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So my computer has decided to freak out (AGAIN) and I'm thinking of moving onto a Mac or a Microsoft Surface.

Does anyone have any experience to buying one and getting the best deal?

It depends on what you are using it for. With macs, they are good for coding, writing papers, putting presentations together, and running relatively simple programs, such as Microsoft applications, browsers, etc. macs also have much better virus protection, and it is much easier to download programs. However, they also can not download many applications, because they cannot run pic apps, they have very bad vents, which can lead to over heating, and it is very hard to get new parts, not to mention the cost of them.

Pcs on the other hand are very fast, beafy computers that can crunch data very fast and efficiently. They are easily customizable, so you can configure the hardware exactly how you want it. They can download almost any app, except for Mac/Linux only apps, and can run large, memory taxing/intensive apps with little to no lag. They are also much cheaper than macs over all, because you can order parts individually. The downside is they have bad virus protection, and it can be difficult to download some programs. Pcs,imo, at also much less glamorous, and I hate the look of thier desktops.

If I had to recommend one, I would recommend the Mac overall, unless you have a budget. Try to get a used Mac, or get a pc and make sure to get good virus protection.

Well I'm a graphic designer/ web designer, so I've been using a PC, but I've found that with the updates that Windows does, that it can be hard for a computer company (laptop manufacturers) to properly run the new operating system flawlessly. It's been like that (through multiple laptops) over the years.

That's why I was thinking a Mac (operating system made for the device) or a Microsoft Surface (windows made for a windows). Biggest hurtle is bang for buck. Surface would be cool to take around and be super portable, but the price tag for both is often steep, especially for someone like me who is running the adobe suite and some other coding softwares for websites.

So I'm really hoping to find somewhere where I can get a deal.

You've been using pc and you are thinking about switching.
You're using Windows 10. Stick to 7.
You're using a laptop for graphics. Buy a desktop.

I've owned Macs and pcs. Apple and android.

Currently use a home built desktop and android galaxy note 3.

If you really need a laptop for travel buy a cheap one from Costco or a pawn shop but keep your clients safe on a tower. I don't personally feel cloud storage is reliable for large projects (30+gb) or travel.

so did you upgrade to windows 10? is that where the problem really lies?

yeah windows 10 is just like every other windows update where they say it's the best but then it doesn't work on everything. that's the beauty of mac is that it is unified, but also a huge constraint. mac has the convenience of being streamlined and adapted but that often became an inconvenience in practice the exact same way windows updates often have in the past.

what i've found is old words.. "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." time is the only way systems unify and get on the same page when you have so many developers involved. ignore the windows update thing and reformat back to windows 7 if you can lol. that's kind of why using an older laptop from say a pawn shop for $100 could be a great buy since it already has windows 7 on it and could be a great computer which can get kicked around and who cares? it was 100 bucks..

I have windows 10, I love it, but since the computer isn't a Microsoft computer, updates can work for some manufactures and others don't.

Windows 10 is fast, efficient, and you can do all the same stuff plus more some.

I've just been having problems lately (had way more problems with and I would like to go around it. It's like I told Gabe, I used to love being able to customize stuff on it, upgrade it, I felt like it had more freedom. NOW however, I don't really care about it. I want to do what I need it to do and have it streamlined. I used to have a lot of spare time to mess around with it, now all I care is that when I'm away from work, I can still do my freelance work at home. Thus, I don't need all the extras anymore.

I see the Mac 'apple' light at the end of this tunnel...