I plan to buy a laptop in the near future and I am wondering which one is better.. a PC or a MAC?
Can you tell me the pro's and con's and then recommend models?
I've searched about it but I just cannot compare the nitty gritty technical specifications because I don't know what those mean. It just confuses me! LoL!
I am hoping for help here and will appreciate it very much!
For programming, administration, a replacement for an UNIX workstation and a moderately performing desktop Linux works well. Using key applications such as Openoffice.org productivity suite, Evolution for a mail client, GAIM for instant messaging, Firefox as a web browser, GIMP for graphics, CUPS for printing, Samba for interoperability, Linux has a lot going for it. It also uses less resources than other operating systems.
Ubuntu works fine for comparison purposes. Ubuntu has in excess of 25% of the Linux desktop market which compares to number two SUSE with 11.4% of the market. So, I'll use Ubuntu to represent the Linux desktop in this report.
Like all Linux desktops, Ubuntu has limitations. It lacks applications such as Photoshop, Framemaker, Pagemaker, Visio, Access, Quickbooks, a PDF converter, legal DVD players and most importantly income tax preparation software. Without those applications ported directly to Linux, Ubuntu remains a mid-level desktop.
I use Ubuntu for 12 or more hours a day. So, I'm not complaining about the lack of those applications. I have found GIMP an adequate replacement for Photoshop and I just completed a 30 day testing period for the latest distribution of Photoshop.
The Linux desktop has many advantages over its counter parts for developers especially when it comes to programming web services, porting applications and engineering tasks. It runs on moderately priced hardware and takes less memory for graphic intensive software. I can use 512MB of RAM to perform the same jobs that require 1GB of RAM on other systems.
All in all, Ubuntu does an exceptional job replacing UNIX workstations and has a superior desktop. It fits mid-level desktop users and works for about 80 to 90% of enterprise users.
Home users find it a good operating system especially for stability, ease of use and for those who can legally use applications like Xine, Mplayer, etc. for audio and video software which only plays on the Mac and Windows in the US.
A modified Ubuntu will give the user all he or she might want with the exception of tax preparation software. With that in mind, you will find software preparation capabilities on-line at tax prep web sites.
For other applications, Codeweavers Crossover office provides an environment for using Windows applications in Linux. VMware and Win4Lin work for some users who need some Windows applications. TransGaming Technologies provides similar emulation for popular Windows Games.
Windows XP
XP provides an adequate operating system for hosting a number of applications. The large volume of sales seduces Independent Software vendors like Adobe, AutoDesk, Intuit, Corel, Cyberlink, RIM and others to primarily write to the Win32 API. Microsoft's own applications run well under the XP environment.
Windows XP comes preinstalled on every computer manufacturers' products with the exception of Apple. The lower cost of the software to OEMs versus the high cost to retail customers keeps XP on the vast majority of computers. The low cost to manufacturers like IBM, HP, Dell, Gateway and second tier or white box manufacturers allows them to modify their software and hardware to run XP.
Microsoft has improved Windows XP since its debut by adding numerous security patches and service packs. With the large number of systems deployed, Windows XP has vulnerabilities to malware. XP remains popular with the majority of PC users.
Windows XP does not compare favorably with Linux, Macintosh or UNIX variants as a development platform. Microsoft's development tools work strictly on Windows and do not allow for interoperability amongst desktops such as the Mac, Linux or systems running non-Intel based processors. That doesn't seem to bother XP users since their access to Microsoft Windows based applications remains abundant.
Windows installed base means many people already have training on the system as end users. That creates a barrier for adoption to other systems. A large number of Microsoft Certified System Engineers exits. Those engineers and product specialists can fix user problems quickly. They also see no need to move to a different platform.
Cost savings do not play to Microsoft's advantage despite their attempt to convince people with their "Get the Facts" campaign.
Macintosh OS X
Macintosh OS X runs on a limited number of hardware devices which allows Apple Computers to offer a stable and high-performance product overall. Apple's entry level products such as the Mac mini provides a low-cost, high-value multimedia platform.
Apple's high-end desktops such as the Power Mac G5 with Dual and Quad dual-core PowerPC processors provides remarkable performance for the graphics and multimedia user. The Powerbook occupies a similar place for developers and authors. A number of people also use the high-end products as servers and for development.
Apple remains the major innovator in the PC space. Apple makes superior display units and peripherals. Users have shown they will pay more money for Apple's products because of the high levels of performance and innovation.
While Apple has had critics in the past for its lack of software offerings much of that has changed. OS X provides more than just an adequate host for proprietary offerings such as Intuit financial products, the majority of Adobe offerings and Microsoft's productivity suite. Apple also benefits from the Free Software offerings Linux users have become accustomed to seeing. Apple also provides a wide range of native applications such as DVD players and multimedia utilities.
Apple Macintosh does not fare well for mid-level PC users the way Linux might. The lack of operability on commodity hardware makes Apple a specialty product in the enterprise. People who can afford Apple products have a special devotion to the Mac and OS X.
1. A Good Anti Virus - If you use internet, you MUST use this app. Otherwise u will have to format ur PC sooner or later due to an infection.
Many free antiviruses are available online
Code:
http://tinyurl.com/yqd8th
See this link.
If u are not a heavy internet user these anti viruses are more than enough.
(AVG,Avira,Bit defender)
If u are a heavy internet user and if u indulge in high risk internet behaviour(visiting dangerous sites), you will have to go for Paid professional Anti Viruses like Kasperky/NOD32/McAfee/Norton.
2. A Good Anti-Spyware application This is a MUST.
Sadly most of the regular pc users forget to install this important softwares. And they attack PCs more commonly than viruses.
See this thread for more info on them
3. A music/video player - The best option will be "Winamp" and "VLC player" as both are freely available in internet. VLC player will play almost all kind of audio and video files.
4. A Photo manager/editor - The Best free application available online is "Picasa". Its very very easy to use!
5. Office tools like Word/Excel/power point - u can go for Microsoft Office package(its not free) or u can use the free "Open office" software.
6. A Good free browser - Firefox/Opera/Safari/IE7.
7. A messenger - Ya ho o, G Talk, ICQ
Thats it, the basic softwares needed in a PC.
JUST GOOGLE WITH THE NAMES OF THE SOFTWARES I HAVE POSTED IN "INVERTED COMMAS" TO GET THEM.
Thank you BGM for that 'simple to understand' post. but plaes write what other features can be added to laptops. please giv info about laptops good and afforadabe laptops in a budget range of 35,ooo to 40,ooo .
thank you
I agree with BGM. The most important things for laptops are weight and battery life. Of course there are other things too.
order of preference
1. Weight
2. Battery life --- this si very crucial and makes difference
3. screen size
4. WiFi/ Built-in 802.11g Wireless Adapter – most of the Intel based laptops will have this feature.
5. Graphic card is not that important unless you are a gamer. otherwise 128 MB memory will do( if possible do NOT buy laptop with shared graphic memory)
6. Intel CPU( ideally Intel Core 2 Duo based ones)
7. 1GM RAM
8. 80 + Hard disk
9. OS is personal choice but win XP is ideal for now if you can get one. Coz most of them are coming with Vista these days
10. Make sure ventilator duct is NOT located on the bottom—these days most of them will have it on the side but, just double check.
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