<p>find it on other threads...I'm not going to repeat what i already wrote and i'm not going to spend time looking for it...</p>
<p>Well, it's not that I don't like it. But I just wanted to be sure that it's known that some of the stuff being said isn't quite true. :)</p>
<p>I mean, the whole Mac is inherently superior to a PC mentality is way off. If anyone thinks any of the Mac vs. PC commercials reflect reality, then well.. you know. Much of it is way overblown and forced.</p>
<p>You said something about a fan breaking. Hard drives failing. I mean those are potential issues with any device, although more likely say if it's a junk sub $1k machine. A broken fan can easily be repalced. And hard drives are made by the same companies regardless of the platform. The hardware is pretty much the same either way.</p>
<p>As for other commonly cited issues regarding a PC, I firmly believe that a significant portion results from "user error" or 3rd party manufacturers. Yet, blame is often pointed at Windows, and hence PC. Just think of all the ways people mess up their computers, from installing tons of junk and indiscretion when using the internet. Other times they are driver issues.</p>
<p>Arguments over aesthetics has some merit. Sure Apple's got it down with the OS and hardware. (Although some aspects can be ugly.) But the PC market is definitely doing much better lately. Vista makes a great advancement in this area as well. (And please, don't buy into all the things people complain about.)</p>
<p>The truthful and best thing that can be said in regards to Mac vs. PC is that they are on the same exact level given that it's used properly. It should really only come down to personal and subjective preference, rather than some sort of technical hierarchy.</p>
<p>OpenOffice is cra*. Seriously, I'd rather fork out a few hundred than get free software that can't even spellcheck or format things correctly..</p>
<p>
[quote]
As for other commonly cited issues regarding a PC, I firmly believe that a significant portion results from "user error" or 3rd party manufacturers. Yet, blame is often pointed at Windows, and hence PC. Just think of all the ways people mess up their computers, from installing tons of junk and indiscretion when using the internet. Other times they are driver issues.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>doesn't that bring up an interesting point, though? Macs, supposedly, don't have as many errors and what not, regardless of the source. wouldn't that make them more idiot-proof while retaining the capabilities of a Windows machine? just a thought.</p>
<p>the thing i don't like about Vista is that it seems to be a poor imitation of OSX. requires too many resources to do the same thing. of course, i've never used it, so i could likely be wrong.</p>
<p>anyway, you can run Windows and OSX on a Mac with little or no problems.</p>
<p>some of us know how to illegally run OSX on our PCs...but we choose not too...</p>
<p>"doesn't that bring up an interesting point, though? Macs, supposedly, don't have as many errors and what not, regardless of the source. wouldn't that make them more idiot-proof while retaining the capabilities of a Windows machine? just a thought."</p>
<p>Propietary OS. It's probably a lot easier to make a stable, secure OS if you don't have to structure the code towards being able to support a plethora of 3rd party software programs. I guess it works well at keeping away bad things, but it also severely limits the range of programs you're able to run (and also means you'll probably never get decent video games made for a Mac).</p>
<p>Well, I don't really play computer games, actually I own an old Xbox, and and barely ever play it. I just thought maybe I can try something new. I don't think that either computer is superior to the other one, and I know that Microsoft and MAC are on the same exact level if you use them properly (if you know what I mean). Just like some ppl have said, it's a personal preference. I'm going to test a macbook out at a apple store this coming weekend and see how it goes. If I don't like it, then I simply won't purchase one. I don't like bashing other companies and I think both Microsoft and Apple put forth a tremendous effort to make their products the best on the market. I think this potential macbook will just be for my college experience...b/c let's face it. Business corporations and such mostly use PCs and will probably not change (Unless there is some computer revolution in the next decade). I have nothing against either company or OS. I know that I will have to get used to the new interface and the different names, but within two or three days of using the macbook, I think will catch on.</p>
