Regrets switching from Windows to MAC?

[ducati1974]

We are fed up with Windows and all the inherent flaws, viruses, and lack of help. We're ready to purchase a Mac. Does anyone regret switching?

[faithfulfrank]

Heck no!
I switched over 11 years ago and have not looked back.

I love our macs..! I actually still have our first mac, a 17" G4 imac.....the lampshade style. My wife still uses it everyday. Works great. Show me a windoze computer that old that is worth anything.

Mac users enjoy a great fellowship of other helpful users. There is even a Mac Users group in the Villages. Yes, there is a small learning curve, but Macs just seem easier to use. They hold there value better then PeeCees, get no viruses or blue screens of death. Apple has GREAT customer service too. They just work.

Once you go Mac, you never go back......welcome to what you always wished computers should be.......

Frank

[zcaveman]

This is like Direct TV vs Comcast.

Personally I doubt if you will get many answers.

Most of us are happy windows users.

[Snowbirdtobe]

Do you need a computer? Mrs Snowbirdtobe has an iPad and iPhone in TV.
She can do email, Internet, print documents without a computer.

[faithfulfrank]

I should add that if you do think about buying a mac, updates to many models are coming out very soon.

Imacs are overdue to be upgraded soon. New MacbookPros are coming out in 3 days. The new ipads are coming out soon also. The iphone5 should be out by June/July.

There are many more windows users out there then Mac users. There are more Chevy's out there then Cadillac's also...... :p

Frank

[l2ridehd]

This is like the gas vs electric hob knob. I have both, a PC with windows and a Mac plus an Ipad. And they both have there purpose and usefulness. Both are easy to use, I do like the Mac reliability, but the PC has better access to many things. So both have there useful place in the world of personal computing. Same as golf carts. I have a gas and electric and I like both as each has it's place in TV. However, if I could only have one, it would be the PC. (and gas)

[Ohiogirl]

This is like Direct TV vs Comcast.

Personally I doubt if you will get many answers.

Most of us are happy windows users.

Don't think you understood the questions ZCaveman - if you have never switched to a MAC, you are not eligible to answer :)

I switched a little over a year ago to a Macbook - had used Windows for about 8 years at work and at home, so was a little more (at least at work) than a casual user. I would never switch back. Absolutely love my Macbook.

I think perhaps (and this is a big perhaps) that more casual users would never switch back to Windows, just because the MAC is easier to use for us non-techies. But - my 2 sons-in-law and 2 daughters, 3 of whom are techies, would never switch back either.

[zcaveman]

Don't think you understood the questions ZCaveman - if you have never switched to a MAC, you are not eligible to answer :)

I switched a little over a year ago to a Macbook - had used Windows for about 8 years at work and at home, so was a little more (at least at work) than a casual user. I would never switch back. Absolutely love my Macbook.

I think perhaps (and this is a big perhaps) that more casual users would never switch back to Windows, just because the MAC is easier to use for us non-techies. But - my 2 sons-in-law and 2 daughters, 3 of whom are techies, would never switch back either.

You are correct. I have never had a MAC or seen a MAC. I am happy with Windows. However I am not a casual user so I will defend the Windows systems. I would love to find a system that is easy for anyone to use. - especially my spouse! I was just stating a point. Sorry. ;>(.

[Ohiogirl]

You are forgiven - anyone who has been as helpful as you (with your basic and detailed info for potential Villagers) should be forgiven just about anything! You have some credits built up, at least in my book :BigApplause:

[mrdarcy]

I switched to all Apple products about 3 years ago because of the seamless integration with all of their products. I've had 3 Mac-mini desktops (the size of a hardcover book) that require a separate monitor and keyboard. I like the Mac mini because when I upgrade I only incur the cost of the processor, not the monitor and keyboard too. I bought the newest Mac mini this year. I think it was about $700. I also have an Apple Time Capsule as my wireless router and wireless backup for my hard drive. I have an ipad and iPhone too. I've never been more satisfied with products than I am with my Apple equipment. If you buy AppleCare with the computer the tech support you get with AppleCare is unbelievably good. They'll stay on the phone with you for hours to help you work through a technical problem. Also, Apple tech support tends to be Americans who speak perfect English. If level one tech support cannot fix your problem they will escalate it to higher level support without a hassle.

