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Macbooks or Windows laptops?

Just got into a huge debate about this and want to hear people's opinions on this. This is in all categories: functionality, interface, UI, features, looks, power, battery, whatever else you can name. I'm not going to say what I like until further notice .

February 18, 2012

21 Comments • Newest first

qwan456

[quote=HalfPast12]It had better specs and it was cheaper. Also the Macbook was $999 Isn't that more important. It seems to be in EVERY Mac vs PC thread.

@NoCookieforYou
Might I add that it was on sale, original price was $500 something...

[url=http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/epic-jackie-chan-template.png]I don't see your guys logic,[/url] Macs suck because they're overpriced for what you get but when I bring up a PC that had better specs than a mac but it was at a super awesome price, that computer doesn't count.[/quote]

What's the actual specification of the computer? A 2006 MB had either a Core Duo T2400/T2500 or Core 2 Duo T5600/T7200 with the Intel GMA 950 (64MB-224MB of shared memory) and with 512MB-1GB of RAM. A Compaq in the 2008 probably have an AMD Athlon X2 QL-62, and if I'm not mistaken, the T7200 perform better than the QL-62 despite it being a 2 year older processor. It likely have Windows Vista and 1GB-2GB of RAM (Vista uses about 800MB of your RAM before factoring the Superfetch feature and background processes). However, the Compaq probably has an Nvidia 8200G M, so it has a better IGP with up to 256MB of shared memory, but if your Aunt doesn't do anything graphic intensive, this may be irrelevant. Bloatwares that many PC companies tend to put on it tend to needlessly bogged down the system overall performance.

Personally, when I get a laptop, I would do a clean install of Windows. My 2008 Acer (I believe that was the year) had similar specs as that Compaq I had mentioned also gotten very slow during some uses during the first try out, and once I had installed a clean version of Vista, the performance had gotten better. In fact, it did not give me any trouble up to until I gave it away in mid-late 2010. The one who cause problems on it for me was due to my dad (which pisses me off since he put the first dent on it in the first month). Most of the problems that I had to come over to my dad's place to fix over the past 2 years was a PEBCAK issue.

Reply February 19, 2012 - edited
ShammyShakes

I prefer windows for my house, and apple when I'm on the go. For me it's macs=looks, windows=performance.

Reply February 19, 2012 - edited
NoCookieForYou

@HalfPast12: I'm sorry but what? You kept your MaCbook in good condition? So what? Your aunt bought a $300.. computer. Which is the lowest they go for and she didn't keep it in good condition. I don't see your point.

Reply February 19, 2012 - edited
bubblecup118

I wonder why when people compare the 2, all they ever talk about is gaming and specs. Some people dont care about gaming nor specs.

Reply February 19, 2012 - edited
riddks1

If Apple actually used current date hardware, and dropped their prices a few notches, then yeah Macs are great. They have alot of handy software, but really you're joining an exclusive club. Whereas Windows, you have that versatility to basically do everything you want. Mac users are spoon fed. If you're willing to put your blood, sweat, and tears into Windows, it's the best!

Or you can go like me. Dual boot: Windows 7/MacOS <3

Reply February 19, 2012 - edited
yumtoast154

@Sjoooberg: Power != battery

OP was referring to "power" as processing power as battery life was right below it.

Anyways, different laptops consume different amounts of energy, so 4-8 hours should be the standard.

Reply February 19, 2012 - edited
Sjoooberg

@angramainyu: I use both. I only use the mouse if I play Minecraft or something.

Reply February 18, 2012 - edited
SharkyJr

[b]Let me be the voice of neutrality here.[/b]

I like to work with web design and editing programs, and I generally find Windows OS to be much more agreeable (and Desktop PC's are much more customizable)

But the reality of Apple/Mac technology is simplicity. Their devices have clean lines and are easy to understand. It's very streamlined and integrated, which means you have to think about less in terms of the actual technology itself. My Mom can only ever use a Mac; 5 minutes working with a Windows computer and she gets completely confused. Many people use computers casually, unlike Gamers (which are incredibly biased to their own interests) and People who deal in code, customization or hardware.

