Computers & Technology >
Computer Buying Tips
Get a Widget for this title
RSS FeedBest computer for computer novices: Mac or PC?
Results so far:
| Mac | 32% | 25 votes | Total: 78 votes | |
| PC | 68% | 53 votes |
Mac
Write now
Print
Invite a writer™
Add to FavoritesPersonally, I perfer Mac rather than PC. Since January of 2008, MacBook Air products became an irreplaceable star for Apple Fans. Although Apple fans have madly been in the pursuit of Apple's new MacBook Air, for many PC users, it seems too crazy to sing high praise for MacBook Air. So, why not Mac?
Some say that MacBook Air uses 80 GB hard disk drive, and the speed of the disk is only 4200 per minute, and there are some many games and digital movies to download from the internet. Is a 80 GB hard disk enough? The hard disk of a laptop can reach 500 GB. However, apple lovers are slightly more favored with the feature of lightweight. For the MacBook Air, 1.8-inch hard drive running at 5400 rpm produce more heat, and the noise is very big. 80GB hard drive of MacBook Air is enough to use. From the users of PC laptops, it is intolerable to see the memory can not be expanded. MacBook Air has 2 GB of memory, which is directly soldered to the motherboard. Although the present, this memory has been large enough, if later when Mac OS X upgrades, is the memory of MacBook Air enough? I think that it is not a problem at all. Mac works just fine, and it is not complicated at all.
Another thing is that MacBook Air uses flash memory instead of hard disk drives, which is a good choice, but we needs to spend more money on it, which may make it difficult for many of us to accept. While Apple fans think that SSD hard drive is a good choice. Apple launched SSD drive version of the MacBook Air, precisely showing that it is the leader in technology, and Apple's products can be part of the first to experience leading-edge technology.
There is only one USD slot for us to use the USB devices, while PC laptops have more than one. MacBook Air advocates the wireless concept, which is a restraint from the concept of peripherals. Most people travel frequently are tired of carrying three kilograms extra baggage, and they usually think that wireless broadband is very important. While Apple claims that MacBook Air has the latest processor, it is actually only a slow and the old version of 65 nm, up to 1.8 GHz. Perhaps Apple's loyal fans will be argued as Intel created a special version of the processor. The MacBook Air has announced the introduction, and as finished products MacBook Air is using Intel processors, of which size is very small. Is this not the latest technology?
MacBook Air only has the audio output interface, and there is no interface with Mic, so is it not a bit too monotonous? Apple fans think that since it has been equipped with a microphone to the laptop, why should the interface have Mic? Of course, although the vast majority of notebook computers are equipped with Mic interface, audio output interface, but in fact, this is a waste. Another thing is that the battery of a MacBook Air can not be replaced. The users need to send it to the Apple computer company to replace batteries. However, MacBook Air has built a high-performance batteries, it seems that the replacement is unnecessary. The configuration and performance of MacBook Air has absolute superiority. No Ethernet Interface
Apple fans and PC laptop users have different opinions on the features of MacBook Air, which serves as references. We can see that MacBook Air has a lot of amazing places of its design. According to our needs, we have the rights to choose MacBook Air or a PC laptop.
Learn more about this author, Lisa Bells.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
PC
MAC or PC? A long debated question and the topic of some very well crafted television commercials. A seasoned computer user knows what they want and how they will use it. And they often will debate the topic quite heatedly. A novice user needs to take a serious look at the options and make an informed choice. For personal use I own both a MAC and a PC. At work I use a PC.
There is a lot of hype about the MAC. And most of it well deserved. As a fan of the Mac versus PC commercials, I have yet to see one that didn't make me smile and think, yep that's true. According to www.appleinsider.com , MAC's have grown to 14% of computer sales. Not bad if you look at the angle of there being only one MAC manufacturer versus at least a dozen PC manufacturers.
Let's dig into some basic topics of which a novice needs to be aware.
1) Price. MACs are generally more expensive than PCs. As the dollars spent increase, www.computerworld.co m states that Apple owns 65% of computer sales over $1000. That is a statistic in Apple's favor as it lends you to believe that you get more for your money. How much money do you have to spend?
2) Use. MACS are known for graphics along with being able to handle the same chores that a PC performs. Many will argue that those chores are performed better on a MAC. PCs can crunch numbers and run graphics and programs to more than just a novice's liking. The question is then how much power does the user need for the money?
3) Familiarity. A novice user may also be using a PC at work. If so, how will they adjust to using a MAC at home? From personal experience I can say that I use my MAC less than intended due to the fact that I have the PC shortcuts and commands ingrained in my brain after using a PC for 8 hours a day. Bottom line, if you use a PC at work, and are of a novice understanding, there will be frustration involved in switching from PC by day to MAC by night. Can the novice user handle the switch?
4) Software. In previous years there was a well founded argument that there was not enough software titles for MAC users. The situation has improved dramatically; however, it is still a valid concern. As a former software buyer for a consumer electronics chain, my frustration and challenge to the vendors was to bring me more titles that were MAC and PC compatible or strictly for the MAC user. There are still few titles that work on both right out of the box. The number of MAC titles is increasing, but many of the popular titles still aren't available for MAC or the supply is limited. And, most retailers have separate sections for MAC and PC software so you may need to roam both aisles to find what you need. Is the software needed readily available?
5) OS (operating system). Most MAC users will tell you that the MAC OS is more stable than a PC which runs on a Microsoft OS. In fact, many PC users will tell you the same thing. The infamous 'blue screen of death' haunts on a much lesser scale than previously and I do know MAC users, including myself, who get the infamous rotating rainbow circle which is the MAC's way of saying - you've crashed! If the MAC OS crashes, does the novice know someone who can help? I'd guess most PC users do.
6) Microsoft OS on a MAC. A boon to MAC users is software that will allow you to run the Microsoft OS on your MAC. That may not make PC manufacturers happy, but it does make Microsoft happy. If you purchase a newer MAC the software to run the Windows OS will already be loaded on the system. If you have an older MAC, you will need to purchase additional software to run the Microsoft OS. And that does not include the cost of purchasing the OS itself. Also, there is some advanced knowledge needed to make the software run smoothly. Is the novice knowledgeable enough to handle the glitches that may arise?
7) Safety. The argument of viruses attacking MACs less than PCs is a hot topic. That is a whole other article! Some users say that MAC's are less prone to viruses, others say that is only because most virus writer creeps use a PC. I've abeen ttacked once on my MAC, with no virus software. I run virus software on my PC. There are few titles for MAC virus security. Is that a chance the novice can take?
Bottom line?
MACs? Great machines. Must have for the graphics and creative crowd. Unique, inventive, a status symbol, and an ohh and ahh generator.
For a novice? PC is better. Less expensive, more software titles, more users, easier to get questions answered, and as nearly all employers use PCs, computer skills will be learned easier, quicker, and have more of an impact on a novice user's livelihood.
Learn more about this author, Marie F..
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
Difference of opinion? Debate now.
