MacBook vs Windows

[Heavenly_Silk]

If you could also explain why you have given the answer you have and which features you like or dislike on either. 

I am currently looking to buy a new laptop which I will use for work (Skype conferences etc.). I’ll also use it to browse, maybe watch some Netflix and lectures on YouTube as well as some online shopping! 

[Noor Taleb]

WINDOWS FOR LIFE 

Less cost 

Better search facilities 

Better operating system 

 

Edited August 1, 2019 by Noor Taleb

[AkhiraisReal]

apple is very expensive, for the same price you can get much better specifications with windows.

Apple is seen more luxurious and professional though. It's mostly because of the brand that it's so expensive.

But I am not an expert in this area. But as much as I know, there is lots of windows computers that you can get with very good specifications with lower price.

[Diaz]

Apple lover is here, I prefer windows when it come to pc. I never tried Mac because it’s expensive, but my cousins tried it. One of them is like me, apple lover. He told me not to use Mac because it’s expensive and it’s same as any pc. So in the end I brought hp.

[Stitcher]

Here most important thing is OS. Which os do you like? MacOs or windows?
Windows have greater amount of apps than mac but it is more vulnerable to viruses.
Whereas in the same price group Mac gives lower hardwares comparing to windows operated laptops. But macs are long lasting.

I like windows because I like this OS, I am used to it. And I like to have better hardwares and I care less about viruses or longivity. So yes, windows suits me.

Edited August 1, 2019 by Stitcher

[Propaganda_of_the_Deed]

@Heavenly_Silk started a thread?

[Heavenly_Silk]

22 minutes ago, Propaganda_of_the_Deed said:

@Heavenly_Silk started a thread?

Yes, lol!

Now, MacBook or Windows and why?

[Propaganda_of_the_Deed]

1 hour ago, Heavenly_Silk said:

Yes, lol!

Now, MacBook or Windows and why?

Windows because I'm not a hipster dweeb.

Same reason I choose Android over Iphone.

Also I prefer the user interfaces in those

 

[Simon the Canaanite]

Windows. 

• Costs less.
• Easier to use.
• A lot more flexible to upgrade.

I have used both, and from my experience, macOS was a burden to get used to. (See here, for instance).

Edited August 1, 2019 by Simon the Canaanite

[Heavenly_Silk]

51 minutes ago, Propaganda_of_the_Deed said:

Windows because I'm not a hipster dweeb.

[Gaius I. Caesar]

Windows all the way, better operation and the cost is much less. With Mac, you get half the computer, plus twice the price.

[Haji 2003]

3 hours ago, Heavenly_Silk said:

If you could also explain why you have given the answer you have and which features you like or dislike on either. 

I am currently looking to buy a new laptop which I will use for work (Skype conferences etc.). I’ll also use it to browse, maybe watch some Netflix and lectures on YouTube as well as some online shopping! 

I've been using Apple's since 1985. My biggest regret was not buying their stock, and the only reason I didn't was because I was afraid I loved their products so much I would not have been able to make a rational investment call. Could have retired by now if I had.

There are various irritations I have with Apple, but in the main it just helps me gets things done and more quickly than if I used Windows. I know this because between 1999 and 2005 I used Windows (my employer gave me a laptop for free). In 2005 I returned it and now use Macs that I have bought with my own money. 

I'm trying this on a 2019 27inch 5k Retina. 

Edited August 1, 2019 by Haji 2003

[Reza]

Apple user my whole life, going back to the old Macintosh bricks. 

Those other things you’re forced to use at school/work that crash all the time? That’s Windows. Didn’t know people actually used those at home.

I get the higher cost and (some) limitations, but Mac is a superior user experience bar none. Not that Windows doesn’t have it’s upsides, but Mac is infinitely better. I’ve used both extensively.

I understand the animosity some have towards the Apple “lifestyle” and branding, and some decisions the company has made, but the user experience speaks for itself. Some feel it, others don’t. 

[Quran313]

Linux

[King]

I work as a programmer so we use macbooks where ever I have worked as mac os is unix based.  Window management is terrible in macs, so is finder.  Windows explorer is way better.  Mac OS is generally more reliable than windows.  Sometime ago mac os was clearly superior but since windows 10, windows has come a long way and mac os has remained stagnant and not kept up.  I feel mac os needs a serious overhaul.

Macbooks have been absolute trash since 2016, terrible keyboard and lack of ports.  If you can grab a 2015 macbook pro I would strongly consider it, or wait for the 2020 macbooks with newer keyboards.  If you are a noob then macbooks are more user friendly, but just not as fun.

[Bakir]

7 hours ago, Reza said:

but the user experience speaks for itself. Some feel it, others don’t. 

One of the pillars of UX is familiarity. Animosity towards Apple computers is in many cases based on that. PC users just don't feel comfortable with it. I doubt it is based on the hateful company's branding.

