I have a custom built PC with Windows software, and I enjoy using it everyday. Now I'm in the market for a notebook computer, and I'm considering the MacBook. But the price is several hundred dollars more than a PC notebook. Is the Mac worth the extra dollars? If so, how?

Ethan

Since Apple controls both the hardware and software for
their machines, they tend to be less troublesome. This
tight integration between HW-SW, OS X works fairly
flawlessly, although no OS is perfect, and very rarely has
problems (with way less maintenance/input required by
the end user than Windows systems).

For a lot of people though, the 2 biggest reason are the
lack of malware and the stuff you can do right out of the
box.

Currently there are no known viruses/spyware that effect
Macs. Not having to deal with Virus and Spyware
programs is a big bonus and time saver, and the lack of
having to trouble shoot system problems that occur
because of virus/spyware. I realize Windows systems can
be run problem free for a long time if you diligently
guard/maintain the system, but that average end user
doesn't spend near enough time doing this, if any time at
all.

And take a look at all the software included with a new
Mac. By the time you get a comparable Windows machine
loaded with all the software that comes with a Mac for
free, the Mac is definitely cheaper.

1) Plug and play
2) No known virii
3) Little or no system maintainance
4) No blue screens
5) Few if any software conflicts

Biggest negative is the relative lack of
software available. For some jobs there
is no software available at all, so one
must use a Win machine.

Thanks for your thoughtful replies, Golfer and mmerlin. I had no idea that Mac was relatively immune to virus attacks. That's a big plus to me. I record music on my PC, and I currently use Cubasis VST for Windows. Is the Garage Band software any good? How does it interface with microphones/instruments?

Ethan

The Mac is not immune to virii and
spyware. These kinds of malware can be
written for the Mac, or any other computer
for that matter. Because of the way the
Mac is configured, it is a lot harder than
on a PC with all of the open gates that Bill
Gates has in his software.

There is a very good reason not related to
the Mac itself that this kind of malware is
rare. Macs have 5% of the market. Very
few people will spend the time to write
malware for a Mac simply because the
results would never be noticed. Writers of
malware primarily do it to show the whole
world that they can do it. Written for a Mac
these malware writers would never be
noticed and never get 'paid' for their
efforts. Paid meaning 'fame' or ego trip.

Bottom line: No ego trip equals no virii
nor spyware.