UCLAri

1of42,

I think that there's more to the "Apple experience" than just the marginal cost of Mac OS. It's actually being able to USE Mac OS, and take part in the Apple community-- also, there's the fact that the build quality of the hardware itself tends to be pretty good. Maybe even Lenovo good (maybe...)

But again, I think the average user is the BEST benchmark for the average user. The average user is the person who's going to have the same needs in a system as another average user. Again, I used Windows for years and was what many consider a "power user." I find that I do almost everything faster in Mac OS X than I did in Windows. I don't exactly know why-- I just do.

But my case shouldn't be a good metric. For one, I have all sorts of tricks up my sleeve (from the terminal) that I can use that others cannot. However, if other "average" users also find that Mac OS offers them a better experience, then they are a good measure.

I think that Windows users brag too often about how ARCANE Windows can be. That's not bragging rights! That's something that Microsoft should be trying to get rid of. At least with Mac OS, you get things done quickly and easily if you're an average users-- then, if you're like me, you stretch out in terminal or other places. In other words, the learning curve is shallow for the "Word, internet, Excel, e-mail, AIM"-only types. But it still has enough to offer the advanced users that they aren't really constrained.

I'm not saying it's a perfect environment. It's not. It has many flaws that I see are not present in Windows. I just think it has fewer flaws than Windows.

Gontello

I was wondering what a good PC laptop was, and how it compares to a Macbook/MB Pro. There are some programs on Windows that I use quite frequently (mIRC, uTorrent, etc) and there doesnt really seem to be equal alternatives on OSX. And the preferred player is VLC as far as I know, but I prefer Media Player Classic when the right codecs are installed. I also do not really have a "legitimate" copy of Windows, so I know I would have to go out of my way to purchase it. So I'm not sure if getting a Mac would be practical just to install Windows on it.

Thanks

UCLAri

Lenovos, I think, are the closest equivalent to Macs in terms of build quality.

And there are IRC and torrent equivalents on the Mac...

AlexGFX

If I had to purchase a PC Laptop right now it would be a Dell XPS.

But, of course, I recommend buying a Mac and using Windows via Bootcamp.

Cheers,
Alex

PS:
Just to correct UCLAri a little bit (I know this is nit picky) Mac OS is cheaper than most of the versions of Windows. It's the hardware itself that is expensive. So if you already own an Apple Computer, you're obviously getting more bang for the buck with Mac OS X, as opposed to owning a computer that can't run OS X.

As for security being better for lack of user base, it's somewhat true; just remember, 5% market share is still a lot of user, most of whom I assure you are VERY capable of finding weakness' in the OS. It happens all the time, and Apple is very quick to fix these problems.

UCLAri

AlexGFX,

I don't know that you really corrected me...I think what I said agreed with you.

Gontello

OK, cool. Any recommended Lenovo computers? Also, what is a better deal as far as Macbooks vs Macbook Pros.

I also know there are IRC and Torrent equivalents on the Mac, but I've grown too accustomed to mIRC and uTorrent that it will be kind of hard to give them up. I'm not really in the Mac vs PC argument for security, as long as you know what you're doing, that shouldn't really be a problem.

UCLAri

Stick to the business-end Lenovos. The T-series is quite good.

uTorrent is good, but trust me that Azureus is a good alternative. You won't be disappointed. As far as the better deal goes, I think that the Macbook is more bang for the buck.

AlexGFX

UCLAri:

Oof I totally read that wrong. So sorry.

Azureus is a fantastic program, I 100% recommend it.

UCLAri

You've got me stumped, though... when did I say Mac OS is expensive?

AlexGFX

I read it again, sorry, I misinterpreted it; I'm very sleepy. I thought you said it was expensive, but then I saw the MARGINAL :P

Gontello

Thanks a lot of the input. Now I have to narrow it down from a Thinkpad and a Macbook I suppose.

And I agree that Azureus is quite a nice BT client, however, it takes up too many resources because of Java. That is why I prefer uTorrent, because it is a simple .exe file that allows me to do what I need. But if I have to...I guess I might have to switch...

UCLAri

You can always just do what I do-- Run Windows simultaneously with Parallels...

Gontello

Using a Mac just to end up running Windows seems to defeat the purpose of purchasing a Mac in the first place...

This is a difficult choice to make...

Edit: Thinking about it more...I do not really know what reason I would have to switching to a Mac in the first place.
So for now, I'm going to stick to Windows. I do however, appreciate all the help that you guys have provided me with.

Gontello

Looks like uTorrent is coming to the Mac...http://torrentfreak.com/utorrent-for...-early-review/
Now I just wonder if theres an IRC client just as good as mIRC