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Posted on 04/11/09 3:33:50 PM |
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The Mad Lep
Four-Leafed Fantasist Posts: 323 Reply  |
Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
Hi all 
I'd appreciate your opinions on this. I'm getting a new desktop soon, and I've been thinking of getting a Mac. I've been a Windows user up until now, but I thought it might be a good time to give one a go. Are there any Mac users here who have made the transition from Windows? Just wondering what your experiences with the Mac system are, and whether you prefer it to Windows. How does our good friend Photoshop perform on it? I have done research online, but you know what it's like... all conversations soon run into a "trash the opposition" slagging match, and useful commentary is lost by the wayside. 
If anyone has any advice or opinions on this, thanks in advance.  |
Posted on 04/11/09 6:41:41 PM |
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GKB
Magical Montagist Posts: 4033 Reply  |
Re: Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
Hi Celia, I use both but would vote MAC every time. _________________ Why is there only one word for ‘Thesaurus’? |
Posted on 05/11/09 07:35:22 AM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7047 Reply  |
Re: Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
As a devoted Mac fan myself, I'm probably the last person to ask for an objective opinion, but here's my rationale. For decades, creative people have preferred Macs. Artists, designers, musicians, writers, directors... you'll find that far more use Macs than PCs. And it's something that's puzzled me for a long time. Of course, graphics applications tend to run better on Macs, because the graphics engine is at the core of the machine and the software - it's not added on later, as Windows is. That's one reason why designers started using Macs, because the graphics apps ran better. Whether that's still true, I don't know. It finally dawned on my that the truth is far simpler: people who use Macs care about what things look like. From the ugly splash screen to the badly drawn icons, from the beige boxes to the clumsy presentation of menus and dialogs, Windows is just plain ugly. Macs are beautiful before you even turn them on. Then they get even better. There's also the question of bundled software. Every Mac comes with iMovie, to edit your home movies; iPhoto, to arrange and print your photos; GarageBand, so you can make and record music. Why? Because Macs are aimed at creative people, who one day may need to do all this stuff. It's a different approach. It's not about spreadsheets, it's about the fun. Rant over. Hope you manage to come to a conclusion! Steve |
Posted on 05/11/09 2:34:16 PM |
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David Asch
Tech Support Posts: 1913 Reply  |
Re: Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
My day job is supporting Windows PCs. I use a Mac at home and have done for nearly 5 years now. Compared to Windows, Macs are much more streamlined and provide an altogether more intuitive working experience. I am forced to use Windows for writing about Elements (despite the fact it's now available on Mac as well) and despise every minute of its clunky, obnoxious operation. Fortunately it's contained within a virtual machine and can be shut away in its box when I'm done. Where Macs really excel is the operating system is written specifically for the hardware, so it runs far better than Windows, which has to contend with poorly produced 3rd party add-ons and badly written drivers; although for this, I do admire it. Aside from that, Macs also hold their value far more than their PC counterparts. When it comes to upgrading - and this not necessary for years, unless there is a major hardware change - it's not unusual for a 4 year old Mac to fetch at least half the original amount. Mac evangelists may seem a little irritating sometimes but they do have a point.. _________________ A happy-go-lucky chap, always dressed in black |
Posted on 05/11/09 3:00:48 PM |
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maiden
Golden Gif Gagster Posts: 471 Reply  |
Re: Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
I have always had PCs mainly because I've never really been able to afford a Mac, whether or not they hold their value which is not really something I think about when looking to upgrade my computer. I started on PCs when James, my other half, brought me a second-hand 486 up from Plythmouth with him and I learnt how to operate the computer and also how to upgrade it myself. Macs have never been user-friendly as far as upgrading is concerned you have to ship it off to some specialist where you pay over-the-odds for repairs which might have been a very simple fix on a PC like replacing a Motherboard or Harddrive. I like that Macs all run at 64-bit rather than many of the PCs that run at 32-bit - this hasn't been a issue until the annoucement that Adobe AfterEffects CS5 is going to be 64-bit only - forcing an upgrade by ensuring you have to upgrade your hardware with your software. Which brings me to my other point about software. If you have mostly PC software now, then upgrading to Mac also requires an upgrade to Mac software which with the cost of an Apple Mac being far higher than it's PC equivalent then the addition cost of replacing your favourite programs makes it more of a chasm than a small leap. Yes of course I would dearly love a Mac if I had the money spare - but for what I do with my software it's a hobby not a business and therefore I cannot justify the extra expense. So in terms of that annoying Advert - I am a PC (although reluctantly so) |
Posted on 05/11/09 9:35:45 PM |
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Paul 2007 thru 2010
Lego Legend Posts: 361 Reply |
Re: Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
If you are an upgrader then the Mac Pro is what you need. They're just like standard PC's except the case alone is a work of art. You can flip the side off and upgrade ram/hard drives/ CD/DVDs long after the cows have gone home. Apart from the new new iMac just released all the other iMacs were really just laptop hardware with a larger screen. I never fancied one of those. I bought 4 year old Powerbook G4 (laptop) off ebay last year. It runs rings round a better specified newer Windows machine. I can edit video smoother on a Macbook Pro than on my Windows Desktop that run's 20% faster. The fact Apple fitted graphics cards with fatal flaws that can render the laptop scrap at any moment does take the shine off it a little. Having your menubar permanently at the top even though your application may only be half the screen takes some getting used to. My 76 year of dad gets fooled by this daily. He doesn't notice the menubar no longer refers to the window he thinks he's using. Then he's puzzled why the menus look odd. The email program in OSX is terrible. It looks like a Fischer Price "My first email" application. If you go for a Mac, expect a few months before you get up to speed on it. |
Posted on 06/11/09 09:47:20 AM |
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The Mad Lep
Four-Leafed Fantasist Posts: 323 Reply |
Re: Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
What great feedback, thanks so much for this everyone. I've certainly got a lot more to think about now. I must admit I'm a little daunted by the idea of switching over from a system I've always worked with, so I'll have another think and do some more reading up on it. Thanks again, it's good to have people to ask! 
