I'm trying to decide which company to buy a laptop from, Dell or Apple. Will PP work on either of them? Can you find computer programs to work with Apple as readily as Dell with Microsoft? Does it run the Word program? Yuk...I have no idea. I just want a decent laptop. Does anyone have any opinions on which company might be a better choice? I tend to choose Dell, but only because I am more familiar with the name. My investment agent just recommened Apple so now I am wavering. I had never considered Apple...just like I'm sure some people never consider Pampered Chef until a friend mentions it...something to always consider! Thanks!
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Discussion Overview
This thread explores participants' experiences and opinions regarding Dell and Apple laptops, focusing on their preferences, software compatibility, and personal anecdotes about various brands. Participants share their thoughts on which company might be a better choice for different needs.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Opinion-based
- Anecdotal
Main Points Raised
- One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses uncertainty about whether Pampered Chef software will work on Dell or Apple laptops, sharing a preference for Dell due to familiarity.
- Another participant mentions having problems with their Dell laptop but praises an Acer laptop for its reliability.
- One user shares satisfaction with their HP laptop, emphasizing a preference for Windows XP over Vista.
- Another participant discusses using an Apple laptop for various tasks but notes that specific software only runs on Windows, leading them to install Windows on their Mac.
- One participant expresses a strong preference for Macs, stating they will never return to a PC, and shares positive experiences running Windows on their Mac for specific software.
- Another user mentions their love for their Compaq laptop, contrasting it with their husband's negative experience with Dell.
- One participant highlights their positive experience with a Dell laptop, stating they would not consider buying from another brand.
- Another participant shares their experience with a Toshiba Satellite and an HP laptop, both of which they love.
- One participant discusses the ease of using Windows on a Mac and shares their experience with different virtualization software.
- Another participant warns about issues with Dell laptops, citing faulty power supplies and motherboard problems, while praising their MacBook Pro for reliability.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Views differ significantly among participants, with some expressing strong loyalty to Dell while others advocate for Apple. No clear consensus emerges regarding which brand is superior.
Contextual Notes
Participants share personal experiences with various laptop brands, focusing on software compatibility and reliability. The discussion reflects a range of preferences and experiences without definitive conclusions.
Who May Find This Useful
Consultants considering a new laptop for business or personal use may find the shared experiences and opinions relevant to their decision-making process.
christinaspc
Silver Member
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janetupnorth
Gold Member
- 14,814
leftymac
- 1,748
RossDeb2 said:
I use an Apple for everything. However, P3 only has a version for windows! What I had to do is install windows on my mac also, so that I could use the software.
If you're only getting a laptop just so you can run P3, then I would suggest getting a PC and not a Mac. However, if you plan on using the laptop for other things as well, I'd have to recommend the Mac as I feel they are far superior computers. In 6 years, P3 has been the *only* software that I have not been able to run on my Mac. Any other questions about Macs, let me know. I've converted 13 people!
PC For Me 2 Move Out
- 93
leftymac said:I use an Apple for everything. However, P3 only has a version for windows! What I had to do is install windows on my mac also, so that I could use the software.
If you're only getting a laptop just so you can run P3, then I would suggest getting a PC and not a Mac. However, if you plan on using the laptop for other things as well, I'd have to recommend the Mac as I feel they are far superior computers. In 6 years, P3 has been the *only* software that I have not been able to run on my Mac. Any other questions about Macs, let me know. I've converted 13 people!
I absolutely 100% agree!! I am an Apple user for everything!! I however haven't added the windows to it yet, so I have to use my Mom's Dell! But, my Mom will trade off with me, cause she likes the MacBook better than her Dell. All she does is play Mahjong! LOL!
Also, leftymac, did you do the parallel & stuff to get Windows on your computer, or did you get Leopard with Bootcamp or whatever it's called, lol!!
ivebeen4given
- 80
HP and Compaqs are basically the same thing. Just a different name and different processors. They make great computers and you have no problems finding software. If you have the choice get Windows XP. There will be less tweaking for some software and the computer wont treat you like an Idiot asking did you mean to run this program and so on like vista does at times. While you are shopping look for one with a larger battery, will come in handy. But on the Acer brand, never owned one but my soon to be father-in-law told me he has owned one for SEVERAL years and just keeps upgrading it and has had no problems with it.
