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Dell vs. Apple

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The_Future
Posts: 1418 - Karma: 607

Alright so I used the searchbar and couldn't find anything.  Basically I am going into college next year and I can get a discount on Dell and Apple through my school. I don't know much about laptops, so I'm looking for some opinions from the world of NS. 

I am probably going to be majoring in biology or something in the sciences and I am going to be trying to get into med school.  I also am into photography and plan to take a few photography classes for some elective credits.  So, I don't necessarily NEED a computer with a ton of great media options, but it would be nice.  Price is pretty important to me, so I am looking for the most bang for my buck. But, don't worry too much about my price range in your response, as I haven't quite figured out what I am willing to spend.  I've never owned a MAC, so I don't know if it would be difficult to transition from a PC to a Mac.

So my questions are: What Dell or Apple laptops do you guys use? What is the specs on your computer? What are the pros and cons? What would you recommend for me?

Thank you sooo much for any help.  +Karma for good responses!

Apr 26 2009 11:53AM
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kepler.
Posts: 8761 - Karma: 139
"Alright so I used the searchbar and couldn't find anything"

Honestly how? There's been fights over this shit for years on NS.
Apr 26 2009 11:59AM
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ATLskier
Posts: 8203 - Karma: 406
Before you read further about my dell laptop, this is all that has been replaced on my computer
Motherboard
Motherboard
Motherboard
(yes that's 3 times. I am on my fourth)
CD/DVD drive
memory
hard drive
keyboard 3x
back plastics
fan
lcd screen

I think the only part left from my original computer is the plastics on the screen and near the keyboard.

It's a dell latitude d820, I bought it almsot 3 years ago. I take care of it, it just sucks and breaks a lot. It cost me some $1700 because i got tons of upgrades (when you bought a computer 3 years ago, you had to pay to upgrade to 80gb hard drives).

Really, as i've experienced, you need to buy a good warrantee (about 4 years). it will say you a ton of money because shit will break.

go with a mac
Apr 26 2009 12:00PM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
alright this thread is going to go to hell because it will turn into a PC vs. Apple battle.

ANYWAY, I used to have a Dell Inspiron 6000 for the first 2.5 years of college. I used it for the usual stuff as well as some video editing and it did alright. It eventually crapped out on me and I had to take it into the repair shop a whole bunch of times and overall I would say it cost too much for what it failed to produce. It was just a pain having to deal with so many problems with it after awhile.

Last year I switched to apple, and bought a macbook. I have not once ever had a problem with it like i did with my Dell. I also just prefer the Apple operating system at this point. I didn't have any problems switching from PC to apple and if you have questions you can just google them and get a quick answer - or ask a friend who has an apple. I have used iMovie on here to edit videos and it's worked fine altho i would highly recommend Final Cut instead. I run photoshop CS3 on my MacBook and it works very well, but if you're into photography maybe you'd go with Aperture which i have no experience with. I also use my computer for business stuff because that's my major and Excel runs very well and so does the rest of Microsoft office.

I would recommend an Apple.
Apr 26 2009 12:01PM
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The_Future
Posts: 1418 - Karma: 607
The reason I said I didn't find anything was because of exactly that reason! I don't want to hear a debate about PC vs. Apple.  I just want reviews on peoples products from the two companies.  Please do not start a flame war between the two... because I really don't care to hear it.
Apr 26 2009 12:07PM
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debrickshaw
Posts: 1957 - Karma: 68
ok so apple vs pc, pc is better bang for your buck (if you know what your shopping for).
Apple vs dell,  Definatly go with an apple, dells are notoriously unreliable (as is demonstrated by the posts above me, and charge a ton extra for shitty software they put on your computer.  if these are the only ones you have discounts on my advice is go for the apple.
Apr 26 2009 12:08PM
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The_Future
Posts: 1418 - Karma: 607

Also, I was looking at the Dell XPS Studio 16...  so far, that one has seemed to be the best value that I could find.  So, if anyone knows anything about this I would love to hear it.

Thanks again everyone

Apr 26 2009 12:10PM
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Big_Spence
Posts: 16177 - Karma: 4,352
Get a Macbook. (Or a pro if you need/want more than a 13" screen.)
I used Pc's all my life and just recently purchased a Macbook Pro, and am proud to say I doubt I will ever own another PC. I've never owned a Dell laptop, but I've owned several of their desktops and had multiple problems.
As far as transition goes, it's a breeze. There are obvious differences in the operating systems, but basically OS X is just full of advantages and extremely useful features. Within a week or less you will be totally comfortable on your Mac and won't look back.

