Which laptop - Macbook or Dell?

J

jamo82

New Member
Hi, I need to buy a new laptop for general student use, and non-professional music production. I have found two good options and would like people's opinion about which computer would be quicker at general tasks and also, which would generally be the better laptop.

Dell Studio 15
2.26 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4Gb Ram.

White Macbook
2.0 Ghz processor, 2Gb Ram

Obviously the spec on paper of the Dell is better, but is it true that Macs are more efficient with what they have? And would that counter the high spec of the dell in this case?

BTW, I can get them both for the exact same price with a Mac student discount so they are a direct comparison.

My concerns about the Mac are having to 'sign-up' to the Mac coorporation and have to buy everything Mac. I definitely don't want an iPod and have to convert all music to AAC.

Any help would be appreciated
Thanks
Jamie
 
Well there both really good computers. OSX that comes on the mac is more efficient then Vista but I am not saying that Vista is a bad OS. With Vista it is better as far as compatibility but I think apple thing for that was boot camp. Both will do what you want and there both great quality. I know more recording studios that use apple, and that comes down to the main point, which OS has the best available software for what you are needing to do. I can't help you here because I do music recording and editing with ubuntu studio on a Linux OS. So if people could post music production music for OSX or Vista so he can make the decision would be nice.
 
OK, lets get those misconceptions right out of your head. First of all, think of a Mac as a fully engineered machine. Apple designs every aspect of their product. They design the hardware, choose the chipsets, spec the system buses, choose what capacitors to use on the printed circuit boards, and so on. They build everything form the ground up. Then they code their OS for those exact specs. So logically a Mac is going to perform very well, considering it is designed to run efficiently on a small scope hardware range. Where as Windows is developed to run on any piece of hardware designed by anyone. So, there are obviously going to be issues with the OS not being able to as efficient with certain hardware configurations and there is also going to be a chance of incompatibility. On a Mac it simply works. You are effectively sacrificing quantity for quality with the Mac.

Now on to your next comment. You don't want to sign up for Apple and all their products? What would you call it if you ran windows? The same thing? You are still bound to what runs in Windows and what MS lets developers do. It is not the wild west, and developers are still bound by rules of the OS creators, and they still use SDKs provided by the developer of the OS. Second AAC is an open source format, Apple does not own it, nor does Apple own the rights to it. It wasn't even made by Apple. Apple, however, adopted the format because it was superior to MP3 formats and was better overall quality with the same compression rates. If you own an iPod or iPhone they still play MP3 and iTunes can still rip songs in MP3, but by default Apple has decided to use AAC because it is superior. They aren't forcing you to use it, it is just the standard they like to use with their products.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Audio_Coding

The reason AAC got so big is because iTunes and the iPod use it as default, and both are very popular items and widely used. You can use MP3s if you want, that is up to you.

It is going to come down to your personal preference. Do you like having your computer run smooth and work, or do you like having tons and tons of crappy free programs which you say you need but never really use? I mean I was a long time Windows/Linux user before I really got into using a Mac. I now use Macs almost exclusively for some things. I still am not an elitist and will use Windows boxes and have a nice custom built PC at home that runs Vista Ultimate 64 for gaming. So, it comes down to your personal choice. If you are a hardcore gamer then get a PC, it is a better choice. I have both a Mac and a PC and I do all my serious work related stuff on a Mac, and all I use my PC for is gaming.
 
thank you all for your comments. all helpful so far.

If there are any more opinions out there, please post away.
 
tlarkin said:
OK, lets get those misconceptions right out of your head. First of all, think of a Mac as a fully engineered machine. Apple designs every aspect of their product. They design the hardware, choose the chipsets, spec the system buses, choose what capacitors to use on the printed circuit boards, and so on. They build everything form the ground up. Then they code their OS for those exact specs. So logically a Mac is going to perform very well, considering it is designed to run efficiently on a small scope hardware range. Where as Windows is developed to run on any piece of hardware designed by anyone. So, there are obviously going to be issues with the OS not being able to as efficient with certain hardware configurations and there is also going to be a chance of incompatibility. On a Mac it simply works. You are effectively sacrificing quantity for quality with the Mac.

