New Computer- Macbook Pro Or A Windows 8?

[Ice_Fire]

So, university is looming and I am lucky enough to be able to get a new laptop before I go. I have more or less made my mind up, but I would like some more varied opinions.

Is the Mac just flashy and expensive, or is it genuinely a better performing machine?

I'll be using all the basics, office, internet, skype. Plus a music writing programme such as GuitarTabPro and in the later stages of my degree, voice recording and manipulation/editing programmes too.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I was advised to get the best I could afford. I guess it goes without saying that means going the pc route as I can get more bang for my buck. (I'm studying graphic design).

I don't know anything about Samsung (I went with Lenovo and LOVE my laptop!) nor do I know anything about the technical requirements for the programs you will be using.

But, I opted for Windows 7 as I heard that 8 is optimized for a touch screen interface and as such, some have had issues with it in a non-touch machine. (This may not even be an option anymore. I bought my laptop 4 months ago).

Lenovo is now a top rated company and allowed me to customize my machine. Don't even think about doing this with Dell....they've gone SO downhill over the years, in this aspect, as well as product quality. Not that you mentioned Dell, but I thought I'd throw that out there.

 

[Whitneys story]

The Mac is by far ahead of the game! But they are not the leader in software. I just set up a Windows 8 for someone. I will not be going that route, ever. All they did was move everything so no one can find it. I was setting it up for a person with macular degeneration, I am sighted well and could not find most of what he needs.

Not certain where you are but Office Max for PC/Laptop is great. Biggest issue is where the manufacture does the repairs. I almost bought an off brand until I read it had to be sent to Germany for repair. OOOOOps and good luck!

 

[Nicolette]

My opinion is not to go near Windows 8 as it is not user friendly on a PC - maybe great on the tablet adds but, like Whitney said, is a nightmare when trying to get any software to operate...... I use a variety of Windows and Mac computers through work and have dual operating systems at home (both). I would strongly advise against Windows 8 as the operating system.

 

[Ice_Fire]

Don't even think about doing this with Dell...

My current laptop is a Dell- hence why I'm after a new one! It's been terrible.

I agree that Windows 8 is awful and I laughed at the comment of Microsoft just hiding everything! I neither want or need a touchscreen so that would be a waste of money.

I'm leaning more towards the Mac. All the Windows computers I've had so far have only lasted between 2.5 and 4 years. I want my next machine to take me through my degree (4 years) and possibly my masters degree or first couple of years in employment, depending on what the future holds for me!

I'm so used to using windows that swapping over to a Mac seems daunting. Then again, I'd have to get my head around the new windows in any event.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Ouch! What have you been buying?

My 2003 dell just died. (RIP, lol, gonna sell for parts.) Well, both of them died! (I "inherited" my sisters "twin" machine lol).

My 2007 Dell also just died. Go figure!

I think I had a pretty good streak with both of those, considering. My Dad bought a Dell last Christmas and so far the hard drive and motherboard have both failed.

If you have the $$$ for a Mac, then go for it. Just be sure you're specs are right.

Can't you just get windows 7?

 

[Ice_Fire]

Had a HP in 2007; it was okay, but it died recently after I gave it to a friend. It was getting slow on me anyway, running GuitarTab whilst doing homework etc.

Got the Dell...hmm, 2009 I think? It's been fine, I'm using it right now, but again, it struggles with using editing software and internet at the same time.

I'm not tech savvy at all so I've no idea why it's slow. I've cleared everything to try and speed it up. Running windows 7 at the moment.

Found out that my university uses Mac computers, and...I've just received quite a nice cheque so... :D

 

[Whitneys story]

I would go for Mac and install Win7. If you buy a new Laptop or Pc no matter what brand you can not roll back to Win 7 from 8. You would need to purchase Win7 and install.

L

 

[blue-Ocean]

I have Windows 8 for the past 6 weeks and its not that great to be honest, already I have reminders of running low on memory and I have hardly downloaded anything, there are many web sites I used but can no longer with the 8, wish I knew how bad it was before going for it. My advice is avoid windows 8.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Well if you know nothing about specs, that may be exactly why your systems are so slow. You can't buy a $300 laptop and expect it to run high end editing software. Long/short, don't blame a PC use it as an excuse to go running to a Mac.

Macs at school are ALWAYS nice because schools can afford the high end macs. I wouldn't let this be your only determining factor.

Honestly I think you're WAY oversimplifying this. You need to find the tech requirements of all the software you want to run and then find a machine that can do it and do it well. It's not just about windows vs Mac.

I don't know what kind of student discounts you can get, but that may influence your decision as well.

And, don't be too surprised if you need a new laptop for grad school. My last laptop wouldn't hold the newest editing software even though it was top of the line when I bought it.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Macbook Pro hands down. I wouldn't touch anything with Windows 8 with a ten foot poll.

I never have problems with my Mac and have had it for many years. Yes, it was more expensive but it will last me years and years. Also Mac softwear is so easy to update. $30 on Itunes for the latest and greatest from Apple and it's installed in 3 minutes. While windows wants hundreds of dollars and then it puts a bunch of crap on your computer.

JMHO.

 

[Ice_Fire]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the opinions, I am now the owner of a shiny new Macbook Pro. :p

Just sorting out copying all my music and files etc onto it from my pc and then wiping the pc so my Nan can have it.