Never owned a Macintosh

[Berryracer]

I have been a PC user since 14 years. I once tried linux and was very annoyed that I had to sit and look for guides for how to install a simple application such as Firefox.

I know that Apple is very user friendly from what I understand..

My current Notebook specs are below in my sig....

I am contemplating whether I should upgrade to higher specced Laptop this June on my birthday or try Macintosh for the first time....

One thing I don't like about Macs is that they are not very friendly with BlackBerry software. You could not install the latest leaked firmwares for BlackBerry on a Mac (you need a PC).

But other than that, for someone who has never used a Mac, do you think it would be a good experience or shall I just stick to PCs and buy a new Notebook?

Please give me your honest opinion on how you think someone like me would feel using a Mac, I have never even come close to one. I would appreciate an unbiased answer.

Thank you

 

[bearxor]

I think it's pretty cool. I like it because it's a good cross between a BSD machine and Windows. I think you get the best of both worlds and you can run whatever OS you want, like Windows if you wanted to.

Having said that, what I would probably do is buy a PC notebook that had Hackintosh-compatible hardware. This way you could just try it out.

 

[KeithP]

Other than the mention of "Blackberry software" you have given no indication of what software you use or the kind of things you do with your current machine. That information would be required for an answer to question.

Also, it would be helpful to hear about what you like and dislike about Windows 7.

-KeithP

 

[Kadarin]

You could easily handle the Blackberry issue by occasionally running a version of Windows in a VM (i.e. via Parallels or VMWare Fusion).

 

[ultimatebob]

I see that your existing laptop has a 15" screen. The cheapest Apple laptop with a screen that size runs for $1,799 retail... which I think is insane.

But, hey, if you got the cash to burn... go for it!

 

[Berryracer]

Other than the mention of "Blackberry software" you have given no indication of what software you use or the kind of things you do with your current machine. That information would be required for an answer to question.

Also, it would be helpful to hear about what you like and dislike about Windows 7.

-KeithP

I use MS Office 200 Professional Plus (Legit Key)

Adobe Photoshop CS5.1
Adobe Illustrator 5.1
Kaspersky Internet Security
WinRAR
Hotspot Shield
Internet Download Manager

Most what I do is surfing the net, browsing forums and stuff, but I like to have a PC that is super fast I am a performance obsessed d00d, I hate slow computers

 

[Berryracer]

You could easily handle the Blackberry issue by occasionally running a version of Windows in a VM (i.e. via Parallels or VMWare Fusion).

Ah yess!! I heard that on the BlackBerry forums, hope it's easy to install

 

[Berryracer]

I see that your existing laptop has a 15" screen. The cheapest Apple laptop with a screen that size runs for $1,799 retail... which I think is insane.

But, hey, if you got the cash to burn... go for it!

Yes 15' is minimum, I would love to have a 17' if cash allowed....1799 is ok but not more

Could I find a high performance Mac which has a 15' screen for 1799?

 

[Berryracer]

BTW, is it still true that in a Mac OS, you don't need an antivirus? or these days you do?

 

[alfa147x]

BTW, is it still true that in a Mac OS, you don't need an antivirus? or these days you do?

If you don't like to randomly type in your password... you'll be fine.

 

[alfa147x]

Yes 15' is minimum, I would love to have a 17' if cash allowed....1799 is ok but not more

Could I find a high performance Mac which has a 15' screen for 1799?

Many:
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac

 

[EskLuxor]

i think it would be a good decision. i picked a macbook up in 2008. i love the software, it just feels more streamlined then windows. trust me i still love pcs. ill never stop building pcs. the mac software just scales better also, unless of course yr editing video or trying to hardcore game on the mac. i have a core2 duo 2.4 4gb ram 500gb hd. the intergrated graphics kinda sucks though, the fans kick on just when playing a video, or on youtube. other then the gpu leaving something to be desired, i prolly wont need an upgrade for quite a few yrs, plus their ver expensive. if i were you, id pick up an older macbook or ibook, something not to expensive. just to try it out and see if you like it, an ipad or ipod touch just doesnt have the same experience as a REAL mac.

 

[cheez]

I use

MS Office 2000 Pro
Adobe Photoshop CS5.1
Adobe Illustrator 5.1
Kaspersky Internet Security

I don't think these applications will work on Mac OS. Correct me if I am wrong but you will need to purchase these software for Mac OS X. They have their own versions I believe..

As for antivirus, you don't really need it on Mac OS. I have not seen anyone getting infected on the Mac...

If you want to use your existing software, you can use VMware or Parallels on a Mac as suggested by others here. Another option is to use BootCamp application that comes with Mac OS. You will need Windows 7 disc to install and this is for advanced users. Not really an ideal for an average user.

Most what I do is surfing the net, browsing forums and stuff, but I like to have a PC that is super fast I am a performance obsessed d00d, I hate slow computers

Yeah it's fast. Mac OS X is definitely faster than Windows 7 in most apps. Program installation is also faster and simple.


But seriously, if you are not ready to take headaches (due to compatibility issues with the software) you might be better off just stay with Windows....