firelakekid - Posted - 11/16/2009:  18:29:46

I have a Gateway laptop that is about 6 yrs old. It still works okay, but just dies out sometimes. I would like to get a new computer before it just dies permanently. I have been looking more and more at a Mac, but they are notably more expensive. I was looking at the 13" MacBook Pro for $1199. I know can get a PC with more power, etc for less, but I don't like all the security issues with the PC type.
My uses for computer would be: general internet browsing (as in music sites like UMGF, banjo hangout, etc); downloading/listening to music; watching bluegrass and other music I like on Youtube; some basic storing and working with photos of kids, grandkids. For my work as a counselor, I write up assessments and reports, and also have a small billing program. My wife isn't so much into using the computer, but she does like to check some things out on line now and then, and more frequently she is watching her favorite TV shows on line. (This is usually when my computer dies out.)
Like most guys, I would like something bigger and more powerful, but the Mac powerbook with the 15" screen is I think several hundred dollars more. White the basic MacBook Pro is within the budget. I am sure there are many hangout members with much more computer savvy then me, and experienced with both the Mac and PC. I would appreciate your input. Thanks, Paul

ZEPP - Posted - 11/16/2009:  18:50:38

The biggest gripe I have about PCs is not the computers themselves, but the all-pervasive Windoze operating system you can get stuck with.

I now have a Dell XPS laptop running Ubuntu (Linux) with zero problems or security concerns. It has twice the memory and disc space as my son's Apple laptop which cost more than twice as much. Oh, and, unlike his computer, it still works (his failed twice under warranty, and gave up the ghost entirely recently).

In addition to the remarkable stability of Linux, I hasten to point out that Ubuntu is free, open sourced, and easy to use. In addition to the operating system's being free, so is all virtually the software you'll ever need--that's part of the whole Linux approach. Did I mention Ubuntu is free?

Cheers,
ZEPP

bobbybanjo - Posted - 11/16/2009:  18:53:03

Unless you are using some PC software that is not available for the Mac, you, like nearly everyone who has switched, would like a Mac better. The hardware is superior in quality and more reliable and the operating system is easier to use and more functional than Windows. I have both, but much prefer the Mac and I do not know anyone who has switched to the Mac and regretted the switch.

As to "more expensive" - you get what you pay for.

JohnJ - Posted - 11/16/2009:  18:59:02

I've been using Windows since 93 - on at least six different PCs during that time - - Suffered through about a billion 'Blue Screen of Death' outages, and every PC has gradually gotten slower and slower as it aged....

Wife bought a Mac last year - - quick, boots in 20 seconds flat, never fails, comes complete with more software than she'll ever use, $100 got her personal one on one education for a year...

Found out recently that I can run all my PC programs on a Mac with an emulator program (not Boot Camp which requires a reboot to run PC programs).... My PC is history next year... Will let you know in about three years how I like my new Mac.

JJ

KE - Posted - 11/16/2009:  19:04:02

Unless you have an IT department at your disposal, you'll find a Mac is much easier to keep running, easier to upgrade, and more economical in the long run, IMO. It's also much easier to setup peripherals and networks. And they're so COOL.

Edited by - KE on 11/16/2009 19:17:35

PBGuardsman - Posted - 11/16/2009:  19:10:14

Haha KE You are right I feel a lot cooler hauling around a mac.

I had a lot of issues with Windows, so in the spirit of Capitalism I switched to a Mac. Plus I can do all of the Windows office tasks on my Mac.

"The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:17 (NIV)

Bill Rogers - Posted - 11/16/2009:  19:37:37

I use both Macs and PCs. The only reason we still have the PC is that my wife and I are dedicated WordPerfect users. We love that program and won't switch to a PC that can't run it. I don't want to mess with Windows on a Mac, though I know that can be done. That said, since money's an issue, I'd get a Mac only if you plan to do significant work with music, videos and photos, for which it is simply a better machine. Otherwise get a PC and follow Zepp's suggestion above.

