Advice: New Computer

[Kimmyt]

I use all kinds of computers, at work we have PCs with XP which isn't so bad. At my home pc which we rarely use I have Ubuntu Linux. I'm not too into computer stuff, and The Boy set it up for me, but it is used pretty similarly to XP. Then we have our lovely laptop, which is a Mac. We're currently lusting after a MacBook Pro, but haven't gotten it yet. The Boy is a Mac Fanboy so we have all things white and shiny. We just got Apple TV too which is sweet but the remote controls look like little ipods so it can get confusing.

Anyway, Macs are really user friendly, once you get past the initial learning phase. And you can get all your Microsoft-compatible programs for it so it would probably be ok to network into your work system. We have Excel and Word on our laptop, I'm still getting used to finding all my usual menu items, but it isn't so bad.

[Geonz]

I'm leaning towards the Mac-that-will-run-Windows. I've dabbled enough in the education and graphic arts world so I go both ways, though "user friendly" for most people simply often isn't for me. (Macs are always trying to tell me what I want to do, and if that's not it, there's no way to tell them "no! Do this!" HOwever, since that's what works for the rest of the world, PC's are pretty much designed that way, too... but not as intelligently so it's even more frustrating.)

[tulip]

In a generational twist, my Dad will ONLY use Macs; he's never used a PC! He has a MacBook Pro and, knowing him, will likely get an AirBook soon. He also has an iphone (and knows how to use it!)

I'm very systematic in my file structure, so I actually like the Windows folder setup. Dad has stuff all over his desktop, but somehow he finds it. He says it's like his desk--messy to others, but it makes sense to him.

We are in business together, and getting him to use the remote server for project files is a challenge, though.

[Susan126]

I have had four computers in 13 years. Windows 3.1, windows 98, xp (my current desktop) and now a vista laptop (hubby bought it for me this xmas). All of our computers DH built. No extra software just the programs I use and run. I have never had any issues in the 13 years (knock on wood) am I lucky?! YES! I still have all my software (I keep upgrading of course). When friends I know have issues with their computers it is usually due to all the crap software that is installed on the computer. My needs are simple. I have my word, power point, excel, adobe programs, capturing programs, web building software, email program (not outlook . . . I use incredimail and love it . . . have been using it since 2001), itunes, web browser IE, movie maker for creating my movies and burning to dvd, and basically that's about it. Maybe a few more I've missed but my xp desktop and my vista notebook are sweet and I love them! I'm set for another few years!

And connecting wirelessly is a breeze with my new vista laptop. I've signed up with vpn for a secure connection and it works like a charm.

VPN

You can find me in a bookstore or starbucks sometimes connected with my laptop!

Oh I do use a mac at work. I work in a school district that uses mainly pcs but a few of the older schools (mine) have macs and they are good too. Although currently we are having a few issues with them but our tech people are great.

[jesvetmed]

I'm yet another vote for Mac. We bought a desktop iMac (no processor box -- it's in the screen!), and a laptop 1.5 yrs ago. LOVE THEM. Never going back. For what it's worth... just looked over the June 2007 Consumer Reports, which goes over Vista vs. XP and discusses OS X Leopard (new Apple release); The Apple was listed as #1 Laptop, With the toshiba Satellite 2nd. For Desktop: Dell Dimension, then Apple iMac. That's about all I can tell you -- I'm no expert, I just use the stuff!

[KnottedYet]

PC Magazine rated the Mac laptop as the best at running Windows Vista!

Love it!

[Susan126]

It comes down to what you are happy with and what works for you. I'm no expert either and I am happy with my desktop and laptop. In the end it is your choice!

[firenze11]

My Dad is now using an iMac and loves it (it looks amazing without a tower and cords everywhere). He used to be all for PCs and I thought he'd never consider using a Mac. I think for a few weeks after he got it he didn't like it because he was learning how to use something new. He just told me the other day how happy he is with it now. He loves that it runs Windows XP and Leopard.

When my computer dies I'd like to get a Mac if I can afford one (or a refurbished one, I forgot about that Knot).

[Susan126]

I recommended macs to my two sisters, Sabrina and Christine. They are smart ladies but when it comes to computers well let's just say it's bad. They were always calling me and it was getting old. So when they asked me last year what they should buy for their next upgrade I recommended macs to them. They have macbooks. So far so good. Macs are the "people" computer like the volkswagon, that's how I like to compare them. Easy to use. Proof . . . even my two sisters are happy and I haven't had a call for help yet (going on 3 months now). My sis Sabrina well her husband is a doctor and he will not allow her to touch his pc. He has a den/library/home office where he conferences with other doctors on patients and his pc and other computer equipment is strictly forbidden to her. But he had a pc just for her use and she was just having a time with it. I told John to get her a mac. So now side by side is his elaborate setup next to her macbook. I should have her take a picture it's hilarious! Hey it works for both of them!
I even recommended the mac to my mother-in-law. I don't know if she bought one yet but I told her for her that's the way to go.

[OakLeaf]

What are all you power users using to run Windows on your Macs? VMWare Fusion? Parallels? BootCamp? How do you like them?

I just use Parallels 2.x for a couple things (DeLorme Street Atlas, Garmin Training Center and Sport Tracks, primarily). Haven't bothered to upgrade to 3.x because I use it so little. But I'm interested in your experiences.

[Geonz]

The local apple store was clearing out some MacBooks so I got one and upgraded the SRAM to 2G for a grand total of under $1100 which was less than I paid for the PC that died. I, too, had heard that Microsoft folks were running Vista off of Macs.
I'm going to try to find XP and get it on board, but I'll wait to see if I need to be parallel or not.
I pine for the days when I knew people who could build me computers I really miss the generic box ... and having WHAT I NEED, not a package. (However! Since these things are awfully culturally analogous to cars, why not make 'em look different? Tho' I think I'll take some markers to this one and have fun...)
Thanks for all the tips!!!

[ttaylor508]

What are all you power users using to run Windows on your Macs? VMWare Fusion? Parallels? BootCamp? How do you like them?

I just use Parallels 2.x for a couple things (DeLorme Street Atlas, Garmin Training Center and Sport Tracks, primarily). Haven't bothered to upgrade to 3.x because I use it so little. But I'm interested in your experiences.

I just upgraded my Mac last year to a Dual processor Mac Pro. I run Windows XP using Parallels. Very easy to install and use and I can have both systems running at the same time. I do web design so it is helpful to be able to test in multiple browsers and have them both open and not have to shut down and reboot when I want to switch to Windows as I believe is the case with Boot camp.

[Mr. SR500]

I switched to a Mac after 20+ years of PC's. Never looking back, a Mac is so much better for me. Does most everything I need or want easily and without problems. I run Office for Mac and have no problem with my spreadsheets, word docs, etc... My PC days are over.