Questions to ask when buying a new computer...

[Pokerstar 0]

Agree! Go Mac.

Fortunately, I'm adhering to a pretty strict, uh, drug, uh, regimen to keep my mind, you know, uh, limber.
--- The Dude ---

[Pokerstar 0]

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Hmmm... Ok, I'll bite. What are some of those advantages?

How about not having to buy into that "computer geek" lifestyle?

ANd you get to learn the SECRET APPLE HANDSHAKE! ;)

Fortunately, I'm adhering to a pretty strict, uh, drug, uh, regimen to keep my mind, you know, uh, limber.
--- The Dude ---

[Thanatos340 1]

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Dude, it's Mac not MAC. You're driving me nuts.
A MAC refers to a MAC address (Media Access Control address), used to identify a unique piece of networking hardware. A Mac is a Macintosh computer.

Thank you for your time.

Blasphemy, I know.
Here, Have another cup of Kool-aid.

And thank you for helping to make my point.

[skittles_of_SDC 0]

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Dude, it's Mac not MAC. You're driving me nuts.
A MAC refers to a MAC address (Media Access Control address), used to identify a unique piece of networking hardware. A Mac is a Macintosh computer.

Thank you for your time.

Blasphemy, I know.
Here, Have another cup of Kool-aid.

And thank you for helping to make my point.

How does any of that make any sense? Because I corrected you on a proper noun all of a sudden it makes me part of the 'cult of apple'(I believe thats how you described it)?
You seem just as hardcore Windows as these people are hardcore Mac. What's that word I'm looking for? Oh yeah, hypocrisy. Enjoy your day.

[Icon134 0]

I'm always intrigued by the amount of polarization that exists between Mac users and PC users...

fwiw I use a PC and even with Windows Vista I seldom have major problems with mainstream programs... (although iTunes has been frustrating to use in Windows...) My biggest problem I've had lately was that I was generating my year end video footage using Sony Vegas Movie Studio 9... and the editor working on the footage for the dz's year end DVD uses a Mac running Final Cut Express...

and we had some issues trying to figure out what type of footage I could generate using vegas that he could import into FCE.

We ended up figuring it out but it took a few iterations and he had to contact Apple's Technical support...

Ultimately there's no right or wrong answer... each has their strengths and weaknesses... I'm generally a PC guy myself and I like how my computer is setup... My editing station has 4 displays (2 17" LG LCDs and 2 20" widescreens, an LG and a Sceptre) on an ergotron stand and I like the fact that if I ever decide to upgrade the system I can recycle the case and merely install new motherboard, CPU, etc... although I don't expect or want to do that anytime soon.

Oh as for Linux, after having enough headaches trying to get digital audio (optical output on the motherboard) to work with Ubuntu I gave up and installed Vista on an MCE PC that I built for my bedroom Sharp LCD 37" TV.

Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife...

[hypsin 0]

Could not resist... Was really hoping this thread would not turn into mac vs PC debate but since it did might as well jump in:

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If you compare what the Mac comes with system wise and have to upgrade a PC to that, the Mac is not any more expensive. The pc "upgrades" are just standard on a MAc.

Would you like me to provide you with examples where exactly the same (or better) equipped PC costs much less than mac? Better yet, are you able to pick any component you like for that mac or only able to choose from a list that Apple seems fit for you to use?

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Not emulation mode, you can actually boot straight to windows if you have to.

If OSX is so great and solves all worlds problems, why would anyone use Windows on mac?

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Only most of the major movies are edited on them. You can pretty much do anything on a Mac that you can do on a pc

*** "Pretty much anything"(tm) does not include gaming, customization, advanced hardware configurations, free service packs...

Apple is good at what it does - it provides easy to use no stress user experience. Mac is reliable, it is trendy and it does a lot of things "out of the box" but such model does have its downfalls - limited hardware support, not a lot of software is written for mac (compared to PC) and it costs more.

Some people are OK with that, some are not. But just because mac works for you does not mean it will work for everybody else.

[michalm21 0]

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There's all sorts of rabid fanboy posts here, just as there always are in any computer thread, in just about every forum I've ever seen.
I still don't get why people are so polar when it comes to a computer. You know what. Either will work. And either will break. And yes, I own both.


selbbub, if you're only wanting to use it for music, pictures and word processing, you don't need a lot of power from the processor, or even RAM. Honestly, you could do all of that on a machine 10 years old without trouble...
Unless you're storing thousands of photos, and thousands of music tracks, 250 - 300GB of hard drive space should be ample. Ask that your machine has the capacity to upgrade with another hard drive later should you need it.

