My Next Laptop : Should I Go With a New Windows 7.0 PC or For an Apple MacBook Pro?
With the recent release of Microsoft's new operating system, Windows 7.0, I now have two enticing choices when it comes to getting a new laptop. I currently have a desktop PC running Vista (which isn’t as bad as some make it out to be) and an older model laptop. Thanks to a wireless network and common OS, I am able to share files across both PC’s; which gives me the benefit of a large screen with my desktop PC when at home, and the ability to work on the road with my laptop when inspiration strikes. However, my laptop of late has been acting up and been very slow. This is more due to the fact that it is over three years old and having my 4 yr old play games on it has left it worse for wear. So, after saving up, I have decided to take the plunge and buy a laptop during the upcoming holiday season given that’s when all the PC sales are on, and in anticipation of Windows 7.0.
In terms of hardware for my new laptop, my requirements are pretty standard. I want a light weight laptop, with a decent size screen (between 13” and 15.5”), at least 4MB of RAM, dual processor and a built in camera/microphone. I am not too worried about the hard drive, 250GB is more than enough, but what I really want is a laptop that gives me plenty of battery life. These requirements should give me a laptop that has some serious power and last 2-3 years; without paying a lot of extra money for a top-of-the-line gaming kind of laptop.
I had done my research and was all ready to go with a new Sony Vaio laptop, running the new Window OS. However at a friends house recently, I "played" with his new Apple MacBook Pro Laptop and after getting used to it's interface, realizaed that it was indeed a pretty cool machine. I already have an iPhone that I am quite happy with and have no problem with getting another Apple product. So to determine which laptop option I would go with (PC vs Mac), I did a basic pro's-con's list after my online and in-store research. This is summarized below:
Pro’s for Getting a Window's 7.0 based Laptop
~ Cheaper. Getting a new HP or Dell laptop with Window’s 7.0 loaded will cost me less than $1000 (which includes a 1 yr warranty and some decent accessories). A similar Apple notebook will cost around $1400.
~ I have worked with windows based PC’s for all my tech-life and despite all the bad press around Vista, I have had few issues with it. From the demo’s I have seen, Windows 7.0 has lots of cool media and user features that put it pretty close to the Apple (in my opinion anyway).
~ I use windows at work and having it at home means no compatibility issues when it comes to working at home and sharing files between my work and home PC.
~ There is a much larger range of Windows 7.0 PC's available (since Apple makes it own computers) and this diversity gives more options to get the features I want at the lowest possible price.
Cons for Dumping the Windows PC and Going with an Apple Notebook
~ Very sleek looking device that is easy to use. Despite my limited time with it, I can see why so many consumers are switching to Mac notebooks.
~ Will probably work better with my i-Phone and other media stuff I have around the house. Apple's new Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard Operating System is also supposed to have resolved a lot of Windows/Office compatibility issues in addition to being more stable and faster than comparable operating systems.
~ The Apple model I liked (Apple MacBook Pro MB991LL/A 13.3-Inch) was very light and has an excellent battery life. However this is offset by less hard drive space compared to PC’s.
~ Great reviews. Almost everyone I have talked to that has a MAC or Notebook has no complaints with it and say’s they won’t go back to a Windows PC. This is reflected in the many mainstream media reviews, and is the perception Microsoft is hoping to quash with it's new operating system.
Based on the above list I could go either way, price is still a big factor for me but I do like the Apple laptop feel and features. I will probably do a little more in-store research at my local Best Buy (Check out their Computer deals), but what choice do you think is best?
~ Forget buying a Laptop or Notebook - I am getting a Netbook
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October 24, 2009 1:42 AM
Go with a Macbook Pro!!!
I had a similar experience in choosing a PC or a Mac.
The reason: You can run Windows 7 on a Mac! using Bootcamp or Parallels Desktop.
October 24, 2009 1:43 AM
I switched to a Mac about a year ago after using Windows for 15 years, and though it cost me a bit more, I have never regretted it. Everything on a Mac is so tightly integrated and it just works. It's fast and the interface is elegant. Also after you settle in on the platform, you will find some awesome Mac only software that you will wonder how you got by without. The built in software is first rate (imovie, ichat, etc)
I know of over 15 ex PC users like myself that switched after many years of using Windows and they all say the same. No one regrets it and everyone says it is money well spent.
October 24, 2009 3:50 AM
In my opinion, you should go for windows 7. I read many reviews of the same and its features sounds great to me. In addition, windows are more user friendly in comparison to Mac i believe.
October 24, 2009 12:26 PM
Go with a PC. The Apple "hype" will soon finish and you'll realize why 90% of the world still uses a windows PC. Unless you are in the arts world, a PCis your best and cheapest choice.
