"I Switched to Mac After a Lifetime of Windows, and It Doesn't Matter"

"This weekend, my Dell laptop caught a virus that made it inoperable less than a week after a complete reformat and reinstall. So I bought a Mac laptop." -Adam Frucci

[nightelfmohawk]

That's my mentality now. I was a lifelong PC / Windows user. I first got an in-depth look at Macs when my sisters and mom each bought one. I experimented with the Macbook pro and Mac Desktop.

When my HP laptop finally crapped out on me, and the IT guys said they'd charge like $200 just to look at the thing and even more if they have to reinstall Windows, I said to hell with it and got a Macbook.

I've had a Macbook since January 2008 with 2 gb of RAM and the upgraded hard drive, and I couldn't be happier.

Now, as far as desktops go, I still prefer PC. But since I don't really game on PCs anymore, my PC desktop is collecting dust in storage while I browse the web and work on my Macbook and game on my PS2 and PS3. Macbooks are the way to go as far as laptops go, IMO.

[BulletToothtony]

yes it is a refurb but it looks and handles just like a new one..

only $1,200 sexiest desktop and smoothest OS ever.. i love it.

[Montrealien]

Yes I made it myself, but it works just like a manufactured one, and if I want to upgrade it in the future, it won't be a problem, and I'll be able to do it at home.

Sexiest Desktop I ever had, with Vista and OS X available one it. oh how the world has changed...

I fully agree, I would prefer a Mac laptop, but for my home PC, I need to be in control of the hardware and most manufactured towers don't give me that flexibility. Mac have become high ends PCs ever since they switched to intel processors if you ask me, now any core 2 duo processor can have both Operating systems available in dual boots.

[IdleLeeSiuLung]

"This weekend, my Dell laptop caught a virus that made it inoperable less than a week after a complete reformat and reinstall. So I bought a Mac laptop." -Adam Frucci

I'm not sure how somebody can get a virus after only one week after a complete re-install. I have used computers for over 20 years since my early early teens and I don't remember getting a virus. There has only been a recent time I thought I had a virus, but turned out to be a false alarm.

I think this whole virus thing is completely overblown and only applies to idiots that know nothing about computers in general.

[Lich120]

I was thinking the same thing. I don't really ever get viruses (except for brontok on my laptop and thats because I used an infected USB thumbdrive). Its as simple as having a nice hardware firewall. If your main PC is connecting directly to the internet then go use a Mac because you're foolish and will benefit from the extra safety. I wonder if the guys over at apple know that if they ever get a majority market share their machines are going to be just as virus ridden as any Windows OS.

These operating systems have 10s of millions of lines of code spanning over all their libraries that get accessed regularly. For anyone to assume an OS is bullet proof is a fool. I like Macs for many reasons, none of which seem to ever be a reason people switch.

Oh and to the guy 2 up, completely agree. I have dual boot going on this machine. Granted mine isn't quite what yours is. Quad Core 2.66, ATI 4870x2 and 8 gigs of Corsair XMS. Still makes for a nice gaming experience.

[DailyAddict]

i had actually originally considered doing that myself. I've had PC's my entire life and finally just sort of got bored with Windows. I've had my fair share of problems, but nothing too problematic to really make me hate the OS, but I do have my gripes (slow start up, etc. and error codes that don't let you know what it is or how to fix it).

So, I just ordered a new iMac. I had actually debated about just rebuilding a high end PC rig and getting a Macbook, but after playing with my gf's Macbook, I found that I quite like the OS and I'd rather use it for my primary desktop.

So, I'm actually NOW debating whether or not I'll also buy a Macbook or just get a higher end PC laptop (say, Alienware for example) for a little mobile gaming or something. Dunno.

Overall, though, my limited experience with the Mac OSX is pretty positive and I found that I liked Spaces and Expose probably more than anything simply because I always have a ton of windows open (and photoshop) and I like being able to place apps in specific "windows" for fast switching. The boot up time is also on a completely different level than Windows and once the desktop loads, you can't use USE the computer instead of waiting for Windows to load processes in the background that slows down your PC for the first 10 minutes.

