I know this topic inspires flame wars, but I really just want some advice without flames, if at all possible. I'm starting college in the fall, and I need to get a laptop. It would really be more for general use (YouTube, the odd Facebook game, 30 tabs open at once), than for gaming or editing. I've done a bit of research on the topic, and people seem to think that PCs are more appropriate for gaming and that Macs are more appropriate for editing, but I don't really know what the consensus is on general use.
I'm looking at the 13" Macbook Pro for $999. This seems expensive in comparison to the $300-500 PCs I'm looking at, but those tend to need replacing in 2-3 years. Macs supposedly last longer and are less susceptible to viruses. Is this true? Do Macs really last 4+ years, and are they worth it for a college student? I've already said that the computer would be for general use, so what's most important to me is that I would not need to replace the computer until after I've graduated college at the earliest.
Oh, and if you think that PCs can do the same thing as Macs for less, would you mind pointing out a specific computer? People tend to give grand blanket statements about PCs with superior specs for the same price, or much much cheaper PCs that can do the same thing, but no actual examples.
Edit: I forgot to add that I was always pretty happy with PCs until, of course, the inevitable failure. Vista and 7 were fine, but I am convinced that Windows 8 is the devil's spawn because it is just so impractical for a regular laptop without a touchscreen.
Edit: I am really forgetful. For those who think that I should get a Mac, is their AppleCare Protection Plan worth it?
I'm looking at the 13" Macbook Pro for $999. This seems expensive in comparison to the $300-500 PCs I'm looking at, but those tend to need replacing in 2-3 years. Macs supposedly last longer and are less susceptible to viruses. Is this true? Do Macs really last 4+ years, and are they worth it for a college student? I've already said that the computer would be for general use, so what's most important to me is that I would not need to replace the computer until after I've graduated college at the earliest.
Oh, and if you think that PCs can do the same thing as Macs for less, would you mind pointing out a specific computer? People tend to give grand blanket statements about PCs with superior specs for the same price, or much much cheaper PCs that can do the same thing, but no actual examples.
Edit: I forgot to add that I was always pretty happy with PCs until, of course, the inevitable failure. Vista and 7 were fine, but I am convinced that Windows 8 is the devil's spawn because it is just so impractical for a regular laptop without a touchscreen.
Edit: I am really forgetful. For those who think that I should get a Mac, is their AppleCare Protection Plan worth it?