[PCWorld]

Post your comments for Mac vs. Windows: $2000 Laptops Compared here

[nite41]

This guy has put the OS X and iLife as 'Other Features'! Wow! Talk about blatant stupidity. I think the Operating System is as important a part of a laptop as is it's hardware. What use is an 8GB RAM laptop when the Operating System (Windows) is sluggish?
This guy also forgot to mention the exhaustive list of 3rd party softwares that one has to buy (when using Windows).
There are few more chinks in this article. But i am running short on time.
Overall, not a very good article. He is too inclined on the hardware aspect of laptops (forgetting that software is equally important).
Wait, i forgot!!!! It's PC World...;)

[technicalhitman]

@nite41,

If you knew anything about PC World, it is very biased towards Macs. Much of the Tech press is very biased to Apple and is very anti-Microsoft. But speaking of software, what good is an OS that has been the top most vulnerable OS for the last 3 years? Thats right, it wasn't Microsoft Windows. XP placed 4th and Vista 5th on the list. OS-X (Leopard and Tiger) and Server tied for 1st place for the last 3 years.

Microsoft gets the most press because of the over one billion users they have. However, if you counting highest number of exploits, number of months waiting for a patch, and the most exploitable of browsers on the market? Apple's OS-X wins all three categories hands down. That is probably the most decisive reasons why to avoid Leopard and Tiger. Maybe they can try again with SnowLeopard? Maybe.

Windows 7 is available on the torrents for anyone who doesn't want to use Vista. Its stable, keys are still available, activation still works, and you'll get a much better OS. The RC will be available in late May.

I think the review is just fine, as most folks right now can't even dream of scrapping together a thousand bucks for a iMac, let alone two grand for 2009 Macbooks. No point in grabbing the Mac Mini either. You'd still get more from similar priced vendors will to sell you everything including keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

[nite41]

@technicalhitman

First of all, that's a good id man! But it doesn't suit you a bit. Your reply seems more like opinion rather than facts. Didn't you learn in school? That, when you present an argument, support it with some solid facts or at least, with some information regarding it's source. You have some really ambitious comments in your reply regarding rankings of Operating Systems.

And since when did Apple-OS become a browser?? haha! It cracked me up man!

May be you are just 'not cool enough' to own a Mac!

Last, but not the least, you seem to have misread by initial comment. I was not referring to the pros and cons of various Operating Systems. I was mainly trying to point out that the author of the article has neglected Software as compared to Hardware in his review (He is comparing Laptops and that includes Hardware and Software). So, i do not know whether you had some preconceived notions or just failed to properly understand my initial comment??

Side swipe: Mac World is a truly Mac-biased website. Now, if 'PC' World is biased towards Macs (and not PCs), that's a shame, isn't it?

[alkybird]

@nite41

Apparently your Mactastic self is not very grammar savvy. Sadly if you could actually take your head out of your apple you would have noticed that the inclusion of the "cool guy Mac features" suh as iLife etc. was included in that extras category as a bonus. Note how the writer did not mention any Windows productivity suite software, in essence putting a feather in Macs' cap. Realistically you could get in the semantic argument about those featues by comparing the Mac software with all the open source software and the arguement becomes nil so just like every other person who clings to their Mac justifications, leave it be. While I do own a bunch of Windows and Linux based boxes I would have bought a Mac for my wife if they weren't so needlessly expensive. Their whole package stability is very desireable. In short while many folks like Macs they get turned away from pontificating simpletons as yourself not wanting to be associtated with your ilk...that and the fact that they are rediculously over priced. While it is true that you get a considerably greater amount of machine for your money with a PC (Windows based construction) you get increased stability and compatibility from an all-in-one type package like a Mac. In all honesty reviews like this don't mean a thing. A user will buy what they need and if they are not tech savvy enough to defferentiate for their actual needs and buy based on a stupid commercial touting one vice another rather than base their decision on proper matters then their opinion isn't even worth listening to. That being said, why did you buy your Mac? Case closed...