C |
Posted on 06/11/09 09:59:36 AM |
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GKB
Magical Montagist Posts: 4033 Reply |
Re: Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
Apart from some keystrokes you will notice hardly any difference in the overall appearance of MAC OS. What you will notice is the much smoother running of MAC compared to Windows. I haven't yet met anyone who has changed over that has regretted the decision. Paul has a valid point re the e mail system and I never use it myself. Perhaps Steve Jobs might read this and do something about it. The software issue is one of the main reasons why the entire planet has not gone over to MAC. They bought the propaganda that Windows was best and were immediately locked into it because they had spent the money on the software. Whichever system you buy enjoy it. _________________ Why is there only one body to investigate Monopolies ? |
Posted on 07/11/09 01:22:34 AM |
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vibeke
Kreative Kiwi Posts: 2166 Reply  |
Re: Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
I'm with Becky, the cost of new software would be a major reason for not changing to Mac. _________________ Perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize. |
Posted on 26/11/09 10:18:29 AM |
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tooquilos
Wizard of Oz Posts: 2904 Reply  |
Re: Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
Ive been considering crossing over to a Mac. Fed up with all the crashing and the inability for my PC to cope with everything, even though I have 4gb of ram. I just need to know a few things before I make any decisions... will my CS4 for Windows work on a Mac? If it will work, would I need some type of programe to make it compatible? Or would I need to purchase a new version for Mac? Will an iMac run CS4 well or would I need MacPro? Do Macs crash often? Can they handle Photoshop and After Effects opened at the same time without crashing? Has anyone on here done the swap lately? Would be interested to hear from you if you have and learn of your experiences. Any tips or advice or both will be greatly appreciated. Thanking you all in advance! Anna
_________________ Dorothy: "there's no place like home!" |
Posted on 26/11/09 11:53:21 AM |
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maiden
Golden Gif Gagster Posts: 471 Reply |
Re: Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
Anna you would need the Mac version of CS4 - the only way to get Windows software on a Mac is to run an Windows Emulator but I hardly see the point of that as it's quicker on a PC. Like I said earlier the thing that stops me crossing over is the price of replacing all my software. Macs can handle multi-threading multi-tasking as well as if not better than a PC - although I've not had any problem with my 32-bit Windows XP PC with 4GB of RAM and having AfterEffects, Photoshop, Internet Explorer and other programs open at the same time. Even my Laptop with Windows 7 4GB can handle multiple programs simultaneously. So it sounds like you have some issue with your PC. Personally if I had the money available I would definitely swap to Mac and renew all my software to Mac. But as things stand just buying PC Software is crippling enough without having to renew them all and buy a decent iMac/MacPro on top of all that. I would have to win the Lottery
Becky |
Posted on 26/11/09 2:01:36 PM |
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GKB
Magical Montagist Posts: 4033 Reply |
Re: Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
Hi Anna, Everything that Becky said is correct. I have yet to hear of anyone who has made the transition to MAC who is not happy with the switch. I cannot imagine going back to Windows for any graphics work. The only comment that I would make about the iMAC is that, I believe, you cannot put in any more than 4Gb RAM and you cannot replace the graphics card with one of a 'professional' standard as you can with the MAC Pro which, the last time I checked, could take 8Gb RAM. Do MACs crash? They do but it comes as such a surprise as it is such a rare event. The MAC OS is very stable. I have the top of the range 23" iMAC and it runs like a clockwork mouse. I did try to open two large Powerpoint files a couple of days ago and Powerpoint crashed but the MAC continued to run sweetly. Although I'm sure I could hear it quietly muttering something about Microsoft applications! There are Windows emulators available that allow you to run Windows programmes on the MAC. I don't know the cost or how good they are but I would check them out before I replaced all my software. Try Googling 'Windows Emulators'. Once you get over the cost of the change I'm sure you won't regret the decision. Gordon _________________ Why is there only one body to investigate Monopolies ? |
Posted on 26/11/09 3:52:23 PM |
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Jota120
Ingenious Inventor Posts: 2615 Reply  |
Re: Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
Anna, As I seem to recall, Adobe will swap PC licenced version for Mac version, at least they did in the past. More info here or search "Adobe product platform swap". http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/405/kb405819.html I do not know how well swap works (seen some negative feedback), or an informed personal opinion above what already expressed by others. Trevor |
Posted on 27/11/09 09:43:06 AM |
