Mac vs PC?

Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 12:51 pm

OK, I know a bunch of you out there work in the computer industry, whether it's IT, or operations at the job or whatever. So...

the time has come once again. I feel just like the guys in the Mac commercial, OK, like the PC guy in the Mac commercial.
I've had my PC for just over 4 years now, and it's time to replace it again. Most days when I shut it down, I get some memory error, or some program won't shut down, and just this morning I got an error telling me to run chkdisc, which I did, and it found errors. It fixed them, but now I know it's only time. This happens with my PC's it seems in regular intervals of 4 years.

Ah, but this time I was smart, I have a separate 60GB flash memory with all my pics, music, doc's and many of my home vid's, so no matter what, I won't loose anything when the PC decides on a permanent vacation.

My question now is, Mac or PC? I've heard the Mac's last longer, and have less problems, however, will I have compatibility problems with my printer, camera, MP3, Uni remote, speakers and sub, flash memory etc...

Will my microstink Word files work in a Mac? Will my MP3 and 4 files work? WMA's? If not, can anyone recommend a better PC?

I gave up on Compaq's after my first laptop lasted 15 months, yeah, my new laptop is a compaq too, but I got it for free so... My home PC this time is an e-Machine, and I'll never buy another one of those either. It's on it's second hard drive, and now this one has errors, and makes that "I'm tired" buzzing sound when operating. The computer was at least 5 times faster in processing when I bought it to. I guess the processor is slowing down to a near crawl too.

I use my computer mostly for web-browsing, music downloading, some word processing and video/photo editing. No gaming, that's for the PS2. All I need in a computer is a decent processing speed for web-browsing/downloading and editing and good front end memory to edit videos.

Any suggestions, opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 4:24 pm

I prefer a Mac personally. I have had my I-Book for over four years now and have had no problems with it. I have had no hardware problems as far as compatibility issues are concerned (printers, camera or MP3 player) however, I can't vouch for a good connection with our GPSr's as Lisa uses her PC to download the waypoints.

I also use a PC (Dell) and I must admit that it gets a bit persnickety at times. It likes to lock up and also can't run IE. I use Firefox instead.

Bottom line, I wouldn't trade my Mac for a PC. In fact, I am looking to get another Mac as soon as I can afford the expensive buggers. Shocked

Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 7:10 pm

i have been thinking about getting a mac when the new os comes out. but my main hold up is geocaching. since there is no mac version of gsak, what will i do? and what about the mapping program in my gps--city select or city navigator? is there a mac version of that? i'm going to make an appointment at the apple store in september for a one-to-one where they answer all your questions and help you figure out what you need.

WGA Member Joined: 2006-12-23 Posts: 6010

Mac - end of discussion.

Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 10:32 pm

I work on PC's every day, but have never used a mac. The only reason I can think of for not recommending a mac(or linux for that matter) is all those PC only software issues you will run into. Garmin has been slowly turning out new Mac software all the time lately, so things are getting better.

Mac POI loader(for loading custom Point of interest waypoints): http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=3698

Mac Webupdater(for updating the GPS unit software): http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=3699

Mac Communicator plugin(can send caches from Geocaching.com to GPS): http://developer.garmin.com/web-device/garmin-communicator-plugin/download-and-install-garmin-browser-plugin/

Installing garmin maps to GPSr with a mac(PC also needed): http://garmin.blogs.com/my_weblog/2007/08/chets-corner-mo.html

Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 6:05 am

I knew a guy in service who ended up with a lemon every car he bought. Not bad choices, they just all turned out to be lemons!

tyedyeskyguy, it sounds like you have the same problem with computers. Perhaps you should just give up?!

I have always used PCs. Currently have an e-machine drive, and it's been working fine for over 2 years. Had lots of Tandy's, before they went out of business (or merged).

WGA Member Joined: 2006-12-23 Posts: 6010

Here's a mapping software for the mac, I have it, but not having a portable mac at my disposal I can't say how it works.

http://www.macgpspro.com/

paperless caching:

http://home.alltel.net/tbone/macgps.html

Another interesting mac(and other) gps site:

http://www.gpsy.com/gpsinfo/software.html

A geocache manager for the mac, I've tried it, its not gsak but it does do some of the basics. It also allows you to transfer cache info to your ipod. I've been able to get this to work so that you at least have the page in more portable format.

http://www.maccaching.com/

If you have a serial based gps you'll need this usb-serial adapter, I have it and have used it to transfer to my etrex legend.

http://www.keyspan.com/products/usb/USA19HS/

Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 6:47 pm

If you buy any of the newer Intel-based Macs, you do not have to worry about loosing all your Windows software... You can installIf you are interested in a Windows on your Mac using a few different methods. I have a 20" iMac Intel Core Duo 2.16Ghz, and use a program called Parallels to run Windows inside of Mac OSX. In other words, I just open up a window on my mac, and Windows XP boots up inside that window, and I can run both Windows and OSX at one time Smile

Or you can make your Mac dual boot, and choose which OS to use each time you turn it on (Not as cool, but gamers prefer this method). The only requirement is that you need a windows disk for installation (And if you want to do it how I do you need to download Parallels, which is free for 30 days, and then you have to buy it for 50-80 bucks. Dual-Booting requires only a copy of windows, nothing else)

Bottom line is that if you have always wanted to get a Mac but didn't because you have some Windows software you need to use, that should not hold you back anymore. And in the two years I have been using Mac, I have not had a single hardware problem (I have 3 Macs now). I have never gotten a virus (although it is theoretically possible).

BTW, I don't really NEED three macs. I have an iBook and two 20" iMacs, one is a G5 and one is an Intel. Bought the G5 right before they released the Intels. When they started shippping the Intel Core Duo's, I broke down and bought another. If anyone wants a 20" iMac G5, let me know. But be aware the G5 processor won't do Windows Smile

Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 9:15 pm

You just answered my question on the other thread, Thraxman! Thanks!!

WGA Member Joined: 2006-10-17 Posts: 26

I have always had PCs and I just bought an IMAC. Heard so much good stuff about them. Still learning on it but so far its got great quality pics & graphics. I haven't downloaded GSAK yet but, I heard it still can run off of the mac with little issues. So far, I totally love it!

WGA Member Joined: 2006-06-30 Posts: 546

Does it matter they both can download PORN! ....ROFLAMO

You have to listen to 96.9 the Fox to understand...

WGA Member Joined: 2006-12-23 Posts: 6010

I've boycotted the fox ever since they got rid of Bill and Ted in the morning.