Macs vs Windows

Ben84

prowla wrote: »

It depends how you define "quality", and better than what, I suppose.

I'm thinking about durability most of all. They're easily matched by Toshiba and Lenovo/IBM. Thinkpads for example have exceptional longevity for most users.

prowla wrote: »

My opinion is that there is no other computer made which has the quality of finish and design as a Mac; yes they do use standard components within, but the way they put them together is unique. The Mac Pro (http://www.apple.com/uk/mac-pro/) is something else!

Apple bring to computers the kind of design that B&O do with HiFi and TVs, very glossy and distinctive designs. Some people really love it, others are kind of unconcerned. Personally, my computer is a black plastic box that lives under my desk, next to the waste paper bin. However, the quality of components and construction overall is very good, it is reliable and will last (it's a Lenovo).

prowla wrote: »

And the operating system, OS X, is a high quality product; nobody could deny that.

The things many users like about it are technically down sides for other users. The way things 'just work' and 'everything integrates so well' that I often hear can also be described as limited user control and low customisability. Apple control the user experience more than any other OS I know of. Suits some users and not others.

prowla wrote: »

However, the above does place some of their products at the high-end of the price scale, and it's a choice to be made whether you think it's worth the money.

You also have to consider after sales support, and Apples is very good; again, that's part of the quality of the product.

Support matters, but again, it's not a field completely dominated by Apple. Toshiba gave me a replacement charger when I was three months out of warranty once. I know of several companies with excellent support I've used multiple times, and there are probably a few more I don't yet know about.

prowla wrote: »

So, unless anyone can point out better, I would say that Apple have the best quality product.

This isn't really how it works. There is no single best computer out there, it just depends on what the user needs and wants. I understand some people are very happy with their macs, and that they suit some users perfectly, but it's worth noting they don't do everything. No single computer does. Nor do Apple have a monopoly on any single area. However, in many cases the final choice is about some design feature or aspect that sets it apart. A lot of people use windows for the extensive software catalogue, while others use linux for the customisability. These things can be defining features of choices.

Lumstorm

enfield_freddy wrote: »

apple (mac) manufacture computers

Apple don't manufacture computers their only a design company. The hardware is built by Hon Hai / Foxconn Technology Group

Lanzarote1938

I bought an IMac in December 2012. It was expensive but I considered the reliability, ease of use would be worth it. I have just got it back after a second major repair. Thank goodness I bought the extended warranty although I was assured I wouldn't need it as the machines are so durable.

So far it has needed a new display, that was February this year and this month a new main logic board. Not sure if I have just been unlucky or if Apple products are not as reliable as they used to be.

Apple technical support wanted to format the hard drive and reinstall the operating system when they could not reproduce the intermittent fault! Thankfully the fault did make itself known, it was losing backlight to the display.

Swipe

Have been a mac user since about 2007. I recently decided to return to linux and buy an Intel Nuc i5 with HD6000 graphics, 250GB SSD and 16GB RAM for less than £500 in place of their new mac mini which has the memory soldered down. The problem is with Macs is their OS is only supported by their hardware for about 3 releases and then application developers begin dropping support. So you are left with perfectly functional hardware with no secure OS support. I know my new Nuc with it's current specs will last me for at least the next decade or longer on linux.

prowla

Lumstorm wrote: »

Apple don't manufacture computers their only a design company. The hardware is built by Hon Hai / Foxconn Technology Group

(they're)

The Mac Pro is built in the US at a facility owned by Flextronics, but designed by Apple (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbWOQWw1wkM).

Also, in response to other comments regarding support, Apple state (https://www.apple.com/uk/mac-pro/specs/):

In the United Kingdom, consumers are entitled to a free-of-charge repair or replacement, by the seller, of goods which do not conform with the contract of sale. Under English law, consumers have up to six years from the date of delivery to exercise their rights; however, various factors may impact your eligibility to receive these remedies.

interstellaflyer

Sorry, didn't read the post properly.

Mr_Toad

interstellaflyer wrote: »

I have a MacBook Pro and it definitely say's assembled in China on the back.

Macbook Pro and Mac Pro are two very different machines.

Nada666

prowla wrote: »

Also, in response to other comments regarding support, Apple state (https://www.apple.com/uk/mac-pro/specs/):

In the United Kingdom, consumers are entitled to a free-of-charge repair or replacement, by the seller, of goods which do not conform with the contract of sale. Under English law, consumers have up to six years from the date of delivery to exercise their rights; however, various factors may impact your eligibility to receive these remedies.

Imagine that! Obeying the law of the land. No idea why you have quoted that tautological assurance.

prowla

Nada666 wrote: »

[/INDENT]Imagine that! Obeying the law of the land. No idea why you have quoted that tautological assurance.

Erm, because people were questioning reliability and support; the point of quoting it from Apple is that in stating it, they implicitly buy into it and have no excuse not to comply.

interstellaflyer

Mr_Toad wrote: »

Macbook Pro and Mac Pro are two very different machines.

Hence why I removed my post, possibly at the same time as you were replying, I misread the post..