iMac vs PC: which gives the best value for money?

If you had to spend R 24 000 on a computer, which one will you get?

  • Apple iMac

    Votes: 49 26.1%

  • Windows PC

    Votes: 139 73.9%
  • Total voters
    188
Nice article and good comparison. I vote for the PC (the 2nd one, of course..)
 
Really nice comparison but it's unfortunate that you used Windows 7 Home Basic which lacks a bunch of features and stuff.
 
You're forgetting one thing - software. Macs come with a much wider variety of software by default than PC's do. That's the reason I intend on switching to Mac, actually.

A fair comparison would therefore include the price of the equivalent PC software.
 
Ho-hum...
nothing can really compare to the unibody enclosure, so a chassis selection was left out entirely.
Click to expand...
That pretty much sums it up. The iMac is much more than just the sum of its parts, but this writer wants us to believe that a collection of PC parts - that you can't even assemble into a working machine - is the equivalent of the Apple. Most PC users just don't understand the difference.

The number of features the iMac has that this parts list lacks makes the comparison laughable, but sums up the general uninformed PC user attitude to Macs. I suppose that there are enough people that would be willing to settle for the listed alternatives, and still think that they are better off.

BTW 'unibody' refers to the machined bottom chassis used for the Apple laptops. The seamless iMac enclosure is forged rather than machined. The iMac is generally called an all-in-one computer.
 
very good comparison but i'll stick to my pc. all things in need is pc based that apple doesn't have.
 
Tns said:
very good comparison but i'll stick to my pc. all things in need is pc based that apple doesn't have.
Click to expand...
Erm... like what?
Are you one of those "macs are only used by graphics designers" types? Or worse, a .net developer?
 
unfortunately the iMac prices are soooooooo high locally... macs would turn out to be much better value if one bought overseas, got a VAT return and paid VAT at SA customs... but locally PC does seems to offer better value for money:(
 
You can't compare a Samsung screen with an Apple screen. Come on...

Also, you haven't accounted for a few little aspects that make a very big difference to anyone's computing experience:

1. PC's are noisy. Mac's are silent. Completely silent.

2. Anti-virus software is not required on a Mac, giving you piece of mind that you dont get from le PC.

I know what I will be buying...
 
If one part on the PC breaks, replace that part. Something breaks on the MAC, well off it goes and you are out of action for a while. But, I still will drool over a MAC and never pass a MAC shop without standing in the window for a while and wishing I had one.
 
I work with a mix of people using iMac's and PC's. From my experience, the people with average and good PC's/laptops, sooner or later complain about something going wrong. The guys with macs, virtually never do. This is just my experience. I had the choice, but opted for the PC as the guys with macs didn't have the same gaming support I wanted. I also weighed up the prices. I was quoted R32 000 for a really nice mac system with dual screens... in the end I spent R24 000 for massive i7 system instead.
 
BobJones said:
Ho-hum...

That pretty much sums it up. The iMac is much more than just the sum of its parts, but this writer wants us to believe that a collection of PC parts - that you can't even assemble into a working machine - is the equivalent of the Apple. Most PC users just don't understand the difference.

The number of features the iMac has that this parts list lacks makes the comparison laughable, but sums up the general uninformed PC user attitude to Macs. I suppose that there are enough people that would be willing to settle for the listed alternatives, and still think that they are better off.

BTW 'unibody' refers to the machined bottom chassis used for the Apple laptops. The seamless iMac enclosure is forged rather than machined. The iMac is generally called an all-in-one computer.
Click to expand...

And this just about sums up the defensive attitude of your average Core victim. Buying into every word of marketing doublespeak and FUD published by Apple.

The article didn't give a fair comparison because one isn't possible. It's the screen: there are no other 2560 x 1440 models on the market. Any comparison is forced to pick either a 1920 x 1200 (much, much cheaper) or a 2560 x 1600 (probably double the cost of the 27" - I suspect the 27" panels are just failed 30" panels).

PC users are not uninformed clods, we have made our decision based on various factors. Like getting much better value from a PC, having vastly better support for repairs and upgrades, preferring not to be anally violated by Steve and Dick (it's not rape, it's consensual), and not being called fanbois.

People that choose to avoid Apple products are probably are better off - why would they choose something which doesn't suit their needs. In the same way, people that choose Macs are doing so because that is the better machine for them. Being arty types and fanbois etc.

As for 'unibody', it's a marketing buzzword that's only meaningful to fanbois, your average Mac user wouldn't know the difference between a CNC mill and a forge if one hit him on the head. Calling an iMac a unibody is really of no consequence to non-fanbois.

PS. Never thought I'd see the board start it's own Mac vs PC thread, I guess another one won't hurt.
 
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BobJones said:
Ho-hum...

That pretty much sums it up. The iMac is much more than just the sum of its parts, but this writer wants us to believe that a collection of PC parts - that you can't even assemble into a working machine - is the equivalent of the Apple. Most PC users just don't understand the difference.

The number of features the iMac has that this parts list lacks makes the comparison laughable, but sums up the general uninformed PC user attitude to Macs. I suppose that there are enough people that would be willing to settle for the listed alternatives, and still think that they are better off.

BTW 'unibody' refers to the machined bottom chassis used for the Apple laptops. The seamless iMac enclosure is forged rather than machined. The iMac is generally called an all-in-one computer.
Click to expand...

Instead of such a huge Fanboi Tirade.... just list the so called inclusive benefits giving more than the "Sum of it's parts" and extras you get with the so called iMAC? Remember most sub ten year olds can do more than just switch on a PC, they could assemble it too.
 
Apple people pay Apple tax. And they still argue even with given facts.

Good luck if you want to upgrade or replace faulty parts.
 
AmaZulu said:
2. Anti-virus software is not required on a Mac, giving you piece of mind that you dont get from le PC.
Click to expand...
http://blogs.zdnet.com/security/?p=4104


Apple has quietly added a new Snow Leopard feature to scan software downloads for malware, a no-brainer move that coincides with a noticeable spike in malicious files embedded in pirated copies of Mac-specific software.

Edit: Look at the Iphone getting RickRolled. If Apple had a bigger market share.. they will make AV products... to stop people hacking/infecting their macs.
 
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snobee said:
I work with a mix of people using iMac's and PC's. From my experience, the people with average and good PC's/laptops, sooner or later complain about something going wrong. The guys with macs, virtually never do. This is just my experience.
Click to expand...

That would be true, but there is a very good reason for it, Mac's are restricted on the software side as all software has to be quality approved by Apple first. Windows has more freedom and flexibility and thus more vulnerability for things to go wrong. The average PC also has very cheap components compared to the Apple range so they might experience more frequent hardware failure.

I am lucky enough to use both, and when it comes to build quality most PC's fall short. I would almost say it is fair to compare an Alien system to a iMac to have comparable quality standards then the price difference would be much smaller or even in the Mac's favour :)

Like all things, if you don't use both you are biased based on your choice you made!
 
@nictron

You're correct .. Alienware would be a better comparison but their current laptop range is hideous imo ... there are however laptops out there in the extreme range (PC Laptops) that look nearly as elegant as Macs with hardware slightly better. Both cost roughly the same and it balances out... people just don't bother to research for those Laptops as options as they aren't marketed or sold like the rest.

I know I compared Laptops and Desktops are a different story but really... when it comes down to it.. neither can be said to be better value for money as software can be searched for and there is ample available
 
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