<p>I've also tried safari on my windows XP just to get a preview of what Mac's default internet is like. I like the RSS feeds and the layout. I just don't like how the address bar doesn't drop down like it does in Internet Explorer or Firefox. Maybe the address bar drops down in the Mac version of Firefox (Camino)? Also my Gmail Quick chat contacts does not show up in Safari...but it does in IE and Firefox..don't know why.</p>
<p>Well good. I'm glad that we got that clear. As you can tell, it seems to be quite common that people will spout out a bunch of bs against the competition. Your last post is definitely more pragmatic than the initial one where it seems like you're basing a decision solely on anecdotes or misinformation that has spread.</p>
<p>Honestly, if you have no legitimate issues in what you're using now, I don't see a point in switching just for the sake of it (I mean unless you're like a tech geek that just wants to have owned/used a neat thing.). I personally was wowed by the Dock and the effects the first time I saw OS X. But it kind of wears off in a while once I couldn't see how a Mac is so intuitive. Then again, that's probably simply because I'm used to the Windows way; yet I'm not foreign to them since they were common in elementary/high school.</p>
<p>Anyhow, I would have said the same thing as dilksy. Also I wouldn't throw around imitation as if our society didn't operate in this method for every single thing man-made.</p>
<p>if you're only interested in word processing, just use latex for everything. works for me. this is probably only a good idea if you're hardcore math/science.</p>
<p>
[quote]
OpenOffice is cra*. Seriously, I'd rather fork out a few hundred than get free software that can't even spellcheck or format things correctly..
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Huh? Since when? And what issues are these?</p>
<p>
[quote]
I think both Microsoft and Apple put forth a tremendous effort to make their products the best on the market.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Or at least to bad mouth/ocassionally destroy the competition.</p>
<p>Latex is a little extreme for just basic word processing, but it does work well for math homework if you're familiar enough with it.</p>
<p>what is latex? what is with the name?</p>
<p>"Or at least to bad mouth/ocassionally destroy the competition."</p>
<p>Its all just good marketing.</p>
<p>from comments:
"By agreeing to Microsoft's EULA, you essentially agree to "rent" your computer from Microsoft.</p>
<p>Don't like it? Don't use Windows."</p>
<p>If you are a college student with a valid student id, Microsoft is offering Office 2007 for $60. It's a special offer that is valid now and will officially end in April, 2008.</p>
<p>See: <a href="http://theultimatesteal.com/home.asp%5B/url%5D">http://theultimatesteal.com/home.asp</a></p>
<p>Is that even a valid program, Michuncle? Have you tried it, has any one you know tried it? What do you use to open a .exe file when it's downloaded and why is there no number for you to contact on the site?</p>
<p>Microsoft Office 2007 is for Windows machines. Won't work on Macs. Office 2004 is the latest release for Macs.</p>
<p>This is a valid offer from Microsoft. You can read about it here: <a href="http://www.gottabemobile.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.gottabemobile.com/</a> (the news article is further down on its home page).</p>
<p>The software contains the following:</p>
<pre><code>Access 2007
Accounting Express 2007
Excel 2007
InfoPath 2007
Groove 2007
OneNote 2007
Outlook 2007 with Business Contact Manager
PowerPoint 2007
Publisher 2007
Word 2007
</code></pre>
<p>You need to be currently enrolled in college, taking at least .5 credit hours and have a valid college email address (.edu). For $60, you get a Microsoft Product key. You can download the software from Microsoft and validate it with the key or you can order a DVD installation disc.</p>
<p>Office 2007 works in Windows only. However, if you have the Intel based Macbook or Macbook Pro, you can install it in a Windows partition using Bootcamp and a Vista installation.</p>
<p>
[quote]
you can install it in a Windows partition using Bootcamp and a Vista installation
[/quote]
</p>
<p>But then you have to buy Vista, which is quite expensive. (And not having to use Vista was, at least for us, a major impetus in buying a Mac in the first place - I don't buy any 1.0 Microsoft release!)</p>