Windows or Mac for IM - Laptop Recommendations

37 replies
I have a bad habit of spending money in my head before I even have...

That being said, I know I'm going to need a new laptop VERY SOON.

My current laptop overheats like a *bleep* to the point you can literally burn yourself if you touch it the wrong way. (hmm...i've had similar experiences with relationships).

Also it's just as slow as anything and probably needed an upgrade a year ago.

I use xp right now, which I like. It's simple to use, not like vista was. I haven't had enough experience with Windows 7 to judge yet. And I've always liked the look of macs. They just seem like they work when you want them to.

Recommendations anyone?

Hopefully something you've used, and hopefully something that can handle the stress an IM puts on it everyday.
#laptop #mac #recommendations #windows
  • Profile picture of the author aaron_nimocks
    About 3 months ago I finally got fed up with PC's and switched to a MAC.

    I bought a MAC Book for $999 which seemed really expensive for the specs it shows. But I will tell you that it is well worth it. Even though the processor/ram/ect is lower than my PC it still runs 2 times as fast. Ive never had it crash, got a virus, or any problems at all.

    Also I use it for my web stuff and works great so thats my recommendation.
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    • Profile picture of the author thetruth23
      Originally Posted by aaron_nimocks View Post

      About 3 months ago I finally got fed up with PC's and switched to a MAC.

      I bought a MAC Book for $999 which seemed really expensive for the specs it shows. But I will tell you that it is well worth it. Even though the processor/ram/ect is lower than my PC it still runs 2 times as fast. Ive never had it crash, got a virus, or any problems at all.

      Also I use it for my web stuff and works great so thats my recommendation.
      The only thing that does put me off is the price of macs, but i am fed up of my current laptop. Thanks for the recommendation. What model did you buy?
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      • Profile picture of the author aaron_nimocks
        Originally Posted by thetruth23 View Post

        The only thing that does put me off is the price of macs, but i am fed up of my current laptop. Thanks for the recommendation. What model did you buy?
        MacBook

        Really not too much of a difference between MacBook and MacBook Pro
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  • Profile picture of the author willmartinapj
    That wouldn't happen to be a toshiba?
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    • Profile picture of the author thetruth23
      Originally Posted by willmartinapj View Post

      That wouldn't happen to be a toshiba?
      haha, I actually had an old toshiba which did have a heat problem also. But this one is an old Lenovo laptop my old job gave me.
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      • Profile picture of the author willmartinapj
        Originally Posted by thetruth23 View Post

        haha, I actually had an old toshiba which did have a heat problem also. But this one is an old Lenovo laptop my old job gave me.
        yeah it was absolutely horrible. it would just shut down without warning. one thing i learned that i wish i would have new in beginning was to lower the processor and lcd power. that prolonged its life big time. But now I need a power supply and battery (equivalent of getting a new computer)
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        • Profile picture of the author Marksv
          The nice thing about the new Macs is that they have the ability to run both Windows and Mac OSX!

          You get the best of both worlds!

          As for PCs, I have to say that Windows 7 is absolutely beautiful!

          Mark.
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  • Profile picture of the author abnation
    Alright, the fan-boys will probably rip me apart, but seriously mate, go for a pc (by the way, mac=pc).

    You don't really need a mac, I mean there is no actual difference between them. Yeah the mac os is a pretty cool, unix based platform. Pretty stable, compatible and easy to use. However, windows has managed to improve a lot with their new release. I'm actually starting to like them again (me=long time linux user). Windows 7 is pretty stable, easy to use and not a massive RAM monster (like for example vista or mac os).

    By purchasing a mac you will be overpaying for everything, just to get a pretty piece of hardware. I mean who cares? Macs are hugely overpriced. Even the refurbished ones.

    Even though the processor/ram/ect is lower than my PC it still runs 2 times as fast
    Your PC was either crammed full of all kinds of malware/spyware or you had a very inefficient windows set up (maybe you had vista running on it. Pretty bad OS I agree. Windows 7 is heaps better). Otherwise this doesn't make any sense.

    Anyhow mate, go for a PC with windows 7 and you'll be all set.
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    • Profile picture of the author thetruth23
      Originally Posted by abnation View Post

      Alright, the fan-boys will probably rip me apart, but seriously mate, go for a pc (by the way, mac=pc).