Be realistic about how much stuff you're going to put onto the machine and what you're going to use it for.

Ask the guys at the store what programs come with the machine and tell them what you want to do on it & Don't be talked into some super computer designed for video editing or gaming unless you need it.

Wow, that's almost word for work what I was going to say... [Mac and a PC owner with Winxp/Linux Ubuntu]

[skittles_of_SDC 0]

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Could not resist... Was really hoping this thread would not turn into mac vs PC debate but since it did might as well jump in:

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If you compare what the Mac comes with system wise and have to upgrade a PC to that, the Mac is not any more expensive. The pc "upgrades" are just standard on a MAc.

Would you like me to provide you with examples where exactly the same (or better) equipped PC costs much less than mac? Better yet, are you able to pick any component you like for that mac or only able to choose from a list that Apple seems fit for you to use?

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Not emulation mode, you can actually boot straight to windows if you have to.

If OSX is so great and solves all worlds problems, why would anyone use Windows on mac?

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Only most of the major movies are edited on them. You can pretty much do anything on a Mac that you can do on a pc

*** "Pretty much anything"(tm) does not include gaming, customization, advanced hardware configurations, free service packs...

Apple is good at what it does - it provides easy to use no stress user experience. Mac is reliable, it is trendy and it does a lot of things "out of the box" but such model does have its downfalls - limited hardware support, not a lot of software is written for mac (compared to PC) and it costs more.

Some people are OK with that, some are not. But just because mac works for you does not mean it will work for everybody else.

I'm gonna have to call bullshit on you. While they may not have as many games, they still have some. You make it sound like there are none.

And what is your definition of 'advanced hardware configurations'?

There are 4 Windows computers in my house and one Mac (mine). I've used both... a lot... my Mac is just better plain and simple.

[Thanatos340 1]

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my Mac is just better plain and simple.

For YOU.
A MAC (Capitalized just because it annoys you) is NOT "Better" for others because it is "Plain and Simple".

I am not bashing Macs nor an I a Rabid fan of PC`s.

the complexity of the PC is both its strength and its weakness.
I have access to Macs as well but choose not to use them because they do not meet my needs.

Millions of others feel the same way.

Mac`s are NOT better. They may be better at some things but certainly not everything.

Choice is good. Thinking for yourself is Good.

MMmmmmm.. enjoy the Kool-aid. Reverend Jobs is counting on that.

[skittles_of_SDC 0]

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nor an I a Rabid fan of PC`s...

...Choice is good. Thinking for yourself is Good...

...MMmmmmm.. enjoy the Kool-aid. Reverend Jobs is counting on that...

Yeah your posts don't sound at all like a rabid PC fanboy.

Like I said, There are 4 windows machines in my house. I used windows for 8 years before switching back to a Mac. After using both extensively I have decided I like the Mac better. I could have sworn that would be considered thinking for myself.

[Spatula 0]

All this jibberish aside....perhaps your best move is to go to Best Buy (which sells both PC and Apple's) and play around with them some. When a sales person tres to help yuo, decline...just play around with the features you anticipate you will use.

Once you begin to have a base of knowledge from that test session, you'll come to see what you like/dislike of each. Generate questions from there and then ask the sales clones for their opinions.

[Thanatos340 1]

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After using both extensively I have decided I like the Mac better.

That is great. And you will find no argument from on that. Macs are better for many people. My point was they are NOT better for everyone.

I have no loyalty to Microsoft at all and will be the first to point out that Vista completely sucks in my opinion. XP has many Flaws as well but the difference to me is that I can do what I want to do and I have more control.

I am Anti-Apple. I don’t like the way they limit their machines in order to simplify them. But that does not mean I am Pro-PC. Just that I am not now nor do I think I will ever be part of the Cult Mentality many Apple supporters have about their Macs.

If saying that Macs are not really the end all be all that the Cult of Apple wants everyone to believe makes me a "Rabid PC Fanboy" in your eyes, Well that just helps to reinforce my perception of many Mac Worshipers.

Style over substance.

[Spatula 0]

So how have you two helped the OP in his quest for a basic computer by engaging in the age old debate of PC vs Apple....??

Take that crap offline or to PM's...your cluttering the thread! HAHAHAHA!! Just kidding....it's just funny to listen/read/hear this over and over again....

[hypsin 0]

Advanced hardware configuration: Example - RAID/SLI. I don't believe SLI is even an option on macs. RAID is an option on Mac Pro but there is only 1 RAID card to choose from and system will run you at least 3g's.

