Mac or Dell; That is the Question
Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 8:15AM Alright. I really need help, and I'm hoping that people on Twitter, Facebook and the general web will be willing to give me some tips and advice, preferable 'proper' advice, as opposed to just telling me to 'get a Mac' or 'Mac sucks'. I know how loyal both the camps are, but let's try to be detailed about the reasons.
So I need a new computer, or new laptop, I should say. I don't need a notebook or a Mac Air, just a 'normal' laptop.
The reason it's between Dell and Mac is because I have access to discounts at Dell, and (and this is one of the main reasons I've always had Dell) I can get Word, Photoshop, PowerPoint, anti-virus programme and all that jazz installed for free. Needless to say, a pretty sweet deal. I also like Dell's OS, and their computers in general.
I had a Mac once, sorted of forced into getting it, so never got off on the right foot with it. Hated the OS; hated that it was all so 'cute' and 'rounded' and hated the 'dock' concept. I'm not the biggest fan of Apple full-stop really, especially recently as they try to cling on to their small, innovative company reputation, when they are anything but. Also, I hate Steve Job's dress sense - does the man wear anything other than slacks and tucked in polo necks?! However, I am open to changed, and open to try again. My girlfriend has a Mac, which I haven't thrown out the window yet, and I'm constantly hearing about how good they are etc etc.
Anyway. I know that Macs are good computers. So are Dell. I know it comes down to what you use them for (as well as personal preference), but before I tell you what I use them for and what I like, I'll go over what I'm using so far....
Dell Inspiron 6400
- Processor: Core Solo 1.66 GHz
- Installed Memory: 512 MB (DDR2 SDRAM)
- Display: 15.4 in. WXGA TFT Active Matrix
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
- Weight 2.8 kg
- Processor Manufacturer: Intel
- Processor Type: Core Solo
- Processor Speed: 1.66 GHz
- Bus Speed: 667 MHz
- Installed RAM: 512 MB
- RAM Technology: DDR2 SDRAM
- Max Supported RAM: 2 GB
- RAM Speed: 533 MHz
- Installed Cache Memory: 2048 KB
- Hard Drive Capacity: 60 GB
- Hard Drive Rotation Speed: 5,400 RPM
- Storage Controller Type: Serial ATA
- CD / DVD Type: CD-RW/DVD-ROM
- Optical Drive Read Speed: 24x (CD) • 8x (DVD)
- Optical Drive Write Speed: 24x (CD)
- Optical Drive ReWrite Speed: 10x (CD-RW)
- Display Tech: WXGA TFT Active Matrix
- Screen Size: 15.4 in.
- Display Max. Resolution: 1280 x 800
- Graphic Processor: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 950
- Audio Output Type: Headphones, sound card, speaker(s)
- Audio Input Type: Microphone
So that's what I'm using.
This is what I want, in much less techy language....
- I'm happy with the weight of my laptop, I rarely take it anywhere, but obviously lighter would hardly be a problem
- I love my screen size, only similar or larger
- More RAM and memory would be nice. Right now, I have everything I can have on external HDs, partly as I'm scared my laptop is about to bite the dust, partly as I don't have enough memory, and partly because it's slow enough as it is (and I do defrag it, Spybot it, clean it etc often)
- Hate my media centre, but then, never use it, just stick to DivX or similar
- Happy with my speakers. Didn't write home about them, but they're decent
- Was very happy with processor speed, but now it's shit. No doubt (and I don't really know my stuff) this is a combination of age of computer and age of processor (in terms of that now there is a much better one out there)
- I really like the OS - probably as I'm very used to it, but as said, happy to change. Maybe.
- Programmes I use often are Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Photoshop, ImageReady, InDesign, BitTorrent, er, I think that's it
- I don't use my computer for any massive design projects, music or movie projects
- I do use the net. A lot. A LOT.