Now on to your next comment. You don't want to sign up for Apple and all their products? What would you call it if you ran windows? The same thing? You are still bound to what runs in Windows and what MS lets developers do. It is not the wild west, and developers are still bound by rules of the OS creators, and they still use SDKs provided by the developer of the OS. Second AAC is an open source format, Apple does not own it, nor does Apple own the rights to it. It wasn't even made by Apple. Apple, however, adopted the format because it was superior to MP3 formats and was better overall quality with the same compression rates. If you own an iPod or iPhone they still play MP3 and iTunes can still rip songs in MP3, but by default Apple has decided to use AAC because it is superior. They aren't forcing you to use it, it is just the standard they like to use with their products.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Audio_Coding

The reason AAC got so big is because iTunes and the iPod use it as default, and both are very popular items and widely used. You can use MP3s if you want, that is up to you.

It is going to come down to your personal preference. Do you like having your computer run smooth and work, or do you like having tons and tons of crappy free programs which you say you need but never really use? I mean I was a long time Windows/Linux user before I really got into using a Mac. I now use Macs almost exclusively for some things. I still am not an elitist and will use Windows boxes and have a nice custom built PC at home that runs Vista Ultimate 64 for gaming. So, it comes down to your personal choice. If you are a hardcore gamer then get a PC, it is a better choice. I have both a Mac and a PC and I do all my serious work related stuff on a Mac, and all I use my PC for is gaming.
Click to expand...

well put
 
Personally, I would go with the Dell. Mainly because a better processor and more ram. But in all fairness, this decision has to be made by you. Try out some mac computers to see if you can use the OS. I honestly can't stand it, and it would be crappy to spend a bunch of money on a computer you hate to use (perfect example..my parents and their macbook). I don't like the style of the macs, but some do. Again, your preference (if you care about looks at all). No one can say that Mac's are perfect...they break down, overheat and f**k up like any other computer. Maybe in a perfect world...but this is far from a perfect world. As for efficiency..I'd be surprised if you noticed a difference in general computing. I sure can't...a well maintained windows machine is quite comparable to a well maintained mac. As for buying things mac..there are some things that are compatible with both windows and mac, but you have to make sure to pay attention...I've had so many people return things because they assumed it would work on a mac. It's a pain in the ass for you and the stores you buy stuff from.

I really wouldn't go as far as Tlarkin and suggest that windows machines are incapable of doing any sort of actual work. I actually have been doing audio editing using windows computers for quite a few years using Adobe Audition, with some awesome results.
 
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computerguy101 said:
My choice would be the Macbook because

  1. Mac's cant get viruses
  2. Mac's can do more things straight out of the box
  3. Mac's ARE more efficient, better use of resources
  4. Mac's look better (in my opinion)
  5. Mac's have more built in things eg. webcam, microphone
  6. Mac's are much easier to use
  7. Dell computers are hard to get parts for meaning if it breaks it will spend more time in repairs, will most likely have to ship in parts, costing more money
  8. Mac's are much more reliable and less likely to have problems

And those are the reasons i think you should get a Mac over a Dell. Even though the Dell has better Spec's the mac is more efficient meaning the programs it runs requires less speed.:D
Click to expand...

1. Bold statement
http://www.webmasterworld.com/macintosh_webmaster/3576498.htm

2. True, but it's not hard to make a windows machine just as capable for free

4. Uggh, they all look the same. I like having a variety, to stand out in a crowd.

5. So does pretty much every laptop...

6. Again, debatable.

7. And Apple parts are easy to come by? I'd like to see you get say a macbook keyboard off the shelf from your local computer or mac store.

8. Deerp
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-9829091-37.html

I also speak from personal experience...my poor, poor final cut projects...would have been great it the mac didn't keep crashing. Not to say that it can't be maintained, like any computer.
 
