my stepdad needs a new computer, should I get him a mac?

[bigben2wardpitt]

My stepdad has had PC's all his life, however, all he really does is use microsoft office and use the internet.

To me, that screams "he needs a mac."

I have a mac, and love my mac. However, I guess what worries me is he has been in and out of businesses, and right now he travels a lot to the middle east, so I guess I have this thought he would have compatibility issues, but I really don't think he would. Word documents are universal. Still, though I worry. I know, he can get parallels, etc, but I just don't want him to have any issues. PC is basically the safe bet, he already knows it, etc. but I would love for him to be able to use his computer without having many issues, and everything "just working."

Does anyone have any experiences with people getting macs? Especially people that work in the corporate world?

I got one for my stepmom, but she doesn't use it for business, she just uses it at home (doesn't need a computer for where she works).

Thanks

 

[Kmax82]

Hmm.. I've always been a big proponent of don't fix it if it isn't broken. I know that goes against the whole Switch Ads by Apple, but typically, when people use a machine for work, it's just to get the job done. You don't want frills, you don't want to have to relearn how to do a Mail Merge, or email your partner, etc...

If someone is looking for a home machine, I would definitely recommend a Mac, but if it's going to be strictly a business deal, and they don't have a need to switch, or they're efficient in their workflow.. then it's almost counter productive to get one.

The only compatibility issue I would forsee would be if he does spreadsheets, or financial things in Office. There isn't any VBA support in Excel 2008, and Quicken/Quick Books, etc... is absolutely atrocious on the Mac. They're supposed to have a new version coming out that's a lot better... (maybe it's already out)...

Again, these are just my opinions.. if he's interested in switching, then by all means let him have a go at it.

 

[Zaap]

Since any Intel Mac natively runs both OSX and Windows, I fail to see how you could go wrong getting him a Mac. Just install Windows on it. He'll then have both. Heck, if all he really does is use office and the internet, then even a virtual machine install of Windows would probably work just fine. Personally, I don't think traveling in the Middle East will present any more problem on a Mac than it would a PC.

 

[Kmax82]

Originally posted by: Zaap
Since any Intel Mac natively runs both OSX and Windows, I fail to see how you could go wrong getting him a Mac. Just install Windows on it. He'll then have both. Heck, if all he really does is use office and the internet, then even a virtual machine install of Windows would probably work just fine. Personally, I don't think traveling in the Middle East will present any more problem on a Mac than it would a PC.

While true.. is there anything in particular that he's going to be able to benefit from having access to the Mac platform? Office is awful on OS X IMO. I mostly use Adobe's Creative Suite, so I love using OS X, but if all I was doing was Office work, I would definitely choose Windows overtop of OS X.

 

[Injury]

Originally posted by: bigben2wardpitt
PC is basically the safe bet, he already knows it, etc.

You pretty much say it right there.

Don't buy it just because you think it won't go wonky on him... macs have their problems, too, especially with Office.

If price is not a concern then sure, get a mac for the sake of getting a mac but it's a pretty chunk of change to get a mac just to use office and basic computer usage. Additionally, while I'm sure he could install Windows on it and switch between the two, what is the likelihood of someone who isn't an advanced user wanting to switch between OSes just to do simple tasks? If it were one of my parents, they'd look at as more of an annoyance than a feature.

I'm not saying a mac isn't a valid solution here, but it just seems to me like a Windows-Based PC is a better solution.

 

[randomlinh]

get him a PC. it'll be cheaper, and less headaches for you in terms of support.

 

[Rhonda the Sly]

My stepdad has had PC's all his life, however, all he really does is use microsoft office and use the internet.

To me, that screams "he needs a mac."

I don't see it. If anything you could argue that, because the equivolent Mac would be more expensive, this would be a reason not to get the Mac. My suggestion would be to stay relatively neutral in this and simply offer your stepdad a chance to use your Macbook for a few days, to test drive it.

Since any Intel Mac natively runs both OSX and Windows, I fail to see how you could go wrong getting him a Mac.

It would be a good waste of time and money to get him a Mac to find out Mac Office is problematic with his work or he just plain doesn't like OS X and will spend all his time in Windows land. Let's not forget the Windows license doesn't come free.

 

[Rhonda the Sly]

get him a PC. it'll be cheaper, and less headaches for you in terms of support.