- A built in camera is nice, but by no means a prereq
- Design is important, but I don't need curvy edges and little gentle sounds to make me 'like' my computer. I can appreciate hard lines just as much as soft. I also don't need things to be one block of colour, although white, black, red, purple - they're all pretty
- I'm not concerned about belonging to a certain 'group' or 'tribe' to use our 21st century lingo. I actually try to get away from the Mac lot, high on their individuality, which is so incredibly ironic I can't begin to discuss it. But then I'm tried of being dismissed as some sad, grey, loser who is too 'something' (although what, I'm not entirely sure) to not have a Mac. Apple and Dell/PC are both gigantic, fat-cat, loaded corporations, so I don't really mind which I get segmented as in the end.
Hmmm. That's all that comes to mind right now. In a nutshell; I'm not a designer, programmer, musician or movie-maker. I don't need VAST amounts of graphics etc, but do want something powerful that will keep going for a while. I've had this Dell for about 5/6 years now, and it's only really recently that it's definitely - definitely - showing signs of age. I've had a new HD and had it taken in for a good clean up and service. I've taken it apart in to 8 bits and hoovered them all. My keys are shiny, there are dull patches where I rest my hands. I get random warning boxes that pop up for no apparent reason and I'm tired of it all (although it certainly is loved).
I want and need a new computer. Please help.
Reader Comments (27)
Go with the Mac. OS X is a dream to use compared to Windows because there are no real virus', spyware etc. And it rock with your Adobe apps.
Thanks, Daniel :) I will put it on my 'Pro-Mac' list.
I'm with Daniel. Go with the Mac. (You already know that my reasons are lame and all about the design and the OS - but still; go with the Mac ;)).
Indeed I do :) Thanks all the same!
The way I see it, now a days it all comes down to OS, price, design and potential. I'm a PC man, though not religiously - every time I'm shopping for a new computer, I very seriously consider going Mac. I just recently ended up with a Dell. I'm not disapointed.
The reason? Well:
OS - I really think Mac wins on this one, allthough my new computer has Win 7, which is an AMAZING improvement. Had I not heard that Windows 7 was a lot better than Vista, I probably would have gone Mac.
Price - well, PC pretty much wins this battle every time. No contest really.
Design - Mac was nice and cool until like 4-6 years ago. I remember when all the girls from uni started getting them I thought "well now theres no fun in it any more". Then my mom got one. Mac is not a cool exclusive design computer any more. Design wise, it's H&M, if H&M charged 20% extra. Second, PC companies have started making really nice looking computers. I think my Dell looks a lot better than any mac on the market.
Potential - well, this point probably should go under OS. What I mean is can you type in "random functionality + freeware" in google and have what you need in seconds? Does every program exist for your OS and will it continue to? Here I also think PC wins. And by the way, use Open Office. Free and good.
Check out my specs below. I pimped mine up, but you can do without the i5 and the extra ram etc. for a better price. So I guess the question is:
can you find a equivalent mac for that price?
do you want a cool computer or something identical with what my mom has?
what are you using it for?
have you given up on Windows or will you give Win7 a shot?
Base: Vostro 3300 : Standard Base V2 Best Config
Memory: 6144MB (1x2048 + 1x4096) 1333MHz DDR3
Keyboard: Internal Danish Qwerty Backlit Keyboard
Video Card
Graphics : NVIDIA® Geforce™ 310M, 512MB Graphics
Hard Drive: 500GB (7,200rpm) Serial ATA Hard Drive
Danish Original Windows® 7 Professional (64 BIT)
Optical Devices: 8X DVD+/-RW Drive including Software
Wireless Networking: Wireless : ROW Dell Wireless 1520 (802.11n) Half Mini Card
Bluetooth: ROW Dell Bluetooth 365 Card
Battery : Primary 4-cell 40W/HR LI-ION
Processor: Intel® Core™ i5-520M Processor (2.40 GHz)
Dell System Media Kit
Vostro 3300 Diagnostics and Drivers
Colour Choice: LCD Back Cover : Silver WLAN with camera
LCD 13.3" 34 cm Widescreen High Definition (1366x768) WLED Anti-Glare
Kensington Notebook Stand for SD100 (not compatible with XPS 1710, 1730, 2010)
Biometric Identification
Palmrest : Fingerprint Reader Biometric
Mac...always go for the Mac! I won't even bother reasoning, it's just that obvious!
go to the shops, find the computers, and try typing on them, try getting a feel of them, the difference in hardware spec's are most properly not something you will notice on a daily basis.
so the best computer is the one that feels like the right one..