In any case, I must add it is just not suitable for many jobs, such as game development in my case (except for apple games, obviously!), because of the huge number of software used in development that is not compatible with mac OS. It seems useful in UX design (as most UX/IxD/UI protyping software is available for mac) and web development.

[Heavenly_Silk]

@Haji 2003

Which one do you have atm if you don’t mind it asking? I’m just thinking if I do invest, which one might be best for me.

@King

I can’t wait til 2020 as I need something urgently for work and I’d rather invest and get something decent. I’ve had iPhones since around 5-6 years now but it would be my first Mac. I bought a dell laptop in 2016 and it’s on its last legs already. Need something more reliable and longer lasting.

[King]

1 hour ago, Heavenly_Silk said:

@Haji 2003

Which one do you have atm if you don’t mind it asking? I’m just thinking if I do invest, which one might be best for me.

@King

I can’t wait til 2020 as I need something urgently for work and I’d rather invest and get something decent. I’ve had iPhones since around 5-6 years now but it would be my first Mac. I bought a dell laptop in 2016 and it’s on its last legs already. Need something more reliable and longer lasting.

It's the worst time to buy a macbook right now. This years macbooks are the last of this current generation which started back in 2016 and they have been riddled with problems and dysfunctional keyboards.  It has forced Apple to admit the faults and change the keyboard up.   The new redesigned macbooks will launch early next year.  I would really hold off or get something cheap in the meanwhile.  If you absolutely cannot wait and insist on getting a macbook then the latest macbook pro 13 base model they just launched is one of the most powerful 13 inch laptops they have launched.  I would look into that one or maybe a regular macbook would do depending no your requirements.

What size are you looking for and what requirements do you have?  If you type a lot then Thinkpads by far have the best keyboards, its a pleasure to type on them and they are very well built.  Dell XPS 13 is a pretty good laptop also for its price.

Edited August 2, 2019 by King

[Heavenly_Silk]

43 minutes ago, King said:

It's the worst time to buy a macbook right now. This years macbooks are the last of this current generation which started back in 2016 and they have been riddled with problems and dysfunctional keyboards.  It has forced Apple to admit the faults and change the keyboard up.   The new redesigned macbooks will launch early next year.  I would really hold off or get something cheap in the meanwhile.  If you absolutely cannot wait and insist on getting a macbook then the latest macbook pro 13 base model they just launched is one of the most powerful 13 inch laptops they have launched.  I would look into that one or maybe a regular macbook would do depending no your requirements.

What size are you looking for and what requirements do you have?  If you type a lot then Thinkpads by far have the best keyboards, its a pleasure to type on them and they are very well built.  Dell XPS 13 is a pretty good laptop also for its price.

I was looking at one of the 13 or 15 inch macs and yes I will have to type a lot. I’m not great with technology. I’ve always had Dell laptops but the last one has really let me down. I’ll pop into one of the Apple shops today and see if I can hold off buying until the one that comes out in 2020 as you said. But then I think, they’ll all have their faults so I’m too not sure. 

[Haji 2003]

2 hours ago, Heavenly_Silk said:

Which one do you have atm if you don’t mind it asking?

The laptop I have is a 13in 2015 MacBook Air. It does all I need it to. I take it into meetings and take all my notes directly onto it. For whatever reason my windows colleagues use pads and pens.

People go on about ports etc, I've never felt the loss. The two machines and iPhone talk to each other fairly reliably. But you may need an iCloud subscription (£2-6) per month to get the most out of that.

Given how the line-up changes and the models we have may not be the same as those available now, I'd recommend going to an Apple store and playing about with them and asking the staff. There's also lots of good reviews on the usual sites.

I would also set aside some budget for the AirPods, they are really cool and will likely make any Skype chats much easier, effective and fun.

[Haji 2003]

BTW I am not a fan of all things Apple. The latest phones are typically over-specc'd for my needs and I buy second hand off Amazon. Currently have an iPhone 6. Migration assistant really  sucks, but since you don't need to migrate data from an older machine to this one, you should be ok.

[Vindemiatrix]

Been using Windows for years. Anything else just wouldn't feel right to be honest.. 

Even now actually I miss the Windows 7 feel and I still haven't gotten used to the Windows 10 feel but it's useable. I just feel that I couldn't get used to a Macbook...

[Flying_Eagle]

Never used Macbook so my vote is to Windows

[Isaam]

I have a windows because MacBooks are expensive, but MacBooks are a billion times better!! I hate windows. So confusing to use, while macOS is perfect 

[The Green Knight]

It all boils down to your preference, what you feel comfortable with. I recently had to use my brother's macbook (his sons are hipsters) and it was a little awkward. I could not see the point nor does my brother, as mac is supposed to be faster but its rather barely on par imo.

[hasanhh]

On 8/1/2019 at 4:02 PM, Heavenly_Silk said:

Yes, lol!