      You don't really need a mac, I mean there is no actual difference between them. Yeah the mac os is a pretty cool, unix based platform. Pretty stable, compatible and easy to use. However, windows has managed to improve a lot with their new release. I'm actually starting to like them again (me=long time linux user). Windows 7 is pretty stable, easy to use and not a massive RAM monster (like for example vista or mac os).

      By purchasing a mac you will be overpaying for everything, just to get a pretty piece of hardware. I mean who cares? Macs are hugely overpriced. Even the refurbished ones.



      Your PC was either crammed full of all kinds of malware/spyware or you had a very inefficient windows set up (maybe you had vista running on it. Pretty bad OS I agree. Windows 7 is heaps better). Otherwise this doesn't make any sense.

      Anyhow mate, go for a PC with windows 7 and you'll be all set.
      Thanks for the recommendation windows, any particular make and model you think is worth looking at?

      Just to be clear, it's definately a laptop I want and not a desktop machine, purely for the flexibility of where I do my work.
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  • Profile picture of the author willmartinapj
    Well for internet marketing it doesn't matter. But for video or audio production Macs have more power more memory capacity etc.. and I have a PC. I just break out in sweats thinking about spending $20k on my configured Mac for a studio.

    But other than that it collects dust. I love Windows 7 actually.
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  • Profile picture of the author bgmacaw
    So far as IM goes, you have to bear in mind that most desktop IM software is PC only. Even running PC software in emulators on a Mac can be dicey.

    I have a HP laptop, a G60-235DX, for about a year (well, my wife took it from me). It's done quite well. I'd buy another HP laptop if I was in the market for a new one.

    The specs I'd look for in a laptop PC today would be a 500GB HD, 4GB RAM and a eSATA port. For my own reasons, I'd also prefer a larger screen (17" or better), HDMI port, BlueRay capable optical drive and a good built-in graphics card to support this. The HP ProBook 4720s has this for around $1000. I've also seen Asus, Acer and Gateway laptops with the same kind of specs in the same price range.
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    • Profile picture of the author Pierre!
      Windows VS Mac

      Here are my thoughts on the whole Windows vs Mac decision:

      If you really want a Mac to run Windows on, it's more expensive.
      If what you really need is a Windows system, why complicate your life?

      I just wonder if everyone with a Mac understands software licensing when running Windows on a Mac.

      I suspect that many simply "assume" that you can grab your old version of Windows and install it on your new Mac.

      Most computers come with OEM supplied Windows - In english this means that the copy of Windows supplied is tied to the computer it is installed on and is NOT TRANSFERABLE.

      This means that if you want to BootCamp your Mac legally, you can't recycle your previous Windows software (unless you purchased the Retail copy) and still be in Windows Software Licensing compliance. You would need to purchase a new copy of Windows for your Mac.

      Now you are talking about a fair amount of $$$ invested in a Mac if you want to run Windows apps.

      Just now checking on Parallels Desktop® 5 it says the following:
      And in the Requirements section:
      Supports 32- and 64-bit virtual machine operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Solaris -- not included.
      KaChing...

      VMware Fusion 3 System Requirements
      Works on Any Intel® Mac
      Minimum 1GB of RAM (2GB RAM recommended)
      700MB free disk space for VMware Fusion and at least 5GB for each virtual machine
      Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later; Mac OS X 10.6 or later
      Operating system installation media (disk or disk image) for virtual machines.
      (Microsoft Windows Not Included)

      So, in essence you are simply setting up a virtual Windows machine on your mac, much as we do in all OS'. This requires the proper licensing, adding to the overall cost of the system.

      I have no problem with Mac PC's - I am replying from my MacBook.

      Just make sure you do this legally, and it's no big deal. Just more expensive... especially when you now need to install AntiVirus on your system to remain safe on the internet when running your virtual machine.

      I guess I don't see the advantages in my life.

      Hope this helps you stay on the Legal Side of software in your life!

      As far as who's notebook should you choose?

      I always recommend that you call the manufacturer's Tech Support line before you make the purchase. Simply explain to the tech the reason for your call, and see if the attitude, clarity, wait time, and linguistic characteristics of the call are in the range that you can tolerate. Best to find out PRIOR to the purchase.

      Beyond that, every manufacturer goes through changes in product and support on an annual basis. The situations you purchased under may not be the same conditions you are under 1 to 2 years later when you call for support.

      Is extended support for you? If your notebook is truly your Business Machine you should consider extended overnight support. I always look for (and I am regularly disappointed) for the shipment of a replacement shell that you can plug your functional portions of your notebook into. Hard Drives, CD/DVD Roms, and Ram are typically user accessible parts that can be salvaged and transfered to the new notebook shell.