[uxo22]

This guy needed to do one of two things. Either get some antivirus software or stay his a$$ off those porn sites.

Any half knowledge PC user would not have gotten two viruses with a one week period if he has the proper antivirus software installed.

What this guy probably did was just reinstalled his OS after getting his virus, and never scanned the rest of his drive. Then he ran the program on his "C" drive that says "DON"T RUN THIS PROGRAM.exe!" (Some people can't resist...lol)

One more thing, if (as he puts it) it's no big deal, blah blah, why does he feel compelled to share his experience of switching from the PC to the mac with the world over the internet.

Sounds like apple is doing a little viral work.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

haha so HE get's a virus and it's MS's fault and he buys a Mac.

Viruses don't just magically appear there has to be an "IO" (idiot operator) error in their somewhere.

Actually, sounds like the Mac is perfect for you.

[ghandistash]

Learn to use the correct there/they're/their first, then you can call other people idiots.

"Viruses don't just magically appear there has to be an "IO" (idiot operator) error in -- THERE -- somewhere."

[Montrealien]

I agree, their is a 95% chance they're is a problem 12 inches from the screen when people let viruses corrupt there computers with viruses. Right ghandistash?

[evrfighter]

agreed if you get a virus that fast....you should be the idiot that pays over 2k for a mac.

[krauley]

"I agree, their is a 95% chance they're is a problem 12 inches from the screen when people let viruses corrupt there computers with viruses. Right ghandistash?"

bubble for ya!

@ghandistash if you have nothing better to do than troll message boards in search of people who dont type using perfect grammar then i suggest you get a sharp object and go for one of your wrist! Seriously!

[kingme71]

He gets a virus and doesn't get virus protection but buys a new Mac instead? I guess the recession hasn't hit his neck of the woods.

[crck]

That's why you make a image of your computer after a format and reinstall and a periodic image of your computer and back up your important data. Mac really is the choice for computer illiterates...

[nightelfmohawk]

Not everyone is a computer wiz with a bachelors degree in computer science. I don't want a doctorate in computers to have to know how to troubleshoot my computer. I've had enough school with undergrad and law school.

I may not know how to do what you describe although I think I get the gist of it, but I can probably do things you can't such as file a bankruptcy, set up a trust fund, litigate civil cases, provide someone with a criminal defense in court, etc. And I don't need a high powered PC to do any of that. My Macbook works just fine for that.

[somekindofmike]

As a past PC user I spent plenty of time troubleshooting solving windows problems over the years with ease. No problem, except I got tired of this continuously eating into my time! So I bought a Mac, it's not 100% perfect, but for the three years I've had it, (not had to reformat and reinstall the OS in this time) but it's been a lot smoother than the time i used windows.

If Macs are for for people who don't know how to use a computer, then I guess they are also for people who don't want to waste time with maintaining a computer as well! I've got better things to do with my time.

[leftbehindxp]

You guys speak truth.

Also, customer support at Apple speak English correctly.

[thewhoopimen]

I have the same mindset. Its not like I couldn't "handle" my Windows PC but between all the driver reinstalls, running like 3 scans every other day to look for trojans/virueses, and just all the maintenance... I threw up my hands and bought a Mac as well. I needed to simply spend less time troubleshooting and more time working. Believe me, the price difference of $300-800 is worth it when you factor in lost R&R, and work.

I dual boot to Windows when i need it, but mainly for games. Everything else, pretty much runs on the mac.

Plus, I get compliments on it from the ladies/clients/friends... so for me, it is totally worth it.

[Topshelfcheese]

Except for it actually does matter. You can get twice the power for the same PRICE!!!!! with a PC.

[nightelfmohawk]

Power isn't everything. I don't game on PC anymore. All I need a computer for is web browsing and work, and all I do at work with my computer is type up legal documents, email people, mapquest directions, etc. Is Mac overpriced? Sure, probably, but I still love the Leopard OS and Macbooks in general.

