“Shopping for a computer would be easy, if it weren’t for that whole Windows-versus-Mac thing,” Rob Pegoraro writes for The Washington Post. “Fortunately, that may be a simpler choice than you think — and making that call first can greatly simplify the rest of your home-computer shopping. Apple is making a strong pitch these days. The price to switch can be little more than $500, the cost of the Mac mini. That and other Macs ship with an outstanding set of multimedia programs — iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie and iDVD — and continue to be free of viruses, spyware, browser hijackings and many other Windows diseases.”
Pegoraro writes, “Meanwhile, Windows XP, despite a stream of patches from Microsoft, remains a shaky structure that many users struggle to maintain. When even playing a CD can get a computer infected (as buyers of Sony’s ‘copy-protected’ CDs have found), things need to change. But XP’s replacement, Windows Vista, won’t arrive until the fall of next year and possibly later. The choice between these systems is often phrased as ‘why get a Mac instead of a PC?’ But given Windows’ painful history of insecurity and dysfunctionality, it’s worth flipping that around: Why not use the safer, more reliable system?”
“‘Because everybody uses Windows’ is neither relevant nor true. There are other possible reasons, but you need to decide if they matter,” Pegoraro writes. “One is software: While you can find at least one Mac application in pretty much any category of software, the selection of Windows programs is dramatically superior in a few categories (most obviously, games). The Windows market also offers a far wider variety of computers. Apple makes some fantastic machines, but its lineup skips categories that you might like. For example, it doesn’t offer ultralight or big-but-cheap ‘desktop replacement’ laptops, and its cheapest desktop runs about $100 to $200 more than the starter PCs of other firms.”
Full article here.
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A few caveats those considering switching or adding a Mac: Pegoraro writes that the selection, meaning the quantity of software, for Windows is dramatically superior, not the quality. The best-in-class applications are all there on the Mac side from Adobe and other well-known software makers. Microsoft Office for Mac is also available and generally considered ahead of the Windows version; its files are also compatible with Windows. If you create a Word document on a Mac and give it to someone on a Windows box, they’ll be able to open and use it just as if you’d created it on a Windows machine. Same goes for Excel and PowerPoint. Also, most of the basic tools are already included on the Mac: a better browser, better photo management, better movie-making, better email client, better calendaring, better music-making, better DVD creation, etc.; plus a dramatically superior quality operating system: Mac OS X with Spotlight searching, system-wide dictionary, Dashboard Widgets, rock-solid stability, zero viruses, etc.
There are currently over 20,000 software titles for Apple’s Mac OS X and more are added each day. If you spent just a day to learn each one (obviously not enough time for most), you’d be done in about 55 years (not counting all of the new applications introduced over the five and a half decades you’ve spent learning). Explore your Mac OS X software options here: http://guide.apple.com/
The other main thing to remember is that you get what you pay for: Macs actually cost less than most Windows PCs, by the time you add all of the extras to make it approach what the Mac already includes. Try it for yourself by matching features and pricing out Macs vs. Windows PCs online and you’ll see what we mean – just remember that with the Windows PC, you won’t be able to have Mac OS X, iLife and many other Mac-only applications. Lastly, how much is your time worth? There are no viruses, spyware, adware, or other malware on Macs. Macs just work.
Get a Mac today. You’ll thank us tomorrow.
Related MacDailyNews articles:
Apple Macs are less expensive than Dell PCs – April 24, 2005
Apple Macs are far easier, cost less to manage than Windows boxes – March 02, 2005
Want to switch to Mac? Mossberg answers common questions – November 10, 2005
Windows PC retailers face tough holiday season, meanwhile Apple stores are packed as Mac sales surge – November 09, 2005
Analyst estimates over a million Windows to Mac switchers during 2005’s first three quarters – November 07, 2005
Windows sufferers: It’s not your fault, but it is your problem – switch to Mac – November 07, 2005
Tech writer: Windows PCs highly vulnerable to zombie hijacking; get an Apple Mac instead – November 06, 2005
Windows switchers, now’s your chance: Apple Mac mini with Mac OS X Tiger for $379 – November 03, 2005
Computer columnist: anti-virus software purely optional for Apple Macs, not so for Windows – November 01, 2005
Microsoft apologists and why Apple’s Mac OS X has zero viruses – October 24, 2005
Mossberg: Every mainstream consumer doing typical tasks should consider Apple Mac – October 13, 2005
Mossberg: Switching from Windows to Mac – software not an expensive proposition – September 30, 2005
$500 bounty offered for proof of first Apple Mac OS X virus – September 27, 2005
Symantec: 10,866 new Microsoft Windows virus and worm variants in first half 2005 – September 19, 2005
Hackers already targeting viruses for Microsoft’s Windows Vista – August 04, 2005
16-percent of computer users are unaffected by viruses, malware because they use Apple Macs – June 15, 2005
Mossberg offers resources for Windows users interested in switching to Apple Mac – August 18, 2005
ZDNet: How many Mac OS X users affected by the last 100 viruses? None, zero, not one, not ever – August 18, 2005
Intel CEO Otellini: If you want security now, buy a Macintosh instead of a Wintel PC – May 25, 2005
Mossberg: Apple’s Tiger ‘the best, most advanced personal computer operating system on the market’ – April 28, 2005
97,467 Microsoft Windows viruses vs. zero for Apple Mac’s OS X – April 05, 2005
MDN: “Macs actually cost less than most Windows PCs, by the time you add all of the extras to make it approach what the Mac already includes.”
What extras does a Windows PC owner have to buy?
Can you give me a list.
“…and continue to be free of viruses, spyware, browser hijackings and many other Windows diseases.” Maybe “they”, meaning the press, is beginning to get it without the qualifications.
Just got word from a family member who reluctatntly switched on my word alone…: “I love my Mac! This is so fun and easy to use!”
In short, I have never heard anything that would remotely require TWO exclamation pointsw from this individual.
For those who have not switched– switch and get loud!
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Jimmy JJ,
MDN asked you to try it yourself. Things that are included in an iMac G5, for one example:
• Slot-loading 8x SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
• Built-in iSight video camera
• ATI Radeon X600 XT with 128MB DDR SDRAM; PCI-Express
• Two FireWire 400 ports; three USB 2.0 ports, two USB 1.1 ports (on keyboard); VGA output; S-video and composite video output
• Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit)
• Built-in 54 Mbps AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (802.11g)3; built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) module.
Plus, of course, the software and operating system that can’t be matched for any price:
• Mac OS X version 10.4 Tiger
• Front Row
• iLife ’05 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand)
• Photo Booth
• Mail
• Dashboard
• Spotlight
• iChat
• Safari
• iSync
• iCal
• DVD Player
• Address Book
• AppleWorks
• and more
Plus these bundled applications:
• Quicken 2006 for Mac
• 2006 World Book
• Nanosaur 2
• Marble Blast Gold
• and more
And more. Go ahead, spec out a Mac against a Dell as best you can and see the truth: Macs are less expensive, plus you can only get Mac OS X Tiger on a Mac. Even without factoring in no wasted time with viruses, malware, anti-virus software having to run, spyware, etc., the Mac costs less.
“What extras does a Windows PC owner have to buy?
Can you give me a list.”
The extras will typically consist of FireWire and Optical drive choice (either Combo Drive or SuperDrive). One of the two optical drives are standard on any Mac you buy, while you usually have to upgrade to a Combo Drive or SuperDrive if you’re buying a Windows box (usually from a CD-Rom, CD Burner, or DVD-Rom Drive).
As for software, you have to try to find something like iLife for the PC (good luck), not to mention all of the third-party software that comes with a Mac (ex: Quicken, QuickBooks, World Book, Marble Blast, Nanosaur 2, etc).
And you still won’t have Mac OS X.
Michael also pointed something out I forgot. All portables, iMacs and two out of the three Mac minis all include WiFi and Bluetooth.
If you happen to buy a low end Mac mini (not a good value) or a Power Mac, you can buy the WiFi+Bluetooth module as an option for $99 USD.
Macs are less expensive
—
It’s a crime to let a fool keep his money. Stupidity has been expensive since the dawn of time. This is news?
Hey, what do you expect, when you let your 12 yr old ‘gamer’ son pick out your home computer?
MDN has gotten it right once again. Good job!
What they left out is: It simply works…better.
Plus for a PC you need to add:
* Delivery (with taxes)
* Norton Anti-virus (or similar)
* RAM upgrade since shared video RAM is insufficient
* Office (no AppleWorks)
* Anti-spyware, anti-popup software
* Upgrade from Windows Home to Professional
Ask a PC and a Mac user how much they ‘actually’ spent in the first 6 months on their system. Mac users tend to buy more things to do more. PC users tend to buy more to just keep it alive. IMHO.
Don´t flame me I own a Mac.
—————————–
I just a bought a PC for my son (he´s a gamer)-
It came with:
Intel® Pentium® D Processor 830
3.0 GHz, 2 x 1 MB L2 Cache, 800 MHz FSB
1024 MB DDR2 SDRAM mit 533 MHz
Harddrive 250 GB
8 MB Cache S-ATA 150 Interface
7200 U/Min.
NVIDIA® GeForce™ 6700 XL High End Grafikkarte
128 MB PCI-Express
# SONY® 16x Dual Layer, Multi-Standard DVD-/CD-Burner with Lightscribe-Technology.
# SONY® 16x DVD-ROM
Built-in 8-in-1 memory card reader
6 x USB 2.0
2 x Front, 4 x Back
2 x FireWire (IEEE 1394)
1 x Front, 1 x BAck
VGA output; S-video and composite video output
• Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit)
• Built-in 54 Mbps Wi-Fi (802.11g);
built-in Bluetooth
Plus wired to get 2 different channels of TV.
Plus
Remote control for TV watching
Wireless keyboard
Wireless, optical multi-button Mouse
Headset with micorphone
V.90 Modem
—
# Microsoft® Word
# Microsoft® Works 8.5
# Microsoft® Photo 2006 Standard Edition
# Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 2006
# Microsoft® AutoRoute™ 2006 Essentials
5 Programs for Video- und Audio
* PowerCinema 4.7
* PowerProducer 3
* PowerDirector 4.0 SE
* PowerDVD 6
* Medi@Show
Plus lots of other software – Yeah, I know its not as good as the Apple software.
Total price (no monitor): $1,176.28 (that is with sales tax included).
I added a 19 inch, flat screen LCD monitor with 2ms reaction time that cost $352.05 tax included.
As a Mac owner from what little I have seen my son working with his PC (he´s only had it a week) I have to say the PC is impressive with its speed. Very snappy.
He´s happy.
———————
And remember this is about hardware (and software – maybe) included in the Mac vs. PC computer – not a comparison of the OS….
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of registry maintenance software in the long term if you buy a PC!!
MDN–What are you telling us all this great stuff about Macs? Do you ever go on a windows site and tell them? Everyone on this site knows all this info. it’s the rest of the world that needs to know.
“shootout” is the search term to look for. Here is but one site: http://www.systemshootouts.org/
ron,
MacDailyNews is listed on Google news. Non-Mac users read that headline and click to visit here.
David Reeves,
Let us know how snappy that Windows PC you got for your son is in a few months. I bet you that it slows down considerably. Time to erase the hard drive and reinstall Windows. Get used to it, you’ll be doing it biannually. How much did you save, again?
Er. . .that should be “system shootout”
Holy Mackeral- “Ask a PC and a Mac user how much they ‘actually’ spent in the first 6 months on their system.”
I own both Macs and PCs – spent nothing (other than professional graphics software and increasing RAM to 1GB) in first 3-5 years on my PCs.
Same with Macs.
Holy Mackeral- “Mac users tend to buy more things to do more. PC users tend to buy more to just keep it alive.”
B.S. And before OSX, Macs totally sucked with crashing and freezing up. (I had Powerbook Lombard 400 that went through 4 keyboards and 3 logicboards before some body told me the processor was a defect out of warranty.)
Holy Mackeral-“Delivery (with taxes)”. Oh yeah? Bought mine at a store – no deliver.
Holy Mackeral-“Anti-spyware, anti-popup software”. Its free off the internet.
Holy Mackeral-“Office” Mine came with it installed when I bought it.
I like my Macs and PCs they work fine everyday.
Looking forward to buying a new Mactel when they come out.
Fred Mertz: “Let us know how snappy that Windows PC you got for your son is in a few months. I bet you that it slows down considerably. Time to erase the hard drive and reinstall Windows. Get used to it, you’ll be doing it biannually. How much did you save, again?”
Actually we do have another Windows PC – my college going daughter has it. She got it three years ago while still in high school. It runs on Windows XP. She has never had a problem with it that I recall. Never erased the hard drive or reinstalled Windows. I can´t ever remember her saying it goes slower. But she just uses it for writing papers and surfing the internet and iTunes for her iPod.
Guess we are just lucky with her PC. Sorry you have had bad experiences with yours.
Macintosh OS X, iLife, iChat AV, et al are great.
But the main reason why I’ve owned Macs since 1984 is because I get to be such a damn snob!
Jobs is vegetarian; you have no idea what B & G taste like. Oh the horror!
The Macs may be far superior in both OS and software. However, it isn’t going to see major marketshare gains until there are more games for it. Period. People wil suffer with am inferior OS, as long as they can get the latest version of Doom. Perhaps with this new generation of gaming machines, the focus of games on computers will become less important, but I doubt it.
