Need Help Convincing my Dad to get me a Mac

[MacMilker]

So this isn't really a thread where I need help in decision making on what computer to get.

I know what kind I want to get, a simple, white, macbook. Nothing fancy. All 999 bucks worth of it... unless a PC makes more sense..

Macs are so expensive but I know for a fact they last a long time, and my dad just doesn't wanna spend the money on the software for the computer, because even compared to a high scale windows computer is way more expensive.

So basically I can convince him to get me a laptop when school ends, if I'm not failing in my subjects, lol.. But hes pretty set on getting me a toshiba or something which are real nice and all but in the end of the day I really don't like windows, I mean its nice at first, simple to use. But it goes downhill very quickly

So I have two questions,

1. What are some good ways in convincing him to get me one, do the pros outweigh the cons, do you personally own one and love one yourself?

2. If you can persuade me in any way to not get a mac, I want a really good detailed answer with several reasons why PC's outweigh macs in terms of efficiency , etc, etc.

But as far as I'm concerned I like macs, I'm a very artistic person, alot of my friends have them and love them, and treat them like crap and they still work great. I'm using a PC right now its nice and quick but at the end of the day I would prefer using a nice macbook.

Thank you for your time!

I hope you can provide me with some interesting information~

[anonymous53]

1. What are some good ways in convincing him to get me one, do the pros outweigh the cons, do you personally own one and love one yourself? Pros: They're worth it for artistic people.
Cons: They're slow. They actually have quite a few problems. Compatibility issues with a lot of programs. The hardware you get for 999$ is low compared to windows based computers. You get I believe a Core 2 Duo 2.4ghz 2gb ram and a 160gb hard drive. For 999$ windows computers you can get a 17 inch screen, with an i7, 500gb hard drive and 4-8gb ram with a dedicated graphics card.


2. If you can persuade me in any way to not get a mac, I want a really good detailed answer with several reasons why PC's outweigh macs in terms of efficiency , etc, etc.

Efficiency, More power for the same price.
Compatibility. Much more programs are written for windows, although companies are beginning to write more prorams for macs
Security. Believe it or not the Mac platform is less secure. I don't remember where I read this but in a hacking competition of platforms the winning "hacker" targeted the macintosh platform. In which he identified over 20 vulnerabilities in less than an hour.
Viruses: Many people with macs believe they are "immune" to viruses. In fact they are not, just less viruses are written for the mac platform because less businesses use it; average people are not the real target for viruses. Businesses that are vulnerable can be much more profitable for the writers of viruses.
Compatibility: Many schools are based upon windows computers, in fact the computer I work at is based upon windows computers. When a student brings in something done a mac saved in the wrong format it takes hours to get their project working, sometimes when we do get it working the project is so broken that the student receives an F.
Repairs: Windows based computers are built to be able to be repaired much easier. Macintosh computers are not made to be repaired.

I could keep listing reasons but you know you want a macintosh computer.

(Sorry for the wall o'text)

[MacMilker]

well I must say you make valid points, I'll take them into consideration.
thanks, lol.

[TheMatrix]

the psp has an annoying character limit. i'll post what i can.

pros:
easy to use

cons:
i could write you a virus that would wipe your disk clean with ~2 lines of code
bad hardware
you are not the true administratour, steve jobs is
shall i go on?

so yeah...

[MattVon]

The biggest con of all: Apple products cost way more than the rest of the general market. That said, as sXe-Amo has said you can get way more power for PC for the same price as a low powered Mac, so why bother going for the Mac. That's like the easiest way to switch your decision, why bother paying something that's got low spec when you can get a PC with way better spec for the same price, even lower in some cases.

Compatibility is another issue with Macs compared to PCs, I couldn't really care what you like or dislike, I can say the community of computing like Windows over Mac, which is why it is way more populated than a Mac, you can get loads and loads of shit for a PC whereas on a Mac those type of options aren't really that open to you.

The only reason a Windows goes down hill is because the user is to lazy to respect, this applies to anything in life, not a Mac vs. PC debate, if you do not respect something it will not last you it's that blatantly obvious.

