MacHeads

Don is right about the viruses. One of the first things you learn as a technician is that most problems are caused by users, not the hardware, not the operating system. I too have a 6 year old pc that I built myself (once the height of technology it is now horribly outdated), however despite being outdated it still runs XP fast and I can play most games on it fine (though not on the highest settings), the only thing I've upgraded is more ram.On the virus note, I don't run a firewall or active malware/virus protection and I only scan my computer once in a blue moon and it rarely has any malware or viruses. Compare this to people I know who are in other fields (I'll have a comp sci degree in a few months) and they get viruses/malware all the time and have tons of problems with their computers. I'm not saying it's never the hardware or operating system but chances are if there's a problem it's probably the user's fault. Also some of those cons are Windows cons not PC, I run linux on my laptop and have no security warnings or BSOD for example (though BSOD was largely a problem for pre-XP windows, XP still gets it sometimes but rarely). And yes, you can close up a PC laptop and go, I rarely shut mine down, almost always put it to sleep for quick start up.One thing I'm curious about, have you ever tried OpenOffice? I'm assuming it runs on Macs but I really have no idea, it's a great alternative to MS Office (and it's free).   See 3 other replies

The thing about your Windows cons is that, that only happens to someone who doesn't know how to take care of their PC. One main reason for most or all of the cons of Windows is viruses, if the user doesn't know how to avoid viruses they will get a lot of problems. It's actually simple to avoid viruses but most are infected because they download them themselves, so most likely it's usually the users own fault when having problems with Windows. If Apple had the majority of people using their Macbooks then spyware and virus programmers would attack Apple users also but since the majority of users is much larger for Windows users, why attack a small portion of Mac users. That's the reason why Mac virtually has no viruses but if they did I'm sure Mac would have tons of problems also.Short hardware life? I don't know about that, I have a 6 year old PC never upgraded still running Windows XP just fine. It May not be able to handle extensive programs of todays day in age but what 6 year old computer can?About the Alienware vs Macbook Pro. Alienwares lowest priced laptop has way better hardware than Apples highest priced laptop and Alienwares lowest priced laptop is $1500 cheaper than Apples highest priced laptop. I don't hate Apple but I just don't see any good reason to pay more for their OS and overpriced hardware.   See 3 other replies

6. Continued…
If I have a problem with hardware, I never have but for arguments sake, I call the same place, Apple. Apple knows how their software interacts with their hardware, and as a result I believe I'd receive better support in the end, and another bonus is that I can understand them. Apple takes the proprietary approach - sell the hardware, software, apps, etc. as one package and guarantee that it's solid and reliable. Microsoft takes the approach that they'll let you run their software (however painfully overpriced) on anything you want.... but the compatibility and stability problems are the consumers. If price (as opposed to reliability, security, etc) is the biggest objection to Macs, it speaks well of Apple's engineering and development. 7.) Hardware comparability regarding cost:
I recently compared my Mac Pro (with the above specs) to a comparable system from Dell, a Precision workstation. I proceeded to build the Precision to the same specifications as my Mac Pro and the price was actually $200 higher. People often, and they shouldn't, compare the $599 HP special at Sams Club to a $3,000 Mac Pro. That is a grossly lopsided comparison with regard to hardware performance, simply put. 8.) Software:
Why is it that Microsoft's Office 2008 for Mac has more functions and options than their PC version? Is it that Apple set a higher software standard for Microsoft, and Microsoft appeased them by releasing a superior product? Hmm...food for thought. Microsoft is capable of better, they just don't always release it for PC.In the end there are those who might claim Mac's never have a problem, most wouldn't. The main thrust is that with Mac's, problems are the rare exception - not the standard fare. Just my $.02 ;o)   See 2 other replies