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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Do I pick an Alienware Laptop or a Powerbook
Mike Doran, Photographer
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Petaluma | CA | U.S.A. | Posted: 10:57 PM on 03.09.06 |
| ->> I can not decide.I am working with a Toshiba Satelite with the superbrite wxga screen.There is nothing wrong with it but I need to upgrade and several of my colleagues are suggesting that I get a powerbook.So I am asking for some advice on which would be better and Alieware notebook or a Powerbook,15.4 inch screen,dual layer DVD burner and 1gb of ddr ram as well as 1gb of ram.I spend the ajority of my time photographing motorsports. |
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Eric Isaacs, Photographer
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Santa Barbara | CA | USA | Posted: 11:14 PM on 03.09.06 |
->> Mike, Why Alienware? I just configured and purchased an Alienware laptop for a customer at the painful price of $2800 They wanted it for its gaming capabilities.
If your primary use is photography what benefit do you see in choosing that brand over an HP, Dell or Sony?
I've been happy with my platinum powerbook for what its worth...
EMI |
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Jason DeMott, Photographer
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Gainesville | VA | USA | Posted: 11:22 PM on 03.09.06 |
->> Alienware 7700 has been great for editing here. It's largish' yes, but my desktop is with me wherever I go.
-Jason |
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Todd Corzett, Photographer
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Livermore | CA | USA | Posted: 12:07 AM on 03.10.06 |
->> You've heard my answer... but here it is again, I'd go for the powerbook. I really think it's going to be more about your personal preferences than a performance/feature one. Given that you have a large amount of Windows based applications, you may be better off sticking to a PC. But what are the reasons for needing a new laptop? Is the solution to one of those reasons something a Mac does better? If not, maybe the switch isn't the best thing. It's really going to have to be a gut decision... Personally, I'll only buy a Mac (unless there was a specific need for a PC) because of the "ease of use".
-Todd... |
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Mike Doran, Photographer
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Petaluma | CA | U.S.A. | Posted: 12:09 AM on 03.10.06 |
| ->> I have a few friends who have Dell laptops and the main complaint out of them is it crashed again or they could not get there DVD burner to work.The Alienware laptop that I configured was about $2500.00 dollars which is what a refreshed 15.2 Powerbook is with a gig of ram and a full version of CS2 with it.So it comes down to a brite screen or a laptop that is less likely to succumb to a virus.Decisions decisions well I have about a week and a half to make up my mind. |
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Franz Ellers, Assistant, Photographer
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Santa Monica | CA | USA | Posted: 11:24 AM on 03.10.06 |
->> I was looking into a macbook pro alternative and I found a great message board where you filled out a questionaire and some rather knowlegable people told you which model would work best for you. I was told
http://www.notebookreview.com/price/default.asp?productFamilyID=713&display...
Now if I could only remember the name of the forum, The Acer looked great had good reviews and specs now equal to that of the macbook. Alienware's on the other hand had terrible reviews there with stories of DOA laptops and restocking fee's. I would suggest looking for that forum. |
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Nacho RP, Photographer
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A Coruña | A Coruña | España | Posted: 11:34 AM on 03.10.06 |
| ->> buy a mac, it's really better, and enjoy!!, that's only my opinion, i'm switch, & i'm very happy with my PB12" |
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andrew wilz, Photographer
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Aspen | CO | usa | Posted: 12:38 PM on 03.10.06 |
->> Something interesting to note...
I just did a Skiing Magazine shoot over a couple days... it was a Photographer Shootout (invitational kind of thing...) and we had to do a multi-media presentation at the end, just before the awards ceremmony. It was TOTAL crunch-time towards the end because we had only a couple hours to edit and throw as many images as we wanted, into a slideshow complete with music, to present to a bar-full of people (yes, there was free beer).
