Thread: Windows notebook or Macbook?

The Microsoft Office apps are not fully compatible between Mac and Windows versions.

Only basic documents will work on both versions. Any advanced features on either side will have comparability issues.

I moved from PC to Mac last year after 30 years playing with computers.

Macs are what you move to after you are sick of playing with PCs.

Determine where you are on the sliding scale.

So far, I couldn't be happier with my iMac 20.

Also consider when to buy your Mac laptop:

Mac Buyer's Guide: Know When to Buy Your Mac, iPod or iPhone

eg The MacBook (plastic case) is a good buy right now, but the 13" MacPro isn't.

Originally Posted by simonmelb

..................The MacBook (plastic case) is a good buy right now, but the 13" MacPro isn't.

Yes and no. While there is no real diff in the specs, for $200 more at DSE the pro has 4GB RAM, an aluminium case, is lighter and has a backlit keyboard.

Originally Posted by WhiteD3

Yes and no. While there is no real diff in the specs, for $200 more at DSE the pro has 4GB RAM, an aluminium case, is lighter and has a backlit keyboard.

The backlit keyboard swung it for me to MacPro. I was fed up of tilting my previous laptop's screen down so I could see the keys in dim light. This makes a massive difference in daily use.

I think the Pro also has higher end graphics capability.

Got my first "laptop" in 1985.... got my first Mac (book pro) earlier this year. Very nice piece of kit...BUT compatibility issues reigned supreme... easily fixed ...dual partition, Mac OS on one and XP pro on other. Remembering "which is which" keeps Altzheimers at bay...

Then for travelling I bought a ($350) HPmini with a 10" very clear hi res screen, 2GB and 160GBHDD, built in webcam, AND buit in NextG compatible modem...just add SIM...

I loaded a free Linux (Ubuntu) OS . Goes like a cut snake, totally stable, full suite of free apps which mimic "Office" etc etc etc . I thrash it esp talking to my far flung kids on video skype...indeed I seem to use it more than the Mac!...

What ever you choose you might consider a solid state drive..........Very Fast boot time.........
If you go with windows get the 64 bit version and and 8 gig of ram

IMO get the one the missus thinks "looks nice", you'll be right


Seriously though, if the missus is used to windows stick with it, W7 is a fantastic OS. 64bit W7 beats the crap out of vista or xp even with lower amounts of ram but ram is so cheap at the moment you should be getting minimum of 4GB, not because it needs it but because its cheap and its the best upgrade for any pc windows or apple, or get 2GB, what ever is cheap and throw in an extra 2-4GB afterwards, I have W7 running happily on several 2GB pcs at work.

If she's used to apple's stick with it at least she wont harras you every 2 mins.

If its mostly for internet/email get one of those netbooks for $300, not exactly speed demons but $300 !!!! as with cars, get her a red one she will love it