      So far HP, Toshiba, Sony, Dell, Lenovo, and Acer (in no particular order) would be the MFG's I would look at.

      I like NewEgg for my shopping - The comparison feature and the comments have shaped my purchasing decisions in the past and have been most helpful!

      For me, the Windows platform offers more of the tools I require at a much lower price than the Mac platform.

      And if you are thinking Mac, do keep in mind their warranty terms - SMOKING will break your warranty with Mac, and that includes extended warranty too!

      Hope that helps...
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    • Profile picture of the author BrianMcLeod
      Originally Posted by bgmacaw View Post

      So far as IM goes, you have to bear in mind that most desktop IM software is PC only.
      This gets parroted often (sorry, BG, couldn't resist the pun!)
      but as a Mac user since 1994 I can tell you that the software
      option for the Mac OS have NEVER been better.

      Nearly every major application is cross platform...

      Some of the most common desktop IM apps, like Dreamweaver,
      were originally Mac only applications. Adobe's whole empire was
      built on the Mac platform.

      Technologies that require extra work on the PC, like creating
      PDF's are built into the core operating system. Postscript,
      another Mac technology... Like your laser printer, thank
      Steve Jobs and the LaserWriter...

      If you're talking about small, independent publishers, like WF
      software coders and such - well, that may be true, but read below...

      Even running PC software in emulators on a Mac can be dicey.
      Booting into Windows on a Mac under Bootcamp is booting into
      Windows on a PC... an Intel PC to be specific.

      There is NO difference, whatsoever.

      Brian
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  • Profile picture of the author BenFranklin
    I found a mac the other day with 8gb Ram and a 1TB hardrive. Thats a monster!!!
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  • Profile picture of the author numba8
    I use a PC and I like it. but I have tons of friends who have switched to Macs and absolutely love them. That goes for people in all types of industries, not just design or artsy type people. Mac's are a great machines, the only reason I haven't switched is because I just have too much going on to take any time to get acclimated with a whole new OS and everything.
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  • Profile picture of the author l23bc
    I use both

    I have a macbook but the virtual of running windows via paraell softwere from mac is amazing i just use bootcamp(macbook program) and run windows vista.Were as with windows you always get partitial errors like i did before but i would never go back to windows again.

    Mac is the best also because of the service and support i have received on anything plus most softwere these days can run on a mac, I could be wrong on that last point but its a stable computer then windows which needs updates every five minuites.

    Hope that help.
    andrew
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  • Profile picture of the author thetruth23
    Originally Posted by HypeFree View Post

    I do tons of video so I got the Mac PowerBook Pro with solid state it's been fantastic. Get the mast memory and solid state drive if you can afford that has made my life better. Also it starts instantly I love that!
    That sounds pretty cool.

    Probably really expensive though, right?!
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    • Profile picture of the author thetruth23
      Originally Posted by HypeFree View Post

      It's not expensive if you get an ROI by using it.
      My ROI would be higher if I bought a cheaper one! lol

      Point taken though... =)
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  • Profile picture of the author jacolden
    I have just bought a Mac and love it. It takes some getting used to. I download things and lose them! Having said that I do have my faithful old laptop right next to it. It sits on a cooler and I am hoping it won't die quite yet.

    Once I get used to the mac I think I will stick with it, Its much faster and I like the way its laid out.

    Don't know if thats any help
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    • Profile picture of the author thetruth23
      Originally Posted by jacolden View Post

      I have just bought a Mac and love it. It takes some getting used to. I download things and lose them! Having said that I do have my faithful old laptop right next to it. It sits on a cooler and I am hoping it won't die quite yet.

      Once I get used to the mac I think I will stick with it, Its much faster and I like the way its laid out.

      Don't know if thats any help
      Oh yeah, of course. Thanks. I appreciate your opinion.
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  • Profile picture of the author thatgirlJ
    I have both a Mac and a PC (two, if you count my little netbook). Mac wins hands-down for me. I've been using mac machines for about 7 years now, and they have never failed me (well, except for when I accidentally sent one shooting down the stairs :/).

    There is a reason there are so many fan-boys and girls.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dietriffic
    Mac convert about a year ago.

    There is no comparison. Really.

    Furthermore, instead of buying a new Macbook, I bought a second hand Macbook Pro. You don't really want to be without a dedicated graphics card for doing video.