During the course of the afternoon, my litle Fujitsu crashed twice and i lost my complete slideshow, and had to start from scratch. I was supposed to be at the venue to coordinate my needs with the a/v guys at 5pm, and showed up 1.5hours late because i couldn't get my show burned because my computer was STRUGGLING. (it's a Fujitsu lifebook p2100 or something). I thought that FOR SURE i was the ONLY person running late or even having problems because everyone else was using Macs.
The shock of my young life was walking in the door and finding the other photogs GLUED to their computers. Paul Morrisson had lost his entire show, and was trying desperately to save it, with people milling about asking him questions... There were 3 other guys who were trying to work with their athletes, attempting to salvage their presentations as well. I burned my show, and was supposed to be LAST to present, and ended up being first because nobody else could get their computers to work. They were ALL MACS. The 12" Power Book doesn't have a MiniDV adapter or something, and when people were trying to burn their shows from IMovie, and wanted to run it on a 17"PB, there were OTHER compatability issues. IT was a TOTAL nightmare.
Before everyone starts shooting off their mouths about Macs being gods gift to computer phreaques... Think about what you already have software-wise. What do you REALLY NEED your computer for? Lots of people have these ridiculous computer set-ups with insane software bundles that they NEVER USE. Seriously.. WHAT are you using your computer for? Do you REALLY NEED that 180x Dvd Super Burner? Can you opt to NOT have it onboard, and buy an xternal version of it for 80$ to plug into your firewire port?
Monitors and fast processor speed, if you're a photog, seem like they should have priority. MACs aren't necessarily the answer. I almost made the switch myself a week ago, and then after this whole comp-thing with the presentation, it changed my mind. Who cares if Macs are "less succeptible" to virus attacks... Gimme a break. Use some Anti-Virus software and you shouldn't have problems. I've had 1 virus issue with my PC, and no more.
Do you have lots of images stored on an Xternal HD already that you had plugged into your PC? Will you be able to plug that same drive into a MAC if you make the switch? What if you can't?
Think about it before you leap...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> |
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Rick Berk, Photographer
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Holbrook | NY | USA | Posted: 2:51 PM on 03.10.06 |
->> Stay away from Alienware. I had an Area 51m-766 laptop that I loved. On Monday it refused to boot. They refused to talk to me because the warranty was up and they don't service that model anymore (it's only 17 months old!) I took it to a local shop and they pronounced it dead today (motherboard went bad).
It was great while it lasted, but damn, 17 months is awfully fast to have to spend that money again. I'm hoping business insurance will cover it... |
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Darren Whitley, Photographer
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Maryville | MO | USA | Posted: 3:06 PM on 03.10.06 |
| ->> Powerbook. No doubt. It will hold it's value long after the Alienware becomes a commodity. |
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Jeff Mangum, Photographer
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Phoenix | AZ | USA | Posted: 3:08 PM on 03.10.06 |
->> I've owned Dells for a while and I haven't had many problems. I currently own a laptop and a desktop and I like both. But there is something else people should think about before buying a mac and that is if the Mac OS will still be around in a few years.
I recently read and opinion article in PC magazine that made a pretty good argument about mac adopting a modified windows platform. I am not sure if it will happen but the article makes a lot of good points.
Here's the link to the article.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1923151,00.asp
I recently contemplated switching to mac but the cost in re-buying all new software would have been ridiculous, so I stayed with my trusty dells and after reading that article am quite happy that i did. |
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Delane B. Rouse, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington, DC & Seattle | WA | US | Posted: 3:33 PM on 03.10.06 |
| ->> Jeff...out of 5 photographers (4 with macintosh) are you telling me that there were 5 failures at the exact same time? Come on, something's not right with the picture youre attempting to paint. |
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Franz Ellers, Assistant, Photographer
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Santa Monica | CA | USA | Posted: 4:38 PM on 03.10.06 |
->> Had a 17" G4 Powerbook 1ghz 1gig RAM crash several times today at the snowboarding world cup in Lake Placid it was infuriating. To be fair though it is a few years old and is prone to failure like any other portable.
