Originally Posted by twerppoet

When you compare spec to spec, there is always a Windows machine that cost less, quite a bit less, than an Apple. However, when you add in build quality, and check out the reviews on some of those 'great deal' Windows machines, the price gap starts to close rapidly. Either way, the cost counters on both sides have always been able to twist the argument whichever way the wanted. Only the person buying the computer can decide which combination of features and form are worth it to them.

Apple just doesn't build low end machines. They refused to even consider the netbook. Instead when it looked like people really did care about the size, they flipped the concept onto a premium machine.

Another thing to consider is that with an Apple machine, you can still run Windows if you're willing to invest in the software. The opposite is kind of true, but in reality only true for those willing to tinker, a lot.

The biggest benefit to going all Apple is the tighter integration you'll see between your devices and computer, mostly via iCloud. There are quite a few things you simply can't do on Windows, and several that are a lot easier on the Mac. That is even more true with Mountain Lion (the newest version of OS X), and it will tighten up again with iOS 6.

iTunes works better too, though it's still a franken app.

I am admittedly Apple biased, so keep that in mind. I do like to think I came by it honestly though. I spent several years supporting a Windows network.

I should have just pm'd you. You always come through' thanks.

Better to share it in public. Besides, I'm only one side of the discussion. There are arguments for going with Windows too, I'm just not sure what they are.

Hopefully someone will chime in with the counter points.

Did I mention that I was biased?

I talk windows but while shopping I keep ending up in apple world. I guess I want someone to talk me out of it. My wife tells me " just use my hp laptop!" . But I would not be happy, and since this is my BD month I don't want to settle. The trouble is I'm not sure the MBP will integrate with my work since i'm in a window work place. I hope the VMware will address that.

Well, whatever you decide, good luck; and let us know how it turns out.

And Happy Birthday.

i'm a windows user of 20+ years and a mac user of 5 years.

i use both proffessionally. each a desktop model. on that bases, both operate more or less as good as the next. why do i have both tho? well, no specific reason, i just do :P


Proffessionally, coming from a windows background, i still preffer the windows os. it's conveluted, clunky, finiky, but hey, i know it in my sleep and as fluently as i breath. that kinda familiarity isnt easily dropped. as for my mac? it's beautiful. really beautiful. super efficient, smooth, fantastic ui's and user experiences, and rock solid. but at the end of the day, given a choice, i'd still plump for a pc. and my ipad and iphone link-ups? they both operate exactly the same and equally good on either my mac or pc.

work aside, on a personal view, i no longer use a computer. my ipad does it all for me. with flying colours. but, if i were to buy a laptop, i'd probably buy an all singing all dancing MBP, purely because they're on another planet from any competition in terms of hardware. i'd also probably opt to install windows on it.

Originally Posted by zipur

I talk windows but while shopping I keep ending up in apple world. I guess I want someone to talk me out of it. My wife tells me " just use my hp laptop!" . But I would not be happy, and since this is my BD month I don't want to settle. The trouble is I'm not sure the MBP will integrate with my work since i'm in a window work place. I hope the VMware will address that.

There are some very nice windows laptops. If it is important to integrate with work, you will be better off with one if those. Just don't buy a low-end run of the mill wintel laptop. Apple is not the only company that makes good laptops.

Latest: i'm on hold!, I had a fantastic deal from an acquaintance that fell through. In addition in really need to review my integration needs online, I don't want to spend all my time searching for work arounds. For example I still need dial up for PPP on some legacy equipment I work on. Funny we use to call it old discontinued; now we call it Legacy. So I'm in reflection mode because going cutting edge and changing OS is a big deal.