Another suggestion, most laptops now come with Truview, Briteview, or something similar, you WANT this. I opted for it and it is great, easier to view screen. I did choose a lighter laptop as opposed to a larger one. I wanted something easy to carry not something that would be a heavy burden. I would also go for a wideview instead of standard. Also depending on where you are buying it from check on extended warranties, if you believe they are a value. My fiance has used hers 3 or 4 times and it has come in handy from , space bar not working, power button failed, power cord adapter in computer came loose, and screen pixels went out, and hinge. Most of hers were from just general wear and tear but they were all repaired free.
OK well there is my 2 cents worth. Good luck on your shopping endeavour
Another suggestion, most laptops now come with Truview, Briteview, or something similar, you WANT this. I opted for it and it is great, easier to view screen. I did choose a lighter laptop as opposed to a larger one. I wanted something easy to carry not something that would be a heavy burden. I would also go for a wideview instead of standard. Also depending on where you are buying it from check on extended warranties, if you believe they are a value. My fiance has used hers 3 or 4 times and it has come in handy from , space bar not working, power button failed, power cord adapter in computer came loose, and screen pixels went out, and hinge. Most of hers were from just general wear and tear but they were all repaired free.
OK well there is my 2 cents worth. Good luck on your shopping endeavour
chefcaroline
Gold Member
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leftymac
- 1,748
PC For Me 2 Move Out said:
I started using Bootcamp, but then found it way too inconvenient. I got a program called VMware Fusion, which costs the same as Parallels but runs better. Parallels runs a bit slow and freezes up the computer sometimes. It's great to be able to do stuff on Mac OSX AND Windows at the same time!
Kathy Huffstatler
- 24
heather223
Gold Member
- 1,564
leftymac
- 1,748
PC For Me 2 Move Out said:
I bought mine from a site called Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!. I got Windows XP home and it was $85.99 and FREE 1 day shipping. That was the cheapest I found it anywhere.
jcsmilez
Gold Member
- 640
Between a Dell and a Mac? DEFINITELY Mac!! I've gone through a few Dells and have had friends go through Dells as well. Their power supplies are very faulty, they also have a tendency to short out on the mother board (I think) causing them to no longer charge the battery and causing a HUGE headache! This happened with both my dad's and my Dell Lattitude, my Inspirion, and everyone else that I've spoken with that has had an INspirion. I will never buy a Dell again.I bought my macbook pro 2 years ago, and I have experienced 2 years of bliss with quick processing, no crashes, no worries of viruses, etc. Now, if we could just get PC to get P3 on the Mac I'd never have to even deal with windows! 
As someone mentioned before, if you plan to use your laptop solely for P3 related things and/or if you like to us P3 a lot ie. for contact management related things you may consider getting some sort of a PC, however if you plan to use it for anything else, you will not regret getting a mac - I promise. Once people are converted to mac they just never go back. 
As someone mentioned before, if you plan to use your laptop solely for P3 related things and/or if you like to us P3 a lot ie. for contact management related things you may consider getting some sort of a PC, however if you plan to use it for anything else, you will not regret getting a mac - I promise. Once people are converted to mac they just never go back.
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PC For Me 2 Move Out
- 93
Thank you so much Keith! I ordered it right after you told me about the site, & did the expedited shipping, so I should have it by Saturday, & can put in a supply order without having to drive home!! Thanks for helping me out with that!! We have 3 iMacs, & 1 iBook, & 1 MacBook!! I absolutely love it!! I will never go back to a PC! My dad hated the half egg iMac (G4) my Mom has, then last Black Friday, he went & bought the 24" G5 iMac! It's just like my 21" iMac!! Twins!!
janetupnorth
Gold Member
- 14,814
Thanks, everyone for all the feedback. What "other things" would I be concerned about doing besides pamp chef. I would like to use the laptop for PP, research, at shows and displays, really just basic stuff. Designing flyers and letters, maybe watching videos...am I missing out on great things that laptops can do?????
leftymac
- 1,748
RossDeb2 said:
I use my Mac for everything: doing schoolwork (i'm a teacher), surfing the net (yay no viruses nor spyware!), and designing Pampered Chef flyers, etc (iWork is one of the best suites out there -- way better than Word for making attractive documents!).
My point was that if you're just getting a laptop so you can put P3 on it and take it to your shows, then a Mac wouldn't be worth the expense. But if you're gonna use it for P3 *and* all your other computing needs, to me there's just no way to go but Mac.
janetupnorth
Gold Member
- 14,814
leftymac said:
Hey now, Macs CAN get viruses - there are just not that many written...
