Originally posted by AggieDad I use a Mac mostly because the hardware is superior to PC hardware which is basically a commodity. It seemed as though PC laptops (no matter the make) lasted about 2 to 2-1/2 years. I saw my son-in-law with a 5 year old Macbook, and said, "Why not me?" So far, so good. The one problem I had with my hard drive was fixed at the Apple store in 1/2 hour and no charge. Either operating system (OS-X or Windows) is nice once you adjust to it.
If you are looking for photo software, take a look at some of the specialty programs from MacPhun. I find them very nice. I also use Lighroom and Pixelmator.
Apple uses the same hardware that other manufacturers use. My Dell is now 7 years old, still in a reasonably good condition. Some cracks in the area around the touchpad, but that comes from excessive drumming on those areas, and it has no effect on the machine. Even the rubber feet held on until recently. The performance is also fine, it is certainly usable (running Windows 10). It cost me 1/2 as much as even an entry level Mac would have cost me, and that would have been a lesser device with way worse warranty. I had 4 years next business day local service... (not sure what it's called in English... basically on the next day they send a technician to your house or wherever you are, almost anywhere in the world). And yes, it works. And they come for things that aren't even problems yet. Screen flickers once in a while? Sure, no problem, where are you tomorrow? And is there anything else that should be fixed? Ah, the keyboard doesn't look like new anymore, sure thing, it will be replaced. They will even send you the parts that you need to fix it, if it is an easy fix and you prefer it that way. From experience Apple won't even fix things that are actually defect... DVD drive isn't working? That'll be $200. What do you mean, there's still warranty? Nah, that issue isn't covered. Or something like that, can't remember exactly anymore.
If you want a long lasting laptop, don't buy consumer crap. Go for business laptops. They come with WAY better service and are built to last. If you buy a good Lenovo ThinkPad that thing should last you centuries. If you buy a cheap Acer laptop, well, 2 years if you're lucky. Heck, even if you buy an expensive consumer laptop you can get screwed in many, many ways.