Mac Vs PC

[arrows91 0]

I live in the UK and i am a graphic designer. Currently at work im using a PC with dual screens. But i have always wanted to use a mac and heard they are alot better to do design work on.

Im looking to go to New York in October and buy a Mac Book Pro. Reason - £400 cheaper in USA!!

Can any one give me advice on macs. Also do apple have plans to bring out a new Mac book pro any time soon???

[godiogo 0]

For information and rumors about Macs in general you can check here and here.

I worked at a recording studio during 2006 and we only used Macs, with no major computer problems while I was there. My friends who work in graphic design at ad agencies and such use Macs as well, even some of the older ones. Personally I own a PC, simply because Macs seem to carry a 'cool tax' that really bumps up the price. If price was not an issue I'd definitely buy one.

[trox_355 0]

I've used a Mac since coming to college. I originally replaced my PC because of my work with the newspaper. I was hesitant to switch because of my engineering coursework, but have found the tight X11 integration and the BSD foundation makes much of my work easier since I can run many applications natively.

For me, the layout of the OS makes design work much easier. For design apps, the majority of my work is centered around Photoshop and InDesign. Unlike Windows, there's no main application window that all of the program's documents live in. This makes it a lot easier to switch between multiple projects and files. Since Exposé came out in OS 10.3, it has completely changed the way I work with a computer.

If you look for a new computer, also check out VirtueDesktops. They've stopped development, but it's stable on most Macs.

The MacRumors site godiogo pointed out has a section where you can see update cycles of currently-released hardware. This should give you a good idea when the next refresh will occur.

[usahockey22 0]

Switching to apple is a decision that I am very happy with...unless you specifically need a PC platform for developing/designing, or if you are a computer gamer, then an apple will do everything else better and easier than a PC (imo), though you do pay a bit more for them.

[Vapor 0]

VirtueDesktops is a great program. In October with the release of leopard multiple desktops will be bulit into OS X.

[davis 0]

I'm still a PC user. I spent 3 years using a Mac but got rid of it and switched back to PC's. Personally, I think Mac's are over-hyped and over-priced. I got a 17" widescreen laptop, with a 160GB HD, 2 GB of Ram, ATI Radeon graphics card, all for $300 less than what a friend paid for a 12" MacBook. He's sent his away twice for repairs, mine is still problem-free and we've had them for the same amount of time. In my experience, I have no reason to switch to a Mac. If you know how to use a PC you won't have problems...if you don't know how to use it, get a Mac. Apple's "cool tax" just doesn't make it worth it.

Even with software, it can be a major pain in the ass to find programs you need that are compatible with Mac.

Juuuuust waitin for the flaming to start, haha...

[godiogo 0]

If you know how to use a PC you won't have problems...if you don't know how to use it, get a Mac. Apple's "cool tax" just doesn't make it worth it.

I've heard that same phrase from "expert" PC users involved with programming and database management. They've said that if you can avoid common pitfalls among PC users (like when your mother unknowingly installs something ) then you'll be fine. Maybe there's just more room for error on a Mac.

[flahockey 0]

Also do apple have plans to bring out a new Mac book pro any time soon???

Apple tends to make big announcements in January (at MacWorld San Fran) and at the Developers Conference in June, but have been known to announce minor updates at random times.

You should hold off until on buying something until at least mid-June since it is expected they'll be announcing some product updates. That may or may not include the Macbook Pro line. You can always check the Apple rumor sites (like AppleInsider).

[hockeydoc 0]

I loved my Mac at first as it was more stable, easier in some ways, etc. But in time the limited software options campared to PC, and the limited compatability w/ web sites over time became an issue. The web site issue became an issue the longer I used it, as the macs OS quickly became outdated and incompatible. Including itunes w/ my ipod. I have a first generation ipod and it works better on my PC w/ XP, or my PC w/ Vista than on my Mac. I can't even down load the latest itunes on my Mac as I will need to by a new OS for it to work. PC's now with XP and Vista seem to have over come this as an issues w/ the windows updates coming regularly. The newer window OS's also are just as stabel as the Mac OS was when it was new, so the Mac has no benifit for me. I will not be getting another Mac.

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

How long have you been a designer. I graduated with a degree in graphic design and communications back home (ireland) in 1999, and we used Mac's then.

I only changed to PC in the last 2 years, simply because I have changed careers.

For design macs all the way, although now that you are used to the 2 button mouse, you may have adjustment time to get used to the one button.

But I was quicker using keyboard shortcuts in Quark than I ever was with a mouse anyway, so if you already do that, you will be grand.