...and personally I don't think Mac's version of Excel is that powerful.
If you're into graphic design or things along those lines a Mac is more useful...
If you're into more engineering-type stuff and accounting/spreadsheets or more analytical fields, PCs are usually better for you...
It's all in what you want to do...
leftymac
- 1,748
janetupnorth said:
Yes, they can, but the operating system is much more secure, stable, and resistant to them. But anyway -- I'm not trying to turn it into a Mac vs. PC debate. You're right -- it's all in what you want to do. For me, Macs are the perfect solution. For someone else, they may not be. I'm a French teacher, so I don't use spreadsheets that much.
hmmmm....a french teacher, eh? I'll have to remember that. We are a English speaking family and my two teenagers have been totally educated in a French school( we are fortunate to live in a large french speaking area of Ontario). Sometimes I hear some very interesting phrases from them. Can't always use the internet to translate them properly...I'm so happy that they are Bilingual but it can be a real pain when trying to help them with their homework. Anyway...with a Mac, will my customers still be able to read the newsletters and flyers that I send or will I need a program that will allow them to be readable for PC users??? I see that I really need to do more research before I spend my money....the quest continues!
mommyhugz1978
Gold Member
- 3,695
smspamperedchef
Silver Member
- 1,228
I Have An Acer Too!!!
I am very happy with it. Check it out!!!
I LOVE my laptop! I JUST got the ACER from Walmart and it was marked down!!! It was a steal!!! I have no problems with it at all. The only thing I wish it had was a longer battery time. Mine is 2 hours. I just need to remember to pack my power cord in case I lose battery power.chefdoughty said:
I am very happy with it. Check it out!!!
PamperedChefDebi
Silver Member
- 1,176
I had a Dell and it had the exact problem previously mentioned....I thought it was the power adapter but it was apparently the otherboard because it quit charging or anything.
I now have a Gateway that I got CHEAP from TigerDirect.com Best Deals - Computer Parts, PC Components, Computers & Electronics (similar to the NewEgg site mentioned before) and I'm happy with it though I do need to add some RAM.
I now have a Gateway that I got CHEAP from TigerDirect.com Best Deals - Computer Parts, PC Components, Computers & Electronics (similar to the NewEgg site mentioned before) and I'm happy with it though I do need to add some RAM.
leftymac
- 1,748
RossDeb2 said:
Well, the great thing with a Mac is that you can easily (in like 2 seconds, with no additional software) turn any document that you create on any program into a .pdf so that anyone on any computer can read it. I create my stuff in Pages (their desktop publishing/word processing program) and then just convert it to a .pdf to send it out.
Here's are some examples:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main advantages of Dell laptops compared to Apple laptops?
Dell laptops often offer a wider range of models and configurations, catering to various budgets and needs. They typically provide more options for upgrades and repairs, and many Dell laptops are known for their robust build quality and performance, especially in gaming and business environments. Additionally, Dell laptops usually come with Windows operating systems, which are compatible with a broader range of software applications.
What are the main advantages of Apple laptops compared to Dell laptops?
Apple laptops, particularly the MacBook line, are known for their sleek design, high build quality, and excellent battery life. They run on macOS, which is praised for its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other Apple products. Additionally, Apple laptops often have superior displays and are favored by creative professionals for their performance in graphic design, video editing, and music production.
What are the common disadvantages of Dell laptops?
One common disadvantage of Dell laptops is that they can be bulkier and heavier compared to Apple laptops, especially in the budget range. Some users may also find that the build quality varies significantly between models. Additionally, while Dell laptops offer a wide range of configurations, the software experience may not be as polished as that of Apple's macOS, leading to potential compatibility issues with certain applications.
What are the common disadvantages of Apple laptops?
Apple laptops tend to be more expensive than their Dell counterparts, which can be a significant drawback for budget-conscious consumers. They also have limited upgrade options, as many components are soldered onto the motherboard. Furthermore, some users may find that certain software applications, particularly those designed for Windows, are not available or have limited functionality on macOS.
Which brand is better for gaming: Dell or Apple?
Dell is generally considered the better option for gaming due to its wide range of gaming laptops, such as the Alienware series, which are specifically designed for high-performance gaming. These laptops often feature powerful graphics cards, faster processors, and customizable options. In contrast, Apple laptops are not optimized for gaming and typically do not support many popular gaming titles, making them less suitable for gamers.
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