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Thread: Macs, are they really worth it?

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    Macs, are they really worth it?

    I was just thinking, are Macs actually worth the thousands that they can cost, when you can make the same or better for much less, so to anyone that has a Mac or would recommend them, as i am looking to purchase one, mostly for the operating system features and lack of viruses, as my computer seems to be slowing down more and more.

    I was looking at the Mac Pro, and was wondering if an 8-core is really worth it?

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    Re: Macs, are they really worth it?

    One thing to consider with Apple is that they are prohibitively expensive to upgrade.
    Also, after warranty if anything goes wrong it will cost a fortune to repair.
    With a PC, you can just go out a buy components from the millions of sellers and upgrade/repair the machine yourself. Not so with Apple - spares cost more than the machines sometimes e.g. try changing the motherboard on a Mac Mini....

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    Re: Macs, are they really worth it?

    I'm not sure Hexus is the place to talk about this.

    My view on macs is that they look nice, OSX works well and support is better than any frankencomputer.

    But like all things, you pay for it.

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    Re: Macs, are they really worth it?

    imo macs are not worth the price by a great margin. I use an 8-core macpro at work and have my pc at home. A well built, well maintained PC will always be better value. I also prefer windows over OSX, but they are much of a muchness.

    From my experience OSX isn't as stable as people suggest, i've had it crash without reason. If your PC is getting a bit slow try reinstalling windows and install some decent antivirus software.

    If you want a new computer then build one yourself, its pretty simple and will work out much cheaper and reliable if you buy decent components (theres plenty of people on here to help you).

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    Re: Macs, are they really worth it?

    Quote Originally Posted by kmac View Post
    One thing to consider with Apple is that they are prohibitively expensive to upgrade.
    No more so than PC laptops - and the all in one desktops & mac mini are really laptop components inside.

    Easy enough to change HDDs and RAM.

    Also, after warranty if anything goes wrong it will cost a fortune to repair.
    With a PC, you can just go out a buy components from the millions of sellers and upgrade/repair the machine yourself. Not so with Apple - spares cost more than the machines sometimes e.g. try changing the motherboard on a Mac Mini....
    Again think laptop parts... mac mini uses standard laptop HDD, and RAM.
    Most laptop mainboards are pricey too.

    Worth it as an alternative? Not on a hardware price basis, but ok if you're happy losing a few hundred for the OS.
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    Re: Macs, are they really worth it?

    I don't think there's anything massively compelling about OSX - not now 7 is out anyway - I like the hardware design but not enough to spend silly money on it and much prefer the fully customised route as a rule anyway. That, coupled with the fact there are some darn sexy laptops from major PC OEMs thesedays pretty much rules them out for me - well that and the complete lack of gaming on the platform. Even if I bought a macbook i'd use windows 7 instead.

    Still, I know plenty of people with them or who want them so each to his own - no problem with that.
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    Re: Macs, are they really worth it?

    I've found which OS you prefur tends to be the one you started using.

    On the hardware side, yes the desktop mac's are now basically laptops inside and as with laptops the only standard components are the memory and hard drives (which are still more expensive than there desktop equivelents) and buying a full set of components will generally cost 2 to 3 times the price of the original.
    That said the range of hardware is more limited, which means there's fewer incompatability issues and parts can have a longer production run (in theory)

    And now I have a question for 0083RN0083R
    considering this forum, considering the thread topic, do you enjoy waving red rags at bulls? or thunderstorm kite flying?

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    Re: Macs, are they really worth it?

    They are if you don't know much about computers or software and just want something that works.

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    Re: Macs, are they really worth it?

    In my opinion, it's a value judgement and as such, there is no correct answer to this question. Like choosing between chocolate or strawberry (or whatever) ice cream, it's down to personal taste.

    Is a £60 shirt better than a £10 shirt? Well, based on the examples I've seen (and got) hell yes. Is it "worth" the difference in price? Well, that depends partly on whether the £60 shirt costs what it does because of quality manufacture and materials, or just because of a poncy designer label, and on how you value the label and the quality. Personally, a well-made shirt made from high end fabric feels that much better and lasts longer, so I'd pay the price, but I don't give a flying fig for the label and wouldn't pay 10p for that. Other people may value the fashion cache of a designer label, and if they do, then it's worth paying for for them.

    Would I buy a Mac? No. But that doesn't make it a bad decision for those that do.

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    Re: Macs, are they really worth it?

    Quote Originally Posted by Pob255 View Post
    And now I have a question for 0083RN0083R
    considering this forum, considering the thread topic, do you enjoy waving red rags at bulls? or thunderstorm kite flying?
    I rather liked that - but here on hexus we're pretty amiable on the whole (which is why the forum is so good)
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  12. #11
    Mike Fishcake
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    Re: Macs, are they really worth it?

    Go to an Apple store.

    Try one.

    If you like it and you can afford it, buy one.

    Although if you've not done so already, try Windows 7. Whilst I use a Mac as one of my computers at work (and really like OSX), I don't want a Mac of my own as much now I have Windows 7

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    Re: Macs, are they really worth it?

    I can see this becoming a mac vs PC thread.


    *hides*

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    Re: Macs, are they really worth it?

    Quote Originally Posted by Fortune117 View Post
    I can see this becoming a mac vs PC thread.


    *hides*
    Well that's kinda the choice..
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  15. #14
    Mike Fishcake
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    Re: Macs, are they really worth it?

    Quote Originally Posted by Fortune117 View Post
    I can see this becoming a mac vs PC thread.

    *hides*
    I know what you mean - I'm hoping it becomes more than that though. Getting actual facts in rather than fanboy conjecture from both sides. Using a mac is one way to find out if you like it or not.

    Seriously, give an Apple store a try out - mention that you're thinking of getting a mac to replace a windows PC and they'll give you plenty of their time

    'Advice' on an internet messageboard is nowhere near as good as real life experience.

    (I'm aware of the irony of me writing that)

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    Re: Macs, are they really worth it?

    Maybe we could turn this round?

    Is a GTX 250 hyperfighting EX magic piss sword edition with GDDR 7 worth it? It it really worth the extra?

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    Re: Macs, are they really worth it?

    In fairness, If you like the OS. why not build a compatible box and run OSX86.

    Cheaper than buying a mac

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