Bill

oldwoodchuckb - Posted - 11/16/2009:  19:47:36

After 25 years with a PC I bought a Mac notebook (White). I'm never going to buy another PC. I did get the Fusion software and can run PC programs in a "Windows" window - but I think I shouldn't have bothered.

Mac only seems expensive until you realize that it works well. Perhaps Windows 7 really is going to be better --- but I've heard that for decades, and frankly, my dear, I just don't give a darn.


http://www.rocketsciencebanjo.com
Rocket Science Banjo - Advanced Clawhammer Techniques for beginners and long time players alike. Plus videos and 25-40 EZ Clawhammer Tunes.
& check out "How To Mold A Mighty Pinky" at:
http://www.pricklypearmusic.net
banjo brad's great banjo site

kyblugrass - Posted - 11/16/2009:  20:00:58

This topic can be as fueled as a religious or political topic...lol

I will through my 2 cents in for the PC.... with a caveat. You definitely need to know something about the internal workings and some core knowledge of file structure to keep them running smooth. Granted, Windows stuff is a magnet for viruses. But they can be dealt with. I have been running some version of Microsoft since DOS 1.1 cam out. At the time, IBM had the corner on the market and they were the bad guys..lol. History does tend to repeat in some form or fashion. MACs are much more user friendly and they are a powerful machine with some software. However, when it comes to running complex core programing, I would put a PC up against anything that can be carried by hand. Again... just my 2 cents...

Scott
“You Can Hang a Sign on a Pig Saying It's a Horse...But It’s Still Just a Pig.”

ks - Posted - 11/16/2009:  20:06:53

Just got my new Mac today.I wouldnt consider buying a PC.

Banjo Island - Posted - 11/17/2009:  02:02:00

I switched to a Macbook back in April. Have been well fed up with using Windows for a good few years, but I'd like to credit Ron Block with at least partly helping my decision to finally take the Mac plunge.

I can't imagine I will ever go back. There's just so much wrong with Windows it beggars belief that it's managed to get such a stranglehold.

If I need to, I've even now got the opportunity to dig around within the operating system and do some of those unixy things which I got so used to having around before I got laboured with having to do things on a PC. Things like sorting, awking, grepping, which are such brilliant productivity tools, which you don't realise you miss 'til you try to do something (seemingly) basic and trivial like a global search-and-replace on a 5 Mb text file under Windows. GGGRRrrr...

Unfortunately I still have to use a crappy old PC in work. Hmmm.

Jer


Banjo Island
http://www.ukbluegrass.com

Bob Robert - Posted - 11/17/2009:  03:53:20

I have a school-supplied MacBook. I really like it. I think it's much more reliable than any PC I've used. There is a learning curve, but once you get used to the way things are done on a Mac, I think it's easier and tends to make more sense. There are only a few minor things that I haven't liked. I do have Office for Mac on my machine (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), but only use it when I have to.

Bob

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Jim Elliot

MrNatch3L - Posted - 11/17/2009:  04:23:20

I'll be replacing my main work computer in December. It's going to be MacBook Pro. I gave serious consideration to Linux, worked with 2 versions for nearly a year. Actually that would be my first preference. But even as a pretty experienced computer user, Linux was still just too difficult. Over a 6 month period working with it, I felt that there is just too much stuff that doesn't work with Linux, and/or is too hard to get working with it, and the so-called "community" felt a little like a fraternity - once you undergo a painful and somewhat humiliating initiation, you can be in the club. I eventually hope to make it into the club. There are paid support plans out there and that's the only way I'd do Linux. But by the time I add that, a Mac is cheaper. I've got a business to run, and I need to hit the ground running with a new computer - I need stuff to just work. That has not been my experience with Linux, even with devices that are supposed to work with it. Nothing is better than a Mac in that respect.

