Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Flossie]

Another technologically challenged individual here,sorry....

I have to buy a new laptop and am wondering about the pros and cons of using Apple vs Microsoft in Korea. I know next to nothing about computers, and even less when the systems and software are all in Korean like my present laptop (acquired secondhand).

I want a computer with 60+GB for watching dvd's, storing pics on the hard drive and on discs, and some large volume word processing.

I've never used Apple before. One friend said it is absolutely the easiest thing out there to use (like a sales pitch actually, i'm sure he was on commission) and three other friends who are relatively clued up and can't get internet services easily, are losing files etc. (not due to viruses). What kind of backup support is there for Apple in Korea?

Also what are the benefits of being able to write dvd's instead of cd's? Is it necessary?

Please could someone in the know help out another newbie?
Thanks

[Derrek]

Apple is nice.
Apple is trendy.
Apple is cool.
Apple is sexy.
Apple has a cult following.

But...

Apple is EXPENSIVE
Apple software is EXPENSIVE
Fixing an Apple is EXPENSIVE
And Apple is Apple in a world of Oranges (IBM/Windows).

It's nice, but far too expensive and not easy to get worked on here.

[Eunoia]

To respond to Derrek:

I'm pretty happy with my Mac (only had it for 2 months and hadn't used an Apple previously - well, at least not since the old Apple 2 series...). While I will acknowledge Derrek's points (yes, it is indeed like comparing Apples to oranges ), it's also true that Apple offers great support and has international guarantees. It is easier and more "intuitive" to use than Windows. Yes, a lot of people hype that up, but if it weren't true, why would they be saying it? Another thing Derrek mentioned is the cost. Sure, you could buy a comparably-equipped PC for the same money, but the Mac will last you longer.

Let me say that again.

The Mac will last you longer.

I know a few people who are still using their old G3 iBooks (keep in mind that the G5's are just around the corner) with few troubles at all.

To be fair, it all comes down to what what are you going to use it for? You want to play a lot of games? Get a Windows PC. No question about it. You want to some video editing, store and manage your digital photos and music, and just use the internet? A Mac will handle all that just fine (and I'm sorry to harp on this once again) and it will be easier to use. I don't care if you're a beginning computer user or if you have a PhD in computer science, Apple software is just easier. (someone in a another thread had a meltdown over why Mac users keep going on about this, but it's still a fact that must be acknowledged.) Sure Windows offers you more variety, but there really haven't been many times in the past couple of months that I've run across something that just won't work on a Mac (what? No Soitaire? Say it ain't so!!!! )


Plus, there are far, FAR fewer viruses for Mac's. There are far, FAR fewer problems with popups when using Safari than with Explorer. The Mac OS is far FAR more reliable than Windows in terms of crashing and "hanging / freezing". When it does hang, just use the "force quit" feature (you know, when a program/application just isn't responding, and you hit ctr-alt-delete and still nothing happens? "Force quit" makes it stop RIGHT NOW.)

So (and I want to wrap up 'cos I'm really too tired and too drunk for this anyway) and if I repeat myself then that's too damn bad), if you want a machine to surf the net, manage your digital files, and last you for the next 5 years with minimal worries and hassles, then a Mac just might be your answer. If you want
to play a lot of games or be able to have access to all the newest and latest programs and things, then get a Windows PC.
[/i]

Oh yeah, and the upcoming OS X 10.4 looks killer. KILLER. Makes Windows look like positively amateurish. WHEN is MS going to release "Longhorn" or "Blackcomb"? 2006? Sheesh....

It wouldn't be fair to say that I don't miss Windows at all, there are some features that I really do like - but, when I'm using my Windows machine at the office, I miss my Mac more than vice-versa.

Sorry for going long, but as you can tell, Mac users can be pretty passionate.

[thorin]

I just got a used Mac box. It wasn't expensive. I downloaded and installed OS X 10.3, Photoshop, Office 2004 for free. It's so much easier to download software for Mac. Everything's real and you don't have to worry about viruses or spyware so much. Has there ever been a Mac virus?