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[Bowdon]

I'm having a growing dislike of Microsoft and Windows 10 at the moment. So I'm thinking of testing the waters with an apple mac computer.

I know they are generally more expensive. But is there anyone with any experience that can point me in the direction of a reasonably priced entry level laptop?

The last time I used an apple computer was in the early 90s in school, after they got rid of the bbc computers, and before they brought in the pc's.

Though I know they aren't as configurable as Windows, they are, especially these days, more reliable. I'm finding Microsofts increasing unreliability, lack of os testings and what seems to be constantly introducing new MAJOR bugs with each update they do to windows 10, I'm getting abit sick of it. I'm currently on version 1803. I believe the latest update being rolled out now is 1903. I've never been offered any of the versions since 1803 via windows update. It's my understanding that eventually windows update would automatically download the latest version eventually without clicking update. But its never been offered. But when I read about the new updates I hear shocking stories of peoples files being deleted, and pc's unable to boot after an update. This is not good enough.

Is there any place I can buy an apple mac, or is it purely tied down to the apple website/store?

[gt94sss2]

Though I know they aren't as configurable as Windows, they are, especially these days, more reliable. I'm finding Microsofts increasing unreliability, lack of os testings and what seems to be constantly introducing new MAJOR bugs with each update they do to windows 10, I'm getting abit sick of it. I'm currently on version 1803. I believe the latest update being rolled out now is 1903. I've never been offered any of the versions since 1803 via windows update. It's my understanding that eventually windows update would automatically download the latest version eventually without clicking update. But its never been offered. But when I read about the new updates I hear shocking stories of peoples files being deleted, and pc's unable to boot after an update. This is not good enough.

There have been two major Windows updates since 1803: 1809 and 1903.

1809 was problematic and MS stopped offering it to people.Stories of deleted files will have come from this upgrade.

1903 is much more stable - with MS having carried our much more beta testing on this version. However, it is only being offered gradually and you will actively have to go to Windows Update and request the update (if showing).

MS are no longer automatically installing major updates unless a customer requests it or the Win10 version they are using is no longer supported.

1803 will still be supported until November 2019. Its only around this point they will start automatically updating people.

I would check Windows Update to see if its being offered to you..

As for Apple machines.. Apple themselves and John Lewis are often recommended.

[toulouse]

[sevenlayermuddle]

[vic0239]

[vic0239]

[Ronski]

Have you considered Linux, you could use your existing hardware or buy new, would be cheaper than Apple and best of all you'll be able to easily upgrade and repair it, less so if it's a laptop but still more so than if it's Apple's hardware.

[chazzo]

[dee.jay]

Have you considered Linux, you could use your existing hardware or buy new, would be cheaper than Apple and best of all you'll be able to easily upgrade and repair it, less so if it's a laptop but still more so than if it's Apple's hardware.

+1. You should really look at Linux (which is free) before parting with a LOT of hard earned to buy a Mac.

There are distributions to suit all levels of learning, but you can't go wrong with something like Mint/Ubuntu etc if you are a complete "n00b" to Linux.

Seeing as you already have a PC, it would be free to try it out, just get a USB Live Drive installation! At least try that first, costs nothing to find out and you can do it now!

[Chunkers]

If you prefer the Apple ecosystem and iOS then the MacBook Pro is a nice machine and its a reason to buy one.  On the other hand Apples laptops are not good value nor are they particularly distinctive technically from any other laptops or better made.  My sons MacBook Pro was very expensive, has already had one warranty repair, has a horrible keyboard and is technically inferior to similarly priced windows laptops, he likes it though 

The problem with Apple laptops is that the "premium" feel, build quality and specs which once set them apart from others and justified the higher prices has now been surpassed by other manufacturers and there are so many really well made high quality laptops for less money.  If you hate windows then i would agree with dee.jay, try linux their are so many great flavours and many work brilliantly on a laptop.

I have a 2 year old HP Spectre 360 which is very attractive, thin and well-made - at work we use Dell XPS machines, they are not quite as sexy but very robust and good performers, Sony also make some really nice laptops.  All much cheaper than the equivalent Apple devices.

[Alex Atkin UK]

Same as everyone else, I'd say check out Linux first.

You also have to be very wary if you go Mac as not all are created equal.  Contrary to their past reputation, their laptops especially some models are REALLY prone to faults.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkVbIsAWN2lt0BofwC-Tzge89fxTC-ZfU

[dee.jay]

Ah! I'm glad someone posted a link to him - I was about to.