Whoa, a thing of beauty, eh? So many decisions to be made… Mac or Dell? Desktop or laptop? Ok, I’m waiting to hear from those of you out there who have experienced both… which do you prefer? We have had a Dell for a very long time, like forever. I love Dell… my curiosity has gotten the best of me and I, like half of America has been pulled into the great marketing and awesome looks of the Apple products. When we get a computer we like to get one that lasts. Good question for y’all: Does a laptop last as long as a desktop? Or not usually? Other than the convenience factor of a laptop, what are the pluses? Minuses? I’m thinking it would do my brain good to learn something entirely new… I’ve got the iPad mastered, so maybe it wouldn’t be such a stretch to get an Apple computer? I have always had a desktop, I’m comfortable with them, they aren’t portable (are they? ha ha) . I’m like a sponge just wanting to absorb some information, so if you have it… and you have a moment, please share your thoughts!
Check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com if you get a chance! Until tomorrow…
ARTFOODHOME.COM 
Barbara,
I bought my first Mac in 1997, a Mac SE with a screen size of 512×342 (about 9 inches), for $3,900. I had never used a computer before then. It had a black and white monitor and weighted 17 lbs. When we moved to Richmond I had it in its own back pack and I swear it got me my job here. Design studios and ad agencies were just beginning to use Macs.
Choosing a PC vs. a Mac is a personal choice. I think it comes down to which you’ve become familiar with. I like the intuitive nature of the Mac. But, if you’re used to a PC…they cost less overall.
We have a Mac 17″ MacBook Pro and an iMac that is 5 years old. I am getting ready to buy a new 27″ iMac. I think laptops and desktops both have a life span based on the speed of new technology, software and hardware, being introduced into the market. If you’re a heavy computer user, like a graphic artist, 5 years is about the max you might expect from one…maybe less. I just added additional RAM to our iMac to extend its life now that it is getting retired for home use. Sounds like we’re putting the race horse out to pasture!
The 20″ iMac is somewhat portable. I’ve put it into a canvas bag and carried it to job sites. My laptop goes to Monhegan Island, Maine during painting trips. I can shoot reference photos while out painting and pull them up on the MacBook back in the studio. If I had an iPad I’d probably just take that (hope to get one in went the next generation becomes available).
Apple has great support if you decide to get a Mac. Check out their website to learn more about switching from a PC to a Mac at http://www.apple.com/support/switch101/
Good luck!
John
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Excellent info, thanks so much – really appreciate it, am going to check out that link! Wow back in the “old days” that was a heavy little sucker, ha ha. Thanks again John!
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