I switched to Apple too because of the viruses on Windows, the frequent error messages on my Windows PC, and none to worthless tech support from Microsoft. The people who speak well of Windows tend to be techy types who like to configure software and hardware on their own and who know how to fix Windows problems when Windows goes awry. Me, I just want my computer to work. All of my Apple products work beautifully, they work consistently, and they work exceedingly well together. I am 100% happy that I made the switch. :Screen_of_Death:

[gnuhaus]

Macs have been primary in our household since '92; initially switching from Windows to a long-ago custom-designed operating system for our company; our kids had Macs in the school computer lab; as well as at their University .. and later at their jobs ...

Tho everyone's on their own now, they still have desktop Macs and Macbooks.

It appears we have an 'orchard' of Macs .. iPods, iMacs, MacMinis on hand ... love, love, love them. (Also have a PC for a few specific operations, but rarely use it for 'recreational' computer use.)

Have found the Mac operating systems to be easier for the most part .. it seems too many Windows applications require too many 'extra' steps ...
but that's just me. Most Window-holics, will remain so, I"m sure.

[rosie13]

My husband and I made the switch a couple of years ago and will never go back to Windows. There is no comparison. Make the switch and don't look back!

[vj1213]

I bought a macbook pro about a year ago after having used a pc forever...I love it...would never go back. My husband liked mine so well he bought himself one. We also have the Iphones, Ipods, & my grandson has an Ipad.

[Pturner]

We are fed up with Windows and all the inherent flaws, viruses, and lack of help. We're ready to purchase a Mac. Does anyone regret switching?

Hi Ducati,
I used to prefer Macs, but I like Windows 7 a lot. It is fast, has a pleasing, easy interface and has never given me a moment's trouble.

That said, if you are a casual user and would not have to replace a lot of software, I doubt you would regret switching. Macs are user friendly, pleasant and usually trouble free.

If you would have to replace or do without a lot of software you like, you might regret switching.

[GOJODO]

I am so happy that I switched! I was doing a clinical research project and in the midst of data collection my pc was a mess. I switched to the mac and have never looked back. You just can't treat like a pc. The mac is so easy, each of it programs work together. As far as junk mail it is easier to work with and will learn your preferences. It does however have its own issues but they are minor.

It took a few years for my husband to consider a mac, he was attached to his pc but after many crashes and virsus he gave up and has never looked back.

enjoy

[memason]

In the end, it's all about the software. Even viruses are just software.

If you are using software applications that are unavailable for the Mac, you might not be happy, no matter how easy it is to use. In most cases you can find an alternative, but means you will have to learn new ways of doing things.

Finally, you can run Windows [and Windows applications] on the Mac. This might help your transition and allow you to use those "must have" Windows applications.

[Francie]

I have a Mac at home and use a PC at the office. I love both for different reasons.

I use a lot of excel spreadsheets at work and can fly around the keyboard with key commands almost without thinking.

The Mac spreadsheets I am having trouble navigating as easily. It's just a learning curve.

The Mac is great because the battery lasts literally hours and hours, vs the PC which at best lasts only an hour.

Good luck!

[rirlam]

I used PCs at work and at home for many years. I switched to Macs about 3 years ago, my wife still uses a PC. I spend a lot more time troubleshooting problems with my wife's PC than I do with my Mac. While there is a greater selection of software for the PC, there are plenty of programs available for the Mac to do pretty much whatever you need to do. I would not switch back to a PC under any circumstances that I can imagine. The seamless integration with an iPad, iPod or iPhone is an added bonus.

[joannej]

I love my MAC. My daughter got a MAC when she was in college years ago. This is the computer of choice for many college-bound students. Then we went out and purchased one. I would never ever go back to a Windows computer. There are literally no viruses that attack a MAC. If you need help fixing something with your MAC, you can take it to a MAC store. BTW, I wish they would get a MAC store in the Villages to check out what's new on the horizon. The closest store here is in the mall in Orlando. With Windows, I had to call some place in India when Windows was still under warranty! Talk about frustration! That was my experience.

[diskman]

We are fed up with Windows and all the inherent flaws, viruses, and lack of help. We're ready to purchase a Mac. Does anyone regret switching?

Best thing we ever did, actually we are a 2 mac house now :BigApplause::D

[harbor53]

Macs are, for the most part, the "date movie" of computers. They are easy to use. They are fun. They do not require or expect much expertise from their users. In fact, they really don't like to be "fiddled with."

The Mac interface (operating system) is elegant. Because hardware and software were developed together -- so long as you don't have to upgrade a Mac - you'll be in heaven.

Macs are better for media users. For casual users - simple media creation software is bundled in the operating system.

Macs are less likely to get viruses. As much as Steve Jobs would like to attribute this to superior software - it really reflects the relative lack of Macs computers vs. PCs. Macs are less worth hacking.

