iMac vs HP for school security

[mrmacosx]

Hi,

My parents will soon be owning a new school and they have already chosen an HP Pavilion s3388hk and a new security system (software works on Windows only). I have recommended an iMac (base) with the Educational discount and BootCamp. But they are reluctant because they need to keep the computer on overnight and because they need to buy a new copy of Windows XP ( I used their other copy on my MBP). Will the iMac overheat, explode (haha) etc.? Thanks

mrmacosx

P.S. Yes, the s3388hk is the HK version as I live in Hong Kong. Check out the specs, for the same price I get 2GB RAM, 250GB more HDD space, a Blu-Ray and HD-DVD drive, and a (better) GFX card (nVidia 8400GS with 1048MB VRAM). They think it's 'ng dai' (not worth it) Hmm...

 

[AC773]

If it were up to me, I'd go with the HP, no question. I'm sure the iMac is plenty reliable and all, but for 24-hour operation you want the tower.

Sure, there are "thin" iMac-like severs out there (think blades), but they have some pretty serious cooling.

 

[Leon Kowalski]

... they have already chosen an HP ..... I have recommended an iMac ...

Very risky business to talk someone out of their considered opinion.
If you succeed, and there's ANY problem with the iMac, you're going
to look (and feel) like an idiot.

LK

 

[new-Mac-owner]

I would say hp but they prob have buy a new one in 2-3 years,And what is the software for network or video or both.

 

[mrmacosx]

RE: iMac vs HP for school security

Very risky business to talk someone out of their considered opinion.
If you succeed, and there's ANY problem with the iMac, you're going
to look (and feel) like an idiot.

LK

Left out that they actually they haven't chosen, but seriously considering it...

 

[mslide]

Think of the consequences for you if they go with a Mac. You're on the hook for all technical support since you were the one who talked them out of their original decision. My understanding was that you're basically on your own if you use bootcamp (I mean support for running Windows and such, not if the hardware actually breaks). No question about it, I'd have them go with a brand name Windows PC since they will only be running that OS anyway. That way, they get support from HP for everything.

I only suggest Macs to people that I know will either benefit from actually running OSX or want a stylish computer. If all they want to do is run Windows, or if it's used in an application where no one cares what it looks like, I have them stick with PCs since they are cheaper.