Obviously it would be quite a change going from the world of Windows to OS X. OS X is not perfect, but with a month of intensive, open-minded (!) use, you'd be very comfortable with it (having someone right next to you who is already a user is also a plus).
You can never make me go back to a Windows-computer again, and here's the reasons why:
1) Their font-rendering motherfucking sucks. It sounds nerdy, but have a look at how your fonts are shown on the screen, and now look at the OS X. Smoother, easier on the eyes and all the more beautiful. (Trust me—this will be a welcome change!)
2) Pop-ups. Not spam pop-ups, but anti-virus program shit pop-ups. "You opened a program. You now have a death threat hanging over you. Oh, no. Don't close me. I'll just open again. HA!". I haven't tried Win7, but the tray is one of the worst things ever invented by man (next after Clippy from Office...).
3) Speaking of vira: Currently there are no wide-spread vira for Mac. Some jerk ass geek has figured out how to access a security hole in a browser etc., but they can't get a hold of the system in any way near like what you experience on a PC. And it will probably never happen, but that's a long conversation.
4) Everything you can do on a PC, you can do better on a Mac. There's nothing like saying "Oh, but your Mac has no programs on it. I can do everything on my PC and always find a cool program for anything." Those people should shut their mouth and I'll give you an app for anything you need. Yes, even Office exist for Mac (but you don't want to infect your Mac with that POS).
5) It's built much, much, much better. It's aluminum and glass, for crying out loud. It's not plastic and more plastic.
6) If you treat your Mac well and get the insides cleaned for dust etc., you could potentially use it for 5-6-7 years. My 4 year old MacBook is still in use by a friend's sister, and it works perfectly. (Only thing that will probably break is the hard drive, but they are mechanical and as such always prone to error.
If you need more arguments, ask Thilde. She'll smack you in the head with her Mac and tell you to get a grip, I'm sure :)
Font-rendering: probably true
Pop-ups: you can change those settings. Takes like a minute when you're configuring your computer to start with.
Virus: aren't they a thing of the 90s? I've had PC forever with a free, quiet anti virus in the background. Never had anything. Don't think you get virus now a days unless you're a retard.
4) I guess this means you can do anything on PCs and Mac. Yay.
5) Some PCs are built very nicely. Mine's aluminum. Macs aren't indestructible. Remember the whole "letters rub off the keyboard in 6 months" and "screen cracks if you close it too many times"? Yeah, that was Mac.
6) Who would want a 5-6-7 year old computer?
Oh dear. I knew this would happen :)
Right. First off; thanks for the comments.
Marie - thanks, but I'm afraid that was exactly what I wasn't looking for! I know (most) Mac people just say that it doesn't need explaining, but to someone who used Mac once, and went back to Dell - it really does!
Jacob H - you're right, and I will do that at some point. 'Do I actually enjoy using it' is a question I'll have to be sure about.
Jacob B - great comment :) I've not given up on Windows at all. I've heard nothing but good stuff about it, so am happy to give it a shot. Your points pretty much reflect mine.
Mark - when I asked Thilde this morning what she loved about her Mac, she stroked it - actually stroked it - and said it's so pretty and has nice noises, so no, I won't ask her. Again, at least :) In all seriousness, she has mentioned things you have, as do many people, such as the virus issue. This is a good point, and I am one of those who says that 'one day....', and I really do believe that. I can't see how it can't happen. But besides that, I also have free access to great anti-virus problems, which so far have totally served my needs. I've never had any problems in that area, so seeing that it's free, that point isn't a make or break for me, although I know for many it is.
I haven't had the whole pop-up problem for ages, actually. I had forgotten about it! I'm not sure if this is due to my anti-virus thing or something else, but again; not a problem for me. Yet :)
I don't understand how things can be done better on a Mac. I could if I was doing design, but as said, mostly; I browse and use Word. I'm not going to get really geeky about tech stuff because I just don't use it enough.
