Wednesday, January 9, 2008

HELP: I Have To Buy A Computer


As I approach the transition to a new place of service, there are a number of things I need to get done before I can hit the ground running. One of the main issues will be deciding upon a new computer that my new church will be purchasing for me to use there. I pretty much have decided to go with a laptop so that I can have the freedom to use it when I preach / teach and not have to go between computers.

Now the decision comes down to this: PC vs. Mac

I do a lot of audio and video stuff (more audio than video right now). I will be using more multimedia stuff when I get where I am going (good song by Geoff Moore...). I have had a few gentlemen, for whom I have the utmost respect, tell me the MacBook is the way to go. However, I have used a PC almost exclusively over the years.

I NEED to see some comments from those of you on both sides of this. I am betting that some of you use Mac and can give me some good reasons.
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4 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 10, 2008 at 11:23 AM

    Tiger! Dude- you totally know you have two cousins that are very well versed in the Mac- PC debate don't you!?

    Well...

    Quite honestly, the differences are pretty slim now, in the sense that you will probably get a macbook with an intel processor, so that's half PC right there. But the operating systems are still different- I have been using Macs pretty exclusively for about 4 years, so I tend to think that its OS is more user friendly and just "makes sense", but if you been a loyal Windows user for years, it may take some adjustments.

    The biggest issue you will have with macs is really two things:
    1. cost
    2. compatibility

    The cost is higher for Mac everything. Hardware, software, repair, etc. It's much harder to find a reputable person to repair your Mac than a PC- something to remember if you worry about something going awry and not being able to access your data ASAP. However, they do sell Macs in Best Buy now, I haven't looked into if they repair them there, but they might. Hardware is MUCH more expensive, you will no doubt discover, as a good macbook will run you about $2500, while you could get a top of the line PC laptop for under $1000. Software is also more expensive, and you do not receive many programs with your macbook purchase as you would with a PC.

    Compatibility may or may not be an issue for you. You can buy microsoft office for Mac, in order to be fully compatible with your peers, but you can also get other programs that can convert files such as Word, PowerPoint, etc... it's called open office. Sometimes I still run into problems with opening email attachments, etc. from PC users... but honestly, it's not a huge problem.

    So, I guess I'm saying, I don't think it's that critical that you choose a Mac over PC or Vise Versa. Mac is industry standard in my field, and probably in the fields you mentioned as well, so of course it does add a little "street cred"... and is in general just way cooler. Plus Apple sends you stickers you can put in your windshield if you feeling like representing! :) hah.

    Your main issue is going to come down to cost I think. But, I will say, I wouldn't trade my MacBook for anything.

    Email me if you want more info! And be sure to tell me what you decide on! Love Ya!

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 10, 2008 at 2:08 PM

    Now THAT'S what I am talking about! A substantive, concise, helpful comment.

    Thanks, Sarah.

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  3. SandyJanuary 11, 2008 at 9:57 AM

    I am a loyal Mac user and have been for years... however, I do have to switch over to PC (like right now while I'm working at the church!) and so sometimes the buttons get a little confusing, because I am so used to how my Mac works - BUT - if I can do it, I am totally sure that YOU can!

    imho Mac is totally the way to go particularly for creating any type of Video presentations. It is very user friendly and you do not have to be a computer geek to get up and running with it

    I do not have any issues with creating forms on my Mac and then sending them out to get copied or printed, however you can usually do some type of simple "save as" commands that would take care of that.

    Yes, the cost may be a little higher up front, but the Mac is going to come with most of what you need, just as part of the package. You do not have a lot of upgrades to do (as it seems a lot of my PC friends deal with), but by the time you need/want to do that, it may be time for you to just get a new cooler looking one anyway! :)

    And remember, there are no widespread viruses that are catching to Macs. Granted that could change as Macs get more and more mainstream, but for now, it is still very protected.

    You know where to find me if you have any specific questions - at the church office!

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  4. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2008 at 12:21 PM

    Thanks, Sandy, my mind is now made up. I'm taking the MacBook plunge! (to borrow a phrase from our friends at Nestea)

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