[markm]

A small correction: MacBook Pros all come with an ExpressCard slot (just as the PowerBook G4 before them came with a PCCard slot). It's the consumer-level MacBook that lacks one.

[Infinite]

It's a moot point for me, since I try to avoid using Microsoft products. I just got tired of all the problems. That's the reason I switched to the Mac in the first place.

Second, I have the Macbook Pro you reviewed and it "does" have an ExpressCard port.

I might also add that there is no Multi-Touch trackpad on the PC's. Nor are they CNC'd from a solid brick of Aluminum.

And since my Macbook Pro runs more software than the PC's, I see it as a much better value.

[alkybird]

Yes because having a case machined from a solid brick of aluminum makes a computer better...sure the extra manufacturing cost of CNC machining would explain a price boost but does it really justify it, or rationalize it for that matter?

[alkybird]

Also you could make the same "runs more programs" argument as a support for Linux considering that it can also run a windows shell and additionally all the Linux specific software, yet based on thqat rationale it is much better price per dollar than your Mac...

[Infinite]

@alkybird,
The aluminum unibody adds structural stability, increased fit and finish, and allows for a thinner and lighter computer. There are 5 reasons alone.
As for the software, if I buy a PC then I cannot run some of Apples software, which is highly rated and I certainly enjoy using.
I am very happy with my move to Mac, and find that I am more productive and less irritated with my computing experience. My experience has taught me that value goes much further than just the initial price of the computer.

[alkybird]

Granted your statements about the unibody are true, the basis behind that would metaphorically mean that a supermodel makes a better wife simply because she is more attractive, her basic level of physique lends to a higher level of endurance, and due to her lower weight she will stand less chance of breaking your back or bed while bouncing on top of you. To continue the metaphor, while a supermodel is fully capable of enjoying all the same activities as a normal woman they are very unlikely to do so in 99% of the cases. Now while we all would love to have our very own supermodel for the show and go factor we still get our actual needs met by the basic housewife and a a much lower maintenance cost. I don't know about you but while the supermodel will be more fun in certain aspects, a normal housewife will be more efficient at the day-to-day activities because she doesn't have gym time etc. crowding her day and hence she will be more efficient/powerful. Now if you can translate that entire metaphor I think you will find it very hard to disagree...and if Jessica Alba is reading this, I would love to test drive that Mac...

[mikedgolf40505]

Each Qty. Total Remove
HP HDX16t Premium Series customizable Notebook PC
NK606AV
– Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
– Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor P8700 (2.53GHz)
– FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
– 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
– 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
– 16.0" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
– FREE Upgrade to Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
– Webcam + Fingerprint Reader with HP Imprint Finish (Fluid)
– Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
– No TV Tuner w/remote control
– HP Color Matching Keyboard
– 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
– No Productivity Software
– HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
Estimated build date: April 16, 2009 $1,624.99 $1,624.99
To change quantities or remove selected items, click on
Notebook instant rebate –$200.00
Order subtotal $1,424.99
Why do you always search for the highest priced PC you can find? Give me a break. Match the specs that the Mac can match and that sends it up another $500.

[alkybird]

Even to that end you are getting more PC for the money...more graphics memory, more screen resolution...and if you rave about the battery life be sure to read the footer saying that the reading was taken at %50 screen brightness while reading web pages so not even actually using any memory, CPU cycles, or graphics. Woo hoo...fail.

[asiafish]

That HP is also made of plastic, weighs a full pound more than the MacBook Pro, is a half inch thicker than the MacBook Pro and has all sorts of buttons, latches and protrusions on its generic case, not to mention the many stickers and flashing LEDs.

The MacBook Pro, in contrast, is uncluttered, doesn't have a single protrusion anywhere on its gorgeous aluminum case and will still hold 2/3 of its value if you want to sell it in two years. The HP? It will be worth at best 1/3 of what you paid. Of course, you will probably want to get rid of the HP, while you will still be happy with the Apple.

