Should I spend ?400 on a Mac Mini or a Laptop?

[EDDIE M0NS00N]

So Mozilla runs better when on t' internet yes? And u dont get any probs with viruses or spyware too?

U ee the problem I have is that I've tried Norton AV & it was ****e & not very reliable either. Then some1 suggested AVG as it was more reliable & free. It's true I've had less problems with it but I just want to be able to turn on my desktop & know that I'm not going to get a virus or spyware or its gonna shut down on me.

[Hodge]

All I use is Mozilla, which is excellent at stopping spyware etc at getting onto your machine, as majority of this stuff gets onto your machine via web browsing. As for viruses, just don`t go opening up any dodgy emails your not sure of . But since running mozilla I do a scan for spyware using spybot like once every month or so and never picks anything up now. As for virus software I never use it as it clogs up your machine no end and I don`t go opening up anything I shouldn`t, so I have nothing to worry about. Firewall is a must though, hopefully you will have a router with a built in firewall, if not there is software based programs you can use.

Also another excellent program to use to stop spyware getting on your machine is spyware blaster http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html and all you have to do is run it once when you first install and once everytime when you want to update it. I agree with you about Norton, don`t bother, as the only thing it`s good at doing is slowing your machine down

[segages]

As for having a mac, I have thought about it before, then I think why limit myself.

In what way? If you've only thought of buying a Mac and not actually used one for a sustained period of time, it's not a comparison you can make.

Bang for buck you get more with a pc

True. Cheap PCs are everywhere. Apple have 5 machines currently. That's 5 machines the OS is tailored to work with under any configuration. Therein lies an advantage.

plus you know everybit of software you download is gonna work with Windows.

A strange statement if ever I read one. I think you meant "Windows software will work on Windows. Mac software will work on Mac. Last time I checked, Mac software doesn't work on Windows.

And people who say OSX is far more reliable than Windows isn`t true. If your hardware inside your PC is functioning as it should, you won`t get any issues with Windows.

Less machines with less configurations = more stability. No viruses or spyware whatsoever. I use both. OSX is far more stable, secure and easier to maintain.

I`ve been using Windows xp for years now and haven`t had any issues with it. I`d say go for another pc, or if you don`t play games anymore and want to save room, go for a laptop.

Keeping Windows free from problems isn't that difficult. It's just more difficult than it should be.

I think the fact that Tommy considered a Mac shows how far it and the OS has come. No longer is it some alien OS used only by creative types.

With a budget of ?400 I doubt he's looking for a machine stacked with a first class config for gaming, 3D or video work. It's a given you'd get a better spec PC but I'd take the stability and security of OSX over that and be satisfied with turning the machine on and doing what I set out to do. You buy a Mac for the overall experience, not numbers on a box.

Tommy, if you can, get to an Apple store and give one a thorough test drive. If you don't like it, you don't like it. Then you know the PC latop is the right move. Or just stick XP on the Mac Mini.

[Revolution6000]

As for having a mac, I have thought about it before, then I think why limit myself.

How are you limiting yourself with a Mac? Show me a Windows machine that can tri-boot OSX, Windows and a Linux distro.

[andrewfee]

If you want to use your Windows version of MS Office then you will have to boot the Mac into Windows & run it there. Or you might be able to buy the Mac bundled with the Mac version of Office.

There's also NeoOffice - a great free alternative based on OpenOffice. I've not used MS Office for years.

http://www.neooffice.org/

[EDDIE M0NS00N]

Booting the Mac into windows doesnt sound that much of a prob & I'd rather stick with MS Office simply because I get emails from a collegue of mine who sends me lists in excel format only.

Mac is sounding like the better option!!

[Synthesthesia]

I recently got a MacBook, and it's the best decision i've made with computer systems. It's so fast, stable and easy to use. It's also great how fast they boot and shut down.

The programs also install faster, just drag the icon into the application folder and you're done.