Comments on: Desktop design: Apple vs. Sony

Crave takes a look at recent desktop designs from Apple and Sony.

[hoboco]

mac to sony

I have two units one mac and one sony I have found that the sony takes more care, the keyboards do not last as long, the 7200 hard drive is slower and system does crash at times. I do find the display to be better on the sony. Butt all-in-all the mac seems to be a true work horse.

[leoruss]

It really doesn't matter how good or bad apple is:

This outfit completely ignores users' privacy. Actually, the very term "privacy" is not in their vocabulary. Just follow network activity with a simple QuickMovie is installed on your machine, and you'll see what it does. Any piece of apple's software is a spywear, and that's exactly the reason I wouldn't buy a pack of cigarrettes from this outfit no matter how good - which is not the case - it might be. Not to mention that they are twice as expensive as compareable systems.

[ogodefacto]

well said - apple software IS spyware

[hihi2u2]

I forgot to mention Mighty Mouse and Boot Camp

Boot Camp is still a beta software and with the improving betas the Mighty
Mouse does work like it does in the Mac however the expose buttons or the side
buttons doesn't work as Windows XP (being outdate when it was released) does
not have expose or similar functions therefore decreasing the true potential of
the Mighty Mouse, not to mention that you could change your mouse and use it
with Apple, it's not like you can only use Mighty Mouse with Mac so it doesnt
affect the "Desktop design: Apple vs. Sony" so based on the discussion title,
STOP talking about the Mighty Mouse!!!

[seadog75]

Sony design takes a bite out of the Apple

I've compared many laptops, and have owned HP, Compaq, Apple, Sony. I'm on my second Sony (FZ series) and although Apple has a habit of making "chique" eye catchers, I have to judeg based on both form and function. Compared to all I've owned and compared, I'm a Sony fan. My only complaints is that Sony price point is about 20% higher than other laptops in compatible categories and they put too much "try it - buy it" software on their products. But as they say "you get what you pay for". Sony keyboards are ergonomic minded and comfortable. Under the hood, they offer power and reliability (never had even a burped with my Sony's). Special function keys are placed with user in mind, etc. And... they run the software that most everyone is running (sorry Apple, but you still have the music-digiart reputation, but I don't see too many Apple's on a business desktop). This is not to say Apple doesn't make a great product, but Redmon Billy out-marketed Steve J. years ago. Had that been in reveres, well, we'd all be taking a Bite out of the Apple these days! :)

[diana Musto]

Apple wins every time

It's beauty is more than skin deep extending from the very elegant Mac OSX
operating system and all of it's bundled software.

[spicypeanut]

Apple, a dead company that got a lucky break.

Apple is now, and allways have been different. They are the black sheep (well, white) in the computer world, really you either hate them or love them. I;m not going to go into the OS's, but on the computer them selves, they sacrifice ******* for form, i have read that the CPU and GPU have to be clocked down, because the cooling in the computer is so inneffective, they refused to put a grille on that shiny white back to makeit actually work PROPERLY. wile, i admit, their designs are very slim, and very elegant, the ******* is lost, things like their refusal to use a standard VGA plug on their laptops, it's not like they don't have enough room, but form some obscure reason, they demand you buy an 'optional extra'.

I currently own a Sony Vaio Z1, and love it, it's been around the bush (literally) and has had it's fair share of knocks, (high school student, so believe me, it's tough and it still runs, brilliantly, heck, i can ever run vista on it. it too is elegant, with a nice anodised aluminium case, little curve that reveals the USB and power button, it's a very nice looking laptop, and it works, the keys aren't metalic and click when you type on them. it can keep it's self cool, with-out reducing it's power. it simply works the way you would expect a computer (not a fashion statement) to work and *******, to get the most productivity out of it.

don't get me wrong, apple make some sexy machines, (heck i own an ipod) but they need to think more towards function if they really want to get somewhere in the computer market.

[iceman2654]

i vote for sony, from a business look perspective

From a business/professional point of view, Sony's design is top notch. More specifically for the all in one designs, I don't see why the iMac looks better. I personally find the black bezel ugly. I've always been a fan of the floating glass design. Sony did it with their TVs and it looked great.

