PC vs. Mac

BlueDev

Join Date 12/2003

+16

PC vs. Mac

-or- the suit vs. the slacker

By now, I am sure most of us have seen the new round of Mac vs. PC commercials. You know, the one with the middle age, sort of uptight looking, fuddy-duddy dude in a suit representing a PC, and the young, hip, cool, laid-back dude in old jeans and a T-shirt representing a Mac.

I have seen a couple of variations, but they all focus on the same thing. They all are trying to convey the same message: Macs are just cool and "work", whereas PCs are out of touch, laborious and problematic. Of course, I find it odd that so much of the advertising lately is on the hardware (considering I am typing this entry on my Windows laptop with Intel Core Duo processors, an pretty nice ATI graphics card, more RAM than a Mac Book and a larger HD than a Mac Book, at easily a few hundred dollars lower cost).

Nevertheless, I am not a Mac hater. In fact, I fully anticipate owning a Mac someday, when I can afford to have one IN ADDITION to my Windows computers. But I have to admit, I really don't care for these new ads. They just seem like such a faulty use of details, that honestly, I think they are embarrassing. In that spirit I share the following (sorry, can't paste the image myself as it is not mine and I don't have permission to be pasting it):

An alternative comparison between PC dude and Mac dude.

I found this quite entertaining.

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Every system is susceptible to viruses. Nonetheless, OS X is still more secure than Windows (and not just because of its userbase).

Build a better system and nature will build a better idiot. The only safe and secure computer is one not connected to the internet or any network and is operated by an experienced computer user. Even my friend, Apple Goddess she is, hates the influx of "nubbs" that think Mac = No to little viruses.

To allow fanatics to decide your purchasing plans is the stupidest thing I've ever heard somebody do. And are you really so naive that you don't see that Linux has an irritating group of zealots of its own? If you aren't aware of them, then get aware of them, and if you're not a hypocrite, then you won't use Linux either because of its irritating community. Personally, I wouldn't keep Apple's fanbase from keeping me from buying a Mac, Nintendo's fanbase (which is the most fanatic of the three game console companies) from buying a DS or a Wii, etc.

Fanatics I can deal with but a snobbish company who throws adverts on every channel is another thing. Fanatic is a person I can write off as it being just a person but does this person control Apple's advertising team? Read it again, I thought about changing my plan to buy an Apple due to the company not the user base. After all Apple fanatics are a dime a dozen.... Companies influence my purchasing decision as they are the ones who make the products not the fanatics.

Case in point, Stardock's Windowblinds, Brad and the rest have shown themselves as knowledgeable and friendly people with my experience with them on the joeuser blogs and it had some influence over my decision to get Windowblinds. A part of the process in some product purchases are the people of the company who make the product.

Would you buy a product from a company who insult you, family, friends or ideals?

"Plus last time I checked there are several OSs on a PC Machine not just Windows, so when you attack a PC...well...you get the picture."

Not OS X though.

Where have you been? OS X is no longer solely on an Apple machine anymore and Apple has even had to adapt to the Intel architecture to survive in the world of the powerful PC processors. Let alone I think IBM's deal with Microsoft in making the CPUs for the Xbox 360 may have had some hand in this game.

-X

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see! it all comes down to xerox star, still, macintosh has been round, will always be round, ande be safer than windows, even though it all comes down to what u want...the hello im a mac and a pc ad is simply hilarious, cus the beta version of bootcamp does faster than the equivalent computer, or a better same priced one actually, it all comes down to making things right.

and hey! hopefully all of u have a cutting edge Vcard and lots of ram (or a hub for multiple usb memories to use as RAM, that is soo old school and stupid,apple works better at less memory cus of the way it admins it!, if it needs more can get it out of everything that is mass storage by pageing)cus if not, and believe me my 1 year old 1.6ghz hp computer (1gbram 128 shared intel vcard)runs aero slooooooooooooow as heeeeeeelllll, so, hope u get new pc's or a major upgrade with ur vista copy for free

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starkers

Join Date 05/2004

+1153

I went into my local Apple store to test run an Intel Mac and was quite impressed with the 17" (widescreen) 1.83Ghz duo core/512mb DDR2 SDRAM/128mb ATI x1600 for $1999 (Aus). I could go in search of a rich uncle so I could get the 20" 2.0Ghz model for $2649, but I fear it'd be 10 years out of date before I found him.