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computerguy101 said:
My choice would be the Macbook because

  1. Mac's cant get viruses
  2. Mac's can do more things straight out of the box
  3. Mac's ARE more efficient, better use of resources
  4. Mac's look better (in my opinion)
  5. Mac's have more built in things eg. webcam, microphone
  6. Mac's are much easier to use
  7. Dell computers are hard to get parts for meaning if it breaks it will spend more time in repairs, will most likely have to ship in parts, costing more money
  8. Mac's are much more reliable and less likely to have problems

And those are the reasons i think you should get a Mac over a Dell. Even though the Dell has better Spec's the mac is more efficient meaning the programs it runs requires less speed.:D
Click to expand...

hahaha, that is the ultimate mac fanboy reply. all i did was LOL at the idiocracy
 
computerguy101 said:
My choice would be the Macbook because

  1. Mac's cant get viruses
  2. Mac's can do more things straight out of the box
  3. Mac's ARE more efficient, better use of resources
  4. Mac's look better (in my opinion)
  5. Mac's have more built in things eg. webcam, microphone
  6. Mac's are much easier to use
  7. Dell computers are hard to get parts for meaning if it breaks it will spend more time in repairs, will most likely have to ship in parts, costing more money
  8. Mac's are much more reliable and less likely to have problems

And those are the reasons i think you should get a Mac over a Dell. Even though the Dell has better Spec's the mac is more efficient meaning the programs it runs requires less speed.:D
Click to expand...

speedyink said:
1. Bold statement
http://www.webmasterworld.com/macintosh_webmaster/3576498.htm

2. True, but it's not hard to make a windows machine just as capable for free

4. Uggh, they all look the same. I like having a variety, to stand out in a crowd.

5. So does pretty much every laptop...

6. Again, debatable.

7. And Apple parts are easy to come by? I'd like to see you get say a macbook keyboard off the shelf from your local computer or mac store.

8. Deerp
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-9829091-37.html

I also speak from personal experience...my poor, poor final cut projects...would have been great it the mac didn't keep crashing. Not to say that it can't be maintained, like any computer.
Click to expand...
let that be a lesson to people lol just proves Apples advertising works
 
computerguy101 said:
My choice would be the Macbook because

  1. Mac's cant get viruses
  2. Mac's can do more things straight out of the box
  3. Mac's ARE more efficient, better use of resources
  4. Mac's look better (in my opinion)
  5. Mac's have more built in things eg. webcam, microphone
  6. Mac's are much easier to use
  7. Dell computers are hard to get parts for meaning if it breaks it will spend more time in repairs, will most likely have to ship in parts, costing more money
  8. Mac's are much more reliable and less likely to have problems

And those are the reasons i think you should get a Mac over a Dell. Even though the Dell has better Spec's the mac is more efficient meaning the programs it runs requires less speed.:D
Click to expand...

There goes the misconception. If you think Mac can't get a virus then you must think the easter bunny exist. Fact: http://antivirus.about.com/od/macintoshresource/Macintosh_Viruses_and_Mac_Virus_Resources.htm


Mac and any os is just code it can be broken just not too many hackers want to spend time or should I said waste their time,But Virus for Mac is out there.

I guess you haven't notice that most laptop now aday come with webcam and mic.


Don't buy dell. If you intend to buy a MAC do a lot of research and don't think that MAC can not get a virus. Only time will tell. The first virus infect Mac back in February 2006.http://www.sophos.com/pressoffice/news/articles/2006/02/macosxleap.html

My choice between the two would be MAC and I would buy antivirus software for it.http://antivirus.about.com/gi/dynam...tt=6&bt=1&bts=0&zu=http://www.iantivirus.com/
 
Well I would go with the macbook. I have done a lot of research in light of what to bring to college this fall. Unfortunately I will have to leave the beast at home (too big) and SSH into ubuntu from osx. Should work pretty smoothly.

I am going to do computer science as well and intend to use the macbook (eclipse for starters).

Plus the new design, is pretty freaking awesome.
 
I was trying to avoid this thread.....but there is just too much misinformation going on I am going to have to step in.

First off, it is Mac, not MAC. MAC is an acronym, and Mac is short for Macintosh. MAC actually has several meanings when it comes to computers, and it being a reference to Apple is not one of them.

First and foremost there are zero self propagating viruses for OS X in the wild meaning it can't copy itself to your Mac like a Windows virus can to a Windows machine.

There are a few trojans out there, but those require user interaction, ie you must install it and give it your admin password to install. These types of attacks, no OS or platform is safe from. It could be Linux, and if you were tricked into installing Malware you would be infecting your Linux system. Saying that there are viruses out there for OS X is kind of moot, because they are out there for all platforms, but mostly Windows if you want to talk numbers.