Personally I like using either computing environment and would like to run my custom PC at home (my pc desktop GUI is identical to that of OSX) and a macbook pro laptop, just waiting for UB apps to become the norm. |
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Jeff Mangum, Photographer
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Phoenix | AZ | USA | Posted: 4:49 PM on 03.10.06 |
->> Delane-
andrew was talking about that not me |
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Delane B. Rouse, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington, DC & Seattle | WA | US | Posted: 5:03 PM on 03.10.06 |
| ->> Sorry Jeff!!! |
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Jim Colburn, Photographer
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Omaha | NE | USA | Posted: 10:28 AM on 03.11.06 |
->> "So I am asking for some advice on which would be better and Alieware notebook or a Powerbook,15.4 inch screen"
If you're starting fresh I'd advise going for the Mac because of the operating system benefits but if you're going to insist on running Windows you can't get much better that Alienware.
You can get any software you'll really need for either platform so that's no biggie but the interface on the Mac OS is a hell of a lot nicer to look at. Aside from being a virus magnet Windows is so damn ugly.... |
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Stanley Leary, Photographer
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Roswell | GA | USA | Posted: 11:11 AM on 03.11.06 |
->> If you compare the computers for cost the PC will always beat the MAC.
If you are going to also compare support - from friends and if it crashes, this will depend on where you live. PC usually beats MAC on this since more people use PCs.
If you already own the software for PC versions and not MAC then you can save money by staying with the PC or take a pretty big hit and buy all new software.
Speed issues - we are not talking major differences.
Most people who are not comfortable working with computers tend to really prefer the MAC.
This to me is more about personal preference than performance.
I own both PC and MACs and am the IT support for both platforms for two organizations.
I found for my personal purchase for a laptop that the PC was so much faster than any MAC laptop - until the most recent one that it made little sense to own a MAC. The MAC was 2 times more and 4 times slower.
Now the new MAC will run head to head with the PCs in performance on the laptop side for the first time. But until PhotoShop has the new version to run on these laptops, well the PC will blow it away.
In time when the software is all available this will make all MAC users delighted. After all they like the way the MAC is setup and works. Having the software take advantage of the increased speed will make this a great choice, but once again for 2 times more money.
If you have to cost justify it on paper the PC wins. If you factor in a persons performance, some people need the MAC to function. |
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David Seelig, Photographer
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Hailey | ID | USA | Posted: 12:16 PM on 03.11.06 |
| ->> I have been setting up a website with iweb does pc have anything this easy . Essentially if you are a photographer get a mac. |
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andrew wilz, Photographer
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Aspen | CO | usa | Posted: 3:43 PM on 03.11.06 |
->> Delane....
Yes, i was serious. It was the biggest pain EVER because the event organizers had all these people at this venue where we were supposed to do our presentations, and Paul M, Scott S., Zach O., and Dave C ALL had issues within the same 2 hours.
I'm NOT making that up. (yes, they were all mac...).. My PC crashed mutiple times as well... So i'm not saying it was just a MAC issue.. but yes it did happen.. (and i don't care if you don't believe me or not)
pppbpbbtttttt....... |
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Dave Amorde, Photographer
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Lake Forest | CA | USA | Posted: 4:19 PM on 03.11.06 |
->> I use a Dell Inspiron 9100 laptop, and a Dell Precision 670 workstation. Both have performed flawlessly. My only complaint about the 9100 is that battery life is rediculously short.
Alienware is for spoiled children who scoop up the latest gaming machine with their silver spoons, and don't give a damn if it breaks, because Daddy will get them another one, and it will be faster than the previous one anyway. If you want a real computer with the support to back it up, buy from a more traditional business supplier, be it Apple, Dell, HP. |
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Jim Colburn, Photographer
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Omaha | NE | USA | Posted: 5:49 PM on 03.11.06 |
->> "If you compare the computers for cost the PC will always beat the MAC"
Not so. I did some cost-analysis on Powerbook Vs. Alienware and the costs, for the same specs, were the same within about $100.
