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I have been looking around for a computer for a while now, second hand or even refurbished! But I finally decided that it would be better, not to mention safer*, to get a NEW computer.

So after some serious searching I have come up with two laptops that I would like,
The Apple Macbook pro (15.4 in 2.16 Ghz version)
or
The Dell XPS M1710
The Dell is more pricey at $5,200 AUS were as the Apple is only $3,999 AUS. I have been a Microsoft (Can anyone explain the weird abbreveation M$?) Windows user since I began with computers (I mean like DOS and windows 3.1 the good old days!) but I have also recognized the advanced simplicity of Mac OS. My friend has a 12 in mac book which is good looking, high battery power (In fact he has it on battery all the time!), small and easy! But It doesn't support Dark Basic or any other Windows software a major downfall for me! Thats why I am looking at these Intel Macs cause I can then run Windows as well as Mac which is great! I have looked at it and I love it! 4.5 hours battery, small (1 inch thich), stylish silver and quite a numerous amount of features! And even though the specs are a little low it could still pack a punch!

And now the competitor...

The Dell XPS is a machine built for one purpose, POWER, POWER, POWER its specs are high its also stylish, thought not as much as the apple, the battery has way less power. Not to mention its high price! But I do like this power house I wouldn't need to upgrade for at least three years (with luck!) Imagine games like HL2 or Doom3 everything at max, and it won't even break a sweat! But then it runs on Windows and so I won't have the ability to surf the internet a lot more safer with MACs OS. But then I have full compatibility (spelling!).

So I was wondering if any of you MAC users out there could give a run down (brief) of the MAC OS, and If anyone owns a mac book pro if they can tell me what they think. I am kinda leaning towards purchasing the mac but I really don't know if I should! After all I would be placing $3,999 on a machine I have never used before.
The same applies to the Dell but I am not sure that the price would fit in my budget!
Thanks for your opinion!

The Dell

If you do get the dell you may want to wait for vista, or atleast be prepared to upgrade it. I'm a beta tester and I can tell you that once they work out the kinks it will be a very nice and stabl;e system. Plus M$ (sorry had too) has a lot of new programs/services that are really helping with the overall quality. Even now they offer free domain (not sub, .com .net .org) with 30 mb space. Also the new ie, wmp, wlm are great.

It really comes down to what you need it for, I've never been a mac fan, no offense to anyone who is, but I just don't get what all the fuss is about.

im not one for mac`s but when faced against a dell then mac all the way!, as im sure dell bundle all sorts of ad ware with your system and screw it all up, force you to sign upto some lame services or get cold called for the next decade.

id say grab the mac - cause it is cheaper and okay it wont be a good gaming machine but hey its a laptop, and the fact you said about battery life, the dell would always be connected to a wall socket - i thought laptops were about portability

and m$ is taking the mick out of microsoft which can be abbreviated to ms, so people say "microsoft is just a rip off(money wise)" and the abbrev. of m$ was adopted

Hi,
I asked the same sort of question a few months back (but with much cheaper, and much lower specced laptops) I'm sure you'll find that thread helpful, so here it is....
http://forum.thegamecreators.com/?m=forum_view&t=66834&b=2

I originally got my ibook with the idea I'd keep my windows box so that I could still do whatever I couldn't do with a Mac. It turns out I can use my Mac for almost everything I used my desktop for (the only thing I can't do on a mac is put music onto my Creative Zen Touch mp3 player but that's a good few years old now anyway. I know when buying something like that in the future to make sure it's mac compatible).

In the thread I've linked I mentioned that although the Advent was cheaper I could end up spending just as much money on virus protection and other software. I probably would have. Since getting my Mac I've only paid for 2 pieces of software, Macffice Stude Ed (if I'd have thought I could've used the mac version of Open Office and saved myself some money) and Apple Works 6 (amazing little desktop publishing/presentation software).

If I could go back in time I wouldn't even ask the question, I'd just go for the mac. If I had the choice of a new Mac or a new MSbox now (my emachines could do with updating) I'd DEFINATELY go for one of the new Intels.

Of course Macs aren't perfect (I've read articles about the new Intels making whining noises but I'm not sure on the details so it'd be a good idea to google it and find out more) but they come pretty damn close.

soapyfish (a happy mac chappy)

You can install Windows XP on the mac book pro, which runs as good as a PC according to reviews.

And the Mac Book Pro actually is a good gaming machine on the OS X.

Thanks Guys!
One of the main reasons I want a MAC is for DBpro that is why I want an intel one so I can have Windows for that and use MAC OS for everything else!
Thanks again!!!

Get a Mac - its the only realy option.

Looks as if I am going to but the MAC!!
Can't wait its my first computer!

MacBook Pro, because with bootcamp you can run both windows and Mac OS meaning you can make the most of both OS's, and well I don't know how to compare the power between the two, but... Personally I'd go for the MacBook Pro (Well of course I would, I am saving up for one when I get a job) But your laptop should revolve around you, if you find yourself getting more out of a dell then go for it, however the CEO said some nasty things about Macs a while back, but now Steve Jobs is the position to rub it in his face (As some of these mac adverts are getting back at the abuse PC users and makers has given them) and if you want to join old Jobs in the laughing point, get a Mac