Buying an Apple Mac. What's the frozen prawns?

[PaulB]

I need a new desktop PC and the guy in Selfridges was going through the Fs&Bs of a whole range of them and then asked me if I'd ever considered an Apple Mac? Now I hadn't but he certainly said something that appealed to me and that was Macs are such a small percentage of total computer useage, that nobody writes viruses for them and so they are relatively virus free. Anyone know the truth or not of this? He also told me that unlike PCs they virtually never break down or go wrong. Again, is this true as if it is, I'd be prepared to pay the extra to get one. Lastly, I've never used one before so if I did get one, what are the pros and cons versus a PC in simple, easy to understand terms?

Thanks for anyone who can answer this.

 

[Mr Pig]

The first is sort of true, the second is rubbish.

Few people write viruses for them but you do still get them. If you don't use an anti-virus you could go for years without getting a virus, depending on what you're using the computer for, but there is still a risk. However, if you do get one, provided all of your data is backed up on another drive, it is much simpler to format a Mac than it is to format a PC. You more or less press a button an the machine does it its self in about an hour.

Years ago it was true that the hardware was more reliable than typical PC stuff but not any more. Most Apple products are made in China and reliability is now little better than average. Known faults send many Apple products to the repair shop regularly in fact and there have been law suites against Apple over some of them.

Which brings me to the real problem with buying Apple. Apple control the sale of their products, parts and servicing very tightly meaning it's not easy to get parts and repairs done outside of their authorised network. Which would be fine exept that the prices are extortionate!

Macs are beautiful machine and work well. If you're going to buy one I would recommend the following:

Buy the extended warranty.
Don't buy an iMac (all in one).
Find out where you can git it fixed locally before you buy.

 

[PashleyPrincess]

I have an Mac and it's one of the best things I ever bought. It's true that you don't need virus software - I've had mine nearly two years and have never had a virus. It has never crashed. Never needed to reset it. It just works.

You get it out of the box switch it on and off you go. No loading software, entering codes and passwords.

My OH had so many problems with his PC that once he saw how much better my Mac worked he went out and bought one. He's self-employed and so needed to use windows applications - not a problem you buy software that allows the use of Windows on a Mac operating system.

Buy one. You won't believe how much better things can be

 

[matason]

Apple Macs

Hello,

I've had a MacBook for two years, it's been fantastic! I think what you mentioned about viruses is true, I've had no problems. The build quality and attention to detail on Macs is a great bonus. I guess you'd be looking at an iMac?

One thing to consider, you may need to re-buy additional software you're running although it is possible to run other operating systems "inside" a virtual machine on your Mac and hence continue to use your old programs.

I wonder whether others would agree that Linux is probably most immune to virus threats? Granted it's a steep learning curve but the price is right!

It goes almost without saying that any operating system badly configured could be open to attack.

 

[Mr Pig]

The other solution you can use if you want a stable PC is to not use Windows!

Using something like Ubuntu will make your PC run very fast and as stable and virus-proof as any Mac and an emulator, like Wine, will let you run Microsoft applications if you need to. Two down sides are that it's not very user friendly compared to OSX or Windows and it assumes you now what you're doing. What I mean is that Windows won't really let you walk in and change stuff that might kill your computer and at the very least will throw up warnings saying "Ehhh, are you sure you really want to do this?". Ubuntu will say nothing and just let you do it!

Basically, the real difference between PCs and Macs is the software. Apple machines themselves are not really any better than average in terms of quality, they are just more stylish, and you pay a lot more money for a pretty box. You'll get a far more powerful machine for the same money by buying a PC.

 

[Van Nick]

If you're buying a Mac, then you should wait for Snow Leopard, which is due for release shortly.

 

[Olly]

I run very high end macs at work and have a couple at home.
I very rarely have any problems with them breaking down (and if they do its usually to do with our kona video drivers or san - so these wont effect you).
we also have a few very high spec pc's for 3d work - they are a nightmare!!!!

if you are used to windows then the move to mac os will be a revelation!!!
in my opinion and ALL my work mates it the most user friendly and stable platform out there.

i wouldn't rule out imac (the all in one machines) completely, if you just need it for home use they are really good and come with a great software package!

finally if you wait for snow leopard maybe wait a few months - as with all software let them get the bugs sorted to start with
good luck
Olly

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I've got an imac G5 - it's very good but very different to a PC, Mrs 3BM doesn't like it!!
Go to an Apple shop and try it out to see if you like it.
Definitely get the extended warranty, we needed it and it saved us a lot of money in the long run.

 

[colinr]

Don't buy an iMac (all in one).

Why not? I've had one at work for a couple of years and am very pleased with it.

 

[gaz]

Not using anti-virus software on an Mac is just stupid..
Even though Apple claim at present that there are 0 viruses. that doesn't mean there won't be any tomorrow.

I've been using several mac's for the past 5 years and i've only ever had 2 hardware failures, and that was both on the HDD's from consistent use.

 

[palinurus]

My first Mac was a 2004 eMac. Using it right now, even though there's a new iMac with a whopping great screen next door. It was the cheapest Mac around when I bought it so it wasn't high-end in terms of capability even then. Still does a pretty fair job, copes with fairly demanding applications surprisingly well (I have stuffed in as many memory chips as I can and I use a large external HDD). I'm going to keep it going as long as I can.

The change from PC to Mac wasn't my choice entirely- Ms P uses them for animation and other stuff so I switched when our old PC got too cranky. It was not a difficult transition to make. Easy to use right out of the box and I don't need to bugger about with it much to keep it working.

 

[ufkacbln]

If you're buying a Mac, then you should wait for Snow Leopard, which is due for release shortly.

... available as a free update for computers bought after a certain date I believe.

Also do yu have anone in the household who is "in education" there are some very good discounts if you are.

 

[ufkacbln]

If you're buying a Mac, then you should wait for Snow Leopard, which is due for release shortly.

... available as a free update for computers bought after a certain date I believe.

Also do you have anone in the household who is "in education" there are some very good discounts if you are.

 

[Mr Pig]

Why not? I've had one at work for a couple of years and am very pleased with it.

I assume it hasn't developed any faults then? If it had you wouldn't ask the question! ;0)

It's worth noting that since moving over to Intel chips there really isn't that much difference between the architecture of low-end Macs and PCs. I would also argue that there isn't much difference in quality between a well-sorted PC and a Mac either. It's the software, that's what you're really looking at.

Mac OS just works a lot better. Having said that the right version of Windows works ok too. Still not as slick but I'm using Vista Ultimate here and it's been totally glitch free.

High-end Macs and lower-end ones are not the same. We use bigger ones at work, they are reasonably bomb proof. iMacs are not! Bottom line, if I had enough money to by an iMac I'm buy a killer-spec PC as I'd get far higher performance for my money and it would be easy to upgrade and repair in future.

 

[PaulB]

This is a fantastic response. Thanks everyone. I think I've had any doubts eradicated and have been educated as well! What a superb resource this forum is! Once again, a big, genuine thank you to all who've contributed valuable time with such valuable information. Great stuff!