Mac vs Windows

[Things Go Better With Milk 0]

I looked for a thread like this one but i couldn't find any so here is a discussion with this question:

Mac vs Windows, which is better?

I love my windows.  I have been on a mac and they are really wierd compared to a windows pc.  I think mac is just to complicated for me. 

[hym 358]

Well, usually these threads don't pan out too well.

All I'm going to say is that they have different target audiences, which makes an apples-to-apples comparison difficult for most people.

[LarksTonguesInAspic 28]

It's funny, Windows is basically an imitation of Mac '87. The reason the whole world belongs to Windows despite it being an inferior system is, that Apple played too close to the vest and wouldn't license out their technology to anyone. Windows was licensed out to anyone with the money, and spread like wildfire. The decisions made in the Marketing departments of the respective companies way back when dictated how things panned out, more than the R&D or even the end product.

Case in point? Compare the 2 for music recording and editing, and likewise video. Mac is the clearly superior hardware and software for both, and the choice of professionals around the world.

[Hamish 1,370]

manticorefan I'm glad someone sees it my way. Its just that there are so many windows out there that they seem like the better computer, but Macs are far more superior to them. And they look good at home.

I love my windows. I have been on a mac and they are really wierd compared to a windows pc. I think mac is just to complicated for me. quote>

See now I think that windows are too complicated.

But it just depends on what machine you grew up using, or are using at the moment. There's not much difference in the machines except for windows does all the work type stuff, and Macs do the Music and imaging type stuff better(some would say the more important, relaxing things). It all comes down to what you need from a computer.

[ilikehotdogsalot 311]

Personally, I've always thought Mac computers were kind of buggy when I used them, (look at all the problem with Simcity 4 in Macs) I liked their look though, but they can be very overpriced at more than 1,000 dollars. Windows works for me when I used their computers. I'm a bit mad with Microsoft at the moment since my Xbox 360 just broke for no reason though.

Anyways, I'm not one of those people who are Anti-Mac or Anti-Microsoft, I have a Windows Computer, but an Apple Iphone, and both work great.

[Silur 3,309]

WINDOWS - for ever ...

MAC - is an cheap product for USA only... without any future ...

[bwatterud 7]

First of all, I can see this turning into a flame war really fast, so mods, keep an eye on this (or 2).

I'm personally a Mac person, but it's really apples and oranges.  Generally, I've found that people who can use both OS's well prefer Macs.  The only two big selling points that I can see for PC's these days are the price, and the fact that games are developed for them.  The reason that Mac SC4 is so buggy is because Aspyr doesn't really have the ability to release patches the way EA does (well, did, I guess).  All the bugs for SC4 Mac were at one point present on SC4 PC, but were patched.  In other words, it's not the OS itself, it's the game. 

I guess the reason people like PC's so much is because they are familiar with them.  If someone who has a PC is in the market for a new computer, chances are, they're going to go with what they're familliar with.  Then again, when you look at Windows Vista, almost every difference from XP was something that's been on Macs for the last 5 OS versions. 

[toxicpiano 125]

I use both at home (Windows comp for games imac for everything else) so I'm indifferent really.

[SimRabbit 48]

Silur: Mac isn't cheap here in the US.

I use Windows all the time, but i wish i could get a macbook pro or a macbook. But im getting a Gateway p6831fx 3gb ram nvidia geforce go 8800 gts 512mb for $1300 this summer. maybe next december i will have a macbook. only time will tell.

[beebs 129]

Originally posted by: ilikehotdogsalot Personally, I've always thought Mac computers were kind of buggy when I used them, (look at all the problem with Simcity 4 in Macs) I liked their look though, but they can be very overpriced at more than 1,000 dollars. Windows works for me when I used their computers. I'm a bit mad with Microsoft at the moment since my Xbox 360 just broke for no reason though.quote>

SC4 for mac is buggy because the game wasn't directly made for the OS. Mac computers are generally more reliable than Windows. But the cost you pay for that reliability is the lack of many games and compatibility with most of the computing world.

