Poop-Loops said:
It's because a Windows or Linux computer you can personalize with pretty much any parts you want. This goes for software, too.
With Macs you are stuck with whatever Steve Jobs wants to give you.
Hahaha...you're really devoted to egging us Mac users on aren't you? If you know anything about the history of computing at all, then you know that the term "personal computer" arose towards the end of the era that computers were just for government/scientists and were huge and small computers that the individual consumer could *buy* for to use at home (i.e. for *personal* use) were only just starting to be made available. It was a new concept. It had nothing to do with how customizable the systems were (they really weren't at all, in fact). So yeah, some of the first "PCs" were actually Macs, and the fact that the term PC is now used to describe any personal computer that is NOT a Mac is just one of those quirks of collquial usage. Of course, you know this and are just trying to get a rise out of any Mac fans who are around. If you've checked out the latest line of Macs, then you know that whatever "Steve Jobs" wants to give you is generally a pretty solid, well put-together hardware package that would meet the needs of most users.
I find it funny that the debate of "PC" vs. Mac is so polarized...people have deep-seated superstitions about either one based on their limited past experiences with them that are not based on any objective, rational comparison of the capabilities of the two today. The simple fact of the matter (leaving aside issues regarding *stability/reliability* of the OS and virus susceptibility) is that most of the functionality of mac is apparent in PCs and vice versa. Whatever you get is a matter of personal preference and what is most compatible with the way you work and what you use your computer for. Neither one is "evil." Up until August, I was a Windows user (and I'm 23). I don't HATE PCs now just because I've bought a Mac. I was just getting a bit tired of the Windows experience (it *is* unreliable and has all those security issues), and didn't want to update to Vista either.
Back to the OP...I switched to mac in August (bought a MacBook), and I'll never go back. Enjoy your new toy! They're pretty awesome, I think anybody would be forced to admit. So is Mac OS X. I also use Boot Camp, since some of my engineering courses require me to use Windows only technical software. Having that option is great. Incidentally, I installed XP, NOT Vista, and the second thing I did after doing that was install McAfee!
I agree with comments about the MacBook Air. Apple's contention that consumers will not need an optical drive due to the "wireless revolution" is premature IMO. (Installing software by proxy from a desktop machine using their proprietary software to transmit the disc image wirelessly to the MacBook Air is tedious. And their contention that since they have introduced iTunes movie rentals, the average consumer will never need another CD or DVD again is just plain ridiculous.)
As far as the Office software side topic, I used to use NeoOffice as well (which is great), until I managed to obtain a (not entirely legal) version of Office 2008 for Mac. As some people have said, it's almost better than the Windows version. But the latest incarnation of Office IS irritating, just because it's so different and so graphics intensive. You have to learn everything again. And yes, it does crash from time to time.
