I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer.....

webwriter · 04-03-2010, 05:04 PM

About a year and a half ago, I bought a Hewlett-Packard laptop and am very pleased with it. Then very recently, I became interested in podcasting. I'd have to purchase accessories for my computer in order to podcast. On the other hand, I wouldn't have to do that with a Mac.

I don't have a Mac, but considered purchasing one for awhile, only was shocked to find that they are extremely expensive --- anywhere from 999 to well over 15 hundred dollars.

So until my IM marketing efforts pay off, I'll just have to wait.

In the meantime, I'm just wondering if buying a Mac would be worthwhile after all, or just go ahead and buy the necessary accessories for my laptop. What do you think?.

lazersgopewpew · 04-03-2010, 05:10 PM

If you'd only be buying a mac for podcasting purposes, it's a waste of money. Buy a Mac because you want a superior computer and like the operating system, not because you'd save a few bucks on podcasting accessories.

What podcasting stuff do you need to buy?

DonnaLeona · 04-03-2010, 05:53 PM

I love my mac!

When you ask this question you usually get lots of mac owners expressing love for it.

However, you will need to run a virtual PC too so you can use software that only works on PC's.

It's like having the best of both worlds.

Best,
Donna

Lloyd Buchinski · 04-03-2010, 05:55 PM

Mac has a big bucks attitude that gets to me. Might have something to do with not having big bucks.

I did get one but it was an expensive education. For example they only give you 90 days of telephone support with a brand new (expensive) computer. If you want more the sucker (me) has to pay for it. Why can't they offer a full year like any pc?

It actually turned out to be just a bit of a lemon too. Will not be getting another one.

Alan Petersen · 04-03-2010, 06:41 PM

This is already being discussed in the off-topic forum:

Mac vs PC...What do you think....?

I switched from PC to Mac 3 years ago and have not looked back. Love it. I now have an iMac and a MacBack Pro laptop. I use these for my IM business. So haven't needed to use my old windows machine in a couple years.

jennypitts · 04-03-2010, 07:24 PM

I personally think it is a matter of choice. Of course it also has to do with what you are going to do. I know MACs are great for video and audio production. I know a lot of people that produce video and radio commercials and they swear by MACs. On the same token I know some people whom after buying a Mac have regretted it and gone back to PC. So, just as with everything else, it is a matter of choice.

FloridaRay · 04-03-2010, 07:26 PM

It all depends on what kind of person you are. Personally, I am a Windows kind of guy. Although I never fully tested the Mac's capabilities...I always questioned its customization.

craigc1980 · 04-03-2010, 07:30 PM

All i have to say is one thing.

Protection protection protection.

I have owned different pc's all my life from Dell to Hewitt Packard

They all crapped out on me. Excuse my language.

I think mac is by far the best investment i have ever made.

Besides that it has a better workstation environment and i dont have to scan for viruses and spyware lol

Dont get me wrong Microsoft is doing a fine job making money so no worries on that part.

Dan C. Rinnert · 04-03-2010, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigc1980

...i dont have to scan for viruses and spyware lol

You should.

graemewallis · 04-03-2010, 10:58 PM

I don't own a MAC or ever used one. But you are the first person I heard that's not impress with a MAC.

All Night Cafe · 04-03-2010, 11:07 PM

I think you should see what the acc's cost that you need
to do podcasts with your PC. Add up the cost. If you are
satified with the PC, and the price of the mac is not justified,
stay with your computer you have.

Maybe you can do your podcasts at a cheaper cost by
just getting the extras.

Mohammad Afaq · 04-03-2010, 11:08 PM

I don't like MAC, but all my friends who bought it liked it and most people tend to like MAC over PC.

sanssecret · 04-03-2010, 11:11 PM

Lol, I've just been thinking the same thing!

And this is the very first thread I've ever seen anyone admit to not being totally blown away by one.

Now, I'm wondering if they really are all they're cracked up to be or if the ravings are just folks who don't want to admit they've shelled out a whole heap of money on something that isn't as good as they thought it would be?

AAAGGGHHHH. I was so sure I wanted one, now you've all gone and made me rethink it. My brain hurts when I think.

