What are you going to do with it?
Jan 04 '01
I own both an iMac and a couple of PC's, which makes me pretty qualified to write an epinion on the matter.
For your information: A Mac computer is any computer made by the Apple Computer corporation. A PC is any brand (or off-brand) of computer that runs Windows software. Keep these differences in mind when reading this review.
For the most part, there is nothing that you can do on a Mac that can't be done on a PC. NOTHING. With that in mind, let's go over a quick list of the principal differences between Mac and PC.
Mac vs. PC ~ Principal Differences
1. Macintosh computers are made only by Apple Computer while PC can be made by a whole bunch of others.
2. Because Macs are made only by Apple, they tend to cost a little more than some of the PC manufacturers, such as Compaq.
3. Most computer viruses are written for PC, rather than Mac.
4. There is MUCH more software available for PC computers, especially games.
5. It is much easier to find a store that carries PC software.
6. Macintosh computers are supposedly more durable and easier to maintain.
7. Macs are used mostly in the graphic and video field, which is why you see a lot of Apple computers in movies.
8. Macs are designed to primarily function using one mouse button, although they can support more.
9. PC computer parts are much cheaper and easier to find.
10. More home users own PC's.
Now, lets go into a little more detail on some of these topics.
Software
Hands down, there is more software available for PC computers. Probably at least 10 times more. Of that, at least half of it is junk utilities and games and buggy stuff that might not even work. There are plenty of shareware and freeware sites on the internet where you can go download all the software you want.
You can go into just about any Walmart and buy PC software, but I've never seen Mac stuff for sale there. Only a few stores are now starting to carry Mac software, so you would most likely have to order it online or from catalogues if you want new stuff for your Mac. There are Mac shareware sites, but they don't have nearly as much available as the PC ones do.
A computer virus is just a piece of software designed to mess up your system, and there are millions more written for PC than for Mac. Why is that? Because Microsoft's Windows is so easy to get into and mess up. It's a really buggy piece of software. Mac's OS still looks and performs about the same as it did 10 years ago, and works great.
Hardware
Hardware for Mac computers can be expensive and a little hard to find, but not too bad. A lot of computer hardware manufacturers make stuff that is both Mac and PC compatible. Most printers come with drivers and software for both systems, and a lot of external disk drives, such as CD burners and ZIP drives, are both Mac and PC compatible.
Also, most Mac hardware made within the last year or two has been firewire or USB only, which means smaller cables. PC hardware makers still want to use parallel and serial cables, which are big and bulky, and can turn into a horrible tangled mess underneath or behind your computer desk.
Functionality
If you want to or do play a lot of games, then you should get a PC. There are far more games available for PC, but just like any other gaming system - maybe 1 in 10 are actually worth buying. Some game software companies, such as Blizzard, make their games available for both systems at the same time. Many wait several months before releasing a Mac version, and usually only after they know the game is selling well.
If you just want something to get on the internet with, then either a Mac or PC would work just fine for you. Both are about as easy to setup for the net, and you can get Netscape or Internet Explorer for either. I actually prefer to surf the net on my iMac because it displays screen fonts more smoothly and is easier to look at.
Being that I think about half of all computer users today use their computer just for the internet and email, either system would work. If you are new to computers, you may find the Mac easier to learn and use. If you've used Windows before and are familiar with it, then maybe you should go with the PC.
Conclusion
Decide what you want to use the computer for, then make a decision. Apple has cashed in on the prettiness of their designs, as many people who want internet machines can also get a cool-looking computer. Weigh out the differences, think of the future and other potential uses of your investment, and good luck to you!
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Epinions.com ID:
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Member: William Fulks
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