Are Mac computers/laptops worth the higher cost?
 

I'm thinking about buying a laptop computer - I've been using a donated older desktop Mac -

One of my kids is definitely a Mac enthusiast - the rest of my family is 'frugal'

Opinions?

I want to be able to use a Microsoft Office Suite - play some games - e-mail - maybe a design program (has equilter come up with a Mac compatible program?) - store photos

I'm not very computer savvy - so classes would be helpful.

I used Mac when I was working, but have bought a regular PC at home since then. It used to be the Macs were easier to use......however, since PCs started using the WINDOWS programs, they're just as easy. Mac actually "invented" that platform. If you want to do those programs.............they are NOT Mac compatible.........you would have to either buy new Mac version of the program or see if they would switch you over. some of our programs can not EVER be used -- they don't have a Mac version (IE Microsoft Street and Trips does not have a Mac version -- at least not when I bought my last machine -- and we use it in our travels a lot).
Both the Mac platform and PC platform are configured differently. Pictures may work in both computers........

on edit: some will say that Macs don't get virus's like PCs.....this is not true anymore. And if you get a GOOD virus protection program you won't have a problem. I go all over the computer, download a lot of junk and have NEVER had a virus on my PC or my husband's. :)

Computer comparisons are always difficult, with that being said I'll try and explain what my son (who is microsoft certified) tells his clients. It depends on the usage, will the programs you want in your system be compatible with MAC or Windows operating systems? You can have Windows installed on a second section of the hard drive of a MAC allowing you to run both types of programs, essentially both in one computer. Both operating systems can get viruses. Son's personal preference is for a Windows not Mac mainly due to the repair requirements are mainly brand driven with MAC but more easily done with a PC.

like Dee, i use a PC because many of the specialty programs that i have are not compatible with a Mac

My next computer will be a MAC. I'll have to buy new software - lots of it as I run a business on this PC, but I am totally fed up with PC. The constant updates drive me insane. Windows, Flash, and my security software - all need updating constantly (although I must admit the updates have slowed down a tad, but I'm sure there will a next wave of them coming through). When I talk to my MAC support guy he doesn't have to deal with as many. Not only that but the operating system is just more stable ... it doesn't crash or just *hang* as often.

Yes MAC's cost more up front, but they do last a lot longer.

All I can say is that I honestly and truly LOVE my computer (a Mac) and I never hear anyone say that about their PC.

ROL!!! You're probably right! I DID love my Mac (at work) ----- can't say I LOVE my PC --- but it's reasonable price and can do all the programs I currently have. That's a shame, too.........can't figure out why a MAC costs so much!

My daighter bought a MAC after she came back from Iraq. She has had it three years and has had no problems. She did have to buy programs to convert MAC to Word. When I was teaching graduate students one district bought all of their schools MACs. The teachers loved it. The next computer I get will be a MAC. They are easier to use once you get the hang of how it operates. I have an iPad and the system is similar.

I have had a Mac for 3 years and I love it. BUT, I didn't know a thing about it. My Grandson works with us and he has been my teacher. I couldn't turn on another kind at all and work it. I don't even know many of the computer words people use. But I can do a few things. I think any kind would suit me, no more than I do on it.

When my daughter called me 5 years ago when she wanted to buy her own computer and she was at the book store at UCSD and asked me what I knew about Mac's. Told her I never heard anyone complain about their Mac. Once someone buys a Mac they stay with the Mac. So she bought one and is still using the same lap top. It went to the shop once but got it right back because it turned out she only needed a new battery. So then my other daughter had her PC crash she bought the Mac Computer and 2 years ago I needed a lap top so bought a Mac. We do have a PC in the house for my husband, which we have to pay for a virus protection, which you do not need with a Mac.

Macs are expensive because Apple has a monopoly. My daughter and her husband have both. He uses the Mac for his photography business, but recently wanted to upgrade some Mac program and found out that he will have to upgrade his operating system first...like buy a new Mac...to use the newer program...oh, and I think the Mac he has is only a couple years old.

My SIL and family all are MAC users and DH wants to get one next year as well, I found that it took a little bit to get used to the layout. My husband says we would need to buy all new software because none of the one's we have would work on the MAC that's what worries me is the cost that would be involved in needing to buy everything over again.