Anyhow, the 17" is ready to go out of the box with mostly everything I'd need to start with....just plug it into my DSL modem and its net ready and can file share with my PC. It is also pretty quick, boots in around 9-10 seconds and is smooth to operate.....

But is it any better than my PC? No, not really! Its slick look is very nice and it performs well, but I love my PC as well and I'm not about to become a fanboy/zealot of either to the exclusion of the other. Both have their advantages, as well as their limitations, and I'll enjoy the use of both equally.

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Shame on Apple. What's the big deal with the Mac anyways, the GUI? I'm being a little harsh. OSX is actually pretty nice but Windows XP can be made to look as nice if not better---uxtheme or even better Window Blinds. I much prefer MDI over SDI.

Windows XP is all about freedom of choice. The freedom to select your hardware and software. Unfortunately, you can shoot yourself in the foot. If you want stability buy a Dell. I'll put up my $1000 overlocked P4 630 @ 4Ghz system against any Mac at twice the price. If it wasn't for BSD unix Apple would have little room to talk.

Two words Apple---Dodge Ball! Pick a different spokesperson and focus on your product instead of attacking your opponent.

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Island Dog

Join Date 06/2003

+1048

If you want stability buy a Dell.

I can't stop laughing.

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I can't stop laughing.

Someone does not like Dell? Better Dell than Comcrap.

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Island Dog

Join Date 06/2003

+1048

I have had so many problems with Dells in the past year it's just funny to see that. I was watching the new "out of the box" Apple commercials and my first thought was Dell. We bought a new Dell at work a few months ago, and I'm still finding "trial" software I have to uninstall. http://www.apple.com/getamac/

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We bought a new Dell at work a few months ago, and I'm still finding "trial" software I have to uninstall.

Well, in all Fairness, dont get their 725Ns with the Software Raids. Those suck! The Hardware Raids are fine, but we have have numerous problems with the software Raid ones.

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Dell make Macs now?

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"If it wasn't for BSD unix Apple would have little room to talk."

And if it wasn't for the NT kernel Microsoft would have little room to talk either.

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Corky_O

Join Date 04/2004

I have had so many problems with Dells in the past year it's just funny to see that.

I have had the opposite experience.

We have about 60 Dell's at work and all are fine - easy to set-up workstations with OS and driver discs only. Of course I only help when needed, but we moved away from HP / Compaq due to pricing and flaky OS installation discs.

I customized my Inspiron 9300 with a new processor, hard drive, memory, and optical drive. This thing runs XP effortlessly and has no issues with movies, music and Adobe Creative Suite 2.

I know Dell got some bad press about 2 years ago on their customer service, but they seem to be turning it around with the acquisition of alienware, they seem to be creating systems targeting performance.

Their new "Show Stopper" notebook certainly looks like it could give the MacBook Pro a run for it's money, both performance and price tag.

And if it wasn't for the NT kernel Microsoft would have little room to talk either

This certainly seems to be the big improvement in avoiding catastrophic crashes.

Microsoft is definitely intimately entangled in the legacy architecture of PC's (not all their fault due to manufacturers concerns, etc.), and it will probably take some time before the corner can be turned as it were, to make significant advancements in efficiency. Case in point would be the new WDDM 2.0 specification that has to implemented (once the hardware is manufactured and released) due to the decision to utilize the GPU for drawing.

I do not know coding much, so what this move will do in the long run for background processes is unclear to me, but if that part of the equation can be nullified in some way - we may see a much more efficient operating system in the future.

On Apples side, I am also one who likes the iMac (or even the G5 dual-dual core tower ). I think a 30" monitor driven by that bad boy would do some serious graphics work, and the iMac is just a nice compact package and easy to use.

Excellent for someone who just wants to enjoy using the computer to surf the web, e-mail, video chat, and use multimedia processes to enrich their lives. I am still planning on getting myself a birthday present of one 20" iMac (and with luck, the CS3 for X-Mas).

