Question for Mac guys only.

[AdironRider]

Hey guys.

So its time I pick up a new computer. Ive built up an ok Windoze system but Im sick of dealing with the whole thing going to shit every 6 months as a result of someone else using my computer for something and then I end up with some virus and it compounds upon itself. Im sick of that crap and I dont use my computer for anything other than music and surfing the net. No games and no video, just music, surfing the net, and like 1 paper a semester cause I'm an econ major. I used to be a big time mac guy but the last one I owned was the very first of the current generation of ibooks (basically the very first model - a 500 mhz g3 powerhouse) but Ive kinda lost track of everything so Im pretty clueless. What the verdict of OSx? I know its awesome but whats with Jaguar or Panther or whatever they call it this year? Is there anything that I should know? Any cool programs available now that werent 4 years ago when I made the switch to Windows?

Basically Im looking for a notebook but cant decide to buy new or refurbished from apple. Ive also only got about a G to spend. Theyve got some decent deals on their website. What do you guys think?


Also if you dont like MACS fuck off, Ive made up my mind already.

[Dave]

1. Get the cheapest Dell PC and Get norton Internet Security.

2. Download the Microsoft Anti-Spyware.

3. Put a password on it and let no one else use it.

Simple.

And its not that i dislike Macs. I bought a refurb Dell Laptop for that kind of use for when I travel and to take to my Florida house. Works like a charm.

[Charlie]

You have a computer that is fully functional.

You have a restore disc.

You say you have no important files on your PC.

Wipe it, reinstall XP and learn how to install accounts and lock people out from using your computer.

I just saved you a thousand bucks.

-Charlie

[hamann318is]

I bought into the hype and picked up a PowerBook. The thing needs more RAM from the get-go.

Macs are nice if you're into Unix, which I was. Other than that, I see no real point in buying a Mac over a similar PC.

[permit]

The most current OS is 10.4 (Tiger), and is almost perfect--no security issues, NO viruses, and developers keep putting out better and better apps/products.

Tiger is designed to run off the newest computers, and I would not recommend using it with less than 1Ghz (I have a Powerbook G4, 1Ghz, 1GB RAM, os x 10.4) and 512mb of RAM. The newer iBooks (say...in the past 8 months) have become much better, and are a great start if you don't have the cash for a Powerbook.

The most basic iBook will be $1080 normally, of $1025 if you're a "student". That basic iBook is plenty if you're not serious about computers; $50 for 20 more GB, $100 for 40 more GB.

If you have any interest in desktop computers, I'd highly recommend the Mac Mini, very cheap, very compact, and can be portable and useful if you know the place you're going to has a keyboard and monitor.

Its always easy to upgrade your RAM later on if you go with the iBook. The refurbished ones on the site seemed like decent prices, and they'd come with a warranty (which is why you don't want to buy from eBay, computers probably have no warranty on them). Good luck with your shopping.

[permit]

Oh, and Microsoft is releasing their new OS during Fall of 06. Its going to be very much like OS X in terms of looks and user friendliness.

Apple will be launching their Intel-based computers in the summer, and hopefully announcing a G5 laptop. And as of today, if I kept my Apple stock, I would be $1320 richer. Damn iPod Nano/Video.

[jrdn223]

yea osx is the shit man. i''ve owned nothing but macs my whole life but have used pc's just as much so its not like i'm completely biased towards them, but for what u described, which is exactly what i use mine (powerbook g4 titanium) for, macs are perfect. you won't have to put up with all the virus bullshit and the interface is alot slicker.

[Beej '86 325es]

Mac's come a long way with OSX. Blows the old Mac OS's out of the water in terms of crashing. The only time my computer is ever restarted is when I update the system software...which is like once a month.

No viruses or pop-ups...ever. No need to think about installing virus software or keeping up-to-date virus definitions. No need to keep up on the best pop-up blockers. I don't sit at my computer at home all night, so I just want to do what I need to do on it, then go about my business.

Like permit said, an iBook would be a good start, that's what I went with. I use my computer like you...music and internet stuff. I upped the RAM to 640 and I'm plenty good.

[Tvan]

DON'T BUY AN APPLE UNTIL AFTER THE EXPO IN JANUARY. There are many insider reports of intel ibooks set to release then, and they are expected to be set lower in price to be competitive with windows notebook prices. It would be pointless to buy a G4 laptop now, because all of the new apple software is being developed for the x86 platform. My G4 powerbook is a great computer, but I wish I had just lived off of my windows desktop awhile longer so that I could get an intel powerbook when they come out this summer.

[permit]

This is true, with the Intel chips, Apple's are going to be a LOT cheaper.

Speaking of the Expo, anyone have a way of getting me some tickets?

[rwh11385]

bragging about how macs don't have viruses is like bragging you don't have any STDs because no one wants to fuck you.


or so i steal from grafton.

[permit]

Uhhh, Macs don't get viruses. Plain and simple. No one spends the time to write a virus that will only infect 3% of all the world's computers.

[Dave]

Jeremy said:

Uhhh, Macs don't get viruses. Plain and simple. No one spends the time to write a virus that will only infect 3% of all the world's computers.

i heard:

bragging about how macs don't have viruses is like bragging you don't have any STDs because no one wants to fuck you.

[Tvan]

Well now that they've gone x86, Apple's gonna have to beef up the security. Writing viruses for windows pc's and mactels will be a very similar process.

btw: The only known widespread virus for osx is disguised as a Microsoft Word 2003 install file. Think about that.

[rwh11385]

Jeremy said:



i heard:

he goes to ASU. that's pretty close to the shortbus