The Mac operating system is based on UNIX, which by design is inherently more secure than the Windows design. It is much much more difficult for a rogue program to be allowed to run on a UNIX based operating system. Like you, I'm sick and tired of the constant, almost daily multi-megabyte Windows update downloads, plus the arsenal of anti-virus and anti-spyware to keep updated and make sure to run, and sometimes taking so long to run I have to interrupt it to get my work done. Security is much less of an issue with Mac and Linux. Windows 7 may be an improvement, but it is not a UNIX-based system. I'd say at least take a serious look at Mac.

banjoy - Posted - 11/17/2009:  04:39:36

Macs. Much better machine and OS overall.

This thread may devolve into a PC vs Mac argument. You can run all your PC software on your Mac no problem. You can't do that the other way around. All the viruses and malware out there are written for PCs. You don't hear much about Mac viruses, do you?

The old Mac System 9.2 was very stable, impossible to penetrate, and is still in use at the Dept of Defense for those reasons. The newer System 10, pared with the newer Mac mo'chines, is a pretty powerful package.

And, the Mac as a brand has stood up all this time to every other brand, combined. That says quite a lot right there.

So if anyone wants to flame me about this, please don't do it on this forum or this will end up being one of the forbidden topics. Politics, religion, mac vs PC. Gets 'em riled up every time. I'm right and you're wrong anyway. Haven't we established that already?

j/k... or am I

--Frank

Edited by - banjoy on 11/17/2009 04:42:03

bikebum - Posted - 11/17/2009:  06:24:17

For whatever reason a person bases their choices on.. it's still nice to have a choice.

Herr_grepper - Posted - 11/17/2009:  06:59:47

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bill Rogers

I use both Macs and PCs. The only reason we still have the PC is that my wife and I are dedicated WordPerfect users. We love that program and won't switch to a PC that can't run it.
Bill

---

Thor - Posted - 11/17/2009:  07:39:46

quote:

---

I use both Macs and PCs. The only reason we still have the PC is that my wife and I are dedicated WordPerfect users. We love that program and won't switch to a PC that can't run it.

---

slabounty - Posted - 11/17/2009:  09:15:16

"and also have a small billing program." That's going to be the one you need to watch for. Everything else on your list can probably be handled by either Mac or Linux (and here I'm with Zepp, go with Ubuntu). For the billing program, you're going to have to do either a dual boot or run an emulator. Good luck either way.


Scott LaBounty
Orange, CA

wildboar - Posted - 11/17/2009:  09:42:47

I use a Mac at home, but I recently installed Ubuntu Linux on my parents aging HP laptop and they are much happier with the computer now than when it ran XP. Ubuntu is not like the 'primitive/geeky' linux versions of years ago. Granted, my parents don't have any specialized software needs (just mail/browsing/chat/text/spreadsheets/photos, etc) and Ubuntu covers all that out of the box. I use some Mac-only photo software that may prevent me from going totally Linux though.

Edited by - wildboar on 11/17/2009 09:44:54

dlaustin - Posted - 11/17/2009:  09:59:38

Hi Paul,

ZEPP is right. I bought a Dell laptop preinstalled with Ubuntu Linux a couple of years ago. She used it to check email, browse the internet, play solitaire. She is about as computer literate as a ... (I better not say ). Anyway, she'll ask me "How do I listen to this music CD?" Before I can answer her, she has put it in the drive and it pops up the application to play it. Same with looking at photos on her camera or a disc.

It works great. Never have to worry about viruses. Never freezes up requiring a reboot.


We've used Linux at work for several years and run a few necessary Windows apps using Codeweaver's Crossover application without a hitch. Same thing, dependaple, reliable and very efficient.

I have a Mac Mini that I bought and use at home and I like it too. The Mac OS X is a great computer. If I was making a decision solely on money, then I would get a PC and install Ubuntu or openSuse Linux, or buy the Dell with it preinstalled. But the Mac is a little slicker and money doesn't matter, I would opt for it probably--but even that is a close call.

