MACINTOSH -VS- PC's--WHICH SYSTEM IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

MACINTOSH -VS- PC's--WHICH SYSTEM IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

I get more calls from people asking me if they should purchase a

Macintosh or a PC-compatible computer. If you ask a person who

has only used a Macintosh, they'll argue you to the end of time that

this IS the ONLY system worth your time and trouble.

On the other side of the coin, if you talk to someone who has only

used a PC-compatible, they'll put Macintosh systems down to the

ground and argue until the end of time that this IS the ONLY system

worth your time and trouble.

Well, guess what? I'm from BOTH environments and I like both of

them!

And to be totally fair in my evaluations, I operated the same software

(PageMaker) on both systems. So, what do I suggest since I can be

bias?

A Macintosh system is "graphic" based while a PC-compatible is

"text" based. This DOESN'T mean that you can't do the same with

both. It only means that a Macintosh's entire operation is centered

around graphics and desktop publishing ,but both systems can

perform the same functions and do well at it. In my opinion, a

Macintosh is the "Cadillac" for desktop publishing.

However, I own a PC-compatible. Why? Because of cost,

compatibility and availability of parts and software. It all boils down

to how much money you have to spend. The PC-compatibles now

have Windows- based operating systems which work similar to a

Macintosh. In the old days, Macintosh held the title for desktop

publishing, but now a PC- compatible can do the same thing.

For instance, I bought a 486-DX2, 66Mhz with a 340mg hard drive

for around $2,500 complete (including software). The comparable

Macintosh would have cost me around $3,700 _ a $1,200

difference! The Hewlett Packard LaserJet III printer I bought for

$1,200 can be turned into an Apple Laserwriter IINTX (Macintosh

counterpart) for $350 by purchasing a Pacific DataPage cartridge.

A true Apple Laserwriter IINTX for the Macintosh runs around $2,300

a $800 difference.

I like to also compare my PC-compatible with a Ford truck. If the

starter on my Ford goes out, I can go down the street and get one

from a junk yard and save lots of money. However, if I had a

Mercedes Benz (Macintosh), I could only buy a true Mercedes Benz

part and have to pay a real Mercedes Benz expert to put it on for me.

Therefore, a Mercedes Benz is really only a status symbol. To me _

it's more important to save money than impress people. People

don't put food on my table or pay my rent!

My programmer told me that a Macintosh system will normally run

faster than PC-compatibles if you compare the same type of

systems.

However, the negligible difference in speed in not worth the extra

money.

I've tried both systems, run them side-by-side and really couldn't see

a difference that would be worth paying $1,200 more for.

Before you make a decision, sit down and demonstrate both

systems at your computer dealer. Then look at your pocketbook and

make the decision YOU want. Here are a few mail order companies

that will be able to assist you with PC-compatibles:

Zeos International, 800-272-8993

ABS Computer Technologies, 800-876-8088

Computer Discount Warehouse, 800-348-4CDW

Expotech, 800-284-EXPO

Zenon, 800-899-6119

Dell Systems, 800-627-1440

Maximus, 800-394-6299

Digital PC, 800-215-8765

Midwest Micro, 800-972-8822