I'm planning to buy a laptop. My existing computer is a Dell (tower) PC.
Should I buy another PC or go for an Apple Mac?
Should I buy another PC or go for an Apple Mac?
I considered a Mac when I was shopping around for my laptop last year. I like how Macs are "allegedly" virus-proof (although that's mostly because what's the fun in writing a virus that only effects 2 people?). And I do like the new GUI interface, but I'm cheap and for the price of a low end Mac I was able to get a fantastic HP with all the bells and whistles.
And I'm like the only person on Earth who actually likes Vista. I now have 2 Vista laptops.
I like how Mac users are so hypersensitive.
I like how Mac users are so hypersensitive.
Ok, you two. Let's not rehash this one.
I'll take you back to StephenF's comments.
Let how you are going to use it drive what you get.
Hi Dale. I have always worked in MS Windows. I thought it might be fun to try the alternative. I am planning to keep my laptop offline, to use it for word processing (in a comfortable armchair - this one is killing me) and spreadsheets. So I will need the Office suite, which I understand I can get for Apple. Apart from that, I was hoping for better media (ie picture) handling software. I would also use the laptop to run movies. Finally, mac users seem enthusiastic. What's that all about?
Given what you want to do with it, I'd say keep with the PC. I too, point you back to stephenf's comment.
...Scrivener is hands down the best writing program I've ever used, which was part of my decision when buying my first Mac.
Actually, no, I think the Mac is better in that regard. Office Suites run on the Mac, and I have to say the Mac has better media and video capability.
Just my thought.
Now, if he's only interested in doing Word and Excel, then he can probably get a much cheaper laptop ($500-$800) running Windows. To me, that would be the biggest factor. Although the MacBook has dropped under $1000, so the price gap is closing.
As for the enthusiasm part... you won't know until you actually have been a Mac user for a while. Just not having to deal with constant virus/spyware/crap is a HUGE deal for me, at least. Plus the Mac is just a pleasure to use -- and I've used everything from all versions of Windows (back to the Win3 time) to OS2 to Unix to VAX to Atari... It's kind of like the enthusiasm toward Obama vs. McCain -- both are very capable candidate. But there's just something about Obama that makes people go nuts sometimes.
Be advised the new Macbooks DO NOT HAVE FIREWIRE PORTS.
This is a MAJOR step down if you are dealing in media/video. Apparently, Apple has decided if you edit video, you need to do it on the MacbookPro.
So in essence, they have paired BACK on the useability while increasing the price of the Macbook line.
FYI
I've heard about Scrivener, but haven't seen it yet. Does it produce typescript that can be sent out and read by others (like beta readers, editors, agents and publishers?)
Yes. It has a variety of options when creating a new project (short story, screen play, novel, comic, etc) and by default will export them into ready to send manuscripts.
There's a video on the site that will demonstrate the common functionality. It is, hands down, the best writing program I've ever used.
Is it compatible with MS-Word dcouments?
The $999 MacBook White, as it's now called, still has a single FireWire 400 port and an optical SuperDrive (reads and writes CDs and DVDs). Steve Jobs says they're still selling like hotcakes, so expect a run on the last of the previous generation models as word gets out.The new Macbooks no longer have a firewire port. Which I think is funny, because one of the big selling points with Apple in the early years was that it was 'already firewire ready' - unlike most PC's which required you to install a firewire port.
No longer the case.