For ease of use and relative freedom from attack that Mac wins out. |
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Franz Ellers, Assistant, Photographer
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Santa Monica | CA | USA | Posted: 11:18 AM on 03.12.06 |
->> I found that website.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/index.php
This is the best resource I've found for laptop information. I answered the questionaire in the "what laptop should I buy?" forum and got a response within a minute. |
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Al Goldis, Photographer
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East Lansing | MI | USA | Posted: 7:11 PM on 03.12.06 |
->> At this point, I don't think it makes sense to get any laptop that doesn't have an Intel Core Duo CPU. They have the same good power and heat characteristics of the Pentium M but with twice the performance (and little or no extra cost). I also think putting a desktop CPU like a P4 in a laptop is nuts.
I don't see any Core Duos on Alienware's site. They're still a little hard to find out in the wild but the other companies like Dell, HP, Sony, and Acer have them out now. I have historically had a low opinion of Acer, but I have been hearing really good things about their laptops lately. No personal experience though.
Incidentally, the latest Apple laptop, the MacBook Pro also uses a Core Duo.
And please, PLEASE... It's Mac, not MAC. Just Mac. Not an acronym, it's short for Macintosh. Not MAC. Did I mention it's not MAC? :-) |
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Todd Corzett, Photographer
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Livermore | CA | USA | Posted: 8:19 PM on 03.12.06 |
->> "At this point, I don't think it makes sense to get any laptop that doesn't have an Intel Core Duo CPU."
From the Mac side of the world... the lack of universal binary support from Adobe (and others) really limits the performance of these machines. If you NEED the computer now... as a photographer, I don't see how the MacBook Pro could be a serious option. If you can wait the 6-12 months for Adobe (and others) to come-out with native applications, then it's a great option. Long-term, a Core Duo machine is a great idea... but right now there are a few things missing from the puzzle. If I needed a laptop NOW, the 15" PowerBook is the way I'd go.
-Todd... |
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Robert Irvin, Photographer
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christopher koutsis, Photographer
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christopher koutsis, Photographer
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huntington | ny | USA | Posted: 10:17 PM on 03.12.06 |
| ->> oops....thoughT |
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Zack Podell, Photographer, Assistant
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Marina Del Rey | CA | USA | Posted: 10:52 PM on 03.12.06 |
->> I have been considering a new alienware for a few months now. I have an aging Dell I need to replace in the coming months. I WILL NEVER BUY/ SUPPORT/ or RECOMMEND DELL EVER EVER EVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!
here's why (I'll keep it as short as possible):
I purchased this notebook 12/2002, and paid the extra $$ for the 3 year next day on site warranty. I never needed it until the warranty came near expiring. When I did need it, it took 5 + days to get someone out there. They kept dragging their feet, until the coverage epired, and then, when the tech screwed up, they refused to send anyone back out to fix his errors, and give me the replacement parts that were needed.... They claimed that I was beyond the coverage period, and needed to renew my contract, (but I could not until the computer was in perfect working order, so I was told by the other dep't).
I went back and forth with them, and the best I got from them, was "we'll send you the parts, and you can pay to have them replaced... provided you use a certified repair center (certified by Dell)" Not to mention that their cust. service really stinks, and all of their techs are outsourced, making it very difficult to hold someone responsible.
When I bought my notebook, Dell had the highest Cust. Service in the industry, (based on JD Power, and CR)... needless to say it went into the toilet from there.
Fujitsu, and Acer make nice products right now, and am considering a sony as well, (I have been hesitant about them though). I hope this helps. |
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Stanley Leary, Photographer
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Roswell | GA | USA | Posted: 7:25 AM on 03.13.06 |
->> Jim Colburn:
If you compare Mac vs PC laptops the PC will always be cheaper. I did not say compare Alienware and Mac.
