Opinions referenced in the below Blog are that of the individual author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Hennessy Construction Services.
I have many duties with Hennessy, one of which is the IT Manager. Due to that, people have come to think of me as some type of “Techno-Guru” so I get a lot of technology based questions that are not work related. The single most common question is “what kind of computer should I get?” My response to this loaded question is “what do you want to do with it? “.
Most people are looking to replace a personal computer for the usual home uses such as photo editing, e-mail, word processing, balancing the budget and web surfing. Based on my personal experiences over the last year, my answer is always “get a Mac. You’ll be happier.”
At this point, I am generally confronted with the same reaction. A bit of shock, followed quickly by, “but they are so expensive.” Sometimes, I even have ads of $499 PC specials thrust at me with expressions of “but what about this?”
I could just let it go at that point, but I seem to be selling Mac’s nowadays. Please understand that I do not work for Apple nor do I get any kick backs or bonuses for any purchases based on my recommendations. I am just that satisfied with my Mac. So I sell it hard to everyone who asks the question.
I usually counter the sticker shock by asking how much their time is worth. I ask this because most people spend hours cleaning, maintaining or repairing their Windows based machines.
Then I give them the breakdown of just what that great deal on the new PC will get them. So here it is for you to see as well. These are estimates mind you but I think a fair estimate. Based on my experience and research, Macs are virtually maintenance free.
But let’s take a closer look at the price difference based on the 5 year life span of your average Windows based laptop.
New Windows Laptop on “SALE” $499.99
Anti-virus/anti-spyware software $235.95 ($79.99 for the first year and $39.99 per year for the next four years).
Spread sheet and word processor software $ 179.99 for Office family.
Photo editing software add at least $89.99.
PC Tune up software to keep the machine running at optimal performance $149.95 ($29.99/yr for 5 years)
Total price over 5 years is $1,159.87
The least expensive Mac Book is $999.00
Photo editing, video editing, DVD creation and a sound studio are all included.
Also, based on my research and experience, Macs are virtually immune to viruses so no additional software is needed.
iWork, which is a suite of programs similar to Office family retails for only $79.00.
Mac’s do not slow down so you won’t need to purchase any tune up software.
This brings us to a total of $1,078.00 for the Mac Book.
Obviously, the prices over the five year lifetime are pretty similar. This brings us back to the most important question. How much is your time worth? You will spend a lot of time maintaining your PC and virtually none on the MAC.
In my opinion, get a Mac. You’ll be happier.
Posted by: John Poloney
John has been with Hennessy for over ten years. He started as a Carpenter’s Apprentice and has worked his way up to his current position as Project Engineer. But his duties don’t stop there. He’s our in-house IT manger, Permitting Guru and jack-of-all trades.
For more information on Hennessy Construction, please visit our website www.hcsfl.com.
I have many duties with Hennessy, one of which is the IT Manager. Due to that, people have come to think of me as some type of “Techno-Guru” so I get a lot of technology based questions that are not work related. The single most common question is “what kind of computer should I get?” My response to this loaded question is “what do you want to do with it? “.
Most people are looking to replace a personal computer for the usual home uses such as photo editing, e-mail, word processing, balancing the budget and web surfing. Based on my personal experiences over the last year, my answer is always “get a Mac. You’ll be happier.”
At this point, I am generally confronted with the same reaction. A bit of shock, followed quickly by, “but they are so expensive.” Sometimes, I even have ads of $499 PC specials thrust at me with expressions of “but what about this?”
I could just let it go at that point, but I seem to be selling Mac’s nowadays. Please understand that I do not work for Apple nor do I get any kick backs or bonuses for any purchases based on my recommendations. I am just that satisfied with my Mac. So I sell it hard to everyone who asks the question.
I usually counter the sticker shock by asking how much their time is worth. I ask this because most people spend hours cleaning, maintaining or repairing their Windows based machines.
Then I give them the breakdown of just what that great deal on the new PC will get them. So here it is for you to see as well. These are estimates mind you but I think a fair estimate. Based on my experience and research, Macs are virtually maintenance free.
But let’s take a closer look at the price difference based on the 5 year life span of your average Windows based laptop.
New Windows Laptop on “SALE” $499.99
Anti-virus/anti-spyware software $235.95 ($79.99 for the first year and $39.99 per year for the next four years).
Spread sheet and word processor software $ 179.99 for Office family.
Photo editing software add at least $89.99.
PC Tune up software to keep the machine running at optimal performance $149.95 ($29.99/yr for 5 years)
Total price over 5 years is $1,159.87
The least expensive Mac Book is $999.00
Photo editing, video editing, DVD creation and a sound studio are all included.
Also, based on my research and experience, Macs are virtually immune to viruses so no additional software is needed.
iWork, which is a suite of programs similar to Office family retails for only $79.00.
Mac’s do not slow down so you won’t need to purchase any tune up software.
This brings us to a total of $1,078.00 for the Mac Book.
Obviously, the prices over the five year lifetime are pretty similar. This brings us back to the most important question. How much is your time worth? You will spend a lot of time maintaining your PC and virtually none on the MAC.
In my opinion, get a Mac. You’ll be happier.
Posted by: John Poloney
John has been with Hennessy for over ten years. He started as a Carpenter’s Apprentice and has worked his way up to his current position as Project Engineer. But his duties don’t stop there. He’s our in-house IT manger, Permitting Guru and jack-of-all trades.
For more information on Hennessy Construction, please visit our website www.hcsfl.com.
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