Age-wise, that's how long I've had my Dell :)
Just realised I'm arguing all pro-PC, which wasn't my intention!
The rendering sounds interesting. I'll have a good look at Thilde's and see what I...see. The design - or rather what it's made of - is also a good point. I love the feel of Mac Book Pros, but do I really need a Pro when I'm just surfing and Wording, so to speak?
Cost, as Jacob said, is of course an issue. Pimping my PC is an option, but then, when all is said and done, would it better just to go with a Mac Book Pro?
My personal view (which isn't helpful at all and the reason I wrote this post) is that it really comes down to the little things. Perhaps both have become so essentially similar, as with everything, that it is just a matter of personal preference? Hmmm. I'll see what other comments come - or comments to this comment :)
Thanks again! I really appreciate these, and will definitely be going over them again.
Jacob - just saw your second comment now :)
Again - I agree, and as said, I've never had a virus, don't get pop-ups anymore, and more importantly; I guess this means you can do anything on PCs and Mac. Maybe that is the case, so yeah, maybe it is just purely down to what I like the look of, in terms of design, OS, and font rendering.
I will spend some time on a Mac.
One thing I really hate is the fact that I can't see on a Mac what documents I have open, like you can on a PC (e.g. in the tray at the bottom). I hate having to use some weird short up that makes all my documents appear on screen in miniature, instead of just looking down. Or is there a way of doing this is Mac??
"Cost, as Jacob said, is of course an issue. Pimping my PC is an option, but then, when all is said and done, would it better just to go with a Mac Book Pro?"
Not really. The price of PC with above mentioned specs was around 8.800kr inkl. moms and delivery. You think you can get anything near 2,4GHz i5 processor, 6gig ram etc. for that price with a Mac? HAHAHAHAHAHA fuggedaboutit!
"One thing I really hate is the fact that I can’t see on a Mac what documents I have open, like you can on a PC (e.g. in the tray at the bottom). I hate having to use some weird short up that makes all my documents appear on screen in miniature, instead of just looking down. Or is there a way of doing this is Mac??"
I think you'll get used to the hotkeys quite quickly.
'Short up'? What was I thinking....
Anyway, yes, you're probably right. I was just thinking about the lack of a right click 'button' as well, but know that it's just another thing I'd get used to.
The price info is much appreciated.
Thanks a lot, Jacob.
Just a quick comment. I have always used PC´s and my most recent labtop is a Dell (Studio XPS). It hasn´t impressed me at all. It is noisy, gets SO freakin´ hot (that it sometimes turns off automatically), freezes and sometimes the buttons won´t work... I just got an Imac yesterday and I am pretty impressed - so I think my next labtop will be a Mac as well - I´m half the way to the dark side :-)
If you get a computer - no matter what brand - and it gets so hot it shuts down, the buttons don't work etc. you should return it.
If I were to buy a new laptop now, I'd probably buy the white MacBook. I does what I need, and it looks good doing it. If I were rich I'd buy a MacBook Pro, although the MacBook does the job fine. I don't run very, very heavy applications on my laptop, so for me it all comes down to what the experience (ux) is when I open the damn thing. The MacBook is -to me- a better experience.
I don't even care if the Dell might have better tech specs. For me it's not about that. I'd rather cruise in a Mercedes than speed in a Toyota.
So, based on my own preferences, I'd say buy the Mac.
(and stop being such a Mac hater already, just because Steve Jobs wants to take over the world, and has poor taste in clothing ;-))
Thanks, Mikkel :) My Mum actually had the same problem (speaking of computers Mums have!), and mine gets really hot too, although it has cooled down a great deal since my hoovering adventure. I have heard of the heat problems before with Dell..... Thanks :)
Jeppe - I'm trying not to be a hater! Really I am! I'm just trying to understand, man.... I like your analogy, but I think I'd rather cruise in a Toyota. Maybe that's my problem ;) I would definitely look at the MacBook before leaping straight to MacBook Pro. I'm not even sure of all the tech specs of either, so perhaps I should find my ideal Dell, and then see what I can get for the same money from Apple. Perhaps. It's a confusing world out there :)
Hey Lara.
