Before I start rambling I'd like to say that I've been proud user of only PC's and owner of two Dells. For years now I've been supporting PC all the way, but ever since I got an old MacBook as my work PC I've changed my mind on quite a few things. The model is ancient, but it works flawlessly apart from taking a while to start/shut down so I don't see how Mac is forcing new models on customers (Yes, with the iPhone etc.., but I feel no need whatsoever to upgrade to a better model. My phone is an old Nokia that's more than 10 years old by the way.).
The thing is, this Mac, even though it is so old, is just perfect in terms of heating. I've broken 2 graphic cards on previous Dells I owned due to overheating - even while using a cooler!. So hey, I prefer this old-timer MacBook over my Intel7Core Windows 7 PC, which just ends up getting on my nerves with the constant overheating. I had the fan fixed just recently and nothing has changed. Macs just come over as quieter to me and all I need for programming is a nice quiet environment not some rustling laptop fan.
As for updates, Mac seems much more stable than Windows, as I'm not constantly asked to restart my PC and harassed with windows that pop up out of nowhere.
Finally, to the programming side. Not being able to program on a Mac is a common misconception.
C++ compilers for Mac:
GCC, Clang, Intel-C++ can be downloaded as open source programs. Xcode uses the backend of the LLVM-Compiler (clang is the frontend).
IDE's for Mac:
NetBeans, Eclipse, Qt Creator IDE, Code::Blocks, C++ Builder XE2, KDevelop, Xcode
Where everything except for C++ Builder XE2 and Xcode is FREE open source!
In newer models Xcode and other IDE's come with Mac so there are plenty of programming environments already at hand when you get it.
The same can't be said for PC.
EDIT: Just downloaded Xcode for free on the AppStore. Thought it costs so I stuck with Eclipse before. Sweet...
EDIT2: Currently reading 700 pages of C++ book and the mastermind author (its stated at the beginning in German) - translated: "...is currently worshipping a Mac". The OS doesn't matter and you don't have to use a VM to program on a Mac. A VM is useful for testing out programs on other OSX without having the need to buy a new PC, but the OS itself has no disadvantage over PC when it comes to programming.
The only thing I dislike is the Mac GUI - well I'm not very used to it - but I love how smooth and silent everything is.
It's Mac > PC for me even though I've been using PC for the better part of my life (and still do).




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