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[BumRush]

GAF,

I'm looking to buy a new computer and the first decision I have to make is Mac or PC. I've read quite a few articles but most (unsurprisingly) seem biased. I figured the next logical choice would be to go to an anonymous forum where bias is fundamental. Anyway, any insight that would help me make a decision would be extremely appreciated.

A couple things that might help:

• Money isn't really a factor
• I plan to use it for everyday things -> internet, video, photo-editing, light gaming (I plan to install Windows on it as well), productivity software (I own Office for Windows and Office Mac)
• I own an iPad and my wife and I both have iPhones
• I'm sick of viruses on my PC (SEE BELOW)

Edit:

All, first off thank you for your feedback. I was pretty much ready to pull the trigger on the 27" iMac with the 1TB HDD and your feedback has convinced me to a). go SSD / Flash instead and b). wait until late summer / early autumn for a potential updated release by Apple. In regards to my virus comment, I figured I'd give a little additional detail as to why I have viruses and why I'm purchasing a computer. I have a 4 year old PC at home and a Lenovo laptop for work (to which I cannot add or modify programs, resulting in multiple instances of malware, viruses, etc.). Starting now, I can use my home computer to do a lot of my work, so I'm deciding which system will best accomodate my needs - iMac or PC. I run a finance department so my work is generally limited to Office products (pretty much the entire suite) and various SAP products. Many of these programs require Windows to function properly so it is mandatory - per my IT dept - that we have Windows running on our home machines. I hope this helps clarify. Thank you again...I appreciate the feedback!

 

[Eric WK]

Based on everything you wrote, buy a Mac.

 

[EightBitNate]

You're describing a Mac

 

[jim-jam bongs]

Mac for sure. I'd never buy one myself, but your use-case is pretty cut and dried as far as I can tell.

 

[njean777]

After everything you typed a Mac seems like what you want.

 

[j.rob]

You pretty much described getting yourself a mac.

 

[jim-jam bongs]

Also for "light gaming" you might not even need to dual boot Windows, most indie and midtier stuff is cross platform these days.

 

[Viewt]

Both OSes can easily give you what you're asking for. PCs would probably be cheaper. But when it comes to build quality, I personally don't think you can beat Mac laptops. Plus it plays insanely well with my iPad and iPhone, which you said you have as well.

But even as a Mac guy, I've seen some really rad Windows 8 machines. The new Surface looks sexy as hell.

 

[Shao Kahn on the Lawn]

If you get viruses regularly, chances are you're using your PC improperly. It really shouldn't be a regular issue.

It sounds like you've already made up your mind. Get a Mac.

 

[Kurdel]

For your needs, get a Mac.

I ran with a bootcamp Macbook pro for 4 years, it was great!

 

[TUSR]

you literally described a Mac

 

[Chance Hale]

If money isn't a factor you'd be able to build a much more advanced windows desktop as compared to what you'd get for a mac of the same price.

Did you ever install antivirus software? I haven't had a virus/malware on a PC of mine for 7-8 years. Just install avast/avira/whatever and malwarebytes and you should be good.

Seems like you pretty clearly want a mac though and have made up your mind. Just think it's a bit of a waste outside of a macbook pro and even then there are much more value oriented laptops.

 

[Daria]

Get a Mac and probably an iMac.

 

[freenudemacusers]

looking at os x yosemite, if you own a bunch of ios devices, it seems like a pretty clear choice.

 

[EVOL 100%]

If you're not going to play graphically intensive games and cost isn't an issue, go for a Mac.

 

[railGUN]

Dude, you're getting a dell. Wait, no, a Mac. Get a Mac.

 

[Abounder]

Sick of the PC? Already own Apple products? Money not a factor? Only light gaming with plans to install Windows on an Apple already?

I think you should be asking what Mac model you want. Personally I'm saving up for a Mac Pro with an R2D2 skin

 

[Junior Mint]

I prefer Macs but Office for Mac is complete garbage.

