Mac V Desktop????

superscaper

Nickygoat wrote: »

For those who complain that Macs are too expensive could you build a comparable system at Dell for the same money? Yes you can buy PCs a lot cheaper but they tend to have fewer features.

I'm not buying a PC or a Mac as I can't afford either, but I can buy components to upgrade my computer. I couldn't do that if it was a mac. As I said before it's down to individual circumstances and there isn't a single one in my earlier post for me that a Mac would have an advantage. And I'm not a PC fanboy either as windows is by a long way not my favourite OS. The only reason I use a pc is that it's the best solution for my needs.

I'm_With_Stupid

For what you want to do, I can't see any difference between the two, except that for a Mac, you'll have to learn a whole new computer system (depends on how quick you pick these things up, but it should only take as long as learning any other basic program). I've used both for video editing, and I don't believe for one second this "Mac's crash less" claim - ime you spend the same amount of time tearing your hair out with a mac as a PC, at least for what I was using them for.

From what I can tell, and correct me if I'm wrong, the PC seems to be better able to be designed specifically for the task you want, whereas the Mac is a bit more standard, meaning you get less compatibility issues, but less versatility.

But in general, it's like asking what's the best, Mega Drive or Snes, you'll never get a definitive answer (it's Snes, by the way).

My recommendation would be to come up with a shortlist of computers, and completely disregard whether they're a PC or Mac, and simply choose the one that's best able to do what you want for the cheapest price.

superscaper

I'm_With_Stupid wrote: »

My recommendation would be to come up with a shortlist of computers, and completely disregard whether they're a PC or Mac, and simply choose the one that's best able to do what you want for the cheapest price.

I think it still depends on whether OP has specific apps in mind. No point choosing a particular system if the app you want to use isn't available for it. I think OP has to draw up a list of specific requirements in terms of "small end graphics".

I'm_With_Stupid

superscaper wrote: »

I think it still depends on whether OP has specific apps in mind.

Well then that might rule it out of the list of what's best able to do the task. I mean once you've found a bunch of computers that'll do what you want, ignore whether they're a mac or pc, and just pick them on their individual merits. Because an particular PC might be better than a particular Mac, or vice-versa. Which format is generally better on the whole, for most people is completely irrelevant when you're buying something for you.

kleinsherry

I have used both Window OS and Mac OS and i think that Mac is far superior.
With these new generation intel Mac's you can also install Windows on a Mac as well via bootcamp or parallels.

I don't that there has been one real known case of virus on a Mac that has circulated and unlike Windows you couldn't say the same.

You can also use any mouse you want with a Mac it is a myth that is going around about Mac's only being able to use a one button mouse.

Also there should be new iMac's out before to long that will come witha a Santa Rosa chip and the new Mac OS Leopoard software. It maybe wise for you to wait for a month or so before you buy if you can.

superscaper

Personally I prefer risc os to windows, mac os, unix and linux.

Moneymaker

Just for the record, I've been online with Macs since 1995 and never seen a virus, trojan, worm, spyware or any form of security problem (apart from the usual email "phishing" scams).

Regardless of the scare stories, there are currently no Mac viruses etc. in the wild. None. Mac users simply don't have any security worries whatsoever. I don't even run a firewall, other than whatever my router provides (no idea). I certainly don't have any "anti virus" software slowing down my Macs.

Even if the hackers started to write OSX viruses right now, it would take a long time to catch up with the massive head start that Windows has. I understand there are over 100,000 viruses for Windows, of which at least 4000 are currently active. My figures may be slightly high or low but, compared with a big fat ZERO for OSX, I don't think it matters much. Also bear in mind that OSX is inherently more secure than Windows "out of the box". You need an Admin password to install an application. A virus can't install itself. It can only ever be a trojan and get the user to install it by subterfuge.

Having got that out of the way - is a Mac suitable for "small end graphics". I have to say "yes" because I use Adobe PhotoShop every day on mine.

So is a Mac an overpriced overkill for graphics? I think not because most graphics designers agree that you can be more productive on a Mac.

Is there a steep learning curve?
Nope. Adobe PhotoShop, MS Word etc. look almost identical in Windows and OSX. It'll take you about a week to get to grips with the OS interface.

Are there compatibility problems?
Nope. A JPEG is a JPEG, a GIF is a GIF. And a Mac can read Windows files "out of the box". An Intel Mac can even run Windows if necessary. So you have a safety net if you find you really hate OSX. (Some do but it's rare).

And don't forget that Macs tend to last longer than PCs - mostly because they are factory-built with compatible components, not slung together with bits from everywhere. This means that you can buy a used Mac and (apart from battery life) be reasonably confident that you'll get several years' use out of it without major problems. That might solve the "too expensive" perception. In the last four years I've bought two iBooks, four G4 towers and a G4 Mac Mini via eBay. They are all still working faultlessly.

Is there any technical support for Macs?
Yes, you can buy an Apple warranty but there are several User Groups who offer free help for a tiny annual fee. There's also at least a dozen discussion forums where you can get help for free.

My advice would be to buy a Mac and run it alongside your PC. Use it as often as you can, so you get used to it. After a month you'll know which one you want to sell. Macs hold their price so you won't lose much if you decide to stick with the PC.

There are plenty of people who've never used a modern Mac (but know someone who did back in 1987) who will happily give you "advice" but the only way to find out is to try it. You could start by playing around with one at an Apple Store or John Lewis.

Don't forget that it's gonna cost you to buy Mac versions of your software. There are freeware versions of most programs but, at least in the case of PhotoShop, I advise you to stick with the real thing.

BTW, when you buy a modern Mac, you get the iLife package with it. If you don't know what this is, see the Apple web site.

Oh, yes. I use a 2-button USB mouse with a scroll wheel. I bought it from PC World.

albertross_2

What's wrong with the PC you have, the spec looks ok?

superscaper

Been looking at the Apple store, have to say I don't think there's any way I could afford a Mac. Also I wouldn't be able to use it for my engineering work. I've got a budget of £200 so the best value for money is beefing up my current pc to a decent core 2 duo system. (currently Athlon Xp 1800 so hardly frequently upgrading). I don't think I could have upgraded a four year old mac system for the same budget which is what I'm getting at in terms of cost of macs.

I'm_With_Stupid

Moneymaker wrote: »

So is a Mac an overpriced overkill for graphics? I think not because most graphics designers agree that you can be more productive on a Mac.

No offence, but that's about as valid as "most women agree their hair looked shinier after using our shampoo." Unless there are independent tests to prove that you can be more productive on a Mac, I'd advise that you don't buy something based on the usual Mac/PC arguments, but on the merits of the individual machine.

But if it involves buying a brand new version of photoshop when you could just use the one you have, that pretty much seals it for me. I wouldn't even consider forking out money for software I already have, just to switch to a Mac. That's just crazy. You could buy a nice new screen to work on for that sort of money.