I bought a HP with hyperthread pentium for about $1,200 and the closest Mac was about $3,000 and still slower at the time.
hyperthread pentium screams past any of the Macs. Only in the desktop does the Mac compare in performance to a PC and often is better. |
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Allen Lester, Photographer
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Norfolk | VA | USA | Posted: 10:48 AM on 03.13.06 |
->> All,
Not to turn this into a Dell bashing thread, but we too have had a string of Dell problems the past six months (3-hard drive failures and 1-motherboad failure), so I would agree with Zack that Dell is not on my list of favorite PC's. One of my college professors (PC-Hardware Troubleshooting) swore by Alienware computers. A bit pricey, but extremely durable and powerful PCs.
Allen |
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Jim Colburn, Photographer
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Omaha | NE | USA | Posted: 11:01 AM on 03.13.06 |
->> "If I needed a laptop NOW, the 15" PowerBook is the way I'd go"
That's the way I went recently. Instead of the Pro I got one of the last of the Powerbook G4's. Given that Photoshop won't be Universal for about a year and that there'd probably be upgrade costs for all the software that currently run just fine on the G4 chip it looks like the best idea.
I figure that the new PB will be fine for the next three years and then, perhaps, I'll go for an Intel Mac.
Computing Rule #1:
RTFM
Comupting Rule #2:
Never buy version one of anything |
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Jim Colburn, Photographer
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Omaha | NE | USA | Posted: 11:05 AM on 03.13.06 |
->> "If you compare Mac vs PC laptops the PC will always be cheaper"
Nope. If you compare equal specs and equivilent quality the choice is a toss-up in terms of cost.
"I bought a HP with hyperthread pentium"
Complete with Windows (Happy virus hunting). |
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Rick Rowell, Photographer
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Canoga Park | CA | Usa | Posted: 12:33 PM on 03.13.06 |
| ->> Here's something to think about. I'm no expert, but some experts I've been listning to have told me the Windows OS is due for a MAJOR change soon. Something simular to what Apple did for the Mac when system X came out. Mac's running OS X are running a Unix based system, known for it's reliability. This is why Apple changed the system leaving some people out in the cold with their old software unless they bought a new Mac. Even then, Apple made it possible to run system 9 on the new machines. Wasn't that nice? Their is so much unessesary code written into the Windows OS (all versions) just so some people can still use their old programs with the new machines, it's starting to choke the the life out of the OS. This is why many crashes happen in Windows. Microsoft just keeps trying to fix the bugs instead of writting a new system and eleminating all of the old code. Now to be fair Apple does to same thing with Mac. The difference being the Unix based system, that in my and many experts opinion is more stable. I know I sound like a salesman for the Mac, but I've used Windows machines as well. I just bought two months ago the lastest version of the Powerbook G4. Yes, it may not be as fast as some Windows machines, but if you know the limits of the OS, machine, memory, processor speed and so on their should be no crashes. Most crashes come from people not knowing the limits of their machine and trying to make it do to much to fast. Just my two cents and that's probably all it's worth. |
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Franz Ellers, Assistant, Photographer
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Santa Monica | CA | USA | Posted: 3:47 PM on 03.13.06 |
->> Jim I was going to respond yesterday but decided it wasn't really worth it, but I disagree completly with you. A PC will almost, without any instances of which I am aware, be cheaper.
I know I can put together a dual core dual proccessing opteron box together and fill it with RAM for significantly less than a "quadcore G5".
I can buy an Acer 8204 with a 2Ghz core duo proc and 2 gigs of RAM for 400 dollars less than an equally spec'd Macbook. These are a few examples, if you have any real life instances to show me where Mac's are equal in price to PC's I would like to see them, really.
Prices on PC's are cheaper, but I'm not saying they're better for everyone.
I bought my mother a Mac Mini for christmas, because it will do what she wants without extra hassle of having to know whats actually going on. Our business uses a dual 2.7 G5 with a 21" ACD that I picked out. Sure I use PC's at home but I know for alot of applications I would rather just use a mac, but we do pay a premium for that. |
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Dave Yoder, Photographer
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Milan | IT | Italy | Posted: 4:37 PM on 03.13.06 |
->> well yeah, a BMW does cost more than a Fiat, compared side by side. Big surprise.
