should i go with a dell or apple

ok i got a job this summer to save up for a computer for school this year i have been doing tons of research and i am almost positive i want a apple macbook but i want some honest opinions because every time i look people are always fighting over which is better now i have some questions about apple in a windows world will my computer connect to my linksys router, will i have tons problems with doing papers for school, is mac extremly easy to get use to, is the macbook good for doing photo and video editing and is it worth buying a macbook or should i go with a dell or shouls i wait a littlw while for upgrades to the macbook. Also price wise i plan on buying a Macbook 2ghz with 1gb of ram and a 80gb hard drive with iwork installed

Windows XP

Posted on Aug 24, 2006 6:21 PM

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38 replies

Aug 24, 2006 9:26 PM in response to Parker731

I have a blackbook and am a new switcher. I haven't used my pc since I got the blackbook and my other laptop is less than a year old. I have had minimal problems with this laptop compaired to the countless other computers I have had over the years. I can't complain other than I wish they would hurry up and make all the software universal.

Aug 24, 2006 10:50 PM in response to Parker731

Im a switcher. Ive had nothing but Dell computers the last 8 years. 3 Desktops and 4 Laptops. The quality of computers and customer service has gotten progressivly worse and worse. I have seen and dealt with enough problems with my Dell computers in the last 6 months to make me switch to the Apple. This is my second Mac laptop and I am even happier with my MacBook than I was when I bought my Powerbook G4. I will never buy another Dell computer again

Aug 24, 2006 10:57 PM in response to Parker731

I use both Apple computers and Dell computers in my work and for my hobbies, and whichever you choose, I think you will be happy. I won't say which one I prefer because I don't want any of my computers to feel bad (and yes, I give them names).

I have had experience with both Dell and Apple service, and here in Japan, they are both excellent---your location may be different.

And, finally, I have not had any problems whatsoever with any of my computers (the Apple ones were some of the first off the line, as were the Dells). For the most part, in any support forum, most of the posts are for problems, all the people who don't have problems aren't posting---busy having fun with their computers.

If you are leaning toward a MacBook, I think it is an excellent choice for college (mine interact on a network with Windows computers all day long, both in-house and on a secure company network), and handle word processing, video editing, and music functions just great.

Good luck in school,
🙂

Aug 25, 2006 11:29 AM in response to Parker731

Hi,
I have been an Apple User and customer for more that 18 years and I had time to time to work on PCs platform and hated it. I recently bought a MacBook. This is an awsome little piece of technology and eventhough it has some problem I love it. For being a long time customer, I know that Apple will address the problem as soon as they find a solution. I have NEVER been disappointed by their product and their services. Do not make the mistake to get a PC because you will regret it one way or another.

Aug 25, 2006 3:17 PM in response to Parker731

I have had macbooks, three died, I'll be buying version 2 when it comes out. HOWEVER, we just got 90 D620 Dells in at work and I have been playing with one. 1.66 Core Duo, DVD Combo, 40 gig drive, 1 GIG RAM, case, mouse, two AC Adapters, 3 year "any hazard including dropping the computer" warranty. We paid 1250. But it's slower than my macbooks, too many keys on the keyboard, too many input devices, much narrower trackpad, and IT RUNS WINDOWS. I was cramped using the trackpad. The only advantages I saw were 14" screen (not glossy), and the screen bends all of the way back. It does run cooler. Most of the heat from macbooks is from the top left. Dell puts a vent in this corner on the side, bottom and top. So it runs cooler. There are definitely problems with these first macbooks. But do yourself a favor and don't let that fact make you buy a Dell. See what Apple announces just after Labor Day

Intel Dual Mac-Mini, G4 Powerbook, G4-933 Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Intel Dual Mac-Mini, G4 Powerbook, G4-933 Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Aug 25, 2006 5:18 PM in response to Parker731

For whats its worth, I have just purchased my first mac a month ago. Its a macbook and it is fantastic. It works like a dream and is very easy to use. My kids love it and office for mac is totally compatible with MS office that they use at school on PC's. Just transfer stuff on a memory stick.

I have a Dell laptop for work (nearly 3 years), and although it has been very reliable, it just doesn't even compare with the new mac. Mac OS is great.

All things being equal, I would definately get the mac. Mine is 2Ghz, 80 G HD and 1 G Ram.

Once you have tried mac you will never go back.

Good luck with your decision.

Aug 25, 2006 5:27 PM in response to Parker731

I just sold my dell laptop and bought a macbook ultimate (just regular macbook with larger harddrive and 1GB Ram.) It has been really easy to use, although I have had some problems in which I will be asking about on here, but those problems come from not knowing how to use the operating system fully. The hardware on my machine has been outstanding, and I strongly suggest the gig of ram with the whole dashboard thing. Everything running on dashboard uses memory at all times, so def get more RAM.

Dells are for kids, step it up and get the MAC.

Aug 25, 2006 10:37 PM in response to Parker731

I would definitely suggest getting a Mac over a Windows machine of any brand. The operating system is, in my opinion, far superior. It's easier to use. Plus it looks nice. Inside and out. As a MacBook user, however, I am becoming more and more reluctant to suggest the MacBook to people. I love my computer when it works, but it is having some pretty serious issues when it comes to functioning consistently. 😟

But many people have them and are not experiencing the same problems so... who knows... maybe I just got a lemon or something... ?

Aug 25, 2006 11:00 PM in response to Parker731

Dells are OK machines. I had a dell inspiron that handled itself quite well. On one occasion it did get the equivalent of a macheads dreaded kernel panic, or the famous blue screen of death. This was no worry, and never happened again. But don't let people fool you about prices and such. true dell offers laptops that are cheaper than macbooks, but these are the basic systems, and lack ALL of the great features on the macbook. apple basically integrated a schooling utensil and a home entertainment center in one, coming with that great apple remote. even the premium dell laptop systems lack the macbooks features, and the models that come close to apples price still have the intel integrated graphics card. only the models that exceed the base MB's pricetag have dedicated graphics cards (i have the catalogue) and still have only 1.6-1.8 intel core colo or duo processor chips. apple has far better service than dell as well. dell has no readily available store of its own that you can bring your computer in to have checked up. and the only way to get hardware in a dell that outguns your macbook is to pay more than what you would for apples new ibook replacement, and many even exceed the macbook pro's price.

as for windows. windows is far less stable than apple's mac os x. plus if like to browse the web, you better have the latest in virus protection software, because the built-in windows firewall is a joke. I've been using PC's for the larger part of my life, and after getting tired of having plastic paperweight towers on my desk i decided to buy my first mac, being the macbook. Dells are toys, and the dells we have in my office at work are no better. they stall, they need constant defraging to keep pace, they need too much attention to things id rather not deal with. my mac NEVER has this issue. macs are actually more practical, despite whatever claims you hear about compatibility with software, and if THAT is your major concern, boot camp is free, and you can borrow a windows disc from anyone that has a windows machine, since the bundled software works just the same. voila! with the new MB you can have essentially two computers in one, if ever you need to do something that requires the help of windows.

i say macbook, its more practical, and lots more fun i guarantee

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should i go with a dell or apple

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