I have a Dell Latitude E5400 and i must say i HATE it, but that's most likely cos of it being a dell.
I am a windows guy :-P I have been shopping around for a new laptop and having been looking primarily at either HP's, Acers or Sony's.
Check out page 6 of this http://www.e-pages.dk/expert/1287465825/
There's a 13.3" acer that has a pretty good processor, dedicated graphics, Win7 and costs 5499 ..or 6000kr in total if you decide to sign up on a contract for mobile broadband for the computer for 6 months.
It's light in weight. quite slim. only downside is there's no cd/dvd drive. although how often do you use that nowadays anyway? (you can buy a external drive for a few hundred kroner..
anyway just some food for thought. that's one of the laptops i had been considering getting if i could make do without the optical drive
Hey Hasan :)
Thanks for that. I know nothing about any other brands, I must admit. The reasons I'm leaning towards these two are that with Dell I get a shit load of programmes from free, and Apple....well everyone is just so mental about them, maybe they're actually good? :)
However! I'll check out the link - cheers!
I will just second some well covered points, Windows 7 is pretty good, it's nicked a lot of apples ideas.
Price - you will pay lots for a Mac on purchase. If it goes wrong, you will pay more to get it fixed (unlikely, but I know a couple of people that are usually careful but have had wine interface errors). Think about it like this, you can reasonably expect a laptop to last 3 years, thats £166/year for a reasonable 'PC' laptop, or £500 a year for the Mac. The mac would have to last 3 times as long effectively. Yes I know thats a round about way of stating the Mac is 3 times the price, but I hope you see my point. I am reffering to the equivalent Macbook Pro - 15" Screen.
If its your main PC you may want 17" (don't we all) which brings the game to £750 vs £1900.
Also don't worry too much about the spec nowadays, as you're not really doing too much strenuous. Most laptops around the £500 mark are very capable. Most laptops come with 3GB of RAM or more, and thats enough for all you've stated. Similar story for the processor, etc.
Just darn prove that you value functionality over style - which is really what the core of the Mac vs PC debate has hung on, moreso than usability I think. Be a pround geek! 'cause lets face it you're more interfaced to the internet than anyone I know ;P
I want a MacBook Air, btw, just to prove I'm not completely biased. Just to bum around on the sofa and browse. Not getting a iPad - I can't bend over far enough.
So you know what to do, go to daddy dearest and say "about my christmas present." LOL (I really didn't mean that as offensively as it might read).
Firstly;
I've worked on both PC's and Mac and I share your sentiments on the whole "toy/rounded/playful" design. I've had a Mac for 8 years interspersed with PC's - depending on my clients and what they worked on. I'm on a Mac now because I work with heavy graphic files, but one thing I miss is Outlook; the structured calendar and mail views plus the functionality of everything integrated in one app. Mac still can't do that. Entourage in the Office pack shouldn't exist at all and the alternative; Mail, is full of flaws. Full.
There are other things. Macs are incredibly unstable. For no particular reason. They just get moody. My Mac man recommends I always connect to my backup. Like *always*. Backing up every hour. I can't do that as I work in a thousand different places all the time. So I'm worried.
Macs are very fragile, too. The airport sits at the edge of the screen on the Pro - take it to the school of hard knock (I work there) and you're offline forever. Maybe not an issue for you, but for someone who's in 117 places all the time, it sucks.
Oh and the HEAT! For god's sake! I keep thinking it'll melt through my table/lap/couch/whatever and drip through the floorboards.
So the good things!!
- Price! One of my followers tweeted the other day that he'd found a difference in price of 3000 SEK on a Macbook Air between two vendors. Mac wipes your a***. And not exactly the way you want.
- You don't need to update like *every* five minutes! You are much, much less likely to get viruses. If you use graphics programs a lot, well, you have a huge advantage in Mac. This is what they're good at. It's the only way. Sorry.
