advantages of mac book over Vaio..?

By Tucking Fypo
in Apple (macOS)

 Share

Recommended Posts

Grand Master

LTD

Posted
Posted
+1, for the amount of software available for Windows (Y)

Which certainly couldn't keep me in the Windows camp . . . ;)

That whole software availability thing is no longer a real advantage. There's a whole lot of junk out there, and it's growing by the minute.

But if we're talking some sort of specialized, windows-only, industry-specific software, i.,e. ACE, DRS, etc., then you'll need Windows. And you can install Windows on a Mac, no problem and just run that, wipe off OS X completely.

Experienced

kaiwai

Posted
Posted

My brother has a MacBook - and all the software he needs is available on Mac, the only stuff that isn't available are titles you would never want to run on a laptop (be it Mac or PC); so he uses the quad core workstations with gigabytes of memory in the engineering computer labs.

As for a Sony Vaio; don't wast your money - get a Lenovo or one of the new Dell Studio laptops. Sony laptops are over priced, their BIOS's are as buggy as hell, and their machines are from top to bottom riddled with mountains of crapware.

Of all the things, Sony *face palm*

Proficient

dolby71

Posted
Posted

about 2 months ago my parents went for a trip in the USA. I told em to get me a blackbook, my brother got himself a Vaio SZ, and wer'e still arguing which is better. The thing is, it's down to OS. nothing else. Hardware is the same, except for the GPU, which is better on the Vaio.

Experienced

kaiwai

Posted
Posted
about 2 months ago my parents went for a trip in the USA. I told em to get me a blackbook, my brother got himself a Vaio SZ, and wer'e still arguing which is better. The thing is, it's down to OS. nothing else. Hardware is the same, except for the GPU, which is better on the Vaio.

True, but not only the operating system, but how the whole thing works together. There is no use having the worlds fastest computer when the operating system is crap and poorly integrated with the hardware to the point that unreliable and painful to use.

Veteran

j.nudd

Posted
Posted

I'm not sure where you're going to school, but something to consider is where you'll be doing a lot of your work. For example, I'll be an engineering student at the University of Illinois in the fall and I just bought a macbook pro. Whenever I need to use graphically intense engineering software, I'll be using the engineering labs. Depending on where you go to school and the facilities that they make available to their students, you could certainly go with the macbook for your personal surfing, email, and simple office stuff and use the computer labs for your engineering work. Also remember, the university (depending on size) is unlikely to give you free copies of the software you have to use because they just don't have enough licenses. If you decide not to use computer labs, you may end up spending lots of money just buying programs for your classes.

Grand Master

Quillz

Posted
Posted
My brother has a MacBook - and all the software he needs is available on Mac, the only stuff that isn't available are titles you would never want to run on a laptop (be it Mac or PC); so he uses the quad core workstations with gigabytes of memory in the engineering computer labs.

As for a Sony Vaio; don't wast your money - get a Lenovo or one of the new Dell Studio laptops. Sony laptops are over priced, their BIOS's are as buggy as hell, and their machines are from top to bottom riddled with mountains of crapware.

Of all the things, Sony *face palm*

Crapware is a moot point since most everyone I know does a clean install, anyway.

Experienced

kaiwai

Posted
Posted
Crapware is a moot point since most everyone I know does a clean install, anyway.

Well *mate* you're shyte out of luck in the case of Sony because you get crappy 'restore DVDs'.

IIRC Dell are one of the few who actually give you a proper Windows Vista DVD.

Grand Master

Matrix XII

Posted
Posted

Which models are you looking at, we don't even know with Macbook or Sony he's looking at. You also have to buy according to price and performance. Also what programs would you be using in specific?

One thing about OS X is it's quite limited in software.

Experienced

kaiwai

Posted
Posted
Which models are you looking at, we don't even know with Macbook or Sony he's looking at. You also have to buy according to price and performance. Also what programs would you be using in specific?

One thing about OS X is it's quite limited in software.

Limited based on WHOSE criteria?

