<p>The Mac won't get viruses, will be easier to use, and is cooler.
The ThinkPad will have cheaper accessories, more accessories (like a port replicator which would help a lot), accidental damage coverage, and can run all programs I will need.</p>
<p>I don't do any fancy graphic design, fancy picture stuff, or make movies, so my PC can do whatever I need to do and so can the Mac. Which would you guys get. Just add the votes in this format:</p>
<p>Mac: 0
ThinkPad: 0</p>
<p>If you guys actually vote it might help me make up my mind, probably not.</p>
<p>Thinkpad is negligibly cheaper. The warranty seems really nice. My only issues is that I REALLY like the Mac, but feel like in the long run the PC would be better if viruses don't kill it first. It's basically a kick ass warranty vs a kick ass computer.</p>
<p>If you get the Mac, you get a free iPod Nano. Good deal if you don't already have one.</p>
<p>My family has gone thru sooooo many PCs. Its so annoying. They start out great, then get insanely mind-numbingly slow. Then get overrun by viruses. I got tired of it, so I went and bought my Macbook with my own money, 9 months before my parents would have bought it for me for college. I just couldn't take it anymore. lol</p>
<p>We have the maximum no questions 5 year insurance policy on my Dell. I don't think it is the greatest computer ever, but since I got it two years ago, the insurance has worked out great. The screen, keyboard, drive, and port have all gone out at different times. My computer gets a lot of abuse. Dell has sent someone with replacement parts within 24-48 hours each time. Of course, maybe some other product won't need repairs :-) but I'd suggest insurance.</p>
<p>Basically with my warranty for the PC I can call whenever I have a problem. If they can't fix it over the phone, they send someone within a day or two. If he can't fix it or tell me what to replace (free replacement) they give me a new computer. I can see myself abusing my computer to no ends during college. However, all my friends have Macs and love them to death. I really like Macs too. Why does Penn have to give such great warranties for FREE? If the warranties were equal I'd stick with the Mac.</p>
<p>A lot depends on your major and the kind of software you need to run. If your major requires Windows only programs, you’re better off with the IBM/Lenovo laptop. While it’s true that the Mac can run Window programs, you have to buy a copy of Windows XP or Vista to install on your Mac. Microsoft, at one point, required Intel-based Macs to run Vista Business in order to qualify for technical support. I don’t know if this is still true… A big plus for the IBM laptop is it’s running the latest Santa Rosa chipset which runs somewhat faster than the MacBook which is due to be updated in the next couple of months. The current MacBooks are in the close out stage. A minor matter is the upcoming release of Leopard in October which you’ll want to upgrade to… </p>
<p>So, the IBM/Lenovo is running the latest Santa Rosa chipset and Vista Premium. If your major is Windows based, get the IBM. If your major leans more towards the Mac, get the Mac. The only problem may be “buyers remorse” when the new MacBook/MacBook Pros are released shortly with the Santa Rosa chipset which will be quicker (but the advanced graphic capabilities of that chip is not being enabled by Apple…don’t know why that is…many complaints on Mac forums). There's also rumors that Apple will introduce a touch screen (like the Iphone) to their laptop line when Leopard is released.</p>
<p>Most majors I'm leaning towards don't really require either (not helping me). If I transfer to Wharton most of the stuff will be windows based, but thats a big enough if and I should be perfectly fine with a Mac anyway. This is why the decision is so tough.</p>
<p>A lot of software is incompatible with Macs. One example is just software that you might need for class. I took a course on biometry which required the use of some statistical software that was only available on the pc. Mac users either had to use computers in the computer lab or use other software. I really don't understand the appeal of the Mac other than its sleek look and its overpriced cost. The Mac commercials have been really effective in terms of indoctrinating people into thinking that Macs are better than PCs without providing much substantive evidence to back up their claims.</p>
<p>Also, if you're a gamer, I would not recommend getting a Mac.</p>
<p>As a poster pointed out, people just “love” their Macs. Macs are sexy, sleek, fun and, oh yeah, they’re also a computer. The same is true about the new IPhone which is also a phone. Somewhere in a list of adjectives, the fact that the device is used for a purpose is buried beneath more ephemeral qualities. No one on the Windows side of the ledger gushes about their Thinkpad. First and foremost, it’s a computer. It’s built like a tank. It matches your dark-grey-suit. Words like” sleek” and “fun” do not enter into the equation. “Sexy”? Only if you’re into bondage…</p>
<p>If you’re thinking of transferring to the Wharton School of Business, the drug of choice is the ThinkPad. Business and finance runs in a Windows environment. </p>
<p>Your post states that all your work runs fine under Windows. You don’t do anything that Macs are known for and yet you “might” want to drink from the Apple “Kool-Aid” fountain? Clearly, your post has nothing to do with rationality. The rational and sensible choice is the Thinkpad. It does everything you want and nothing more. It’s slightly cheaper with a better accidental damage warranty. It’s running the latest Intel Santa Rosa chipset and Vista.</p>
<p>The MacBook: Very slightly more expensive with a poorer accidental damage policy. It’s running “last season’s” Intel duo-core chipset. Apple is selling these models to “clear the decks” of old inventory to make way for the new Santa Rosa based machines that may have the really cool touch screen functions now being used by the IPhone. Leopard is due out in October. You’ll need to buy and install Windows on your shiny Macbook in order to run any non-Apple compatible programs. And then you’ll be sitting in class with your black MacBook while those students who waited a month or so are doing IPhone touch screen stunts on their brushed Aluminum skinned MacBooks with the more energy efficient Santa Rosa processor. (HP already has a touch screen laptop, but I’m sure it’s nowhere near as elegant as the Apple implementation.) Still feeling “Cool”? </p>
<p>The common theme in all of the CC “Mac vs. PC” debates is Window users who are thinking of switching over to Macs. 95% of the US computer market belongs to Windows. Apple’s market share is 5%. You’re in college; getting a Mac will likely broaden your horizons. Just remember, when you get your first job, there’s at least a 95% chance that your cubicle will have a networked Dell or HP starring at you for the next 9 hours…</p>