- Speed: Well, my PC was crap, but I had a jet on a job in London. In my view, if you get the right one with the right power-combo of RAM, processor, yadda-yadda, you'll get the same speed as on a Mac.
- Pop-up functions to see different docs etc... You'll get used to that on the Mac and many similar functions exist that you don't have on a PC.
Operating systems I know diddly about, so wont comment.
Very good comments from Jacob Bogh.
I agree on Mark's 1+2.
But looking at what YOU say you need (and not what wifey/friends/Mac-fanatics say you need), I'm sorry: You're a Dell-lady. Lara Dellady. Now aint that pretty.
Oh, hang on a second... When you're done with thesis-writing (read: twittering all day) then what'll you do? Are you likely to be working with big graphic files? Just one point that takes all the above away: I could *never* have done what I do today on a PC. I would even be able to time-report to my advertising clients; their systems are built for Mac and there's no way around it.
If u tried a mac, and didnt get excited - I would stay with the pc.
Mark and Hanne. Wow. Great comments, which I'll take one at a time.
Mark. You make me laugh, you really do. 'Can't bend over far enough', ha ha ha! Get outta here :) I liked your price point. I also liked the fact that you reminded me about how anal Mac are on repairs and how often I've had friends (4 of them, I kid you not) whose computers have suddenly gone wonky days after the guarantees have run out. Might as well get a new computer for all they charge (don't get me started on the non-replaceable iPhone batteries....).
Spec speaking; that's what I think. As with most things, unless you're specialising in an area, things are pretty much same-same but different.
Also, I too would like an Air, you know, if I had £1000s hanging about. Thilde has one for work and it's as light as a feather.
Good stuff - thanks :)
Hanne. Lara Dellady? I nearly spat out my tea :) You must be the most witty Swede that I've met yet. Congratulations. And with such a pretty dress too.
You too had great points. I don't really know what I want to be when I grow up, but I am fairly confident I won't be handling big graphic files. I should think I'll be mostly using the things I do now, like Word, PP, Excel, and the big ol' internet.
It seems as if the best selling points for Mac are the no viruses thing, the update thing, speed and design, which are very appealing yes, but as I said in some commment or other, I'm fully protected and have never had any problems with pop-ups or viruses. I know - I might, but then Macs might get attacked by some massive global virus that turns them in to kitten-killing-tamagotchi. Or something.
I'm really beginning to think it does come down to what 'one' prefers. From what I gather from these comments, which have been (with one or two exceptions) superb, there is no clear 'winner'. I think I will just have to find my max in regard to price, and see what the most I can get from them both. Hopefully there will be one winner in that regard, or I'll have to decide if I want to change my OS or not, and leap into waters unknown, and then I'll really be screwed.
Choice. Pah.
"It seems as if the best selling points for Mac are the no viruses thing, the update thing, speed and design"
Read my first post again.
No vira? How can a Mac have less than zero virus?
Update thing? Is that really a problem? When things get updated, they get better.
Speed? PC is faster pr. $ no contest.
Design? You want a laptop that looks like my moms or something kind of cool?
" I think I will just have to find my max in regard to price, and see what the most I can get from them both. Hopefully there will be one winner in that regard"
Let me save your time: you're gonne get more from the Dell. Check my specs and price above and check the cheapest mac. What's the difference? A couple of GHz, a whole different level of processor, double up on graphics card ++ But on the other hand, you get the "original" and "cool" Mac design.
Well, I have to say, I'm thoroughly proud to be the wittiest Swede you've ever met seeing as a) I've never met you, and b) I'm a Dane. But I'll make sure it goes right on top of my list of credentials.
I'm not sure anyone mentioned the complete nightmare it is to transfer from a PC to a Mac, or even worse; from an incompatible, old Mac AND a PC to a new Mac. It took me two whole days whereafter the new Mac irreversibly crashed. A weeks wait for a new one, two more days... I was up and running. It's now 10 months old and at least once every 3 weeks it just opens to a blue screen and will do nothing else. As someone said above; most Mac users can't fix their computers. No, cause there's no way in. You just have to make a wish and hope for the best.
Happy shopping. Dellady.