Mac OS X: MAC or PC--
Re: MAC or PC--
by Kevin Owens - 11/5/04 4:33 PM In reply to: MAC or PC-- by zackmailZack,
Let me just say that I've been an avid Mac user and fan for about 10 years now and I've been loving every minute of it. I really do believe that this is the best time to be a Mac user. With Mac OS X's rock-solid UNIX foundation and the beautiful Aqua interface resting on top, it just don't get any better. I noticed that you questioned whether you would be getting your money's worth by buying a Mac. In my opinion, they are well worth the extra money. From their dependability to their ease of use and user friendliness to the fact that they're virtually virus free as well as the fact that all new Macs come with the new version of the iLife suite. Also if you're afraid that there might not be a Mac version of a particular piece of software, there's always Virtual PC to run most Windows programs on the Mac. I have a number of friends, family and coworkers that have PC's and, come to mention it, I've never heard any of them tell me how they love their Windows machines (I usually just hear about the problems). I feel like if every Windows user also used a Mac along side their PC for even just a week, they'd decide to put their PC in the closet. Of course, I also believe that if the whole world used Macs it would be a much happier place. Just so you don't think I'm being bias, I presently work in the prepress department at a decent sized printing company and I work with both Macs and PCs on a daily basis. Also my first computer was a PC. I've seen it from both sides of the fence and I can honestly say that it's better over here. There's an old saying, "once you've tried a Mac, you never go back" and that's definitely true for me. If you want to read some true stories from people who have successfully made the switch just go to: http://www.apple.com/switch/. If you do decide to make the switch, I can promise you that the only thing you'll reget is that you didn't do it sooner. I hope this little bit of information helps.
Kevin
Re: MAC or PC--
by Splicer - 11/5/04 5:15 PM In reply to: MAC or PC-- by zackmailWell I am not about to say that Mac's are the greatest or that PC's are the best. Both platforms suffer from crashes and freezes. Even though PC's suffer from viruses when Mac's dont really suffer from it, I would still say PC's are better. They are relatively cheaper, more easier to upgrade from a wide variety of things, have more software available and are easy to use. I would not think u could have upgraded as much on a MAC as well as you did on the HP PC.Overall lets not forget, today's world is a PC world.
Re: MAC or PC--
by batman61 - 11/5/04 5:45 PM In reply to: MAC or PC-- by zackmailAs a system administrator on unix and windows 2k servers and an owner of three macintoshes and 2 pcs, Macs are more stable with little security risks like viruses and the like. The unix os kernel on the Macintosh is one most secure systems. See http://www.macworld.com/news/2004/11/02/mi2g/index.php
And if you are into doing audio and video work, then the mac is for you. Most of the major software available for windows is also available for the mac. Microsoft, Macromedia, Intuit (Financial software), etc, have osx apps available. But the real deal with the mac is the software that comes with the os.
I have convinced at least 5 people this year to go to the mac. The best thing you can do is to go test drive one if you have the opportunity. Go to Apple's website and check for the closest Apple Store. Good luck.
Re: MAC or PC--
by tek-ed - 11/5/04 5:50 PM In reply to: MAC or PC-- by zackmailSince both platforms are basically the same as far as speed and servicability, there really is no hardware/software reason to pick either candidate..so the real differentiator is your attitude...
If you're concerned with appearances, and status...and you want to always have the most flash regardless of the ammount of money it will cost, then of course, you will absolutly need a Mac...there is no question that if you're the froo-froo SoHo "Ah-teest" and form is altogether more important then functionality (not saying that the Mac is NOT functional...but I do think that the Mac is far over designed and doens't need to be as robust as it is...there's no reason a 15 year old computer is still in use)
Also, if you like looking down on the un-washed masses and wear glasses without lenses just to look cool, or carry a cigarette that's not lit, or prominently display the brands of your clothing...then again...the Mac is your computer.
But, if you're the grass-roots type and status isn't that important...and you want to get something on the cheap, something that will do the task you need and that's it...then a Window's PC is your ticket. If you want to feel like a Chevy is the car for you and you think that any car with those blasted zenon blue headlights are pissing you off, then the PC is your computer. If you like to tinker...build and customize, then the PC is for you...if you don't like to feel boxed in and forced to comply with some faceless corporate need for conformity, then the PC is for you (Apple recently released a new version of iTunes that prevents users from using the iPod in ways Apple doesn't want them to use it...go figure Apple...someone expands on your idea and you shut them down)
If you have ideas that you believe are yours to have and don't want lawyers telling you how to think (Apple has more lawyers then engineers on their payroll) then the PC is your machine.