Gary Becks · 04-03-2010, 11:42 PM

Macs are very good computers and can definitely outlast any pc. The obvious disadvantage here is that if you are an IMer most IM software created is not compatible with OSX operating systems.

This is the reason that I sold my Macbookpro and bought the Vaio. You will find that you cant run any of the cool softwares out there on a Mac. So if your getting it srictly for podcasting purposes you will really regret it later...

Zanti · 04-04-2010, 12:01 AM

I've this type of question posted a few times with similar responses and some things I don't get. I have a mac and I don't run any software to emulate windows. So what is all this great software that I'm missing out on.

I've been determined to run my business with only cross platform software and so far I've not had any problems. Product creation, with Pages no problem ( I do have open office and word but don't use them anymore.) Videos with screenflow, imovie, garage band, no problem. Keyword research, Market Samurai. Editor kompZer, no problem. Sideshows, with Keynote no problem. Photo editing iphoto, no problem. FTP, FileZilla, CyberDuck, no problem.

So exactly what am I missing out on by only using cross platform software. I use several other apps, like TweetDeck, 1Password, Devonthink Pro and several more.

I seem so far to be able to do whatever I need done with my mac, I really would appreciate someone enlightening me what I'm missing out on.

I'm really sincere about this. Thanks,

Brian

Gary Becks · 04-04-2010, 12:11 AM

Well if you are not really deep into SEO then you might not be missing out on much, but almost all of the good SEO software is made for windows only. You need look no further then the WSO section of the forum for proof.

Zanti · 04-04-2010, 12:21 AM

Thanks, that's why I posted what I did. I'm just learning more about SEO so what software am I missing, and are there any mac alternatives. Can you give me some examples of the premier SEO software?

I don't pretend to think I know everything about IM, I'm learning like many here are, so as much as anyone is willing to share I'm all ears.

Thanks,

Brian

The Copy Nazi · 04-04-2010, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Embions

Macs are very good computers and can definitely outlast any pc. The obvious disadvantage here is that if you are an IMer most IM software created is not compatible with OSX operating systems.

This is the reason that I sold my Macbookpro and bought the Vaio. You will find that you cant run any of the cool softwares out there on a Mac. So if your getting it srictly for podcasting purposes you will really regret it later...

Rubbish. You can run any PC-based software on the Mac - using a virtual PC program. And guess what? - you don't have to worry about trojans and viruses and malware and all that stuff that infects your PC on a daily basis. To me that's the biggest advantage. I've been on iMacs for a few years now and when I have to use a PC I go into serious withdrawals. Yeah Macs are expensive - so are Mercedes Benz - know what I mean? Because-you-get-what-you-pay-for. I run my 24" 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo iMac 18 hours a day - non-stop. Have never had a hiccup with it. Can you say that about your PC?

Gary Becks · 04-04-2010, 12:29 AM

Actually I can. I have had my Vaio for a little over 8 months now and I am actually more pleased with it then I was with my Mac. Aside form the fact that I dont have to try to make my OSX operating system perform like a PC when I could have just purchased a pc to begin with.

It gets the job done just fine and I don't have any problems at all.

The only time I saw the real benefit of using a Mac it had to do with a bunch of other things totally unrelated to IM.

The Copy Nazi · 04-04-2010, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Embions

Actually I can. I have had my Vaio for a little over 8 months now and I am actually more pleased with it then I was with my Mac. Aside form the fact that I dont have to try to make my OSX operating system perform like a PC when I could have just purchased a pc to begin with.

It gets the job done just fine and I don't have any problems at all.

The only time I saw the real benefit of using a Mac it had to do with a bunch of other things totally unrelated to IM.

So can you get your PC to run like a Mac?

Gary Becks · 04-04-2010, 12:41 AM

That's the whole point... I don't have to.

Geoffrey Freedom · 04-04-2010, 12:51 AM

I picked up a 14" Hp notebook recently that all the features of a macbook for under 1/2 the cost and couldn't be more pleased with it. I have never owned a mac but most of my friends do and they all love them (or at least say they do to justify the ridiculous price tags). I think it really just a preference thing. Do you like Apples or Oranges?

