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In laptops, Mac vs. PC difference is less clear-cut now

By BILL HUSTED

Cox News Service

December 16, 2007

Q:  I am in the market for a new laptop for mostly home use (with occasional travel). I have always used Dell desktops at work that run Windows XP. I have no experience with Apple products other than my iPod. I know from limited research that I can in fact run Microsoft's Excel on a Mac, but I wonder how difficult that is.

—  Scott Stafford

A:  The two systems used to be miles apart in how they worked and how you used them. But now there is no transition time required to run Excel or other common programs on a Mac. Using them is basically the same.

Apple makes fine laptops. Apple also rates very high in the surveys I've seen as far as tech support and product support. There's also this benefit: Most virus writers target Windows machines. While an Apple isn't immune to viruses, it's much less likely to get one. Also, Apples are trendier and more stylish — you're more likely to get admiring comments in the airport security line if you slide an Apple machine on the conveyor belt.

On the plus side for sticking with a Dell, you get more power for the dollar in the Windows world (some Mac enthusiasts would argue with that, but heck, they'd argue with almost anything).

Q: Where can one find basic, but thorough, introductions to computer usage? I know any number of intelligent and educated seniors who have been unnecessarily stumped by the way computering is introduced.

A:  I know of a great way for seniors to learn. It's called SeniorNet (www.seniornet.org).

There are several chapters in the Atlanta area and around the country. The Web site will help readers find one that is nearby.

Please send your questions to Bill Husted at bhusted@ajc.com. While he reads every e-mail, not all are answered. E-mails are selected for publication based on the likelihood that the answers will be of general interest.