how does cheaper similar spec'd pc laptop compare to basic macbook?

p1tse

basic 13" macbook is circa £800
while for a similar spec and with say 15.6" screen you can get a pc laptop for say almost half the price, i.e. dell, toshiba etc.

to be honest i would love the macbook as i've heard the OS is simple to use, reliable, looks good etc.

but budget doesn't permit. so do i stump for a pc laptop at £400 or keep on saving?

busenbust

i would love the macbook as i've heard the OS is simple to use, reliable, looks good etc.

^^You heard correct . I suppose regarding looks and aesthetics it might not matter to all, but given the huge amount of time I spend on my laptop I see nothing that competes in the 'gorgeous stakes' department against a Mac

shuaibf

They look good but macbook are only good for phot editign type stuff or music pcs are easy to use aswell .. Pcs are easier to upgrade than macs aswell

robredz

At the risk of upsetting sleeping leopards, a PC laptop with Windows 7 is just dandy for £400 imho, as for "bargains" with Vista on them, avoid, avoid, avoid. However IF you have £800 to spare, and really want a Macbook buy one they are nice. Myself I would by a PC notebook, and put Xubuntu, or Puppy Linux on it.

gonzo127

to be honest it very much depends on what you want to do with it

comparing specs is a reasonable place to start but not always the best as a mac uses its resources differently to a pc as it is down to how the operating system to it wants to use its ram etc it can also be down to software optimisation

i would say to try and think about what you want to use it for (and try to be honest with yourself) as this is always going to make a big difference,

are you going to be travelling with it a lot? - if so a bigger screen might not be better since it weights more and drains battery quicker

are you wanting to game on it? Remember not all games have been ported to a mac and games will require a higher spec system

Is there any specific software you NEED to use? Once again not all software has been ported to the different operating systems mac – windows and windows - mac

Is it just going to be a computer you use at home and not take anywhere else? If so have you considered you can usually get a much higher spec pc for the same money as a laptop and it is more easily upgraded

If cost is a important factor and you just need it for basic tasks such as the web and media have you thought about getting a Linux laptop ie one without a operating system installed where you can put Linux on it yourself – this is also a option if you are interested in learning more about software, my friends 80 year old dad has been loving playing about with a linux laptop for the past year or so since he decided he wanted to learn about computers in more depth

BillScarab

busenbust wrote: »

^^You heard correct . I suppose regarding looks and aesthetics it might not matter to all, but given the huge amount of time I spend on my laptop I see nothing that competes in the 'gorgeous stakes' department against a Mac

But that's a Macbook Air. The OP is on about the standard Macbook which in my opinion isn't anywhere near as nice.

I do like the Macbook Air but if I was spending that much money on a laptop I'd also consider the Dell Adamo, I particularly like the look of the 'edge to edge' screen on it.

busenbust

But that's a Macbook Air.

I know, I was flirting with the best possible Mac product - looks wise

p1tse

thanks all.
current laptop which is a sony one near 4.5yrs old is on its last legs.
this is the only computer at home.

not looking for desktop, as 99% of the time it is used on the lap infront of telly.

hardly transport it, and if i do it will be a car journey to parents place.
so size isn't an issue, although my current 15" i think is a nice screen size, although it says lightweight at sub 3kg (2. something kg), it feels weighty, so wouldn't like anything much heavier or bulkier.

uses:
- internet
- office, excel and word
- store and edit pictures.

(current one is so slow i can't do anything with images, but back them up, but would like to take advantage of my DSLR and shoot in raw and learn to do some processing)

- maybe something like photoshop elements (as full version too expensive)
- also manage music and video to ipod/iphone

before people say the 13" would be too small on a macbook to work with pics, but looking at it in store and as a hobby it would be fine. but if i brought a pc laptop i would look no smaller than 15".

if i had the cash i would just get the macbook pro. but do i save (which could be best part of 2010) or go for a dell @ £399 say and always think, what if?

ormus

they look nice. and thats all i have to about that.


ps.
save yer money. youre paying (a lot) for a fashion statement.

gonzo127

with those use's i would say go with a windows laptop,

main reasons in my thoughts on this are

no specific mac programs required and 'pro' uses and a mac is expensive in comparison

since you want ipod/iphone usage + word and excell kinda rules out Linux as microsoft office and itunes do not work in Linux - although you can get Linux alternatives such as open office and a ipod compatible music program (banshee)

a bigger screen would be better for photo manipulation and since you are not transporting it the extra weight and lower battery life wont be to much of a problem

windows in itself will probably be easier to just pick up and play since i expect you already know most of the ins and outs of windows, you could also look at going half way and spending £600 and get a windows laptop which is even better (if of course you are willing to spend upto the £800 for the mac)

computershack

With Macbooks, you're paying for style over substance. Think of it as a MK3 Ford Mondeo vs a BMW 3 series. The MK3 Mondeo does the job just as well as the BMW 3 series (on Top Gear they said it was better) but the BMW is considerably more expensive to buy and run.

Things like you cannot change the battery yourself and have to take it to Apple to get done. Likewise, upgrades are limited to what Apple allow.

You'll have a whole new OS to learn as well and it can take a bit of getting used to. In addition to that, there's hardly any free applications as there is for Windows. And despite what the Fanboys say, Mac OS X is not immune to viruses/malware nor does it have fewer bugs. In fact the last two updates (basically service packs you pay for) have had some shocking problems including the total loss of all user accounts when upgrading simply because you had the guest account enabled.

Importantly, a Mac will last no longer than a Windows based laptop despite costing twice as much.

But if you want one and can afford one, fill your boots. Just don't expect it to be 100% better.