There'd be support requests either way, I imagine. Providing Ben's stepfather is moving from XP to Vista, I could see a few calls to locate things or inquire about features. If he isn't technically savvy the scary-looking UAC box could strike the fear of god into him. It's not quite a platform shift but there would likely be support no matter what happens.

 

[sourceninja]

The decision to change Operating systems should not be made by a 3rd party. The user has to want to change or it will end in fail.

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: sourceninja
The decision to change Operating systems should not be made by a 3rd party. The user has to want to change or it will end in fail.

Sourceninja is absolutely right. There is a reason people still insist upon XP to be installed on their systems. It is not because Vista is a bad OS (it is not in my opinion) but rather because they are used to XP and Vista changed/moved some stuff. Switching someone to OS X when there is no real reason to is just silly.

Plenty of people have had good reason to switch, myself included. But that does not hold true for everyone.

 

[umrigar]

less problems with a PC... L oh L.

 

[Jack Flash]

Really great deal for a PC perfect for him

http://www.dell.com/content/to...?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd

 

[Zaap]

Originally posted by: Kmax82
While true.. is there anything in particular that he's going to be able to benefit from having access to the Mac platform?

One major thing, that for me, has been the factor that's changed almost everything for using Windows: not ripping his hair out in frustration with Vista.

If he's an XP user, then no matter what, buying him a new computer is going to require him learning a new OS. Yes- I think Vista is that much a departure from XP for a noob, that it too may as well be learning a completely new (and badly designed/performing at that) OS.

The OP could always ASK what his stepdad wants.

I might add too, that I'm assuming we're talking about a LAPTOP here, a Macbook vs. a PC laptop. Unless that is he's carting a full tower setup to the Middle East. But maybe I'm reading the OP wrong about travel compatibility concerns.

I'd recommend a MacBook in a heartbeat over most PC laptops.

A desktop is a different story. Sure, go for a decently spec'd PC, since IMHO, Apple doesn't really make a mid-range 'desktop for the rest of us' anyway.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: Rhonda the Sly

get him a PC. it'll be cheaper, and less headaches for you in terms of support.

There'd be support requests either way, I imagine. Providing Ben's stepfather is moving from XP to Vista, I could see a few calls to locate things or inquire about features. If he isn't technically savvy the scary-looking UAC box could strike the fear of god into him. It's not quite a platform shift but there would likely be support no matter what happens.

he could always get a laptop and install XP on it. Just would have to make sure there are available drivers. And the differences in Vista just depend on the users likelihood to adapt. It's still a better shift than from Windows to OS X.

 

[clarkey01]

Originally posted by: Zaap

Originally posted by: Kmax82
While true.. is there anything in particular that he's going to be able to benefit from having access to the Mac platform?

One major thing, that for me, has been the factor that's changed almost everything for using Windows: not ripping his hair out in frustration with Vista.

If he's an XP user, then no matter what, buying him a new computer is going to require him learning a new OS. Yes- I think Vista is that much a departure from XP for a noob, that it too may as well be learning a completely new (and badly designed/performing at that) OS.

The OP could always ASK what his stepdad wants.

I might add too, that I'm assuming we're talking about a LAPTOP here, a Macbook vs. a PC laptop. Unless that is he's carting a full tower setup to the Middle East. But maybe I'm reading the OP wrong about travel compatibility concerns.

I'd recommend a MacBook in a heartbeat over most PC laptops.

A desktop is a different story. Sure, go for a decently spec'd PC, since IMHO, Apple doesn't really make a mid-range 'desktop for the rest of us' anyway.

There's so much wrong with that statement I don't know where to start.
Why does he have to "learn" Vista ? what's there to learn ? You really think OSX is easier to learn for a windows XP user then Vista ?
Why not get him a cool looking PC, aesthetics are always pointed out to me by Mac users?But spend a little effort and my antec 9 case looks better then an MAC out there today?
If this purchase was for a media student, someone who is?lets say?"an individual" then sure get a MAC?But if you think this logically through there's nothing wrong with a new, cheaper PC that has a higher spec?

 

[Zaap]

Heh. It's really news to anyone that Vista is a dog?

Even Microsoft admits it's got major problems- why else would they pull stunts like the Mojave project to actually fool people into liking it?

I must have imagined 'upgrading' so many of my friends'/family's/co-workers laptops and PCs back to XP (at their requests, not mine) to restore their sanity- oh wait, I didn't imagine it.

There are quite a few things about Vista that are different enough to befuddle a noob used to XP, or just annoy them enough that it impacts a pleasant user experience.