[thewhoopimen]

I choose reliability any day of the week over power. Besides I could fork over an arm and leg for the mac pro... cuz then I would have uptime and power too. Believe me, uptime and hassle-free maintenance is much preferred over power when you get older.

When ur young the custom rig is leet and all that, but as you get older, you care more about work vs. gaming.

[edgeofblade]

Hey, a Mac positive story without an airhead raving, blaming Microsoft, and piling on a metric ton of smugness.

Quick, check for holes in the fabric of reality... cause this article actually made some sense.

[enjoi187]

well i got to buy 3 decent pc's for my house so while you have fun with your overpriced "glossy white computer" price 3 computers $=$ one mac........some people i just don't get.

[somekindofmike]

Actually they are unibody cases now, ;)

I'm not going to argue with the pricing, Macs are overpriced. everyone has there own requirements when they shop for a new system, for some people an apple mac will be the right system of choice, for most windows is the better choice. simple.

[va_bank]

Keep buying those Macs. Once there are enough of them out there, those guys who write viruses will start giving a crap and then Mac users will truly see that security in Mac is non-existent.

[nightelfmohawk]

It's not just about viruses. The Leopard OS is superior to Windows, IMHO. Safari is better than Internet Explorer too.

[somekindofmike]

@ nightelfmohawk

haha! safari slaughters Internet explorer hands down! a closer comparison would be Safari to Firefox, however there's Chrome is the new kid on the block, and I'm keeping an eye open for the Mac version of this browser.

[nightelfmohawk]

yeah, firefox is definitely good, and I use it on my PC desktop. But you can use firefox on Mac too if you're so inclined. :)

That said, I actually prefer the beta 'version of the latest Safari even over Firefox, but I use both interchangeably.

[evrfighter]

browsers have been benchmarked over at tom's hardware. Safari is beat by firefox and opera.

[Foxgod]

Enjoy not being able to choose your own hardware.
Buying a mac = buying a pc for its outside.

[somekindofmike]

The last reason I buy a mac is for it's outside! if OS X was licensed to other hardware manufacturers, I'd be there with my wallet ready.

[thewhoopimen]

If macs were just outside better... I could get a pimped out custom rig pc instead for cheaper...

The OS and low key maintenance is what I bought my system for.

@Foxgod based off of your "take" why don't you save some money and build your car, house, etc. while your at it? There's blueprints and plans for those available.... I'm sure you could make it better than what the designers have on the table.

[Kyur4ThePain]

Someone buying "an overpriced" Mac.
It might be more expensive than a generic PC, but he'll be happier longer.
You can't put a price on that.

[Jrome]

These Mac stories could make a good "success" novel. "I got a Mac and 3 months later was the CEO of a large corporation".

Yeh, no. It's all about preference. I mean I don't notice the huge speed difference, but then again my friend's macbook is around 2 years old so it might be getting dated. The newer ones feel a little zippier but nothing to write home about. However, OSX is great w/o a doubt and if it was available on a PC that didn't cost more than it should and had a little more support I would definitely pick it up.

A lot of people bash on windows for viruses, and a lot of people call people who get viruses idiots. Well, that's because they are. Really the only 3 COMMON ways you can get a virus on a PC is 1. pr0n surfing 2. opening stupid junk mail that you obviously shouldn't. 3. d/ling infected versions of music.

Other than that you really shouldn't have any problems...ever. Especially if you stick to the more popular and sophisticated pr0n sites xD.

Lets see, 3 years 0 viruses. Looks pretty good to me. Really in the end it all comes down to preference. For me windows just has more support, more customizable (hardware and software) and "it just works".

I come home from school, go on the web...no problems.

[MmaFanQc]

so it matter......wont buy an overpriced mac that cant do what i want.

[XxZxX]

Ubuntu too, give it a try, the gui improve alot. You don't really have to use terminal console that much anymore. One install cover basic most of the stuff average users used and it's free.

