Is Mac better than GNU+Linux?

Question

Macs are overpriced. Simply put, if I want to run Mac OS X, I need to buy a Mac. If I am going to buy a Mac, I don't want to get ripped off. It is only worth switching if I need a new computer anyways and if said new computer is competitively priced. Macs are not competitively priced.

First, the Macbook. 2.4 GHz processor, 2GB DDR3 memory, 250 GB hard drive. Priced at $999. I found a Dell laptop on BestBuy's website (Item #9536451) which has a 2.53 GH processor, 4GB of DDR3 memory and a 500 GB hard drive. Surely, a better computer than the Macbook. The price listed was $839. That's $160 less than the Macbook - and it is better than the Macbook.

This isn't just with the Macbook though. The Macbook Pro comes in 6 different models. A 13 inch screen with 2.4 GHz 4GB of memory and a 250GB hard drive for $1199; same screen size and memory but with a 2.66 GHz processor and 320 GB hard drive for $1,499; a 15-inch screen with 2.4 GHz processor, 4GB of memory and a 320 GB hard drive for $1799; same screen size and memory but with a 2.53 GHz processor and 500 GB hard drive for $1999; same screen size, memory and hard drive but with a 2.66 GHz processor for $2199; 17 inch screen, 2.53 GHz processor, 4 GB memory and 500 GB hard drive for $2299.

I found an Asus laptop on bestbuy.com (Item# 9556125) for $999 with a 17 inch screen (this matches or beats every single Macbook pro), 6 GB of memory (this beats every Macbook Pro), a 2.53 GHz processor (this ties or beats every Macbook pro except the $2199 15 inch screen one) and a 500 GB hard drive (this ties or beats every macbook pro). Every single macbook pro is priced at least $200 more then this one. It matches the 17 inch Macbook pro in everything except memory - which this Asus laptop has 2 GB more of.

So Macbooks and macbook pros are overpriced. Perhaps it is just the laptops? Both versions of the Macbook Air seems to be outclassed by the Dell laptop mentioned earlier (the more expensive Macbook Air is priced $960 more than the dell laptop). The iMac comes in 4 models. I am not going to take a screen into account simply because although the iMac is encased in the monitor, that means that you can't switch out monitors. The ability to change monitors with most desktops outweighs the extra cost of such a monitor, however I will keep in mind that the cost of a monitor should be included so I will add on $200 to the price of the non-apple desktops I compare.

The iMac comes with either a 3.06 GHz processor with 4 GB of memory and a 500 GB hard drive for $1199 or the same thing but with a 1 TB hard drive instead of only 500 GB for $1499 (1 TB = 1000 GB), or the same thing as the second one but with a larger screen for $1699. The most expensive iMac is like the previous price point but it comes with a 2.66 GHz processor instead of 3.06 GHz. I should note the most expensive one also has a better graphics card which is likely the reason for the increased price.

I found a Dell desktop with a 3.2 GHz processor, 8 GB of memory a 1 TB hard drive and a graphics card better than the highest price point iMac. All of this for only $779. Go ahead and look at item# 9697521 on bestbuy.com. Even if I factor in the cost of a monitor, it is still cheaper than the cheapest iMac and marginally better. The fact of the matter is that Macs are a lot more expensive than other computers. However, some may say that you are paying for the Mac operating system. This would mean that it is more expensive than WINDOWS which I have to pay for if I get a non-Apple computer.

GNU+Linux is itself free in both free beer and free speech meanings of the word. I can give it to my friends, install it on an unlimited number of computers, even modify the source code and compile every part of the system myself to create my own personalized version. Can I do that with Mac OS X? Not according to the license agreement. I can't distribute Mac OS X if I buy a copy. I can't modify it except for certain parts which are open source. I can't redistribute my modifications. Are these things important to most users? Probably not but if I buy something I expect that I can do whatever I want with it. Therein lies the problem. Mac OS X is licensed not sold.

Macs lack in modification of the desktop environment. The dock can be set to auto-hide, be bigger or smaller, be put on any screen edge (except the top), and so on. There's only so much which you can do to change the dock. GNU+Linux? I don't even have a dock, I don't like the dock, however I do know that my panels can be put on any screen edge, I can move around the stuff on the panel (such as the notification area, menus, icons to quickly launch applications, windows list &c.), add new stuff, take stuff off, &c. Not only that but I can use a variety of windows managers or even switch desktop environments.

Installing software. It's hard to beat the ease of installing new software on GNU+Linux. There are mul

Answer 1

I have a mac.



I am in love.



The price is worth it. You are getting what you pay for.



There is so much that macs do that other computers could never do.



Depending on what you use it for.



I am definitely satisfied with mine.

Answer 2

the only distinction you will get from a MAC while in comparison with Linux is the utility they write and utility written for it. The underlying working gadget is Unix more suitable with different working structures embedded into it. each little thing is written for homestead windows so that is in fact countless to a definite degree, which additionally potential third occasion utility would tend to make it crash extra usually. For gaming, homestead windows remains dominant. MAC and Linux are good, truly guard and stable. Updateing would not regularly crash the working gadget, yet is can and does as quickly as in awhile. OS X isn't difficulty-free to place in on a working laptop or laptop that may no longer a MAC. The disk will set up propritery hardware drivers which will reason themes. attempting to place in OS X86 is a discomfort in the neck. I run all six computers twin boot, homestead windows and Linux. yet i take advantage of Linux ninety 5% of the time. i take advantage of PCLinuxOS KDE because of the fact that is mushy to apply. that is in line with Mandriva. that is merely much less confusing to apply and exhibit Linux to those who've by no potential seen it or used it. on the Humor part: "don't be A Microsoft Hostage!"

Answer 3

I'd pick windows 7 or Linux over Mac any day. More freedom period.



"There is so much that macs do that other computers could never do." - what is that exactly. Its the other way around Macs cant do all a PC can do.

Answer 4

It finally filter downs to your need what exactly are you looking for...



So if you are designer baby or Sound artist then probably a Mac is good option for you coz it comes with inbuilt features to make your work easy.



But if you are looking for more memory and price competitive product, then you have to choose the best one out there, so if it's mac or any other it would suit your needs.



Regards,



Bhupesh(MVP,Windows)