If you eshew snobbery and rabid, evangelical fanaticism, then stay far away from the Mac...As you no doubt have read in this list of vile spewing fanatics, the average Mac user is a venomous fanatic who is only surpassed in his vitriolic abhorance of anything Windows by the Linux group (don't get me started on the snobbery of the *nix guru...) And this is the "average" mac...These are people who believe that Guy Kawasaki is a god (notice the lowercase "g") and that Vlad Dracul's impaling of enemies is the only proper way of dealing with non-believers. Mac users are those individuals who cut you off driving their BMW's, talking on the cellphone while drinking a Starbucks Latte and fingering their iPod at 75 MPH. They are the same people who believe that there are two classes of people in the world...Mac users and...everyone else...and while the caste system is not practiced in the United States, the Mac user believes themselves to be better in everyway due to their choice of computing platform.
The Mac user is a contradiction...they love their BMW M5s, but hug trees. They enjoy paying for fine Italian shoes, but go to REI outfitters to purchase $200 Teva sandals.
The average Mac user is compensating for the lack of substantiality in their lives. Their shallow, worthless living is suplanted by the need to look down at the world...as such, they use a Mac. They can spit their venom and denegrate the masses and still feel good about themselves just because they made a computing platform decision...
A telling example of the Mac mentality is through the slogans that they fling at people.
One says, Don't bother asking a person what kind of computer he uses...because if it uses a PC, why embarrass him...I can't remember the exact slogan, but you catch the drift...
So there...that's the REAL difference between a Mac and PC...
Make your choice...
Ed
Re: MAC or PC--
by kinnear3 - 11/5/04 8:33 PM In reply to: Re: MAC or PC-- by tek-edI have gone from Mac to Windows and back to Mac over the years. I hope that one more opinion is welcome here.
The Mac does crash less. I have had freezes on my Mac, yet they are very rare. Freezes occur at least every day on each of the Windows XP machines that we have. The Mac is more intuitive and the default filing system is far easier to use than the current Windows version.
More software may be available for Windows, but who uses 10,000 programs? The important thing is that the software that you need is available. When I bought my G4 PowerBook earlier this year, I was planning to upgrade to Photoshop CS (from Photoshop Elements), so I simply bought the Mac version at no extra charge over the Windows version. I purchased MS Office Student-Teacher Edition. (As the parent of a student, I was eligible.) Office for Mac works extremely well and produces documents that are completely compatible with the Windows version of Office. Macs do not have a large collection of high-end games, otherwise excellent software is available to accomplish just about any computing task. The Mac came with an outstanding browser and email program, as well as the powerful and elegant iLife suite. Sherlock is another incredible program that was thrown in for free. When doing a cost comparison, be sure to include the value of the software that Apple bundles with their machines. When Walter Mossberg of The Wall Street Journal reviewed the G5 iMac recently, he actually reported that it was less costly than a comparably equipped Windows machine, once the necessary software had been purchase for typical users on both computers.
The Mac, also, joined my Windows network more easily than did my Windows machines.
Finally, Apple support is outstanding. The techs speak English and can solve issues with the hardware, the OS and many of the applications. There is no more finger pointing between the computer manufacturer, Microsoft and the application writer.
I am enjoying my new Mac very much. You might want to take a look at one.
Re: MAC or PC--
by kinte - 11/7/04 5:03 PM In reply to: Re: MAC or PC-- by kinnear3Get a real computer not an imitation. Get a Mac!
Re: MAC or PC--
by mitrc - 11/5/04 10:28 PM In reply to: MAC or PC-- by zackmailGeez guys, can't we all just get along :)?
I've owned Macs since the original, was an engineer at Apple, and used to be fanatical about them when PC users were stuck with DOS and pre-NT4 Windows. But NT4 and its derivatives (2000, XP Pro) are fine platforms and every bit as stable as OSX, in fact they were more reliable than the Mac prior to OSX.
That said, Zack, get a Mac 
You already have a decent PC and you say you're doing more video and graphics stuff and that's what the Mac excels at. You'll still have your PC for any legacy software and software you can't find on the Mac (probably not much).
My point is, you don't have to be religious about this decision. Your next computer purchase is not going to be your last and it makes sense to buy the platform that is best for what you want to do. I mostly use my Sony VAIO laptop, but I also have a desktop PC running XP, an iMac, and a Linux server. Each is best for what I use them for. And btw, my cellphone runs the BREW OS, my network routers run on embedded Linux, and my PDA uses PalmOS. I certainly wouldn't want any of them running either Windows or MacOS!
Regarding price, today's Macs and PCs are both bargains. For what people paid for the original Mac or PC, you can get one of each and have far more power and capabilities. It's a great time to be a computer user!
Re: MAC or PC--
by iminok - 11/6/04 2:07 AM In reply to: MAC or PC-- by zackmailWo,
This is a no-brainer. Of course buy a MAC. I made the switch back to a Mac after five years of sheer Torture using a PC, first it was an HP, that lasted three years, then a Sony, that lasted two years. In the midst was a never ending battle of virus, worms, hijack this , etc. I have three drawers full of software that I purchased for the PC, Compared to four programs I needed to purchase for the mac. The Reason I have not bought much mac software is because it comes loaded with EVERYTHING you need. From Appleworks, to Itunes, to DVD authoring and CD ripping. The mac has it all. Pricewise, when you compare the software that is included in the mac, with the software you need to purchase for a Windows based PC, the mac is a super bargain. All my printers, scanners and External Hard drives (3 of them), were totally compatible. I made sure all of my data (music collection and photo collection) were stored on external hard drives, so I witness absolotely no Data loss. The external drives just plugged right into the mac and worked fine. Even my zip drive worked on the mac. I used the zip drive to transfer some documents from the PC to the Mac. The switch was smoother than I had expected. Now I am free to surf the web without fear of vandals, and enjoy a fully loaded computer the operates flawlessly...No more "Would you like to tell microsoft about this problem".