Then I would have a nice compact big screen (big for me anyway) at home to draw on and play with, and my Dell notebook to use on the go and the attendant ease and compatibility with the majority of the business world.

One could have the best of both worlds and enjoy life, eh?

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Corky_O

Join Date 04/2004

Sorry for the typo's, I can't edit my last post.

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starkers

Join Date 05/2004

+1153

One could have the best of both worlds and enjoy life, eh?

Exactly my point....why have a one eyed view of all things computing and limit your possibilities/opportunities?

I was looking at getting a mini mac for around $1200 (Aus), but when I was in the store and discovered it would need some optional extras to do what I want, my attention immediately turned to the 17" iMac for an extra $700. The overall price difference will only be a $100 or so, and I'd rather have the complete system, as opposed to something that requires add-ons to meet my needs...

Of course, I would prefer the 20" iMac, but that's an extra $700 again and could be over-stretching my budget some. Then again, I'd also like a G5 duo or quad core, but they start at 5 grand....shoot, said I'd never become one, but if they sold me one under quarter price, I'll become a Mac zealot and "shout it from the highest hill" (Doris Day, Calamity Jane) Shows my age, don't it!

Two words Apple---Dodge Ball! Pick a different spokesperson and focus on your product instead of attacking your opponent.

I have to agree with this...Apple's focus should entirely be on its own products, not the pros of its own against 'supposed' cons of others. However, my decision to get a Mac was not influenced by Apple's advertising...truth is, I don't remember ever seeing a Mac ad. My interest in Macs was spurned by various threads here on WC, and through my own research/investigations. Quite frankly, I hate practically all forms of advertising and have become impervious to it, so they're all wasting their time on me.

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I go to a vocational school that uses MAC G5s for our digital media class. I have a Windows PC at my house. I find that the ads you see on TV are quite the contrary and even then, MACs barely hold their own in the working aspect. The commercials act as if putting together slideshows and little videos is the only thing that people find as "fun". The only reason I think MACs make better work computers is because they load software and allocate more ram towards it. Windows based PCs dominate because any software that is on a MAC you can find something similar, if not better, software for Windows. Plus, Windows has so many games for it... but I guess that's not "fun", or so says Apple. And they pretty much lie on those commercials too, Windows comes with more than a clock and calculator. My PC is the same as the MAC G5 and guess what... It didn't cost me $2500 with a school discount, It cost under $1000. I am no MAC hater either, but I do hate those ads they have out.

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I think the most ridiculous portrayal in the new PC-Mac commercial is the implication of the *PC FREEZE UP*???.. LOL!!

I don't know about anyone else, but for me personally it's been many many years since any of my machines froze..(Um Hello)??

It's a simple fact of life..We own toys, TV Toys, Audio Toys, Computer Toys, Camera Toys..Etc,Etc..*IF I WANTED A MAC TOY AGAIN*, I'm sure I'd own one. There is a reason other than
cost that keeps PC owners far ahead in the most used computer in the world dept..We really don't care to own a MAC?...

I continue to be a consistent supporter of STARDOCK because it's the absolute best TOY on the market for GUI..There are many who have been arguing that fact with me and others for years and years..I've seen countless, many, many come and go over the years, while Stardock remains the undisputed GUI leader. I own and use other programs for GUI on my PC's, nothing can compare to what Stardock has to offer. It is strong, colorful, versatile and allows the customer to do EXACTLY what he chooses to do by offering a vast variety of functions..

Just like my PC..It's a personal preference..I choose wisely!!

I live in London, Ontario, Canada.(Approx 400,000 Pop) We have one lonely MAC store and countless PC stores here...(Excluding the chains, Best Buy, Future Shop)..There's a good reason for that, THEY DON'T SELL..??

(PC..Freezes..Wait, I'll have to reboot,.....LOL!!....Phhffftt!)

