PC versus MAC
 

So what's so great about MACs?

I've had an IBM laptop for 3 years. Its a T-42 Thinkpad with Windows XP. I've never had a problem with it. I use Norton Internet Security and keep it up to date.

MACs are more expensive and require additional steps to run window's based programs. Yet everyone I fly with either owns or is planning to buy a MAC, iphone, etc. Is it something in the coffee or am I just missing the bus???

Missing the bus

I've had a Apple Powerbook for about three years. Total Dell guy prior. Yes, they are a little more expensive but the latest versions allow you to run all your IBM software.
It works as advertised, and meshes with all other Apple products flawlessly. If you are a commuter dude hang on as Apple is bringing out a new very lightweight laptop shortly. It also has tons of embedded software. iPhoto for instance can download pictures from damn near anything without additional software.
They last a long time, run great, and work very well! Much more reliable than the Dells and Gateway I've owned prior.
Next desktop will be an Apple as well.

I was in Dell Hell for years... a brand new laptop, top of the line power machine. Updating the virus ware every day, changing drivers when I had to, after 6 months and my third blue screen of death I put it up on a shelf where it sits today. I got a macbook pro and will never go back.
For example, to update the software, drivers etc.. you go to the top left pull down menue, select the second item and it updates all drivers, software and any other patch that's out...

and I haven't had a firewall up or a virus protector up for over a year... probably need to just in case... but nothing so far.

Make the switch, you won't regret it. I went cold turkey and haven't needed any windows programs since I switched a year ago.. The machines literally "just work." I also like that the quality of workmanship is high, and they are aesthetically beautiful. I you like making movies and working with photos, it is seamless... makes anyone look like a pro.. I even made a website with the help of a "dotmac" account.

Even if you still need windows stuff, you can run Office, or even boot up the windows OS itself... (not that I wanted that).. I too haven't had a virus program and also haven't had a virus or any problems of that nature.

Welcome to the Apple nation!

Where can I read about this new lightweight Mac laptop? I tried searching apple.com.

check out http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/

they have the latest in updates, upgrades and other rumors that are surpirzingly accurate. they also have a buying guide that keeps you up to date on when to buy and when to wait...

I went to the Apple store in Germantown and spent an hour with one of their sales / tech guys. Very helpful. After pressure from the bro's, I am switching as well. You can get a FredEx discount as well but I forget how much. I am buying this week. Good luck.

Additionally when you call mac tech support they are ususally located in the midwest ... of the US.

Wife has a MAC and I have a nice travel size Dell. Still love the PC

1) MUCH cheaper - $500 easily for same options
2) Still have software prob availability for MAC - look around this website as to programs for Fedex that just don't work with the MAC. Fact is every software program will always be made for the PC, LOTS will not be made for the MAC
3) Viruses are starting to creep up on the MAC now - lots of news articles recently on this
4) Ease of use - why the heck doesn't the MAC even have a right click button!?!? PC is more intuitive than the MAC (let's see would an internet program be called Internet Explorer or Safari? Which one is more intuitive?)
5) Often hard to get software for MAC - very little third party viewers. When I tried to buy a webcam for my wife's MAC there were zero made for it - it didn't have one installed and the one that Apple used to make was discontinued at the time (the Apple store guys told me I could probably find a used one on Ebay or something!). Might be different now but it was like that for 6 months - where as Logitech alone makes about 20 that work on the PC - problems like this will reoccur