Re: Question Jim...

While I am not a Mac user I have looked into it (had a friend who had sweet powerbook).

A few things to correct and/or question from this thread:

I heard the bootcamp that allows you to run M$ windows only works on the newest hardware since they only recently started using Intel based processors. I don't see that as a big deal because the only thing that Windows beats Mac on (in my opinion) is variety of games and poorly made software.

The PowerPC processors have always been behind the Intel power rating (so they look slower) but because they are only put in specific hardware setups the hardware knows exactly how to use it to it's full potential. On the other hand, PCs that you can piece together from parts have to know how to work with 950,000 other parts and a good portion of their power is wasted on "configuring to work with YOUR hardware." I know that isn't the precise situation but that is the easiest explanation I could come up with.

I forget what the OS is called that OSX is based on but it is not "Linux" even though it shares the same roots. If you ask me it's the same difference but if you tell a die hard Mac Fanatic that they are using Linux they'll implode (very messy).

Linux is a viable and robust alternative that most people don't think about. In the past few years the OS and the software have gotten much easier to use. If you don't believe me go to distrowatch.com and pick any "live" disk for download, burn it to disk (many are on DVD now to accomodate all the possible drivers), and boot it. It won't install to your harddrive unless you tell it to and this allows you to see what the Linux GUI is all about nowadays (and the command line if you want to delve that deep). I have heard tons of recommendations for Ubuntu Linux but something didn't set right with me on their live test so I tried a few different distros. I'm sticking with Debian Linux right now. I love how versital the installer is, it's a small image that can be burned to a 3" CD and it installs the software over the internet (slower than from disk but you can pick and choose exactly what will install or you can go for the base install and download more later). I must confess that I am still new to Linux but I'm determined to build a dedicated server (still have a seperate computer for Windows) for network storage, internet hosting, email hosting, and a few other things. As far as I see it (as a computer geek), every minute I spend on doing it at home is investing in my skills for the future.

And for a Laptop, depending on your needs a cheap (relative term, not meaning junk) laptop running Linux can do almost anything you need. If you are wanting to do Video Editing or Graphics Editing then go with the Powerbook. If you are wanting to do some gaming (in your spare time) then go with a Windows based Laptop with the best specs you can find. If you are just wanting something that can get on the internet/email, do productivity stuff (OpenOffice.org), etc. then get a decent mid to low end laptop with Linux (since Linux is far more efficient with your hardware than Windows). By your description of your needs it sounds like a perfect fit, you just gotta break it in (aka - get used to the OS).

Hope this helps,

BenV

> Hey Jim,

> I actually started looking at some Macs again based on this string and for
> someone who knows little or nothing about them it is more than a little
> confusing.

> First of all it appears that the Mac computers have slower processors. But
> I have always heard that they are actually faster.

> Secondly it is difficult to figure out what laptop might fit my needs.
> (affordable, powerful, lots of software) I use my notebook for work, for
> classes, and for family photos. In addition I now use it exclusively for
> all of my Internet work.

> Finally, how hard is it to learn the Mac versus what I am so used to? And
> I have a TON of pc files that I would still need to access every once in
> awhile.

> Thanks in advance. I am in no hurry by the way - my current notebook is
> still under warranty for another year and thus there is no rush but I am
> really interested in looking at Mac versus what I am using now. I guess
> you would call me "open minded to the potential of a major
> change".