in all honesty, i think this is a waste of space on the tpu server just like the other mac threads. first and formost we're a tech site so i understand the need to talk about all things tech but... this is getting far to much publicity i feel. let me point out a few things about the mac.
1. it's not more secure then microsofts latest os-therefore it must get spyware/viruses.
2. it's not dated hardware, it's great hardware and mac rarely uses cheap shit in their builds.
3. it's not for everyone. i'm a gamer/chatter/browser/tinkerer(if that's a word)-therefore i only use a windows rig cause i can build them.
4. cost has done a lot to separate the mac from the pc. a good mac will cost more then an extreme gaming windows rig therfore the target market is not just everybody.
5. a cheap mac performs better for everyday tasks then a windows rig, dell vs. mac=mac pwnage.
6. virus's and spyware are created with one thing in mind, to fu*k up our days and therefore are ultimately targeted toward the windows user as there are more of us and less of them
7. having said #6 macs are becoming more popular why, well for one thing they are very dependable, they do just work, if you go out and buy a mac it comes with all homebrew mac software that is made and optimized to work with it's os thus making it a much better buy for the money. whoever said they don't just work is full of sh*t.
8. every windows desktop manufacturer has one thing in mind "cut costs" this directly equates to cut performance, either the substandard equipment will fail or it will not perform as well as it could if good hw was intalled.
9. macs look better the windows rigs. this is a small detail but esthetics is a big thing these days. people want functionality with a pleasing look to it. go mac on this i love their builds.
10. one thing windows is not is innovative. mac has comeup with industry leading technology and made it work all the while in the shadow of microsoft. good for them, this always means the company is working for a success and that means having good solid hw/software to go with it.
11. last but not least is purpose, i touched on this earlier but when you purchase anything it shouldn't be because you read this forum and found out people hate macs because the overpaid technologically inept buy them, they guy who said that has no clue what he's talking about. if you want a pc that works for u get the pc that will offer the most benifits to you. I work in a sales environment and our motto is this "features tell, benefits sell" and you should buy based on that motto. how will this purchase benifit you and the questions you should ask are
1. can i afford it-obvious don't go broke over a computer
2. will it hinder me in anyway-are compatibility issues with the college subsystem and software going to hurt your ability to use
3. will i be able to to everything i need and want to with my buy-this is important because you don't want to make a purchase cause it'll "get me by" you want it to do everything you want and more. i own a macbook pro for one reason, it does everything i would need a laptop for plus allows me to have the mobility to do my video editing/sound/and mp3 all on one rig anywhere i want and... very important here it plays world of warcraft. so i got the whole package for my mac. for everything else there's a desktop.
4. when you are all said and done are you happy... and this my good sir/mam is all that matters. hope i helped sorry if i'm sounding fanboyish, i like both tbh here.