I know you said to not mention price, but this is all I'll say about it: you do pay extra for the Apple name. BUT it's also totally worth it. OS X is by far the best OS out there, I couldn't imagine using a computer without it now. Apple's warranty, customer service, and all around helpfulness is unmatched by any other computer company.
Just get a Mac, there is no way you will be sorry.
Apr 26 2009 12:13PM
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Pman13a
Posts: 3800 - Karma: 451
if you want more bang for your buck, go with Dell
you get the same specs for much less money


here is a quick search of the 2

13 inch white macbook -  999.99 

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook?mco=MTE3MzM

  • Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz
  • 2GB DDR2 Memory
  • 120GB hard drive1
  • NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics
  • Standard keyboard
  • White polycarbonate shell
15.6 inchDell - Inspiron Laptop – 449.99

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9149557&type=product&id=1218036213752

Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core mobile processor T3400
Features a 667MHz frontside bus, 1MB L2 cache and 2.16GHz processor speed.

Glossy 15.6" WXGA high-definition widescreen display

3GB DDR2 SoDIMM memory

Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD




so as you can see, the dell beats out the mac in almost all of the specs, for half the price


Apr 26 2009 12:18PM
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The_Future
Posts: 1418 - Karma: 607
That is what I have been noticing in all of my research
Apr 26 2009 12:20PM
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no_steeze
Posts: 23992 - Karma: 4,267
i use the new unibody macbook and i put 4gb of ram in it

so i have:
13.3" screen
2.4 ghz intel core 2 duo
250gb hd
4gb ram
dual layer super drive
os version 10.5.6
and i run aperture and cs4 on it for photos

i love my mac, i've used them for like 7 years so far, my first comp was the first ibook and now i'm on the newest macbook. i'm on my 3rd mac in 7 years that i bought about a month ago, so they last a long ass time. on the other hand, my family has been through 7 dells in the past 9 years, the most one of them lasted was a year and a half
we all take good care of our comps but i've found dells just absolutely suck unless you replace all the parts in them
so if price isn't an issue definitely go for a mac
Apr 26 2009 12:23PM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
but what you will pay in time, frustration, and money to fix the problems that will come along, will make it a poor investment. I would know, I've had both.
Apr 26 2009 12:24PM
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laurence^
Posts: 1575 - Karma: 19
the problem with a dell imo is that people go cheap on it and try not to get good parts or simply a better computer. if you go with say the xps or something like that, you won't be complaining about it. I have an xps m1530 and it's been running great.

on the other hand, if you like simplicity and you think you are cool enough, cop yourself a mac

Apr 26 2009 12:27PM
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EH_DUBS
Posts: 3080 - Karma: 969
with dell you get what you pay for. there higher end computers are ballin and ive owned mine for almost 2 years now and not one problem and it still runs as fast as it did when i got it.

i don't know if its the case anymore but when i bought mine i went with the xps series because its basicly made by alienware. (dell owns alienware) so it was'nt the normal parts they used in their other computers (that seem to have got a bad rap for breaking down).
Apr 26 2009 12:30PM
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OhMyBosh
Posts: 5056 - Karma: 170
why get a dell? they suck. there are plenty of other PC manufacturers that can give you a laptop for half the price of a mac that will also be twice as fast as a mac.

if money isnt really an issue i'd get a mac... mainly because you'd look cooler. but if your looking to save money and actually get a good computer then go for a PC, dell isnt the only company that makes computers.
Apr 26 2009 12:33PM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
Yeah that's true also. Check out HP if you really want to stick to PCs
Apr 26 2009 12:35PM
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The_Future
Posts: 1418 - Karma: 607

I've heard dell's customer service is actually pretty good though... how have your encounters with them gone? 

Keep the good posts coming everyone!