Now about the overal design styles of each company. Apple appeals to the more graphic design oriented crowd. They're very "chic"...but that's not my style. I like the business/professional look of sony's products.


Personally, I think they're just milking their iPod brand. As a whole they haven't produced as many great products as Sony.

[FitOner]

Mac vs Sony or any other PC. Mac wins by overall.

This article is about design wise of the iMac and the Sony. Well take a look. No question Mac is hand down the winner. Sleeker more compact, modern look. Plus it is made of a durable material for its casing. Unlike the Sony which is plastic. Honestly, I would be afraid the Sony would melt when it overheated with all of the punishment I would have to inflict on it in video editing, web site design, and graphics.
I work on PCs at work and own a Mac which I have had for 4 years and still runs as great as it did when I bought the beauty. These guys at work have had to order new PCs and replace some even 2 years old because they bog down so much trying to open or close programs or running some programs (Macs have more sophisticated processors and HDs), get viruses even with virus protection (Macs don't get viruses), or Windows force quits programs because the PC can't handle the work load (again no problem for Macs).
Now think about it. With PCs there are how many makers of PCs. At least 10 major ones I can think of off the top of my head. And they all use 2 main operating systems. Windows(a joke if you ask me) and Linux (which is pretty decent and more complete compared to the Win-dowts system).
And there is only one other major personal computer company, MAC, with its OWN operating system, much superior than PC operating systems. Sony doesn't have its own, Gatewya doesn't. There is no other one I can think of. Mac is in a category all it self. Which makes it alone much better rather than a onesize fits all OS system that the PC category falls into.
If you are a designer,video editor (novice or expert), web designer use a Mac. They can handle all the use and abuse. If you just a basic consumer get a Mac anyways. They don't get viruses, don't crash, constantly upgraded, has its own operating system that won't putt out on you, much more user friendly. Need I say more.
There may be good PCs out there but you have to pay for it and add all the extras. Macs just come with everything. No need to customize. You can if you want but you don't need to. Plus you get a much sturdier and superior product for you money. Go Mac and never go back.

[TwoPynts]

C'mon, the Mac does look better!

It seems like people are getting side tracked here, we are talking about the
design of the Apple and Sony "all in one" desktops. Not the OSes, not the
usability, not any other products.

To my eye as a designer, the Mac wins hands down. The elegant, clean lines
of the Mac are a joy to view. While the LT19U isn't bad, it is busy and not on
par with the iMac. And between the MacMini and the TP1 there is no contest
-- the Mini wins hands down. The Sony (I'm sorry) is just plain ugly. Not the
worst design I've ever seen, but not something that screams modern
technology (aside from the most modern TP dispenser ever). And to take it to
usability -- my wife has the mini and it is a VERY capable small form desktop,
so much so that I was considering getting one for myself to replace my tower,
though I hear they are being discontinued. A shame.

[vkcollins]

Apple's on Top

Got to give credit where credit is due! Apple is and always will be the the "pretty boy". The commercial is right on target! They are good...no they are great cost, design, capability whats left?If it weren't for that small gap where PC came in on top the world would be macproof...But there was that gap so someone can change that..but not SONY not now...not with that!

[Scorpiocnet]

Nothing really new...

The new Sony is really an evolution design from their HDTelevision Bravia/XBR
'Floating Bezel' design. Whereas the iMac is a newer variation of the last 'thicker'
design that originally was the iMac G5, the last PowerPC model before the Intel
switch. The new iMac keyboard is definitely new and looks like it belongs to the
Museum of Modern Art Design Store collection.

