Apple or PC

[full count]

I am going to be getting a laptop soon and I am looking for advice on which route to go. How about some help please. I don't want to overspend on a build that I will not use, but I don't want to have to upgrade soon or be disappointed by not getting enough speed or space right off the bat. I am leaning towards an Apple on recomendations from my brother and a friend, but I don't know to many people who use them. Here is what I want to do with it (in no particular order). 1) listen to webcasts of my sons baseball games. 2) Photography (pics and vids). 3) Manage my music library. 4) Internet. I don't play computer video games, so that is not a factor. I am leaning towards a 15" screen so I am interested in the MacBook Pro, but I don't have a clue as to what I should get as far as the processor size, how much memory I should get before its overkill and what size hard drive I should get. It would be nice to know a little before I get the "sales pitch". Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[GatorMike]

I've got an inspiron E1405. Its 15 in. and runs windows XP. I think its less expensive than a MacBook and works great for what i use it for: internet, music/movies, and school work. As far as processors it has an intel centrino duo that runs smothly for all the applications I listed.

[CHRIS7891011]

I'm going to say go with a PC only because that's what I always have used and it comes simpler for people who have always used it.

For me... I'm going to be doing a lot of video work on my computer so my next computer is going to be Mac... only because it plays nicer with my hardware and software.

It's really what you are used to. It doesn't sound like you are going to be doing too much extreme technical video/picture editing so a PC should work fine. Plus through dell you can get some great service plans (i assume with mac its the same though)

[full count]

I have a Dell desk top that I am happy with, but I am getting tired of constantly having to download security updates and having to guard aginst viruses, malware, etc. That is the main reason that got me interested in an Apple.

[nciovino]

I have a MacBook Pro 17in. I will never go back to a PC. Took me a couple days to get used to it, but it is very easy to use. i love it.

Dont quite remember what the sales rep said to me, but im pretty sure he said it had everything in it. It was like 2700 or 2800 bucks.

But i have not had any problems with it yet.

[shrtcrt-cl]

I say go with the Mac. Ease of use, security and speed are some big reasons. Yes you will pay a bit more up front, but you will have hardware that will last a long time. Plus you can run XP on it if you need to. I have both and LOVE my MacBook Pro. I only have a Windows box because I program in .NET. Head to an Apple store and play with the products. The best thing about Apple, is when they do update the OS, it is $129, no software keys, no validation, and it is always FASTER. They innovate and push the industry.

Things just work on a Mac. Wireless networking, printers, cameras etc. Just plug it in and it works. Professional photographers LOVE Macs.

Come to the world of Apple, you will be VERY happy. Alanpd recently switched to a Mac and an iPhone and loves it! A lot of people are switching and love it. If you have ANY questions, let me know.

[full count]

Originally Posted by shrtcrt

I say go with the Mac. Ease of use, security and speed are some big reasons. Yes you will pay a bit more up front, but you will have hardware that will last a long time. Plus you can run XP on it if you need to. I have both and LOVE my MacBook Pro. I only have a Windows box because I program in .NET. Head to an Apple store and play with the products. The best thing about Apple, is when they do update the OS, it is $129, no software keys, no validation, and it is always FASTER. They innovate and push the industry.

Things just work on a Mac. Wireless networking, printers, cameras etc. Just plug it in and it works. Professional photographers LOVE Macs.

Come to the world of Apple, you will be VERY happy. Alanpd recently switched to a Mac and an iPhone and loves it! A lot of people are switching and love it. If you have ANY questions, let me know.

This is what I am hearing, but what I need to know is what build should I get for the applications that I want to use it for? I don't want to spend the money on overkill if you know what I mean. I don't want to into an i store and have a salesperson sell me more computer than i will use or be disapointed that I didn't get enough memory, etc.

[nciovino]

I would not recomend running XP with your mac. I was told by the rep, that when running XP, all PC virus' can be caught even though its on a mac.

[karmaz00]

i have a dell desktop, and a tosiba laptop. i use them more for business pleasure. not much gaming and entertainment. when i was purchasing my computers, they were saying that macs are better computers for entertainment functions then most other brands. i love my dell. i would highly reccomend forsure.