Good luck!

David

FisherPicker - Posted - 11/17/2009:  10:13:51

I have been using pc's since the 64 came out........
I have had the blue screen of death numerous times.....
I have had even the fake blue sceens of semi-death........
I will be replacing this dell with a mac next year.........
I got a blue sceen this morning....took me 30 minutes to get through the (unmentionable words inserted here) and reboot.
I'm basically over PC, Mac may not be as widely supported, may be more expensive, but I figure....it can't hurt to try, let's face it, none of us is going to have a computer for ever....I believe I have already been through...12 machines, give or take one or two.

Blue Skies, Tight Lines, Good Tunes...

Thor - Posted - 11/17/2009:  12:32:20

Here are the computers I've owned:




They *ALL* still work just fine.
I'm sure that I've spent a LOT less money over the years than some PC owners-- and have a lot more to show for it, since I never had to send any to the landfill.

Never had a virus, adware or malware (never ran any programs to combat those), never had to reinstall an operating system, never had to call tech support, never lost any data. Never had to jump through hoops to get anything to work.

firelakekid:
I don't know your situation, but I'd consider an iMac unless you really need the portability.
Either way, you can get some excellent deals by looking into refurbs directly from Apple:
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/ho...=MTM3NDY2NTI

I use this for billing:
http://www.billingsapp.com/
Fantastic program.

Tele65 - Posted - 11/17/2009:  14:53:08

After years of PC use, I've just bought a MacBookPro. Still trying to find my way with the new OS, but if you're patient and willing to try something new, you should at least consider one of those computers. Sure you will forget virus and reboots.
PC's will cost a faction, BTW and with Linux/Ubuntu yu're almost in the same place.

Fabio
----------------------------------------------------------
Come on cow, come a cow cow yippee ay yey!

bosborne - Posted - 11/17/2009:  19:27:17

quote:

---

Originally posted by firelakekid

I would appreciate your input. Thanks, Paul

---

firelakekid - Posted - 11/18/2009:  06:22:41

Thanks everyone for all the great reponses. I am leaning towards a Mac. I don't know much about linux--though I have heard of it. I have a brother in law who is the in charge of "network operations" at our area VA hospital. I will see if he can educate me regarding the linux. The billing program I have is called "HCVA 1500 Easy Fill by Little Guy Software". This is filling out a standard insurance form. I would have to get another program for a MAC. But it isn't that much, it was around $50 or so last I bought one. I do like having a laptop. I can sit on the couch by my dear wife as she watches Dancing with the Stars and other stuff I may not care for, and look at banjo, guitar and music related sites and general web surfing. And as we are hoping to get out of our beloved upper michigan for a few weeks this winter (I think maybe South Carolina)--I will be able to carry the computer with us. My present computer, this Gateway laptop, has been very good and I've only had a couple of quirks with it. But it is almost as heavy as a banjo (well not quite), and is not fun to lug around. Should I go with the Mac, I am a bit nervous about learning another system to use, but with I will take a deep breath, say some prayers and learn. Thanks again, Paul

dollywannabe - Posted - 11/19/2009:  09:32:10

Ever heard Stephen Fry on the subject of why you should choose a mac over a PC? :-

"You may as well ask someone who has the choice why they live in a Georgian house and not a 1960's towerblock. It drives me mad that people who spend their working lives in front of a screen do so in a Windows environment, the equivalent of a 'sick building syndrome' office, with strip lighting, ugly furniture and no freshness, sexiness or imagination in design. People are dragging out their lives in the computer equivalent of a sink estate and no one questions it. God rot Windows and all its ugly, clunky, badly-designed horror."

Just about says it all.

rteale - Posted - 11/19/2009:  15:05:17

I thought this very funny article by Charlie Brooker in the British "Guardian" newspaper summed it up, showing both sides

http://bit.ly/1rRMbi

"Vista specifically designed to infuriate human beings as much as possible. Trying to get it to do anything was like issuing instructions to a depressed employee over a sluggish satellite feed. When I clicked on an application it spent a small eternity contemplating the philosophical implications of opening it, begrudgingly complying with my request several months later."

