Posted on 02/14/2008 8:16:57 PM PST by jdm
Vista is really just an update to Windows Server 2003, which is based on Windows 2000 with some features pulled from Windows XP.
OS X has been out since 2001 (1999 if you count the first OS X Server, but then you should count NT for Vista). It's had five updates since then.
It is a fair comparison since both are of relatively equal age.
I am thinking of building my own Windows XP machine -- would be my first. Are there any websites you could recommend with current information and recommendations for building your own computer? I found such a website or two, but they are several years outdated, so the information is basically useless.
The professional Macs come in aircraft grade aluminum. And the black MacBook is 200 dollars more with a bigger hard drive, so while there is a small tax for the color you also get actual improvements.
To me there are no better looking computers than Mac Pros and MacBook Pros.
Thing is, what’s pushing me towards the MBP is build quality. I like the aluminum case, and especially like the metal keyboard. (My current Inspiron 6000 has a shoddy plastic keyboard, and the lettering on half the keys has worn off because they were decals.) I’m quite wary of the standard MacBook for those reasons, even though I know it’s a solid machine.
I suppose I’ll hold off until both products receive updates, then go from there.
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=746182
To build your own this is very helpful----->> http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=250918&t=553826&highlight=build
I have built with and can recommend this motherboard with DVI output to connect an LCD to it so no need for a video card --->>> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138074 I can tell you what components to buy to go with it. Newegg is good place to buy them
Good PC building guide ---->>> http://www.buildyourown.org.uk/pc-building/
After PC is assembled you install XP onto it. Cheapest XP pro is an academic edition
After XP you then load motherboard drivers which will be on disk that came with motherboard
“That’s why the 360 being a piece of junk really surprised me.”
They rushed the 360 to market to beat the Playstation 3, so I’m not surprised. And I just find it hilarious that that 360’s processor is from the PowerPC family :P
Thanx for all the links and the tips. Those are useful sites that I hadn’t found before. I appreciate it! I already have two flat panel monitors, and I run a dual monitor set-up, so when I build or buy a new machine, I will be putting a dual DVI video card in it.
DVI is the way to go. Dual is more better. Here is a good motherboard I’m using http://clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=CA4830813 that you can put an e8200 Intel processor into. E8200 has 6mb cache which is tremendous. Some say it is better than quad core
No on board video on above motherboard so you can put in your dual DVI card
And what is this, a typo, or?And given my severe disappointment with just about everything in Mac Office 2008, I’m even further driven away from Microsoft’s desktop software.He's severely disappointed with Mac Office 08, and that drives him away from M-soft? Sorry, but I don't get what he's saying here.
M-Soft... as you put it... is the creator and publisher of Mac Office 2008... that's what he's saying here.
Having said all that, the author lost all credibility with me with his statement:A Mac costs about the same as a comparable Windows PCThat, is a lie...
No, webschooner, it isn't a lie. It's the truth and it has been tested many times in the past three or so years. You build a name brand PC to match the components (not just something "similar") of a Mac and the Mac will be either about the same or less expensive than the PC. I've done it, pundits have done it. Even Windows pundits have done it and admitted it. Apple simply does not compete in the bargain basement... they don't sell a cut-rate Mac.
Consider the all-in-one iMac with a 20" 1680 x 1050 screen and Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz processor for $1199.
I won't even get into comparing the high end Mac Pros with the PC offerings... differences there have run up to $1300 MORE expensive than comparable MacPro for matching Dell and HP offerings. One major PC website, Arstechnica, reported last spring they could not even buy the parts to build a PC to match a Mac Pro's specs for what Apple was retailing it for... using discount websites, they had already surpassed the retail price of a complete MacPro before they had purchased a power supply, case and operating system.
Newegg is a great resource for computer components. You can look up a motherboard or video card you like and read the reviews. For your first computer build look for a motherboard with a lot of positive recommendations. The processor reviews are also helpful. You can buy elsewhere but NewEgg helps you find out what is good quality
If you would like a more upgraded deal, consider the following Vostro 200 Slim Tower with 22" LCD, 2GB of memory and a DVD+/-RW drive for $499 with free shipping. Thanks w59cb83x [Discuss]
Specs:
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=746182
The 'price thing' is antecdotal.
I bought a black macbook, 2+ghz core 2, 2 gig ram, 140+ gig hd. Add all the goodies like software (the iLife sweet(sic)), and Dell can't touch it.
When you go low-end PC system and dont care that it can't expand like a Mac Pro - you are right, apple has nothing at that price point. Trying to price out the system you described, I found mac at more like 3x than 2x the price. The Pro didn't even have a processor as slow as the 'fastest they offer' Dell Inspiron...
Oh sorry, I must’ve missed all those ads for a WS2003 update. No, I’m pretty sure this was advertised as a new OS.
Then we will agree to disagree sir. I say it is a lie. I guess it depends, as always, on where you shop. I don’t shop Gateways or Sony Vaios (a very overpriced brand). I have bought Dells for years and I just cited the basic specs on one in my previous post, with a Quad Core processor, 4 gig of 800 Mhz Ram, 500 gig HD, Media Card reader, top end video card, etc. etc, loaded up, for less than $900, delivered to my door. I add my 24” Sammy monitor for $400 (I don’t buy packaged systems — I buy my monitor separately), and the total with free ship is less than $1300. There is no comparably equipped Apple machine with a 24” monitor for anywhere near that money. If there were, I might buy it.
I would have changed years ago if i could have afforded it graphics programs and music auditors POP in mac !
I don’t hate many things when it comes to computing but i HATE vista.
I did not mention low-end PC's. I compare prices regularly and a comparable Mac costs way more than a PC, at least where I shop. Maybe you are pricing PC's at expensive outlets. At any rate, we will agree to disagree.
And the author making stupid arse statements like “there is NO software” and implying that people interpret this literally just goes to show that this guy is just another smug todd looking to be part of a cult. I guess that means we’re screwed and ultimately stuck with Vista.
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