[shrtcrt-cl]

The folks at the Apple stores do not oversell. They are there to help you find the best computer for you. It is a very different buying experience.

Not sure by what you mean by build. Are you referring to model? That would depend on a few things. Are you looking to be mobile? If so, then what size screen will work for you? 13.3, 15 or 17. I have a 15" MacBook Pro and it was $2000. If you do not need to be mobile, then check out the iMac series. They start at $1199 and that has a builit in 20" screen. Really nice computer.

As far as running XP, yes you are still vunerable to viruses, but ONLY on when you are using Windows. If you install XP or VISTA, it is just like running a standard Windows box.

Does that help?

[koolhandk]

I also would suggest an imac that is what I have but being a documentary film editor I had to go mac and will never look back. Macs are just more intuitive (especially with music, photos, and videos, everthing is drag and drop) than the PC plus I like knowing that I will hardly ever have to worry about viruses. I have found the imac to be semi-portable they make a bag for it called the ilugger and it works great. I needed to have a computer that was portable but had more memory, so I went with the imac because I could easily travel with it and it covered my needs for editing. Good luck with your purchase.

[alnpd-cl]

Originally Posted by full count

This is what I am hearing, but what I need to know is what build should I get for the applications that I want to use it for? I don't want to spend the money on overkill if you know what I mean. I don't want to into an i store and have a salesperson sell me more computer than i will use or be disapointed that I didn't get enough memory, etc.

The beauty of a Mac is that it is ready to go out of the box! You get iLife which gives you iMovie, iDVD, iPhoto, Garage Band & iWeb. iWork is $79 when you buy a Mac I think and it gives you Pages (MS Word on steroids), Keynote (PowerPoint but easier) & Numbers (Excel for the simple tasks on steroids). Some people still want office so you can get it but buy the Student Teacher edition, its cheaper and the same as the pro version I am pretty sure.

One caveat, ONCE YOU GO MAC YOU NEVER GO BACK!
:teacher:

[shrtcrt-cl]

The iMac and MacBook Pro both support up to 4 GB of RAM. That should be plenty for video and photo work. I only have 2GB in mine and it runs great.

That is true! You do not want to go back. One of my coworkers is buying a MacBook after MacWorld. He is excited to join the Mac party!

[full count]

Originally Posted by shrtcrt

The folks at the Apple stores do not oversell. They are there to help you find the best computer for you. It is a very different buying experience.

Not sure by what you mean by build. Are you referring to model? That would depend on a few things. Are you looking to be mobile? If so, then what size screen will work for you? 13.3, 15 or 17. I have a 15" MacBook Pro and it was $2000. If you do not need to be mobile, then check out the iMac series. They start at $1199 and that has a builit in 20" screen. Really nice computer.

As far as running XP, yes you are still vunerable to viruses, but ONLY on when you are using Windows. If you install XP or VISTA, it is just like running a standard Windows box.

Does that help?

Yes, that is the #1 reason. I work crazy hours (I am on call 24/7) and I want at least a 13.5" screen. I am leaning towards a 15" for the sole purpose of photo and video editing. I think 17" would be more suited for desktop a replacement. I want to be able to surf the internet, send email and use basic functions while I am "standing by", but I would like to use it for the other applications that I stated when I have free time. The MacBook Pro has 2 15" models that have a 2.2GHz and 2.4GHz processor, both come with 2GB of memory (standard) and 120GB and 160GB hard drive respectivly. There is a $500 difference in price but I don't know if I will need a 160Gb hard drive for what I want to do.

[shrtcrt-cl]

For $500 with only a small bump, it is NOT worth it. Get the baseline MacBook Pro 15" and you will be fine. You can always hook up an additional monitor. The MacBook Pro will support a 30" flat screen. For $1999 it is a great buy. If you are serious about video editing, pick up Final Cut Express. I believe they lowered the price to $200. It is an AWESOME program and one that I use. Final Cut Studio has a lot of bells and whistles, but for $1200. Start with Express and work your way up. It is professional grade editing.