Howdy y'all!

I don't know if this qualifies as a happy event or not, but the wife is determined to buy a mac...

My question is whether to get a macbook, macbook pro, mac air or a windows machine. She's leaning towards the 13" screen, but I think 15" or 17" will make her happier in the long run...

We mostly use our computer for text processing, photo and video manipulation, audio -- the listening variety (mp3's and streaming radio) not the producing variety -- and website development (photo and video heavy).

We are not big gamers.


Any other thoughts or ideas out there on the mac v/s windows debate?

Thanks for any advice or comments you might have.

Calico

Hi CalicoJack!

I know nothing about Macs but here are a couple of thoughts to bear in mind:

For photo and video editing I would recommend the biggest screen you can afford (that applies to desktops and laptops). Most decent screens/monitors are acceptable regarding image quality nowadays but a larger screen means you can keep more tools open whilst editing without obscuring the part you are working on.

Mac software is limited compared to the range available for Windows.

I believe the battery in the MacAir is sealed into the unit, forcing a trip to the local Mac service centre for a replacement. Not the end of the world but a little inconvenient.

And that just about exhausts my Mac knowledge

Thanks Mister2! Those are helpful words of advice... I've known about the limited software options with Mac, but many mac users say it doesn't matter as much... I guess we'll see if matters as much to us. And the point about the screen is well taken.

You're welcome

Let us know what you eventually buy - and if you like it!

I am a Windows user and know very little about Macs. All I know from my past experiences is that exchanging data between Mac and Windows can be a real pain. It is outright impossible sometimes.

hey pwillener,

how long ago was that? because they supposedly have "fixed" most of the compatibility issues -- at least that's what my mac using friends tell me. we'll need to exchange some files because we have a windows machine and probably will for at least a few years more.

calico

My personal experience was years ago.

However, I timely see posts in various forums and newsgroups about problems exchanging data, e.g. Microsoft Office docs or Adobe files between Mac and Windows. So it's not really a Mac OS problem now, but of application software.

What kind of data do you need to exchange?

probably just word, excel, and photo files. We're both teachers so we mostly use the computers for work and maintaining the family website -- or at least I use this one for that.

I can't imagine it being much of a problem unless it is an emergency trying to get a forgoten document printed or something like that.

We're 99% sure we'll get one, so we'll see. Maybe I'll be another story you hear.

Calico