Hello Everyone

I'm considering purchasing a Mac to be used as my primary computer and taking my PC off-line ( so most resources are not gobbled up by all the security software..) and my boyfriend can learn on/use it for small business.

I'd love to hear what you think about the Pro's and Con's I've listed;why YOU prefer your Macs;and if you think one sounds suitable for me based on what I use my PC for..

PRO's

• Mal-ware Infections are Significantly Diminished
• They Handle Graphics Much Better - but why?
• OS X is more stable than Windows
• Hardware Quality is Simply Better
• The G5s look Tres Chic!

CON's

• Need to Learn a New OS
• MUCH less Software to Choose From
• Costs More (why?)

Probably it all comes down to what someone wants to do with the machine. I enjoy working with graphics a lot, however I'm a complete beginner who's going to need a text-book to learn Photoshop and am only familiar with using a Publishing Program format for working with them. (Little arrows you pull to re-size... ). Also, a lot of surfing, downloading, trying out all kinds of new software and skinning/customizing the look of my computer. Guess the "graphics potential" I've heard about (but don't understand) appeals to me because I see developing in that direction.

So - Why do You like your Mac? Do you miss the software selection? Would you switch if you could?

It'd be great if anyone wants to share their thoughts on the subject and I'd sure appreciate any feedback!

Hope to Hear From You,
Silver Drop

[JStergis]

You can get very common software for the mac, such as MS Office, Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Flash (I believe), etc. Plus, Macs come bundled with a lot, unlike Windows. If you are planning on video editing, you can get FinalCut on it, or photos, Photoshop or something, Mac is the way to go in that case.

If I'm not interested in video editing, but rather just building quality 3D objects, will I experience greater capability with a Mac? I haven't found an explanation as to how/why Mac is "better for graphics" so I suppose I'm wondering if it would really make that much of a difference if I don't get into animation, flash or video. Do you think it does?

BTW, thanks for the feedback.

[damiendevlon]

I just think MAC is a costlier machine and you can get a much more stronger configuration for the same amount / besides MAC some times makes you feel like a kid .... but the graphics are awesome enjoy the graphics .. i wonder if it supports or has new games ... power book is still a better option when compared to MAC desktop . what do u guys say ?

[I Fix 4 U]

Regardless I'd wait until Mac for Intel is out commercially and Windows Vista Pro is out for a better comparison, if you can handle a year.

Do you mean Mac is going to have an Intel Processor at some point? And still I'm wondering how exactly the graphics are 'better' - excluding video or flash. Does it just process graphical information faster? Sorry I'm so clueless!
SD.

[I Fix 4 U]

Apple is switching to Intel. Yes.
Graphics are whatever the computer has inside it. The card is the main power. Now the OS does handle graphics (in certain cases) better than a windows box. But that is not what I would call one of my reasons of switching to a mac.
A big reason for me is the unix insides and Spotlight.

[JStergis]

Yes, intel processors will appear in macs soon, basically the tools are what makes the graphics better as far as I know, Mac has astounding tools for creating and displaying graphics, and video.

[JStergis]

Originally Posted by iXneonXi

The card is the main power. Now the OS does handle graphics (in certain cases) better than a windows box.

Yes, that also...post wasn't up when I posted.

Compare ITunes to Windows Media Player. That's basically the scenario for audio in the same instance.

Wish I could run ITunes...needs y2k or xp though...maybe I'll actually buy it some day. (I hate spending money)

J.S.

[I Fix 4 U]

Why buy ITunes (assuming you are using windows) when there are plenty of free players for windows?

Unless you want to make use of legal music downloads?

[JStergis]

ITunes is free, I think, except for the music downloads. I meant Buy Windows 2k so that I could use it, now I use Winamp. I was comparing it to WMP, basically I like the interface better. I would also definately use the legal music downloads. I always end up getting the entire CD of something when, truth is, I only like one or two songs of it.

J.S.

IMO iTunes is far better than Windows Media Player (for audio). There are not 4 ways to perform the same function which is confusing and its just plain simple and logical. iTunes is free BTW and their music store is quite good - even if I do have to shop in the Canadian one. I agree, buying 1 song off a CD is great and all their songs cost the same, .99.

Back to graphics though, when you say "tools" do you mean features of OS X? Or other software developed for Macs... or something else entirely? I guess I don't understand why Photoshop results would be better when using it on a Mac vs. a PC, but it seems anyone in the Graphic Design business (who utilizes static print images, not video) always has a Mac. Just thought people who browse here would know why.

Another silly question if you guys don't mind - does running a Windows emulator on a Mac (with OS X) allow you to use all the Windows-only software and is this what is then called a virtual computer?

(I'm sorting through articles on the net, but here I can ask actual users so hope no one minds too much) Thanks for all the feedback. SD.

[I Fix 4 U]

Virtual PC will run all windows stuff, but it is sluggish. Wait until OSX is out on Intel and you will be able to buy Windows itself and install it in your Mac. That is what I've read.

And yes, Macs just seem to be the chosen system to run programs like Apple's suite, Photoshop, Flash etc.

[HenryVI]

Yeah, I went to a computer animations class this summer, and we used Flash on Mac's. I don't know the reasoning behid it, but I liked it. Just if you get a Mac, be sure to not use the Mac mouse


It only has one button

[I Fix 4 U]

The new one is much better and has all the functions of a normal mouse. Cept its sleek