New laptop. No idea where to start.

[Munson]

We won't know anything about Windows anyway so what difference does it make?

 

[jenic]

Ahhhh, I fancy throwing a spanner in the works..

Not sure why 90% of this thread is recommending a Macbook?

The average user (as you claim to be ) on average would have probably used a Windows operating environment more often than that of OSX (if at all in some cases).
Meaning that they will be more accustomed to the setup, running and general use of the GUI and OS.

"Clunkiness, speed and crashes" as has been previously described etc are more often than not user error within said environment (not all admittedly, and Windows is notorious for it).
But... How can somebody with no previous knowledge of an operating system, use it quicker and easier with less stress than that of a piece of software they have been using for x amount of years?

OSX is vastly different to Windows XP, Vista and 7, in many ways. Even such things as the keyboard will have different keys that you will have no idea what the symbols on them mean.

Its more down to what the user wants it for, than what is the best thing on the market at this point in time. I think thats what people may be missing here? I may be wrong.

For Internet, iTunes and burning CD's your standard W7 lappy will be more than adequate!

I say keep it simple, buy your bog standard £300 - £500 laptop and be done with it.

Some of the suggestions in previous posts would be worthy candidates..

You wont have to worry about it being second hand, so warranty etc wont be an issue, keep it simple.

Hope I have been of some help.. As I know I am not your favourite person for obvious reasons (Top mounts)

You mention previous knowledge of the OS.

I think the move from xp to vista or 7 is more of a challenge than the move from windows to osx.

I struggle to find a lot of things in vista or 7, i rarely use it but it just is difficult to use, not intuitive. Which is what osx is, intuitive, its so simple to use and learn.

I dont hate windows, i still use xp at work and in parallels, and while it isn't stable it is a good OS for usability. I moved to mac around when vista came out, i had the vista beta and then got convinced to move to mac. Not looked back since.

 

[Nickson]

Astonishingly i think you have a point. But its only a short term point.

Long term a macbook would be a better choice.

Haha, you sound surprised

Maybe so, but for the budget, a bog standard lappy would suit.

You mention previous knowledge of the OS.

I think the move from xp to vista or 7 is more of a challenge than the move from windows to osx.

I struggle to find a lot of things in vista or 7, i rarely use it but it just is difficult to use, not intuitive. Which is what osx is, intuitive, its so simple to use and learn.

I dont hate windows, i still use xp at work and in parallels, and while it isn't stable it is a good OS for usability. I moved to mac around when vista came out, i had the vista beta and then got convinced to move to mac. Not looked back since.

It was a general comment that was not intended to be the case for everyone.

But I agree, some people will find somethings easier than others admittedly.

With the step up from XP to Vista/7, the general layout is still the same. Start Menu, Start Button etc, personally found it harder using a Mac than going from XP to 7. But valid point nonetheless!

 

[jenic]

Changing an IP address on 7 stressed me out so much, i actually wanted to cry lol

XP was so simple

Thats a bad example though, most users wont do that.

My grandads first ever laptop running xp broke, he got a vista one and uses it much less. Just finds it harder to use in general. Simple things like the start button no longer saying start, no words saying shut down or whatever it says. They just made stuff difficult trying to make it look slick.

 

[Nickson]

So he shouldn't consider a superior product because he's used to an inferior products workings?

So basically everything with an Apple logo donning its case/cover(s) means its in some way better and superior to its equivalent without?

You are looking at this the wrong way my friend..

If hes used to it, it works for him, and does everything he asks of it, why not?

 

[ForceIndia]

So basically everything with an Apple logo donning its case/cover(s) means its in some way better and superior to its equivalent without?

You are looking at this the wrong way my friend..

If hes used to it, it works for him, and does everything he asks of it, why not?

I'm glad not everyone thinks like you 'my friend'. We'd still be living in caves.

 

[Nickson]

I'm glad not everyone thinks like you 'my friend'. We'd still be living in caves.

So stubborn..

 

[Munson]

So basically everything with an Apple logo donning its case/cover(s) means its in some way better and superior to its equivalent without?

FINALLY.

 

[Christopher]

lol

 

[word_easy]

Been running a HP for the last two years, usually on for around 12 hours a day, came with Vista - never had a problem, upgraded it to 7 - never had a problem. Don't see what the fuss is.