(I just tried doing that on the Dell site and couldn't even penetrate their site sufficiently to find out important details needed to make such a comparison. Somehow I was able to do it a couple years ago and after adding up the components to a Mac I found it to be a dead-even pricing result. But I wouldn't be surprise if that has changed.)
But you can't just leave it at that. Macs on average stay in service longer than PCs--I've read twice as long--and they come with valuable additions such as Firewire ports, excellent bundled iLife software, aluminum casing, motion sensor, magnetic power plug, and built-in isight cameras, just to name a few things. I'm curious how the PC apologists priced those into the comparisons. Also, too many such comparisons are made strictly using the Apple store, despite there being less expensive high quality add-ons elsewhere.
My 2 &1/4 year old alum Powerbook essentially looks and feels like it did the day I bought it despite considerable travel. I bet that's pretty rare in the Made-By-Mattel inspired plastic PC notebooks that probably wouldn't set off a metal detector in an airport.
The Mac OS is a joy to use compared to Windows, and I've used both, though I admit I have washed my hands of windows after trying for three days, and failing, to install an XP service pack onto my dad's PC. Chalk that up as three day rates, shall we? Never had an install problem on my Mac. Once it crashed though, I admit, and I had to restart it. The horror.
And don't scoff at viruses. I know a British fashion photographer who, despite his regularly updated virus software, got one that randomly emailed private documents like invoices and emails to everyone in his address book, clients and friends alike. How do you put a price on that?
It's a bit short sighted to ignore the total cost of ownership, including and beyond the $$ signs. For me, the only reason I'd buy a Windows machine would be to buy a bunch of games to play on it. I suppose I'll add those into the cost as well. |
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christopher koutsis, Photographer
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huntington | ny | USA | Posted: 5:25 PM on 03.13.06 |
->> "Complete with Windows (Happy virus hunting)"
Jim, I know this topic came up once before and it tickled me the wrong way then and it tickles me the wrong way now. Lay off the porn and pirated downloads...7 years strong with no viruses or spyware on PC's... (3 laptops and 1 desktop to be exact: all 4 barely exceeding the cost of 1 17" powerbook with 3 year warranty and 2 gigs of ram). I know, it's really hard to throw down that $35-40 a year for Norton. But come on... I can't stand when people say that about PC's. All it'll take is a little education on how to use the tools you purchase properly.
How about some educated reasons as to why Apple is worth the extra $ or not...lets say quicker start-up times, durability, sleek design, brighter screen, backlit keyboard, titanium build, light weight, crazy battery life, LESS prone (not immune) to viruses, stuff like that.
Jim is right in his other statement though, "If you compare equal specs and equivilent quality the choice is a TOSS-UP in terms of cost." |
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Dave Yoder, Photographer
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Milan | IT | Italy | Posted: 7:57 AM on 03.14.06 |
->> "Lay off the porn and pirated downloads...7 years strong with no viruses or spyware on PC's... "
... you think.
My mom, a professor, on her Indiana University issued Toshiba, despite aggressive antivirus measures by their IT department, got a virus that they caused problems they couldn't solve, infected a bunch of her collegues computers using her account, and eventually had to be wiped and reinstalled. It infected her computer in the period between release of the virus and its subsequent antivirus update (it was one of the ones that made a lot of news, don't remember the name of it though).
I assure you, she's not likely to have been suring the porn sites or pirating software.
You've been lucky. And currently Macs are immune to viruses and spyware, since none exist for OSX. We could debate the likelihood of any ever materializing in the wild... I actually think it's a bit unlikely, considering the built-in security. There's no question that many have tried... it must be the holy grail of cyber malfeasants, to be the first to crack the shell of OSX. Instant immortality in the computer world. |
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Jim Colburn, Photographer
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Omaha | NE | USA | Posted: 10:16 AM on 03.14.06 |
->> "Lay off the porn and pirated downloads"
You don't need that to attract viruses with a Windows machine. Someone like Consumer Reports did a test last year with a new-out-of-the-box PC. After turning it on and connecting to the Net for less than an hour they had multiple spyware and virus programs on the machine.
