Do Mac computers last longer than other brands of computer (HP, etc.)?

1. 61

   Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

   Do Mac computers last longer than other brands of computer (HP, etc.)?

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2. 0

   scrambleposted 14 years ago

   There is no simple answer to this question. However, the big big advantage with a Mac is that it is a closed system: Only Apple makes them so all the parts that go in there are sure to work optimally. The drawback, of course, is that you'll pay much more. With a PC there are a plethora of manufacturers using many more different types of components that, themselves, may have varying lifespans.
   Bearing all this in mind, with a Mac you will certainly have a more stable efficiently running machine, it will just cost more.

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3. 67

   rickzimmermanposted 14 years ago

   Mac computers definitely last longer than any other brand of computer for a few very simple reasons: 1) You will be up to speed much faster on a Mac, because they are so intuitive and easy to use. So for every day you will use your computer, you'll get lots more done, with less stress & downtime; 2) Being part of a more closed system, Macs are not subjected to the viruses of PCs, which also translates to more uptime/less downtime; 3) Macs often alert you to free downloads of continual upgrades, making your machine faster, more efficient, and less troublesome all the time. You get more mileage in less time.
   
   Many people point to the $500 to $1000 premium a Mac might demand, yet would think nothing of dropping that same amount each year for, say, a higher-def TV or a better cell phone package. The way I look at it, having a superfast, easy to use and trouble free computer is well worth the cost of less than one frappé every other day.
   
   I've tried IBMs, Dells, Compaqs, Sonys, HPs, Gateways and Toshibas, and would never consider anything other than a Mac ever again.

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4. 72

   allpurposeguruposted 14 years ago

   They go obsolete just as fast as other brands. Other than that, I can't generalize. I had one of the original iMacs for 10 years. The built-in modem called in sick, but I just switched to broadband. Other than that I had no problems until it started to become impossible to make software upgrades. I don't plan to keep my current Mac that long.
   
   I have used those Wintel things at various jobs, and they have usually been upgraded before they have developed hardware problems.
   
   So I think rapid obsolescence will get to any computer before serious hardware issues do--even though I have heard all about unwelcome surprises like hard drive crashes et al.

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5. 57

   Hejannyposted 14 years ago

   I think so. I have ibook, macbook, hp and acer (all of them are for work). My mac laptops runs in a much stable way and it is necessary to tell you that my ibook has been working fine for at least 6 years. hp and acer cannot stand up long hours, for example 10 hours a day, and I don't think they can last such a long life.
   My experience is for laptops only.

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6. 60

   Jason Payneposted 14 years ago

   Statistically speaking, Mac's are far more reliable than any other brand.  That reliability extends to not only software, but also the hardware.  One piece of advice I can give, is if you are going to buy an iMac, try not to buy the first generation of a new design.  Even though Mac's are generally more reliable, you can still find plenty of good Windows machines. The big difference will come from the Mac's not having any viruses that attack them.

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