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JoeH,
Or perhaps your inference was mistaken? Either way, the result was the same. Client wanted to spend less than $600 for new computer and software costs were zero. Mac, Windows, or Linux, it didn't really matter as long as we came in under $600. She'll likely be set for 3-5 years. Return on investment will be much better with her current computer than any new Mac available at that time. She even has both Windows 7 and Windows 8 install media. Lot of bang for the buck here.
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Buck wrote:
Coworkers are at it again.
The same thing happens here...
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jdc wrote:
[quote=Buck]
Coworkers are at it again.
The same thing happens here...
Which Mac matches up to that Dell for $675?
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Of the people I know who use computers for personal use, I've seldom been asked to fix a Mac.
The windows users have had a number of problems, some of which I could deal with, others needed far more help than I could provide.
My experience tells me that even though Macs aren't as perfect as some might think, it's far and away the more trouble-free path. I doubt I'll ever have to use a PC again and would never recommend one to anyone.
If somebody asks me, then doesn't want to use/buy/go Mac, then "…buy whatever you want".
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cbelt3 wrote:
Total cost of ownership . How long does the hardware last ? How long will it work effectively ? How much will you pay for anti malware protection ? Software licenses ? Etc ....
Do the math , and Mac wins every time.
Add to this the resale value, where Macs do unusually well.
Eustace
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RAMd®d wrote:
My experience tells me that even though Macs aren't as perfect as some might think, it's far and away the more trouble-free path. I doubt I'll ever have to use a PC again and would never recommend one to anyone.
If somebody asks me, then doesn't want to use/buy/go Mac, then "…buy whatever you want".
I just had to explain how iTunes worked to a (Mac) user and it was pretty confusing frankly.
My observation is Apple's help forums are packed with people seeking assistance (this forum has quite a few queries for Mac help as well) and the Apple stores have lines of people needing assistance with their Apple devices pretty much every single day. This is similar to pretty much all similar non Apple devices as well. Not a jab at Apple.
I get the point your are making, but if someone needs a new computer for under $600, what do you suggest to them? When people give me a budget, I give them a solution. If the people only have "x" dollars, and "x" dollars is somewhere between a 25%-66% of the budget for a new Mac, is the only option to say "Buy what you want since you don't like my solution that is well over your budget." Doesn't seem helpful. Even when people aren't paying me, I still try to help them.
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eustacetilley wrote:
[quote=cbelt3]
Total cost of ownership . How long does the hardware last ? How long will it work effectively ? How much will you pay for anti malware protection ? Software licenses ? Etc ....
Do the math , and Mac wins every time.
Add to this the resale value, where Macs do unusually well.
Eustace
That's true. Then again, I generally still come out ahead with $0 resale value of the non Mac. Sometimes there really are incredible scores. Something like a quad i7, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, DVDRW, Mac mini type of system for $600 refurb. With 1 one year on site warranty. A comparable Mac mini is almost twice the price, even as a refurb, right? Also, some of the non Macs, but certainly not all as I glare directly towards some of those Asus AIO models grrrrrr, are much easier to upgrade, repair, etc.
Everything is a tradeoff and it really is far from clear cut in my opinion what constitutes best total cost of ownership. It will depend on specific user, type of use (home, SOHO, enterprise, etc.), budget, etc.
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For my use, I would prefer to run Linux. I would pay $0 extra for Mac OS and $0 extra for Windows. It isn't perfect, but since 75% of my computing time has switched to mobile devices, I can get by pretty well. ChromeOS is also intriguing, but once you start getting i3 powered iron for ChromeOS, you can probably find a similar deal with any regular old x86 box.
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For many users, the $750 MBA that has appeared from time to time is a much better deal than any $600
computer.
But the same can be said about an iPad.
If someone asks me for advice, I will talk total picture. If they are wanting to stay windows, then I will chat with them but promise no support.
The last person who insisted on windows is now replacing her machine again. I recommended going Apple and boot camp for windows. If she had done so, she'd be stil fine with her first purchase.
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That $750 MBA has a pretty awful display. TN panel for $750? No thanks. If you don't need a portable, but still like small, I can get you more power in a Mac mini sized device for less money than MBA or mini.
P.s. I'd rather have an MBPr than an Air.
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