Our definition of gaming must be different. Yes, you can play games on pretty much anything these days.

When I say gaming I mean ability to play latest and greatest in its full glory. Try playing new games (if they are available) at high settings on mac and you will get a slide show. Not saying gaming is not possible on macs . I am saying that it is at least 1 yr behind the PC and you will have to pay some major $$$ to get a "gaming mac". Not a good argument for system claiming it can do "pretty much anything"(tm) that PC can.

Mac is good at doing basic things and it does them well. It provides a stress free user experience. But if you want to go beyond basic - look elsewhere.

[hypsin 0]

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So how have you two helped the OP in his quest for a basic computer by engaging in the age old debate of PC vs Apple....??

We want to make sure that OP knows that his options are open (And not just GET A MAC BECAUSE I USE MAC AND IT IS GREAT) when it comes to choosing a new computer - be it PC, Mac, whatever flavor of Linux or some crazy shit nobody has even heard of yet.

[Spatula 0]

Did you read my post a few up? It was to go to BB and play with both....see what he likes/dislikes about both....and then ask some questions and go from there.....

[skittles_of_SDC 0]

I'm washing my hands of this thread. this shit gets old, fast.

[Thanatos340 1]

Also the OP is a HER not a Him.

And you actually expected "help" from a Skydiving forum about a Computer?

the help was giving much earlier. Decide what you want to do. Go from there.
There is no one right answer.

[Tink1717 2]

Apple Mac Book/Mac Book Pro/Imac. Good all around machines. Low on gliches and not much need for tech support.

Skydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off.
-The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!)
AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717

[selbbub78 0]

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Will this thing get porn?

No, there's no need for porn where this thing is going

"Women fake orgasms - men fake whole relationships" – Sharon Stone
"The world is my dropzone" (wise crewdog quote)
"The light dims, until full darkness pierces into the world."-KDM

[selbbub78 0]

Okay guys, this computer is for an elderly relative who doesn't know Mac, knows Windows, and I'm trying to get something that they can use, not too complicated, get wireless on, be able to store lots of digital pics on it, maybe music, use word, etc...

The usual stuff
I'm just trying to find something simple for them. It was going to be a xmas gift til i found out that they were going to go with an Acer (which i put much concern into THAT one) and the order was delayed for now. So i'm just trying to find something...

That's all :-)

CreW Skies,
bubbles :-)

"Women fake orgasms - men fake whole relationships" – Sharon Stone
"The world is my dropzone" (wise crewdog quote)
"The light dims, until full darkness pierces into the world."-KDM

[cocheese 0]

All this bikkering about Mac and PC... and I'm the only one you replied to ...with my useless porn joke.

I really feel special now.

Yea, porn for the elderly might be bad.

[skittles_of_SDC 0]

You probably weren't thinking about it anyway but just in case a sales person tries to talk you into it, stay away from the "media center" computers. Want a sure way to confuse someone who doesn't know computers? Get them one of those.

Some will probably disagree with me but try to stay away from HP and Toshiba. I've owned 2 HP laptops each one only lasted 2 years before crapping out. Same with the Toshiba. Right around 2 years. Also no Dell, unless you are feeling adventurous. I actually tend to like Gateway. I had a Gateway desktop that worked nicely for 6 years, until it was replaced with a higher end gaming machine. Currently I also have a Gateway laptop that has been around for over 2 years so I'm happy about that.

[Icon134 0]

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Some will probably disagree with me but try to stay away from HP and Toshiba. I've owned 2 HP laptops each one only lasted 2 years before crapping out. Same with the Toshiba. Right around 2 years.

hrm... I've had my current Toshiba for a little over 4 years and it still seems to be working like a champ... it's definitely in due to be upgraded but I haven't had problems a couple of years ago it had some minor problems overheating but I took a vacuum to the heatsink opening and I haven't had a problems since.

ultimately for an older couple just about anything will do... and for what it's worth Vista has media Center capabilities built in... I would agree that it isn't the most efficient way to interact with the computer but it works... for what it is designed for.

Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife...

[skittles_of_SDC 0]

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... and for what it's worth Vista has media Center capabilities built in... I would agree that it isn't the most efficient way to interact with the computer but it works... for what it is designed for.

I agree it works. I was just saying it's probably not the best idea for an elderly person as it can be kind of confusing. The XP media center edition was confusing for one of my college roommates who knows a decent amount about computers. So for an older person that doesn't know much about computers it may be a little much for them to try to learn.