[asiafish]

What a ridiculous analogy.

[asiafish]

The problem with comments comparing models like that HP is that the MacBook Pro is a premium model and the HP is a consumer model. Look at premium PCs and the price will be in line with Apple's, perhaps a few dollars less or a few dollars more.

Compare a ThinkPad W500 or a Panasonic Toughbook business-class laptop to a MacBook Pro and you will find that it is priced about the same.

[epgomez]

Bottom line is as long as there are Mac supporters, Mac will stay but would only be a small market share. For windows...if microsoft get it right with windows 7, this will remain the leader. Linux will gradually increase user share for guys who got tired of windows but don't want to buy an overpriced mac. Personally, hardware is important to consider with the right price as long as developers are committed to patch software and build better software. Software can get better with patches but hardware you have to buy to make it better.

[asiafish]

epgomez said:

Bottom line is as long as there are Mac supporters, Mac will stay but would only be a small market share. For windows...if microsoft get it right with windows 7, this will remain the leader. Linux will gradually increase user share for guys who got tired of windows but don't want to buy an overpriced mac. Personally, hardware is important to consider with the right price as long as developers are committed to patch software and build better software. Software can get better with patches but hardware you have to buy to make it better.

Until there is real MS Office for Linux and until users can just double click on an installer to install commercial software Linux will never make any significant inroads and is destined to remain a geek toy.

Mac users don't all buy Macs because Windows doesn't work. Windows works fine for the vast majority of users, otherwise Microsoft would have been out of business years ago. Windows has always ranged from "adequate" to "very good", just as Mac OS has.

Over the years there have been times when Mac was much better than Windows (System 7 vs. Windows 3.1) and times when Windows was much better than Mac OS (Windows 2000 vs. OS 8). XP and Jaguar were both what I would consider adequate, while the current versions (Leopard and Vista) are both very good in my humble opinion. Both being very good, however, does not make them equal or interchangeable. There are things that Windows does MUCH better, like gaming, and there are things that OS X does MUCH better, like suspend and resume on laptops.

Where the playing field is uneven on platforms is that you have to do some real geek-hacking to get OS X fully functional, if possible at all, on a non-Apple computer, whereas any Intel Mac fully supports Windows XP or Vista with Apple's blessing and even assistance (Boot Camp). You can also run Windows on top of OS X through virtualization, but again need serious geek hacking to run OS X in any virtual machine on Mac or Windows.

Finally, PC fans always point out some cheap PC like the HPs in the new Microsoft commercials and say that they are better than Macs because they are cheaper. Those PCs are cheaper because they are budget models from HP's consumer line and Apple only sells premium models.

Its like complaining that all Mercedes or Lexus or BMW cars are overpriced because you can get a Chevrolet that carries the same number of people the same distance on the same amount of fuel for a lot less money. Yes, there is nothing in the Mercedes, BMW or Lexus lineup that costs the same as a Chevy Malibu and none of those premium cars will get you to your destination any quicker on American roads. That does not mean that premium cars are a rip-off or that everyone should buy a Chevrolet because it is just as good for half the price.

Two simple facts that apply to just about everything sold at retail in a market economy (like ours) are that you get what you pay for and that there is no such thing as a free lunch.

You can have your consumer-grade HP laptop and your Chevy and I'll continue to enjoy my MacBook Pro and Mercedes Benz. I paid more, but I got what I paid for.

[NoSmokingBandit]

I stopped reading after "Mac vs. Windows"

Macs are hardware, windows is software. How am i supposed to trust a comparison from somebody who cant even figure out this simple fact. PCWorld articles get dumber every week, i swear.

[mikedgolf40505]

I agree they should not name it PC World. I was thinking that Anti-PC World or Anti-Microsoft might be more accurate.