<p>
[quote]
apple says they purposely make their stuff uncompatable in order to maintain quality.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I've never heard this. Source?</p>
<p>The reason why Mac OS is incompatible is the fact that it's UNIX based.</p>
<p>The new Macs with the Intel Core Duo can run Microsoft Windows without an emulator. That should eliminate your compatibility problem.</p>
<p>my source is steve jobs. he said it in one of his presentations.</p>
<p>Fair enough. </p>
<p>I suppose in some ways it's good, then. There are tons of buggy crappy software out there for Windows, and it's really sad to watch the less savvy among us install crap until their Windows implodes.</p>
<p>By the way, best reason to own a Mac? Quicksilver.</p>
<p>As predicted, this thread quickly turned into the Mac vs. PC debate (with me contributing to it). The best solution is to try to get a good feel for how you'll use the system, what software applications you'll use, and then price the systems and make a selection. The fact is that either will work (but a PC will be less expensive and more flexible - haha).</p>
<p>It's at least interesting to note how Macs are popular in public schools (Apple makes very good deals for schools) but by the time one gets to the business world, the vast majority of systems (probably 9:1) aren't Mac or Unix based - they're PCs. The businesses choose PCs for economic, reliability, supportability, and flexibility reasons.</p>
<p>If you have no other preference, determine your usage, the aesthetics, and let your pocketbook guide you. And - buy from an American company. You just might want to work for one of those companies one day.</p>
<p>ucsd<em>ucla</em>dad,</p>
<p>Is it in any way shocking that a thread titled "mac or pc" is a debate about Macs vs. PCs? I mean, it doesn't take Ms. Cleo to forsee that one...</p>
<p>
[quote]
The fact is that either will work (but a PC will be less expensive and more flexible - haha).
[/quote]
</p>
<p>How can you say that? Especially since the newer Macs run Windows, it's the Macs that are more flexible.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Macs are popular in public schools (Apple makes very good deals for schools) but by the time one gets to the business world, the vast majority of systems (probably 9:1) aren't Mac or Unix based - they're PCs.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>So?</p>
<p>
[quote]
The businesses choose PCs for economic, reliability, supportability, and flexibility reasons.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I'd go more with "economic" than anything. UNIX and Linux variants are known to be usually more stable offerings than Windows based OSes. </p>
<p>
[quote]
And - buy from an American company. You just might want to work for one of those companies one day.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Or better yet, buy from the company that offers you the best deal. Besides, what's an "American company" these days? Is Dell more American than Sony of America?</p>
<p>UCLAri:</p>
<p>True - Apple has finally come around and changed their architecture so it can run Windows. :) </p>
<p>Almost nobody other than afficionados runs a Unix/Linux-based desktop in business. They're used primarily as servers. They're too user-unfriendly for the majority of users. Almost anybody in the business would confirm that.</p>
<p>My "American-made" comment was a friendly jab at someone else on this thread urging people to buy Lenovo to support (communist) China. As far as who is more American these days, one would really need to look at employment figures. I agree it's not as simple as looking at the parent-company country of origin. Buying a Toyota built in Kentucky is, in my mind, "buying American". </p>
<p>btw - I've enjoyed your posts.</p>
<p>ucsd<em>ucla</em>dad,</p>
<p>First off, thanks.</p>
<p>Anyway, as for afficionados, I agree. However, I think that for personal use, any system is fine as long as it meets your needs. It's not like if I choose a Mac for my personal use, all of a sudden I become Windows stupid. And y'know, some of the GNOME-based Linux variants are surprisingly easy to use, and with the advent of open source suites like OpenOffice.org, it's becoming easier and easier to switch. </p>
<p>
[quote]
My "American-made" comment was a friendly jab at someone else on this thread urging people to buy Lenovo to support (communist) China.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Hahah, China's about as "communist" as the US is purely capitalist. Besides, if Lenovo's systems are good (and they are), I'd buy one anyday. In fact, I almost bought one over the MacBook, but in the end, the pure sexiness of running both Windows and Mac OS won me over.</p>
<p>The Lenovo systems do have a cool fingerprint ID security device built-in. I'd be willing to buy a Lenovo as well but have purchased a number Dells instead. The prices are good, their web presence is the standard, and their service is widespread and easy to obtain. My daughter had a problem with her power adapter (I know - doesn't bode well for Dell) and simply took it to the UCSD bookstore where they arranged for it to be replaced at no charge within a couple of days. </p>
<p>With your new Mac, you have the best of both worlds (but at a price). Make sure you lock it down if you're in a shared living situation (especially dorms) since it'll be so sexy it might be hard for people to resist!</p>
<p>ucsd<em>ucla</em>dad,</p>
<p>Well, I'm fortunate enough right now to be in Japan, where nobody steals. But when i come back to the States, I plan on locking it, putting on a STOP plate, and insuring it.</p>
<p>Yes, I'm a bit overprotective, but my computer is my life.</p>
<p>The coolest thing about the Lenovo, if you ask me, is the ThinkPad button that automatically fixes problems. I hear it'll even restore your OS if you need it.</p>
<p>well if you want to save money go with the PC. not only is the hardware cheaper, most of the software can be found with dubious methods.</p>
<p>I love the macbook pro I just got at UCSD for 700 off the original price... I haven't tried using bootcamp yet, as I don't have a windows disk with SP2 on it.</p>
<p>hobo,</p>
<p>I've found plenty of free Mac software through dubious methods. ;)</p>
<p>stop plates dont work (unless you lose your computer and a good samaritan finds it, or if the thief is stupid and resels the machine with it still on).</p>
<p>you can get one off by simply using a piece of paper. that 800 lbs of force warning is pure crap.</p>
<p>i am NIECK i am,</p>
<p>Even if you take it off, the tattoo still remains. I know it's silly, but UCPD recommended them based on their experiences. When I worked for UCLA, I saw a number of people get things back with them, so I've had nothing but good experiences. </p>
<p>Besides, at $25 and with the recommendation of UCPD, I see nothing wrong with adding a little extra.</p>
<p>BTW, have you ever personally taken one off?</p>
<p>my school gives every student a laptop, and each one has the stop plate on it. the first 2 years people hella took them off and you could never tell that they were there to begin with. this year they decided to make a fine if the plate was missing. they obviously know you can take it off if they publish a fine for missing plates. and unless the tattoo looks like a glob of glue (one of my teachers computer is missing the plate and has the glue mark left over), it doesn't show on apples. i have seen students ibooks and teachers powerbooks with no stop sign and no tattoo. and these are people who i know are using the school comp and not a personal comp.</p>
<p>i wouldn't say dont get the thing, im just saying, dont think of it as the ultimate protection.</p>
<p>oh, and as for the personally thing, i have gotten a piece of paper a quarter of the way through (i stopped because i realized that i really did want the sign to stay on). all you do is slide it back and forth and it just cuts through the glue. quite easily too. </p>
<p>and, no, this is not me advertising the flaw. don't try it kids. grand theft is not something you want on your record.</p>
<p>Fair enough. Well, then don't bother. </p>
<p>Save the money for insurance, I'd say. After all, you're better off with insurance anyway.</p>