to Mac or not

[Deleted User]

I have my old computer that is definitely past its best, and I'm still running Wndows XP on it but getting lots of security cert messages on it. I can no longer even get my bank account up or my credit card and many sites it just won't proceed with. Even a lot of emails on Outlook Express I can't read.

Now I have a mini Ipod which I can access most things on but the screen is obviously very small.As it Apple I was wondering if I went mad and bought a new computer whether it would be worth the extra buying an Apple.I don't want a lap-top as I am happy for my computer to be seperate from the rest of the house in my study. Bear in mind I am a non -techy old biddy so be gentle with your answers and if possible in non-techy speak.My Outlook express is the 2003 version :) I told you it was old and clapped out (a bit like its owner ):rotfl:I've heard that Apple is better and has less problems with virus's

prowla

Well, not all Macs are big money; I am typing this via a Mac mini Mid 2011 model, and the current ones start at around £500 (and Apple were doing interest free credit).

The Mac's built-in mail app is easily good enough, and I run the Firefox web browser on mine.

However, the downside of the current models of Mac mini is that they are not memory upgradable, and that is a really serious flaw, and as a result of that I wouldn't buy one myself.

They also do the more powerful desktop which looks like a vase, but that is serious money, and way overkill for internet/email.

If I wanted another Mac, I would get another 2nd hand one, most probably the same Mid 2011 one like the one I have.

Other options are Dell's rather nice USFF (Ultra Small Form Factor) models, like the 990, 7010, 9020, which would happily run Windows 7 (which is like XP, but just better).

iris

Why don't you want a laptop Jackie? I love mine. Our old desk top was very cumbersome and took up a lot of room. Even though we have got a study I still wouldn't go back to a desk top.


If I am not feeling very well I can take it to bed and check my emails etc or if I am doing a new recipe I downloaded, I can use it in my kitchen. I also take mine on holiday as we mostly rent houses and most of them nowadays have wifi.


My husband has an Applemac Retina Pro, but I don't like it as it takes some getting used to, perhaps it is just me, but I have got used to Windows.


My anti-virus is Microsoft Security Essentials and is a freebie and I have never had a problem and have been using it for years.


My laptop is an Acer and I am very happy with it. I am using Windows 7 at the moment. HTH Iris


PS - My DH bought me an iPad a couple of years ago, but I still prefer my Acer:D

cookie365

There's no particular reason to go with Apple over Windows.

It's true that there are more viruses aimed at Windows computers, but if you let Windows automatically updated itself, don't open emails you aren't sure are safe and don't download pirate software or go to 'adult' websites the default security will be fine.

If you do want to go with Apple, get the cheapest one you can, any modern computer can easily manage browsing and emails and basic document stuff.

As previously mentioned, you don't need to take a laptop out of the study! You can plug a regular screen, keyboard and mouse into it and basically use it as a regular desktop.

But if you really don't want a laptop, a basic Dell will do you fine.

http://www.dell.com/uk/p/inspiron-3646-small-desktop/pd?ref=PD_Family

As for laptops, there are so many variables and so much of the choice is personal preference. So try a few out at stores, see which models have keyboards and displays you like, but don't listen to any salespeople and don't buy on the day. Post which ones you like here and we'll tell you if they're any good

shortchanged_2

to mac or not.......................not.

Roland_Sausage

shortchanged wrote: »

to mac or not.......................not.

I would forget this person's opinion. They seem to have some sort of grudge and spend all their time posting on Apple threads.

Like Prowla said, the base model of Mac Mini is not particularly expensive at £399, and will suit your needs easily.

The main advantage I would say, is that the Mac needs much less maintenance than Windows. Possibly things have changed since I abandoned Windows in the XP days, but I was always having to reboot, defrag, update drivers, run weekly malware scans, and not to mention the machine getting slower and slower over time.

shortchanged_2

Roland_Sausage wrote: »

I would forget this person's opinion. They seem to have some sort of grudge and spend all their time posting on Apple threads.

Like Prowla said, the base model of Mac Mini is not particularly expensive at £399, and will suit your needs easily.

The main advantage I would say, is that the Mac needs much less maintenance than Windows. Possibly things have changed since I abandoned Windows in the XP days, but I was always having to reboot, defrag, update drivers, run weekly malware scans, and not to mention the machine getting slower and slower over time.

and of course macs are invincible, never ever break down, do not get malware blah blah blah.

cookie365

Roland_Sausage wrote: »

Possibly things have changed since I abandoned Windows in the XP days, but I was always having to reboot, defrag, update drivers, run weekly malware scans, and not to mention the machine getting slower and slower over time.

There's no need to do any of that,Windows will sort all that out invisibly in the background for you anyway.

Roland_Sausage

shortchanged wrote: »

and of course macs are invincible, never ever break down, do not get malware blah blah blah.

Of course not. I am just saying that, in my opinion the user experience is better. Just what is your issue anyway?

marleyboy

I was put off Mc by the lack of upgradable hardware. The very idea that if I want a bigger HD, I would have to send it off to Apple, on top of the thought they can take my old HD and keep it, unless I pay them extra to get it back (even though I own it) put me right off.

I was reluctantly planning Apple for my GoPro, because I dont like the idea of being tied down to Apple products, a previous thread on here helped put the brakes on it completely.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5148633

I much prefer the idea of upgrading my own laptop\desktop, the idea of OS support and the price difference overall.

prowla

shortchanged wrote: »

and of course macs are invincible, never ever break down, do not get malware blah blah blah.

I'm sensing hostility towards Macs...