comparing mac performance to PC performance

Brodel

Hey

I've been looking at getting a laptop and am tempted to try a powerbook or something apple based. One thing I'm unsure about though is the performance difference between the two when looking at different setups.

I know apples are more expensive than windows based systems but would a G4 1.5GHz/512MB RAM/40GB HD powerbook with MacOS X 10.4 run at the same speeds as a Pentium M 1.5GHz/512MB RAM/40GB HD on XP? or is there a lot more to it?

Or on the other hand, what kind of apple laptop would I be looking for if I wanted the kind of performance you'd get from a Pentium M 1.7GHz with 512mb RAM on XP?

jaws77

The new Apple Macbooks with Intel Core Duo chips will out-perform a similar spec Pentium M. You can now also install Windows XP on a Macbook if you wish.

http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukstore.woa/6074040/wo/ji5RYVQaJnu02ygnO9e1WKM9VIn/0.PSLID?mco=A9B2084&nclm=MacBook

Brodel

jaws77 wrote:

The new Apple Macbooks with Intel Core Duo chips will out-perform a similar spec Pentium M. You can now also install Windows XP on a Macbook if you wish.

http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukstore.woa/6074040/wo/ji5RYVQaJnu02ygnO9e1WKM9VIn/0.PSLID?mco=A9B2084&nclm=MacBook

Yea, I think those are out of my price range really though. I just wanted something basic for word processing, internet etc so wouldn't need dual core and was wondering how a basic apple compares to a basic laptop on xp.

moomintroll_3

Sounds like a powerbook (or macbook pro as they are now) would be too rich for you. You're looking at an iBook really. The G4 is a two-generation old chip which, while quick enough (I'm typing this on a 1.2GHz G4 that I do all my photo editing etc. on) may be limiting in the long-run.

Rumours abound that Apple are about to release a MacBook (not pro) to replace the iBook. Performance-wise, a Core Duo iBook would kill a G4 for about the same money and is likely to seriously outperform the Pentium M as well. They may even come out with a Core Solo version which would be pretty cheap.

Then again, if the G4 would do (and it most certainly would if all you were doing was word processing / web surfing / email etc.) then they may get sold off pretty cheap when the intel versions arrive... Worth keeping an eye on things.

donfanatico

Get a Mac...full stop.

Brodel

moomintroll wrote:

Sounds like a powerbook (or macbook pro as they are now) would be too rich for you. You're looking at an iBook really. The G4 is a two-generation old chip which, while quick enough (I'm typing this on a 1.2GHz G4 that I do all my photo editing etc. on) may be limiting in the long-run.

Rumours abound that Apple are about to release a MacBook (not pro) to replace the iBook. Performance-wise, a Core Duo iBook would kill a G4 for about the same money and is likely to seriously outperform the Pentium M as well. They may even come out with a Core Solo version which would be pretty cheap.

Then again, if the G4 would do (and it most certainly would if all you were doing was word processing / web surfing / email etc.) then they may get sold off pretty cheap when the intel versions arrive... Worth keeping an eye on things.

Thanks, that helped quite a bit. I think I'll wait a while and see how the prices go when the core duo's come out then.

15lsp

macs dont crash...as often :-)

I use macs at home and at work and I would hate to go back to a noisy pc. I wouldnt advice anyone to buy intel if they use graphics programs until the bugs are sorted out. Rosetta is great but has its limitations.

Although Im a mac addict I would say that if the laptop is only used for word processing & internet then you will get more for your money buying a windows based laptop. Software is cheaper on pc and some websites still dont work fully on macs eg. egg.com

But if you're into your graphics, music creation and video editing get a mac

skippy64

I know it sounds a daft suggestion but had you considered buying a 17" Intel iMac and getting one of these to make your more Mac a sort of portable machine?
http://www.luggerbags.com/
This is an idea I'm currently toying with at present because I want a 'portable' Mac but can't stretch to the cost of the MacBook Pro at the moment once I take into consideration I want to max out the Ram on the machine. Like I said its a bit of a wild idea to use a desktop machine as a portable unit but if you are not having to take it out every day it could be a semi practical idea.
Get a Mac anyway you won't be disappointed :j