Well I actually just picked up a PC myself I bought it through NewEgg.com from a company called “Cyberpowerpc.com” Now these computers are based more on gaming, but in the end it just means more power, better cooling etc.
I only wanted to spend around 500$, and I couldn’t be more happy with my purchase. The computer runs great with some heavy applications running at the same time, flash, photoshop, lightroom, illustrator while editing multiple items in each.
But what I like the most about the Cyberpower company is when you first start the computer its a fresh install of vista. THATS IT! No bs Norton security etc etc.
PLUS, if you buy one of there computers now you get a free certificate to get a copy of Windows 7 (64). Highly recommended if your not looking to spend a ton of cash and have a great PC.
Now, I seen you said even considering a Mac. And from working on both machines on a daily basis you have to think about a couple things.
- Macs are more money. (Unless your going balls deep on a PC)
- Maybe its just me… But I dont trust using my PC to make purchases over the internet. Yes maybe its just me, but you can’t deny Mac’s have less spyware/virus’s out for them. “Security by Obscurity”
- From my experience. Just me. But iv’e had my 3 year old macbook forever with no problems. Past PC’s ive owned I’ve had multiple problems with them in a course of a year. Even though will see what happens with this new one I got, seems pretty stable.
Overall, I think if your willing to take the plunge into the mac world its a great experience. You pick up on the OS extremely quick and IMO is a more clean cut OS then windows.
But if your etchy on getting a mac, windows still isn’t bad.
If I were you, I would go down to Shadyside to the Mac Store. Talk with them, don’t goto best buy and take with the rep they have there. They really don’t know what the hells going on.