Cry for help!

[muchabstracted]

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.

Comments

[kraada.livejournal.com]

The Mac will cost you more in up front $$ and save you tsuris and problems down the road. It will last you longer, as well.

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 (captainbutler to be precise) just had to figure out whether it was better to replace an old laptop cord or get a new laptop . . . my iBook power cord is still doing fine, and they've made significant strides in power cords to make them less likely to break.

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.

[loveablebaruch.livejournal.com]

A PC is never a reasonable solution. There are Macs to fit every budget. A PC is simply a poor choice. Getting a PC means you support a convicted, illegal monopoly (Microsoft.)

Hehe. Can you tell I dislike M$?

[kraada.livejournal.com]

Sorry, that's not true. For some people, getting a livecd of Knoppix and a crappy Dell is a better idea. If money is really tight you can get used PCs a lot easier than used Macs that are still in better shape (see: supply and demand curves).

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.

[loveablebaruch.livejournal.com]

Let me qualify- there is no reason to buy a Windows PC. If you really want to save money then you can pick up a $100 PC with no OS and install Gentoo on it. Compiling everything from source would be a way to get eek out every bit of power ever possible.

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.

[elfsdh.livejournal.com]

If money is really tight you can get used PCs a lot easier than used Macs that are still in better shape (see: supply and demand curves).

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.

[muchabstracted.livejournal.com]

Hey! I meant to comment to congratulate you on your engagement -- I remember you mentioning Becky years ago. It's really neat how things work out, sometime. Anyway, I'm very happy to hear about it.

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.)

[kraada.livejournal.com]

Thanks, we're very happy too!

And you're welcome, enjoy the computer :)