Chris Worner · 04-04-2010, 12:59 AM

My only gripe with Macs is the over-bloated prices not just for the base models but the upgrades as well when for the same cost I can purchase a PC that is 10x more powerful.

Otherwise I would buy one, in the mean time, I will have to do with this instead:

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7001/applepc.jpg

Lilster · 04-04-2010, 08:16 PM

I crossed the bridge over to a mac this past year and have no regrets! I understand your ticket shock, however I am so over it now! You may buy a mac for podcasting needs however, you will get so much more. In a year, you will wonder how you lived without it. You will even forget why you bought it - for podcasting, I think it was.

Get onboard with a mac and smile!

Ricci Cox · 04-05-2010, 11:12 AM

Macs are awesome!!! I can vouch for them - 100%.

I've used 'em for the past 11 years (since I was 16 in college studying Graphic Design) and I just love 'em!

I just never got to grips with PC's. Sure Mac's are more expensive, but there's a very good reason for that - they're better!

Simmvee · 04-08-2010, 12:56 PM

We have a used Mac desktop that we found on CL. It's actually my husband's and I use it for the occasional Graphic Design, Photoshop, and Dreamweaver projects. To this day we have not had any problems with it (we bought it two years ago from a guy who upgraded to the next model). Even though it was used we still paid a pretty penny for it.

It takes a while to get used to if you have been a PC person most of your life (like me). In fact I'm still trying to get used to it. It's just so weird to have a mouse with no left or right click. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it. Good luck to ya!

04-03-2010, 05:04 PM	#1
webwriter HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 424 Blog Entries: 18 Thanks: 144 Thanked 48 Times in 44 Posts	I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... About a year and a half ago, I bought a Hewlett-Packard laptop and am very pleased with it. Then very recently, I became interested in podcasting. I'd have to purchase accessories for my computer in order to podcast. On the other hand, I wouldn't have to do that with a Mac. I don't have a Mac, but considered purchasing one for awhile, only was shocked to find that they are extremely expensive --- anywhere from 999 to well over 15 hundred dollars. So until my IM marketing efforts pay off, I'll just have to wait. In the meantime, I'm just wondering if buying a Mac would be worthwhile after all, or just go ahead and buy the necessary accessories for my laptop. What do you think?.

04-03-2010, 05:10 PM	#2
lazersgopewpew HyperActive Warrior Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 135 Thanks: 58 Thanked 11 Times in 11 Posts	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... If you'd only be buying a mac for podcasting purposes, it's a waste of money. Buy a Mac because you want a superior computer and like the operating system, not because you'd save a few bucks on podcasting accessories. What podcasting stuff do you need to buy?

04-03-2010, 05:53 PM	#3
DonnaLeona HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: United States Posts: 108 Thanks: 50 Thanked 17 Times in 16 Posts	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... I love my mac! When you ask this question you usually get lots of mac owners expressing love for it. However, you will need to run a virtual PC too so you can use software that only works on PC's. It's like having the best of both worlds. Best, Donna

04-03-2010, 05:55 PM	#4
Lloyd Buchinski copy and paste geek War Room Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Calgary Posts: 1,428 Thanks: 71 Thanked 184 Times in 151 Posts	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... Mac has a big bucks attitude that gets to me. Might have something to do with not having big bucks. I did get one but it was an expensive education. For example they only give you 90 days of telephone support with a brand new (expensive) computer. If you want more the sucker (me) has to pay for it. Why can't they offer a full year like any pc? It actually turned out to be just a bit of a lemon too. Will not be getting another one.

04-03-2010, 06:41 PM	#5
Alan Petersen Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 3,446 Blog Entries: 11 Thanks: 749 Thanked 835 Times in 520 Posts Social Networking	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... This is already being discussed in the off-topic forum: Mac vs PC...What do you think....? I switched from PC to Mac 3 years ago and have not looked back. Love it. I now have an iMac and a MacBack Pro laptop. I use these for my IM business. So haven't needed to use my old windows machine in a couple years.

