What computer should I get next? I would love your help choosing. I posed the question on this Facebook Thread – but it is hard to layout the whole picture in such few words.

Currently I use a Dell Precision 17” high resolution laptop (fully loaded – well 2 years ago it was anyway…) Every time I am about to purchase I consider buying a Mac.  And every time I have ended up staying with PCs.  I had considered getting a desktop, but I realize I much prefer laptops.

Why I have stayed (Pros to PC):

- I have all the software already

- I am familiar and comfortable with using it

- Overall they are reliable – well besides that blue screen I get maybe once every 6 months – or the occasional virus/malware issues

Why I might want to switch to Mac (Pros to Mac/Cons to PC):

- I always hear how I would LOVE using a Mac

- Viruses and malware

- Many say Photoshop runs better on a Mac

- Would love a lighter, sleeker 17” laptop

- Those commercials are just too funny

And why I never have switched and would still be nervous to make the change (Cons to Mac):

- Much of the software is not Mac compatible:

1. Camtasia (which I use to record all the photoshop video tutorials you watch here)
2. Windows Live Writer (how I am writing this blog post right now – it is awesome!)
3. Thunderbird for email (there may be a Mac version but would my emails transfer)

- Some software is compatible – but would require I purchase a Mac version or give up my PC license.

1. Photoshop is my biggest problem – since I do trainings, I need to sometimes use older versions. Well if I transfer my license it would be for CS4.  I would not have access to older versions – as you cannot download past versions for Mac when you have the PC disks.  Also, I need to test action sets in older versions.  As of now I have v7, CS, CS2, CS3, CS4 and elements 5 and 7. I could keep them on my PC laptop, but then, if I need to use it for training or testing, why bother getting a Mac?
2. Lightroom – similar issue as Photoshop but not used nearly as much for my MCP work so transfer is less of an issue.
3. Would need to purchase new version of Word and Excel for Mac.

- Setting up, transferring info (an issue when I get a new computer no matter what – but more complex going PC to Mac).

- Might need the PC side on my Mac – as I could get Vista, parallels and then load on my Photoshop versions.  But I would need to re-purchase photoshop for the Mac side –since they do not have dual platform licenses.  And I would need to get virus protection and spyware programs then too.

- Learning curve – getting use to the new keys and commands as well as the new operating system

After reading my Pros and Cons, what do you think I should do? If you vote switch to Mac explain how I can overcome the Cons?  Please vote and leave comments as to why you voted the way you did.

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This entry was posted on Monday, June 8th, 2009 at 11:25 am and is filed under MCP Thoughts, Polls. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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