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I can't wait to add a new Macbook or Mac Mini to my technology arsenal but those ads are only there to appeal to the self-righteous Macfanboys. Check out the forums at apple.com it's hilarious all the "technical" information that they have "Bootcamp made my OSX unaccessable so i rushed to the Apple store and they sold me Norton System works, Thank goodness!" Yes because Apple staff obviously don't know that the OSX install disc comes with disk utility built in:D

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Jafo

Join Date 03/2001

+1845

I don't know about anyone else, but for me personally it's been many many years since any of my machines froze..(Um Hello)??

You clearly aren't trying nearly hard enough.

So far [within an hour of installation] I'd had 2 BSOD's in Vista....[yes, they are still Blue].

Hard resets after system lockups in XP aren't all that common....but can be made to order....

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So far [within an hour of installation] I'd had 2 BSOD's in Vista....[yes, they are still Blue].

And here I always thought that the B was for Beatch

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LOL!!...Don't know what to tell ya Jafo.

..I can't speak for Vista yet, but I can tell you it won't be on anything I own until it has proven ITSELF reliable. I see nothing in it that peaks my interest.

I have 3 Desktops here, plus an IBM T40 lap..(All XP's) None which are older than one year, only my main system runs Stardock products, so that is basically the only difference between any of them. They all run pretty much the same programs without conflict.

I honestly can't remember the last time I had freeze up concerns. Why would I wan't to change that which is working perfect...

I hope you get your issues repaired prior to throwing a perfectly good PC out the window..LOL!! Cheers Dude

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my new lappy is running XP home..after the first day, when i was installing software, i have not rebooted it once, in two weeks. It goes through heavy usage and is woken up and put back to sleep/hibernated 4 or 5 times a day. One boot. No problems.

It is, however, a laptop. My desktop typically runs on the same boot for a week or two but i have custom hardware out the wazoo so now and then it gets quirky. Nothing like what the ads advertise, tho.

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I dont have to hibernate my computer cus osx loads quicker than a pc out of hibernation LOL, and of course faster than booting xp.

It all comes down to choices, of course the ads are offensive, but hey! it all comes down to what u need it for, as for osx barely holding itself, well,im surprised (maybe osx with classic still on it) cus its funny how apple computers can hold winxp better than dell computers ( very tuned up xps out of course) won hold its home OS properly.the only right thing bout it its that windows just not evolves, why do they ought to keep BIOS in their new OS, that is so not good,but hey! a 1980`s Hardware admin. can be emulated through EFI,even though Bios cant emulate EFI, and with an emulated start, it still beats lots of pc`s in booting time.

the ads are wrong, except the one with the pc using ipod, cus pc fans love ipod, mainly cus its interface, weird, it is very OSX type and look.

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PurrBall

Join Date 02/2003

+23

Since when have Macs booted faster than XP? OS X boots faster on a PC then a Mac. Even the Intel Macs are slower than XP booting. For some time OS X was famous for it's two-minute bootup. My XP can boot in fifteen seconds, ten even on a fresh install.

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i like mac ads, i like mac.

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I used to not really care about the whole OS wars. The first computer I ever used that had more colors then green and black was a Mac, although I have no idea what type. My only problem with macs was their whole ipod thing. I just simply hated their ads and commericals because I dispise the popular culture they advertise. But besides that I was fine with Macs.

But these recent ads just make me angry. I hate arrogance but I hate false arrogance even more.
1. PC's dont crash or freeze up very often anymore, at least mine hasnt. Macs arnt immune to it ether, I've heard about them crashing and freezing before to. The only PC's I know that freeze up are some school computers that are running Windows they were never built to run.
2. I've never had any compatibility issues with XP before. Every device I I've ever had worked fine. They also have no right to talk about compatibility since if you threw 100 random programs at a Mac most wouldnt run.

But the most recent one really pisses me off. They go on about how much 'fun' you can have with a mac by making files with pictures and what not. Then they talk about how boring PC's are and how they dont do anything fun. Well you know what Apple? I think I'm going to go play some GAMES!

I dont think Macs are more effeicient then a PC. Right now I'm downloading Torrents, Converting Video's, Playing videos, and typing this message. I'm not having any speed trouble and I only have homemade mongrol of a PC. 2Ghz Amd64 and 512mb Ram.

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Macs arnt immune to it ether, I've heard about them crashing and freezing before to.

Yea, but they call it Kernel Panic.

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