Mac Virtual PC - is it as good as a PC?

[Londoner]

Hi,

I'm considering buying a new laptop in the next month or two and Apple Macs come up on a lot of the laptop reviews as very popular, and very reliable.

Someone suggested to me that if I got a Mac, I could still use all my PC software etc on it because ot the 'virtual PC' (or whatever it's called) that runs on the Mac OS.

Whatever the terminology - does a Mac Laptop represent a good alternative to getting a Dell or a Vaio? Of should I stick with Pc laptops?

Thanks.

[freakitchen]

This is by no means an easy decision, and it's difficult to be truly objective. The biggest factor, for me, in this choice is software. If you want to spend the extra on a Mac - they are more expensive than Windows laptops on a like-for-like basis - then you have to WANT to use OS X. It is a GOOD operating system, if you want to learn how to use it, but if you're buying a laptop with the primary consideration of running Windows software, then I reckon you're looking in the wrong place. Yes, you can run Windows on a Mac, either through 'bootcamp' (though this involves a reboot to switch operating systems) or a virtual PC environment, but you'll want at least 2GB of RAM so as to allocate enough to Windows without leaving OS X short. You'll also need a separate Windows licence.

Another advantage of the Macbooks is portability, with the 13.3" high resolution screen. But the Dell XPS line offers the same, and for quite a bit less than the 'basic' Macbook. If you want to use Windows software, rather than finding Mac equivalents, that's where I'd be looking. Sony Vaios have always been overpriced, in my opinion, without offering anything more than a Dell other than sleek looks, and difficult support.