Silur: Macs are very well built machines and are popular within its market. And their market share has in fact tripled since 2004 (now hovering at around 6%). Macs aren't going away anytime soon.

[krbe 193]

Originally posted by: beebs

SC4 for mac is buggy because the game wasn't directly made for the OS. Mac computers are generally more reliable than Windows. But the cost you pay for that reliability is the lack of many games and compatibility with most of the computing world.quote>

Or you can install Windows on a portion so that you can get all those great games too. I use Windows for SC4 and FS, and OS X for all other tasks.

When it comes to Windows; it's popularity is based on a huge business base. While Linux might offer specialised software in many fields, so are Windows software better suited for small/medium enterprises (which makes up ca. 95-99% of all businesses in most countries).

I used to work for a small grocery store in Norway, and we had this computers: One main office computer, one for postal/banking services, three POSs, one time clock, one reverse vending machine, two PDA's for inventory purposes, one PDA for scanning mail. ALL ran some kind of Windows--even on the reverse vending machine you could open the C:/Windows/ folder! And with Windows XP's automatic updates, you can clearly see all the screens around you that are running Windows: Banks, airports, trains, etc., etc., are all paying good money for Windows licences just to show you a simple information film, or arrival information.

[Eastwinn 6]

I like Windows. It's not that Mac is bad, I just don't like it as much. There are a few reasons for this. 1) They are not compatible with as much. 2) They are expensive. 3) They are limited in many senses (I won't go into detail in fear of writing a novel). 4) The way some Mac user act.

I'm going to explain number 4. It's not all of you; I'm not stereotyping you Mac users. It seems like this happens a lot when it comes to the lesser of the trends of the same kind. I often find people who like Macs also enjoy going around explaining why their computer is better than everyone else's, constantly bringing up Macs superiority in casual conversation, and showing their love for them a little too much. This is evident with other lesser trends, like I mentioned before. For example, someone with a Zune could also be seen doing the same thing. I know it's not right to judge a computer on the people that use them, but I can not stand the Mac commercials and all of the fan boys. It makes me want to stab the Mac spokesman with a rusty machete. (Note: No ST users that I know of fit this description).

[Duke87 1,070]

Originally posted by: manticorefan It's funny, Windows is basically an imitation of Mac '87. The reason the whole world belongs to Windows despite it being an inferior system is, that Apple played too close to the vest and wouldn't license out their technology to anyone. Windows was licensed out to anyone with the money, and spread like wildfire. The decisions made in the Marketing departments of the respective companies way back when dictated how things panned out, more than the R&D or even the end product.

Case in point? Compare the 2 for music recording and editing, and likewise video. Mac is the clearly superior hardware and software for both, and the choice of professionals around the world.quote>

You pretty much summed it up right there. OSX is a superior operating system to Windows in terms of quality... however, given that Windows has almost all of the market share, you basically have no choice but to use it if you want to be able to run everything, since if you use a Mac, your crap isn't compatible with most other people's crap... and companies often won't make software for your OS since there's not much money in it. Besides, I myself absolutely despise Apple as a company since they make everything proprietary, and I much prefer to have things be licensable or, (if practical) open source. So that's one major thing Windows has in its favor. The OS has to come from Microsoft, but the hardware can come from wherever. With a Mac, everything has to come from Apple. And this is why Windows won out. The end result is that today, this is your choice:

OSX: Run a limited number of programs with top notch quality.

Windows: Run any program with decent quality.

Windows certainly has its flaws, but it works and it gets the job done.... and I can run anything under the sun on it. There are an awful lot of programs on my computer which simply don't exist for OSX, or have inferior cut back Mac versions.

Let's face it, it doesn't matter how good an OS you make... you're not going to unseat Windows from its throne because it's already deeply established itself as a near-universal standard. Ya can't beat 'em, so ya might as well join 'em.