I'm not even a big Mac evangelist type, far from it, but from personal experience, I can say that I've seen plenty of people have problems making the switch from XP to Vista, and yet never dealt with any major problems with anyone switching to OSX from Windows- not one. Maybe it's just me.

 

[Kmax82]

I have installed Vista for two family members. My Dad, and my father in law. Neither are techy, AT ALL, and neither have had problems switching from XP to Vista. I don't want to start some flamewar over it, but I think that it's become much more solid. I think it gets too much flak, but that's Microsoft's fault. They hyped it so much and it was really lackluster when it came out. They decided to make a "Vista Capable" program that really shouldn't have approved many of the machines that they did. And then they just let Apple attack the OS, without any recourse. Now they have a pretty stable build of the OS (as stable as Leopard, anyway... ugh, have I had bugs with this release of OS X), but the marketing machine has already done it's damage.

 

[sourceninja]

On top of all of this. A 350-550 dollar notebook will meet his needs just fine on windows. With a mac we are looking at 1000 dollars.

 

[thomsonbsa]

Originally posted by: Kmax82
Hmm.. I've always been a big proponent of don't fix it if it isn't broken. I know that goes against the whole Switch Ads by Apple, but typically, when people use a machine for work, it's just to get the job done. You don't want frills, you don't want to have to relearn how to do a Mail Merge, or email your partner, etc...

If someone is looking for a home machine, I would definitely recommend a Mac, but if it's going to be strictly a business deal, and they don't have a need to switch, or they're efficient in their workflow.. then it's almost counter productive to get one.

The only compatibility issue I would forsee would be if he does spreadsheets, or financial things in Office. There isn't any VBA support in Excel 2008, and Quicken/Quick Books, etc... is absolutely atrocious on the Mac. They're supposed to have a new version coming out that's a lot better... (maybe it's already out)...

Again, these are just my opinions.. if he's interested in switching, then by all means let him have a go at it.

It's true that he may feel, at first more comfortable with the pc (with vista shipping standard now, this might not be the case). However, why not use the mac as an excuse to leave the business app realm, and start discovering other things. iPhoto will make family photo albums a breeze. Itunes might help him explore the world of podcasts. Basically a mac would be a perfect venture for him into the realm of what a computer is truly capapble of.

 

[Kmax82]

Originally posted by: thomsonbsa

It's true that he may feel, at first more comfortable with the pc (with vista shipping standard now, this might not be the case). However, why not use the mac as an excuse to leave the business app realm, and start discovering other things. iPhoto will make family photo albums a breeze. Itunes might help him explore the world of podcasts. Basically a mac would be a perfect venture for him into the realm of what a computer is truly capapble of.

I'm going to play devil's advocate.

Picassa 3 is just as good as iPhoto, if not better, IMO. I use Aperture 2, but that again is more money he'd have to spend to get that functionality.

iMovie '08 is great, but he could use Premiere Elements, if he had to do video.. although I do think iMovie is better in that regard.

I doubt he's going to do any music editing with GarageBand.

iTunes is available for Windows, so he could "discover" podcasts there as well. Arguably iTunes doesn't work as well on Windows, but it's very usable.

I just don't see the point for him to get a Mac. If he himself is interested in trying it out, then that would be a reason... but to just buy him one because you "think" he would like it, is just a bit crazy to me.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: thomsonbsa

Originally posted by: Kmax82
Hmm.. I've always been a big proponent of don't fix it if it isn't broken. I know that goes against the whole Switch Ads by Apple, but typically, when people use a machine for work, it's just to get the job done. You don't want frills, you don't want to have to relearn how to do a Mail Merge, or email your partner, etc...

If someone is looking for a home machine, I would definitely recommend a Mac, but if it's going to be strictly a business deal, and they don't have a need to switch, or they're efficient in their workflow.. then it's almost counter productive to get one.

The only compatibility issue I would forsee would be if he does spreadsheets, or financial things in Office. There isn't any VBA support in Excel 2008, and Quicken/Quick Books, etc... is absolutely atrocious on the Mac. They're supposed to have a new version coming out that's a lot better... (maybe it's already out)...

Again, these are just my opinions.. if he's interested in switching, then by all means let him have a go at it.