Windows has alot of programmes - and alot of them are crap.

Grand Master

Matrix XII

Posted
Posted

I knew someone was going to say that. lol

I won't get into your Mac vs. PC argument though.

Everyone knows there are 10 times the software on Windows.

Macs are great too, I hope to get one in the next year or so :)

Experienced

kaiwai

Posted
Posted
I knew someone was going to say that. lol

I won't get into your Mac vs. PC argument though.

Everyone knows there are 10 times the software on Windows.

Macs are great too, I hope to get one in the next year or so :)

You never addressed the fact that it has 10 times as much software - and much of it completely crap. When you take out all the crap shareware and freeware garbage that exists, there is no more software available on Windows than there is on Mac.

Grand Master

Quillz

Posted
Posted
You never addressed the fact that it has 10 times as much software - and much of it completely crap. When you take out all the crap shareware and freeware garbage that exists, there is no more software available on Windows than there is on Mac.

Somehow I doubt this.

Grand Master

Cara Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted
One thing about OS X is it's quite limited in software.

Very few programs don't have OS X counterparts, and if you consider you can use Parallels Desktop for Mac to run Windows inside of OS X seamlessly, there is no limit to the software you can operate on your Mac. :)

Mentor

1759

Posted
Posted
Limited based on WHOSE criteria?

Windows has alot of programmes - and alot of them are crap.

Well, it might depend on a person's field though.

Before Apple switched to intel, OSX was basically a non-factor. When I did my BSc in electrical engineering, all I used were Windows and Solaris, Macs had absolutely no use to me. Back then, I would have to use AutoCAD from time to time, and now I use Visual Studio quite a bit, as well as Access. I can run Matlab and R on my Mac, but I can run them on Linux and Windows too, and well if I'm at one machine that can run everything, natively, it's usually difficult trying to justify looking for alternatives or running off to a Mac, just so I can say so.

On the other hand, there are apps on OSX, that either don't exist, or more difficult to use on Windows, and in that case, it makes more sense to use a Mac.

In the end, you have to use the tool that gets the job done, regardless of OS.

Experienced

kaiwai

Posted
Posted
Well, it might depend on a person's field though.

Before Apple switched to intel, OSX was basically a non-factor. When I did my BSc in electrical engineering, all I used were Windows and Solaris, Macs had absolutely no use to me. Back then, I would have to use AutoCAD from time to time, and now I use Visual Studio quite a bit, as well as Access. I can run Matlab and R on my Mac, but I can run them on Linux and Windows too, and well if I'm at one machine that can run everything, natively, it's usually difficult trying to justify looking for alternatives or running off to a Mac, just so I can say so.

On the other hand, there are apps on OSX, that either don't exist, or more difficult to use on Windows, and in that case, it makes more sense to use a Mac.

In the end, you have to use the tool that gets the job done, regardless of OS.

True, but at the end of the day - what you're using it for, is a very niche situation. I'm sure these lazy companies will eventually start supporting Mac. Right now all the engineering lecturers at the university I go to use Macbooks.

Veteran

HistoricalNeowin

Posted
Posted
True, but not only the operating system, but how the whole thing works together. There is no use having the worlds fastest computer when the operating system is crap and poorly integrated with the hardware to the point that unreliable and painful to use.

So its not the operating system...but it is the operating system? If the hardware is the same then the only difference is software, there is no "magic" inbetween that some people think macbooks have, they're just another laptop.

Experienced

kaiwai

Posted
Posted
So its not the operating system...but it is the operating system? If the hardware is the same then the only difference is software, there is no "magic" inbetween that some people think macbooks have, they're just another laptop.

The magic is that Apple know what the hell they're righting their software to support - it isn't a random stab in the dark as to whether something works properly. They know that in 2007 they released a MacBook with a xyz specifications, they know that in 2008, the release a MacBook Pro with zyx specifications - therefore, they know what hardware bugs might exist within the cpu, within the supporting hardware - and how to work around them. They know what hardware comes with it by default or what possible variations exist if a custom order.