[___idiotbox 0]

Originally posted by: EastwinnI often find people who like Macs also enjoy going around explaining why their computer is better than everyone else's, constantly bringing up Macs superiority in casual conversation, and showing their love for them a little too much.quote>

If you replace the word "Mac" with "Microsoft" in this sentence, it would be the perfect description of me. I usually jump into conversations with a.... "Oh and Microsoft will one day own the whole world!" *enter big cheesy grin here* aka:

I voted Windows.

-Ellie

[Eastwinn 6]

Oh, by the way, this argument is futile. We really aren't going to change each other's mind. Mac and Windows are two different beasts who have evolved away from each other to grasp the market. Mac = Media, Window = Business. Sure, both computers can do everything, but they are better fit for different things. Everyone's opinions is going to be based on what they are interested in more. It's like arguing about what's better, Pen or Pencil. "Well you can erase pencil" ... "Yeah, well pen is permanent". tl;dr : Different strokes for different folks.

[Hamish 1,370]

Originally posted by:Duke87 since if you use a Mac, your crap isn't compatible with most other people's crap...quote>

I find it to be the other way around. Its mostly if you use a windows, your crap won't be compatible with Macs applications. But when Macs give files to windows, it usually works.

Windows: Run any program with decent quality.quote>

See, once again, wrong, almost right though.

I think its more, it runs any program with standard quality.

But, it'll all come down to what you prefer, and what you want/need out of a computer.

[NMUSpidey 3,956]

Low price and decent power are in my Toshiba Windows machine.

And if you have a sense of humor, CLICK ME!

[GingerBlokey 30]

Anyone with any sense of how the internet works knows to stay out of these arguments.

It's an easy one to solve though.

First we ignore Vista, everyone knows its a pile of crap. So now its XP vs Mac.

XP is great for work and for spreasheets, pie charts, presentations and browsing most websites. For gaming too.

Mac is great for people like me who use their computer to listen to music and podcasts and upload photos and make graphics and piss about on the web.

[toxicpiano 125]

Originally posted by: GingerBlokey Anyone with any sense of how the internet works knows to stay out of these arguments.quote>

First we ignore Vista, everyone knows its a pile of crap. So now its XP vs Mac.quote>

...

[GingerBlokey 30]

Originally posted by: toxicpiano

Originally posted by: GingerBlokey Anyone with any sense of how the internet works knows to stay out of these arguments.quote>

First we ignore Vista, everyone knows its a pile of crap. So now its XP vs Mac.quote>

...quote>

I didn't say I had any sesne of the internet. I couldn't help myself.

[PhilsCafe 8]

I think it's all a matter of being used to one system. Mac is very often used in publishing, graphic design etc, where professionals had been working with it for ages. They're used to it and very likely prefer it over Windows for personal use too.

I myself had been working on Microsoft computers for years now and I'm used to that. It's very odd for me to work on other operating systems (like Linux or Mac). And it's compatible with all games another important use in my case.

[SimRabbit 48]

I changed my view on Macs. I no longer want one, they are slow as hell.

Today I had a chance to try a few macs. The first one was a iMac, the thing was slow at booting up. The thing even crashed when i was running a program. The second mac was powerbook g4, man the battery lasted for one hour and i was just browsing the net. The wifi connection would drop alot. The third one was a new MacBook Pro (2.4ghz, 2mb ram, 512 mb video card), same stuff happened to this machine, but this one was slow as hell.

it took about 20-30 secs to open up Firefox. i tried re opening FF again and it took 15 secs to load. My old machine which is a windows xp with 512mb of ram loads FF alot faster.

Windows XP FTW!!!

[Hahayoudied 3]

I remember trying to load a Window 95/98 compatiable game by using a CD onto a Mac computer. The computer never noticed the CD at all. I haven't had much experiance with Mac, so I am netural for now. One of the advantages that Window has over Mac, is that there are tons of programs and softwares only compatible with Window.