Apr 26 2009 12:38PM
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The_Future
Posts: 1418 - Karma: 607
The reason I say Dell, is because through my university I can get a discount on them and because they can service Dell and Apple computers right at our Information Technology Helpdesk and they are like covered under the warranty.
Apr 26 2009 12:41PM
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.KYLE.
Posts: 1891 - Karma: 59
Get a Mac.
Apr 26 2009 12:45PM
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Pman13a
Posts: 3800 - Karma: 451
great argument
Apr 26 2009 12:45PM
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.KYLE.
Posts: 1891 - Karma: 59
its a joke son.
Apr 26 2009 12:53PM
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shibby
Posts: 7088 - Karma: -19
I wouldnt get either.
Apr 26 2009 12:54PM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
Yeah I mean i didn't have problems with service, it was just the constant problems of having to take it in to be fixed and having to go without a computer when i needed it to for school work and stuff
Apr 26 2009 12:57PM
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cfox
Posts: 2286 - Karma: 40
mac. SUch a simple choice.
Apr 26 2009 12:58PM
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comeatmebro
Posts: 10720 - Karma: 66
i have a dell desktop that i fucking hate. i have had to replace so many parts in it, and it's just not worth it at all. when i have to update OS's for my phone i cry getting on my desktop and trying to use it.

however i also have owned a macbook for a little over a year now and i seriously love it. have had absolutely no problems whatsoever. the only thing i have done is add more ram. i'd highly recommend it over a dell, maybe not over other pc's because of price...but over dell for sure.

i would rather spend another $500 on a mac then put in the time to fix my computer weekly. the only downside is A FEW programs aren't out for mac, but there are almost always compatible programs or programs just like the one.

go apple
Apr 26 2009 1:17PM
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00_Koda
Posts: 922 - Karma: 269
no question go with a mac
Apr 26 2009 2:20PM
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Afeld
Posts: 3516 - Karma: 84

Macbook pros are easy to use, and also have a great customer service whether you go to the store or over the phone

(I have never owned a dell, but this is what my friend had to go through) Dell's customer service is talking with a person in India that couldn't care less about your problem

get a MAC

Apr 26 2009 2:23PM
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dbstar
Posts: 2038 - Karma: 20
I have a PC and wish i got a mac... for some simple reasons, I dont game, they seem more reliable, they are SMALL which is good for carrying around all the time this is honestly the main reason as my PC laptop is pretty big, and everyone I know that has one says it is great.
Apr 26 2009 2:28PM
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Big_Spence
Posts: 16177 - Karma: 4,352
You know they make much smaller PC's than Mac right...?
Here's just an example:

Dell makes one very similar.
Apr 26 2009 2:33PM
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The_Future
Posts: 1418 - Karma: 607
Haha yeah dude, but try typing on one of those keyboards... Seriously it was the most retarded thing ever.
Apr 26 2009 2:36PM
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Justin.B
Posts: 2257 - Karma: 721
im just going to beat Allen to the punch and say this
Sony Vaio ftw!
Apr 26 2009 2:36PM
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drumbumocdp
Posts: 3226 - Karma: 1,078
apple apple apple apple apple
Apr 26 2009 2:41PM
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statuswhitegirl
Posts: 4058 - Karma: 883
i used pc's for so long, then my mom got a mac and live became awesome, we never need to get it fixed, not slow at all, so many program options, id definatley say the macbook is a bang for your buck
Apr 26 2009 2:41PM
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Big_Spence
Posts: 16177 - Karma: 4,352
Haha oh yeah I know.
Your probably better off getting a smart phone and typing on one of those, because they're basically the same size.
Apr 26 2009 2:42PM
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OhMyBosh
Posts: 5056 - Karma: 170
i dont know where all this crap about Dells breaking and whatnot is coming from.

although if you get a PC get it with XP not Vista.
Apr 26 2009 2:47PM
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8ONE657
Posts: 3045 - Karma: 209
I'm also a bio major and have plans to attend med school! I knew right away that I wanted a Mac.
Today everything is so compatible with Mac or PC but nothing can give you more options than Apple.
I bought the Black MacBook in August of 2006. Never had any problems with it but as my pictures, videos, documents, and files grew exponentially I ran out of room. This January I upgraded to the brand new MacBook Pro which is an absolute Godsend. I can do everything on it and I still have so much space and speed. The thing I love most about my Mac is the user friendly compatibility. Everything is customizable to how you maneuver. Also, if you have a problem with your computer you take it to the store. No need to sit on the phone trying to fix it yourself and then possibly have to ship it to get it fixed. Apple has always been great with advice, tech support, and even general dumb questions.

I will admit I am very Mac biased butttttt....if you want a PC don't get a Dell. A Dell can be a good computer but they are also built to break. If you want the discount and a Dell is your only option for a PC then you have no choice. But if you want a PC buy an Asus. They're an amazing company from the UK that just expanded here. They make a great computer and offer a lot of great features.

