Questions about macs....

[klamor]

ok, so i'm thinking about getting a new laptop, but i hate vista... and there's no way to get an XP laptop anymore >_>

so how similar/different are macs compared to windows xp?
are they easy to use? (standard windows features like connecting to wireless for example, is it as easy as windows?)
and also, how much should i be willing to pay for one? is it possible i could get a cheap one around $400 or so?

[kelat]

I was under the impression that Dells and Lenovo laptops at least you could still purchase with XP. Maybe not the case anymore.

I currently have a Mac for school, and it's not too bad. It's only a macbook, so I can't really game on it. Macbok Pro's come equipped with either a 256 or even a 512 mb NVIDIA 8600 GT. I opted for the regular macbook because I wanted mobility and NVIDIA is having problem with cards in the 84/86 series. I would say they are meant to be idiot proof. There isn't a whole lot to mess up, and there are some cool features on it. It's definately worth looking at them, if that's what you want. However, the cheapest macbooks are $1100, but with a student discount (available if you are a college student) they are only $1k, but that is for the most basic mac. The pro's are more around $2k +.

Everything works really easy and is pretty user friendly; there isn't any real hassle trying to get connected to the internet or anything. It works a lot like windows, the only draw backs is that many programs do not work on macs, which sucks.

Also, because Macs come with Intel processors, you can boot with windows if you so choose. That and you can use a 2 button mouse; I use one

[NiHao]

If you are looking into spending only $400, then I suggest browsing Craigslist.org for a used laptop you can try out before you fork over the cash. You will more than likely end up with XP as well. You probably already knew this though. If not, you can downgrade and any currently laptop that will run run Vista sluggishly will run XP just fine.

Macs are great computers. I have one Just to process, render, edit, and burn video's for public broadcast and special events such as weddings. However, that's all it's used for. It's super user friendly.

[Narudan]

I also need more informations on Macs please,

Are you missing programs you can use only on windows?
Are they worth the price?
Why should I buy one?

[Brisi[NOR]]

I also need more informations on Macs please,

Are you missing programs you can use only on windows?
Are they worth the price?
Why should I buy one?

You can easily get Office 2003/2007 for mac as far as I know other than that it's just apple's own version of the programs

They're totally worth it

Because they're just awesome

[kelat]

Well I have a mac that I bought for college, mostly because the school uses macs more than PCs. The school uses a VPN client for wireless internet access, which works fine for my Mac. However, Vista has many problems with VPN clients, such as Cisco, which my school uses. My roommate's HP with Vista can't use VPN because of this.

Program wise, I can't think of anything off the top of my head. My school provides copies of MS word, ppt and excel as well as Norton (sadly) for free. It's the little programs and games that I DL'ed on my own HP (that I just shipped off yesterday to be serviced) that I can't use with OS X.

I would say that they are worth the price, especially with the good deals you get as a college student. The totally user friendly interfaces and sexy appearance are something that most PC's don't have. That and OS X is so much nicer than Vista; Vista is just so bulky and a memory hog, all the while trying to be a copy of OS X. I must say that I still prefer PC's but I am surprised at what this Macbook can do, especially since I have had a total bias against Apple computers for a long time.

[Jacklon]

Well imo it depends on what its for. Gaming and major office stuff i would recommend a PC. Macs are more for creative and music stuff. Imo Macs are not worth the price, you get a 2nd rate computer for 1200$ when you could get a high end gaming Laptop or PC for that. Also you have to buy specific software and settle for cheap ripoffs or microsoft programs. PC is a superior system IMO (No Flames pl0x)