Unlikely persuaded you, but I hope your dad doesn't get persuaded because right now he's on the right track; as long as this laptop is high speced. =]

[MacMilker]

Well the laptop wouldn't be so high speced.
I'd end up getting a toshiba which has its share of problems
And idk what it is, but windows just seems to turn to shit in a matter of months. This computer I'm on now was great, now its a couple months after purchasing it, theres little to no shit put on it (docs, programs) and it says it has a lot of disk space yet its slow to load stuff, the flash player crashes in most browsers, word crashes A LOT etc, I could go on but theres no point
and as far as I know, and correct me if I'm wrong, but my friends macs who have a lot of crap on them, still work nice and fast, and their apps don't crash every other time upon opening them
but again i really have no experience with each, the only laptop i've had was a crappy HP one with virtually no specs whatsoever.
But yeah its still some time before the end of school, so I'm not really sure.
It would be hard to convince my dad into spending that much money regardless -.-

[MattVon]

*
Reasons for your issues.


You don't maintain it.

Installing/uninstalling applications tend to leave a lot of shit behind.
Not defragging your system to reorganise the data on the harddrive, which can allow loading times to be faster when accessing files.


Typical companies such as Dell, Acer, Toshiba, eMachine (all of them really), install BLOATWARE.

Shit you really do not need.


Low spec machine

Intel Celeron/Pentium(AMD equivalent) running Windows Vista/7 with only 1 - 2GB



There is your main reasons why your laptop is slow. =]

[Joshh97]

the psp has an annoying character limit. i'll post what i can.

pros:
easy to use

cons:
i could write you a virus that would wipe your disk clean with ~2 lines of code
bad hardware
you are not the true administratour, steve jobs is
shall i go on?

so yeah...

And I could wipe clean a Windows hard disk with 2 lines of code too. 1 Without echo etc.



<?php

$OhaiItsChristian = "wantsmac";

if ( $OhaiItsChristian == "wantsmac" ) {
echo "OhaiItsChristian wants his dad to buy him a mac.";
}
// What can I say I get bored ^_^
?>

[MattVon]

I can wipe both a Mac and Windows without a single fucking line of code.

[TheMatrix]

I can wipe both a Mac and Windows without a single fucking line of code.
Oh yeah, so can I!
A quick Tutorial:
MAC:

Reboot th computer
As soon as you confirm the reboot, hold Command-S
Continue to hold that until a text screen comes up. You now have root access!
Type in whatever command you'd like, such as:
rmdir -rf /(probably won't work, but you get the idea)
When done screwing up the machine, type:
reboot and the changes take effect


WINDOWS:

Pull up a MS-DOS Executive (better known as "Command Prompt")
Type:format C:

couldn't get easier

or, you could add this lovely script to /etc/init.d:

#!/bin/sh
echo "Muahahahahaha!\r"
rmdir -rf /
exit;

and it happens next time you start up. Apple makes it too easy.

Probably most of you won't understand any of this, but I can explain, if necessary.:yes:

[MattVon]

You've just explained it with using code, so no you cannot.

[TheMatrix]

You've just explained it with using code, so no you cannot.
I meant a line-by-line analysis.
But okay, I guess it's good enough, then ;)

[MattVon]

I meant a line-by-line analysis.
But okay, I guess it's good enough, then ;)
I still offer you and anyone who can beat my "Fuck both Mac and Windows OS" systems without using any code.:yeah:

[CaptainObvious]

i could write you a virus that would wipe your disk clean with ~2 lines of code

that's not a virus, don't be a script kiddy.

[MattVon]

that's not a virus, don't be a script kiddy.
A script kiddy is someone who uses someone elses scripts/applications to attack a user. If he's making his own I think a script kiddy is not really the correct term, clearly a virus isn't either because the main purpose of a virus is to copy itself. Either way you're both wrong, let's just settle with "theguywhowantstowastehistimedestroyingapcwhenhecouldspendsometimegettingoneoff".

[CaptainObvious]

A script kiddy is someone who uses someone elses scripts/applications to attack a user. If he's making his own I think a script kiddy is not really the correct term, clearly a virus isn't either because the main purpose of a virus is to copy itself. Either way you're both wrong, let's just settle with "theguywhowantstowastehistimedestroyingapcwhenhecouldspendsometimegettingoneoff".

script kiddy has many meanings. one who calls "format c:" a "virus" is among them.

more importantly, this is off topic and not really helping the OP. let's wander our way back, thanks.

[MattVon]

script kiddy has many meanings. one who calls "format c:" a "virus" is among them.

more importantly, this is off topic and not really helping the OP. let's wander our way back, thanks.
Hm, our views are really different. Someone who claims the format command is a virus, is a complete idiot in my eyes. But at the end of the day, you're right we're off topic.

