gobifish

First of all I would like to say that this isn't intended to be a brand superiority thread, I know that people will have their opinions about PCs and Macs and I respect both. I am going to need a new computer soon for use in college because my current one is going fast and is not worth upgrading. I can get a deal through my college where I can buy almost any Apple computer and an iPod (mmmm... iPod) and get $200 back. This deal would get me a new computer and I would get an iPod for around $100 if I choose the 10 gig model. I am also considering buying a fairly souped up PC instead of a Mac for college work, and by college work I mean Half Life 2 and Doom 3. I think that perhaps the Mac would be better for this reason because I know I will spend way too much time playing games if I get the PC. Also an iPod would really come in handy because my schedule for next semester has me walking across a long bridge pretty frequently. My college has equal facilites for both PCs and Macs (for software, hardware, etc.) through it's techmart so that's not a deciding factor. I was thinking about going the eMac route with a SuperDrive or possibly the laptop route. I am used to using PCs and I was also wondering if I was going to experience a lack of the software I am used to using on PCs. I absolutely love OS X so that is also pushing me in the Mac direction but I am still torn between the two. I would greatly appreciate any input that anyone can give me.

SecretMethod70

Why don't you tell us what programs you're used to using/need to use on a computer for school, recreation, etc.

If in the end everything you need is available for both, I'd go with the Mac simply because you wouldn't be able to play as many games and would therefore be more productive

__________________
Le temps détruit tout

"Musicians are the carriers and communicators of spirit in the most immediate sense." - Kurt Elling

gobifish

Well, I'm majoring in Psychology so it's nothing too technology intensive, I would probably just use word processing and maybe Powerpoint if I get the laptop but if I get a desktop then it would just be easier to rent out a Powerbook with Powerpoint on it. I think that iCal would help me immensely because I am not the greatest at keeping appointments straight. Also Konfabulator interests me a great deal and I don't think there is anything quite as elegant as it for Windows. I'm not up on Apples much since my last one was an Apple IIGS so I was also wondering if a 1Ghz processor and 256mb of ram would run OS X well or not because that's getting into the slow category for PCs and I don't know how much of a difference the fact that a Mac is based on entirely different architecture than a PC makes.

cheerios

gobi: if you want to play 1/2life and doom 3, then you gotta go PC, man. i love my mac dearly, but the games aren't there yet, although the mac gamers would ALWAYS welcome another into their market share. to give you an idea: bioware STILL hasnt' released NeverWinterNights. and no toolset. a YEAR later. that's pretty typical. when hte PC world get's expansions, we get the normal game.

That said, OS X is awesome, and if I were you, I'd nab a 10 Gig iPod and an iBook in an instant (AFTER TODAY! there will be new hardware announced!) So, after noon, when we see what's comin' down the pipe, maybe there'll be some better advice... maybe they'll drop the price on the powerbooks. in taht case, 12 incher all the way! good luck, but like I said, the games just aren't there, so if you wanna game, be prepared to sit out on CounterStrike, , 1/2life. Doom 3 wil be out for Mac as well...

However, you can play UT, Q3,2,1, any Blizzard game in existance, Baldurs Gate 1 and 2, Masters of Orion up to 3, Stronghold, and quite a few others.

juanvaldes

wait.....oh, two hours or so for new hardware and a preview of the new OS.