Macs are great. I find much less problems, less freezes, shutdowns, etc.

You can get Microsoft Office for Mac, which includes Word, Excel, etc. If you have an Apple store near you they have free classes in using the software, which is user friendly, anyway.

My old G3 desktop lasted 8 years, and I'd still be using it but upgraded to a Macbook Pro.

Go to an Apple Store and play with some of them.

If you can afford it, go for it. They are better. You will sacrifice software availablity. There's more out there for Windows than Macs. But I showed my Mac loving cousins my downloads from Microsoft (the 100 or so updates and patches) they have never seen anything like that at all with a Mac.

They rarely get viruses. They are immune to Windows viruses.

They are excpensive compared to PCs (dollar for power).

The Macs are great for many things and if all the sites you use, as well as the software you like, are compatiable with the Mac it is a good choice. My daughter just got a Mac Pro and loves it, my son, who does web design, went with a new Windows laptop because he needs the software availability of the Windows environment. And my husband had to pass on a Mac because the software he uses for stock market analysis requires Windows. Moral of the story: just be sure it meets all your requirements for daily use before you switch, there are some large differences.

This is a tough one -- the previous responders made good points. I have a few more things to bring up.

MACs are virtually immune to viruses and spyware and that's a big advantage. They get this status because there are so few of them in use that they're not worth the effort to make them a target. Why write a virus that targets 5% of the computers in use?

MACs cost more -- a lot more, not just to purchase but also to maintain. They are well designed and well built, and it is unlikely that you will have trouble, but heaven help you if you do. Apple goes way out of their way to make sure you can't service the computer yourself, or get parts for a reasonable cost. If you're the kind of person who would take a broken computer to a service center and smile at being charged $149.00 for a power supply and $85.00 to have it installed Apple is your computer company. If you're the person who knows you could buy that power supply for $49.00 and put it in yourself in fifteen minutes Apple may become a cuss word for you.

The current MAC OS is pretty good and I agree it is more stable that WIN XP. It is still however Apple through and through. Apple has a design philosphy. "We know what's right and we know that what you need is what we know is right." If you think like they do you're fine. If on the other hand you understand computers and want to use a computer to do what you want to do the way you want to do it, a MAC can be infuriating. For example an html file is a classic text file. Say you want to do a quick edit of an html file and so you instinctively launch Textedit. Don't tell Apple Textedit is for editing text files -- they know you don't want to do that and Textedit won't let you edit an html file.

Software availability is an important issue. If you're going to create and sell computer software are you going to create it for 95% of the computers in use or 5%?

I have about 80 MACs and 40 WIN systems so I know what I'm talking about. I use both daily and want to make another point. Apple's service and support stinks. I've seen them do this more than once: They released a bad batch of mice a few years back. The mice would lock up the computer. The problem surfaced and eventually Apple was aware of the bad mice. They didn't tell anyone! Their way of dealing with this was to wait for the poor sucker who bought the defective mouse to call in. When they eventually identified the problem they would exchange the mouse. They let everybody (including me) suffer while they knew they had shipped a boat load of junk. They did the same again in 2003 with a bad batch of G5s. For six months after the problem had surfaced Apple refused to acknowledge it.

No other computer company dumps older technology faster than Apple. Their new Intel based systems are good. But pitty the poor folks who bought power MAC G5s just before the new computers shipped. Apple abandons older technology and the people who bought it like the proverbial hot potato. I could give you a long history of this behavior but this post is too long already.

Best for last: MACs are cool. If you're cool you need a MAC. You've seen the commercials. You don't want to be like that nerd guy. MACs are fashion accessories. If you need a fashion accessory you need a MAC.

Ok, here's what I know about them... The new Mac's aren't any more expensive than my first IBM compatible was... My tech just bought one with the humongous monitor, dual core processor, DVD burner ( the top of the line one that burns everything and holds twice as much ), the larger hard drive and extra memory, cordless mouse and keyboard, all for $2000... After he got it he installed XP Pro so now he can switch between the two operating systems any time he wants and run any software, Mac or Windows, he wants...

Yes, they do get viruses but they don't cause as much damage as some of the Microsoft ones do... ( I think it has something to do with the fact that Mac's don't have a Registry like Windows machines do. ) You'll pay a lot more for commercial virus checking programs...

From what I saw of the new Mac that my tech has it has just about every program you'll need already built in...

It seems easy enough to use but I haven't been able to find out, from anyone, how to search or list all or some of the files on the computer... ( There's probably a way to do it but I haven't been able to find out.. lol. ) If you want to check out the mp3's you have on your computer you have to open iTunes because iTunes keeps track of them... When I really press the issue with any Mac user they tell me that everything is listed in that odd task bar at the bottom of the screen and go on to tell you about something or other that's on a Mac... LOL

I guess it all depends on what you want...