Re: MAC or PC--
by iminok - 11/6/04 2:52 AM In reply to: MAC or PC-- by zackmailI read alot of replies saying Macs are VERY EXPENSIVE...That is a big big misconception. When you consider the amount of software that is preloaded with a mac, for a home user it is complete. No need to purchase additional software. Period. The mac is far cheaper than the PC. If you need additional software, yes it is true, Mac software is more expensive, mainly because the additional software is PROFESSIONAL quality, not home user quality. I own a new eMac and have not bought any software for it, compared to three drawers full of PC software that now sit unused. Stability is wonderful, I do not miss having to tell microsoft about problems on a daily basis...In the five months I have used a mac, it crashed only once and it was not fatal...My windows pc crashed on a daily basis.
Also, photos on a mac display match what is printed. Macs use a different color scheme than PC's. Now my digital photos come out exactly like I see on the screen, with my windows PC, colors were never correct.
Re: MAC or PC--
by Crossfire - 11/6/04 6:09 AM In reply to: MAC or PC-- by zackmailHallo dear zackmail
For my reason i never regreted having bought a Mac G4 3 years ago.
I don`t even know what it means to have any failure particularly with the new system of Mac Os X Panther that is now the basically outfit of all new Macs.
I recommend you to buy a G5 that is still faster, you wont be worried about it and you can sleep very well without any bugs.
Kunibaldus in Switzerland
Re: MAC or PC--
by DarkHawke - 11/6/04 7:51 AM In reply to: MAC or PC-- by zackmailWow, Zack! Plenty of responses, but I don't know if any of the advocacy stuff is really gonna help you figure out where to go with your next computer purchase. I say, when in doubt, follow one of the oldest prescriptions for computer choice out there: figure out what app you're gonna use, then find the box that runs it! iLife may be the shiz-nit and all, but if it's underpowered for your video uses or the interface is all wonky to you, what good is it? Do you need to stay with the app you're using? Then stick with the 'Doze world. Have you sat down with a Mac and given it the once-over, including using the apps you KNOW you're gonna need/want to use? If not, then you should! Just moving from one computer to another is a hassle, not to mention changing platforms, so rather than worrying about what he says, she says or >I< say, you need to do some homework on your own. Figure out the actual dollar costs, then sort out if you want to make the mental shift between interfaces (admittedly a one-time thing, but it can be jarring). Talk to your friends or colleagues who are doing the same type of video/graphics work, especially if they're running Macs, and ask how things are running for them. Ask if you can play around with their machines to get a feel for what you may be moving up to. No, this isn't a definitive call one way or another, but I hope it's helpful nonetheless.
Re: MAC or PC--
by JShah - 11/6/04 10:10 AM In reply to: MAC or PC-- by zackmailI recently switched to Mac after years of 'thinking about it'. I bought an iMac G5 and I think it is excellent value for money.
Here is my experience so far -
http://switchingtomac.blogspot.com
Re: MAC or PC--
by dmattoros - 11/6/04 3:55 PM In reply to: MAC or PC-- by zackmailGo with the PC. Nowadays with windows xp i haven't had hardly any problems with it. I build my own PCs which you can't do with Macs, and their a LOT cheaper. Although you could have saved your money buying 3 PCs and bought one mac. HA HA!
Re: MAC or PC--
by funkid7 - 11/7/04 2:17 AM In reply to: MAC or PC-- by zackmailWell, you're either gonna get a vague and limited response, plagued with opinions or you will get a response the size of a small book, comparing the two at length.
We use Mac G4's and Dells both, in the media business. The truth is a Mac makes for great graphics, but we still get the "blue screen of death". Especially when still using O.S.9 . A Dell 8200 workstation where I work, has not crashed in two and a half years! One day someone put a sticky note on it that said; "689 days and still going!"
You cannot ever get a final answer on this issue. That is my, "Opinion," anyways.
Re: MAC or PC--
by funkid7 - 11/7/04 2:44 AM In reply to: MAC or PC-- by zackmailAfter reading all these responses; I see what you mean about the ongoing debate.
I would also like to point out that, I have not crashed my Dell workstation at home either in two years. It's not the machine as much, as it turns out to be the user or software added.
I "drive" a Dell with windowsXP(sp2) Pentium4 2.26 gig/1 gig ram/256mb video card/120gig HDD.
I very rarely have any probs.
I did reformat once. Due to spyware and adware, but that was an experiment for researching an article.
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