PC vs. Mac?

[azonicbruce]

I know I'll probably get linched for asking, or even kicked off this web site for asking, but I just wanted to hear some opinions on what people think of PCs in comparison with Apple/Macintosh computers these days. Mainly w/ the G4 processor and comparing it to the latest gizmos of Intel and AMD. Also, software-wise: What do you think?

I constantly run into professors and such who swear by the Mac and almost get into heated debates, and I want so dearly to defend the PC but not quite sure what to say. Especially after reading literature on Apple's G4 processor, and my own personal experience with higher quality programs such as Quicktime, where there do seem to be some nice advantages. However I'm not the all knowing Master of what to say is the best method/concept/process/etc. So I'd love to hear everyone's comments.
Thanks.

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You catch more flies with honey, than with a rifle!

[ixl]

Nobody gets "kicked off" the forums for asking on-topic questions, which yours certainly is.
I'm not a rabid Mac hater; my personal position is that they are a viable option for those that like them. I don't know a lot about Mac hardware, and basically don't touch on it on the site except tangentially.
My personal opinion is that the PC is a better platform, because I like the flexibility and wide selection of the PC world. I also like having control over my hardware and software. The Mac world is too "closed" for my liking. I also find the emphasis on how the computer looks rather than how functional it is to be totally contrary to my personal priorities.
At any rate, I would welcome other opinions, but let's not turn this into a "holy war".

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Charles M. Kozierok
Webslave, The PC Guide (http://www.PCGuide.com)
Comprehensive PC Reference, Troubleshooting, Optimization and Buyer's Guides...
Note: Please reply to my forum postings here on the forums. Thanks.

[Paleo Pete]

I'll second that. I'm definitely a PC guy myself, I like having lots more software options to choose from, not having to search through the shelves or download sites for something that has Mac listed on it, and basically not having to worry about compatibility issues at every turn.

In the early days of computing Apple, later absorbed my Macintosh, was actually neck to neck with IBM for a while, the machines were dependable, and in some cases would outperform IBM's and clones. The main problem was with more proprietary hardware, and the vast difference in the general characteristics ot the operating system, which had to be tailored to run on the Mac, instead of simply being able to poke a floppy in and run it on just about any brand of IBM or clone.

I'm with Charles, I don't want this thread to turn into a "slamfest", and of course others may have very different preferences and opinions. I don't know very much about Macs either, from the troubleshooting and repair angle, so I can't quote a lot of technical jargon in defense of PC's. I just know it's much more common that I see PC compatible than Mac compatible when I look at software both in stores and on the download sites. And I've used PC's ever since I started learning computers, so that's my preference.

If others prefer Mac's, I'd just as soon not argue the point, that's their business, if they wish to stay with Macintosh, that's fine by me...

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If you had everything...Where would you put it?

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[jangolion]

there is a rumor that the G5 at 500mhz delivers greater proformance than a 1000 mhz pc mainly because it is more Graphic intensive but even if this is a fact im still in love with my PC with mmx technology, and doubt i'll ever cross over... on a lighter note personally i dont think it looks that cool anyway lol.. however to eaches own http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by jangolion (edited 10-27-2000).]

[Rossgr]

Like IXL I started with an AppleII system, one of the strongest features of the AppleII platform was the open source format. You could dig into the guts and do ANYTHING you needed. When the first IBM machine came out it was pretty much a joke, compared to the Apples, In fact the first IBM effort about ('81) was pulled from the market and rereleased some months later to make a via product.

I was really disapointed when Apple came out with the closed system Macintosh. The initial Mac was really pretty horrid, limited memory and clumsy features of the OS, that had you swapping disks continually. I remember that everytime the Mac spit out the floppy it looked like it was sticking its tounge out. Hard Drives finally made the Mac OS usable. I finally abandoned my AppleII for the PC because of the expense and hardware/software limitations of the Mac.

I have used the Macs at various times and would not mind having one but expense remains a big factor. I cannot "built my own" Mac system.

I gotta kick out of someone on one of these boards (Anandtech or Firingsquad) who made the comment "Macs have a Windows like GUI"! Have we gotten so far from the roots that there are users out there that do not know that Windows is a Mac like GUI!

[Captain Video]

I have used both the Mac and PCs. I like Win 98 for the way the min/max functions work, easy program switching, the taskbar concept, and the multitasking is actually of vaulue to me as I am often doing several things on my compute at a time

However, I still have a lot to say for the Mac. And I may switch back with OS x. The Mac is much more intuitive, and consistant. Programs have a logic as to how they work and where things will be located. With Windows I was surprised to find that even between Microsoft programs the terms used vary [property/options/preferences] and things show up under varying menus. Once you learn the "Mac logic" you just know how to do things. Windows isn't the same.

Also, Windows doesn't handle adding and deleting program so good. I was always trying shareware out on my Mac and then deleting it...no problem, with Winodws I learn things kinda hand around.

Finally, in my experience, most Mac users rarely have to re-install their systems..

All in all I like Win 98, but I miss the simplcity of the Mac. I think the Mac is a good computer for the person who just wants to do a job, and not mess with the system.

[Egon101]

MAC OS X will make this discussion more interesting. I have been using PC's for about six years now, before that I had an Apple IIGS. All I can say is that back in 1986 I had a computer with a GUI and all I had to do to play games was load them and they worked. When I got my first PC the concept of memory limitations, config.sys, autoexec.bat, made little or no sense to me at all. Win95 helped a lot, but I remeber my IIGS being a lot more stable than Windows.

The real problem apple has is software. There is just so much PC software out there it is kind of hard to justify a MAC unless you are REALLY into graphics and sound. Love them or hate them you have to admit having a kick ass gaming computer that look like the G4 cube with the 22" flat screen sitting on your desk would bring you one step closer to Star Trek.

[scada]

Let me throw in my two cents. I've used both the PC and the Mac. I prefer the PC because you can tinker with it. It doesn't matter if your running Unix, Windows, or even OS/2. PCs are made for those who like to "get under the hood".

However, if you only want to use a computer without having to worry about Security patches, bug fixes,lockups, and other problems caused by Microsoft's "we try do everything" programs. Then grap a Mac. It has better graphics, and you'll be hard pressed IMHO to notice any speed difference between the two. ( not everone wets their pants because they got 10 more frames in Q3) http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[Paleo Pete]

Just a note...

I've been keeping up with this topic, basically to keep an eye on it, and would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has responded for not turning this into a slamfest from either viewpoint.

I was a bit worried at first, since the PC/Mac debate sometimes turns into a heated argument. In this case however, all the replies so far have been posted in a friendly manner, and most have been informed opinions.

Thanks again folks, I think everyone has done very well in keeping this topic to a "Here's my opinion" frame of mind.

And some good opinions they are.

PC's and Macs both have their place in the computer world, and several people have pointed out the advantages and disadvantages of both. It all boils down to mostly personal preference, and the fact that usually any given person will prefer the type of machine he or she originally started on.

Unfortunately, both sides often seem to take a viewpoint that resembles disagreements over political views, and will try their best to insult the other side. I'm glad we have been able to avoid that syndrome...good work folks!

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If you had everything...Where would you put it?

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)