[gurrgkud 2]

Hmm... out of both my laptop Mac and desktop PC, I tend to use my Mac way more than my pc. The software is tremendous, extremely reliable, and it revolves around me. It surpasses my expectations. In fact, I only use my PC nowadays for Simcity 4.

Now that Macs have an Intel processor, Windows can now be installed on them (and surprisingly, Vista runs smoother and faster on a Mac than a PC). So as soon as the new iMacs come out (I'm hoping for summer!!!), I will replace my desktop PC with an iMac, create a small windows partition, and move my SC4 + 5gigs of plugins to it .

[hym 358]

Originally posted by: gurrgkud

Now that Macs have an Intel processor, Windows can now be installed on them (and surprisingly, Vista runs smoother and faster on a Mac than a PC). So as soon as the new iMacs come out (I'm hoping for summer!!!), I will replace my desktop PC with an iMac, create a small windows partition, and move my SC4 + 5gigs of plugins to it .quote>

Actually, that's rather interesting that you say that.  I read a report, published by a Mac journal wanting to know what the heck was up with an Apple G5 running XP faster and more reliably than its native OS.

[Rymac91 15]

Honestly, My Vista laptop is decent speed but it's hardly compatible with programs I want to use to the point of the first month I was looking for getting a MacBook. I honestly like Windows but I still think that Mac is the better product. Although I'm more open source then proprietary, I do like macs. I honestly want a Mac Mini so I can stop complaining about dealing with Vista.

Also, as far as podcasting goes, it's a neuteral point because as long as the player can keep track of how far you were listening, I really don't care.

For general internet use, it also doesn't matter.

Btw, since we are comparing the OSes and not the Machines themselves, could you add Linux to the list?

[SimRabbit 48]

Im an Engadget and Gizmodo reader but I feel like an Apple hater now. All their articles are Apple biased.

From what I have observed from these blogs,

Apple Fanboys: First of, Apple is good, MS is evil. Leopard is better because it runs well on their computers and Vista is crap (give me a break, Apple produce their own PCs and they know if their machines will run their Leopard software OS, but Vista is a complete story, Vista is installed on many machines and sometimes manufactures aren't aware if Vista will run smoothly) even though it is getting better now. Some of these guys claim Apple introduced the MP3 player, in reality another company did long before the Ipod was introduced. The Iphone is revolutionary, even though it is not 3g (but hey 3g is coming soon). Apple TV is worth it, even if it is expensive as hell and lacking a bluray or dvd drive. Microsoft DRM is evil, Apple DRM is okay. MacBooksPro run MS better than anyother PC, wait, having a 3gb ram, Nvidia video card, and an advaced Intel proccessor should run Vista smoothly, right. Well most ppl are trying to run vista home premium on their 512mb ram pc and expect it to run smoothly.

MacBook Air is the thinniest Laptop ever, well a long time a ago, another company released a much thinner laptop and by the way, have you ever head Leopard is slower MB Air. Kind of like Vista on a 512 mb ram pc.

The Zune sucks and it is an Ipod ripoff.

And lastly I recomend you read those comments on that article.

http://gizmodo.com/384903/new-imacs-first-to-use-intel-montevina-chipset

That makes Apple look like an elitist group. They believe Intel makes their CPUs for Mac first and later on introduced to normal pcs.

Now I don't want to buy any Apple product anymore. I have an Ipod touch but thats the last thing I buy from them.

[hamsterTK 93]

PC's are cheaper and everyone uses them. And I can play Simcity

duh

[Haljackey 17,402]

Wait, are we comparing Windows XP or Vista with the Mac?

I would vote for Windows if it was XP.  I wouldn't for Vista because VISTA SUCKS!!!!

Best,

-Haljackey

[wir3d 2]

Yeah vista does suck

Although MAC as some pretty cool stuff.