On the downside, Macs are more expensive - especially as you move up the food chain to more robust desktops.

You generally pay a premium for a Mac - though on the lower consumer end this difference may occasionally be small (Apple is a very integrated company. They prefer to sell direct to consumers via their website or "Apple Stores." They develop much of their own software. What they don't make on hardware - they make up for on software or media sales....this is especially true in the case of the Ipad).

Downsides???

Macs are a bear to upgrade. The joke with techs is..."How do you upgrade a Mac??? Buy a new Mac."

Software is limited. Apple is stingy with it's source code. Apple generally prefers it's own software developers or it's traditional software supporters...some of Adobe (Photoshop and Dreamweaver -- but, not Flash) and ironically Microsoft (Office).

You might pay almost double for Mac hardware additions such as Rem, hard drives and optical drives.

Windows PC's run the gamut. Some are great...some stink.

Windows 7 is a robust, stable, operating system and it far easier for more advanced users to work on. There is a ton of customizing opportunities to upgrade the hardware and software on PCs.

It's rare to find software that doesn't have a Window's version. There is a ton of free software for Windows - more than Macs.

Windows PC's (especially on higher end machines) are substantially cheaper - so much so, it's almost silly - than equivalent Macs. Moreover, if you are comfortable with upgrading, you can keep a Windows PC on the cutting edge far longer without needing to purchase a new PC.

I work in systems security for the Feds. We use PCs. I am comfortable with PCs and personally own one - though I owned Macs early on (they totally smoked Windows before server NT and desktop XP).

For most casual users - I think you'll love a Mac. If you are a more advanced user, you'll prefer a PC...unless you work in graphics design...and even that is changing.

Just remember - you will generally pay a premium for Macs and you will have to accept limitations on Mac software and customizing options. For most Villagers, the ease of working on a Mac, will overcome these objections.

BTW - I anticipate my divorce will be final next month. I'll retire at the end of the year and will be moving down to the Villages early next year.

It sounds like you have created an ideal life/community. I'm looking forward to joining it.

Gary

[Pturner]

Macs are, for the most part, the "date movie" of computers. They are easy to use. They are fun. They do not require or expect much expertise from their users. In fact, they really don't like to be "fiddled with."

The Mac interface (operating system) is elegant. Because hardware and software were developed together -- so long as you don't have to upgrade a Mac - you'll be in heaven.

Macs are better for media users. For casual users - simple media creation software is bundled in the operating system.

Macs are less likely to get viruses. As much as Steve Jobs would like to attribute this to superior software - it really reflects the relative lack of Macs computers vs. PCs. Macs are less worth hacking.

On the downside, Macs are more expensive - especially as you move up the food chain to more robust desktops.

You generally pay a premium for a Mac - though on the lower consumer end this difference may occasionally be small (Apple is a very integrated company. They prefer to sell direct to consumers via their website or "Apple Stores." They develop much of their own software. What they don't make on hardware - they make up for on software or media sales....this is especially true in the case of the Ipad).

Downsides???

Macs are a bear to upgrade. The joke with techs is..."How do you upgrade a Mac??? Buy a new Mac."

Software is limited. Apple is stingy with it's source code. Apple generally prefers it's own software developers or it's traditional software supporters...some of Adobe (Photoshop and Dreamweaver -- but, not Flash) and ironically Microsoft (Office).

You might pay almost double for Mac hardware additions such as Rem, hard drives and optical drives.

Windows PC's run the gamut. Some are great...some stink.

Windows 7 is a robust, stable, operating system and it far easier for more advanced users to work on. There is a ton of customizing opportunities to upgrade the hardware and software on PCs.

It's rare to find software that doesn't have a Window's version. There is a ton of free software for Windows - more than Macs.

Windows PC's (especially on higher end machines) are substantially cheaper - so much so, it's almost silly - than equivalent Macs. Moreover, if you are comfortable with upgrading, you can keep a Windows PC on the cutting edge far longer without needing to purchase a new PC.

I work in systems security for the Feds. We use PCs. I am comfortable with PCs and personally own one - though I owned Macs early on (they totally smoked Windows before server NT and desktop XP).

For most casual users - I think you'll love a Mac. If you are a more advanced user, you'll prefer a PC...unless you work in graphics design...and even that is changing.

Just remember - you will generally pay a premium for Macs and you will have to accept limitations on Mac software and customizing options. For most Villagers, the ease of working on a Mac, will overcome these objections.

