Received a new MacPro today and within a matter of minutes, had a brand new server up and running.

Dual Proc 2.8 Quad Core Xeon Processors (that's 8 cores)
4GB of RAM
500GBx2 RAID 1 (mirrored HD's)
500GBx1 TimeMachine HD - backups up in real time the working HD up to a month.
Mac OS X 10.5 Server

(RAM and HD's were purchased elsewhere. I don't pay Apple for components. Took all of 2 seconds to swap/add the disks and ram).

For those that don't know about TimeMachine in OS X 10.5, you should look it up. It's way past coolness.

Gotta admit, that was by far the fastest and easiest *complete* server I've had the pleasure of setting up. Two layers of backup, out of the box.

Sorry Parker, those are hippie computers - they only make up about 8% of the market, so somethings got to be wrong with them, right?

Yup.

They just work.

I have no idea what you're talking about. However, I've been thinking of replacing my PC at home with a laptop. A couple former (retired) co-workers have Apple laptops that they use(d) for home and business. They're both very frugal and chose Macs at twice the price of PCs. There must be a method to that madness that I don't understand. Wazzup Parker?

Sg

Use one sometime. They are totally user friendly and intuitive, and they are invulnerable to all the viruses and bullshi% out there because it is all written in code for PC's. Mac users are GLAD only 8% of the population use them.

No complaints within the first month of my Macbook...

Twice the price? Really?

Let's see......

I picked Apple's MacBook Pro as my "base". I configured a 15.4" glossy screen MacBook Pro with the following goodies:

2.6 GHZ Core2Duo Processor
Mac OS X 10.5
2GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM (2 SIMMS)
200GB SATA 7200 RPM HD
Screen resolution of 1440x900
NVIDIA GeForce 8600m graphics card.
Bluetooth and wirleless built in.
8X *Dual* layer DVD +- burner

$2704.

Moving over to Dell's site, the closest model I could find would be the Latitude D830.

2.6 GHZ Core2Duo Processor
Vista Premium
2GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM (2 SIMMS)
160GB 7200 HD
8X DVD+-/RW (single lawer) burner.
Screen resolution of 1440x900
NVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M video card
Wireless & Bluetooth cards added.

$2440.

Is Apple going to always be more expensive then a *similar* Dell, IBM ,etc? Yes. But, not by much.

Advantages to Apple:

OSX hands down is a big advantage over Vista.
The i* fleet of software that comes with every Mac hands down leads the industry in "out of the box" productivity.
The apple is lighter.
Dual layer burner
Video card is faster.
Macs can RUN windows software.
Built in external DVI capabilities.
Built in FireWire. 400 and 800MB.

Advantages to Dell:

Better standard warranty (3 years compared to 90 days)
"Cheaper" in price by $300.

Honestly, at a $300 price difference, the Mac can do EVERYTHING that PC can and more.

Apple excels at "ease of use" and "it just works".

One can NOT say that about any WinTel computer, running any OS (XP, Vista, Linux, etc)

There is a reason why I use Macs to support PC's at my work. My Mac can and does do everything and anything those PC's can do, and then some.

In general, it's a false statement to say that Macs are much more expensive then PC's. Apple just doesn't believe in "low end" components. They don't give a user the option of buying crap.

Spec out *any* Mac and you'll see that they are not "over-the-top" expensive. Are they more? Sure. But the amount you'll save on aspirin alone (due to all the freakin' headaches you'll get using a PC) will more than make up for that!

As Sol said, sit down and use on. It will "just work". It will treat you well. You'll actually *like* to use your computer. You won't fight it on a daily basis.

What's that worth to you?

"Macs can RUN windows software."

But only because they have to deal with the neanderthal masses using PC's!

I am still forced to use PC's at work, when will it end? Windows 2000 = Mac '89. Vista = ?

Unfortunately 94% of the business world is still operating on PC's...Wonder how long that will take till it gets balanced out?

I find it funny that Steve Jobs basically said:

"Sure. We'll let you run Windows software on our hardware. Go for it."

"What? You want to run the Mac OS on a PC? Fark off. Buy a Mac!"



PS. I don't personally agree in that decision, but I don't run Apple, either. I just find it funny.

probably never. I don't buy macs because my career is in Tandem and IBM and you won't ever see a mac in that world. And that world is full of fortune 500 companies. Most large companies lease their PC's and laptops from Dell. That way they get swapped for the latest and greatest periodically without the added cost.