Ray

dustinTN - Posted - 11/19/2009:  15:17:20

As if you need further confirmation, go with a Mac. I switched to mac in 2002 and it literally changed my life. I used to have problems with microsoft word when using PC's (seriously - writing college papers was stressful because I was so computer illiterate.) Now, I earn money editing video and doing graphic design because Mac's showed me that using computers does not have to be a harrowing, stressful experience.

DanielT - Posted - 11/19/2009:  15:31:12

quote:

---

Originally posted by dustinTN

I used to have problems with microsoft word when using PC's (seriously - writing college papers was stressful because I was so computer illiterate.)

---

stanger - Posted - 11/19/2009:  15:42:21

I'm on my 3rd Mac- and it's 7 years old. The other 2 are still working fine, but are totally obsolete now.
The only time it crashed was when the internal battery died from old age. At 7, it still runs faster than much newer PC's I've had to use.

With a Mac, if a piece of software crashes, it doesn't crash the computer. Most often, all you have to do is start the software back up. All the Mac software, and almost all of the software written for Macs works very fast and dependably, as Mac developers have a better system to work with. Even Microsoft Office works faster in it's Mac edition than on a Windows system.

And once you spend a few hours in front of one, you'll never look back- everything looks good, works quick and slick, and the dependability can't be beat. And you will never cuss your Mac, ever.

The new Macs can run the Mac OS, Windows, or both at the same time. Of all the new Macs, I think the iMac is way far the best buy, (and is the slickest, most beautiful computer on the planet), but the new laptops are really good, and will run for 7 hours without a recharge.

Hey- you can spend $550 twice, or $1100 once. The only difference is losing all the stuff on the first $550 outfit. Go with a Mac- it will go the distance.
regards,
stanger

frailin - Posted - 11/19/2009:  15:49:05

Hey Thor, where's your Lisa?

Macs I've owned:

It all started with a 20 minute presentation on the new Macintosh SE (about 1983). Twenty-five minutes later, I owned one... and started my 26 year love affair with Apple.


It ran flawlessly for 10 years. My kids learned on this computer.


In 1992 I needed a laptop. The Powerbook 160 was my first portable. The black and white screen was a non issue when I started giving my Powerpoint presentations on the road via overhead projectors.


It ran flawlessly for the 2 years I was with that company. Had to (reluctantly) turn it in when I left.


So I needed a new laptop. In 1994, I bought a "Duo dock" which served as both a desktop and a (very light weight) laptop... the first of it's kind. I could plug it into any Mac dock where ever I traveled. Oh, all my clients were Mac lovers as well. It ran flawlessly for 3 years until I had to convert to PCs because the "mainframe" banking world thought my Mac a toy... something unworthy of designing or building large robust websites for banks "too big to fail."




So in 1996, I was forced to buy a PC.


The Sony Vaio lasted 6 months before a virus took out the operating system and, unfortunately, (or coincidentally) the hard drive.


The HP that replaced it was plagued with operating system and compatibility issues (Windows 95 and NT... bad mix).


The "upgrade" to a Compaq a year later resulted in more virus lockups. My job change (back to an employer with Mac) saved me from the Windows Millennium troubles that were yet to come.


For the past 3 years, I've run 2 iMac 24", a 13" Macbook and, as of last week, a spiffy new 15" Macbook Pro. They all run flawlessly.




Anyone notice a theme, here?

Edited by - frailin on 11/19/2009 15:50:32

Fishrrman - Posted - 11/19/2009:  19:50:31

Unless you absolutely need a laptop for the portability factor, take a look at the new iMacs that just came out.

They come in both 21" and 27" sizes. You will never regret spending the additional $$$ for a larger display!

