Any computer geeks in here?

[dreamchasin]

Most computer geeks wouldn't go for a Apple or Sony.

They would go for something from Dell thats loaded to the hilt or build their own desktop.

:) which is why I have an alienware

[Ratbastage]

I'd either get the Mac or look at the Toshiba or Dell for a windoze laptop.

The Sony's have power supply problems from what I've seen.

We have a whole gang of beat to hell Dells and a couple Toshiba's around, they work and keep working in one of the worst environments ever.

[Nairb]

Sony.

I have owned 2 Vaio ultraportables. I have an 11 inch ultraportable that I bought back in 2008.. the thing has been reliable and awesome. It lasted throughout a whole Iraq deployment (15 months) with nothing more than a Neoprene case, compressed air, and a little TLC.. other than that, it's been awesome.

I also have a 13.3.. pretty heavy duty, probably similar to what you want to buy. Also awesome.. although I dropped it and the screen now has black orbs and it lost a few keys, but still runs awesome and have no other issues with it.

If there is one thing I would highly suggest that is often overlooked... you don't want a 5400 RPM hard drive. They are often the biggest bottleneck in computer performance. Opt for a 500gb 7200 or an SSD if you have the money. Trust me on this..

[FunfGan]

:) which is why I have an alienware

Alienware is so overpriced imao, just build up your own pc. Alienware's look cool as shit though.

[Chaz]

[VinniE30]

^ couldn't be farther from the truth.


Coming from a computer science major:

A lot of computer guys actually prefer macs. Macs are based on unix (like linux distros) and are generally more stable. (The operating system is just like linux behind the user interface) They are also superior from a usability and security standpoint. From the standpoint of a developer they also have many advantages such as natively running unix.(and unix command prompt > DOS shit)


Comparing specs is pointless for most people and is just a marketing tool!
You can't compare specs of two different laptops equally. A laptop rated at 2.8GHz will not operate at the same speed as another one rated at 2.8GHz.
The most important aspect in performance is the operating system. The mac will be faster and more stable even though the processor is rated as the same speed. Memory as well - OSX (mac operating system) doesn't hog as much memory as windows operating systems so you don't need as much.

I have found many times the price difference between apple computers and other manufacturers is GREATLY EXAGGERATED. Remember, when people compare them side by side a lot of times they will pick the cheapest brand computer with the best specs to compare with the apple.

Build quality and quality of materials and attention to detail and overall design matter way more to be than a little more memory or faster rated processor.(which you will not fully utilize anyway or even notice a difference in speed)

I hate when people just compare numbers. Specs are really a marketing gimmick and people never get this. Now how about YOU wake up sheepie!


As car people you can look at it this way - On paper a Nissan GTR dominates a Porsche 911 GT3 in almost every way especially price. But there are many qualities of a car that can't be quantified. These qualities that can't be quantified are many times more important than the ones that can be.


By the way...
I use, are very proficient in, AND have windows, mac, and linux(ubuntu) operating systems on different computers I own.

[Nairb]

Coming from a computer science major: PC's are better.

Well there you have it! Get the Vaio!

[Chaz]

Even though I regularly use my custom built pc, i love apple products and have several iPods an iPad and power mac (lol old) However I do believe that graphic is correct when it says pc's can be customized pretty much how you want them and the macbooks are simply shinny machines with an on/off button. (Isn't that how Apple advertises their products in the first place?)

[ALYKZANDYR]

Crysis 1 isn't the benchmark it used to be. Most middle of road decent computers can run it on medium-high now, and any performance machine can run it maxed without a sweat.

When it comes to mac vs pc, personally i like my computer to be a PC for its versatility and customization to suit my needs.

Im not an Artist or audio/video producer, so i dont need the great software that are for macs.

I do like apple for auxiliary devices such as phones an media players. With these types of devices i dont need customization, it just needs to be simple, easy to use and work out of the box. Traits which apple is known for.

[HarryPotter]

^ couldn't be farther from the truth.


Coming from a computer science major:

A lot of computer guys actually prefer macs. Macs are based on unix (like linux distros) and are generally more stable. (The operating system is just like linux behind the user interface) They are also superior from a usability and security standpoint. From the standpoint of a developer they also have many advantages such as natively running unix.(and unix command prompt > DOS shit)


Comparing specs is pointless for most people and is just a marketing tool!
You can't compare specs of two different laptops equally. A laptop rated at 2.8GHz will not operate at the same speed as another one rated at 2.8GHz.
The most important aspect in performance is the operating system. The mac will be faster and more stable even though the processor is rated as the same speed. Memory as well - OSX (mac operating system) doesn't hog as much memory as windows operating systems so you don't need as much.

I have found many times the price difference between apple computers and other manufacturers is GREATLY EXAGGERATED. Remember, when people compare them side by side a lot of times they will pick the cheapest brand computer with the best specs to compare with the apple.

Build quality and quality of materials and attention to detail and overall design matter way more to be than a little more memory or faster rated processor.(which you will not fully utilize anyway or even notice a difference in speed)

I hate when people just compare numbers. Specs are really a marketing gimmick and people never get this. Now how about YOU wake up sheepie!


