Yes, it is. A Mac will last you much longer than a PC would.

depends on what you want to do with it

Cheers guys,

I'm going backpacking for a while. Wanted to bring along a computer... because I couldn't live without a computer for a year. I guess pictures, blogging, videos. That sort of stuff.

It's just soo expensive.

what? that doesn't make sense, PCs and Macs last the same amount of time, both use the same basic mechanics. Common thought is Macs are for the artists, PCs are for gaming. But then again, now that you have the portals that let you run Windows on Macs, doesn't really matter. Although I gotta say, Macs definitely look cooler than PCs

Yes, it's most definitely worth getting a MAC

Well it depends actually.. A mac is definetely more reliable compared to a pc.. If you are looking for a laptop to be replacable in about 1 or 2yrs than pc would be inexpensive.. but if you want to keep the laptop for a long time than mac would be the best

Cheers! I really appreciate your guys' input.

Thanks,

I own an HP NC8430 Laptop, which I bought because it is very well built, and I can recommend it wholeheartedly.
I thought about buying a mac, but they're way too expensive for their worth (you pay for the gadget feel).

I recommend buying either ASUS (very well built), HP (only the NC series) or Thinkpads.
It all depends on your budget, but anyway don't buy before going to:
http://www.notebookrev...
and checking the model.
You can also post on their "what to buy" section, they are fantastic people, real enthusiasts and always help.
Cheers,
Eyal

I just made the switch from PC to a Mac back in April. I love my Macbook and think the $1600 was well worth it. I'll never go back to a PC.

Jeremy, I made the switch about 7 months or so ago. Definitely go for the Mac. It will be the best $1,800 you ever spend.

Yeah, I'm starting to lean towards that decision.

YES!!! PLEASE buy a Mac! It may be more expensive at first, but you'll throw more money at a PC in repairs in no time.
I'm NEVER using another PC either.

get a mac - you can run windows if you must - i installed parallels and xp on mine - have barely opened it since then. I only put it on to check websites in IE (yuk)

a mac is made for what u need
portability, pictures, videos, and easy to use ui
get a mac!

I got my mac about a year and a half ago..and it was completely worth it. I feel that it's a much more reliable computer with an easier interface...they're absolutely fabulous. I will never, ever go back to a PC.

Ha ha wow this seems to be a really good advertisement for Macs ha ha. I bet apple would love this :P

Go for a MacBook, I bought one a month ago and it's great! You will really like it if you buy one.

Mac all the way!

definitely mac :)

Be different, get a mac!

yeah be different like everyone else haha

mac book pro. worth every penny.

Gah!
Is no-one here *not* a fanboy?

Answer these questions:
1) What do you plan on using it for?
2) Which OS are you most used to?
3)What "extra" hardware are you planning on using with it?

From those it'll be easier to guide your decision.

1) I plan on using it for editing pictures and videos, and working on my websites(s)
2) I have never used MAC os before, and have been using windows since I was 12 (so 10 years)
3) just a digital camera, maybe a wireless mouse

Well if you enjoy games and near universal compatibility I'd say PC. As long as you're fairly savvy most of the normal pitfalls that are frequently commented upon don't apply.
I have an HP Pavilion and absolutely love it. Got it for around $800. I've seen macbooks that have half the RAM, almost no graphics capabilities, a smaller screen and hardrive go for double that. Whereas I have not come upon a game I cannot run (I should even be able to play Crysis on, supposedly, medium) I have ample memory, and had leftover cash to buy things like a 500GB hardrive. Avoiding viruses isn't hard . You can get programs like avgfree for free, and run things like NoScripts, an ff extension. I also record TV and games straight to it with it's packed in Tv tuner, it even has an HDMI output, which is awesome for watching downloaded things more clearly on a much larger screen, or playing games.
Obviously most here are fairly pro-mac, so I thought I'd share my own opposite opinion, hope it helps! ; )

A comparable computer to the MacBook(that I could find) costs about $1400. I'm fairly computer savvy, and I've never had trouble with windows before.

The main issue (and reason I am thinking about a MacBook) is that I am traveling and I need something reliable. If the MacBook really is less likely to break down, that's worth $400 to me because I wouldn't be able to send a computer in for repairs anyway.

I'm not a big video game fan, but I spent a lot of time making and viewing media.

Get a PC. IMHO, Mac OS is overrated, Windows is more compatible and more responsive, and if you get a decent brand it'll last at least as long as a MacBook (which has quite a few build quality issues).

I drank the kool-aid, and you should too. Join us in the cult of Mac. The grass really is greener.

go ubuntu ;)

IMHO if you're looking for portability, battery life, and form factor, nothing beats Apple notebooks. I would suggest a MacBook just for that. I've owned and used several PC notebooks and own an iBook, PowerBook and a MacBook.

iPhoto is nice for simple photo editing. I found iMovie very convenient, and iDvd very usefull for burning your movies into DVDs. I use all three for simple family movies.

On quality, your mileage will vary. There's been a known problem with random reboots with the MacBook, search google on "macbook reboot problem". I personally have not had this problem. On the other hand I've known people who's had HDD crashes on Toshiba and Dell notebooks after less than a year of usage. My old iBook is now a brick only after two years of use. It would have cost me a min of $400 to repair. My PowerBook on the other hand has been dropped twice (no repairs necessary) and it's still running after 3 years. No problems with my MacBook, Hardware quality is hard to guarantee regardless of manufacturer...

Summary: Quality depends on your luck as with any other manufacturer. But buy a MacBook - very light, great for travelling. Very long battery life, good for the airport, plane and coffee shops when a plug is not available. iLife comes with the whole package good for photos, movies, etc.

just my 2 cents. I'll shut up now and go back to my bacardi.

Cheers!

Since you're going to be working a lot of graphic and media I suggest you buy yourself some more RAM when you get your MacBook (OS X loves it). I upgraded my laptop to 2GB and it flies!

Moreover, I suggest you go to another store and buy it, Apple will charge you a lot more than the "normal" price, I managed to get 2GB for 100 euros :)

I agree with Prashant about getting your RAM elsewhere. I talked to an apple store rep last year and she told me that RAM elsewhere outside of Apple is just as good and CHEAPER. She herself buys her RAM elsewhere.

can't beat a mac, O drank the Jobs Kool Aid Years ago

get a mac, it'll be the best decision of your life.

if you have a Desktop WIN then get a MAC laptop

Get a macbook! They're awesome.

+1 MacBook!

I agree with the common voice,I recently bought a macbook and its the best decision of my life. It makes it more fun to use and is way prettier on the eye. However, since its a Mac, it is more desirable to people when you go traveling and more "steal-able"- so if you're getting a Mac- guard it 24/7!

Coming from a 24 Inch Imac user who also wants a Mac Book Pro. According to the rest of your replies, I believe the choice is already clear. But really people..... Was it a choice in the first place?

If you're looking to save a little money on a mac, you can always buy them refurbished from apple- http://store.apple.com...

Great way to save!

You'll all be happy to know that I am buying a MacBook on Friday :P

i would go with a mac, because mac makes great laptops, if not a mac, then tosiba. no gateway or dell/alienware

Good to see that you'll be buying a Mac, I would have done the same. My next laptop will be a Mac

Buy a mac, you wont regred a cent :-)

Wait for the touch screen macs, I can't wait for a mac with the multitouch like the iphone