It reduces the scope of possible issues that could arise.

Community Regular

Mikee99

Posted
Posted

Engineering software can be very processor intensive. Also, would you like working on a 13.3" screen as opposed to a 15.4?

I would try to look at the higher end notebooks, such as the MacBook Pro (for a Mac) and other PC's that are equivalent in specs.

But really, it all depends on what you like.

Veteran

HistoricalNeowin

Posted
Posted
The magic is that Apple know what the hell they're righting their software to support - it isn't a random stab in the dark as to whether something works properly. They know that in 2007 they released a MacBook with a xyz specifications, they know that in 2008, the release a MacBook Pro with zyx specifications - therefore, they know what hardware bugs might exist within the cpu, within the supporting hardware - and how to work around them. They know what hardware comes with it by default or what possible variations exist if a custom order.

It reduces the scope of possible issues that could arise.

Bugs within the cpu? What the hell :blink:

Experienced

kaiwai

Posted
Posted
Bugs within the cpu? What the hell :blink:

Welcome to the world of CPU Erratas, and microcode patching which are delivered through BIOS/firmware updates.

http://www.intel.com/design/mobile/specupdt/314079.htm

AMD has their own erratas and microcode updates as well.

Some of the bugs are minor, like the TLB issue which was more a matter of needing to update the documentation. Others require updates.

Engineering software can be very processor intensive. Also, would you like working on a 13.3" screen as opposed to a 15.4?

I would try to look at the higher end notebooks, such as the MacBook Pro (for a Mac) and other PC's that are equivalent in specs.

But really, it all depends on what you like.

For something processor intensive, he is wasting his time with a notebook. Just use the university computers; heck, Canterbury University is hardly rich but they have quad core, multi gigabyte 20+ inch monitors for their engineering workstations. I'm sure the one he's going to will have computers even better.

Btw, you will be writing ALOT of reports. My brother has just finished a 10,000 - 65 page report.

Then again, in New Zealand they compress a course which normally is done in 5 years, down to 3 years. So you should be happy you're over there and not here :p

Collaborator

dyn

Posted
Posted
So its not the operating system...but it is the operating system? If the hardware is the same then the only difference is software, there is no "magic" inbetween that some people think macbooks have, they're just another laptop.

That's actually what he/she meant ;) The OS has to support the hardware, like drivers. You also need to test it on the hardware to make sure it works as it should and doesn't cause any problems that can cause the system to become (nearly) useless. The software needs to fit the hardware and when you're making your own hardware and software it's much easier to do so. Sony, Dell, etc. depend on Microsoft to some extend which makes things a bit harder. It's just some more overhead.

Software is not much of an issue with today's operating systems. They have an equal amount of software in grand total. The differences are in the niche software like CAD or networking or security software. Windows has a lot of software for CAD but not that much for networking & security when compared to Mac. Linux has an equal amount of software for networking & security as OS X (as most UNIX/UNIX-like systems have) but when you need to do some photo/video editing a Mac is a much better idea (more software with a lot more features). As said by many others, the amount of software for any OS really depends on what you're looking for/at. That's why you'll always have to make a list what software you'll be needing and base your OS decision on that.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Posts

    • Creative Sound Blaster AE-X PCIe review: your headphones will love it

      By Taliseian · Posted

      Thanks for the info, but I'm still not sure if I need this....
    • We check out the SKG PS700 Neck Massager