Back to topic, check the prices of a Mac and then do research on computer parts to build your own PC and match the price, see how more powerful the PC will be over the Mac.

[TheMatrix]

Back to topic, check the prices of a Mac and then do research on computer parts to build your own PC and match the price, see how more powerful the PC will be over the Mac.
So let me explain a little bit about this debate....

Macs are really great, neglecting price and OS. Then they are way better than most computers I've seen.
However, the price is waaaay too high; yet people still buy them.
The OS is very uncompatible; yet people still buy them.
But why? Why do they?

3 Main reasons:

User friendliness
A very nice GUI; I'll say that. It beats all majour Window Managers these days(im my opinion)
Related to their interests/hobbies
If all you do all day is word processing and internet browsing, then yes, a mac is good for you
Better Security
Ah yes: the big one!
Mac is only more secure because programs cannot be executed with super user privileges. That's all.
That "Sophos" is a do-nothing program, designed to give the illusion that you have a secure computer. Correct me if I'm wrong there.
For example, you cannot put a file in /usr/bin, for example. That requires super user privileges.

And I hate macs for the last reason. You are not the super user. Steve Jobs is. The only way to use "apps" is by using your Applications folder. I do believe that is shared(correct me if I'm wrong) across all users.

And that is why the example above required you to reboot and hold the Command-S. That is the only way(that I know) to get root access to the machine.

Sad, isn't it?

[bornthisway]

Macs:
Last longer.
More durable.
Not as many virus' as a PC.
They're cooler (I want a Mac, but I have a PC.
Better tech support (If you have a problem with it, take it to your local apple store. They don't have PC stores that only work with PC's).
So expensive if they break. <--THAT'S A CON.

PC's
Well...
More common.
More virus.
Eaiser to fix then Mac's.
Cheaper.
Uhh... Yeah. lol.

[TheMatrix]

Macs:
Last longer.

Not always.....


More durable.

Not always...


Not as many virus' as a PC.

Define "PC". You mean Personal Computer?
A Personal Computer can have any OS running on it - Linux, Unix, BSD(which is a Unix variant), Windows, even OS/2.
That aside, the computer itself can't have any "viruses". It's just a box full of electronics, if you want to put it that way. Nothing to hack, until you have an OS on it.

They're cooler

Says you. I beg to differ.
(I want a Mac, but I have a PC.

Good for you.


Better tech support (If you have a problem with it, take it to your local apple store.
Oh yeah?
Try looking in Linux Questions, Ubuntu Forums, openSuSE forums, CentOS forums, and many more, even for NT+ systems which I do not specialise in.
They don't have PC stores that only work with PC's).
What's that you said? (http://www.google.com/search?q=PC+repair+stores&btnG=Google+Search&hl=en)


So expensive if they break. <--THAT'S A CON.

EXACTLY!


PC's
Well...
More common.

They aren't as overpriced.


More virus.

Again, not necessarily. If you use Windows, then yes, you are more vulnerable. Especially you NT+ fans. You are completely ignoring the Unix and Linux community. Did you know that SELinux is a pretty good tool, as is Novell AppArmour?


Eaiser to fix then Mac's.
Cheaper.

And that, my friend, is why so many people use PC's.

Have I proven my point?

[Azunite]

If you tell your dad that Macs are a waste of money he'll be convinced.

[Magus]

Fuck Macs. I agree with your dad. Macs are complete bullshit money suckers.

I don't get why people so into buying fuckexpensive macs? I hate mac with all my fucking heart.

Keep your money and buy a custom built PC.

[Bryan B]

1. What are some good ways in convincing him to get me one, do the pros outweigh the cons, do you personally own one and love one yourself?

Well I bought a macbook 13 in black in 2008, and im still using it, yeah i have to say they look cool but are so expensive for the hardware they give you that's a big con, in my mac the only problem has been the battery which i bought a new one on ebay ($30 USD) (dont buy parts on Apple Store are so much expensive and are from the same quality) thats the hardware part in software: mac os look really good and works great and fast (love the fast boot and the fast shutdown);i mostly use it for software that is not compatible in windows or for editing video, or when i just want to load something fast, about the virus i had never had any problem on mac, but a big con is that if something goes really wrong on mac (not common) is not good news, u probably would have to re install mac, another con in a mac is you can install windows and linux (i have it like that 3 os) so if you have any problem on mac or compability you can switch to windows or linux.

