lockdoc wrote:MS Office is for Windows. Apple would use OpenOffice but it can read Ms Office files.
Microsoft makes Office just for the Mac so compatibility is not an issue. Apple also has iWorks but I haven't researched their software yet.
lockdoc wrote:You can still get a lot more out of the IBM based for the same price.
Best bang for the buck, I guess.
mdmead wrote:But I think a person is crazy to stray from a Windows-based PC unless they are heavy into video/art (Apple) or like to tinker (Linux).
That is why we were looking at the mini. It isn't any more powerful than a comparable PC. 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 Gig SDRAM, 320G HD, DVD burner, etc.
mdmead wrote:Yes, Windows-based systems and the popular software are targeted by hackers more than any other. But, there is also tons of help available to thwart and fix.
This is where the idea to switch platforms is coming from. I get sick of nearly daily having to update security both AV and Windows and you still get a virus. How many times have you done the Windows updates and found your computer running weird until the next day or 2 when a new Windows update comes out to fix the previous one!
mdmead wrote:There is just SO MUCH more available software for Windows-based systems. And because the majority of the world uses Windows-bases systems, you never have a compatibility issue. (And when you do, it is the Apple owner's problem to conform!)
I agree. But, in the last 18 or 19 years that we have had computers, I have not bought any super duper fancy software for doing anything. Will I in the future? Not unless my life changes and then I still have my Gateway that I use.
mdmead wrote:My main computer is a Dell laptop. It's OK, but I'm not super impressed. I'm on my third battery and it is shot. (Won't hold a charge.) We've owned two E machines, one a laptop and I've thought they were a better value. I'm also not sold on Intel processors, although I haven't had any problem with the one in my Dell. Given a choice though, I always go AMD. Maybe I just like the underdog.
Lynne's computer is a Dell. Bought it in 2002, upgraded Ram in 2007 or 2008 due to being slow as snail snot. It sped up some but it really isn't that fast. I guess I like the Mac's size, environmental impact and it's cool to look at.
![Rolling eyes :rolleyes:](./images/smilies/icon_eyes.gif)
We went into Best Buy after the Apple store and looked at their desktop models and all 16 of them looked the same, more or less. All black, all plastic and all making a lot of noise and heat. I guess I just want something nicer. I compare it to driving a base model truck - manual windows, locks, vinyl seats, no A/C or cruise. Will it get the job done, sure. But the fancy version is soooo much nicer to ride in everyday.
Apple is the underdog and I am liking them the more I look at them. The mini is an energy efficient machine too. It draws just over 9 watts at idle and 1.45 Watts in sleep mode! Damn thing uses less power than a night light!
![Rock on! :supz:](./images/smilies/icon_super.gif)
It is built out of aluminum too. (This is good because I work for an aluminum plant)
mdmead wrote:When I bought my wife's computer, I was too cheap to buy MS Office, so I installed Open Office. It's a little different, but very functional. It works with all our Excel, PowerPoint and Word files as promised. I don't think I will buy MS Office again if Open Office is still free.
We tried that with Jessie's laptop and ended up buying MS Office. She found some of the files, when going between Open Office and MS Office (College) would come out messed up and she would have to fix them. Simple things like line spacing etc. If we only used it at home it would be fine. I have no problem spending money on something when I know it works and works well. It is a very small portion of the total bill whether PC or Apple based. ($149)
mdmead wrote:Just my opinion... and worth what you paid for it!
![maniac laugh :muhaha:](./images/smilies/smiley_aahi.gif)
I got what I paid for!
![maniac laugh :muhaha:](./images/smilies/smiley_aahi.gif)
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition
Mileage spreadsheet
Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy