New buy, PC or MAC?
Once again, you're equating the PC with the worst experiences Microsoft users have. If everyone had the same negative experiences, there would be an understandable rush away from their software. Why don't I have the same experiences with my old XP system? Is it because I've learned a few things along the way - such as which hardware to choose, which stuff to install, how to protect a network? It's no harder than driving a car with a manual gearbox, doing basic service on it, and knowing which fuel to put in the tank. (Oh, wait - bad example, no-one services their own car any more, do they?)
They've set themselves up for a fall with Vista, I think, but (as I said earlier) that does not mean Apple is the answer. I am moving away from Microsoft, gradually, as my requirements change. (I want a light, efficient system, not Vista's bloatware.) I will not, however, buy in to the Apple cult, for reasons I gave earlier.
They've set themselves up for a fall with Vista, I think, but (as I said earlier) that does not mean Apple is the answer. I am moving away from Microsoft, gradually, as my requirements change. (I want a light, efficient system, not Vista's bloatware.) I will not, however, buy in to the Apple cult, for reasons I gave earlier.
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why does that make me, in AlphaMale's words, "a very silly boy"? I know it's a mild insult, but it's still unnecessary. I'm not anti-Mac; but I am anti-lock-in, anti-lazy-assumption, anti-ignorance, and anti-smugness.
Take a chill pill Bill! ... It was meant as a joke and if anything I'd assume it would get Gonzo's back up, lucky he sees this thread on a mature level then.
Word Processing
Spreadsheets
Make Presentations
These are the areas not covered in a basic purchased Mac. Either run your old suite natively in Windows with 'bootcamp,' provided within the operating system or one of the neater, paid for, solutions like VM's fusion. About 50 quid I think.
Spreadsheets
Make Presentations
These are the areas not covered in a basic purchased Mac. Either run your old suite natively in Windows with 'bootcamp,' provided within the operating system or one of the neater, paid for, solutions like VM's fusion. About 50 quid I think.
You can see where the PC makers cut corners to fool the public you can actually get a PC for the price of a Mac.
Maybe having to upgrade the PC to a FireWire 400, FireWire 800, 5 x USB 2.0 ports and making the PC Bluetooth would neutralise the £50 spent on 'Office for Mac'. (Keep in mind the FireWire 400 and FireWire 800 will set you back £20 and £40 respectively).
You'll still be short of a built in iSight etc by I wont put the boot in any more than I need to
(There was me thinking this thread had gone to sleep)
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I bet the PC Gonzo compared to a Mac didn't come with built in Bluetooth, Fire wire ports and 2.0 USB ports as standard?
No bluetooth, but 6x USB2.0 ports, 2x Firewire (not sure which flavour), Gigabit LAN and memory card reader, the DVD Writer has Lightscribe.
And it takes a great deal to get my back up....... I'm so laid back that usually I can't see over my hips.....
Not that it matters, but IMHO bluetooth is
. Although the way the new Apple iPhone headset partners with the iPhone is cool.
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LOL - Same here, I remember my history teacher telling my mother on parents day that I'm too laid back and need a rocket up my a*s.
That isn't a bad spec PC then (6x USB 2.0 ports, 2x Firewire). The PC's I have purchased in the past keep needing to be upgraded for me to work more efficiently.
I like my bluetooth as I have a wireless mouse and keyboard and I can send stuff to my mobile with no problem, it's backup my address book with no problems (instantly) and if I want to change my display/ring-tone etc then I just send it. Much easier than having to get out a data cable.
My last few phones that have had cameras on them never get photos backed up onto a PC as it's too much of an effort with software and cables. No excuse with the Mac so I think I'll get a 5 Megapixel phone next.
That isn't a bad spec PC then (6x USB 2.0 ports, 2x Firewire). The PC's I have purchased in the past keep needing to be upgraded for me to work more efficiently.
I like my bluetooth as I have a wireless mouse and keyboard and I can send stuff to my mobile with no problem, it's backup my address book with no problems (instantly) and if I want to change my display/ring-tone etc then I just send it. Much easier than having to get out a data cable.
My last few phones that have had cameras on them never get photos backed up onto a PC as it's too much of an effort with software and cables. No excuse with the Mac so I think I'll get a 5 Megapixel phone next.
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I like my bluetooth as I have a wireless mouse and keyboard and I can send stuff to my mobile with no problem, it's backup my address book with no problems (instantly) and if I want to change my display/ring-tone etc then I just send it. Much easier than having to get out a data cable.
Oooops. Off topic again!!!
Plastic PPRuNer
Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop allows you to run XP/Vista in a virtual machine on you Intel Mac.
I installed it on my MacBook basically because I've used Paint Shop Pro so much and have a big collection of .psp images that I don't want to convert.
Flawless install of XP and runs like a charm - you'd never know it was in a VM. Quick too.
I did bump up the Mac's memory to 2GB though, just on general principles.
I installed it on my MacBook basically because I've used Paint Shop Pro so much and have a big collection of .psp images that I don't want to convert.
Flawless install of XP and runs like a charm - you'd never know it was in a VM. Quick too.
I did bump up the Mac's memory to 2GB though, just on general principles.
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Less than a month ago now, I purchased a brand spanking new top of the line Dell PC. Today it sits dormant on my desk after a hard disk failure. For me it's the last straw.
I've used MACs at work now for a while and love 'em! So, as soon as Dell collect the heap of sh
t sat on my desk and refund my card, I shall be ordering a MAC.
My initial thought was to go for a desktop MAC PRO. However, any thoughts on the very sleak looking iMac?
Cheers
S
I've used MACs at work now for a while and love 'em! So, as soon as Dell collect the heap of sh
t sat on my desk and refund my card, I shall be ordering a MAC. My initial thought was to go for a desktop MAC PRO. However, any thoughts on the very sleak looking iMac?
Cheers
S
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I have access to a MacPro and my parents (family computer) and it's fast! Has plenty of space for upgrades too, I think it has 8 slots for the RAM for example. We have 4 x 1Gb RAM sticks.
The cost of these PowerMacs / MacPro's are expensive but you get a very very powerful bit of kit!
I've always had issues with anything that has something else built into it. TV/Video combi, TV/DVD Combi, DVD/VHS combi and so on and I'd hate to fall into the trap of having a broken display on an iMac stopping me from using the computer within it. Main reason for opting for a minimac and the cost of a PowerMac. Although I will upgrade to a PowerMac when finances are not so tight or if my Mac should ever play up ... No signs of that so far
The cost of these PowerMacs / MacPro's are expensive but you get a very very powerful bit of kit!
I've always had issues with anything that has something else built into it. TV/Video combi, TV/DVD Combi, DVD/VHS combi and so on and I'd hate to fall into the trap of having a broken display on an iMac stopping me from using the computer within it. Main reason for opting for a minimac and the cost of a PowerMac. Although I will upgrade to a PowerMac when finances are not so tight or if my Mac should ever play up ... No signs of that so far
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Hope you get a computer of any type that you like scruggs.
It appears the Dell wasn't a DOA and you got a month out of it.
Of the 5 Macs and 1 PC in the Towers household the only failure in 7 years has been a hard disc made by some seedy back street clowns called Hitachi. It didn't seem to like a life of constant pressure changes.
Components go across all platforms and brand names - it's often just one of those things in a world of mass production, sampling and batch testing.
Bino's disappointment with Apple backup in Oz mentioned here recently should make us all think hard about service above and beyond the basic law and irrespective of the brand and OS.
I'd strongly suggest UK users have a long hard look at getting a machine from the John Lewis Partnership. A huge reputation, well deserved if the shop locations suit. Free delivery for on line ordering - the relevant part of their terms follow.
I'd also point out that their tellies get five years
NB: I am not a John Lewis partner nor have I ever played one on TV.
Rob
Guarantees
We always honour the manufacturer's guarantee period where offered; these are usually one year unless otherwise stated. Please see individual product pages for details. In addition to the first year manufacturer’s guarantee on large electrical domestic appliances, computers, non-portable hi-fi equipment, DVD and VHS players/recorders and camcorders, we provide a free second year service guarantee
It appears the Dell wasn't a DOA and you got a month out of it.
Of the 5 Macs and 1 PC in the Towers household the only failure in 7 years has been a hard disc made by some seedy back street clowns called Hitachi. It didn't seem to like a life of constant pressure changes.
Components go across all platforms and brand names - it's often just one of those things in a world of mass production, sampling and batch testing.
Bino's disappointment with Apple backup in Oz mentioned here recently should make us all think hard about service above and beyond the basic law and irrespective of the brand and OS.
I'd strongly suggest UK users have a long hard look at getting a machine from the John Lewis Partnership. A huge reputation, well deserved if the shop locations suit. Free delivery for on line ordering - the relevant part of their terms follow.
I'd also point out that their tellies get five years
NB: I am not a John Lewis partner nor have I ever played one on TV.
Rob
Guarantees
We always honour the manufacturer's guarantee period where offered; these are usually one year unless otherwise stated. Please see individual product pages for details. In addition to the first year manufacturer’s guarantee on large electrical domestic appliances, computers, non-portable hi-fi equipment, DVD and VHS players/recorders and camcorders, we provide a free second year service guarantee
Considerably Bemused Wannabe
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5 Macs and 1 PC! I knew in the end it's impossible for pilots to hide the profits
I think you've nailed it actually PT, I was lucky to get a month out of it. The hard disk in question was made by Samsung. I phoned Dell up and asked if there was anyway I could recover the data on it. They told me that because of something to do with the RAID config, all data was lost. I asked them if I could keep the knackered HD to see if I could take it somewhere for repair - they said nope! When I challenged them on this, they said they wouldn’t replace the HD unless I agreed that they could take to old one away. So...I told them to just come and collect the lot, and give me my cash back. They reluctantly agreed.
