There's no such thing as a stupid question, but they're the easiest to answer.
JoinTour
Login
 
Tag Cloud
audio avg avg 8 backup bios boot browser bsod computer cpu crash css desktop driver drivers dvd email error excel explorer firefox firefox 3 freeze game graphics hard drive hardware help please hijackthis hjt install internet internet explorer itunes javascript keyboard lan laptop malware missing monitor msn network networking openoffice outlook outlook 2003 outlook express php popups problem router screen seo slow sound sp3 spyware trojan usb video virtumonde virus vista vundo windows windows vista windows xp wireless word
Apple Macintosh
Search
Search in:
 
Advanced Search
Tech Support Guy Forums > Operating Systems > Apple Macintosh >
Trying To Make a Decision to Purchase Mac or Dell Computer


HELLO AND WELCOME! Before you can post your question, you'll have to register -- it's completely free! Click here to join today! We highly recommend that you print a copy of our Guide for New Members. Enjoy!

 
Thread Tools
Cinderellausa's Avatar
Junior Member with 16 posts.
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
04-May-2008, 11:47 PM #1
Trying To Make a Decision to Purchase Mac or Dell Computer
I am leaning towards purchasing an IMAC. I have owned Dell computers for years. Will it be easy to learn? How is the tech support? I am sick and tired of dealing with anti-virus and security software, therefore I thought this would be a nice change.
linskyjack's Avatar
Distinguished Member with 22,156 posts.
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
05-May-2008, 08:54 AM #2
There are tons of threads on this---the Mac is very easy to learn. There are plenty of good tutorials on Apples site. It use to be that the switch was made more difficult because many people owned a ton of Windows based software and would have to repurchase it in order to move over. Now, you can run both Windows and OsX on the same computer so there really isn't any reason not to switch.
__________________
Green
Headrush's Avatar
Senior Member with 381 posts.
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Experience: Advanced
05-May-2008, 08:48 PM #3
I'd say the new 24" iMac is the one to go with. The specs on that machine should handle pretty much anything you can throw at it now and for the future.

It is close to the same price I paid for a Dell XPS 420 with similar features but has the option of running either OS legally.
PhoenixLocksmith's Avatar
Computer Specs
Junior Member with 3 posts.
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Phoenix AZ
Experience: Intermediate
07-May-2008, 05:54 PM #4
You know, I could go into the Pro's and Cons, but the bottom line is that once you go Mac, you never go back. The software isn't difficult to learn, Apple tech support [over the phone & Live in person] is AMAZING!
cfink001's Avatar
Computer Specs
Junior Member with 17 posts.
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Huntersville, NC
Experience: Between Beginner & Intermediate
07-May-2008, 06:04 PM #5
You can run Windows Vista or XP on a Mac operating system with BootCamp, however, for $80 you can run a purely brilliant program called VMfusion that makes integration seamless. I'd choose a Mac, although I'd have to say for their hardware specs, it's a bit pricey for what you get.
PhoenixLocksmith's Avatar
Computer Specs
Junior Member with 3 posts.
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Phoenix AZ
Experience: Intermediate
07-May-2008, 07:43 PM #6
I haven't used VMfusion, but I've used Virtual PC in the past. It allows you to run a session of Windows directly within your Mac OS
pelokwin's Avatar
Computer Specs
Senior Member with 100 posts.
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: New Jersey
Experience: just learning to crawl
07-May-2008, 10:16 PM #7
I started my computer life on windows and I am a Mac user for just about a year.
It was sooooo easy to learn, I think it is a better OS and like the folks above said now you can run win. in Mac
I got three words for you GO FOR IT!!
__________________
I am just a passing thought
(Pelokwin uses iBookG4, Dell Dim.3000, and an older then dirt IBM Think Pad with Linux Puppy OS)
ferrija1's Avatar
Computer Specs
Distinguished Member with 9,429 posts.
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Experience: Mac Addict
07-May-2008, 10:21 PM #8
It takes a few days to really get going, and get past the time-wasters like the Dashboard, but then it's quite a seamless and intuitive experience. I'd say to go for the Mac and remember that you can always go back to....uh.......that other operating system.
__________________
覧覧覧覧覧 Gone On Vacation Until 7-12-08 覧覧覧覧覧

An expert is one who knows more and more about less and less until he knows absolutely everything about nothing.

macfan777's Avatar
Computer Specs
Senior Member with 125 posts.
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Experience: Adv. (Mac OS 10.5 & WM5)
11-May-2008, 09:37 PM #9
Definitely go with the Mac. One of the first things you'll notice is the intuitiveness. For example, when uninstalling an application, there'll be no more going through complicated menus and huge lists and uninstallers and options and hitting "Next" a dozen times, you just drag the program to the Trash. That kind of thing is what makes OS X such a "transparent" and enjoyable OS - it doesn't get in the way of what you want to do. Coming from Windows myself, I guarantee that not having to worry about keeping Windows running and simply letting the computer handle the details puts a whole new light on using a computer.

Also, check out http://www.apple.com/findouthow/mac/ for a bunch of great Mac video tutorials - it's probably the fastest way to get acquainted with the various programs and such.
Cinderellausa's Avatar
Junior Member with 16 posts.
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
15-May-2008, 02:24 AM #10
Thanks everyone!
ferrija1's Avatar
Computer Specs
Distinguished Member with 9,429 posts.
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Experience: Mac Addict
15-May-2008, 08:57 PM #11
What did you get? I have to know.
Cinderellausa's Avatar
Junior Member with 16 posts.
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
16-May-2008, 12:16 AM #12
Nothing yet. I looked at the IMac today. Amazing.
macfan777's Avatar
Computer Specs
Senior Member with 125 posts.
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Experience: Adv. (Mac OS 10.5 & WM5)
16-May-2008, 05:44 PM #13
Yeah, I've got the 2.4 GHz 20", and it's an amazing machine. I haven't had a single crash since when I got it in early December, and I run a webserver, Folding@Home, heavy video apps, Darwine, etc... The only thing that's crashed has been Office 2008!
SweaterVest014's Avatar
Computer Specs
Member with 43 posts.
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Experience: Beginner
17-May-2008, 05:51 PM #14
I would definitely go with the Mac. As a matter of fact, I'll be upgrading my iMac to Leopard and 2 GB of RAM when the shipments arrive in the next few days!
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

You Are Using:
Server ID
Advertisements do not imply our endorsement of that product or service.
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:13 PM.
Copyright © 1996 - 2008 TechGuy, Inc. All rights reserved.
Powered by vBulletin, Copyright © 2000 - 2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.1.0
Powered by Cermak Technologies, Inc.