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Apple or PC?

I am in the market for a notebook computer to use for University. I will be using it for research, writing papers (word/excel), sometimes taking notes in class, music, some photo editing, the odd DVD on trips, and internet surfing. It must be around a 12" and under 5 pounds with good battery life. I have been reading and it's my understanding mac OS X is a more stable operating system and that it is more secure from spy-ware and virusus. They also have 128Bit enscryption I hear as well. The powerbook 12" model looks perfect for my needs but my buddy who is a computer guru says macs are only good for photo editing and I will run into compatibility issues with the mac becasue they dont use a system registry or something like that. What should I do?
slov_dream
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I third MWilson's suggestion of asking your University what they recommend (and it might be specific to your college/school within the University). It's quite possible that the science department would recommend a PC, while the fine arts department would recommend a Mac. But ask. You won't be using the same computer three years from now anyway.
slov_dream OP
24 posts
 
From the research I have done it seems OS X is safer than XP out of box. 128bit encryption, password keychains, all port entries turned off by default, software firewall, Virex.
eastein
82 posts
 
I have an IBM Thinkpad and Mac G4 Titanium laptop, both are excellent. In addition to the above mentioned items the screen on the Mac is definitely a step up from the IBM particularly noticeable when using photoshop or similar. The battery was better on the IBM when it was new but now the older Mac's battery lasts longer. The support option on the Mac is also excellent. I could live with either machine.

I also have a cheapo dell laptop at work and the screen, keyboard, battery, and ergonomics are no comparison to either the Mac or IBM.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
I've been digitally retouching and enhancing famous women's faces and boobs in LA for the last eight years on all sorts of Macs. If it weren't for Apple, I wouldn't be able to afford Audiogon.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
As a loyal Mac-Jihadist, I have to agree with the comments regarding Macs being as vulnerable to viruses as PCs.

I've been the victim of a few nasty Apple bugs, and I believe the only reason there aren't more of them is because people that write these little nasties want to effect the largest group they can. With the mass of PCs out there, it's a no-brainer.

Also, since I push around files that get as large as 4-5 gigs when working, I bring my G5 running OSX to its knees quite regularly. On the other hand, when surfing and puttering around in iMovie, iDVD, etc. on my little Cube, it remains quite happy.
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