Mac or not to Mac !?
I’m currently starting up my own commercial and residential real estate investing company and trying to decide to go with Mac or not. Anyone have any insight or recommendations or what type of computer software works better for the real estate investing world or if it even matters.
@Jonathan Trimboli
I don't think it matters too much. All of the software I use is cloud based, with exception of some video editing stuff I plan to pick up (for which there are good options on both PC and Mac).
I have a MacBook Pro. Costco has the current gen model on sale right now for $1400, pretty good deal. I think I bummed a student discount off a friend to get mine last summer. It's got better build quality, and the UI is a lot cleaner- I think the operating system is a lot less bloated than windows 10 and allows the computer to perform better than it's peers with similar processors & memory.
It's overkill though. A $500 laptop with and i5, 8gb of RAM, and a solid state drive can make you a millionaire too, lol.
For laptops, I prefer Macs. Their build quality is considerably better than other manufacturers. I do prefer the 2015 Macbooks to the more recent models though, due to the magsafe power connector, better keyboard, display ports and older style USB ports. If you really need to run windows, you have the option of running Windows 10 on any relatively modern Macbook using software called Parallels, which is an amazing program. I seamlessly switch between my Mac and Windows desktops all the time, and really consider it the best of both worlds.
@Jonathan Trimboli
I switched to a Mac about 10 years ago. Before I switched I thought that there was no way I would ever consider a Mac and that they weren’t real computers. I love the hardware though so I gave it a shot. At this point I would never consider anything different. If you ever really need to run windows you can still do it on your Mac.
Go Mac.
@Brad Davis yeah i went with a MacBook Pro with the i9
@Jonathan Trimboli. MacBook all the way. I purchase a pro back in 2011 and it’s still running solid with only updates to SSD and max to 16GB memory. I run virtual desktop with Windows OS but nowadays rarely is it since most apps are cloud based google business suite or others.
Honestly I might not ever need another machine.
@Jonathan Trimboli Apple makes a great product for its intended use. It is meant to always power on and just simply work for the average user. Simple email, browsing, surfing etc. However, if you are an everyday Windows/PC user, you will find yourself googling how to do certain things but it’s not hard to learn at all. Mac Books are able to handle most modern applications just fine like PC’s since they make up a decent amount of the market share, companies make sure they are supported. They aren’t geared for any type of real heavy processing like CAD or video editing but it will suit you just fine. One note to add, make sure you buy the computer with intent to make it future-proof because you can’t add hardware if needed because everything is soldered. In contrast, most PC’s are capable of opening up the hood and adding more hardware resources if needed for more resource-intensive purposes. I think you will be happy with a Mac in this use case. Best of luck!
@Jonathan Trimboli Great choice for you! It would start to become expensive if you are talking about staffing an office with Apple devices but they are great for everyday use.
@John K. I'm at the point where I feel this way about Android and as a result was thinking of migrating to iOS, Mac combo. My issue is my workflow is so ingrained in me I'm worried it'll be counterproductive to switch.
If you can wait for the new version of the MacBook Pro. I’ve used MacBooks for years and was and still am a huge Windows operating system fan but the simplicity and seamless ness of the Mac operating system is second to none. My only gripe is the keyboard with the current generation model. It’s been widely reported and covered as the worst keyboard on any MacBook. A lot of people have had issues with keys sticking in place (myself included).
Spend the money on them I wholeheartedly believe it’s worth the price. I got seven years out of my old MacBook and didn’t need to upgrade, it was just a want and my computer was still running at A- quality. When I was using a windows pc (Dell, HP, 1 custom built) I was buying a new computer once every year or so or reformatting hard drives because of some malware. I’ve never once had an issue with my MacBook. Of course there are some instances where you still need access to a windows operating system. Zero issue there, you can install a copy of Windows operating system on your Mac hardware with a little bit of time.
Customer service is A1!
@Jonathan Trimboli
Mac all day!!
@John K. I am going to double down on your comments here.
I have a very basic MacBook Pro that is still running strong after 10 years! I replaced the battery twice, but I also use it everyday and like John, I’ve had ZERO issues.
It has traveled the world with me and has the scars to show it. It is my battle axe that deserves a Vikings funeral when it finally dies.
My recommendation is go with the most basic Mac you can. I’m not a fan of the new gadgets they have like that Touch Bar... just keep it simple and forget about virus updates interrupting your day.
@Chris Mason interesting
@Jonathan Trimboli.. really, for what you want to do, it doesnt matter all that much. The main benefit to Mac is that you don't have to worry about viruses and those sorts of things as much. However, if you're asking which is best long term, 100% it has to be PC. I'll give you three major reasons:
1) Price. Mac is expensive by nature. Why pay extra for a brand name when the alternative is just as good and less expensive.
2) Compatibility. When you own a Mac, you have to make sure everything is compatible. The PC market is so huge, every company that isn't Apple makes a PC port for their product!
3) Upgrades. No matter what devide you buy, eventually you will need to update it. With a PC, specifically a desktop tower, you can always upgrade any outdated piece for minimal costs. With Macs, you either have to pay them to upgrade it or buy a new one. Yes, you can do it yourself, but if you're not careful you will trigger the tampering systems and your computer will **** down completely.
Hope that helps. Good luck!
Mac all the way! That is all that I use and I bought everyone else in the office one too. They are great easy to use computers. If you haven't used one before it might take you a week to get used to it but once you do you will never go back. If you have an iPhone or another apple product they work together so well. Get a Mac!
As for the software side, most software products are online now so it does not matter what type of computer you use
@Jonathan Trimboli
Almost every Windows program or application is available to Macs so as far as people being “more familiar” with Windows programs is no longer applicable. Macs perform better, last longer and basically update on their own.
Up until about 10 years ago, I never used Mac until I got sick of my desktop and then fed up with my laptop and then my wife’s laptop. I decided to spend the money and I’ve owned one computer for the last 10 years. Never had an issue.
@Jonathan Trimboli I’d say it has almost 0% effect on a real estate investing business what type of computer you use. Lots of successful investors that I know barely know how to turn theirs on.
@Jonathan Trimboli
Personally I went with the Mac air to mitigate having to deal with viruses! I save everything in the cloud to prevent losing anything. Hope this helps!
Definitely MAC! Once you go Mac, you will never go back :D
@Josh C.
I am still using my Windows 7 laptop from 2010. I think many people need to justify wasting hundreds or even thousands of dollars more for a computer when they buy a Mac so they attempt to tear down windows or android based systems.
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#2 Multi-Family and Apartment Investing Contributor
- Rental Property Investor
- St. Paul, MN
It makes no difference today. Everything is very compatible today. 10-15 years ago there was a bit of a hurdle with some programs/software, but now I find that there isn't much of a difference.
Ended up getting a 15 in MacBook Pro with the i7 Processor and love it!