So this goes out to all the geeks out there like myself, who always wonder whether Microsoft or Mac is better. I have never owned a Mac but have used it many times and must say that it is awesome. It rarely crashes or gets viruses and spyware. Using Microsoft all my life, I don't feel like I will much like the Macbook (Laptop) over say the Dell Inspiron (newest model). I have customized several price checks from both companies and have found that Mac gets you more bang for your buck. The only thing it really lacks is its customer service. Another thing I was surprised to learn was that Mac runs on Vista, which could be the deciding feature for me in getting a MacBook. Does anyone else who have either owned both or own a Mac that would like to discuss their views on either machines.

I like PCs better but thats just me......

We had a MAC for awhile also and i didnt like it @ all :D

Screw both and install Ubuntu Linux.

I like Mac's better... And Mac customer service is MUCH better. Like you mentioned, they don't have as many software problems, but in my experience they have more hardware problems. However, like I said, customer service is great. I brought my Macbook in because it wasn't charging correctly and the guy explained to me everything that could be wrong with it in simple language, and then within a week they had actually replaced every part that could have been causing the problem, and they replaced the little piece of plastic that's below the keyboard because it was beginning to splinter at the edges.

Like you mentioned, [Macs] don't have as many software problems, but in my experience they have more hardware problems.
Once again. Get the best of both worlds and get a PC, then install Ubuntu Linux. None of the hardware problems of Mac and none of the software problems of Windows.

I built my own computer. I did the research, LOTS of research, I selected the parts, I crafted the whole thing, I went through the process of installing software, I have exactly what I want on my computer and none of the crapware that I don't. I'm dual booting Windows XP and Ubuntu Linux and I enjoy the process of learning a new OS. Now, why on earth would I give up all of that to buy a box from Apple with little oppurnity of customizing what's inside and limited software? Keep in mind that there are zillions and zillions of free software crafted just for the PC that one can't find with an Apple, and Linux isn't far behind, with lots of people compiling away at various programs, dammit.

Like I said, I built the thing. I KNOW all the parts inside are top notch and are not going to fail me anytime soon. I also put some major time in the wiring of the system so that air circulated around the box quite well. This is something that companies that assemble computer can't claim. How in the hell do I know what kind of parts Apple uses? If I were to open the case of an Apple computer, am I going to find a mess inside? Are things going to be so cramped that I'll have a hell of a time installing a RAM module?

Yes, Windows does have a few nagging habbits. It's more vulnerable to spyware and viruses. But there are ways of combating both. To me, it's just part of running a computer system.

Apple does have a deserved reputation for having a prettier OS and in having a more stable platform than Windows. But a Windows system is faster. The boys at Maximum PC got hold of a Mac that had the Windows chip and could run Windows XP and did some benchmarking. In the end, the likened the Mac as a pristine sports car that gets smoked by the clapped out hooptie that is Windows XP. They also noted that the Mac system had a single stick of RAM and couldn't take advantage of DDR capability and they also noted that MAC used way too much thermal paste which caused the CPU to heat up far more than it should. Both of those pitfalls were avoided by building my own computer.

In the end, the technophobes should go with a Mac, as it's easy to use and doesn't cause a lot of problems while the power users, hackers, tinkerers and others of that ilk should go with a PC. They can stroke, tweak, fiddle, fix, tune and endlessly screw with their PCs to get the most use out of them, dammit.

the Mac system had a single stick of RAM and couldn't take advantage of DDR capability
Minor nitpick: the capability lost in this instance is dual channel, not DDR.

Once again. Get the best of both worlds and get a PC, then install Ubuntu Linux. None of the hardware problems of Mac and none of the software problems of Windows.
Harder to use... The one time I tried to use your computer it confused the hell out of me. I'm not a computer person :(