I think that's cool. Putting pride of authorship above potential income. Steve Jobs kicks ass. Nice to see everyone in America isn't a sell-out for cash.

My oldest son uses nothing but Mac's. His house is crammed with an incredible list of electronic gadgetry. And while I am not nearly as technically competant as him or Parker, I know that no matter what I've hauled over to his house from my PC's, his Mac's deal with it as if it had been written for the Mac OS. It IS impressive. So what do I do with all the PC's in this room? I've got some pretty high end stuff and it all works perfectly, but that's because I stay on top of the occasional problem. Difference? I've never seen my son with a damn computer problem. hmmmmm there must be a message in all this....

Yup.

It's why 90% of the computers around here are Dell and/or WinTel.

We can't afford high-end computers for everyone. And, everyone doesn't need a dual-proc server processor computer, either. We can afford a good mid-range computer and monitor for $1500-$2000 per seat, though.

The good thing about Dell is that I can configure *any* computer to fit *any* budget, which is usually Priority #1 around these parts.

Fortunately, as the "Computer Guy", I get to buck the trend! I get all the cool toys!

Yup.

PC's keep me in business!

my preference is to use the free computers provided by my company, they are dells, they are easy to use. I dont need the coolest , I need the freeest.... works for me,

The message is "the computer guru" uses macs!

PS you're preaching to the converted with me

I'm scared to buy a MAC. It seems similar to joining a cult.

i used to be a big linux nut. unfortunately, the games i like to play on my PC won't run on linux, so i'm still on windows 2000. maybe if i can wean myself off of that foolishness i'll go back.

The new MacBook Air is something to behold. It' s no thicker than a magazine.

I'm prolly going to upgrade my current iMac for an improved version, but most likely not until next winter. It's always nice when you have access to the employee discount.

Damn Straight!

Thats why I own two!

Sol - saw your truck in the Albertson's parking lot today. Damn- it's purty.

It's bad ass, too. Of the thirteen people that work in this office I was the ONLY one that made it up the steep asphalt driveway on sheet-ice yesterday morning.

Parker,

Thanks for the cost comparison altho I have no idea what is being compared.

Since I have a Dell PC at work, would I be able to take stuff home (documents in Word and Excell) and use on a Mac?

For software, I use Word (hate it but forced to) and Excell. Also like Google Earth and have WA Topo at home. Seldom make music CDs but would like to do more of that. Surf the internet. That's about it for my computer use. It seems like your $2700 Mac is a bit more computer horsepower than I would ever use.

Sg

"It's bad ass, too."
It looks like it could crawl up a wall.

Yes, Steve.

let me see this straight. They bot have these fancy finger pushin buttons that let me talk to you fine folks at PP without sayin a word. They are the same thing.

i work in a flyshop. i have to buy crap....as in $600 laptops at best buy.

I understand Mac's are expensive, but if you buy one, you'll probably have trouble going back. Out of the box performance, no viruses, great customer service.

Being in the design profession I have a sincere appreciation of Apple's commitment where industrial design is at the core of it's principles in producing innovative products that are intuitive, aesthetic (fit/finish) and builds a connection with their users. Design drives the product and makes it successful, it comes from the top down. Companies try to copy or analyze how Apple does it, but they can never to commit or understand how to do it.

My first Apple was an Apple llc in 85. I first connected to the internet in 93 on a Performa. (There wasn't much of an internet back then. They actually had printed internet white pages with everyones email address and yellow pages.) I'm on my fifth Apple now, a Powerbook G4.

Parker, are the Mac's good for playing games on? I am building a new PC or at least picking out the parts. Was thinking about a mac but was told they are not gamer friendly. The games I am building the computer for are crysis, call of duty 4 and a few others like them. I was also looking at dell but I can get twice the computer built for less money.

If you want to see what games are compatible for Mac go to Apple.com and click on store then software then games. Most games for Mac are Strategy or educational, but there are a few action games out there. However, if you will be using your computer as videogame console, get a PC. Or better yet save a few hundred bucks and get an XBox Live. If you are using it for mostly Work, design, imaging, A&V, etc. then go Mac.

I have 6 PC'S at my store. One pc at home for email and surfing. And am building a gaming PC. For about 2k it will be pretty nice and that includes a 24" samsung monitor. I just havnt heard one bad thing about mac's so if they were good gamers I might switch it up. But I dont think that's the case.

If I were a gamer, I'd build a PC.