Ask HN: MAC vs PC for a developer?

Post by joshsharp » Sun, Apr 05, 2009, 2:25 PM UTC

umjames wrote: post #42

joshsharp wrote: post #11

I have a Mac and a PC and I feel more productive on a PC. I think the main reason for this is that I'm a "maximised windows" kinda guy and switching between windows and tasks feels much more smooth and simple for me in Windows. It may sound like a small thing but because the OS X dock deals with apps, not windows, it can be a pain switching between open windows (yes I'm aware of shortcut keys etc). Also the tendency…

I think the advantage of having non-maximized windows is that dragging and dropping data from one app (or even one window) to another is a lot easier and more intuitive without going through the Windows task bar. It's also easier to do something like read directions on a webpage while you execute those directions in another window without hiding it when accidentally clicking in the browser.

Post by jrockway » Sun, Apr 05, 2009, 2:32 PM UTC

Tichy wrote: post #46

GeneralMaximus wrote: post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I second that. Sure, you could get productive on Windows and Linux, but they're definitely not low maintainence. Plus, you could always install Windows using BootCamp or VMWare Fusion. I wrote a blog entry on this. although it's from a hobbyists's perspective: http://blog.uncool.in/2009/03/10/thoughts-on-using-a-mac-as-...

Ubuntu is as low maintenance as it gets imo.

Post by [deleted] » Sun, Apr 05, 2009, 3:02 PM UTC

jrockway wrote: post #25

ewjordan wrote: post #21

Laptop or desktop? If it's a desktop, I won't comment, that's entirely up to you (maybe others have advice) - I haven't used a desktop regularly in at least a year. If it's a laptop, though, unless you work in a totally Windows-centric environment, a MacBook Pro is the only choice (even in a Windows shop, I'd consider it since you can dual boot and the hardware itself is really nice). Get one N-O-W. Seriously - these…

a MacBook Pro is the only choice Why do you say that? Thinkpads are built much better, and IMHO are better-looking. You should only get a MacBook Pro if you want to run OS X. If you are going to run Windows or a UNIX, you definitely want a Thinkpad. (Only disadvantage is that Thinkpads are a real pain in the ass to buy. "Ships in more than 4 weeks." Fuck.)

Post by Hexstream » Sun, Apr 05, 2009, 3:35 PM UTC

amastilovic wrote: post #52

As someone who is doing programming nearly 90% of my working hours, and someone who used all three major systems (OS X, Vista, Linux), I would suggest you go with a computer that is giving you highest raw metal power for the buck. If you are really working and not playing around with desktop cpu monitor gadgets or trying out hundreds of time organizing schemes instead of doing some actual work, you will come to the c…

Post by kwamenum86 » Sun, Apr 05, 2009, 3:53 PM UTC

nx wrote: post #55

kwamenum86 wrote: post #30

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Most people mean "Windows machine" when they say "PC" though. Since the way people use a word define the meaning of the word more than even a dictionary definition, PC does in fact mean Windows machine.

I'd argue that "PC" has two meanings then. I'm going for "non-Mac PC", since that's what the title implies by separating Macs from the rest of PCs, and because I don't feel sensitive to exclude a huge set of possibilities.