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tooquilos
Wizard of Oz Posts: 2904 Reply |
Re: Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
Thank you everyone for your input. Its been very beneficial. The more I think about it the more I feel Im going to do the swap. Becky mentioned to me about the 32 and 64 bit issues with future Creative Suite editions which helped with the decision. Trevor, I dont think Im going to have much luck in swapping over. Just going to have to wear that cost... Anna
_________________ Dorothy: Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore |
Posted on 27/11/09 1:17:29 PM |
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Steve Mac
Grunge Genie Posts: 539 Reply  |
Re: Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
You don't have to buy new software. Mac comes with a program called boot camp which allows you to run Windows programs on your Mac, or you can get "Parallels" which is the same as Boot Camp but you don't have to restart your computer to change between operating systems. From what I was told, the Windows programs run better on the Mac. To add to Steve's comment about the software that comes with a Mac, (ie: i-movie and i-photo) are not like the Windows watered-down versions that don't do much of anything, which leaves you having to buy the upgrade if you want something that works. Mac software is like the Adobe family, they are all made to work with each other, and quite easily I might add. The nice thing about buying a Mac was that I didn't get asked which Anti-virus software I wanted to be installed to go with my new Mac? I certainly won't miss that. I put that cost towards software I actually wanted. Yes, you might have to send your Mac out to be fixed or upgraded, but it will be by someone that works ONLY on Macs and not some kid who gets hired because he has built a few computers in his garage. There is also a Mac mini which starts around $599 (U.S.). If you already have a monitor, keyboard and a mouse, you can use them with the Mac mini. That's probably what I will do once my PC finally dies. No sense in getting rid of all the hardware I already bought. I couldn't upgrade to CS4 Extended using Windows XP because I couldn't upgrade my graphics card based on what the motherboard could handle. That was pretty much what put me over the fence to get a Mac. There is another post on this forum mentioning that PS CS3 Extended will not work on Windows 7... Need I say more? That's my take, hope it helps. |
Posted on 28/11/09 03:18:30 AM |
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tooquilos
Wizard of Oz Posts: 2904 Reply |
Re: Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
Thanks Steve for that info. Ive been reading about Parallels...bit of a mixed review about it. But im very interested in Bootcamp. That sounds very promising. You are very correct about the PC backyard boys and the virus situation! Scanning and stuffing around with trojans and other surprises is just such a waste of time. Anna _________________ Dorothy: Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore |
Posted on 28/11/09 4:19:26 PM |
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Steve Mac
Grunge Genie Posts: 539 Reply |
Re: Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
Your welcome Anna. The other thing I just realized is when you look for files on a Mac, you can preview pretty much any file type without opening the program. Very easy to find a PSD file you want to see without having to open Bridge or PS first. |
Posted on 28/11/09 4:53:54 PM |
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GKB
Magical Montagist Posts: 4033 Reply |
Re: Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
In fact Steve is such a MAC afficionado that he even changed his name from Steve Windows! _________________ Why isn't 'phonetic' spelled the way it sounds? |
Posted on 28/11/09 5:07:10 PM |
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Mark Goodwin
**** Posts: 261 Reply  |
Re: Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
I changed from PC to Mac about 5 years ago. I was concerned initially because a lot of what I do in my business relies on my computer being reliable and easy to use (I am not a Puter-Whizz!). I can honestly say that I am a total convert and evangelist, they are the most beautiful piece kit you can own. Not sure what the protocol on the forum is but. I recently bought a new MacBook Pro. I had a problem with it (I filled it with tea, which it didn't like!) and had it replaced with a brand spanking new one by my Insurance company. Bottom line is I have never used it! I unpacked it set it up and then put it away. I now realise that I want to upgrade my Desktop, so I am selling the Laptop, still has 11 months Apple guarantee. As I said I hope this doesn't offend, but should anyone be interested please email me. Obviously it will be cheaper than a new one, but it won't be Cheap-Cheap. _________________ Mark Goodwin If you do what you have always done, you'll get what you've always got! |
Posted on 29/11/09 10:29:36 AM |
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tooquilos
Wizard of Oz Posts: 2904 Reply |
Re: Mac Vs Windows? Desktop decision.
I wonder if Gwyneth Paltrow dedicated her first born to Mac because she was so happy with her Macs performance? Naming the poor child Apple!  _________________ Wicked Witch of the West:I'll get you, my pretty! And your little dog, too! |
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