      By Steven P. · Posted

      We check out the SKG PS700 Neck Massager by Steven Parker I was offered the chance to test out the SKG PS700 Neck Massager, and full disclosure, they let me keep it regardless of my findings. Anyway, I jumped at the chance due to my long hours sitting at my desk; I figured it could offer some neck pain relief. What's in the box: SKG PS700-2 Neck Massager Rechargeable Battery (inside massager) Type-C USB cable User Manual Quick Start guide 1-Year Warranty In short, everything you need to get started. According to the official listing, here are the key features: Biomimetic Kneading & High Torque Motor: Designed with innovative biomimetic kneading heads that perfectly simulate the touch of human hands. Powered by a high-torque motor, this massager delivers powerful and precise deep tissue relief to effectively target stiff neck muscles and release built-up tension Soothing Heat & Integrated Sound Relaxation: Experience the ultimate Relaxationation with our dual-action approach. The soothing heat function gently warms your neck, while the built-in sound Relaxation provides calming audio tracks, helping you achieve a state of mindfulness and mental tranquility during your physical massage Cordless Convenience & Travel-Ready & Father's Day Gifts: Crafted for maximum portability and ease of use. Its lightweight, cordless design allows you to enjoy a premium massage anywhere without the hassle of tangled wires-whether you're taking a quick break at your desk or winding down at home Versatile Relief for Home & Office: An essential wellness companion for office workers, gamers, frequent travelers, or anyone looking to integrate mindfulness into their daily routine. It seamlessly fits into your lifestyle, providing instant neck relief whenever and wherever you need it Safe & Premium Materials: Manufactured with high-quality, skin-friendly materials to ensure a safe and comfortable experience without irritation. SKG backs this device with dedicated customer service, making it a thoughtful tech-health gift for family and friends App & Bluetooth Music Control: Connect via Bluetooth to control your massage settings through the dedicated app and enjoy your favorite music during your massage session for a fully customizable and immersive relaxation experience Red Light Warmth Technology: Features advanced red light warmth technology that penetrates deep into neck muscles to enhance blood circulation and provide soothing comfort while relieving muscle tension and stiffness Design With all that out of the way, here are my own findings. SKG does not say what materials are used to make the neck massager. However, on the product website, it mentions "soft-touch silicone" with what looks like PU leather cushioning, with the rest being mostly made up of plastics. On the inside of the massager, there are two "biomimetic kneading heads" that are motorized for the different styles of massage, which are not actually listed at all in the paper user manual, but the standard included modes are: De-stress mode, Mediation mode, Relax mode, Shiatsu mode. The massager looks quite premium and is actually very comfortable to wear. This massager is small and light enough to go anywhere, as it doesn't get in the way of anything, so I was able to use it in the chair while writing this review. Unlike the back massager, SKG does not warn in the user guide not to use it for more than 30 minutes a day (or two 15-minute sessions). However, there is a long laundry list of important safeguards to consider before and during the use of the device, and it is warned that the neck massager is not waterproof. It also includes a 1,400mAh battery with a rated power of 14W and input of 5V, which is the standard for up to USB 3.0 power (although the Amperage is not mentioned at all). SKG does not say how long it takes to charge, but a quick calculation at 2A (if that is what it is) would mean it would take roughly 1.5 hrs to charge from empty. In any case, the light around the button changes from orange to green on a full charge. In addition, it is not possible to use the device while it is charging. On the right of the neck massager is the On/Off and modes button, which also acts as a joystick. You can operate all the modes directly from the power button, as well as the app, which I'll get into a bit later: Push up: Short press to adjust Heat levels On/Off button: long press Mode Switching: Short press (while in operation) ➕ Push left: increase Music volume ➖ push right: decrease Music volume Push down: Short-press to turn Music on or off The massager defaults to De-stress mode, and it is not stated anywhere if the neck massager has overheat protection. This time around, regarding heat, the only detail I could find is that it has "triple action soothing heat." The temperature stages are not listed anywhere in the paper manual, Amazon listing, or official website. The heat levels can be adjusted through the app or directly on the device using the joystick button. Usage There's also the SKG Health app, which makes using the massager far easier than feeling around for the button on the side of your neck. If the app is stopped, you are required to log in with a verification code over email, which I am not too pleased with, as this means it will only work that way for however long SKG decides to support it through said app. However, I was not able to get the app to connect to the OS500, which I have reported back to my contact. Bluetooth appeared to be working on the neck massager as it became available to pair with my phone, but the SKG app failed to discover it. Before I forget, there's also a switch next to the USB charging port to deactivate and activate the Voice Prompt, which, when enabled, audibly tells the user when switching intensities, modes, or connecting to the app and informs when the massages start and are completed. That said, on to my likes and dislikes, which are listed below. What I didn't like Unable to connect the Neck Massager to the app Use through the mobile app relies on continued support from SKG What I liked Can be used without the app Cordless use Light and comfortable to wear Heat is also quite comfortable Where to buy: According to the official website, this has an MSRP of $249.99, but is currently $50 (on Amazon). To sweeten the deal a bit more, there's also an in-page coupon that knocks a further $20 off the price. SKG PS700-2 Neck Massager for $179.99 on Amazon (was $199.99) Apply the in-page $20 off coupon for the final price of $179.99 Just like the back massager, this gets a confused thumbs up (due to the cost). However, I cannot rate it through app usage as it failed to connect. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • This Samsung T7 external SSD deal lasts less than a day

