Coin giveaway so I can ask an OT question...Prizes awarded!!!
Stork
Posts: 5,206 ✭✭✭✭✭
I ordered the Libertad from APMEX...they were the cheapest source I could find.
I mentioned in my BST post that I'm considering a Macbook. I want to be able to do my ebay auctions and photos etc without hogging the home PC. We've already got the wireless set up so the sitter can use her laptop.
I'm debating about a laptop which will come out of my coin money (no 2007 proof Buffalo for me this year
...but what if I find that Really Cool Darkside coin too...)
I want to hear what Mac users think of their system and how hard it is to switch.
I'm pretty sure all I need is in that iLife program plus the student version of Office 'cause all I use now is Word and Powerpoint. I may even be able to get Office from work by paying a mere $20.
Any other useful and/or funny commentary is always welcome. Or even just a hello!
The Libertad will be by random 4 year old boy pick and a second prize to be determined will be by 9 year old boy pick and he will get to read most of the posts.
Cathy
EDITED TO ADD:
My 9 year old has spoken...amazingly he was not swayed by the zombies/ed,edd n eddie (he's not allowed to watch that one yet
). He instantly threw out anyone advocating a MAC as he is not happy with the Safari web browser?!?!!?!!. I was shocked he even knew what it was!! He went with the advice to go cheap so I could spend more on coins--clearly he is being raised properly. The prize is for Coinguy19 and is for a $20 shopping spree at the Cafe Press website set up by one of our forum members Darkside shopping.
My 4 year old was most impressed by Trozau's gold horsey. The boy is showing wonderful darkside quality taste--I had to take a break and show him my silver one. So Trozau gets the Libertad!
Thank you all for your advice. If I don't end up needing a new desktop soon I will be headed out for a nice PC laptop. Our photoediting software just died and we just bought a new Adobe program, so that makes a new PC less pricey already (I'm sure there's logic in there somewhere...).
If Trozau can pm his address and if Coinguy19 could go shopping and then send me a an address then the prizes can be on their way. Again, thank you for your input
Cathy
I mentioned in my BST post that I'm considering a Macbook. I want to be able to do my ebay auctions and photos etc without hogging the home PC. We've already got the wireless set up so the sitter can use her laptop.
I'm debating about a laptop which will come out of my coin money (no 2007 proof Buffalo for me this year
...but what if I find that Really Cool Darkside coin too...)I want to hear what Mac users think of their system and how hard it is to switch.
I'm pretty sure all I need is in that iLife program plus the student version of Office 'cause all I use now is Word and Powerpoint. I may even be able to get Office from work by paying a mere $20.
Any other useful and/or funny commentary is always welcome. Or even just a hello!
The Libertad will be by random 4 year old boy pick and a second prize to be determined will be by 9 year old boy pick and he will get to read most of the posts.
Cathy
EDITED TO ADD:
My 9 year old has spoken...amazingly he was not swayed by the zombies/ed,edd n eddie (he's not allowed to watch that one yet
). He instantly threw out anyone advocating a MAC as he is not happy with the Safari web browser?!?!!?!!. I was shocked he even knew what it was!! He went with the advice to go cheap so I could spend more on coins--clearly he is being raised properly. The prize is for Coinguy19 and is for a $20 shopping spree at the Cafe Press website set up by one of our forum members Darkside shopping. My 4 year old was most impressed by Trozau's gold horsey
. The boy is showing wonderful darkside quality taste--I had to take a break and show him my silver one. So Trozau gets the Libertad!Thank you all for your advice. If I don't end up needing a new desktop soon I will be headed out for a nice PC laptop. Our photoediting software just died and we just bought a new Adobe program, so that makes a new PC less pricey already (I'm sure there's logic in there somewhere...).
If Trozau can pm his address and if Coinguy19 could go shopping and then send me a an address then the prizes can be on their way. Again, thank you for your input
Cathy
0
Comments
I have a few toughts/comments that may ........by wild accident.......be helpful.
First please understand that I have no idea of the cost differences in a Mac and a PC.
Personally I would go for a reasonablt good grade laptop. The PC is more compatible with so much soffware (like it or not) than a Mac and can be, if needed upgraded in the future. We really never know for sure what we may being using a computer a year from now, or at least i have never been able to fore cast my needs.
Do not enter me in your giveaway, I am only passing on some comments to make you think about it
1-Dammit Boy Oct 14,2003
International Coins
"A work in progress"
Wayne
eBay registered name:
Hard_ Search (buyer/bidder, a small time seller)
e-mail: wayne.whatley@gmail.com
I think the PC guy is funnier than the Mac guy in the commercials. All things being equal I'd get the PC then.
Seriously, if you're not likely to be adding exotic software programs, it seems to come down to price, style and durability. I do not know how Mac durability stacks up to the competition, can anyone enlighten?
Thanks for the giveaway chance. My 9 year old says zombie movies are cool, if that influences your 9 year old any....