04-03-2010, 07:24 PM	#6
jennypitts PRAS - Social Networking Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Worldwide Posts: 408 Thanks: 1 Thanked 37 Times in 35 Posts Social Networking	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... I personally think it is a matter of choice. Of course it also has to do with what you are going to do. I know MACs are great for video and audio production. I know a lot of people that produce video and radio commercials and they swear by MACs. On the same token I know some people whom after buying a Mac have regretted it and gone back to PC. So, just as with everything else, it is a matter of choice.

04-03-2010, 07:26 PM	#7
FloridaRay Active Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 90 Thanks: 2 Thanked 11 Times in 9 Posts	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... It all depends on what kind of person you are. Personally, I am a Windows kind of guy. Although I never fully tested the Mac's capabilities...I always questioned its customization.

04-03-2010, 07:30 PM	#8
craigc1980 HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: NC Posts: 424 Thanks: 88 Thanked 101 Times in 62 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... All i have to say is one thing. Protection protection protection. I have owned different pc's all my life from Dell to Hewitt Packard They all crapped out on me. Excuse my language. I think mac is by far the best investment i have ever made. Besides that it has a better workstation environment and i dont have to scan for viruses and spyware lol Dont get me wrong Microsoft is doing a fine job making money so no worries on that part.

04-03-2010, 10:58 PM	#10
graemewallis Banned Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 48 Thanks: 4 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... I don't own a MAC or ever used one. But you are the first person I heard that's not impress with a MAC.

04-03-2010, 11:07 PM	#11
All Night Cafe Advanced Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 663 Thanks: 10 Thanked 91 Times in 79 Posts	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... I think you should see what the acc's cost that you need to do podcasts with your PC. Add up the cost. If you are satified with the PC, and the price of the mac is not justified, stay with your computer you have. Maybe you can do your podcasts at a cheaper cost by just getting the extras.

04-03-2010, 11:08 PM	#12
Mohammad Afaq Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: USA Posts: 2,061 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 778 Thanked 500 Times in 304 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... I don't like MAC, but all my friends who bought it liked it and most people tend to like MAC over PC.

04-03-2010, 11:11 PM	#13
sanssecret Advanced Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Home Posts: 600 Thanks: 332 Thanked 250 Times in 119 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... Lol, I've just been thinking the same thing! And this is the very first thread I've ever seen anyone admit to not being totally blown away by one. Now, I'm wondering if they really are all they're cracked up to be or if the ravings are just folks who don't want to admit they've shelled out a whole heap of money on something that isn't as good as they thought it would be? AAAGGGHHHH. I was so sure I wanted one, now you've all gone and made me rethink it. My brain hurts when I think.

04-03-2010, 11:42 PM	#14
Gary Becks Nocturnal Webmaster War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Atlanta, Ga Posts: 495 Thanks: 34 Thanked 73 Times in 56 Posts Contact Info	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... Macs are very good computers and can definitely outlast any pc. The obvious disadvantage here is that if you are an IMer most IM software created is not compatible with OSX operating systems. This is the reason that I sold my Macbookpro and bought the Vaio. You will find that you cant run any of the cool softwares out there on a Mac. So if your getting it srictly for podcasting purposes you will really regret it later...

04-04-2010, 12:01 AM	#15
Zanti Brian Alexzander War Room Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: S.E. Michigan, Clem-Town, USA. 5 Miles from Lake St. Clair. Posts: 423 Thanks: 626 Thanked 224 Times in 77 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... I've this type of question posted a few times with similar responses and some things I don't get. I have a mac and I don't run any software to emulate windows. So what is all this great software that I'm missing out on. I've been determined to run my business with only cross platform software and so far I've not had any problems. Product creation, with Pages no problem ( I do have open office and word but don't use them anymore.) Videos with screenflow, imovie, garage band, no problem. Keyword research, Market Samurai. Editor kompZer, no problem. Sideshows, with Keynote no problem. Photo editing iphoto, no problem. FTP, FileZilla, CyberDuck, no problem. So exactly what am I missing out on by only using cross platform software. I use several other apps, like TweetDeck, 1Password, Devonthink Pro and several more. I seem so far to be able to do whatever I need done with my mac, I really would appreciate someone enlightening me what I'm missing out on. I'm really sincere about this. Thanks, Brian

04-04-2010, 12:11 AM	#16
Gary Becks Nocturnal Webmaster War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Atlanta, Ga Posts: 495 Thanks: 34 Thanked 73 Times in 56 Posts Contact Info	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... Well if you are not really deep into SEO then you might not be missing out on much, but almost all of the good SEO software is made for windows only. You need look no further then the WSO section of the forum for proof.

