Reasons why not to go MacintoshGo to: Previous reason / Index / Next reason Reason 19 : "I can build a much better PC for peanuts"
Indeed, building your own PC can often be the cheapest way to get a computer; albeit not always. PC manufacturers get massive discounts for buying bulk components. You won't because you're just buying one of each. Check before assuming. And if the difference is negligible, ask yourself, is it really worth the hassle? That said, going the assemble it yourself route is really not as difficult as it sounds. Of course, that's all quite relative. Getting the right parts and plugging them together may be simple for one person who knows what they're doing, but another may find the whole thing quite a daunting prospect, littered with pitfalls for the unwary. This is something many do, simply for the enjoyment of doing so. But if you're not one of them, you could of course can get a knowledgable friend or trusted corner shop PC tinkerer to do it for you instead. Sorted! The obligatory 'beware the pitfalls' The components used can vary in quality. Your 'peanuts' PC may indeed be cheap, but will it be of equal quality you would expect of a pre-assembled computer from a reputable brand? Who will provide the support if it goes horribly wrong? Imagine the scenario of a mysterious fault, and having to deal with several different component companies, each with varying levels of guarantee, and each unwilling to accept responsibility, as opposed to dealing with one single company for a pre-assembled PC. Oh, and what about software and the OS? Don't forget to factor in the cost of any required software and an OS into your total cost. A pre-assembled PC can appear to be more expensive if you don't factor in all what you might get bundled with one compared to your DIY PC. It is however unarguable that while DIY PCs are perfectly feasible, building one that is capable of running Mac OS reliably - effectively making it a Mac clone - is a major headache. And to do so officially and legally without using pirated and/or cracked versions of Mac OS, is not possible at all. See also 'I can just run Mac OS on my PC' Diff'rent horses for diff'rent courses Extremely powerful, unbranded, Windows based PC hardware can be built for 'peanuts', whereas for comparable power on the Mac side, you have to buy from Apple, pre-assembled. I guess that's the way it is. It just comes down to priorities. If cost is your overriding concern, and you enjoy the 'tinkering', then the DIY PC can make a case that is hard to ignore, but if you want the other qualities the Mac excels at - not least of which, the ablity to run its distinctly non-Windows OS - then for all practical purposes, you'll have to forgo the DIY option and hand over your cash! Take your pick, make your choice. See also 'Macs are too expensive' Go to: Previous reason / Index / Next reason
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