[usahockey22 0]

I have hardly any web browsing issues with my apple, the only ones I do have come about from using safari, which I like...but firefox will solve all of the problems, or simply downloading a plug-in if you need it. Itunes and ipod both work fine with this computer...and yes, they also work with 2-button mouses now, you can right click just like with windows.

[godiogo 0]

Apple's new mouse, called the "Mighty Mouse", looks like a one button but it's actually two, and it has side scrolling, which is a plus in some applications (such as Pro Tools).

[flahockey 0]

Apple's new mouse, called the "Mighty Mouse", looks like a one button but it's actually two, and it has side scrolling, which is a plus in some applications (such as Pro Tools).

Did you know you can program the Mighty Mouse to be a four button mouse?

- Left click

- Right click

- Scroll ball click

- "Squeeze the sides" click

Very cool.

[Chadd 916]

If you know how to use a PC you won't have problems...if you don't know how to use it, get a Mac. Apple's "cool tax" just doesn't make it worth it.

I've heard that same phrase from "expert" PC users involved with programming and database management. They've said that if you can avoid common pitfalls among PC users (like when your mother unknowingly installs something ) then you'll be fine. Maybe there's just more room for error on a Mac.

If you don't do stupid things on a PC, you will rarely have problems. If you do have problems, it's significantly cheaper to have a problem on a PC. I would actually say that a Mac is less likely to "allow" you to do something stupid.

[usahockey22 0]

Yes, if you are computer illiterate, then a Mac will probably be a bit easier to work, and will keep you from doing any real damage to the system...a Windows computer is pretty easy to screw up if you don't know what you're doing. This is the main reason why I would definitely recommend an Apple if you are buying a family computer, as your kids won't screw it up nearly as much.

Oh yea...since I got this apple (about 2 years ago now), I have only had the thing freeze up on me maybe once, and have only had to force quit programs a handful of times. With Windows, this was sometimes a daily occurence.

[Vapor 0]

I dont care how much of an "advanced" user you are. You will get some type of spyware or virus. You cant stay ahead of everything that is out there, unbeknownst to you, you may have something.

Now I am not saying your going to be infested like somebody who downloads from a p2p or something of that sort, but there are ways of software installing itself without you knowing.

[usahockey22 0]

Yea, Windows and Internet Explorer are particularly vulnerable.

[Thockey17 1]

For all the Mac bashing i did in the past, i couldnt be happier with my Mac Pro.

[D-MaN88 0]

On the subject of Mac vs PC, I'm having a hard time deciding which to get. The two computers I've narrowed it down to are an IBM Lenovo Thinkpad or a MacBook/MacBook Pro. If it helps, I'm going to school for business management as a minor and then all the courses to set me on track to become a stockbroker. I'm just not the smartest when it comes to computers and I need help deciding which would be better for what I'm going for? Thanks for all the help and opinions/suggestions in advance. I'm also open to more suggestions as well.

Thanks again!

[ambro 0]

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=macs_cant

[Vapor 0]

again? If I had a nickel for every time somebody posted that old page into a Mac thread Id have a big ol bucket of nickels.

[usahockey22 0]

If you play video games, do programming, or particularly like the windows operating system/software, then Windows would be good. If you just want to do basic computer work, like web browsing, e-mail, typing, office type stuff, without having to worry about computer issues/maintenance, then an Apple would probably be better. I used to be anti-Apple just because I thought it was designed for computer idiots...well, it kind of is, but I'd rather use something that's simple and doesn't screw up for my basic computing needs. Since I've converted a couple of people I know to apple, it's amazing that I never get asked to go fix their computers anymore...

[Muzza_77 0]

Wait until WWDC before you buy a MacBookPro, June 11-15, its well worth waiting, there are rumours of new 'santa rose' chips being used which are much better than the current ones used, also rumours of a new form factor which is lighter are around. A new MBP is bound to be released.

[Thockey17 1]

Wait until WWDC before you buy a MacBookPro, June 11-15, its well worth waiting, there are rumours of new 'santa rose' chips being used which are much better than the current ones used, also rumours of a new form factor which is lighter are around. A new MBP is bound to be released.

Rumor has it they will use a new inferior screen on the MBP's. It seems to be causing quite the stir among the graphic interest groups.

[Vapor 0]

Every rumor I have heard says they will be using LED displays, which are supperior. LEDs have better battery life as compared to LCDs and LEDs also have a much better contrast ratio. Along with being lighter, thinner, and having a faster refresh rate.