Mac or PC?

I've never owned a Mac (they appear to be way over priced). I know there is arguements about them not crashing as much as a PC, however! As I know how to fix the hard ware on my PC (sound cards, video cards... memory .. even changing out the mother board if need be) I like being able to up grade with out having to buy a whole new computer.

I work on a Mac and have a PowerBook at home. Great things about Macs. itunes already installed, very easy to use, depending on which one you get the vid/chat functions are standard and easy to use, 99% of internet viruses are made for PC and not Macs. Downside: Macs are more expensive, (however you can get them refurbished. Apple sells them on their website, go to the store and go all the way down on the left hand nav. Also, Macs come with Safari which is a browser not every web page plays well with but you can download Firefox as an alternate web browser.

Hey, just go to Best Buy and just play with the PCs and Macs.

Definitely the iMac if you can possibly afford it! Quite simply it is better in every way. I love mine, and I have talked to several computer teachers. Recently I hired a person from Computer Nerds for $100 an hour to fix some of my problems. He definitely knew computers and worked on both PC's and Macs. I asked him which he recommended. His answer was "Definitely Mac. If I could afford it, I would buy an iMac."

As far as PCs, I will tell you this...do not buy an HP or a Toshiba. The majority of ones I have had to repair have been these. Good luck.

I've never had the opportunity to sit down and play with a MAC and see what they are all about. I currently have a PC with Microsoft software. I think their software could use enhancement. My laptop is made by Compaq and I've had it for about six years now. It's pretty reliable.

It really depends what you do most with your machine.

If you do a lot of graphics work and/or newsletter setup, its hard to beat a MAC.

If you do a fair amount of database work, more complex spreadsheets, or know that you must use MS Office, I would stick with a PC.

There is more "freeware" for PCs, which means you may have more types of options available. There are fewer viruses written for the MAC OS(s).

There are more effective browsers for PC -- if you do only general internet work and eMail, this is a non-issue.

If you want easy access to repair, you want PC. Some people say MACs are more stable (I have found examples both ways).

PC is probably less expensive up front, and it is easier to find compatible peripherals. If you pretty much run a machine as you bought it, this is probably a draw, depending on what it is you buy pre-installed.

If you want to work with movie files or iTunes extensively, consider a MAC. If you are intent on doing surveys for money, Internet Explorer is required for many .... stick with PC (on PC you can use another browser by default, but use IE when needed).

Good luck!