[NinjaKid]

Sony, I don't think so

I am a PC user and a Mac user; I would never ever touch a Sony computer laptop or desktop. I have heard nothing but horror stories with Sony and there so called support. Here is one good example. My friend owns a Sony Desktop system, His hard drive went bad so I he called Sony for service, they sent him a new hard drive that was not formatted. No big deal you might say but Sony as well as other companies today never give restore CD's with there computer systems, they put a software install image on the Hard Drive. All companies I have dealt with will send you CD's for free or for a small fee when something like this happens. In this case he called Sony to get the CD's and was told sorry Sony no longer has a support contract with Microsoft for that series of computer and if he needs the software he will have to goto a computer store and purchase a full version of the software. So you have a computer under warranty and they wont support the OS Not very good of Sony, I told my friend to fight with them to get a new machine which he didn?t do, he went out and spend 250.00 for a copy of the OS which all I can say is Shame on him.
Another bad thing about Sony is how fast they drop all support for items once they no longer sell them, here are good examples. Sony Clie handhelds and Sony Aibo's as soon at these products where dropped every aspect of support was removed from the Sony website, Now how much does it cost Sony to leave the support files such as drivers and service packs on there site? Very little if anything but they removed it all not caring about any consumer who purchased these items days before while they where on sale to the public. This is another big Shame on you for Sony.
Another bad thing about Sony is there attitude for there customers which is ?we are Sony we do what we like and if you don?t like it to bad because we are Sony?, case in point, when the PSP came out there was a problem with the left side button, its design had it partially under the screen causing problems with the use of the button, when people complained Sony responded that we did that as part of the design we know its a problem but get used to it, This person was later fired and the problem was fixed. But still to tell your customers that is just wrong.
Sony has been dropping out of many markets such as the Clie, Aibo, Monitors, Tape Drives, Etc, again as soon as Sony dropped these products support was removed, the current state of Sony scares me as a consumer I have to worry about buying a Sony product and having them drop all support for it such as drivers and updates and patches and with computer hardware these items are needed. How can I purchase a Sony computer when it is possible that in a month from now I won?t be able to download any needed software for it?

[marcco68]

Sony beats Apple.. it just makes sense

Apple's machines are over designed and the functionality often suffers. Sony is a perfect balance of a great machine with great asthetics.

You can all voice your opinions as fact, but I manage over 200+ Apples yet own a VAIO, so I speak from lots of real-life experience.

[frankwick]

Dpends on your goals...

If pure looks with no regarding to function is your goal, then I believe Apple is the wiiner. If your design goals are to incorporate good looks with function and future performance, then Sony wins.

This, of course, is a result of the OS they run. Many Mac people will 'simply' buy a new machine everytime a new OS is released. Many PC people will not do that. They rely on their existing hardware to accomodate an OS upgrade. Thus, expandability with PCs is a major design goal.

[rashidtem]

I totally DO NOT agree with that assumtion

I'm sorry to say but assuming that we, all mac users, just buy another
machine whenever a new OS version release is completely wrong. I've been
working with several macs and have known personally several Mac owners for
years and for good last 5 years we never had to purchase another Mac just
because a new version of OS is out. I bought my Power Mac G4 5 years ago
with only 256RAM and 80 GB Hard drive. Last 5 years I made several
Hardware and OS X upgrades and never had a problem or even felt a reason
to change the machine. I now have 1.25GB RAM and over 1TB Hard drive
which is phenomenal that they made a machine advance enough to handle
this huge of Hard Drive. Just because of my heavy use I felt a need to upgrade
my RAM and HD. Now I'm thinking about purchasing a new iMac, again not
because of any other reason but the beautiful design of it and l like to
upgrade it. BTW it is also a wrong assumption that all mac users are RICH, i'm
not rich at all and I make money using my macs as well. Apple products are
usually expensive but they definitely paid off in a long run. Usually people
become rich because they are smart or have high education and believe me
for that same reasons they are interested in Apple because they wanna use
their time doing some productive work instead of making sure their PC is free
of viruses.

[mattmchugh.com]

The real difference between the Apple and Sony PCs

** PCs (Sony included) are for people who like to tinker with their computers.

** Macs are for people who prefer not to have to tinker with their computers.

That's it. Search your hearts and you know it to be true.