Depends on your age. Seems like "older folk" whatever that age is, likes Apple products because they are user friendly. But I was used to others using microsoft before my husband went off the deep end for Apple.
I got used to it too, for as much as I do on it. I'm not so sure it's so user friendly or if I'm just not computer friendly/intellegent. Some things I still can't do (like load pictures on this site!).
BUT, I will say two things for Apple! It doesn't crash like our sons' machines and it doesn't pick up viruses.
I have my husband's hand-me-down i-phone and i-pad and we have a desk apple computer on the desk. I don't use mine constantly like he does, but they are nice.

We have two Macs, love them and NEVER have we had a virus. we've owned Macs for at least 25 years.....The only downside is that my Janome embroidery machine won't let me use a Mac for embroidery patterns bought over the web....aggravating.

I had to switch between both systems when I was working at different locations. Both have pros and cons. Macs are very good for visual stuff such as photography. My preference is for PCs as they are more versatile with programs and do not have to be partitioned. However, they tend to crash more often if you don't keep drivers,bios and RAM up to scratch. So the lady who said 'it depends on use', is correct in my opinion. Work out what your main use will be and make your choice. As before, I prefer PCs.

I have both and use them both daily at home and at work. I prefer the HP for data analysis and all most everything I tend to use it more. I agree with jitkaau the Mac is great for pictures and editing. I also have a Nook that gets more use than both of my computers. Even computer illiterate hubby uses that.

I will add my 2 cents based on my own experiences. We had always had PCs. Hubby does programming for a living so he always helped me. Then the end of 2009 I needed a new computer and went to the Apple Store and was blown away by the 27" iMac. I bought the "works" program which is compatible with Word, Excel, and Power Point, and it was very cheap. I was able to install it myself - hubby was very impressed with the ease of set up, ease of use, plus when you call the help line you get a person in the US who has always been helpful for us trying to do something or just to reassure us as we do something. I also got Eye TV which hooks into the TV cable and computer and so while I am typing this on one side of the screen I am watching TV on the other side of the screen. That is because this computer is in the kitchen and I wanted to be able to do both. Hubby keeps a big custom built PC for his gaming, but liked my iMac so much he bought himself a MacBook Pro. He has it partitioned to do Windows, but he doesn't do that very often.

I am able to upload pictures to this site. The problem is not with my computer, but, with the limited size acceptable by the site.

So, as of today, I don't think I'll choose a PC again over a Mac. For me, worth the extra price.

PS, They do offer for $99 a year unlimited One to One where you can go to the Apple Store and have a session with a "genius" for them to show you anything you want. The fellows there told me I could schedule an appt. every day for a year if I wanted to. I didn't need to. I realize this is a problem if you don't have an Apple Store nearby.

Hello

I absolutely believe that a Mac is a MUCH better computer as opposed to a Windows computer.

I bought this laptop only 3 years ago and I have to replace it as it is dying a slow and painful death, while my son's friend purchased a mac (or had one given to him) when he was 14, he is now 24 and that Mac is still going strong.

There are many programs that are Mac compatible, any reputable program will be. There are no virus', or very few if any. It is much more difficult to get a virus on a Mac. The speed on a Mac is much faster than any other windows computer.

Perhaps I am biased, however I am getting an iMac (a desktop) to replace this laptop. If I were to get a windows PC with the same features, they would be close in cost.

Something that I would suggest you do, is go to your local computer sales place (Future Shop, Staples or what ever) and try out the new Windows 8! Don't get me started on Windows 8!

My husband is going to get a mac as well, and he works with computers!

TreeFrog

My next computer will be a Mac! Most computer geeks - ask the ones working on your PC - have Macs at home!! No "windows" issues!! Oh, and in case you didn't know, Mac computers can run windows programs!

We have a mac...no viruses, but it has its limits or maybe someone can help me out??? I'm not able to install the adobe flash player, therefore, there are many videos that I can not view. It seems that is becoming more of an issue. Many youtube videos even need the flash player. Any ideas out there for me? Thanks

I love my Mac, would never go back to a PC. Most software now have Mac versions and I have rarely found something I wanted to buy that did not work on my Mac.

Check out this article:
http://download.cnet.com/Adobe-Flash...-10074404.html

Sometimes there are videos I can't watch in Safari (popular Mac web browser) but they always work in Firefox. Doesn't happen often enough to bother me, though.

Willferg, I think I followed all the instructions and it still didn't work for me...very frustrating...thanks for your input!

