. It's just better. I speak on an XP-OS X comparison. Can't really compare it to Vista, but my macbook beat out my old Dell by miles.</p>
<p>The virus protection really didn't hurt either.
I'd always have to run Norton on my PC, but my Mac is impenetrable.
Truly.
This coming for someone who's been using PCs since 1998. True story. Recently converted in 2008. Have no idea why it took so long.
Oh, Macs used to be so awkward. Good to see the brand finally grew into itself.</p>
<p>OP, this is like going Ford vs Chevy. There really isn't a "right" answer that somebody can give you. That's something you have to decide. Look around this section and you'll find several swear by a variety of brands. You have to decide what's best for you.</p>
<p>I personally have an Inspiron 1501 as do my parents.</p>
<p>As a general rule, don't buy Dell's. They come with some of the worst hardware known to man. If you are determined to get only one of those two, get the mac with an extended warranty and possibly upgraded hardware. If you want something that runs XP/Vista native, go to Custom</a> Gaming PC, Desktop Computers, Workstations, Notebooks, Servers & Components and look at the laptops there. If those are too expensive (and they really shouldn't be), then go to someplace like Costco or a computer store and find something there that has good hardware and talk to someone who knows what they are doing.</p>
<p>AVADirect is a good company. I personally have bought from them in the past, the ratings about them online are some of the nighest I have ever seen, and I some friends of mine tell me how their parents buy from them for their work. Just thought I would say that as it is a smaller online computer store.</p>
<p>In response to the comment about how Mac's are less susceptible to viruses and other things. That is only half true. There are some that are made for Mac's, but as the general rule, not enough people have Mac's so the crackers don't even bother writing malicious software for them. With the common trend that has come out where people are buying Macs, that could change in the near future, but currently there are not very many viruses that have been made for Macs.</p>
<p>Linux FTW.</p>
<p>But like hops_scout said, it is up to you what you go for. For some people, all they need is a Dell, and they do have a good warranty plan. If you need help looking for a computer in a decent price range, let me know and I will help you look. Between these two, I would suggest the Mac, but there are a lot more choices out there.</p>
<p>Bokken, that is entirely untrue. On the lower end Dells, yes **** products are used. But on some of the Vostro/Latitudes and on the majority of XPS systems, well built, high quality parts are used. They use the same components as say a Lenovo, the only difference between the two is the chasis/extra support built into the Lenovo. </p>
<p>Your buying the name and the OS when you pay 1000+ more for a Mac. They use the same processor, same graphics card, equal RAM (Mac's just cost 5x as much), there are only a handful of hard drive manufactures, and if you get an LG screen from Lenovo or Dell, equal screens.</p>
<p>If you aren't deadset on only those two, I would recommend you take a look at Lenovo (as someone here has mentioned). They are one of the best laptops around (based on opinion and reviews). Granted they may not be the most stylish laptops around, but its worth a look. Before I went to college, I was debating between a Lenovo (T61) and a Macbook Pro. (I ended up getting the Pro since I had used Macs until a 2000, when I got my first Windows system).</p>
<p>what about longevity? If you're not going to get a warranty for a macbook (I also might get the macbook pro), is it going to last me 4 years of college? My brother has had a dell since his freshman year and its working fine now in his junior year. I don't have the money to buy more than one computer, especially if I get a mac, so will its durability be an issue?</p>
<p>Get the MacBook Pro with the extended warranty. I have had a Dell Inspiron for years, and just got the MacBook Pro. The main plus for me is the absence of viruses and problems with the Mac. I tried various security software with the Dell pc, but it's just a matter of time before "infection" sets in.</p>
<p>Dabu, in response, I did have a horrible Dell laptop, but even on their higher end systems, their PSU is barely able to take what they have in their and if you try to put anything more than RAM in it will either blow or not work. Also, the reason that Apple's products are better is that the Apple drivers are built for the products. While it may seem like I am quoting the Mac commercial, it is built to be used as a single system, not many random, smaller systems made by different companies.</p>
<p>While some of my arguments switch between desktops and laptops, the the majority of people will agree that going with someone other than Dell, even if it is not a mac, is a better way to go. And if he is set on the Inspiron, I would say get the Mac.</p>
<p>What exactly are you going to put into the laptop? Newer processors use less energy, not more. Hard drives are all pretty standard with the exception of RPM, and I am not 100%, but I do not think you can get over 7200RPM on a 2.5" Drive. I don't know of anyone who updates their graphics card in a laptop, so all that leaves to upgrade is RAM. Upgrade ability is not a concern for the vast majority of people on laptops.</p>
<p>I am not saying that one should definitly buy a Dell as there are other companies that make fine computers, but when comparing a Dell XPS to a Macbook, the only reason to choose the Macbook is either:</p>
<p>A) Money is not an option for you
B) You want to use OSX.</p>
<p>Buying a MacBook over a Dell to simply run Windows is a WASTE of money.</p>