The Mac is appealing to me on the virus aspect, and the stability of the operating system and how seamless it is. I'm so tired of this old Sony Vaio slowing down every time the Norton gets upgraded. It also has a tendency to lock and need rebooting. It's getting a little elderly which could be part of it, but it just seems like it's one patch after another.
Plus I am so not a power user! I surf the internet. I play with pictures a tiny bit. I have my iTunes. I burn the occasiona CD with pix or tunes. I make the occasional Powerpoint for work and I do wordprocessing. I'm not too worried about the latest and greatest programs and I don't worry about the fastest processors. I don't even do Quicken (though maybe I should
At one time Mac had a great advantage in the field of graphic design; the best software was only available for the Mac. That is no longer the case; the best software is available for both platforms now.
Macs still carry somewhat of a price premium, although not as much as they once did.
With a PC, you have more options when it comes to buying hardware and/or upgrading.
You will find a huge disparity in favor of the PC with respect to freeware and shareware software and utilities. Far more people develop for the PC than the Mac. You simply have far more options on the PC when investigating software for any given function.
That being said, the Macs have a "coolness" factor advantage over the PC, if that's important to you. It isn't to me; I'd rather be more cost-effective in both my initial purchase and potential upgrades down the line.
I second the notion to abandoning Internet Explorer on the PC. While version 7 is infinitely better than 6 was, it still is an exploitable product. I've used FireFox as my browser of choice for years now, and the only time I ever fire up MSIE is when I have to test web page design...
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Oh and speaking for my 3 year old - Postman Pat and Curious George are favorites at the moment
Please enter me in the giveaway
Dr J
My omnicoin collection (or how my coin photography has progressed)
For years I have been a Mac man but have changed to PC after my Mac Desktop blew up!
I have found that my PC laptop is just great.
Take care
Tony
Web: www.tonyharmer.org
Why step over the dollar to get to the cent? Because it's a 55DDO.
<< <i>You will definitely have more versatility with a PC with the amount of programming available. Mac's aren't virus prone either. If there were as many Mac's as there were PC's you'd see just as many virus's come available. Mac's have loopholes and vulnerabilites just like any other piece of software out there, it's just that hackers aren't cracking codes or manipulating programs because they want to infect more than a small section of the populace. >>
And I thought it was because all virus writers use Macs!
Dr J
My omnicoin collection (or how my coin photography has progressed)
If you are looking for versatility and to save some money - go with a PC. Unless you go places you shouldn't on the Internet, or open dubious e-mails - you're relatively safe from viruses, trojans, browser hi-jackers, etc. Make sure you have an up-to-date virus software, as well. Also Wi-Fi, 520 MB+ RAM, 60+ GB Hard Drive, CD/DVD R/W. If you don't abuse it - it should last you for a few years.
Cheers,
~Roman
8 Reales Madness Collection
I gotta' admit, i've been impressed by Macs and finding out some facts on their recent commercials. However, for the types of software i run, i find they are easier to locate (and cheaper) for PCs than Mac. I know many architects, graphic designers and artists like the Macs, but problems aside, the PC has been my choice for years now.
thanks!
Doug
But, I'm on the power-user/admin/developer side of things, so my perspective is a bit different.
What other have said so far is true. PCs are more versatile, cheaper, and have a wider array of software to choose from.
Macs score high on the coolness factor, have a nicer interface and have highly specialized software for media.
On the topic of viruses, Macs do indeed have them and plenty of them. The difference is that for every Mac virus, there are 1000000 PC-Windows viruses. The reason is that for every Mac user, there are 1000000 PC users. It's simple economics.
Also, Norton/McAfee/etc. suck! Go with one of the free AVs like AVG of Avast.
Finally, one of the negatives of the PC-Windows world is the version of Windows called "Vista". Stay as far away from it as possible.
I can't tell you which to choose, that's a personal decision. But, if you go with a PC, my advice is to stick with Windows XP or move to Linux.
What I do recommend is to go to an Apple store and test-drive a Mac.
Just my $0.02
I am all Mac at home, but Windows at work, they both have their attributes and issues. I have been a personal Mac user for nearly 20 years.
Get what you like for the money you want to spend. I think the Mac OS has less issues than WXP, but opinions are like...
The newer Macs also run either Mac OS or Windows OS depending on the model(s) you are looking at.
Been thinking of a Mac laptop myslef, but I already have two iMacs in the house already....
Oh, you mean the computers!
I think Macs are too much like toys. I'd much rather have a system that gives me a technical challenge (so say nothing about aggravation), so the wybrit household is a PC household.
When it comes to coins, however, few top the Mac's.
