Computers & Networking

[deusexmachina Valued Contributor]

Like we've mentioned Asus is pretty good... Apple and Windows computers use the same processors. Windows computers just have cheaper alternatives if you can't spend a min. of $1000 on a computer.

[DSteiert]

See, I would've never thought that Asus is good since you don't see that brand advertised as often as like Sony or HP. How would you compare Asus and HP? Also, you suggest spending at least $1000 for a good computer?

[NoNoBadDog]

Asus is much better than Sony, and in most cases better than HP, although HP does make some very good laptop. 

As for spending a thousand on a laptop, it depends on what you want to do   You can find much better deals hardware and price wise on PCs versus MACs.  MACs only have a few choices, and their hardware is very limited.  For what you would pay for a Macbook pro or an Air, you can get a much faster PC with better specs. 

Not that I want to knock Apple.  Obviously, there are people who love their Macs.   But they are not so vastly superior to PCs as some would have you believe.  If Macs were as "perfect" as some would have you believe, then no one would buy PCs.  Macs are not trouble free, they are not immune to viruses and malware, or any of the other mistruths that some Mac supporters believe. 

It all boils down to personal choice and preference.  Try both in the store.  If you are willing to pay the premium for an Apple product, then you may certainly do so. 

[xl]

Sadly I don't share many others enthusiasm for ASUS machines.

Many buy premium gaming ASUS machines that are outfitted with the latest processors and designed for heat.  My machine is like what you see in this video.  The hinges are open so I can wiggle the wire every few minutes when the screen goes blank.  This is a common problem with gaming ASUS machines that came out a few years ago.  It's real sad that I spent $2000 for this machine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yJ-LNIhnE4

My old dual core Sony just works merrily along.

[NoNoBadDog]

Sorry about your ASUS.  I can tell you that the current crop of offerings from ASUS are very well built (and very well designed).  I am happy that your old Sony is still serving you.  Sony used to make very good computers, and TVs, but when the price wars came, they had to lower their quality.  Over the last 3 to 4 years, the quality has plummeted dramatically. They are a hightmare to work on...very poorly designed and of inferior construction.

[RealGeorgeW Valued Expert]

I wasn't trying to put you down, was just observing that most people going into CS would be set in their OS ways by now LOL.

That being said, I'll chime, and amplify BadDog's recommendation for ASUS. I've been using their parts for a good number of years now, and have owned a handful of their machines. I've yet to have an issue with either parts, or machines.

[DSteiert]

I"ll probably end up going with a Mac in the end I guess because whenever I go to Best Buy, usually at least once a month for the past who knows how long, I always mess with different laptops and I just prefer Apple's design and functions over a PC; that could be due to the fact that I owned a PC for several years until last year when it died. But what do you mean set in their ways when it comes to OS, George..? Just a bit puzzled by that. As in they like their OS and nothing else? 

[hockeycanuckjc Trusted Contributor]

While the build quality is important, it all comes down to brand names and expensive graphics options that really make a computer run good.

There are some very good alternatives to Mac software when it comes to music / video editing solutions and what have you.

[Area51Kev Regular Contributor]

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DSteiert wrote:

I"ll probably end up going with a Mac in the end... 

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Good call!

I really like my iMac, iPod touch, and Apple TV. About one month from now I'll be getting an iPhone too. They all play very well together. Also, if a new OS X comes out shortly after your computer purchase Apple will give you the newer operating system free. That's how I ended up with Lion on my iMac. The initial price may be a bit higher as many point out, but there are benefits. Good luck with whatever you finally end up with.   

[DSteiert]

Yeah the Macs are quite stylish! I also read that OS X Mountain Lion will be coming out decently soon, within a few months I believe, so that'll be sweet!