I’m contemplating buying a Macbook as my next laptop. I’ve only ever used PCs before this.
Is anyone out there a Mac user? Would you recommend the switch? I understand there is a learning curve associated with Mac if you’ve never used it before but that in the long run, its more user-friendly.
Any thoughts on this?
Re: Mac vs. PC
I have not used a Mac. The only Apple products I use are iPod and iTunes. Both are fairly decent products and I don't think the learning curve for Mac is really that big an issue for most people. If you can use Windows, I am sure you can easily learn to use Mac and its OS-X.
The real reason why I don't get a Mac is bcz of software. A lot of it. A wide variety of third party software is available fairly cheap for Windows. And while I understand that most people use a fairly limited number of software in daily lives, the ability (or lack thereof) of getting more software is a key factor for me.
In addition, as you obviously know, a Mac is (much) more expensive than a comparably equipped PC/laptop.
And yes. Mac is considered "cool". Way cooler than a PC.
So jump. But do it with your eyes open.
Re: Mac vs. PC
What kind of user are you? If you are a regular user or an oober-nerd you'd like Mac (as its based on OpenBSD, which is linux). Opposed to what Faisal mentioned there's tons of comparable software available for Linux so you'd never be short of comparable software.
The only reason I could never migrate over completely (I do have a Mac Mini under my desk tho) is because I have to support Windows based apps and servers, and it was just too much trouble keeping with both OS's all the time (I do most of my testing off duty)
Re: Mac vs. PC
Ordinarily I will say something about Linux users and where they can stick their .... but since I like TofiBaba so much, so I won't say it. :)
Yeah, yeah, ultay haath ka khel hai.
Re: Mac vs. PC
Linux can be pretty intidimating for new user…I know cuz I tried Ubuntu and I couldnt figure out how to configure my modem which is only a few clicks in windows 
Re: Mac vs. PC
Spend the same amount of money on a state of the art laptop, you will be much happier
Re: Mac vs. PC
Stay with Windows..
Re: Mac vs. PC
That's the beauty of OSX, you don't really need to know anything about Linux. But the tools are available to get you into deep trouble if you so desire.
Faisal, I would give you that Linux (raw) is not for everyone. As FOL said it can be very intimidating, but if you think about it installing a modem on a Windows box can be a perplexing issue for users not familiar with Windows, I deal with those kind of users on a regular basis. On a Mac a lot of items don't even require more than a single click.
Re: Mac vs. PC
Thanks for the comments, guys!
I don't use a lot of different kinds of s/w. My laptop would primarily be for internet usage (and everything related to that). I think the only s/w I use is the MS Office Suite and primarily MS Word.
Does Mac have an equivalent of MS Office or is it already compatible with it?
Re: Mac vs. PC
MS Office 2004 for OSX:
http://www.apple.com/macosx/applications/office/
Re: Mac vs. PC
i've been using my new mac for just over a month now, i also posted on gs to see what people think. i went against the general opionion but I dont think i can ever go back to windoze.
ya its between 1200-1400 usd, but its well worth it.
i work as a domain administrator at a university in michigan so i wouldn't say i'm a begginer or novice user . i'm also into designing and i work my mac hard.
with the new parralles software u can run windoze natively right within ur mac osx if u ever run into a problem (software concerns) - i installed parralles the first day i got it and trust me till this day i have not had to use it once. i've found everything i needed
get a mac, its the best computing decision u'll ever make
msg me if u want a corp. development discount almost up to 300 bux off
good luck and happy hunting
Re: Mac vs. PC
Thanks for the link tofibaba!
GenSec: This is what I keep hearing over and over from current mac users, switch now and you will never go back. That's reassuring. So I think I'm gonna go for it! I'll PM you.