Mac Vs PC

By John Eckenroth

When it comes to choosing a computer for yourself, your family or a child going away to college for the first time you want to make sure your making a sound investment. For most of us this means getting the best quality and reliable assistance for a reasonable price. In order to do this one must to sufficient research before making their purchase. Whether your reasons for buying a computer are for work, graphics or simply to write papers there are many options out there. An important question that arises for many people today is whether they should get a Mac or a PC.

The following chart contains 15.4 inch PC's that have been chosen and customized (with the exception of Acer) to best compare with the Macbook Pro. All 3-year warranties are basic and anti-virus software is based on a 15 month price.

(Sources: Apple.com, Amazon.com, Dell.com, HP.com, Sony.com)
Price Comparison of 15.4 Inch Laptops
Brand Model Processor Graphics Card RAM Hard Drive Weight Price 3-Year Warranty Anti-Virus Software Total Price
Apple Macbook Pro 2.4 GHz NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB 2 GB 200 GB
5.4 lbs $1,999.00 $349.00 $0 $2,348.00
Acer Aspire 5920-6329 2.5 GHz NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB 2 GB 320 GB 6.6 lbs $1,799.00 $199.99 $60 $2,058.98
Dell XPS M1530 2.4 GHz NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB 2 GB 250 GB 5.8 lbs $1,763.00 $299.00 Included $2,062.00
HP dv6700t 2.4 GHz NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS with 256MB 2 GB 250 GB 6.14 lbs $1,220.99 $269.99 $59.99 $1,550.97
Sony VGN-FZ24000 2.4 GHz NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GT with 256MB 2 GB 200 GB 5.9 lbs $1,258.99 $199.99 $59.99 $1,518.97

When it comes to making sure you are getting the assistance you need the first thing you want to look at is the warranty. If you choose to purchase a dell you may want to look into the XPS M1530. At a price of $2,062 you can get a 15.4 inch notebook with a 2 GB RAM, a 250 GB hard drive, virus software included and a three year warranty. Dell warranty includes in-home service parts labor and 24x7 phone service.

HP is a popular choice for a notebook, dv6700t is one of HP's most comparable notebook to a Mac. The dv6700t comes with a 2 GB RAM, 250 GB hard drive, anti-virus software, and a 3-year warranty for $1,550. HP's warranty includes a pick-up and return service where your notebook would be diagnosed, repaired and returned to you as fast as possible. They also have a 24x7 phone support service. Within the warranty you would also get assistance with virus and spyware issues.

Apple's Macbook Pro comes standard with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, 2 GB RAM, and a 200 GB hard drive. Apple's 3-year protection plan includes service and support for the Mac operation system, iLife, and iWork. This accesses you to Apple's technical support group when calling and ensures Apple-authorized technicians will perform repairs using genuine Apple parts (apple.com/support). The Macbook Pro also comes already installed with iLife, which is comprised of such programs like GarageBand, iMovie, iChat, and iPhoto. These programs alone are equivalent to $400 in PC programs ("Mac Vs. PC").

When choosing your selection consider that Mac users have a 98 percent satisfaction rate as opposed to Windows users who have a 83 percent rate. Mac's also have a higher resale value. During a study, James Stoup found that Mac's sell for 40 percent of their retail cost after three years (Stoup). Most Windows users find it cheaper to just invest a brand new laptop.
Small businesses have also reconsidered switching from PC to Mac. It is less costly in the long run making up for its higher retail cost with lesser IT and electrical costs (Schwartau). On average there is one IT person per 150-250 Macs compared to one IT person for every 50-60 PC's (Van Dyke).

In closing, when looking at your options to buy a notebook; make sure you do all the research. Whether you decide to pick a PC or a Mac there are plenty of alternatives out there. So regardless if you need a computer for the office, for your house or for a dorm, there are many things to look at before you make your purchase. Not everyone needs all the luxuries of iLife although some may prefer it. So you decide what will best fit you; PC or Mac?

"Mac - PC PriceWatch 2008." Apr 2008. April 2008.
Schwartau, Winn. "Going Above and Beyond." Network World 27 02 2006 April 2008.
Stoup, James R.. "The Amazing Resale Value of Your Mac." Apple Matters 13 Feb 2007 1. April 2008.
Van Dyke, Jeff. "PC's are Cheaper Than Mac's..." Mac Vs. PC. 02 Feb 2004. Apr 2008.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Eckenroth

Benefits of Adding More RAM to Your PC

By Raymond Chase

RAM or Random Access Memory is a critical component for a computer to run properly. Having not enough RAM can render a computer useless over time due to too many programs or applications being used at the same time. The more applications a person opens, the more RAM is needed to run those applications.

Today, most computer manufacturers sell new computers with at least 512MB of RAM. Compared to a few years ago, the minimum amount was 256MB. And before that, the minimum amount was 128MB or even 64MB. The increase is due to the complexity of the software and Operating systems that are being installed on the computer. For example, Windows XP has a bare minimum RAM requirement of 64MB to operate.

But according to Microsoft, it is recommended to have 128MB to "increase performance". As for myself currently working in the PC support industry, you really need at least 256-512MB of RAM to get any type of performance out of Windows XP. If not, as soon as you start installing any type of games or database intensive software, the computer will slow down dramatically. Of the people that I support either at work or my personal clients, one of the main issues is not having enough RAM installed.

As another example, if an application uses 128MB of RAM, and the PC only has 128MB installed, that application will do one of two things:

1) Not even launch

2) Will launch, but then the PC will become unstable and eventually lock up.
When a PC runs of out RAM (or its all being used) then the PC will have to find RAM from somewhere else. Usually this means it converts some hard drive space into a term called Virtual RAM. This slows the computer down even more since its using "fake" RAM to try to help the computer run. Then the issue of available hard drive space becomes a factor. If you are low on hard drive space and the PC is attempting to convert some of the space into Virtual RAM, the PC will become even more unstable. You do not want to get to this point because again, the PC will eventually crash or lock up.

Bottom line, you can never have too much RAM installed in your PC. If you can afford it, I recommend purchasing the most amount of RAM that will fit on your PC. Usually these days, most newer PCs will hold 4GB of RAM. And of course, most PCs now come with Windows Vista pre-installed. Windows Vista will not even run with less than 1GB of RAM! So if you plan on upgrading your PC, spend some extra money to increase RAM as far as it will go.
RChase Computer Consulting
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Chase

High Speed Processing

By Anthony F Francis

Computer processing has come a long way over the years, whereas you had to stop one application in order to run another, or running different applications at the same time slowed down performance, now seems a very distant past.

However if you're like me you will want your computer to be able to multitask as efficiently as you do, and yes that means at the same time as doing my studies and playing the latest game.
Well, l've recently noticed that AMD have brought out a new 9000 series processor called Phenom that appears to do just that. The new series has been designed to ensure that previous slow response has been replaced with the ability to be run several applications to their full capabilities without a loss in performance.

This means that even if you're running processor hungry games, and you don't want to stop to carry out other important work, you will still be able to have all your business applications such as word, excel and the internet running at the same time in the back ground with no jitter or loss in performance.

In addition to very fast processing speeds, the new AMD 9000 series also comes with a feature called cool 'n' quiet which it meant to reduce noise and heat, thereby avoiding any unnecessary background fan noises, while you concentrate on that all important game.
Now that you know what processor to be looking for, you will need all the other necessary equipment to complete your home multimedia or computer system. We know that spending time going from one site to another can be time consuming, so we have done it for you.
Simply check out some of the amazing deals at http://www.gadget2get.co.uk/ for more information.
Enjoy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anthony_F_Francis

Some Tips To Prevent Laptop Theft

By Ruddy Gunawan

The world keeps growing but criminality is growing as well. Now most of us already get used with criminal stories on the television. Laptop theft, sadly, is one of these usual criminal stories. There are some tips and suggestions to help you prevent these thieves to steal your data and your laptop. I hope after you read this, you will understand how important to keep the data inside your laptop is.

First, keep your laptop in the safest place with you. Maybe you prefer to put your laptop in a place where people can see it because you want they see your new and expensive laptop. But believe me, it's better to keep your laptop in a place where people can't see it. Put your laptop inside your trunk when you drive your car or buy a lockable bag instead of a usual laptop bag.
With these small steps, you can make a big difference. When thieves can't see your laptop or at least they do not notice it, they won't be able to steal your laptop easily. Don't ever forget to put a password in your operation system and encrypt the most important data. By doing this, the thieves can't steal or at least read any valuable data.

If you are afraid that one day you will forget the passwords, you can try to write the passwords on your personal book or your PC. But remember to never bring any of these password reminders in the same time with your laptop. If you want to reduce the risks of becoming a victim to laptop theft, try to do these tips and you'll be fine.
Read more in: best laptop or laptop guide or new dell laptops
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ruddy_Gunawan

How To Build A PC

By Dyfed Lloyd Evans

Are you afraid of your PC? Do you think it's too intricate, too complex to even think about taking it apart. In this article I'm going to get you over your fear of the PC so that you will feel confident enough to be able to build or upgrade your own PC.

Despite it's complexity (and it is a complex mass of circuitry and electronics) the basic design of the PC is very simple. You have a single main board (normally called a motherboard) into which every other component plugs. This motherboard mediates the connections between all the various components that go together to form a PC and it allows your main chip (that actually performs the computing) to access the memory (where all the temporary operations of the PC are performed) and the hard drive (the permanent storage).

Basically that's all a motherboard is, a way of connecting the main computational workhorse of the PC (called the CPU or central processing unit  what most people think of when they mention a PC's 'chip') to access the memory it needs to perform its tasks whilst allowing it to also access the permanent storage system (the hard disk drive) where instructions and results are stored.

Of course, you need power to achieve this and most of the spaghetti tangle of cables you see inside PCs are there to provide power. A few connect the motherboard to the hard disk and the DVD drive and floppy drive, but they're in the minority.

You now have your basic PC (at least in terms of understanding the components). But you need to be able to communicate with the machine. So you add a keyboard and mouse. you also need to see what the machine is doing so you need output of some kind. These days this is typically to a monitor or screen of some description. Typically you will have a special card (called a graphics card) that plugs into the motherboard and creates video signals that can be seen on a display.
As well as the graphics card you may also have a sound card and some kind of interface card that allows you to plug into a network (though some or all these jobs can also be done by the motherboard).

Rather than being a scary tangle of meaningless electronics, a PC is actually just a motherboard with a collection of cards stuck into it. These cards all perform a single task and once you know what these cards are for you're 3/4 of the way to understanding your PC.
In actual fact PCs are designed to be easily put together, to be easily taken apart and to be easily upgraded. They are modular and there are only a limited number of modules. Once you know what these modules are then you understand how your PC works and you can replace or upgrade any of these modules yourself.

It's not scary at all, it's logical! Did you know that you only need to undo 2 cables and unscrew 4 screws to replace a hard drive and add a new one. The same goes for upgrading a DVD drive or a CD drive. It's even simpler if you want to plug in a new hard drive into your PC!
Learn all the basics (and there's really not that much to learn) and you could build your own PC in less than a weekend. The process really is that simple.

Next time you think of calling out a PC engineer, why not get a guide to your PC instead and learn how to upgrade or repair it yourself. After all, upgrading your PC is much, much, cheaper and more environmentally friendly than throwing it away and buying another one. And you could be saving yourself $100 into the bargain.

Dyfed Lloyd Evans has been building and upgrading PCs for the past 20 years. He is the author of the Guide to Building and Upgrading your PC which is now available as a fully-illustrated Guide to Upgrading your PC eBook, proceeds from which go to charity. He also runs the Celtnet Articles repository where you can find even more useful PC tips and tricks.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dyfed_Lloyd_Evans

Tips When Doing A Memory Upgrade

By Mike Selvon

A slow running computer can be a huge pain when you are trying to get a job done. The software runs slow, the load times are unbearably long and forget about playing any computers video games.

If this is happening to you and you want your computer to operate at a faster speed, then you need a memory upgrade to make your computer zip along at lightening fast speeds. You will be able to run several applications at once, listen to your MP3 players music and get to play those computer games you just cannot live without!

Upgrading your computer's memory is a great way to run programs faster and speed up the overall use of your computer. A memory upgrade is relatively inexpensive and real easy to install. The hardest part is finding out what kind of memory you need and selecting the right type of storage for the speed you wish. There are four types of memory which are: RDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, and SDR SDRAM.

Step number two is to go to a discount computer hardware store to purchase your new storage card. You want to upgrade to the highest capacity you can afford. Remember that more storage means more speed and efficiency for your pc. You do not want to have to purchase a new card every few months. Go ahead and splurge a little. This is the cheapest way to improve your computer's speed.

Most computers allow you to use generic memory cards. Once you have your new memory card it is then time to open that baby up. Remove the cover to your pc. If you have an available slot, then all you have to do is plug in the new desktop storage card you purchased. If there are no open slots left, then you will need to remove the old one and replace it with the generic one card or a pc specific storage card.

So now you see how easy a memory upgrade can actually be. Before you consider getting rid of your computer for a faster model, do an upgrade and you will see a noticeable difference in how fast your processing speed is. It is a simple plug in and go swap of the old storage module and the new version. Just make sure to get as much storage as you can possibly afford so you do not have to replace the memory again any time soon.

Enrich your knowledge further about the memory upgrade from Mike Selvon portal. We appreciate your feedback at our discount computer memory blog where a free gift awaits you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Selvon

The Misery of Bad Laptop Batteries - Can You Fix Them?

By Aazdak Alisimo

Laptop owners are often told that they can easily repair laptop batteries to avoid the cost of buying new ones. This is a bit of a fallacy and is usually not the best idea.

Is it possible to repair the batteries in your laptop? Well, yes, it is to the extent that pretty much anything can be repaired if enough money and effort is expended to do it. The idea of repairing batteries comes from the knowledge that the laptop battery actually consists, in most models, of several small batteries inside a plastic case. Inside the case is also thermo coupling device and a circuit board.

The thermo coupling device is to protect against high temperature and the circuit board connects the batteries to the D.C. power supply, but also has connections for various data reading that indicate battery life and charging condition. The first thing you will notice when you are attempting to repair a normal battery is that it was not designed to be easily repaired by replacing the internal battery cells. The plastic case is glued together and needs to be pried open.

This is often a hint that replacement of the cells is not the intended approach by the maker.
Of course, the do it yourself type might ignore the intentions of the manufacturer in many cases. After all, they are in the business of selling replacement batteries also. So, once you pry the case open, you are faced with a couple of problems. Telling the condition of the cells inside in dependent on the readings of the data circuits, but if they are the problem, replacement of the cells will not work anyway. Many of the battery cells require soldering to the circuits, so you must be prepared for this as well.

Finally, for most models, the cost of the replacement cells is high anyway. By the time you have purchased replacements, you might as well have just purchased the whole new replacement battery. The price savings does not seem to justify either the time or the risk of trying to replace individual cells. The internet does have some sites devoted to this procedure, but like laptop repairs in general, the sites are mostly geared toward trained repairmen and are very model specific.

Americans are used to tinkering and many of us are proud of our mechanical skills, but it is just possible that the laptop computer is one of those things that have progressed to the point where its size, the delicate nature of its circuitry, and even the intentions of its makers leave us little choice when there is a problem. The best advice available for repairs, even of the battery pack, is to establish a good relationship with a very qualified repairman.
Aazdak Alisimo writes about laptop computer repair for LaptopComputerRepairServices.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aazdak_Alisimo