Oh well, last time I shall be using Dell that's for sure.
S
I think you've nailed it actually PT, I was lucky to get a month out of it. The hard disk in question was made by Samsung. I phoned Dell up and asked if there was anyway I could recover the data on it. They told me that because of something to do with the RAID config, all data was lost. I asked them if I could keep the knackered HD to see if I could take it somewhere for repair - they said nope! When I challenged them on this, they said they wouldn’t replace the HD unless I agreed that they could take to old one away. So...I told them to just come and collect the lot, and give me my cash back. They reluctantly agreed.
Oh well, last time I shall be using Dell that's for sure.
S
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I've just had a phone call from our IT contactors that my PC's HD has gone and the data that was on it has gone with it 
... most of my graphics are on the company server but that's not the point.
Don't you just hate it when the HD gives up the ghost
... most of my graphics are on the company server but that's not the point.Don't you just hate it when the HD gives up the ghost
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Well, whatever you choose I hope you have a good look at the small print scruggs. At least Dell will take it back, albeit with significant displeasure on your side just as Binos faced regarding an Apple repair.
Most Mac users update machinery at a much slower rate than others. The software and OS seem much more able to keep daily use fluid on an old machine whatever the benchmarks say.
Once on the dark side though getting a new Mac is one way the evil ones keep us in the fold. Start a new one and the screen asks if you have an old mac. If so please connect by firewire and restart it. Click one button and it transfers the lot - all data, settings, preferences, software, addresses, pics, music, vids, dodgy bookmarks Etc in the original folder topography you created over the years.
A very sneaky way of getting us 'normal' folks to upgrade more often than non power users/ enthusiasts usually do.
Like changing banks it's traditionally all such a pfaff that you put it off.
Anyway, what is it that you do that suggests the desktop/tower to you? Fastest video card and most memory? Games,flight simming, video rendering, large scale stills manipulation or music production are the only areas I can think of where you'd notice the extra speed. Or you need a third party monitor with guaranteed colour gamut and measurement? With the rate of change in memory architecture, connections and slots I don't feel they're nearly as future proof as we used to consider them.
Oh, and slipping back to John Lewis and tellies again. They don't give any of this HD Ready, Almost Ready, Might be Ready if you are partially sighted tosh. It's 1080p or it ain't in the list.
It's OK - I'll thread ban myself
Rob
Most Mac users update machinery at a much slower rate than others. The software and OS seem much more able to keep daily use fluid on an old machine whatever the benchmarks say.
Once on the dark side though getting a new Mac is one way the evil ones keep us in the fold. Start a new one and the screen asks if you have an old mac. If so please connect by firewire and restart it. Click one button and it transfers the lot - all data, settings, preferences, software, addresses, pics, music, vids, dodgy bookmarks Etc in the original folder topography you created over the years.
A very sneaky way of getting us 'normal' folks to upgrade more often than non power users/ enthusiasts usually do.
Like changing banks it's traditionally all such a pfaff that you put it off.
Anyway, what is it that you do that suggests the desktop/tower to you? Fastest video card and most memory? Games,flight simming, video rendering, large scale stills manipulation or music production are the only areas I can think of where you'd notice the extra speed. Or you need a third party monitor with guaranteed colour gamut and measurement? With the rate of change in memory architecture, connections and slots I don't feel they're nearly as future proof as we used to consider them.
Oh, and slipping back to John Lewis and tellies again. They don't give any of this HD Ready, Almost Ready, Might be Ready if you are partially sighted tosh. It's 1080p or it ain't in the list.
It's OK - I'll thread ban myself
Rob
Less than a month ago now, I purchased a brand spanking new top of the line Dell PC. Today it sits dormant on my desk after a hard disk failure. For me it's the last straw.
You have absolutely no justification for thinking a Mac's drive will be any more reliable than a PC's. Do you know who made the drive that failed, and the drive you'd get if you buy a Mac?
(I used to support storage systems, so if I wanted to I could bore y'all silly about "infant mortality" and the bathtub curve... but I won't.)
Spoon PPRuNerist & Mad Inistrator
scruggs,
My sympathy for your loss!
But do bear in mind that the HDs in Apples and the HDs in PCs are actually identical. Same form factor, same interfaces, same manufacturers.
The reality is that you are just as likely to have a HD failure in a Mac as a PC.
SD
My sympathy for your loss!
But do bear in mind that the HDs in Apples and the HDs in PCs are actually identical. Same form factor, same interfaces, same manufacturers.
The reality is that you are just as likely to have a HD failure in a Mac as a PC.
SD
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Um... neither Dell nor Apple (nor Microsoft) make hard drives. They are made by a few companies only: Western Digital, Seagate (incl. Maxtor), Fujitsu, Hitachi (formerly IBM), Samsung.
.S
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Um...bnt, if you actually read my last, you would have read I stated my hard drive was made by Samsung
... Failed to read the post and jammed up - that's the user not the PC by the way