[Computer] Mac or Dell

[Kettner]

I'm going to be working in journalism (newspaper, magazine) and was wondering what is more commonly used in the industry. I'm buying a laptop this week, so any help would be appreciated. Was wondering what the pros and cons are when considering journalism.

 

[beefncheddar]

Editorial: Dells
Graphics Dept. and Advertising: Macs

Not sure why, but that's our split.

 

[FileNotFound]

I'm a dedicated Mac-head, although if it was my money, I'd probably save the several hundred dollars difference and buy a Dell or HP.

For writing stories, either machine is fine. If you're planning to keep track of large numbers of pictures or do any graphical work, the Mac offers several built-in tools to make those tasks easier.

If it's your money, get the best warranty you can get.

 

[fever_dog]

i a have both. macs are now better. more stable, better made, more durable and more logical. i have a four-old Mac desk top, a 3-year-old iBook and a year-old dell lap top. the dell comes in third in performance. it's still a decent machine, it just feels cheap and locks up all the time. and all i do with the dell is cruise the 'net and write stories.

 

[PTSportsWriter]

It depends on what you would be doing, mainly.

If you're on a budget for the laptop....then the Dell (or HP, and I've got a few friends who have a seemingly reliable Toshiba Satelite laptop) may be your best bet.

If you wanted a good desktop, I'm liking the MAC these days, especially since they went to the Intel Chipset.

I think the best bargain may be these new MacMini's. The last 5 machines our paper has bought have been Mac Minis. They run $599 for a 1.66GHz/60 GB HD or $799 for a 1.83GHz /80 GB HD. They dont include peripherials, but you can easily get a cheap USB keyboard and mouse and a decent price on a monitor.

 

[Birdscribe]

For the love of all that is right -- not to mention your sanity -- don't buy a Dell.

I've had three crash in various forms on me within an eight-month span: one CPU and two hard drives. Happened to two laptops and my home computer.

Get a Toshiba (which I have). Get an HP. Get a carrier pigeon with wireless access.

Don't get a Dell.

 

[Dale Cooper]

If you're a writer, even though you'll use a pc at the office, there's no reason you can't use a mac to write/send stories from.

 

[sportschick]

Do not, do not, do not ever buy a Dell laptop. They are massive pieces of ****. I should know. I own one.

 

[crimsonace]

Do not, do not, do not ever buy a Dell laptop. They are massive pieces of ****. I should know. I own one.

Agreed.

I've had more problems with a Dell laptop than any other.

(of course, don't buy cheap off-brand laptops, either ... I know from experience -- although my cheap, off-brand laptop does about all I need it to do, so it doesn't bother me ... I'm just waiting for it to blow up at any moment).

 

[Meatwad]

Macs also run Windoze now. I have an iMac with boot camp running XP. It's by far the nicest PC on the planet

 

[da man]

My HP laptop runs great despite having taken a beating in two years. I'll recommend it.

 

[sportsnut]

I used to be all about the dell. But since I really started working I have been really happy with my new macbook.

I like it because its easier to use.
It has a longer battery life.
More Horse Power
I also like that the Airport is included so no extra stuff to bring with you.

But here is the bad stuff about a Mac.

They are expensive
$1100+ Mac
$700+ for a dell
Lack of programs

I still like my apple and would not switch back.

 

[Tom Petty]

i own a dell i use for work. i use a mac at home. i have less problems with my dell than i do my mac, although i obviously use it less.

 

[Smasher_Sloan]

I'm all for spending as little as possible for a computer you're going to use for work while still getting some sort of name brand. That often means Dell or Toshiba.

It's inevitable that it's going to get bumped around and you really only need the basics for a work machine: Plenty of memory, fundamental software, wireless card, CD/DVD player. If you're only using it for work, you shouldn't need great graphics capability and a lot of the stuff you might want on a home machine. Plus it's less painful to replace it in two or three years.

 

[RedCanuck]

I love the Mac and some of the MacBooks are really good value compared to a PC machine with the equivalent power and accessories. You can buy a PC - and Dell comes to mind, cheap, but I think you get what you pay for in terms of crashes, virus risks, etc.