I've made the decision..

[MaudKip]

You don't. If you want to game, and the game isn't written for OS X, reboot (which, these days, doesn't take long at all), and game a way, then switch back to OS X when you want to do real things. I do that all the time since most of the programs I use run a bit better on OS X (photography shit).



However, Windows and OS X are much better supported than Linux is. I am still behind linux, but for highly technical things. I can't stand it for a daily-use OS. Too much to fiddle with to get it working in the first place, and you have to fiddle with it every time you want to add new hardware or install something.

I use it at work as a server and a workbench/data-recovery machine. Saving hard drives, showing me service manuals, and hosting a minecraft server.



I have to agree with the touchpad thing. I can't stand any other touchpads now that I've been using a MBP and MBA daily... gestures, single large button, and smooth as a hot girl's ass.

Another thing I have to give Apple is the build quality of their computers. I've owned many laptops in my time, and the only ones I haven't had fall apart on me within a few years has been my PowerBook. And the MBP and MBA I have now feel even more sturdy than that! I think the only other manufacturer that can hold a flame up to the build quality is IBM/Lenovo.

And don't get me wrong - I still use a PC. I use one on a daily basis, along side Apples.

I have used several different distros and had no problem with any of them except tuning graphic drivers for my old shit compaq. When I want to install something I just go to the repository.

[Jack90]

I have used several different distros and had no problem with any of them except tuning graphic drivers for my old shit compaq. When I want to install something I just go to the repository.

The problem I most often have is with some of the hardware I use, specifically wireless drivers. They either don't work right, or won't work with specific networks. We use a 802.1x network at work - not very friendly with Linux wireless unless you have it working just right. And even when it does work, it'll stop working.

[Anthony G]

You guys are awesome.

[Jack90]

You guys are awesome.

We love you.

[jefftheworld]

Honestly, I have nothing against Apple computers. However, you have to know that the cost of an Apple computer is far, far greater than an equivalent computer from another brand.

Your logic that Windows can be installed on Mac hardware works in the other direction, too. As long as you do a little research first you can put together a Windows/OS X dual-boot system that runs perfectly fine on non-Apple hardware.

[the.doctor]

Honestly, I have nothing against Apple computers. However, you have to know that the cost of an Apple computer is far, far greater than an equivalent computer from another brand.

Your logic that Windows can be installed on Mac hardware works in the other direction, too. As long as you do a little research first you can put together a Windows/OS X dual-boot system that runs perfectly fine on non-Apple hardware.

truth. as long as you accept that you are buying a product not because its fiscally responsible, but because you want to rock a very specific aesthetic.

[Jack90]

Honestly, I have nothing against Apple computers. However, you have to know that the cost of an Apple computer is far, far greater than an equivalent computer from another brand.

Your logic that Windows can be installed on Mac hardware works in the other direction, too. As long as you do a little research first you can put together a Windows/OS X dual-boot system that runs perfectly fine on non-Apple hardware.

Understandable, but I also pay the extra cost because an Apple will tend to last longer (provided you don't do the usual electronics-killing things). It's like buying a cheap tool set and an expensive one. They both do the job, the you're going to have to replace the cheap one sooner than the more expensive one.

Had my PowerBook not died, and Apple do the Intel switch-a-roo (from many, many years of using the PPC), I might have kept using it. But, alas... I got a Dell in 2007, and stopped using it this year, after only 3 years. I paid about $1k for it, and I paid about $1k for my MBA. Let's see how this one will last me...

[jefftheworld]

Apple products vs. the major brands last about the same amount of time and are generally manufactured by the same companies and have the same warranties. Maybe the fact that you're paying 3 times as much helps keep you careful with them?

Your analogy about tools doesn't really work. It's like two sets of tools made by the same company and re-branded by two different companies. They'll last about the same length of time. Hell, Apple replacement/upgrade parts are far more expensive. Take that for long-term value.

I'd like to reiterate the fact that I have nothing against Apple, but don't try to say it's about anything other than brand and style.

[baklava]

The problem I most often have is with some of the hardware I use, specifically wireless drivers. They either don't work right, or won't work with specific networks. We use a 802.1x network at work - not very friendly with Linux wireless unless you have it working just right. And even when it does work, it'll stop working.

They'll work out of box, unless you have broadcom chips. Linux has come far.

[Jack90]

Apple products vs. the major brands last about the same amount of time and are generally manufactured by the same companies and have the same warranties. Maybe the fact that you're paying 3 times as much helps keep you careful with them?

Your analogy about tools doesn't really work. It's like two sets of tools made by the same company and re-branded by two different companies. They'll last about the same length of time. Hell, Apple replacement/upgrade parts are far more expensive. Take that for long-term value.

I'd like to reiterate the fact that I have nothing against Apple, but don't try to say it's about anything other than brand and style.

I don't know. I mean, I paid the same for my MBA as my old Dell, so I don't think the price itself really does that.

I guess the tools thing might not work. Though, I still feel like the design is still a bit better. They may be manufactured by the same companies, but for me, as a tech, I can tell the difference in the way things are designed. Apple's tend to have a sturdier design to them than some of the other things I've worked with. One thing is less use of plastic and any plastic is attached via more sturdy methods than just plastic clips. And yes, replacement/upgrade parts, officially from Apple, are more expensive. But many of the parts do have standard third-party counterparts. Really, only the Apple-specific parts are what to watch out for.

[MaudKip]

I have never had wifi issues on any distro I have used. They always connect to my network right after install.

[sharknice]

I don't know. I mean, I paid the same for my MBA as my old Dell, so I don't think the price itself really does that.

I guess the tools thing might not work. Though, I still feel like the design is still a bit better. They may be manufactured by the same companies, but for me, as a tech, I can tell the difference in the way things are designed. Apple's tend to have a sturdier design to them than some of the other things I've worked with. One thing is less use of plastic and any plastic is attached via more sturdy methods than just plastic clips. And yes, replacement/upgrade parts, officially from Apple, are more expensive. But many of the parts do have standard third-party counterparts. Really, only the Apple-specific parts are what to watch out for.

Apple computers having better build quality is for the most part just a myth carried on by apple fanboys. In my experience I have seen plenty of problems with macbook pros as well as plenty of problems with Dells and other brands and none have stuck out as being more sturdy than the next. You would think for how much a macbook costs it would last longer but it doesn't.

[Napalm]

For me, the sturdiest computers/laptops I've ever owned were Dell. Granted, their performance was adequate at best but their machines don't kick the bucket. I still have my pentium 3 computer with Windows Me on it. I keep it around for sentimental value...

[jefftheworld]

I've never had a computer die on me. I've got 20-30 year old computers that still run perfectly. Take care of your computers and the chance of hardware failure is very low.

[Waig]

What makes you think that I want to even play games on it? Do you automatically assume that everyone is a low life cunt faced shit bag with nothing more to do than play video games because that's what you do?

This is what I think every time someone complains about Apple computers.

Ever since they added another button to the mouse, they've been fine.

[ALPHATT]

Trust me, it does well with more than just that, thank-you-very-much. Name something that wouldn't run well on one?

EDIT: And if you are going to harp on the fact that OS X has no games, you forget that Macs can run Windows as well.

yes but why buy a mac and pay the extra $$$ for the brand name just so you can install Windows on it, negguh please.

I complain about macs because they cost more $$$ than an equivalent PC. But fuck it man, y'know what? Go ahead and buy the shit out of that macbook. The feeling of being able to get what you want even if it's the inferior choice, ESPECIALLY if it's the inferior choice is the best feeling in the world. U go girl.

also, @JTW that's the crzay thing about comps, they never break they just become obselete. You can't complain to the hardware industry that their products die on you, yet you find yourself buying their shit all the time just to keep up with the applications demands.

[jefftheworld]

I'm a tech wizard and I don't find my hardware depreciating all that quickly. Unless you're buying lots of brand new games, why do you need the latest PC?

[MaudKip]

I treat my computers like crap and they never break down.