MACINTOSH -VS- PC's--WHICH SYSTEM IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

I get more calls from people asking me if they should purchase a Macintosh or a PC-compatible computer. If you ask a person who has only
used a Macintosh, they'll argue you to the end of time that this IS the
ONLY system worth your time and trouble.

On the other side of the coin, if you talk to someone who has only

used a PC-compatible, they'll put Macintosh systems down to the ground and
argue until the end of time that this IS the ONLY system worth your time and
trouble.

Well, guess what? I'm from BOTH environments and I like both of them!

And to be totally fair in my evaluations, I operated the same software

(PageMaker) on both systems. So, what do I suggest since I can be bias?

A Macintosh system is "graphic" based while a PC-compatible is "text"

based. This DOESN'T mean that you can't do the same with both. It only means
that a Macintosh's entire operation is centered around graphics and desktop
publishing _ but both systems can perform the same functions and do well at
it. In my opinion, a Macintosh is the "Cadillac" for desktop publishing.

However, I own a PC-compatible. Why? Because of cost, compatibility and
availability of parts and software. It all boils down to how much money you
have to spend. The PC-compatibles now have Windows-based operating systems
which work similar to a Macintosh. In the old days, Macintosh held the title
for desktop publishing, but now a PC-compatible can do the same thing.

For instance, I bought a 486-DX2, 66Mhz with a 340mg hard drive for

around $2,500 complete (including software). The comparable Macintosh would have cost me around $3,700 _ a $1,200 difference! The Hewlett Packard
LaserJet III printer I bought for $1,200 can be turned into an Apple

Laserwriter IINTX (Macintosh counterpart) for $350 by purchasing a Pacific
DataPage cartridge. A true Apple Laserwriter IINTX for the Macintosh runs
around $2,300 _ a $800 difference.

I like to also compare my PC-compatible with a Ford truck. If the starter on my Ford goes out, I can go down the street and get one from a
junk yard and save lots of money. However, if I had a Mercedes Benz

(Macintosh), I could only buy a true Mercedes Benz part and have to pay
a real Mercedes Benz expert to put it on for me. Therefore, a Mercedes

Benz is really only a status symbol. To me _ it's more important to save
money than impress people. People don't put food on my table or pay my rent!
My programmer told me that a Macintosh system will normally run faster than
PC-compatibles if you compare the same type of systems. However, the

negligible difference in speed in not worth the extra money. I've tried

both systems, run them side-by-side and really couldn't see a difference

that would be worth paying $1,200 more for.

Before you make a decision, sit down and demonstrate both systems at your computer dealer. Then look at your pocketbook and make the decision
YOU want. Here are a few mail order companies that will be able to assist
you with PC-compatibles:

Zeos International, 800-272-8993
ABS Computer Technologies, 800-876-8088 Computer Discount Warehouse, 800-348-4CDW Expotech, 800-284-EXPO
Zenon, 800-899-6119
Dell Systems, 800-627-1440
Maximus, 800-394-6299
Digital PC, 800-215-8765
Midwest Micro, 800-972-8822