muchabstracted (
muchabstracted) wrote2008-05-15 07:28 pm
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Cry for help!
So I need to replace my computer. Hopefully quickly, as I currently have no access outside of the public library, despite my brother's and
chanaleh's help and suggestions in that department. I am having lots of trouble making decisions, and my usual first source for information about computers is out of the state at the moment, so I throw myself on your mercy.
The big question:
I use the computer for word processing and internet, and the occasional use of listening to music. I found it helpful to record my voice, as that has a very occasional use at work, but even that is not too important. Is there any real reason for me to spend the extra several hundred dollars on a Mac, given my salary?
And, uh, are there any extras I should consider?
All thoughts appreciated.
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The big question:
I use the computer for word processing and internet, and the occasional use of listening to music. I found it helpful to record my voice, as that has a very occasional use at work, but even that is not too important. Is there any real reason for me to spend the extra several hundred dollars on a Mac, given my salary?
And, uh, are there any extras I should consider?
All thoughts appreciated.
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Personally, I would buy a PC without an operating system, avoid the Microsoft tax and install Linux (if you do this, it's always a good idea to take someone with you who can make sure the hardware you're buying is compatible). The only use you list there that I'd be worried about is "listening to music." If it's just ripped CDs and mp3's, that's OK. If you need iTunes or another proprietary store, that changes things.
If you avoid Windows Vista (even if it's for XP), you can get the same level of performance out of an older (and cheaper) PC that you would get out of a much pricer machine. With any Windows system, you'll still need to maintain subscriptions to antivirus/antispyware software, which adds to the cost of the machine over time and decreases performance.
As for online retailers (if you do go the PC route), I've had good buying experiences from TigerDirect (although mostly that was buying computer components for my lab, not whole systems).
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But I did end up with a Mac, this time, after all. It's very nice to be connected online again.
I've heard awful things about Windows Vista, so I'd have definitely wanted to avoid that anyway.
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(In this case, I am said linux geek, and *I* don't run it at home or work. I just use a Mac at both, to run 300 linux servers. )
But, Mac / PC? Some nice, cheap, PC laptops out there. Get a good warranty, they break. All of them. Plus, the dropping.
However, if you don't spend too much, it might not be worth the more than 1-2 yr warranty. It might just be cheaper to replace in 2 years than the cost of the warranty
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Macs do have a learning curve for PC users (who would have ever thought to unmount a disk by *dragging it into the trash*?). Same goes for the reverse.
I wouldn't go linux on the desktop right yet, I suspect it'll drive you batty. That is, unless you have a tame Linux geek in your near environs.
I switched my parents over to Kubuntu. The reason: they had a Windows machine, and needed a Windows geek to support it. Now, they have a Linux machine and need a Linux geek to support it. There was a very short learning curve, but, it didn't change anything about the way they use the computer. A good number of their problems are between computer and keyboard. For example, they still don't know the difference between an application and the data it reads. The difference: Now, I actually have a chance of solving problems, when they're really system issues, or to see what's happening under the hood when they aren't.
It really depends on what the user will actually do. Desktop Linux is the wrong choice for a gamer, or for a graphic designer. For a general purpose computing user, it works at least as well as a Mac, and better than Windows. (I've been a desktop Linux user for at least 5 years now, use some Windows machines at work, and support a Mac in the house).
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I'll gladly go with you to the Apple Store at the Cambridgeside Galleria. As well, I'd be happy to let you play with my MacBook. You can get a nice iMac for a real competitive price these days. Or a Mac Mini, in which you reuse your PC's monitor, keyboard and mouse. They are very very inexpensive, totally silent and SOOO cute!
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Am so excited to be online again. My hands are no longer twitching from withdrawal.
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I got a refurbished iBook in 2004 for word processing/basic internet use, and that's about it. It still works great for those purposes, and still gets 3-4 hours use out of the same battery (so long as the wireless is turned off).
I'd consider it like this: How much is your time worth to you? The more your time is worth, the more you should consider going Mac. With your computing needs, would you prefer to get one computer and keep it for 3-4 years or 5-6 years? A friend (
In short: I think the Mac is a better buy b/c the time and effort saved is worth it in the long run. But if money is tight, and will be less tight in the future, and your time is not being used up completely, a PC is a reasonable solution.
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Hehe. Can you tell I dislike M$?
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It's not about liking or disliking Microsoft, it's about making a proper recommendation for the situation. My main computer is a PC that I bought and put together myself. Because at the time Macs didn't come on i386 processors. You can buy a PC without having to put Windows on it. Not to mention transferring older versions of Windows with less draconian EULAs.
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At the same time you can get an old iMac for $100 and do the same. So it's not much of a difference these days if you can get an old computer. It's all about wisely investing money in, arguably, the most important piece of technology you use daily.
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That, and, people throw away perfectly good PC hardware because of software problems.
older versions of Windows with less draconian EULAs.
"Less draconian" is surely a very relative term :-)
The problem with this solution is that you can never keep the system secure on really old Windows versions - they're not supported anymore. The most workable version of Windows now is XP. Whether you have a copy would depend on how old your last PC was. And, whatever you do, you'll have to get on the phone and beg Microsoft to let you install it.
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Thanks for your analysis. I appreciate the break down of when you've found it makes sense to get a Mac v. a PC. (I did go with a MacBook. It is so nice to be online again.)
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And you're welcome, enjoy the computer :)