 

[BumRush]

Thanks all...I know my OP reads like "I'm buying a Mac"...I guess I'm trying to be convinced otherwise in case I'm missing something.

Random question...if you buy a game for Mac on Steam do you also get to Windows copy?

 

[TUSR]

Thanks all...I know my OP reads like "I'm buying a Mac"...I guess I'm trying to be convinced otherwise in case I'm missing something.

Random question...if you buy a game for Mac on Steam do you also get to Windows copy?

Direct purchases on Steam yeah.

 

[Bomber Bob]

Get a Mac so you can be all Cool & Hip

 

[rezuth]

Thanks all...I know my OP reads like "I'm buying a Mac"...I guess I'm trying to be convinced otherwise in case I'm missing something.

Random question...if you buy a game for Mac on Steam do you also get to Windows copy?

If they offer the game for both platforms, then yes.

 

[AlexMogil]

• Money isn't really a factor
  

We're done here

 

[ComputerMKII]

Apple products have the best user satisfaction ratings

Get a Mac.

 

[tringworldso]

For light gaming, Mac is fine but for some serious gaming...

 

[Chance Hale]

Thanks all...I know my OP reads like "I'm buying a Mac"...I guess I'm trying to be convinced otherwise in case I'm missing something.

Random question...if you buy a game for Mac on Steam do you also get to Windows copy?

Yes, although most games still aren't cross platform. It seems to be slowly getting more games but I wouldn't expect to be playing most big titles via osx any time soon. In any case, any game you get on steam will automatically give you a mac/linux version when its ported over with some exceptions from years ago. Ie, Call of Duty Black Ops is a separate SKU for mac.

Just know you will get gouged on the hardware compared to what you could get by building a desktop or even having someone do it for you.

 

[Whitechocolatekrispies]

Buying a desktop? Get a Windows 7 one.

Buying a laptop? Get a macbook Pro.

Avoid Windows 8 at all costs.

 

[SPDIF]

Like others have said, the choice is pretty obvious. With that said, this:

I'm sick of viruses on my PC

reads like something from 2004 not 2014. How on earth are you still getting viruses on your PC in this day and age?

 

[rezuth]

Yes, although most games still aren't cross platform. It seems to be slowly getting more games but I wouldn't expect to be playing most big titles via osx any time soon. In any case, any game you get on steam will automatically give you a mac/linux version when its ported over with some exceptions from years ago. Ie, Call of Duty Black Ops is a separate SKU for mac.

Just know you will get gouged on the hardware compared to what you could get by building a desktop or even having someone do it for you.

Lets not start this discussion.

 

[BumRush]

Buying a desktop? Get a Windows 7 one.

Buying a laptop? Get a macbook Pro.

Avoid Windows 8 at all costs.

Would a Windows 7 PC with the same specs as an iMac with the 27" 1440P monitor really be substantially cheaper?

 

[Dr.Acula]

For light gaming, Mac is fine but for some serious gaming...

Well with bootcamp it's not an issue. Plus with Valve making their own linux based OS, Mac compatibility will become more commonplace.

Batman: Arkham runs on Mac, so does Diablo 3, Witcher 3 is coming to Mac &c. Most AAA and indies should be cross-platform. It's the mid-tiers, like Dark Souls which require bootcamp.

 

[Chance Hale]

Lets not start this discussion.

It's one of the main detriments against the platform even with unlimited funds. You get far more value by building a windows desktop as compared to buying a imac or Pro.

 

[Waaghals]

If you are getting a lot of viruses on your PC you are doing something horribly wrong.

However, if money isn't a factor you should buy a mac, no question.

 

[bennywhatever]

I'm a PC advocate, but it looks like your mind is already made up. Mac products have gotten better over the years, but they still can get viruses, and PCs can sync to ipads and iphones just as well as Macs can.

 

[angular graphics]

I'm sick of viruses on my PC

OP pls.

 

[Chance Hale]

Would a Windows 7 PC with the same specs as an iMac with the 27" 1440P monitor really be substantially cheaper?

