I have heard a lot that macs are by far the superior choice, I am just wondering what makes it the better choice?
What are some of the best features mac has to offer? I am seriously considering buying a mac mini.. I just wanted to know what was so good about them.
Thanks a lot,
Michael
First of all, Macs are not better, they are different.
They are what is commonly called a proprietary platform (opposite of open-source), meaning only one company owns the hardware - it's conception, design and construction is a standalone program exclusively run by Apple. It does outsource fabrication however, to companies like IBM and Motorola.
Proprietary technology does hold its advantages over open-source, but it also assumes several serious disadvantages, many of which crazy Mac-heads conveniently seem to overlook. These are generally the same people that complain about the Windows registry, viruses, and Spyware
.
PPC (Proprietary
Power
PC) vs. Open-Source PC:
Pros:
1. Probably the most important advantage is it's stronger Support Base
2. PPC is much more optimized for specific Apple proprietary and PPC exclusive apps (i.e. FCP, DVD Studio Pro, iDVD, etc).
3. Common amongst most proprietary platforms is the significantly smaller market base vs. open-source, making it much less of a target for malicious programs such as viruses and spyware - however, this isn't an issue for those who take the steps to educate themselves on how to avoid these problems.
Cons:
1. PPC incorporates newer computing technology MUCH slower than open-source
2. Much slower/weaker driver support for Non-Apple Hardware (video card drivers, etc)
3. Slower in terms of GUI response; cross-platform application performance; portable, dynamic language/interpretation program performance (Java, Flash, etc) and last but not least: games.
4. Much more expensive
5. Much more expensive upgrades
6. Very limited upgrade possibilities
7. Limited customization potential
As an ironic side note: Being very involved in the Apple Tier 2 Technician Community (the guys that provide Tech Support for Apple Technicians) I've come to notice that 90% of them use PCs instead of Macs at home... funny eh? It is of course the complete opposite in the Tier 1 (low-level tech support) Call Center.
Maybe that says something.
Anyways, all in all, it really all comes down to what you're into, and how much experience you have with computers.
P.S. In my signature I have the specs for both my G5 and my PC. My PC is easily 2x faster (somtimes more) in everything but video editing and cost a 1/3 of what my G5 cost.
Desolate One said:
Umm, Dell doesn't make PCs, they make landfill material..
so...
Why say Dell?