Rita

I bought this eMac in 2001 or 2002 and its still cooking along ok withouth any headaches. HOWEVER I am a very undemanding user. I log on to the internet, surf, google, email and thats about it. Haven't messed about with security programs and such and have no problems that I no of. Have not had to reload my OS etc. like with MS. So that part of it I like.
Things that are making me think of going back to a PC.

1) I had a very small custom house built. It sort of stinks. I couldn't afford an architect so modified a builders existing plan.
There are lots of good home layout programs out there but none for MAC's. I think my house would have turned out much better had I been able to play with the layout with a 100.00 software program. As it is i will loose money on the house.
2) I want to design a barn - same issue
3) i need to do my own landscaping - same issue, including internet based programs that you don't download - they often don't support MAC
3) Can't really upgrade and I'm starting to have browser issues - "you have an old browswer we don't support message"
4) I have never gotten comfortable with the way this works. Where the programs are, what they are for.
5) No one can help you figure anything out, they all have PCs.

I am a graphic designer by trade. I work for a high-tech company who uses PCs. As such, I use both a PC and a Mac at work on a daily basis. 80% Mac, 20% PC. I have no choice but to use the Mac for design, that is the design industry standard and what many print shops are geared for. I run the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, etc.) as well as Windows for Mac (MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel). The Mac may have fewer problems in general compared to a PC, but in my case it actually has more problems than my PC. No one can seem to figure out why.

As far as viruses go ... the more popular Macs become, the better the chances are viruses will be written with them in mind. Some people just have far too much extra time on their hands.

The company I work for give the designers PCs in addition to Macs because they cannot get MS Outlook to work with predictable stability and PowerPoint is just flat out better on a PC. We create a lot of PowerPoint presentations for execs. And, like many have mentioned, PCs just offer a wider range of software (freeware, shareware and otherwise).

I'll stick with a PC in my home because there is still a bigger, stronger support base of friends with answers should something go wrong and certainly easier to troubleshoot and find help online, at least for me.

Jodi-

This is an interesting thread. I always hear how the Macs are far superior to PC's. I've never read anything negative about them at all. Macs always seemed to be a 'status symbol' which only the 'in' people would have - creative people. I've always liked looking in their stores because they are so classy looking. PC's just seemed so blue-collar.

Jane

Let's clarify the cost issue, I've signed the POs to buy hundreds of both types:

There's one way to buy a MAC. Well, two ways -- pay full boat or get the educational discount. I always buy them via option number 2 so I only pay 15% more than a comparable name brand WIN system.

There are four ways to buy a WIN system: 1) Buy a name brand and pay 20% less than a MAC -- OK, 15% less than a MAC with a student ID. 2) Buy a no-name discount WIN system and save 25% over the cost of the MAC (all the same made in China and Indonesia parts that are in a MAC). 3) Build it your self WIN system from generic parts and save 30/35% over the cost of the MAC. 4) Spend 10% less than the cost of the MAC and build a WIN system that smokes the MAC**.

In all fairness the original poster is interested in laptop/notbook systems and the cost differentials and purchase options are less substantial in this regard. Still the MAC costs considerably more for what you get&&.

**All the benchmarks that Apple has published for years that claim the MAC is a higher performance computer than a comparable WIN system were used as an example by the Bush Admin. when they needed to demonstrate to the US public that Saddam had massive tons of WMDs.

&&All of the various computer sellers (Apple especially) would like you to think that the value of the system you are purchasing reflects not only the hardware but the pre-installed software as well. It is a fallacy to fall into this trap. You're much better off considering each "ifree and pre-installed" software title a liability in so much as you will have to take time and trouble to get the #&$^ off your system.

You get what you pay for. The Mac hardly crashes. My office PC crashes daily. The Mac is loaded with more usble software comes (ILIfe is excellent) and very user friendly. The MAC OS is constantly improved, yes, and can be upgraded to improve the system, which is why many people have viable working MACs for 8 years.

If you have a monitor and keyboard, you can get a Mac Mini for very little money.

Very few people who actually use MACs and PCs will tell you they prefer the PC to work with.

Yesterday I had to wait patiently while my office PC crashed twice (I prayed I had backed up my Word documents - I did), and I realized why multitasking came to be. I multitask while I wait for my PC to do things it is supposed to do.

I've known a few mac owners, all notebooks, most or all academics (engineering prof types), and I've never know a mac ownere who didn't like them. Can't say the same for PCs, I've owned may, mostly laptop/notebook, and built a few desktops from the mother board up. The only thing I can't understand is the problem with PC Crashes, almost never happens to me, maybe I'm doing something right. Then too, when I browse this forum I don't read much (any?) threads on problems with macs.

Just two anecdotes....