There's no reason to avoid Windows 8 and yes, although you won't get the exact same hardware obviously given imacs use mobile version of graphics cards.

The only advantage of an imac is the convenience of just having it all there. Great form factor and so on, but you pay a lot of money for that and don't really get great hardware to go along with it.

 

[somuchwater]

This is actually simple:

If you want a laptop and money isn't an issue, get a mac, because they're just better in almost every way except for value.

If you want a desktop and you're not in design, then get a PC, because you'll get way more for way less and it'll likely be a lot more powerful too.

I should say, though, that in 2014, you really can't go wrong with either.

 

[Halo 2]

Just got a a new iMac, its beautiful.
Runs windows 8 very smoothly as well.

 

[Whitechocolatekrispies]

Would a Windows 7 PC with the same specs as an iMac with the 27" 1440P monitor really be substantially cheaper?

Yes?

 

[Phrozenflame500]

Money no object? Little to no gaming? Light usage?

Get a mac. I really dislike them, but they fit your usage completely.

 

[Enco]

I stick with PC because I enjoy gaming.

Otherwise I would seriously consider getting an iMac.

 

[Lo-Volt]

Based on your last two bullet points, I'll cast a vote for Macintosh. How urgent is this purchase? There are rumblings of model updates for late summer or early autumn, for iMacs and some of the notebooks. (And while you're at it, get an Apple TV and complete the family!)

 

[DonasaurusRex]

sounds like you'll be happy on Mac and can virtualize stuff if you want or dual boot.

 

[BumRush]

I stick with PC because I enjoy gaming.

Otherwise I would seriously consider getting an iMac.

Have you explored bootcamp? Wondering why that may not be an option for some (unless you play games at max settings)

 

[ReAxion]

Welcome, new Mac user.

 

[Chance Hale]

Have you explored bootcamp? Wondering why that may not be an option for some (unless you play games at max settings)

Because the hardware in a mac would limit what you can play. You really do pay absurd amounts for outdated and/or low end hardware with an imac.

 

[Dr.Acula]

Would a Windows 7 PC with the same specs as an iMac with the 27" 1440P monitor really be substantially cheaper?

http://store.apple.com/us/buy-mac/imac?product=ME088LL/A&step=config

Here is a Mac for 1,799.00

3.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i5
Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz
8GB (two 4GB) memory
1TB hard drive1
NVIDIA GeForce GT 755M with 1GB video memory

Now keep in mind that that a lot of that cost factors in the monitor, as follows

27-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2560-by-1440 resolution with support for millions of colours

My biggest deal is with the options.

You can replace the 2x4 with 2x8 to go from 8gb to 16gb of ram for +200 bucks, which is high. You can also replace the 1tb hdd with a 256gb ssd for +200 bucks, which is also high. They're not really subtracting the costs of the parts you're losing.

And you pretty much need to go SSD nowadays.

But yeah, Diablo and Batman run a peach on an iMac.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=835397

A similar system built, with monitor, mouse and keyboard will run about a grand from my calculations. But the monitor can swing that cost up several hundred easily.

 

[BumRush]

Based on your last two bullet points, I'll cast a vote for Macintosh. How urgent is this purchase? There are rumblings of model updates for late summer or early autumn, for iMacs and some of the notebooks. (And while you're at it, get an Apple TV and complete the family!)

Probably "before autumn" iminent though. Any ideas what has been rumoured to change? The specs of the current iMac seem to be good enough for me, considering what I'd use it for, but if there are drastic updates I may consider it...

 

[Enco]

Have you explored bootcamp? Wondering why that may not be an option for some (unless you play games at max settings)

Yea I like to play at max and I enjoy upgrading my graphics card etc.

 

[Crub]

Have you explored bootcamp? Wondering why that may not be an option for some (unless you play games at max settings)

I have a gaming desktop and it is nowhere near being able to play all games at max settings. If you have hopes of playing more demanding games you will most likely be disappointed by the performance of a Mac.