If you are thinking about buying a Mac or Macbook, here are some thoughts:
Mac vs. Windows PC is almost a religious issue for some people, but as someone who has used both, I say that each is a tool that is well suited to those jobs that they are good at.
If you mostly use your computer for email, web browsing, editing documents, spreadsheets, photos, audio, and video, you can use either a Mac or Windows machine, and if you choose a Mac you will probably have fewer headaches worrying about viruses and housekeeping issues.
- Macs come with a suite of built-in applications, and have their own suite of reasonably priced applications. The Mac audio and video editing software is quite good.
- Both Macs and Windows machines can run Microsoft Office (there is a special version that runs on Macs), and Adobe software has versions for both Macs and Windows.
- OpenOffice, a freeware alternative to Microsoft Office that you can download at OpenOffice.org, also has versions for both Macs and Windows systems.
- Speaking of free software for Macs, here is a place where you can find all kinds of high quality free open source Mac software.
On the other hand, there are some programs that only work on Windows. Fortunately, Macs that run the latest Mac operating system (Leopard) can run either in Mac mode or in Windows mode. There are alternative strategies for managing a dual-mode Mac, but Leopard has it built in. To take advantage of this capability, you have to pay for and install a copy of Windows on your Mac.
If you are looking for a low cost computer, then get a Windows PC or laptop. There are some alternatives like the Walmart Linux computer, but most people will want something with a little more horsepower.
If you already have a Windows computer in your home, are looking for a second machine for general use, and are willing to pay a little extra, a Macbook may be a good choice - the battery life is very good, and relatively hassle-free. Get the extended AppleCare protection plan, and you can pretty much forget about support and repair worries for the expected life of your Macbook.
For more thoughts about Macs from a Mac fan, see Walt Mossberg’s column.
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