BTW - I anticipate my divorce will be final next month. I'll retire at the end of the year and will be moving down to the Villages early next year.

It sounds like you have created an ideal life/community. I'm looking forward to joining it.

Gary

Gary,
Excellent summary. As someone who has used both Macs and PCs extensively, I agree with everything you said!

[KCinBAMA]

After using almost every Windows operating system since Windows 3.0 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_3.0), we bought our first Mac about 16 months ago and will not go back. Most Mac owners "love" their Macs - I now know why.

[Shimpy]

This is like the gas vs electric hob knob. I have both, a PC with windows and a Mac plus an Ipad. And they both have there purpose and usefulness. Both are easy to use, I do like the Mac reliability, but the PC has better access to many things. So both have there useful place in the world of personal computing. Same as golf carts. I have a gas and electric and I like both as each has it's place in TV. However, if I could only have one, it would be the PC. (and gas)

I always enjoy your answers to posts I2ridehd. You never put anyone down and are obviously well informed. You tell it like it is and are very well versed in many subjects, cooking, investing, etc. I've met you at Crispers and look forward to talking to you again. Sorry I got off the computer subject. I take your comments with more than a grain of salt. You are a great addition to this forum.

[jkomoros]

I sold IBM mainframes, and never thought I would switch to Mac. But I did about 4 years ago and also have never looked back. I made the switch partly because of computer virus problems on my PC. Between my MacBook and gmail, I am all set.

[Boomer]

I am still getting to know my new iPad. I admit that my strong suit is not in reading directions.

We were recently in TV for a really, really short time. While there, I read that there was to be a meeting where kind and patient Mac users were making themselves available to give individual help to people like me. Had we not had to leave before the day of the meeting, I definitely would have been there, in search of someone who would have mercy.

I keep trying to find spellcheck and the delete button. I end up somehow putting lower-case letter i where it should be capitalzed and I thought I had done that.

And I keep ending up in places on TOTV where I did not mean to go. I find myself on posters' profile pages when all I intended to do was hit that little
arrow to read the last post in a thread. I accidentally click on ads. Jerome and me -- and also the ad for the TOTV book. I have opened those ads fairly
often while trying to master the art of the touch.

And if you catch me wandering aimlessly around in the chatroom, please understand that I did not mean to do that. I have put myself there while aiming for a different place. I have never tried to do chat. I could never communicate with anybody there bc of my awful typing -- so bad that I have to look at my fingers a lot. (At least with the iPad, I have to watch only one finger.)

But in spite of all these minor annoyances, I really do like my new iPad. Its portability is wonderful. I really like being able to change the size of the print with that fingers-maneuver that I have managed t master.

But for the rest and for now.....

I remain,
Fat Fingered Boomer

[Boomer]

I was trying to fix the post above.

I cannot fix that paragraph you see there that looks like I am trying to write in stanzas or free verse or both.

And yes, I saw some typos. But I could not get back to them. They were refusing to be fixed by not letting me get back at 'em.

So I had decided to give up and ditch the whole thing, but then thought.....oh, what the heck, I will send it anyway.

And that's when I found out that my post above had already sent itself.

Do iPads have minds of their own?

Boomer

[faithfulfrank]

For anyone thinking of getting any new Apple products, here is a guide to know when to buy.

The new macbookpros were just announced this week, and the new version of the ipad comes out March 3rd...just a few more days.

Here is a great link to look at before you buy;

http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/

Frank

[Ohiogirl]

I was trying to fix the post above.

I cannot fix that paragraph you see there that looks like I am trying to write in stanzas or free verse or both.

And yes, I saw some typos. But I could not get back to them. They were refusing to be fixed by not letting me get back at 'em.

So I had decided to give up and ditch the whole thing, but then thought.....oh, what the heck, I will send it anyway.

And that's when I found out that my post above had already sent itself.

Do iPads have minds of their own?

Boomer

Well, yes - Macs ARE smarter than we are. Even smarter than my daughter's new boarder collie.

Personally, I've never been able to find the spellcheck on my Mac, but once in a while I Can click on VIEW and get it back to normal size print. Haven't really figured that one out yet, but still would not give up my MAC. I, too, have a Macbook and a PC but only got out the PC once in the last 3 years (because I didn't want' to let a houseguest borrow my MAC).


(Where is the spellcheck, BTW)?

[faithfulfrank]

Here you go Ohiogirl,

http://www.tuaw.com/2007/05/07/mac-101-enabling-built-in-spell-check/

http://macmost.com/spell-check-in-mac-os-x-applications.html

Frank