04-04-2010, 12:21 AM	#17
Zanti Brian Alexzander War Room Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: S.E. Michigan, Clem-Town, USA. 5 Miles from Lake St. Clair. Posts: 423 Thanks: 626 Thanked 224 Times in 77 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... Thanks, that's why I posted what I did. I'm just learning more about SEO so what software am I missing, and are there any mac alternatives. Can you give me some examples of the premier SEO software? I don't pretend to think I know everything about IM, I'm learning like many here are, so as much as anyone is willing to share I'm all ears. Thanks, Brian

04-04-2010, 12:29 AM	#19
Gary Becks Nocturnal Webmaster War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Atlanta, Ga Posts: 495 Thanks: 34 Thanked 73 Times in 56 Posts Contact Info	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... Actually I can. I have had my Vaio for a little over 8 months now and I am actually more pleased with it then I was with my Mac. Aside form the fact that I dont have to try to make my OSX operating system perform like a PC when I could have just purchased a pc to begin with. It gets the job done just fine and I don't have any problems at all. The only time I saw the real benefit of using a Mac it had to do with a bunch of other things totally unrelated to IM.

04-04-2010, 12:41 AM	#21
Gary Becks Nocturnal Webmaster War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Atlanta, Ga Posts: 495 Thanks: 34 Thanked 73 Times in 56 Posts Contact Info	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... That's the whole point... I don't have to.

04-04-2010, 12:51 AM	#22
Geoffrey Freedom Geoffrey Freedom War Room Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Oregon, USA Posts: 69 Thanks: 7 Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... I picked up a 14" Hp notebook recently that all the features of a macbook for under 1/2 the cost and couldn't be more pleased with it. I have never owned a mac but most of my friends do and they all love them (or at least say they do to justify the ridiculous price tags). I think it really just a preference thing. Do you like Apples or Oranges?

04-04-2010, 12:59 AM	#23
Chris Worner Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 1,337 Thanks: 1,925 Thanked 652 Times in 344 Posts Contact Info	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... My only gripe with Macs is the over-bloated prices not just for the base models but the upgrades as well when for the same cost I can purchase a PC that is 10x more powerful. Otherwise I would buy one, in the mean time, I will have to do with this instead: http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7001/applepc.jpg

04-04-2010, 08:16 PM	#24
Lilster Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... I crossed the bridge over to a mac this past year and have no regrets! I understand your ticket shock, however I am so over it now! You may buy a mac for podcasting needs however, you will get so much more. In a year, you will wonder how you lived without it. You will even forget why you bought it - for podcasting, I think it was. Get onboard with a mac and smile!

04-05-2010, 11:12 AM	#25
Ricci Cox Action Taker! War Room Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 120 Thanks: 4 Thanked 24 Times in 14 Posts	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... Macs are awesome!!! I can vouch for them - 100%. I've used 'em for the past 11 years (since I was 16 in college studying Graphic Design) and I just love 'em! I just never got to grips with PC's. Sure Mac's are more expensive, but there's a very good reason for that - they're better!

04-08-2010, 12:56 PM	#26
Simmvee Warrior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Washington state Posts: 15 Thanks: 2 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts Social Networking	Re: I'm thinking about buying a Mac computer..... We have a used Mac desktop that we found on CL. It's actually my husband's and I use it for the occasional Graphic Design, Photoshop, and Dreamweaver projects. To this day we have not had any problems with it (we bought it two years ago from a guy who upgraded to the next model). Even though it was used we still paid a pretty penny for it. It takes a while to get used to if you have been a PC person most of your life (like me). In fact I'm still trying to get used to it. It's just so weird to have a mouse with no left or right click. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it. Good luck to ya!