Mac vs PC

1. Expense-You can argue against this point all you want, but the truth is, Apple’s computers are expensive. When you have the option to easily build your own computer for buy a laptop from a provider such as Dell or HP for half the price of a similarly specified Mac, is it really worth it? A Mac with a 13’ screen on Apple’s website is running at $1200, compared to the $500 it’s running on Dell’s website. This should give you an indicator as to what you’re paying for, overpriced hardware.

2. Video Gaming-If you’re a computer gamer that’s constantly buying new releases the day they’re released then a Mac is definitely not for you. Not only are many PC games not supported by Mac OSX but having to dual boot up Windows every time you play a game can be a chore. The hardware upgrades you have to make to a make to it comparable to PC gaming is ludicrous in price as well.

3. You still need Windows-While it is possible to dual-boot Windows with a Mac machine why would you really go through the extra hassle to purchase another OS. Windows isn’t cheap, it can cost over $200 depending on the version you’re getting and if your business is still using a Windows only application this may be a cost that you’re not willing to afford.

4. Aesthetics Are Not Important-No matter how hard Apple markets their computers are the cool or the pretty thing to have, that isn’t going to make them any better than a Windows machine. Your first goal when looking for a new computer should be that it run all the applications you want it to efficiently, and how it looks externally is not going to be the judge of that.

Apple’s MacBooks may be the cool thing to have, but that doesn’t means that they’re any better than just buying a PC. The only real advantages you get by buying a Mac are those presented with the OSX operating system, and that has nothing to do with the external computer.

Photo Credits: Ed Yourdon

Originally posted 2009-11-09 03:38:40.

From scratch...

1. Compatibility- Compatibility is one of the biggest things to keep in mind when ordering computer parts. You want to make sure that all of your parts can work in harmony so that your computer actually works. This can be a hassle if you happen to order from a site or store where the parts can’t be returned for full price. Most often you should look at your motherboard when determining compatibility, but it will take some research.

2. Be patient, don’t force- A common problem many people face when building their new computer is that parts aren’t fitting very well. This is extremely common if you buy a small case and get a top of line video card. It’s important never to try to jam the thing inside of your case with all of your might, but it’s also important to at least put a respectable amount of pressure on it to make it fit.

3. Connections- So you have put together your computer, but a USB drive isn’t working or the video card isn’t outputting to the monitor. What happened? It’s very likely you misguided your power supply cable to wherever it was suppose to go. Make sure to check and to double check where each connection is supposed to go.

4. OS- This could go under compatibility, but it’s a little different. It’s important to keep in mind when building your computer that certain parts are not compatible with a specific OS. This is a big problem if you’re buying new parts and are trying to run an older Windows OS. If you’re trying to install a brand new Windows 7 OS onto an old windows 98 computer this is also likely to thwart you

Building a computer is a fun and a rewarding experience. I most usually comparing to finishing a Lego set. Like Legos, however, computers can be very frustrating if all the pieces are not fitting together properly. It’s very important to have patience and to not make any mistakes out of frustration.

Photo Credits: moriza

Originally posted 2009-11-16 03:36:41.