Now, MacBook or Windows and why?

I do not want to derail your thread, but l am posting a Q by starting a new thread. Hopefully, this will contribute to your decision after our geeks and nerds respond.

Editing docx. is the title.

Edited August 3, 2019 by hasanhh

[Heavenly_Silk]

6 hours ago, hasanhh said:

I do not want to derail your thread, but l am posting a Q by starting a new thread. Hopefully, this will contribute to your decision after our geeks and nerds respond.

Editing docx. is the title.

Thank you.  

[Heavenly_Silk]

Thank you to everyone who gave relevant replies. I have some thinking to do!

[King]

 

[Haji 2003]

Ignoring the jokes and the problems people may have had 20 years ago, here's a place where you will find the problems people have with Apple products right now:

https://discussions.apple.com/community/notebooks/macbook_air

You'll see the problems people are reporting and how many others also seem to be affected (based on the contributors to each thread). You can make an assessment for yourself as to how serious they are and much or not you would be affected by this.

I honestly don't see much in the way of significant issues being reported for the MacBook Air, for example.

I bought my first Air in 2008, replaced it in 2015 (yes, I worked it to death for 7 years and not a penny spent on upgrades). I lost the second one in 2016 and replaced it and the 3rd one is going fine, I should get at least another couple of years out of the third one.

BTW that Spanish comedian in the second video. The joke is 'ironic' because he's making fun of Apple removing ports from their machines. I need far fewer ports nowadays because so many connections are wireless.

Edited August 3, 2019 by Haji 2003

[King]

32 minutes ago, Haji 2003 said:

Ignoring the jokes and the problems people may have had 20 years ago, here's a place where you will find the problems people have with Apple products right now:

https://discussions.apple.com/community/notebooks/macbook_air

You'll see the problems people are reporting and how many others also seem to be affected (based on the contributors to each thread). You can make an assessment for yourself as to how serious they are and much or not you would be affected by this.

I honestly don't see much in the way of significant issues being reported for the MacBook Air, for example.

I bought my first Air in 2008, replaced it in 2015 (yes, I worked it to death for 7 years and not a penny spent on upgrades). I lost the second one in 2016 and replaced it and the 3rd one is going fine, I should get at least another couple of years out of the third one.

BTW that Spanish comedian in the second video. The joke is 'ironic' because he's making fun of Apple removing ports from their machines. I need far fewer ports nowadays because so many connections are wireless.

The current generation of macbooks have been a disaster for Apple and their keyboard debacle is well documented.  It is all over the place, so much so that apple has had to launch multiple fixes, all of which have failed and even offer extended warranties specifically for their faulty keyboards.  It has forced them to finally revert back to the old scissor mechanism and ditch the butterfly keyboards all together.  If you have ever used a thinkpad keyboard you would realize just how useless Apple's current keyboards are. A 16 inch macbook pro will feature the new redesigned keyboard launching later this year, with other macs to follow next year.

https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/4/20682079/apple-butterfly-switch-scissor-switch-2019-macbook-air-2020-macbook-pro

As far as the ports are concerned, almost everyone has hardware lying around that uses older usb ports.  Most people still need to utilize hdmi ports as well.  To simply offer a couple of USB C ports is a joke.  Apple has basically sacrificed function for form and it has not been well received.  As it stands currently, pc alternatives just offer more.  A couple of useful ports aren't going to compromise your wireless connection.

I currently use a 2015 macbook pro, which was the last great macbook apple made.  I am hoping the new 16 inch macbook corrects the mistakes Apple has made in the current generation.

Macs can be great machines, I just would wait for the new macs in the coming cycle before deciding to purchase one.

Edited August 3, 2019 by King

[Haji 2003]

3 hours ago, King said:

I am hoping the new 16 inch macbook corrects the mistakes Apple has made in the current generation.

Based on her requirements I don't think @Heavenly_Silk needs a MacBook Pro. I think she should be fine with a MacBook Air, having said that this review is not great:

 

[Heavenly_Silk]

I’m reading some of the reviews, the MacBook Air 13.3 seems to have ok reviews. I’m so undecided as to what to do. Even if I wait for the new 16 inch MacBook, it’s too long a wait as my current Dell laptop is on its last legs and I need it for work. 

I’ll have a look around in Westfield tomorrow, go to the Apple shop and also check out some of the windows laptops. 

[Guest]

Why not buy a windows one? Something more robust than the one you bought last time. Asus laptops are better than dell in my opinion, though I bought a Dell 5 years back and it's still good as new. 

[Khadim uz Zahra]

56 minutes ago, starlight said:

Why not buy a windows one? Something more robust than the one you bought last time. Asus laptops are better than dell in my opinion, though I bought a Dell 5 years back and it's still good as new. 

Aww, I like Asus, too.

Though, their customer service isn't necessarily the best so it's better for HS to stick with Dell, HP or Lenovo.