If you still need to retain a "link to Windows", you can keep the laptop as a second computer. Or - just install Windows on the Mac (using BootCamp or an emulator like "Fusion" or "Parallels").

You won't have to worry about virus protection on the Mac side. I've been a Mac user since 1987, and have _never_ had any Mac infected by a virus, trojan, etc. I don't even bother with virus protection software any more. On a Mac, it's a waste of time.

For easy recording, GarageBand is great. Find a nice firewire interface, plug it in, and the Mac will "see" it immediately - you don't even have to bother with "driver software".

I'm not sure how much "hands on" experience you have with Macs, but if there's an Apple Store (or someplace that carries the current lineup of Macs) nearby, it's worth a trip for a chance to see what they're like.

- John

TN_Picker - Posted - 11/20/2009:  04:04:57

My Mac always works, has never given me the first problem and hopefully it never will.

I continually work on my "state of the art" PC. I built this machine with the best components available (within $ reason) and it is crap, plain and simple.

I have never had a conversation with anyone that has switched over to a Mac that stated "Macs are terrible, man, I am switching back, I sure wish I had a new PC"...

Edited by - TN_Picker on 11/20/2009 04:06:25

pickinchik - Posted - 11/20/2009:  07:25:51

Hello, I'm a Mac.

Mandy

erstokke - Posted - 11/22/2009:  02:43:22

I started using Macs in around 1987 with a SE when we were introducing "Desktop Publishing" for a magazine at work.

At home I also bought a SE (20Mb RAM and 20Mb hard disk - yes Mbs, not Gbs) and have been using Macs ever since.
I’ve had the SE, the Color Classic (design ikon!), the Performa 630, the original iMac and now the iMac G5 (soon to be replaced by the new iMac).

At work I am responsible for running 23 Macs and three Mac servers including user support. In a Microsoft environment that would have been a full time job. With Macs, it is less than 40%. In this perspective, the Macs are really inexpensive. The hardware is very reliable as well.

Most employees at work comes from Windows computers. 90% of them quickly adapts to Macs, the last 10% never understands why the Mac isnt exactly the same a Windows PC. So be warned: You may be in that 10% group.

When asked for advice, I usually say that Macs are way superior and has a lot of wonderful software to boost your creativity instead of strangling it. But at the end of the day, even Mac users sometimes need help. So if they are computer illiterate, I say go for the same system as your computer-supporting friend.

jfrebel - Posted - 11/22/2009:  03:03:06

I have an iMac and an iPhone. I hate using PCs.

Forrest - Posted - 11/22/2009:  07:14:39

I am an Apple Certified Systems Engineer and a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. I've been Apple certified since 1996 and Microsoft certified since 2000 and have used Macs since 1986 when I gave up my Apple II+ and DOS and Windows since the mid-80s. During my career, I've owned and/or managed thousands of Windows machines and hundreds of Macs.

I have one piece of advice based on my professional experience:

Buy a Mac. I love Windows machines too, but save yourself a good bit of future headache and buy a Mac. I've slowly converted everyone that will listen to me to Macs and have finally stopped getting the support calls at all hours of the night and weekends. I went from being the IT support guy for my family and friends to hearing nothing but good reports.

The other piece of advice that I'll give (also based on my experience) is to buy the Apple Care extended warranty. This extends your warranty from 90 days of telephone technical support and 1 year of hardware support to 3 years of both. This is well worth the money spent if you have even 1 hardware problem. The warranty runs from $99 to $249 depending on which machine you buy.

frailin - Posted - 11/22/2009:  07:30:36

quote:

---

The other piece of advice that I'll give (also based on my experience) is to buy the Apple Care extended warranty. This extends your warranty from 90 days of telephone technical support and 1 year of hardware support to 3 years of both. This is well worth the money spent if you have even 1 hardware problem.
Forrest

---

minstrelmike - Posted - 11/22/2009:  08:21:29

I generally recommend PCs to folks because of the support issues. Unless you want what Apple offers or never want to add any new programs, then most of the folks you meet that have kewl apps will probably be on Windoze.