It's true that he may feel, at first more comfortable with the pc (with vista shipping standard now, this might not be the case). However, why not use the mac as an excuse to leave the business app realm, and start discovering other things. iPhoto will make family photo albums a breeze. Itunes might help him explore the world of podcasts. Basically a mac would be a perfect venture for him into the realm of what a computer is truly capapble of.

No offense, but that's just plain stupid. It's for business. You don't muck around too much with what brings in the money. He may need 100% MS Office compatibility, period. And I'll go w/ Kmax82, Picasa is worlds better than iPhoto, but iPhoto is organized a little cleaner.

And this is for work anyway, so get what works for him, w/o having to spend tons.

 

[clarkey01]

Originally posted by: Zaap
Heh. It's really news to anyone that Vista is a dog?

Even Microsoft admits it's got major problems- why else would they pull stunts like the Mojave project to actually fool people into liking it?

I must have imagined 'upgrading' so many of my friends'/family's/co-workers laptops and PCs back to XP (at their requests, not mine) to restore their sanity- oh wait, I didn't imagine it.

There are quite a few things about Vista that are different enough to befuddle a noob used to XP, or just annoy them enough that it impacts a pleasant user experience.

I'm not even a big Mac evangelist type, far from it, but from personal experience, I can say that I've seen plenty of people have problems making the switch from XP to Vista, and yet never dealt with any major problems with anyone switching to OSX from Windows- not one. Maybe it's just me.

If you could back any of that up with facts I'd take your opinion seriously...

Maybe it is just you...

I must of done about 20 installs of vista , either images , fresh installs on 2 year old machines, no issues. Not one.

 

[Zaap]

Geesh, relax and try using logic rather than emotional nonsense. The Mac is perfectly capable of running Vista as it is OSX or XP. The main difference, if price isn't the big issue, is that the person would have choice.

The only person to make a judgement call of what the OP's stepdad would prefer, is the OP. Everything else is just speculation based on having no information what-so-ever about the person's actual needs. The fact remains, a Mac would satisfy those needs just fine, since it can run EITHER platform natively.

Calling people stupid and other emotional nonsense over having a differing idea, is especially lame when you haven't yourself demonstrated a clear logic path.

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: Zaap
Geesh, relax and try using logic rather than emotional nonsense. The Mac is perfectly capable of running Vista as it is OSX or XP. The main difference, if price isn't the big issue, is that the person would have choice.

The only person to make a judgement call of what the OP's stepdad would prefer, is the OP. Everything else is just speculation based on having no information what-so-ever about the person's actual needs. The fact remains, a Mac would satisfy those needs just fine, since it can run EITHER platform natively.

Calling people stupid and other emotional nonsense over having a differing idea, is especially lame when you haven't yourself demonstrated a clear logic path.

Pssh.. whatever man, you're stupid.

As for the OP, as I have said before, Switching just for the sake of Switching is silly. If your stepdad has said something like "You know, I need a new computer, and although I like Windows and am used to it, I hear how much you like your Mac and thought I would give it a whirl, can it run the following things?" (verbatim conversation I had with my mother 2 years ago just before she Switched) then by all means, look into the Mac. However, as others have said as well, the price for entry on a new Mac portable is rather prohibitive, especially if you just look at the price. The argument about the price of Macs has been fought back and forth and I will not rehash it here except by saying this. There are no sub $1000 ($999 on the whitebook does not count) new Apple laptops. There are dozens of sub $600 laptops at your local Best Buy or whatever.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: Zaap
Geesh, relax and try using logic rather than emotional nonsense. The Mac is perfectly capable of running Vista as it is OSX or XP. The main difference, if price isn't the big issue, is that the person would have choice.

The only person to make a judgement call of what the OP's stepdad would prefer, is the OP. Everything else is just speculation based on having no information what-so-ever about the person's actual needs. The fact remains, a Mac would satisfy those needs just fine, since it can run EITHER platform natively.

Calling people stupid and other emotional nonsense over having a differing idea, is especially lame when you haven't yourself demonstrated a clear logic path.

if you're talking about me, I was referring to who I quoted. He said to use the mac as an excuse to leave the business app realm and "discover new things." Given the nature of what the OP's stepfather wants, it does not fit any logic. This is for travel and business use. There is no need to change anything for the sake of changing at the risk of lost business.

I'm an avid user of OS X, love it.. just hate the hardware pricing. There is no middle ground. That said, Vista for most people is fine. It started out rough, but there are quirks in OS X too, especially w/ active directory.

The fact of the matter is, in the corporate world, Windows is currently king.