-- mm

[GavinSimmons]

I've had both but my next laptop will be a Sony

I've had Sony VAIO's and I've had powerbooks. Oh, I've had iBooks too. The one thing I can truely say about Apple is that I love OSX, but Sony VAIO's just last longer.

Everytime OSX comes out with a new version I have a difficult time using the previous version. Each new feature, though it seems unimportant when the OS is announced, becomes integral once I upgrade. For example: I recently had to downgrade my powerbook to 10.3 from 10.4 (I can't find the Tiger disc). I had gotten ussed to using the dashboard instead of terminal for things like checking on memory/cpu usage and the days weather. The search function in 10.4 lets you specify which computer, which drive, which network etc. with one click. It's a little harder to that in Panther. I love OSX more every time its upgraded.
Hardware is another story. My Titanium powerbook had no problems other than its need for tender care. The case easily dented. It had to be swaddled whenever I put it in my backpack. But then I upgraded to a alluminum powerbook. It was more high maintenance than a Hollywood actress. It always had a problem. First the harddrive then the logic board. My next one had the same problems. It sucked. I've spent more money on Apple crap in college... more money than I can draw an analogy too. Meanwhile the same old 800mhz SONY VAIO from before I switch to mac works fine. I also have a Fujitsu lifebook that fell down a flight of stairs -yes fell down a flight of stairs, and they both work fine, only crippled by their user-unfriendly OS. If VAIO's could run OSX I'd never buy another Mac laptop again.

[Steve Bryan]

You must be kidding

This is a discussion about the design of cases? How about the fact that the Mac can run OS X and the Sony can't? I have a Mac because I want it and a PC because I have to have one. I have the option of assembling my own PC so Sony doesn't really have a chance for my purchase. I suppose it is nice that Macs are often quite elegant in appearance but that is not why they continue to be relevant in a world overrun by PC's.

As Apple's continuing evolution of processor choice illustrates (Motorola to PowerPC to Intel) the hardware is a commodity while it is the software that distinguishes one choice from the other. Also for those who haven't been paying sufficient attention the Mac hasn't been a choice for the better part of a decade. The choice is between NextStep which usurped the Apple hardware when Steve Jobs returned and legacy Microsoft service pack updates. How can anyone seriously discuss case design as if it really matters? As Steely Dan sings: "You must be joking, son Where did you get those shoes?"

p.s. I had written Donald ***** but the ignorant filtering software decided I had used a profanity. Critics!

[BlueKnight]

This is a design comparison of two systems?

All you've done is tell readers what you like/dislike about the visual aspects of the two systems. Don't tell readers it's an article about desktop design and then discuss only the appearances. There is a lot more to design than the external appearance. How about taking a look "under the hood" and discuss the internal design of each system and how they stack up against the "competitor."

You could have written this article in one paragraph, even one very long sentence.

[philusarevalo]

Apple still is a Design and Performance Computer

I must agree with the autor, despite I always like the Sony style and even I had
said that if Sony support OS X, I would definitely buy a sony, the reality is that
today sony made a risk decision with the new look, they might win over other
PCs Dell, Compaq, gatweay, but when sony meet head to head on mac, they
must give the side to Apple.and that´s it. The good thing speaking merly about
outer design is that Sony is in a good roadmap design. At least they had started
the transition to a more clean design... who will the next?

[rashidtem]

Sony VS. iMac CNET Review has the answer.

iMac
The bottom line: With its super-elegant new design and a strong
configuration, Apple's new iMac competes with the PC desktop market better
than perhaps any previous Mac to date. Unless you're a gamer or an upgrade
enthusiast, we can think of very few reasons not to make an iMac your next
desktop.

Sony
The bad: Can't compete with the iMac as a day-to-day computer; only OK
performance; no Bluetooth; offensive level of adware; clunky mouse and
keyboard.

The bottom line: We don't recommend Sony's new VAIO LT19U as an all-in-
one PC for everyday computing, but if you're shopping for a flexible, self-
contained, HD-capable digital entertainment center, look no further. It has its
flaws, and it's not cheap, but this new VAIO makes up for its shortcomings
with sheer capability.