Mac or Windows?

This is the question. It's time for me to buy a new system for my home. I'm between embarrassed and proud to have used the same computer for almost six years. Before blogging there was really little reason to spend hours online and having a PC running on Windows XP at home was convenient as I could easily transport files back and forth.

A recent report from Gartner says that worldwide shipments of PCs have increased 12% in the second quarter -- with US sales at about 6%. Dell and HP are in the two top spots in both lists, with HP clearly dominating the international market. Another report from IDC, says that Apple, Acer, and Toshiba lead charge in US PC sales -- with Acer growing at a whopping 164%, Toshiba at 50% and Apple taking the lead to 960,000 units (just below Gateway) with a growth of 26% in quarter to quarter comparison between 2006 and 2007.

Apple seems to have done the nicest jump from 4.8% to 5.6%.

Every time I talk to a Mac user, I'm tempted to go that route. The system seems to be the easiest to work with, and notwithstanding the fact that it's been thirteen years since I worked on a Mac, the ramp up time might not be too bad. Although the expense would be much greater and I would have to purchase Adobe Suite programs for that system, in addition to the overall cost of Apple, which is greater than Windows' based PCs.

I'm a practical person, I tend to lean towards a Windows based system. So looking at those systems, the main question seems to be Quad-core or Dual-core? And here's a new hurdle: Windows Vista. I have now read a few reviews that panned the new operating system for many reasons. A preliminary look in stores these past couple of weeks did not thrill me, either.

What are your thoughts? Keeping in mind that I use my home computer mainly online for blogging and for some light design work, for which I currently use Adobe software .

• Mac or Windows? Why?
• Windows XP or Vista? Why?
• Where do you see the future of personal computers going?
  

Comments

[Dawud MIracle]

Mac all the way.

I love my Macs ever since switching from Windows about 7 years ago.

The Mac is great and every version keeps getting better. The OS is definitely out in from of Vista by a long shot and now that the Mac run on Intel, you can run Windows on your Mac - giving you the best of both world.

I have a Mac Pro Quad with 2 23" Cinema displays (looking forward to getting a third soon). It's fast and I have no complaints. I also run XP on Parallels - which is highly usable for any Windows software short of games - and doesn't require a reboot to use Windows. I've run some test in Photoshop on XP for speed and it's just slightly shower than Photoshop on the Mac - very slightly.

I'm happy I'm a Mac user. I have no compatibility issues with the PC world. I can run XP close to processor capacity.

Hands-down, buy a Mac.

[Trisha]

Hi Valeria

I think it's wise to ask for opinions, and there is some very good advice above, so here's mine: I made the switch a little over 3 years ago and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made - not only no regrets, but I am so much happier. I have little patience for computer problems (and I'm a geek) - I just want things to work. And Macs just do - everything is just easier with a Mac (at least it is for me). The learning curve is short because everything is very logical and user friendly.

I still support a number of employees/family/friends who all have Windows PCs and it's nothing but an excercise in frustration - they all keep saying "I can't afford a Mac", although as Joe pointed out the price gap is much narrower than it used to be. What I tell them is that what you are getting is so much better than a PC that is is well worth the price difference. Certainly you can spend less on a PC as long as you're willing to deal with the necessary constant vigilance against all manner of virus, spyware, malware, and just plain bugs in the operating system.

I fully realized that many Windows users do not have the same level of problems and frustrations that I did, but many do, and so anyone who wants to migrate to something less frustrating would be wise to consider a Mac.

It sounds like you have a lot of friends who would help you make the switch and get to know your new Mac - count me in! I'd be happy to share any tips or advice to help you come up to speed quickly.

[Valeria Maltoni]

Adam -- yes, that was a concern now dispelled. I did begin life as a Mac user and from what I hear many say here, things have only gotten better. I love it how you've identified what you use ;-) Everyone: if you're looking for some tips for tapping into your potential, you might check Adam's blog out.

Ed -- good of you to give us a POV on the future. Mobility seems to be a key word these days. I know things are far more advanced in Europe in that respect. Anyone here from Europe to talk about that a little? (I'm so jealous of Europe on mobile)

Dawud -- of course, given what you do. And I do have XP... Everyone: anecdotal story to illustrate how small the world can be. It turns out Dawud designed the site for a good friend of mine.

Trisha -- no (or less) frustration, that is huge. Why let tools get in the way of great work? And your approach to tech with a dash of humor is fascinating. I'll be back on your blog.

[Steve Roesler]

Valeria,

As if you need one more comment;-)

Been a Mac user for 20 years. I have always had a PC around for certain clients using specific software. Don't need to anymore.

1. Mac with Parallels or Boot Camp will take care of anything PC-based
2. The Mac is unbelievably intuitive, more so than anything I've experienced with Windows interfaces regardless of what MS says
3. As others have stated, your productivity will skyrocket
4. Can't be beat for graphics, multi media, and design
5. If you like MS Office just use the Mac version.

As was suggested, stop by the Apple Store in K of P. It's a positive experience in itself.

[Dawud Miracle]

Valeria. Just wanted to respond that the Mac isn't just a graphics machine - like the old days. It's a highly integrated, very adaptable business machine as well (check out http://www.apple.com/business/). For instance, do you know that Macs can plug-and-play with most Windows-based networks?

In all honesty, having used both Macs and PCs - if I wasn't doing graphics/web work, I would still be using a Mac.

[Katie Konrath]

Hi Valeria, I just wanted to chime in to tell you not to buy a computer with Vista.

I just bought a new Toshiba laptop 3 months ago, and Vista is driving me insane. It has bugs, it takes up too much computer memory, and it doesn't give me anything new beyond Windows XP. Yes, there will be service packs coming out, but I doubt they will solve all the problems.

My last four computers have all been Windows-based. Every single one has had significant hardware problems (with the exception of the new one so far.) Getting them fixed has always been a traumatic experience. Sometimes it can takes weeks.

Macs don't break as much, and when they do break, it's easier to get support. Plus, Macs are designed to be easier to use than PCs, and you don't have to deal with Windows as much.

In the future, I will buy a Mac. I don't want to deal with the headaches of PCs anymore.

[Valeria Maltoni]

I am amazed at the range and depth of impressions that Mac has made on everyone here.

Dawyd -- I am headed in this direction as soon as I find a moment to regroup and take my machine to the store. Apple provides a free transfer for PC users. A nice incentive for me.

Katie -- my gut told me to stay away from Vista. Of course, I had heard reports... the look and feel is just uninspiring and although Microsoft rules the world, I have the feeling that I want to control my little piece of it.

[William Tully]

I know people who have stayed with PC and are happy, I know people who have gone to Mac and are happy, and I know people who have left PC, gone Mac, and are now returning to PC...

I'm staying with PC for one word: TabletPC.

And I know I'm going to be in serious trouble if Mac comes out with one...