the old PC vs MAC - still valid?

nc11

nc11

nc11

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I'm responsible for IT in a global management consultency. Towards the end of last year I started to get requests from many consultants to replace their windows-based Dell laptops with MB's. The usual argument regarding ease of use and increased productivity ruled most conversations. Of course, the response from me and my team was consistent - MACs are too expensive, the PC can do anything that the MAC does and the main one from us was that some corp functionality is lost on Mac OS and we do not have the expertise to support it.

Recently though, I have started to have 2nd thoughts... I've actually looked at pricing for a MBP and found it only to be slightly more than the equivalent Dell E6400 (our standard config). Also, the availability of office 2008 for OSX meant that the functionality I thought was missing, may not be so obvious.

So I've decided to invest some time this quarter and go through a proper review! Not that I think my stand would change much, but really to present a clear and informative document that will compare the 2 platform in their "pure" form, so no parallels or the likes.

Can anyone recommend a set of applications that would ensure the MBP is on a par with the equivalent Vista-based Dell? I'm not after games, of course, but software that has productivity as 1st priority.

Also, what do you think about the actual topic, Is this is a valid discussion in a corporate enviroment?

Cheers,

NC.
 
Well, I dont think this mismatch is what a proper review is all about. I also dont think that the HW is the main advantage of the MAC. The MBP looks good and has very good specs, however I beileve that the TCO on the Dell is better.
 
Yep, i think most of them do. that's the purpose of my review - is there more to the MAC than just a pretty face in the corporate world? The answer may just be... no.

All I'm after is a proper and comprehensive review, that's all.
 
Remember you'd have little/no security problems with no need for anti-virus/spyware if you changed to Macs.
 
what about effective management of the machines, i confess here i know nothing about macs, but things like, can they tie in active directory, are there any conflicts with any vpn software that might be used or other required security software policies by the firm, such as choice of security software packages.

support costs and conflicts, is it/will it be easy/cost effective to train/employ staff capable of supporting the mac machines to the same level agreed to with the current laptops. if applicable, is remote access and management feasible, what else, if anything, is required to add/maintain this functionality

and then theres, what if you expand, what software might be added in the lifecycle of these laptops, citrix, more windows specific application sets, bespoke software packages


ok im sure im getting silly and just spouting most of what you already know, but it might fire off some things to search for or answers to be given by the experienced and more knowledgable members of the mac community. id also be interested to see where macs stand at the corporate level as no doubt it is something i will face at some stage over my working life, and certainly one which i will be asked about by a customer
 
A Mac is just a PC. A well built one with a different OS... but a PC none-the-less since they switched to Intel.

First off you most probably will have more security problems. Macs generally don't need antivirus software since there is (for whatever reason) very little malware written for it. The problem comes from those Mac users passing a Windows virus onto Windows users. Just a thing to consider.

Mac Office 2008 still has compatibilty issues with Office on Windows. It also lacks VBA support if anyone uses Excel spreadsheets with that.

You seem to be looking at this from the right idea, judge how Mac OS X and the software you need fits into everything. IMO if everything works then I don't see much reason for shoving Macs into everything. I would say the same to someone trying to put PCs into a purely Mac place - you'll run into problems running 2 separate systems.
 
For you, the Macs will be harder to lock down. Admin tools for Macs are less well known in general. Integration is probably not THAT bad but it is a minor headache especially if you come from a Windows heavy environment.
Your employee's want to look cool more than anything else. A mac wont increase productivity.

... some corp functionality is lost on Mac OS and we do not have the expertise to support it.
Click to expand...
Indeed.

Get one for yourself to put through it's paces. Give it to a few folk to try. If it sucks you get a Unix laptop you can play with to stop you getting bored with Windows.
 
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If you do look at it then look at Centrify for integrating the Mac management in AD.

http://www.centrify.com/

It takes a lot of the pain out of the integration, and allows you to leverage your existing Windows skills into managing the OSX environment.

Lots of people want Apple Laptops because they look really nice and is a cool brand. Presumabably these people are all toting iPhones as well.

http://www.macwindows.com/

may also be a good website to look at for investigation as specialises in integrating Mac into AD.
 
As well as the Mac being more expensive, another thing to consider is you may need to buy liscences for most of the cross platform applications that you currently use (office, adobe etc).

Although in terms of design, Apple are at the top of the pile. But that does not mean theres plenty of nice looking windows Laptops out there too if thats what you want.

Although it probally can be done, it just seems a serrious amount of effot fo somthing thats going to add zero productivity and is more than likely to reduce productivity, it definatly will in the short term.

You should consider things such as training new people on the new operating system, software and hardware. As well as things such as costs of hardware and software.

While your here, look for some nice looking windows laptops, trust me they are out there these days and consider the costs VS well zero benefit in actual productivity. In my opinion it would not be a very efficient use of company resouces, unless there is some kind of Mac specific application that you need, if that is the case then you have no choice.
 
aye if all they want is a "cool" looking laptop, consider compromising with a nice looking windows one if you can find them at reasonable prices, the consultants might whinge and say "no no no its not to look cool" but ignore that, the means for them to be productive is not a fashion accessory, its a tool
 
So after few months or considering this, I've taken the time recently and produced a comprehensive review. It is based on our business (a management consultency) systems and requirments, so may not be suitable for everyone. However, I think it contains the right context and details to assist those who may find themselves dealing with the same issue.

I invite you to read the full review at http://nc-11.blogspot.com/?zx=954d22b162b54241 and let me have your comments.


Thanks,

NC.
 
Yeah, I got that but had the option to 'proceed' which I've done. I'm reading it now.
 
that's standard practice with this service. I've sent them an "unlick" request which should get rid of that message.
 
I think we're missing some key considerations here. What network infrastructure do you have? Is AD implemented and if so what security policies do you have? If you have AD, what costs are associated with the integration of the platforms (Centrify is a good application but not cheap to licence)

Most importantly, what are you business critical apps that need to be run on the machines? What requirements do they have?

What expertise do you have to manage the platform and what training will you have for your end users?

Although there are less threats for Mac the ability to distribute seamless security policies is much harder. How would you go about enforcing laptop encryption or preventing USB flash devices for multiple users?

Look at what you NEED before you look at what you WANT ;)
 
Burnsy2023 said:
I think we're missing some key considerations here. What network infrastructure do you have? Is AD implemented and if so what security policies do you have? If you have AD, what costs are associated with the integration of the platforms (Centrify is a good application but not cheap to licence)

We've got a flat gig network with no vlans, as well as a hot-spot type infrastrucutre for visitors.

Most importantly, what are you business critical apps that need to be run on the machines? What requirements do they have?

As mentioned within the review, our corp. systems are MS-based and there is no critical application that requires a seperate consideration. In addition, the use of the CSG platform mitigates that problem, I believe. It is a good point though, should we go for something more specific and custom-built in the future. If we are to adopt the dual offering model, than we would need to invest resources in making that application suitable for both platform.
What expertise do you have to manage the platform and what training will you have for your end users?

Again a good point that is mentioned within the review. We've got the expertise on the Windows side, and can use some common sense and expirience to deal with MAC issues. However, the expectations from the user community will need to be set lower and if we are expected to provide the same level of service to MACs and work to the same SLAs, than that might mean additional expertise is required. Same goes for user training.

Look at what you NEED before you look at what you WANT ;)
That is exactly the main point of this review. To consolidate the details and considerations required, examine them thoroughly and allow the decision-making process to be done properly. It not so much what I or we want, it is more of whether or not we can justify what "we" want.QUOTE]
Click to expand...
 
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