      By hellowalkman · Posted

      This Samsung T7 external SSD deal lasts less than a day by Sayan Sen Recently we had covered some nice deals of internal NVMe SSDs which include the 4TB TeamGroup G50 for only $400, the WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB for just $243, as well as the Samsung 990 PRO 1TB for $370. If however you require an external SSD for portability and quick data transfers and have a budget of less than $200 the Samsung T7 1TB model is currently on a limited time deal at just $190, it's lowest price in nearly three months. The deal ends today so you better hurry if you need one (purchase link below). The T7 weighs in at just 72 grams meaning it should be fairly easy to carry around helping in the portability department. Via its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface the T7 promises sequential read speeds of up to 1050 MB/s and writes of 1000 MB/s. It is also fairly robust with a drop protection of up to 2 meters, though bear in mind that this is not waterproof. For that you will have to choose the rugged T7 Shield. The technical specifications of the Samsung T7 1TB are given in the table below: Specification Value Model Code (1TB) MU-PC1T0T / MU-PC1T0H Interface USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Dimensions (W × H × D) 85 × 57 × 8 mm Weight 72 g Sequential Read Speed Up to 1,050 MB/s Sequential Write Speed Up to 1,000 MB/s Drop Resistance Up to 2 m (6.6 ft) Encryption AES 256-bit hardware encryption Operating Temperature 0°C to 60°C Non-Operating Temperature -40°C to 85°C Humidity 5% to 95% (non-condensing) Shock Resistance 1,500 G, duration 0.5 ms, 3-axis (non-operating) Vibration Resistance 20–2,000 Hz, 20 G (non-operating) Get it at the link below: Samsung T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, MU-PC1T0T/AM, Gray: $189.98 (Sold and Shipped by Amazon US) Good to know This Amazon deal is U.S. specific, and not available in other regions unless specified. We only use first-party seller links (at the time of article publishing); ensure that you purchase from a first-party seller link only. Check out Today's Deals on Amazon | or our recent tech deals. Become a Prime member (for Students or SNAP) via Neowin Get Prime Access - Prime for half price (for qualifying Medicaid, EBT, SNAP) Subscribe to Prime Video, Audible Plus, Music Unlimited or Kindle Unlimited via Neowin As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H2 to finally get one of the most requested features

      By notta · Posted

      I just wish they would put more love into Virtual Desktops. There is just so much more they could do.
    • Creative Sound Blaster AE-X PCIe review: your headphones will love it

      By Steven P. · Posted

      Sounds like you just skimmed over the review, I answer all those questions in it. Although I admit I did not test if DTS works over the headphones, when I get some time I will test this. My personal use case is more speaker-driven (I cover this in the review too).

  • Recent Achievements

    • Dedicated
      Almohandis earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • Dedicated
      JuvenileDelinquent earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • First Post
      DrWankel earned a badge
      First Post
    • Reacting Well
      DrWankel earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • Week One Done
      Supreme Spray LV earned a badge
      Week One Done

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      505
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      184
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      84
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      78
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      76
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!