Why buy an Apple?

[Annihilatus]

For starters, I don't want this to sound insulting. I would just like to start a thread in which Mac users would list their reasons for choosing the Mac over a PC and reasons WHY somebody should choose a Mac over a PC. This should be pretty interesting.

For myself, the aesthetics of both the physical computer and its operating, as well as the fluidity of its operation attract me. The security and stability further enhance my attraction

I'd like to read what others have to write about their little box.

[kanecorp]

they look better

[Nummi_G4]

I do not think that the looks of the computer are that big of a deal. But I think sometimes that a nice looking atmosphere can be an inspiration.

OS X is my favorite OS. It is a little slow right now, but I think Jaguar will fix that.

No Windows OS. windows is made by M$. A horrible monopoly that wants to control your life. need I say more ?

[kanecorp]

Originally posted by Nummi_G4
I do not think that the looks of the computer are that big of a deal. But I think sometimes that a nice looking atmosphere can be an inspiration.

lets put it this way..i wouldn't have this mac if it looked like my dells do

[themacko]

I switched to an iBook 500 about a year ago after my PC was stolen out of my dorm room. At the time, I did it because the guy in the campus book store told me it was coolest laptop he'd ever used and pretty much talked me into it.

Boy am I glad he did. I actually sold my iBook on eBay a couple months ago in hopes of buying an iMac in a few weeks. I'm living at home now and have been using my father's Gateway PC with Windows XP, and I've determined why I wouldn't even consider a PC for my next computer:

• Crashing: Mac OS X crashed on me, maybe 5 times in the 9 months I used it. Windows XP has crashed on me 5 times in one hour. Seriously.
• Installing: Installing apps on a Mac is as easy as dragging it to your hard drive. Uninstalling is as easy as dragging it to the trash.
• iApps: iMovie and iPhoto really are two of my main reasons to go back to a Mac. There just is nothing like them on Windows and they're FREE.
• Support: I was definately a newbie with my iBook. Luckily I had an Apple Store that opened in the new mall near me, so whenever I had a problem I just carried my laptop over and they fixed it. No questions were asked, no receipts were needed, they just replaced what was broken or reinstalled what I goofed and I left within the hour with a working computer.
  
  I recently went with my dad to the Gateway Country store with his PC because it was rebooting itself for no apparant reason. I could tell they were trying to help us out, but after 3 trips to the store and them holding the PC for 3 days it is back in our house. Still rebooting for no apparant reason.

It really was a very nice experience to go through. I was never a big computer 'buff' until I got a Mac. I joined these forums for help during my PC-Mac conversion. I just can't say enough, it's a really great computer that doesn't hassle you.

[serpicolugnut]

to buy a Mac and not a PC...

1. Stability. No computer is impervious to system crashes *yet*, but OS X is much more solid than XP...

2. Virus. Not a worry on the Mac. On the PC, if you open the wrong attachment - boom - prepare for a headache...

3. iApps. As noted, they are free, and there is nothing of comparable quality on the PC side, whether you pay for it or not.

4. The widest range of compatability. The only platform that can run classic Mac OS apps, Windows apps (via VPC), UNIX apps, and of course, Mac OS X apps.

5. Ultra cool hardware. Yeah, it's more expensive - but it looks great, it's much more reliable than comparable PC hardware, and it holds it's value better, allowing you to resell on eBay and get more of your money back when you decide to upgrade.

6. Easier to use. OS X is just easier to use on just about every level compared to WinXP. It's easier to navigate, easier to install/remove applications, easier to setup networks, easy to connect to wireless networks, etc.

7. EULA. Or "End User License Agreement". Take a look at the EULA for Windows. It basically states that you don't "own" your OS. You are just granted a temporary "license" to use it. The WinXP EULA was enough to make one longtime Windows user switch to a Mac (can't remember his name - he's a Java developer formerly from Sun, I believe).

8. Digital Hub. OK, both computers can interact with DVCamcorders, Digitial Cameras, MP3 Players, etc. But after you've used a Mac with these devices (usually by way of the aforementioned iApps), you just don't want to go back to using the Windows software. For example - I use iPhoto with my digital camera on my Mac. I loaded the cameras software on my PC to see how well it worked. It did the job, but was no where near as efficient, logical, or easy to use as the Mac. Same goes for iTunes and iMovie.

Hmmmm. That's all I have time to write. I could probably write an entire thesis on this issue....

[themacko]

yeah, serpico reminded me of the compatability with hardware. When you buy something new for a Windows machine, (as you know) you have install drivers and many times software in order to use that piece of hardware, be it a scanner, printer, digital camera, etc. With a Mac, 98% of the time you plug it in and it's recognized. Not only that, but it will work seemlessly with your OS and all your apps.

A lot of these things are hard to explain and even remember. You pretty much have to experience it for yourself, how easy these Macs and OS X really make your [computer] life.

[Annihilatus]

Originally posted by themacko
yeah, serpico reminded me of the compatability with hardware. When you buy something new for a Windows machine, (as you know) you have install drivers and many times software in order to use that piece of hardware, be it a scanner, printer, digital camera, etc. With a Mac, 98% of the time you plug it in and it's recognized. Not only that, but it will work seemlessly with your OS and all your apps.

A lot of these things are hard to explain and even remember. You pretty much have to experience it for yourself, how easy these Macs and OS X really make your [computer] life.

Well with XP, that hasn't been a problem for me. Just about everything, except the printer, was recognized upon install. But I do agree that Apple is somewhat better on this front as well.

Andre