1) I switched 5 1/2 months ago after 15 years with PC. (Intel iMac 20") I'll NEVER go back to Windows. No bugs here. No crashes here. No freezes here. Fast start-up shut-down sleep. Desk to desk portable. Speed-wise blows the doors off the squeaky-clean P4 3.4gz PC it replaced. Maybe I'm just lucky, but I don't think so. I think Apple's doing some good work.

2) My friends' kids who bought PC's to go to college with replace them every two or three years because they screw up and/or fall apart. My friend's kids who bought Macs to go to college with are still using the same ones in grad school.

I have been a Mac user for 20 years. I do however need to use a windows PC at work, only because of the network, systems, etc. Otherwise, I would still be using a Mac there too. They are not more expensive. Apple just doesn't build and sell $500.00 disposable computers. As noted in many posts, they last a long time. The main advantage Macs have is that the hardware and the system software are built and maintained by Apple. Think of it this way, it is very similar to windows, on the surface, but it's underneath (the operating system that makes all the difference). You won't regret it, nor will you want to go back.

Mac is changing over to the Intel 64 bit xeon processor. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Here is a link that might be useful: Apple-Intel inside

>>>> "All of the various computer sellers (Apple especially) would like you to think that the value of the system you are purchasing reflects not only the hardware but the pre-installed software as well. It is a fallacy to fall into this trap. You're much better off considering each "ifree and pre-installed" software title a liability in so much as you will have to take time and trouble to get the #&$^� off your system." Bought or started up an OEM/MSWin Pc lately?
Boot up a new Dell sometimes and just take a quick look at what comes that you didn't ask for.....

Otherwise, having run PC's (Win DOS-XP-SP2/Linux/the Open & Free BSD's) and Macs (MacOS5(?) thru the sons OSX.4) and being a committed (maybe commitable?) Linux user who likes to play with FreeBSD and has a nice new copy of Solaris X86 to play with..............

Well, were someone ask me should they get a MacOS machine or a WinPC or a Linux box...AND ESPECIALLY if the person asking is primarily interested in "consumer/personal" type IT ie: browsing, email, music, photo's, email, schoolwork I would have to say get the Mac....Nothing simpler easier or more "user friendly"

As for total system quality and value.....
We still have a IIe, a Performa 5200, an original IMac with OS9 and OSX, a red IMac, and a white IMac, all of which still work. All of them. And the son has that G4 PowerBook that I (and the S.o. too) lust over.

Though my limited personal experience with APPL tech support is quite limited, I have none but positive exepiences with them, but know others who have a less than stellar opinion of the same....BUT the online help via forums, FAQs and tutorials and etc. that's available to/for MAC users is IMNSHO, second to none, it's at least as good and useful as for Linux.

I have a 32 pound i386 Compaq "portable" too, It sill works, but is no longer useful for much more than anchoring a small canoe in a stiil body of water. The Performa5200 (only reason we bought it was because we were getting it almost for free) running OS7.5 is still my very favorite mchine, that 32mb of RAm and that ("newly installed" LOL) 56K modem just don't seem as fast and robust as they used too....... Damn, I must be getting old.....

Next I want a Cell Processor based PS3 machine (Anybody wanna sell me one real cheap?) to turn into my own personal Linux based super-computer, unless/until C.P. motherboards and processors start becoming commercially available at a somewhat resonable cost.

HAGD..........I headed out to check out the rose bushes and take the dogs off in the woods over an hour ago, but haven't left yet. I am going now though, gotta beat that rain you know.....

I LOVE MY MAC.!!!!!!!!!!!
BARBARA

I just went through this debate. After 4 Dell PCs over the past 13 years, we were seriously considering switching over to MAC. Our friends, who are both photographers, use MAC laptops and they tried to convince us to switch over. We went to the MAC store and looked at the 20" and 24" iMACs and we were impressed by how nice they were. We almost plunked down the money but just couldn't do it.

Okay, I have a confession. I am a closet computer geek. I love to tinker around with the insides removing and replacing hardware and stuff and souping up whatever computer has been pushed aside to make room for the new one.

The thought of not being able to do this with the MAC just made me ill. If something goes wrong with the MAc you have to drag the whole darn thing into the store to have it fixed. That just doesn't seem right to me! If my DVD drive goes bad, I want to be able to slip it out of the computer and replace just that part (not have to be without the whole computer for however long it takes).

So we got ourselves another Dell - this time an XPS - and hopefully it will last 10 years (that's all we ask). I still have my first Dell computer purchased in 1994 (for, can you believe, $3,000! - the prices were still ridiculous in those days).

The other problem is that I like to play bridge online at Bridge Base, which is not set up for MACS yet. So to play at the web site I like I would have to install special software in the MAC that would parallel the Windows OS.

By the time we were done pricing out the MAC and comparing to the Dell, the MAC would have been about $600-700 more, with the Dell is definitely more beefed up than the MAC would have been.

iMac for seven months after 15 years with PC. I never want to see Windows again....ever.