should we get an apple?

[crisgal]

the children have been left some pennies from their great nana.
Our old PC needs renewing and so we thought we could get them a spanking new one to share.
I really fancy an apple, although they are twice the price of a decent PC package.
We don't really know much about them, though.
Do you have one?
Do you like it?
Why?
Thank you!

[rojash]

They may be twice the price of a PC you've looked at, but they are certainly not twice the price of a PC of a similar specification. If it was me, I'd go for it...

[zinnie]

Hi 'crisgal' .....contary to what 'rojash' says
(who's opinion I usually agree with) .I think if you look at the 'bigger picture' your money will be better spent with a PC. There is little doubt that Mac's are better styled and perform well , but consider:-
1. Mac's cannot be easily upgraded.
2.If you have a problem you sre dependant upon a Mac distributor ...and there are not many of them.
3. Your children are probably using PC's at school ...so confusion for them.
4. You already have a PC so are familiar with the system.


that's probably enough 'crisgal'.

[Cakeboy]

It depends what you want to use the computer for. If you want it for the kids to play games on and suchlike, then do NOT buy an Apple - the games are like rocking horse dung and the choice is pathetic. Slowly, game companies are waking up to this, but in your average game store you'll find about 10 games for a Apple and a lot more for the PC.

If you want it for graphic design or anything along those lines, then an Apple is more suited, they have better graphic design and DTP programs.

As Zinnie says, if you've been using PCs for a while, switching to an Apple will be confusing for a while as the desktop looks different and works in different ways. The internet browser is different as well.

All in all, I'd stick with a PC, you'll get more for your money in the long term

[fo3nix]

I used to be a Windows user (95-XP). 18 months ago or so, I finally changed to a Mac, after wanting to for a while before (but couldn't afford the one I wanted).

As rojash says, comparing like for like makes them very competitively priced. You know that any Mac you buy can do video editing, and anything else more strenuous for a computer.

However, cheaper PCs are very definitely available, and will be more than enough for the vast majority of uses. The only issue here is that the RAM or something is skimped on, leading the user to post questions at places like here asking why they can't do video editing or something else they didn't plan or think about but now want to do. (And thus spend more money buying new parts).

Response to zinnie's answer:
1. True, however the vast majority of people don't want to upgrade, so it's a null issue for most. Computers are appliances, and less so these things for techies as they were 10 years ago.
2. Kind of true, but Apple have their own good stores and will pick up and deliver Macs for you (their phone support is great).
3. I agree entirely. But kids are smart and pick up differences very fast. Anyway, they're not that different.
4. Again, it'll take you a week or two of use and you'll forget your old Windows ways.

Games are a sore point. Good simpler games are available, as well as plenty for young kids. But the latest games your average 14 year old wants to play are Windows only. If that's too bad, then get a Windows machine.

Just remember that you're not just paying for some metal and microchips. You're paying for something that has a better operating system that's easier to use. It doesn't get viruses. You don't need to run a spyware remover every week. It'll cause you less stress.

(You know what I think you should buy :P)

[k8_doran]

I've heard that apples cannot easily get virus's like the pc does. i'D ALWAYS SAY MAC, YOU CAN HAVE MORE PROGRAMMES RUNNING AT ONCE IN MY EXPERIENCE. aND IT GOOD TO SAY YOU ARE PC AND MAC LITERATE. ANYWAY, PURELY MY OPINION! (oops sorry for caps did not realise it was on, i cant re-write all that! lol)