"How about some educated reasons as to why Apple is worth the extra $"
A stable, and elegant, operating system that is virtually virus free. You could probably get the same running another UNIX-based system but the set-up would be harder. Studies show that you'll need one IT tech for every 40 Windows machines for maintenence, support, etc. The figure for Macs is 200 machines to one tech.
Oh yes, they usually last longer than a PC. When I started work at a paper I plugged in an old (400MHz) G4 machine to the network and was up and running (email, Internet, printing, scheduling software, etc.) within 15 minutes.
Even if they weren't so close in price (comparing equivilent quality machines, not Acer) it'd still pay to run a Mac because the long term costs would be less. Less maintenence, less downtime, fewer problems. |
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Franz Ellers, Assistant, Photographer
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Santa Monica | CA | USA | Posted: 7:59 PM on 03.14.06 |
| ->> Wow, who knew this was going to turn into a Mac vs PC flamewar. |
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Jim Colburn, Photographer
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Omaha | NE | USA | Posted: 11:46 AM on 03.15.06 |
->> One more like niceness about a Mac. You have a hot-swapable Firewire port on a Powerbook.
This not only means that you can do "instant backups" of your files as you ingest them using Photo Mechanic but you can keep a minimal operating system on the Firewire drive along with a slimmed-down set of programs (I have Canon's DPP, Terminal and a few others) so that in the event of a hard drive crash in your laptop you can boot from the Firewire drive and continue your editing and transmission.
Not as nice as having all of Photoshop etc. on the main drive but enough to get you through in case of emergency. |
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Mike Doran, Photographer
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Petaluma | CA | U.S.A. | Posted: 12:29 PM on 03.15.06 |
| ->> I purchased my new laptop last night.It has a gig and a half of ram,100gb harddrive and a duo core processor.It also has one of the brightest screens that I have ever seen.I saved a thousand dollars.I chose the Sony Vaio F550 Duo Core over the Macbook Pro for several reasons, one it does not have a pcmcia port,there are several programs that do not work with it yet and it is so new that getting one is pretty difficult.Also the price was a major consideration as I am saving for a new 300mm 2.8L lens.Thank you everyone for all your answers and suggestions.Thanks goes out to Franz Ellers for the link to notebook review as that was a tremendous help.Thanks also goes to my good friend Todd Corzett for the late night conversations regarding this issue.Todd you get a chance to see the laptop at Thursday AMA Superbike test.Thanks again to all of you for this help.I have started setting it up and using it and so far I am impressed with the quality and build. |
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Zack Podell, Photographer, Assistant
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Stanley Leary, Photographer
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Roswell | GA | USA | Posted: 6:02 PM on 03.17.06 |
->> Just like cars whatever you buy you then read all the material to support what a great choice you made. I think this is also true about computers.
The bottom line is getting the job done. Macs are really easy to use and great machines. PCs also can get the job done.
The differences are real.
I just believe as long as you can afford whatever you think will get the job done for you--then buy it.
I do believe the number 1 thing I would consider before buying is what your other friends who are computer savy are using. Who will you call when you have a problem. It happens with both platforms. Doesn't matter how much one has problems compared to the other. What matters is often having someone else sit down with your computer and helping you fix it.
I support both platforms as an IT guy and enjoy helping people with their problems. It makes me feel pretty good about helping another person.
But here is one situation where my father bought the Mac due to my recommendation and my brother-in-law who was one of the head honchos at Hitachi at the time.
A problem developed and my father needed more than just a little help over the phone from us. He needed to take it in. No computer support in his town for Macs. Closest help was more than an hour away.
Next time he bought a computer he went with the PC due to this lack of support.
The scenario can easily be reversed between the Mac and PC. The point isn’t which one is best—it is which one is best for you and your situation.
And for those who still want to argue one is always best—well I think the sales show enough support for both to be in business. |
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