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Interview Question :: Which is better: a Mac or PC? The use: gaming, programming, amp; writing. Also, what specs are great to have


We currently have a PC and need a new computer so we are thinking of switching to a Mac. My husband loves gaming and currently has PC games. He will need new games so that is a negative. I'm into programming and love databases but Mac doesn't support MS Access. This is another negative. Also, my husband is a budding writer. This will be our first time on a Mac so there will be some getting use to it but we love it's sleak design. In the overall experience of things, is it easier and better to stick with a PC or are there great advantages to getting a Mac? My programming languages include C++, Java, Cobol, MySQL, PHP, and HTML with interest in SQL and VB. Also, we have a digital camera with tons of pic from our weddingmoon that we need to download (I've heard good things about Mac and managing pics). Some other considerations are money and performance. We want a powerful computer that has lots of space and speed that is also easy to upgrade without completely breaking the bank. Help. :)
Answers to "Which is better: a Mac or PC? The use: gaming, programming, amp; writing. Also, what specs are great to have"
RE: Which is better: a Mac or PC? The use: gaming, programming, amp; writing. Also, what specs are great to have?

For gaming, PC's are better, since most modern games have support only for MS Windows.



For writing, either perform equally well, each having good word processing facilities.



For coding, the Mac is probably better, but if you run Linux, then there will be little difference.



For pictures, the Mac does indeed perform well, however if you are more used to using a PC, you'll find the switch over fairly difficult, and probably not worth the effort. A PC set up correctly and with the forethought a decent database programmer is capable of should perform adequatley for your needs.



In terms of price, the PC is far cheaper, and the relative improvements in performance for the extra money of buying a Mac really are not sufficient in my mind to sensibly warrent the purchace of a Mac.



My suggestion would be to go for the PC and have it dual boot. Let Windows handle the gaming and writing, allowing your family to use what they know and are used to, while using a fedora core Linux to handle the programming side of things.
 
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RE: Which is better: a Mac or PC? The use: gaming, programming, amp; writing. Also, what specs are great to have?

considering how many mac fanatics are out there, im quite impressed that nearly everyone suggeted getting a pc. Report Abuse
 
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RE: Which is better: a Mac or PC? The use: gaming, programming, amp; writing. Also, what specs are great to have?

PC is better
 
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RE: Which is better: a Mac or PC? The use: gaming, programming, amp; writing. Also, what specs are great to have?

Macs are for people who are more interested in aesthetics than practicality.

My suggestion is to fit a PC inside a Mac case!
 
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RE: Which is better: a Mac or PC? The use: gaming, programming, amp; writing. Also, what specs are great to have?

I'll said PC too, Mac is not for gaming anyway. Imagine if you buy a $3000 gaming PC then MAC will ask for $5K - 6K.



Go for AMD Althon 64, not expensive now. Dual core is useless because it won't help you until software caught up to take advantage of it. Yes, 64-bit computing also see the same situation but hey, if look at the market then you know both Intel & AMD wanna sell you 64-bit chips. Price / performance ratio drive the buying force, right?



FYI, I'm just built and overclocked a dual core (AMD x2 4200+ from stock 2.2GHz to 2.75GHz) so I can said that .

It won't beat the single core CPU by one hand, the result is not a street away.



FX is just too expensive. You may overclock a 64 chips and pair with SLI < 7900GT cards!) (if you know how) then have great gaming experience.



Upgrade is another story, not even 939 socket is a sure bet but you can't wait technology forever. If you need it then you buy it, don't plan a 3 - 5 years upgrade at all because the advance of tech is far from our imagination. It's just wasting time to plan long term PC upgrade. Put more time on your career to make money so to afford next generation PC and dump or sell or donate the old one, it's that simple.



If you like stylish, go get Mac. (sometime feeling is everything)

Money and performance? PC, of course.





www.suprabuy.com

OEM Windows XP & 2k specialist
 
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RE: Which is better: a Mac or PC? The use: gaming, programming, amp; writing. Also, what specs are great to have?

I think a PC will fit your needs!
 
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RE: Which is better: a Mac or PC? The use: gaming, programming, amp; writing. Also, what specs are great to have?

I think you should go with a PC with a good video/graphics card and lots of ram. You should get one that is at least 2.0 GHz processing speed.
 
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RE: Which is better: a Mac or PC? The use: gaming, programming, amp; writing. Also, what specs are great to have?

I think you should stick with a p.c.



I would suggest that you take a look this web site for prices and then go to cnet.com for reviews on them based upon your choices.
 
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RE: Which is better: a Mac or PC? The use: gaming, programming, amp; writing. Also, what specs are great to have?

Get a PC. For your programming needs, run a Linux-based OS. Macintosh is easy to use but the processors are actually a tad bit slower- the reason most Macs run faster is because the programming is in fact better for the Mac OS, but Linux on a PC will allow you more freedom and better hardware for your money. If your concern is simply cosmetic, go with a Mac. Otherwise...
 
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