For the last little while there has been an on-going debate in regards to which platform is the better choice. Allow me to clear the air:
The biggest difference of the two obviously being the operating systems (the platform & graphic user interface). Microsoft’s Windows XP, Vista, and 7 (all PC) are all dramatically different from Apple’s OS X Tiger, Leopard, and Snow Leopard (all Mac) operating systems. The only thing you need to determine before buying a computer is which operating system you’d like to use: Microsoft’s ‘Windows’, or Apple’s ‘OS X’.
All computers, whether Mac, PC, or otherwise, all run on the same fundamentals. Mac and PC processors operate the same way; memory, hard-drives, dvd burners, are all essentially the same. If you’re even slightly aware of the differences, you’re probably wondering why there is such a gap in price.
The eternal truth is that you get what you pay for; the difference in price has to be accounted somewhere, and it definitely is. The great news is that it’s never been better to be a Mac user than it is today, with the recent release of Apple’s new 10.6 OS X operating system, Snow Leopard.
Starting off strong, every year for a 4 month period during the summer, Apple promotes their brand by giving you a free 8GB iPod Touch ($259) and Canon Printer ($100). The truth is that you can apply each amount to any iPod and Printer they have on the shelf; the rebate in that amount comes back to you, after you’ve paid for it, 2-6 weeks after you’ve put the money up front. You don’t get the tax back, but regardless, you buy a new Mac and get a free iPod and printer? That’s already taking $350 off the final receipt. The only catch is that this rebate is only available to students, but Apple doesn’t do much to enforce it; you just show your student card and you’re set. Granted the majority of us aren’t students, but you can’t tell me it’s impossible to get your friend, nephew, son, son’s friend, teacher, or anyone to come along with you to the Apple store, and save you a couple hundred dollars.
Using software on a Mac is an experience that can’t be compared to Microsoft’s Windows. iPhoto, iMovie & iDVD, to name a few, are revolutionary easy to use applications which enhance your personal experiences. You can make personal DVDs, with interactive menus, easily, with just a few clicks. Import your photos and within minutes you could be ordering a personalized photo-book straight from Apple with a bunch of shots from your most recent vacation. The operating system itself functions so easily and with little to no “nagging” (something you would know plenty about, if you’ve used Windows Vista).
Every machine comes built with a powerful graphics card from NVIDIA, with minimum 256MB of memory. Simply put, it’s at least twice what comes standard with most other laptops and non-gamer desktop machines. Apple keeps this high standard so that should you decide to ever do any image or movie editing (which you’re bound to with your Mac) you have no issues being held back by your hardware. Most laptops today come with an integrated onboard memory capacity of 64MB or 128MB; it’s not just about how much, it’s about quality; ‘onboard memory’ is code to all experienced users for unreliable, disappointing strength. Apple machine’s have dedicated GPUs (graphic processing units) that deliver the quality you demand, whether you’re a novice or experienced user.
On the topic of laptops, you’ll also be pleased to know that the most recent hardware upgrades were accompanied by a few changes to the 13.3″ (base size) laptops that Apple sells. They reduced the MacBook family to one model, and made the MacBook Pros more affordable. They now are available in 13.3 inch models, with the base price of $1,399 ($1,299 education pricing). With this, they now make available the aluminum case, backlit keyboard, and never-before-seen 7 hour battery.
Apart from all these significant differences, we know that the Apple machine’s are more appealing
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