Should I buy a Mac?

[rocketpig]

Words Of Wisdom said:

TheRealMafoo said:

Who ever really buys a laptop that can only do what one "needs". I mean if you really look at it as needs, who needs one? Most of the world does just fine without internet at all. A laptop (esp for the OP) is a quality of life issue, not a requirement.

Also, to a point about value, a Mac will last longer than two/three windows PC's. The PowerBook G3, that was released in 1998 runs Tiger relatively well. This OS will stay relevant in the world for at least another 5 years.

That means a Mac can have a useful life for 15 years (provided it does not break). This cannot be done in the windows world, not even close. If a user was willing to learn Linux, they could get 15 years out of a laptop, but that's because it's doing the same thing OSX is doing (running a light/fast kernel). The mainstream is not going to learn Linux.

I bought my 17” MBP coming on two years ago. When Leopard came out, I upgraded without a hitch, and my computer still screams. Never do I sit and think I wish I had a new Mac.

These are factors that play heavy into a computers value.

 

I don't particularly like arguing with very pro-mac individuals however this is deceitful. Apple is notorious for updates which are very much not backwards compatible and mandating a new system/OS be installed. Saying that a Mac will "last longer" when updates significantly limit its lifespan is misleading and while you can argue that you don't need to update, at that point you're sacrificing part of the Mac advantage which is the ever evolving software.

I also believe that it's very misleading to say that Macs last longer overall. I've had my current desktop machine for 7 years now and it runs perfectly. This is not due to magic or Windows machines running more smoothly or lack of use. In fact, it dualboots XP and F7, and I get a lot of use out of it. However, I also take very good care of it. I take time to clean it and dust it out with a can of air periodically, I don't sit it directly on the floor or carpet...etc. Simple things like those can drastically improve the life of any computer.

+1.

And I'm a Mac user. Apple's OS upgrade cycle is obnoxious and the inability to swap hardware parts can actually lead to a shorter life span in some regards.

If you don't do anything beyond word processing or web browsing, sure, Macs last a long time. Just like a well cared for PC would.