Another thing about Macs. The new MacBook comes in a solid unibody aluminum housing case. This makes the computer EXTREMELY durable and scratch resistant. However should you get a dent in your case (stapler falls on your comp) It costs $1000 dollars to replace the case. I just had a friend have that happen to him on the old MacBook and luckily it was only $200. Macs are really expandable as well. You have so many features that you can plug and play with. I would recommend Mobile Me, even if you don't have an iPhone or iTouch. It runs at $69 and is a wonderful option for email, online storage, and sync-ability. You receive 10-20GB of online storage which I use to put documents from my last semester on so my computer isn't slow and also things I want to back up incase my computer fails. You can access the online storage from anywhere and its MAC/PC compatible.

Any other questions just ask. I know a lot about Mac.


Sparknotes: Get a Mac.
Apr 26 2009 2:52PM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
From owning Dells and using them, and from personal experience jackass. Read our posts.
Apr 26 2009 2:58PM
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Slinger1x1
Posts: 8853 - Karma: 65
you probably decided already, but here'es my view

you said you want to do photography stuff, do right there you probably want a mac...

but, now if your looking money wise? you could buy a dell and upgrade it with very reliable parts that will beat out a mac anyday, all for a cheaper price than a mac. a dell, these days for $1000 dollars striahgt form dell will beat out 80% of any mac you buy straight from mac for the money.

now people like OSX over vista or xp because they arent techincal and like things easy. personally, i find vista easy to use, i have no problems with finding things or anything like that.
Also, if your not an idiot, you wont get a virus on your pc. and soon enough, there will be viruses for macs.
Apr 26 2009 3:07PM
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An10a_Eng
Posts: 2505 - Karma: 28
well what are your plans for college? apples good for fruity photoshop shit and dell is good for usefull majors like engineering and computer science
Apr 26 2009 3:20PM
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garettnorthey
Posts: 3049 - Karma: 173
I love my mac. I was skeptical at first because I blew a shit load of money on a computer but honestly It was probably the best shit load of money I have ever spent and I don't look back. I got the new MacBook with the 2.0 GHz (New Macs have a separate graphics card so a 2.0 GHz actually runs the same as a 2.4 GHz on most) However it was 1400 and I bought warranty for 300 which with tax brought it to around 1800 or something. But now after having it for almost 6 months I realise that Macs don't really have problems (at least not yet) and I would have rather got the new 2.4GHz over my 2.0 GHz with warranty. But what I like about macs is that for the most part you wont get viruses so it makes downloading programs off of things like The Pirate Bay relatively easy because you dont have to worry about viruses.

So there is my 2 cents.
Apr 26 2009 3:21PM
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Mooserz
Posts: 2945 - Karma: 32
thank you. the only reason i just purchased my mac is because i have to learn final cut for school. besides that, mac isnt going to do anything that the computer im on right now wont do
Apr 26 2009 3:22PM
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8ONE657
Posts: 3045 - Karma: 209
There are already viruses for Macs. However with each software update Mac send something that defeats what the virus will attack. Macs aren't on the same type of system as a PC. PC vs. Mac ownership isn't even close. For as many people you see with Macs, multiply that by like 100 because that many more people own PCs. A Mac is still a "new" thing to most people even thought they have been around longer. They run on something called the Unix system which was created way before Microsoft. The Unix system is hardly used anymore on anything besides Macs and some IBMs. So you tell me...
would you target the trendy brand (Mac) or the most popular selling brand (PC)?

Also the security software like McAfee and Norton Anti Virus is a joke. Think about how many people buy those products. A computer hacker can get around them by now. For all you PC users buy NOD.

Like I said Mac since 8/06 and I'm VIRUS FREE/PROBLEM FREE :)
Apr 26 2009 3:25PM
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garettnorthey
Posts: 3049 - Karma: 173
Damn! Whatever I like the 13 inch screen it fits in my back pack easily when I go on trips.
Apr 26 2009 3:30PM
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tommyp1ckles
Posts: 1337 - Karma: 55
id get the dell ... macs are overatted and you could get a much better deal with the dell...

congrats on goin the medical root btw
Apr 26 2009 3:42PM
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Bpaddock
Posts: 376 - Karma: 204
mac. no viruses. and you can have limewire and not have to worry about your computer getting all fucked up. ive had my macbook since 2007 and havent had one problem. so more money but better in the long run.
Apr 26 2009 3:52PM
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WillStart
Posts: 3955 - Karma: 3,192
cuz the ns searchbar is terrible
Apr 26 2009 3:54PM
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