Laptop?Macbook?
By pauline08
@pauline08 (101)
China
March 12, 2009 9:07am CST
It's no doubt that laptops running MS Windows hold the most market share. Usually, they are cheaper and have more choices. There are many laptop brands such as HP, Dell, Toshiba, BenQ. Normally, MS Windows is their operation system. But you can also install other operation systems on them, such as Linux, Open BSD and Solaris.
For Apple Corp. the situation is different at all. Macbooks are usually more expensive. And the maitenance cost is more expensive, too. If you want to add some other devices for Macbooks, they are more expensive than the X86-based devices.
But there are still many people using Macbooks. Macbooks is so cool! They are beatiful, with fine workmanship, just like an art ware.
So, sometimes it's difficult to choose between them, maybe depends on your budget. If you have been sick of MS Windows, Macbook is a good choice. But maybe you must do some preparing job. Macbook is based on UNIX operation. Sometimes you must handle some technique related to the operation system and know some UNIX commands, such as mount, ifconfig.
7 responses
@arvaster (521)
• United States
12 Mar 09
Um.. Macs are x86 as well :P
Anyway,
Apple is pure elitism. They make stable software and okay running hardware. They have monopoly hence the high prices. You can build your own mac, from scratch, and install "hacked" OSX on it. It will run just as smooth, stable and for just as long for about 30%-50% price cut. See how much they over charge?
But yes, they are beautiful. Unfortunately that's not enough to me. I like to be able to take my laptop apart without voiding warranty. In case something breaks I want it apart.
I've used Linux for as long as I remember both on PCs and MACs and I think Apple should consider releasing a laptop with Linux. Maybe as a promotional thing since that will lower the price by $200-$300.
And hey, when was the last time you had to run mount and ifconfig in OSX? :P I hardly run ifconfig in Linux ^^;
@pauline08 (101)
• China
13 Mar 09
Yeah, Arvaster, I make a mistake. Macs are x86, too. Linux is another good choice. I prefer ubuntu.
@cordharmonie (82)
• United States
12 Mar 09
Yeah, I agree with this.
I feel like Mac is superior to Windows in most things. I love my MacBook Pro, but I always feel guilty taking it with me everywhere I go: it's so darn delicate and expensive.
Which is why I've always, in my mind, wanted a back-up Windows. I'm trying to look for a Gateway "laptop" (you know, the old ones that only run on their chargers :)). I'm just fascinated by computers and like having them around.
but a MacBook Pro is a stretch. I'm a college student. Most kids here have Windows. Those who can afford Mac? They're mostly MacBooks. Pro's aren't as common... which is why people don't think before they almost drop my $4,000 laptop :(
all in all, it's a MUCH better system... it has yet to crash :)
@Abbyey (760)
• Philippines
13 Mar 09
Hi Pauline, great discussion! :) I like how MAC represent itself, very sophisticated and indeed very expensive. Right now I'm planning to replace my laptop and MAC is in my top list. I'm also considering my budget. I'm looking into the new illuminated keyboard $1599 version or the $1799 MAC book air. I have handled Window base laptops but when I used my uncle's MAC book... like WOW for me... It's worth trying something NEW. :)
@arvaster (521)
• United States
13 Mar 09
If I may give a tip I'd say don't get the MacBook Air, you are only paying for it to be small (the hardware is very bad compared to other Macs in the price range). Also I heard rumors Apple is going to release a NetBook, so maybe wait a little bit for that :D
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
13 Mar 09
Hello pauline. It seems that Macbook is a much better one than a laptop from your description. But I am still using my old IBM laptop and I have been using it for more than seven years. It is still in good condition and can last a few more years, I guess. Take care.
@arvaster (521)
• United States
13 Mar 09
IBM will always make the best laptops, you made a good choice! And they bought lenovo for nicer design and so :D
The new thinkpads can be dropped from 7 feet I think and still work, crash into a wall at 35mph and still work. Spill a glass of water on and still work. They are just so awesome :)
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
14 Mar 09
Hello arvaster. I am so glad that I have made the best choice to have bought IBM. I love my laptop old as it is. Good day to you and pauline.
@pauline08 (101)
• China
13 Mar 09
Unfortunately, IBM sold their laptop department. So sometimes I'm confused how to choose laptops.
@masata (408)
• Indonesia
12 Mar 09
I usually call macbook as a high quality type of laptop in terms of its graphics. It is just so wonderful. But in my view, I also like linux, particularly ubuntu and opensuse distros. Linux may not be wonderful in terms of graphics, but I like the space that they provide for us to develop our creativity. It is the best in terms of server and networking.
@arvaster (521)
• United States
13 Mar 09
What do you mean when you say graphics?
Ubuntu handles graphics better than win and on almost the same level as OSX. Only difference is that ATI/NvIDIA makes official drivers for MS Win and OSX.
If you are talking about photoshop and gaming support I agree though :)
@pauline08 (101)
• China
13 Mar 09
A new point of view. Maybe you are a professional in computer technique.
@Limbus (14)
• Romania
13 Mar 09
A very interesting topic. Now depends in each if you order no matter the price certainly choose MacBook, but if you need a portable computer at a reasonable price choose Laptop. It is true that those at the Aplle su some very good products and the price ..........
@saundyl (9783)
• Canada
13 Mar 09
I dont mind windows - i find that most os's have their kirks i dont like so I use what i feel like learning at the time.
I have an acer with XP home on it - i took vista off as i find it much more of a pain in the patootie. Linux well - I dont have the time or inclination lately to learn. and Macs are just WAY out of my price range and...I'd have to pay someone else to fix it or take more courses which again price range and time are limited.