October 25, 2009 1:46 AM
Great post! This is EXACTLY what I'm dealing with now. I bought the Macbook Pro 13" for $1,400 but return it since I promised I wouldn't splurge in Sept.
I've got a 5 year old iBook G4 now, with ZERO battery life.
I'm leaning towards another Mac come December sale season.
October 25, 2009 2:51 PM
Go with Windows 7.
I just bought a new PC with Windows 7 a few days ago and it is great.
October 25, 2009 4:19 PM
Get the MacBook Pro, no question. Yes, it's a little bit more, but you get a few things for your money. First, is outstanding quality hardware - both inside and out. It looks and feels more expensive and higher quality - and it will likely continue to feel that way for years to come. "Most" non-top-end windows laptops don't age very well.
Second, of course you get the fantastic Mac OS. After being a hardcore Windows user for ~15 years, I switched to Mac OS this year, and am kicking myself for waiting so long. Hard to describe ( i know, i hate saying it too ), but it's just easier to work on. I get more work done in less time.
No antivirus to fuss with. No 40 OS updates per week. No constant alerts for updates / av updates / security errors / whatever. Files are even organized more intelligently on the hard drive.
For the times you *Need* a windows app and there is no Mac equivalent, you can buy VMWare Fusion and install a Windows XP virtual machine. Load it up in a window, do what you have to, and shut it down. Meanwhile, Mac OS stays open, and all your Mac apps are unaffected.
No question, get the Mac. You will love it.
October 26, 2009 2:30 AM
I have never owned a mac, but I have played with it. I still prefer PCs. Easier to use and operate and more functional with the rest of the world. However, I did hear that if arts and design are your focus, you would want to consider a Mac.
Good luck with your decision.
October 26, 2009 5:12 AM
the macbook pro hands down. that the next piece of tech that i will buy. i see you and i have the same tastes when it comes to gadgetry :). i am using windows 7 as of now and i think it is very cool. this is what what ridiculous flop of an operating system that was vista should have been
October 26, 2009 9:55 AM
Wow! Thanks for all the great feedback folks, some great advice. Looks like a pretty even split for Windows and PC. I am still doing a little bit more of in-store research and may wait till the thanksgiving sales (black friday) to make my final purchase. Hard to beat PC prices at the moment. Sawa a $400 deal for a Asus laptop that meets most of my specs....but those Macs look so cool...
October 26, 2009 10:07 AM
Make a smart choice based on your needs.
1. Price
Why would you pay $1400? What do you plan to do with this? Run photoshop for professional purposes? Play high-end video games? Or surf the web and run MS Office.
Any computer out there of $500 or better will handle standard business use reliably with an easy user interface.
Spend only what you need to and invest the extra $900!
2. Reliability
These are myths from a decade ago. You won't see any reliability difference between the two platforms.
3. Compatability
Apple wants folks to think they are fully compatibile but they aren't. We live in a Windows world. If you use this for business, then getting an Apple is the wrong choice. Current Windows market share is more than 80% - much higher in business.
Buying an Apple for business use (outside of the graphic arts and music) is like buying a piccolo to play in the rock band. You might make beautiful music but it's the wrong instrument for the job.
3. Ease of Use
Apples are easy to use once you know how to use them - just like Windows. Again, the ease of use argument is a decade old myth. 10+ years ago there was a difference - today the ease of use expereince is equal across platforms AND when you switch you have to learn an entirely new system making it, effectively HARDER to use.
5. Battery and Weight
For $1400 ANY computer will be light weight with good battery life. It has nothing to do with the OS.
6. iPhone
With more than 80% of their customer susing Windows, Apple already made iPhone work well with Windows. There is no advantage here at all.
7. Mac People Love Macs
And Coke drinkers love Coke. And Pepsi drinkers love Pepsi. If you are making a decision based on how zealously someone enjoys their product, Apple is the choice - but if you are making a decision based on objective business needs - this isn't the reason to switch.
8. Everybody's Doing It
No. Apple is buying more ad time and for the first time in two decades their market share is actually increasing thanks to the success of the iPhone and iPod. The idea that all sorts of folks are switching is merely a product of good marketing. A couple of percentage points increase in usage is not a big change. Yes, Mac is doing better. No, the world isn't switching.
Again - why do you want this computer? If it is for entertainment and money is no object, buy whatever you want. If it is for work and you want to invest your funds wisely, Windows is the obvious answer.
October 26, 2009 12:20 PM
Go with the MB Pro, but seriously consider the Refurd offers on the Apple Store. I save a bunch that way for my wife's MacBook.
For work reasons, I use both systems (OS X, Win XP) and find both easy, but love the tight intergration on the Mac. Will be replacing our Sony desktop with a MacBook Pro 17" eventually.