GIMP - PhotoShop equivalent
OpenOffice - Office software
Pidgin - MSN, YM, AOL messenger all in one with customizable plugin.
Firefox - Internet Broswer
Itunes - Run through Wine
VLC Media Player - Solid Video player.

Give it a try if you are curious. Free stuff

[FragMnTagM]

I am having one hell of a time to get my damned video card working though.

[XxZxX]

really what did u have?
I just installed the proprietary driver and it worked, but u have to stay away from 64bit version, driver "not the good" over there.

[Rourker]

I put ubuntu on my laptop which is now close to a decade old, and it runs pretty darn quick, a lot quicker than it did with XP. Ubuntu is great, I can even play some later games such as world of goo with no problems whatsoever.

[FragMnTagM]

Is definitely a casual user. There is no possible way that you could say that the Mac is better unless you are a casual PC user. For the people who know stuff about computers, we stick with what we know, and what we can customize.

I would much rather buy the parts for a desktop and a notebook for the same price as a damn Mac. It is just not worth it to me.

[thewhoopimen]

Why don't you buy parts and build your own car while your at it? For the same price as OEM parts, you could get aftermarket gear that would tear a hole in your Original manufactured car. Or better yet, reupholster your furniture like a "PC rig upgrade" and get high quality leather to replace your faded fabric and save 1/3 money doing it.

Similar reason why people buy macs over building their own custom rigs.

[BasilMarceaux]

Nowadays, now that Microsoft has graced us with the hilarity of Vista and the sales of Macs, PC fans are left with only two reasons to bash Macs...

1. They cant afford a Mac
2. They foolishly think that they are above trends, that they think "outside the lines", and that they basically don't want to look like they are trying to look cool.

You know the type, they think that avoiding and dissing everything that is popular makes them cool...

[Quadrix]

If you're not a PC gamer, I see no reason why you wouldn't want a Mac.

[Rooted_Dust]

The only way to get me onto a Mac would be to show me that you could actually play PC games on a Mac...At the release date and not three years after the game has come out.

[somekindofmike]

onLive 'might' make that happen!

but we'll have to wait and see

[Enate]

Obviously every mac user that has responded uses their mac for typical things a $200 laptop could do. An hey if that's what floats your boat that's fine. Though why are some of you on a gaming website if you don't game?

[leftbehindxp]

Ever heard of a Wii, 360, or PS3 before?

Don't get me wrong, I like my Mac but I don't hate PC's. I got a desktop back home. Not everyone on here that has a Mac has to absolutely hate PC's. Though the last time I bought a PC game that I seriously played to death was probably Starcraft. Or roller-coaster tycoon. Or Organ Trail. But now the only computer games I'm paying attention to are from Blizzard, and they support both platforms.

[somekindofmike]

@ Enate

You're presumption is wrong, I'm a Mac user who responded and I use my Mac for Heavy use of Adobe Creative Suite for still graphics and websites, and Final Cut Studio for Video editing.

Show me a £200 laptop which does this as well as my 3 year old MacBook Pro.

I game on PS3 & Wii, & recently dusted off my old original DS for GTA Chinatown. but now my DS battery is flat and I haven't got a clue where the charger is anymore. me idiot!

[N2NOther]

I have and iMac and it's amazing. No problems whatsoever for the pas 3 years. Knock on wood.

[ra2205]

i want a mac badly buts it cost it just is just too great

[sleewok]

The author of this article is "simple". An OS is the foundation for the experience you can have with almost all other applications that run on it.

"No matter what kind of car you buy, you're still going to the same places. Driving a Hummer won't make you a tough guy, and using Windows won't make you a nerd."

BS. Yeah, I can go places with a hummer that your little VW Bug can't even touch.

BTW, all this guy does is browse the internet with his computer? Why on earth would you waste money on a Mac if that's all you do?

[ra2205]

i agreeeeeeeee

[noprin]

welcome to the new world

[trgz]

Got a virus and switched to a MAC? it'd have been cheaper to have wiped Windows and gone to Linux - far more money than sense.