Windows or Macbook - what do you use and why?

BillScarab

Like for like Macs are no more expensive nowadays, however they don't really compete at the budget end of the market so you can get Windows (or Linux) machine cheaper.

I use Windows as it's what the children use at school, what I use at work and I play games. Also I really don't like the design of the desktop Macs, the laptops are OK though.

I'm nit that familiar with iLife but what I've seen of it most of what it can do can be done with the tools built into Vista. It may be better but not having it isn't a showstopper for me.

"It just makes sense to me to buy a computer which is designed by the company who designed the OS I'll be using on it." So how come we're not all using Amigas and ST's then (or their successors)? The Windows PC killed them off.

The threat level with a Mac is much lower, however if you're sensible the threat with a Windows PC is not that high.

To the OP, only you can decide what suits you best. If you do decide to go with a Mac I'd recommend trying it first to make sure it suits your needs if you've only used Windows in the past.

DatabaseError

Windows....cheap and I understand them.

Trevelyan

Like the last guy, Windows - primarily for understanding.

Even if you know a lot about PCs (or macs), Windows just works with everything. Doesn't mean it is the best (or cheapest - Linux is a free operating system), but it works with pretty much every game or piece of software you could ever want. The technical advantages of Macs aren't really worth going into here - just that unless you do some professional graphics editing, I would say there is no reason to go for a Mac unless you knew a specific reason as to why you wanted one. Even though I work with PCs all the time, all you'd really want is something that works when you switch it on, without worrying too much about how to use it.

Oh and that isn't to say Macs need worrying over - just that if you have been using PCs all your life, it can be weird getting used to different shortcuts and things.

Worth noting - Windows Vista comes preloaded on most of the stuff you'll find for sale. Look into turning some of it's features off because it really is a pain compared to XP.

Sput2001

I don't dislike Macs at all but my first option would always be PC.

They're cheaper and have way more hardware and software options & flexibility.

[Deleted User]

I can buy a decent spec Vista windows laptop for £380 quid. I don't have to teach my wife how to use OS X. My mouse has two buttons by default. I'm not forced into paying for minor upgrades to my OS every year. It's a pretty simple decision really.

Andy_L

Windows: I play computer games & very few have mac/linux versions

GunJack

Yeah, I've got to vote for Windows also, even if vista ain't as good as XP...the whole cost/compatability/familiarity/family members/work/school/hardware type of equation will, I firmly believe, will always favour windows, as anyone who read my rant-thread about ipods and itunes could safely assume:)

This is exactly the VHS/Betamax argument over again, although I don't see Apple going bust anytime soon

trcooke

I use Linux. I do have Vista running in VirtualBox but that's only there for development testing (I'm a software engineer and web developer) and to pander to close minded web developers who insist on embedding Windows Media Player content in their sites (Grrr) and just can't be bothered to test their fancy flash and layouts on Firefox (yes Sony Playstation I mean you).

My OH has a MacBook. I'll be getting myself a Mac at some point too.

In response to the folk who say they prefer Windows for usability and ease of understanding, I would love for you to spend a month with OS X. Certainly from personal experience I never realised how much time I spent thinking about actually using the O/S. Even seemingly simple tasks required a reasonable amount thought to get them done. Nothing is intuitive and everything is unbelievably slow. I was surprised how intuitive and easy to use OSX is. I found myself not having to think about the O/S, just getting on and using it. A real breath of fresh air.

I have always been a Windows user up until about 4 years ago. Now I see how awful it really is.

DatabaseError

^ happily...Is there a version which will run on my hardware? Also, will it allow me to run 2 instances of a 64 bit linux VM concurrently alongside my other software (100% cpu usage over 4 cores, GPU usage 100%, 24x7)..
Then...at the end of the day...I'd like to play some games, currently fallout 3, crysis warhead and dead space (with a bit of trackmania nations for the kids).

isofa

I use both, desktop Macs and PCs, laptop Macs and PCs...

If I had to choose one starting out now, it'd be a Mac, because I could then run Windows XP/Vista under virtualisations, and have the best of both worlds on one box.

However as a developer, designer, director and all sorts, I need both, and use both constantly!

PS Apple is one of the most profitable and richest companies on the planet, it's cash reserves dwarf most other companies in the sector.