All you have to do to compare the OS is just watch the CEO’s do their presentations of their OS systems, and youll clearly see who’s the better.
I think that you forget something about the fact that Macs are cheaper than windows! Usually, Macs lives longer than PC’s; our regular computers are 10, 8 and 6 years old and all do their job perfectly. None have ever broken, so we never had to put more cash on it or lose time for failure…
So, let’s do the math: a computer that lives, let say, twice as long, cost twice less…
I only know one PC owner who still use is 6 years old very slow PC, but he keeps having problems with it every 3 months or less: virus, hard-disk reformatting and constantly reinstalling Windows XP. Ouppsss, just find out that he’s PC is dead now…
As for “Ray Lane” saying about games, I don’t really believe that this is important. Don’t know anyone who plays game with its computer, other than basic card and memory ones… In fact, in the 16 years that I have been using computer, I don’t really remember meeting a real gamer on computer. But I know some using game machines; usually teens and younger child.
Wow. David Reeves went out of his way to avoid irritating Mac fans:
“Don’t flame me I own a Mac.”
Still kind of gets flamed:
Fred Mertz: “Let us know how snappy that Windows PC you got for your son is in a few months. I bet you that it slows down considerably. Time to erase the hard drive and reinstall Windows. Get used to it, you’ll be doing it biannually. How much did you save, again?”
David, your response was very cool: “Sorry you have had bad experiences with yours.”
Fred’s point is valid, but David didn’t buy the Windows box for productivity.
I understand buying a Windows machine for a gamer looking for more options (and maybe upgrade opportunities) than consoles allow. Macs usually get ports, and those games that are ported are often months behind the PC versions. For me, that’s fine because I don’t use my computer for gaming. For a gamer, however, Windows makes sense, though I’d want a Mac for everything else.
I’m hopeful that the Macs with Intel Inside will offer game developers easier porting opportunities or offer gamers the option of playing Windows games on the Mac without emulation.
Bring on Macworld 2006.
Well, we have a Windows PC in our house. My son wanted one to play games that are only available on Windows and I told him that one of the two advantages of a windows box is that you can build your own (the other is there are more games which is the reason he wanted it in the first place). So if you want one of those things in my house you will have to sneak it in piece by piece
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Anyway, he did end up building one and I think it was for much cheaper than you could buy a similarly spec’ed ready-made Windoze box or a Mac. He has ended up re-installing the OS three times in the first year and of course has been infected with various malware. He is happy that he can play the games but is starting to get tired of all the work he is having to put in to keep it running – especially when he sees all the Macs in the house running with virtually no maintenance issues at all. Also, he ends up borrowing my machine when he has to do homework for school that involves video and DVDs cuz nothing he has on his box comes even close to what you get included from the get go with the Mac.
Now, having lived in both worlds so to speak, he more fully realizes how much nicer things are on the Mac and has said that when we get him a laptop for college he wants a Mac because he will need it to just work and be reliable and he doesn’t want to have to be rushing to fix it in time to finish his homework. He says he just wishes that there were more games available on the Mac, sooner. I have told him that as the Mac’s market share goes up this will probably get better.
Anyway, having gone out and tested the waters in the windoze world, he is now firmly back in the Mac camp. He has even modded the interface of his box so it looks like a Mac (which I find vaguely obscene in some way but it IS his computer after all).
I don’t like Macs because I am a member of a “cult” or have been brainwashed. I like them because they have been made by a team of people whose goal is not “good enough” but “insanely great” and it shows. They aim for making the very best computer in the whole world with the best user experience and I think they have succeeded. And the reason I wax eloquent sometimes on the benefits of the Mac to windows users is because most of them have no clue that there really is a better solution out there. They just don’t realize most of the frustrations they are suffering through just don’t have to be. There is a better way and it is not even more expensive when you add in all the costs. The Mac is the best kept secret that is not a secret in the computing world. And once a windows user gives in, buys a Mac, and gets used to doing things the simpler Mac way (which can be a frustrating period for a higher power windows user), I am convinced they will be much happier with their computing experience. In fact I know this is true because again and again, people who I have “switched” have come back to thank me profusely for letting them in on the “secret”. Macs aren’t perfect but they are the very best product available on the market today and they don’t even cost more money.
Can a genius tell me why Apple includes the wireless options in a sub-2K iMac, yet PowerMac G5 wannabe’s have to pay *extra* for these?