So in conclusion macs are expensive for the hardware they give you, but you can have mac os, windows, linux, and on mac if you need to work fast, and in many editing then is good, but if you just want to use it for music, videos, email, and pic editing then buy something cheaper (like a HP) and install Photoshop on windows.

[Tenoramic]

I used to use pc, I was one angry person. Pc is slow, always freeze, pc waste more time.

I am using Mac for 6 years and not once have single problem. I m one happy computer geek.

Pc make me so mad I want to throw that trash out of the sea

[TheMatrix]

I used to use pc, I was one angry person. Pc is slow, always freeze, pc waste more time.
By "PC", are you implying a Windows NT-based system? That seems to be the common convention these days. :/
You clearly didn't read the previous posts stating that you can also put a GNU/Linux distribution on a Personal Computer.


I am using Mac for 6 years and not once have single problem. I m one happy computer geek.
In my opinion, you can't possibly be "computer geek" if you use a proprietary operating system, such as Windows or Mac.


Pc make me so mad I want to throw that trash out of the sea
"Out of the sea"? So you live in the ocean?
Interesting.....
....
Perhaps you meant "into the sea".

[MacMilker]

im getting a mac in a week guys

lol thanks for arguing with eachother for the sake of it xD

[TheMatrix]

im getting a mac in a week guys
Well, have fun getting ripped off! Your loss.

lol thanks for arguing with eachother for the sake of it xD
Any time, my friend ;)

[DreamSeeker]

im getting a mac in a week guys

lol thanks for arguing with eachother for the sake of it xD

Not worth it yet, wait!

1. OS X Lion comes out in a few weeks, and it'll bring some nice features. If you don't wait, you have to pay £21 which just adds on
2. If you are getting a Macbook Air/Mac Mini, they are getting refreshed soon.

I'd just wait till the refresh and OS X Lion is out.

[MacMilker]

Well, have fun getting ripped off! Your loss.

lol omg, in what ways am I getting ripped off again? people like you lol :rolleyes:
Not worth it yet, wait!
1. OS X Lion comes out in a few weeks, and it'll bring some nice features. If you don't wait, you have to pay £21 which just adds on
2. If you are getting a Macbook Air/Mac Mini, they are getting refreshed soon.
I'd just wait till the refresh and OS X Lion is out.

Ill pay the 29 bucks if I have to, ive been waiting way too long..
and I might not get it this weekend exactly, like I want to, but maybe not who knows

[bornthisway]

Not always.....


Not always...


Define "PC". You mean Personal Computer?
A Personal Computer can have any OS running on it - Linux, Unix, BSD(which is a Unix variant), Windows, even OS/2.
That aside, the computer itself can't have any "viruses". It's just a box full of electronics, if you want to put it that way. Nothing to hack, until you have an OS on it.

Says you. I beg to differ.

Good for you.


Oh yeah?
Try looking in Linux Questions, Ubuntu Forums, openSuSE forums, CentOS forums, and many more, even for NT+ systems which I do not specialise in.

What's that you said? (http://www.google.com/search?q=PC+repair+stores&btnG=Google+Search&hl=en)


EXACTLY!


They aren't as overpriced.


Again, not necessarily. If you use Windows, then yes, you are more vulnerable. Especially you NT+ fans. You are completely ignoring the Unix and Linux community. Did you know that SELinux is a pretty good tool, as is Novell AppArmour?


And that, my friend, is why so many people use PC's.

Have I proven my point?

Touché.

[TheMatrix]

You don't say....

[JayJaySpiritus]

Macs are so much better than PCs... Ive got a PC and am getting a Mac after school :)
Ways to convince your dad.. What do you need it For? I need mine for University or Collage. It lasts longer, its better software, less prone to viruses & can still have windows put on it if all else fails..

[TheMatrix]

Macs are so much better than PCs... Ive got a PC and am getting a Mac after school :)
Ways to convince your dad.. What do you need it For? I need mine for University or Collage. It lasts longer, its better software, less prone to viruses & can still have windows put on it if all else fails..
This was already solved.
Please read the thread, thanks :)

[Guy7282]

I just got a MacBook Pro and its so much better than my old pc, it was expensive but i paid for most of it so my mom was ok with it. I love my mac so much. I will never have a pc again.

[MacMilker]

ok well i got a macbook pro last sunday so, theres no need to discuss in this anymore
a mod can close this

[Commander Thor]

ok well i got a macbook pro last sunday so, theres no need to discuss in this anymore
a mod can close this

:locked: