I was thinking of saving up for a new laptop and I had to decide which brand I want. Should I go with an Apple Mac or a laptop with Windows?
I already know about the low amount of spyware and viruses that can effect a mac but I also know that you can't use as many programs on a Mac as on a Windows.
What should I get. And please explain why. Thanks in advance.
You should go with with Windows IMO. But thats probably because I use it more often than Apple computer/laptops.
I say Windows. There is a variety of Laptops that you could can chose from the run on Windows. They are usually cheaper than a Mac Book too.
I voted Windows, but I do love MacBooks
It depends on what you want the computer for. If you're looking to buy one for graphic arts go for mac. But also keep in mind when the new mac os x leopard comes out this fall you will be able to run windows core coded apps as well. I used to be a PC guy until I started using a Mac to produce music and cartoons, and would never go back to PC. I have had my G5 PPC tower now since 2004 and have never had one virus, trojan, worm, etc.
My PC well, I've had to format both my tower and laptop at least 3 times a piece since then. I really wish I never bought a Windows based laptop, but since 3DsMax only supports Windows I didn't have much choice back then...Go for Mac dude. You won't regret it, that's one promise I can make.
Macs are pretty, expensive, and don't do an awful lot in the way of games or non creative stuff*
Windows lappys can be pretty, can be cheap and can do loads
*you can run windows on a mac now, but it means you have to buy a full version of vista or XP
I'll go with most of the vote here and say Windows as well.
Windows as well, for gaming. Macbooks are smexy though.
Windows as well, for gaming. Macbooks are smexy though.
Macs are pretty, expensive, and don't do an awful lot in the way of games or non creative stuff*
Windows lappys can be pretty, can be cheap and can do loads
*you can run windows on a mac now, but it means you have to buy a full version of vista or XP
Yeah, what they said. 
i use Windows at home, but i've used Apple at school and hated it.
i use Windows at home, but i've used Apple at school and hated it.
Same. Apple is good if you are a hippy that only likes to screw around with photos 
Yep... if you want to look like a "trendy" yuppie, Apples are hard to beat! Windows PC's can do anything for cheaper than Apple's, and some brands can look very nice as well (those 12" HP tablets come to mind).
Sure, they don't have as many "problems", but that's because Apple controls everything about them (from the OS, to the software, to the hardware). MS does the OS and some software, which means you'll find lots more stuff since anyone can create programs for it.
You probably want to start with your personal budget, and work from there. If you have less than a grand, I'd say stick with Windows for sure. I got a 14" dual core, 1gb RAM, 250GB HDD, DVD DL burner, Vista Premium, etc for $350 brand new from Best Buy... you can't even come close with an Apple.
Also, Macs can run ProTools if you're the music mixing kind
Also, Macs can run ProTools if you're the music mixing kind
yeah, but PCs run Ableton, Reason, Cubase and Audacity.
That thar is all you'd ever need and the first three are Rewire Compatible so they can all be run synchronised
pc for gaming, general use
Mac for creative stuff, most PC based creative software is clunkier than the Mac, mac is easier to use and bogs down alot less, loads more reliable
Also, Macs can run ProTools if you're the music mixing kind
yeah, but PCs run Ableton, Reason, Cubase and Audacity.
That thar is all you'd ever need and the first three are Rewire Compatible so they can all be run synchronised
You can run all those progz on a Mac too.
Yep... if you want to look like a "trendy" yuppie, Apples are hard to beat! Windows PC's can do anything for cheaper than Apple's, and some brands can look very nice as well (those 12" HP tablets come to mind).
Sure, they don't have as many "problems", but that's because Apple controls everything about them (from the OS, to the software, to the hardware). MS does the OS and some software, which means you'll find lots more stuff since anyone can create programs for it.
You probably want to start with your personal budget, and work from there. If you have less than a grand, I'd say stick with Windows for sure. I got a 14" dual core, 1gb RAM, 250GB HDD, DVD DL burner, Vista Premium, etc for $350 brand new from Best Buy... you can't even come close with an Apple.
Now I must say that's quite the ignorant bias you've got there bud!
Buying the computer you just recommended is like telling someone to not marry a smart gorgeous blonde with large C cups but instead go for a cheap trashy hooker. The only difference is instead of getting the clap he'll wind up with the blue screen of death on numerous occasions.
I worked on PCs for 14 years before switching to Mac in 2004 and will say with no doubt at all in my mind that Windows based computers are a waste of money. He's seriously better off saving money and investing in an Apple laptop, its shelf life will outlast the PC craptop by at least 2 years. I have an HP laptop with the same specs you just listed, got it 2 years ago and all it does now is collect dust.
yeah, but my point was that PCs are cheaper so if you wanted that stuff, a PC is still a viable option
That's true. I've lost hours upon hours of work on a PC which resulted in me buying 2 scratch discs for that system, so I'm very critical and cynical when it comes to the ability of what PC's can pull off.
The only thing a PC saved me from was failing a 3D class last year. Only because Autodesk doesn't make 3DsMax for Mac...It was intense. Imagine driving to class doing 70mph while a 3d animation that was so detailed it took 3 days to render was finishing up in the passenger seat.
I don't think I'll ever make change to a mac, they just don't have the graphical power.
With a PC you can get a top range gaming rig for under a grand. you'd have to buy a powermac to get a similar performance.