<< <i>With a PC, you have more options when it comes to buying hardware and/or upgrading. >>
<< <i>get the cheapest computer that can do the job efficiently and won't break in a couple years >>
<< <i>choose what is the cheapest that will get the job done >>
<< <i>it seems to come down to price, style and durability. >>
<< <i>Macs are the best. No viruses, they're much more reliable, they last forever, >>
<< <i>I have found that my PC laptop is just great >>
<< <i>Make sure you have an up-to-date virus software, as well. Also Wi-Fi, 520 MB+ RAM, 60+ GB Hard Drive, CD/DVD R/W >>
<< <i>On the topic of viruses, Macs do indeed have them and plenty of them. >>
<< <i>I think the Mac OS has less issues than WXP, but opinions are like.. >>
<< <i>I'd much rather have a system that gives me a technical challenge (so say nothing about aggravation), so the wybrit household is a PC household. >>
<< <i>Plus you need to save as much money as you can for coin purchases >>
**!!
Many interesting comments as I expected. I was heavily leaning towards the Macbook at first, but really you all have made it more difficult to choose!
So there are MAC viruses--is there a good virus/firewall program for them too?
I went to build-a-dell and build-a-sony and to equip ones similar to the apples and they were actually the same if not more pricewise. On the other hand, I could go for a more stripped down version than the most basic Mac which would be cheaper (thanks for the shopping list Roman). I can go cheaper with a smaller hard drive/less memory and let's face it, to store (not manipulate) pictures, music and do some internet surfing, it's not like I need a powerhouse machine.
It does seem that the new PCs all want to give you Vista of some flavor...which means more homework to figure out, and probably more bugginess.
There is more flexibility with the PC, but I'm really after fewer choices not more. Sort of like the guys that don't ever sign up for their 401K because too many investment choices are overwhelming. Give them just a few to choose from and then they sign up. The 'technical challenge' some see as a benefit is a negative for me (forgive me as I play to my stereotype, but my first couple of computers were real powerhouses which was stupid for a non-gamer, non-graphic artist like me--alot of power went into playing minesweeper
So I'm still undecided
My libertads arrived BTW, so one is waiting to be given away. I've picked the second prize, but it's a suprise
Okay, my TTT is done now.
Cathy
You have to specifically ask for that when ordering, but make sure you do.
Vista, in my opinion, is still a Beta (P)OS. Your Laptop should run about $900.00,
but if you wait towards the end of Dell's fiscal 1/4, your can usually get some deals.
When I look at Apple's web site, the cheapest MacBook I see there is $1,099 and it only has a 13-inch screen. I can build a NICE PC laptop with a MUCH larger screen for the same amount.
If you want a screen bigger than 13" with Mac, that means the cheapest you can get is $1,999 ($2,799 for the 17-inch screen). At that price level I can put together a MONSTER PC-based laptop.
Are you looking for portable or a desktop replacement? You have to trade light weight and longer battery life against bigger screen and more horsepower.
FYI, with respect to Dell (which I wholeheartedly recommend), you can still build XP-based systems instead of Vista by purchasing through the "Small Business" portion of the site rather than "Home."
For example, right now I was able to configure the following at Dell Small business:
Inspiron 9400
Intel Core 2 Duo T5300 (2MB Cache, 1.73 GHz)
XP Home Edition
17-inch XGA+ screen
2GB RAM
120GB hard drive
8x CD/DVD writer (dual-layer DVD burning)
256MB ATI Mobility Radeon X1400
802.11g wireless
Cost: $999
Now, it doesn't have the same specs as the 17-inch MacBook Pro at $2,799 (which is the cheapest 17-inch MacBook Pro), but for the $1,800 difference I can more than make up the difference on the PC side.
My point is that when buying on the PC side, it isn't an all-or-nothing proposition. I can buy the above Dell base config at $999, or I can pick and choose a wide range of components to upgrade when building the configuration. I can choose at what price point I wish to be. Can't do that with the MacBook.
When I take the same Dell config above, and upgrade all the components to their maximum, going to a 2.16 GHz processor, 250GB hard drive, high-end wireless with an external router, adding Microsoft Office 2007, and a 4-year extended warranty, only then do I get to the level of the base config price of the 17-inch MacBook pro...
(of course these are just the 2 biggest vendor examples, Dell and Apple. YMMV with others...)
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Cathy
Finally, I know nothing of what sorts of horrible cartoons kids are watching nowadays, but I think my 11 year old brother-in-law likes Ed, Edd, and Eddy, so here's a picture of them to shamelessly try and sway your kids to vote for me
You can use something like OpenOffice which is just as good as MS-Office and is 100% free!
In general, check what software is getting bundled because chances are that you don't need any of that.
Another general comment: If you computer develops "issues" resulting in you needing someone to help you figure out what's wrong and fix it, you'll have a lot more luck finding someone with PC knowledge than someone with Mac knowledge. That person would also be cheaper. It may be important if you don't plan on spending time "under the hood".
8 Reales Madness Collection
<< <i>
My 9 year old has spoken...amazingly he was not swayed by the zombies/ed,edd n eddie (he's not allowed to watch that one yet
Good for him - Ed, Edd, n Eddie is a horrible cartoon. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe was where it was all at - today's cartoons are no good.
I knew I should have gone with this instead...