The latest trojan for OS X is one that a hacker packed into a pirated copy of iLife 09. Well, again, if you are going to download pirated software you run the risk of being caught and prosecuted, and you run the risk of contracting some sort of nasty malware on your computer. Just read through the torrent descriptions on the pirate bay, plenty of them will say virus found in the comments section.

Also, this virus right here that someone linked previously:

http://www.sophos.com/pressoffice/news/articles/2006/02/macosxleap.html

Is way wrong. The guy who wrote that acrticle must not understand POSIX, Unix, ACLs, or basically how permissions work. First off, if you weren't running an admin account, the ichat exploit would not work at all. So, if you weren't logged in as admin you were 100% safe. This also required again, user interaction to be infected.

Again, one last time, anything that requires user interaction is not exclusive to any platform, nor is any platform safe from it. If I package a virus into a copy of CS4 and put it out on the torrent trackers that has tons and nasty bits embedded in it, and you download it, and run as admin to install it, then my viruses root your system, well you can't blame the system for that. Those types of attacks will always happen.

So, don't download pirated items. Pay for it, and you will be virus free for the most part. Email attachments and instant message files are also a factor.
 
for the following reasons i wouldn't get a mac((book) or otherwise):

1. You can get the same system for 75% of the price. You are paying alot more because of a little picture of a half eaten apple on it
2. It is very hard to get replacement parts for a good price. Generally you have to go direct to apple so again, it costs 150% of the price of the same, equally good part.
3. Windows is more common than Mac so, this is starting to end but is still true, there is a fair bit of software that works on windows but not osx. There are programs that are only for mac and not windows, but generally there are equally or better stuff available for windows.

Also, for that apple fanboy up there a few posts back, don't listen, he is talking out of his arse and just tryna plug apple, he has been brainwashed by the apple advertising :P
 
speedyink said:
Yes, Virus' aren't common in OSX, but your still wrong if you say they CAN'T get a virus. That was my point.
Click to expand...

Yes, I agreed, but my point was that the articles linked were convoluted and that there is no such thing as protection from social engineered attacks. If I fool you to install a virus on your Linux box posing it as some sort of software package there is no way to defend against that, and it happens on every platform.

My main point to that is with POSIX and Unix permissions and ACLs a virus can not install itself onto a Mac with out the user inputting their admin credentials.

Viruses that self propagate in the wild are not uncommon, they don't exist, period. Viruses that hide themselves in codecs or pirated applications are uncommon, but do exist.
 
tlarkin said:
I was trying to avoid this thread.....but there is just too much misinformation going on I am going to have to step in.

First off, it is Mac, not MAC. MAC is an acronym, and Mac is short for Macintosh. MAC actually has several meanings when it comes to computers, and it being a reference to Apple is not one of them.

First and foremost there are zero self propagating viruses for OS X in the wild meaning it can't copy itself to your Mac like a Windows virus can to a Windows machine.

There are a few trojans out there, but those require user interaction, ie you must install it and give it your admin password to install. These types of attacks, no OS or platform is safe from. It could be Linux, and if you were tricked into installing Malware you would be infecting your Linux system. Saying that there are viruses out there for OS X is kind of moot, because they are out there for all platforms, but mostly Windows if you want to talk numbers.

The latest trojan for OS X is one that a hacker packed into a pirated copy of iLife 09. Well, again, if you are going to download pirated software you run the risk of being caught and prosecuted, and you run the risk of contracting some sort of nasty malware on your computer. Just read through the torrent descriptions on the pirate bay, plenty of them will say virus found in the comments section.

Also, this virus right here that someone linked previously:

http://www.sophos.com/pressoffice/news/articles/2006/02/macosxleap.html

Is way wrong. The guy who wrote that acrticle must not understand POSIX, Unix, ACLs, or basically how permissions work. First off, if you weren't running an admin account, the ichat exploit would not work at all. So, if you weren't logged in as admin you were 100% safe. This also required again, user interaction to be infected.

Again, one last time, anything that requires user interaction is not exclusive to any platform, nor is any platform safe from it. If I package a virus into a copy of CS4 and put it out on the torrent trackers that has tons and nasty bits embedded in it, and you download it, and run as admin to install it, then my viruses root your system, well you can't blame the system for that. Those types of attacks will always happen.

So, don't download pirated items. Pay for it, and you will be virus free for the most part. Email attachments and instant message files are also a factor.
Click to expand...

+1 what he said.
 
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