I just got a new computer with Windows 8. I really wanted to get a Mac because I was having so many problems with Windows but my favorite word processor has always been WordPerfect and I have zillions of files in it. It's way too much trouble to get a Mac to bring them up. I first have to convert each file to Word and then it can be opened in a Mac. I'm still not thrilled with Windows but I just started using the new version and I have to take it back to the store to get a few issues handled.

I have always had a PC, so I can't speak for Mac, but it seems that if you are a Mac fan boy, you usually stay with it. But I don't know anyone who owns a Mac that had previously owned a PC. I am working now on a five year old PC, we usually keep them about 5 to 6 years, but this one will likely stay around much longer. We did once get a virus, but that was my teen son downloading 'free music' and when we took it to get it fixed the first thing the guy said was, 'does anyone download limewire?' That was on the last computer. The fact that they update doesn't bother me, it means they are constantly improving the software.
With a kid in the house, the choice was determined for us by the ability to play games and my husband wanted good sound, and the fact that we can upgrade our video card, audio card and memory. And my husband is not versed in how to do this, but he was able to figure out easily. So a big advantage was the ability to give ourselves a better computer without investing in a whole new system.
OK, I'll say it, I love my PC.

I agree on the Mac. My son is a computer guru who has to keep 400 computers happy. He recently returned to a Mac at home and is happy to be back.

I used to own only PCs, but I've converted to MACs. Love them and won't go back!

I love my Mac! I ran a Mac Network in the '90's and then had to "move over" to PCs. I finally retired and last time I replaced my 'puter, I went home to Mac. Been doing the happy dance ever since.
DH has a PC laptop and has to spend $100 about every 6 months to get it cleaned up. Knock wood, I watch him do it! My MacBook Pro has freed up that money for more fabric I guess!
My DIL does "SAP FI and SD data migration" and is in high demand around the world for lots of big corporations and SHE uses a MAC!!! Based on that girl alone, i would get a Mac.
Also, I live in the middle of nowhere. Seriously, you have to travel about an hour and a half at the very least to get into major civilizations. My Mac fits in great here. There's a reason that lots of Mac repair places really aren't needed.

Thank you for all the input.

A couple more questions -

When I read the info on Consumer Reports - it says that the 'other' computers have more memory - does that affect/afflict how Macs operate as compared to PCs?

I have had PC's for years. Now I have a MAC. I love it. SOmeone said they can't download embroidery designs for their Janome machine on their Mac. I do it all the time. Not sure I would ever go back to a PC. I had questions and my Mac was acting a little bit funny. You can take your Mac to the genius bar for free at a MAc store for this. Yes some of the programs don't come in a Mac version. You can partition your computer and install Windows if you want. The software to do this comes on a Mac(at least on moine). Not a clue how to do it.

I really love my MAC and would not go back. Hey that rymes.

I am a die hard Mac user, have been for 20 years. Easy to operate and very user friendly. I also have Microsoft installed on my laptop, not big on using it but comes in handy. Have had my MacBook for 3 years, nice to sit in my recliner in the evenings and surf, hardly ever use my Mac desktop. U will not be sorry if U get a Mac laptop.:thumbup:

Both my daughters have had Macs throughout their college years and 2 Christmases ago, they got together with my DH and bought me one!! I will NEVER own another computer!!!

I have a MacBook Pro and love it. I've used PC's at work for years and really never enjoyed using them. There really is no comparison.

We had PC's for 15 yrs. and I finally became frustrated enough to consider another option. I got a Mac, and have been pleased for the 1 1/2 yrs. that we have had it.

I am not a huge fan of macs, but, yes, one will work just fine that way. For someone who is not computer savvy, QuiltPro is a much better bet, you can certainlly get it for either platform.

Through the years we have had 6 MACS and I now have an iPad. If you are near an Apple Store their Genius Bar is wonderful. No charge to solve my screwups. A charge for parts and repairs after the Warranty expires. Also the classes ($99) for three years are wonderful.

We have always used Macs when we had a choice and probably always will.

When home computers first came out, we had a MAC for our business. At my other job they bought a PC. What a nightmare!!! They became angry with me when I told them how much better a MAC is. Three years later Microsoft copied windows from MAC.

Since then we have had four MAC's and we love them. Ours have never in all these years had a virus. They definitely are worth every penny.

I love my Mac... it was a gift from my DH and I keep telling him he needs one too... he's always having some kind of trouble with his PC... but I don't with the Mac... my only problem is ME... not understanding what I need to understand and not taking the time to really know this machine... but I do LOVE IT!!!