Apple does make better computers. I believe they are twice as good as Windows boxes. However, since they are priced 3 times higher, it doesn't make sense unless there is some way kewl app you absolutely must have that is only on Apple (which is how they took over advertising in the 1990s).

I personally develop on Linux but would not recommend that to anyone who asks "what kind of PC should I get?" and I don't have it for my family's home machines because I don't want to do all the installs and my kids generally want games and stuff that are Windoze/Mac mostly.

firelakekid - Posted - 11/22/2009:  10:50:12

Well... I've heard all the presentations, and let's say I am set on going with a 13" MacBook Pro. A couple of questions: Can anybody (maybe Forrest, Apple engineer) tell me would there will be a notable difference if I upgrade to I think 4GB and faster processor. It is about a $300 upgrade, so its getting pricey. Also, I write up reports and case notes regularly. I use Windows Word Perfect. I just get the blank pages and start writing. I assume that Mac has something equivalent--is that Mac Pages? I am not too worried about learning another system. I will still have my Gateway laptop--which is slowing down, but still works overall--to use as I learn. That's why I want to get something sooner versus later. I truly appreciate all the good responses by everyone and helping me make a decsion. Paul

dave1701 - Posted - 11/22/2009:  10:54:09

Choose PC. Just don't load it up with crap that will slow it down.

ZEPP - Posted - 11/22/2009:  11:12:08

quote:

---

Originally posted by firelakekid

I write up reports and case notes regularly. I use Windows Word Perfect. I just get the blank pages and start writing. I assume that Mac has something equivalent--is that Mac Pages?

---

Edited by - ZEPP on 11/22/2009 11:16:27

Thor - Posted - 11/22/2009:  12:21:10

quote:

---

Also, I write up reports and case notes regularly. I use Windows Word Perfect. I just get the blank pages and start writing. I assume that Mac has something equivalent--is that Mac Pages?

---

rotten - Posted - 11/23/2009:  03:22:32

Ok, I use all three, Mac, Windows, and (Ubuntu) Linux. [geek] I also am currently deeply involved in a project profiling users for my employer.

Personally, I much prefer using Ubuntu. It isn't any harder to install software than the Mac, and has a lot more flexibility. I've been considering getting my next system from http://www.system76.com .

My family, for the most part, gravitates to our iMac. We bought a refurbished one directly from Apple (saved us hundreds of dollars). If you search around their site you'll find the link to refurbished systems. We've been looking at adding another Mac to our home computer inventory. They are very slick. The hardware is top notched. I've never met someone who switched, who then switched back.

Based on my user profiling analysis over 80% of the computer users on the Internet use Windows XP. Vista, and the new mac-like Windows 7 are still very small players. Next comes the Macs, and then a very tiny sliver of people use Linux. If you want to "go with the herd", the path of least resistance is to probably go along with the majority of people in the world. I've heard a lot of good things about Windows 7. I'm not sure if that is hype, or reality. Based on Microsoft's track record over the past 20 years, I'm inclined to suspect "hype". You never know though...

All three operating systems have more than enough software for practically anything you can imagine wanting to do. Unfortunately the software may be different on different systems, which means there will be a learning curve. Some people don't like to learn new things, or at least would rather learn some things more than others.

My only frustration has been trying to sync my cell phone data with a computer. I bought a phone that was on sale and quickly disappeared from the shelves. There are no third party software packages which support it, and the vendor only made software for it for the PC. I'm thinking of switching phones once the holidays roll past. You will run into situations like that regardless of which OS you choose.

To summarize:
Mac - if you have the money.
Ubuntu - if you want to have maximum control over your system and the most bang for the buck.
Windows - if you want the path of least resistance.

The new Google OS will be interesting, but it is still a year off.