    Honestly, don't think twice about it. Get a Macbook Pro, and if money is tight, buy a second hand model.

    Best thing I ever did was make the jump.
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    • Profile picture of the author John Lenaghan
      Originally Posted by Dietriffic View Post

      Honestly, don't think twice about it. Get a Macbook Pro, and if money is tight, buy a second hand model.
      This is a good point - you can buy a used Mac for quite a bit less than a new one and still get a good machine.

      The flip side to this, however, is if you buy a Mac and want to upgrade to a new model in a year or two, Mac notebooks hold their value MUCH better than Windows machines do.

      I upgraded my Macbook Pro about 18 months ago, and sold my original one on eBay. It was nearly 3 years old when I sold it and a machine that cost me $2000 brand new sold for $1000 after 3 years. That's just not going to happen with a Windows notebook, in my experience.

      John
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      • Profile picture of the author jdenc
        I think it depends on what you want. You can get a pretty decent laptop running windows 7 with no problem for under $400 brand new. You can get a warrantied refurb from Dell that has more features in the same range. For me Mac isn't going to do enough extra day to day to justify spending the extra cash to get one.

        Oh and I see a lot of people talking lots of crashes for windows PCs and notebooks. I would say that hasn't been my personal experience when the machines are taken care of properly. And I have been in the computer industry since '87
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        • Profile picture of the author funkynassau
          I used PCs for 15 or so years and went thru all the stuff others do, viruses, crashes, BSOD, and I got fed up. I have a friend who is a Mac guru and he gave me a G4 desktop for the price of shipping. I've had it over 3 yrs now and I love it. I use it every day. I have two Mac laptops as well.

          Hubby uses my old PC, I hate that thing when I have to use it. If I was you I'd buy a Mac. They are a lot easier to use than a PC and not troubled with all the nonsense that goes on with a windoze product.
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  • Profile picture of the author Radko
    Getting used to MAC is little worry for me...!! the UI is completely different from XP.. But, MAC won't crash much while compared to PCs.... So, I would recommend MAC..
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  • Profile picture of the author JordanFrancis
    Mac's are more expensive. But they hold their
    value. PC's are cheaper, but lose value very quickly.

    If you're doing video production, iMovie is
    excellent. Windows does not compete on this.

    For making stuff look good and doing it easily,
    I think the Mac is the way to go.

    I don't own a Mac myself, never have. Just
    in case anyone cares to call me a "fan boy."
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  • Profile picture of the author alexbbbh
    In terms of performance there's really not that much of a comparison between the two: the MAC gets the no1 spot easily.
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  • Profile picture of the author BCJason
    It's not so much the tool as the person using it.
    I do like the ability to upgrade components.
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  • Profile picture of the author Cezar R Abadiano
    I have a MacBook Pro and run both the MAC OS and Windows on it. I find the duality a good thing because depending on my need I can reboot to the other system.

    I have XP on mine as well and I typically use the windows side when I am doing IM. I've dropped that sucker one or two times (on a hardfloor) and it's still going strong.

    Only drawback is it tends to get hot because the body itself is the whole heat dispersal unit so be prepared.

    It is expensive but for me it's worth the price.

    But before you do decide to make a change or not think first where you are more comfortable with. If you are into windows, and according to your post you are, then it would make no sense for you to buy a MAC only to run windows on it.

    That would be one heck of an expensive laptop if all you'll be doing is using windows exclusively.

    My humble opinion
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    • Profile picture of the author Matt MacPherson
      At the risk of sounding like a huge Apple zealot, I will recommend you get a Mac. I've had many laptop / desktop computers in my day and when I hesitantly switched to a Mac about a year ago, I knew I wasn't going back.

      At the time, my main concern was the operating system (OS X). I had this preconception in my mind that it was dumbed down and only good for entertainment purposes. I thought you couldn't actually get any work done with it. I was totally wrong. It is leaps and bounds better than Windows. I was a Windows 7 BETA tester and loved it but once I got used to OS X I can honestly say it is the most stable, user friendly OS I've ever used (and I've used a lot).

      Something to consider: Apple products retain their value way more than generic Windows based PCs. My current MacBook Pro is only worth about $200 less than when I purchased it a year ago. Think about that. If you want, you can buy a new laptop every year, sell the old one and only lose a few hundred dollars.

      Anyway, I don't want this turning into a huge fanboy rant, so take it for what it is.

       Matt 
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