I find that Macs are also good for work tasks, especially with Adobe programs, Animation and Design programs and Video editing. They are not meant for other forms of leisure, save the basics of Facebook and such, which is fine.

It all comes down to priority, really. As for me, I never liked the OS for Mac's and I can't figure it out. I have always preferred Microsoft's OS and brands like Lenovo and Sony Vaio or Asus.

Reply February 18, 2012 - edited
NoCookieForYou

[quote=chloeisPRO]I had a windows for a year before it died out, bought it for around $900.
I currently own a Macbook Pro, but my 5 year old Macbook is still up and running and it serves as my at home computer.[/quote]

I'm sorry but no. Just no. There must have been something wrong with the PC or you must have broke it yourself for it to only last one year. Ive had my $950 laptop for one year and it's in literally perfect condition. I also know a friend of mine who had his PC for about 5 years and it only broke because he smashed it on the ground on purpose.

Reply February 18, 2012 - edited
Sjoooberg

@angramainyu: The trackpad is worth the extra money. Trust me.

Reply February 18, 2012 - edited
tuffghost

2,000 dollar facebook machine.

Reply February 18, 2012 - edited
ClementZ

If you have no idea what you're doing, and have a crapload of money to blow: Mac

Otherwise, Windows.

Reply February 18, 2012 - edited
Sjoooberg

[quote=yumtoast154]Power: Windows, hands down[/quote]
Windows laptops eats battery as if it were a fat kid eating chocolate, doesn't matter which brand, still eats a lot.

---

I have used 3 different laptops in my lifetime.
• The Packard Bell, it was good at the beginning but got slower day by day. After a year it was useless, tried to reinstall Windows, still slow. And the battery time, oh dear, it wasn't even good when I bought it.
• The Asus, really plastic, just like the other one. Same here, slower and slower. Copy paste rest from above.
• The Macbook Pro, I have had it for 7 months now. Battery isn't like it was before, but comparing to the other two Windows based it's like when I bought it.

I see everyday, my family upgraded our computers the same month. I bought the Mac, but everyone else though it was too costed too much, so they stayed with other brands. As I said, my Mac runs just like when I bought it, theirs are like the slowest things in the world. I have reinstalled Windows probably 2-3 times on each and every one of them, and yet, I haven't needed to reinstall OSX a single time.

Don't get me wrong here, I really do like Windows, but not on laptops. If I'm going to use Windows full time again however, it will be on a desktop. For laptops, I'll stick with Macs every time.

Reply February 18, 2012 - edited
yumtoast154

Functionality: Windows, obviously
Interface: Windows is cleaner if you know what you're doing.
UI: Windows. Mac OS is like furniture bolted to the ground - you can't do crap with it.
Features: Windows
Looks: Mac, if talking about external design.
Power: Windows, hands down
Battery: Depends on the brand of laptop/

Reply February 18, 2012 - edited
bubblecup118

it really depends what OS you prefer. If you do get a Mac but still need windows, bootcamp windows and then you got the best of both worlds.

if you plan to just game, get windows.

Reply February 18, 2012 - edited
Alexisonfire

there is literally no point to a mac.. unless you're feeling very hip and like to have a laptop that's only for style

Reply February 18, 2012 - edited
Dorks

Macs are cool, if you're actually using it for things other than Facebook (har har). I also like how their charger works so you don't trip over the wire.
I prefer Windows though. It's something I'm used to and is relatively cheaper compared to Macs.

Reply February 18, 2012 - edited
shosen123

If apple made macbook prices similar to laptops on the market right now, I'd consider buying one

Reply February 18, 2012 - edited
chloeisPRO

I had a windows for a year before it died out, bought it for around $900.
I currently own a Macbook Pro, but my 5 year old Macbook is still up and running and it serves as my at home computer.

Reply February 18, 2012 - edited
lvlaplemasta

Macs are overated

Reply February 18, 2012 - edited
LokcCap

Macs are a waste of money, especially for those little kids who only use it to browse, watch videos, and not really use Mac for it intended purposes.

Reply February 18, 2012 - edited