Wow, macs are expensive....Need help recommending Mac vs. PC

[human2k]

So I recieved an email from a relative asking me if the Emac for $999 was any good or should she should get a Windows machine. I hopped on to dell.com to find a similiar system for the same price. Here are the specs for both systems:

Emac (this not the LCD Imac!)
700MHz PowerPC G4
128MB SDRAM
40GB Ultra ATA drive
Combo drive (DVD/CD-RW)
GeForce2MX Graphics (32mb i think)
56K internal modem
Integrated 17inch Flat Screen CRT
1 Year warranty
$999

Dell Dimension 8250
Inel Pentium 2.53GHZ 533FSB
256 PC1066 RDRAM
120GB HD (7200RPM i think)
16xDVD Drive
48XCD-RW
GeForce MX4 64MB (Dunno which model)
Harmon Kardon HK395 speakers with subwoofer
56K modem
Dell 17inch CRT
$1024
3 year/3 year in-home warranty

I'm thinking about recommending the Dell because it has a nice 3year warranty so she can bug them if anything goes wrong. All she does is use MS Office, Web surfing, and Kazaa (college student😀). Any good reason's I should tell her to get the Emac over the dell? (I've got 2 days before dell's special ends for the system)

 

[Zugzwang152]

dude, you're getting a dell. just look at all the extra hardware you get with the dell. its an easy choice.

 

[human2k]

btw....She really LOVES the way the Emac looks, she say's she doesn't like the bulky generic look the dell has(go figure).

 

[Koing]

Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
dude, you're getting a dell. just look at all the extra hardware you get with the dell. its an easy choice.

Also if shes use to using a pc then let her use it. She'll find it easier and you'll get less hassle!

 

[Zugzwang152]

for more specific advice, use the search function and find all the other mac vs. pc threads. i have a feeling people are boycotting this thread on purpose 😛

 

[pulse8]

Ask her if she'd buy a go-cart that looked like a Porsche and costs the same as one, too. 🙂

 

[Koing]

Originally posted by: human2k
btw....She really LOVES the way the Emac looks, she say's she doesn't like the bulky generic look the dell has(go figure).

Build her a pc and get a nice case. Get one of the shuttle ones, but then that'll shaft you with being 'technical' support so thats up to you. Just tell her its to be used and not to be looked at!

 

[amnesiac]

IMO the lower end macs SUCK.

I have a Powerbook and it's the best thing ever, but I don't think I'd be able to tolerate anything less than 1Ghz G4. Also for that price range you're better off with a Dell. You get a LOT more for the money at the lower end.

 

[Ornery]

For crying out loud! For what she's using the thing for, you could half the price of that Dell, and it would still look the same. Tell her you'll paint it pink or something.

 

[RBlount]

Although I generally support the Macs, I have to say the eMac is one very poor machine. Read some of the Mac information Websites (MacInTouch or MacFixit) and you see that an abnormal number of people have had major issues with the eMac. I personally have only worked on a couple, but they are a Pain in the ... to work on.

I would not recommend an eMac to anyone.

-Rob