As car people you can look at it this way - On paper a Nissan GTR dominates a Porsche 911 GT3 in almost every way especially price. But there are many qualities of a car that can't be quantified. These qualities that can't be quantified are many times more important than the ones that can be.


By the way...
I use, are very proficient in, AND have windows, mac, and linux(ubuntu) operating systems on different computers I own.

Specs don't matter huh? This is a load of bullshit.

[Massimo]

^ couldn't be farther from the truth.


Coming from a computer science major:

A lot of computer guys actually prefer macs. Macs are based on unix (like linux distros) and are generally more stable. (The operating system is just like linux behind the user interface) They are also superior from a usability and security standpoint. From the standpoint of a developer they also have many advantages such as natively running unix.(and unix command prompt > DOS shit)


Comparing specs is pointless for most people and is just a marketing tool!
You can't compare specs of two different laptops equally. A laptop rated at 2.8GHz will not operate at the same speed as another one rated at 2.8GHz.
The most important aspect in performance is the operating system. The mac will be faster and more stable even though the processor is rated as the same speed. Memory as well - OSX (mac operating system) doesn't hog as much memory as windows operating systems so you don't need as much.

I have found many times the price difference between apple computers and other manufacturers is GREATLY EXAGGERATED. Remember, when people compare them side by side a lot of times they will pick the cheapest brand computer with the best specs to compare with the apple.

Build quality and quality of materials and attention to detail and overall design matter way more to be than a little more memory or faster rated processor.(which you will not fully utilize anyway or even notice a difference in speed)

I hate when people just compare numbers. Specs are really a marketing gimmick and people never get this. Now how about YOU wake up sheepie!


As car people you can look at it this way - On paper a Nissan GTR dominates a Porsche 911 GT3 in almost every way especially price. But there are many qualities of a car that can't be quantified. These qualities that can't be quantified are many times more important than the ones that can be.


By the way...
I use, are very proficient in, AND have windows, mac, and linux(ubuntu) operating systems on different computers I own.

This.

Also you pay more for a Apple with older hardware then you would with a PC. So you may find you need to upgrade that MAC in 3 years at $1600 or the PC may last 3.5-4 years at $1300

Just some food for thought

[FunfGan]

This.

Also you pay more for a Apple with older hardware then you would with a PC. So you may find you need to upgrade that MAC in 3 years at $1600 or the PC may last 3.5-4 years at $1300

Just some food for thought

What? My dads 10 year old Macbook pro has lasted him over 10 years with nothing but a battery replacement, and is fast than my friends brand new dell. Or did I misunderstand?

[VinniE30]

^ I think he got mac and windows mixed up.. either that or he's just trolling.
It's the exact opposite of what he said.


I'm not even going to bother responding to any of the short, snarky comments I see in this thread now with no reasoning behind them.

[richardb]

I've been using PC's since day one, I recently found myself in your same situation (with an old dinosaur pc laptop from 2005). I would have liked to buy a 15'' mbp but they are way too much money IMO. The 13'' mbp screen is too small for me. I ended up getting a mac mini and a 23'' LG IPS monitor, and I have upgraded the ram from 2gb to 8gb myself for $30 (amazon) vs. $300 (from apple).

I would suggest dumbing down that mbp you want and upgrading the ram yourself to keep the costs down.

There are some things I don't like about the mac but it's probably just my learning curve for osx. Overall I think the apple hardware specs for the prices are atrocious compared to what you get in PC prices.

[TexasTerp]

I think too many people are missing the point. Vinnie included (sorry buddy).

The biggest question is: What are you going to use the laptop for?

Specs are mildly relevant, you'll want more ram and the faster the processor the better. BUT if your primary uses of the laptop are internet, media (audio/video/etc), and word processing (MS Office/Open Office, etc). Then the cheapest one with the best specs is what you want. The OS is largely subjective at this point.

Now what do I know, I'm not a computer science major. I'm just a lowly opera singer........who also happens to be a web designer, software developer, and audio & video engineer on the side...

You will probably never touch the Unix command or DOS prompt. OSX does a decent job of masking it's constant crashes whereas Windows is a more blatant. Unless your a photographer/videographer/designer etc who has to use Mac specific software for your industry, it won't matter which computer you get.

Keep what you are using your computer for in perspective. I use my custom built desktop PC for all my video editing and software development. I use my Macbook Pro for web design/development and audio editing. I run a linux media server to provide all my systems with access to my 10TB of media (and growing).

Each system has its positives. OSX is a more stable system, PCs generally have far better hardware, Linux is incredibly flexible. But which one fits you?

The answer lies with what you are realistically going to do with it. if you are looking for something that can handle the basics for a long time, then all that matter is how much you want to spend. They both will get the job done equally well.

If you're more into gaming, get a pc. If your more into design/audio get a mac. Otherwise, buy into the marketing all you want and pick the one you think looks prettiest and fits your budget. Either way you'll get a computer that can easily handle anything you do on a regular basis.