Computer Advice Needed...PC or MAC?

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 2:50 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:Wanting to "TRY" OSX and completely jumping on the bandwagon are two different things. Be sure you want to switch before you do.

Good point. Maybe 'try' was not the best word. I think I am just ready for a change and the more I read and hear, MAC and OS X seem really well suited for my home computer style. I may be thinking too much into this anyway. I really just use my home computer for surfing, music (my iPod & itunes), Photoshop, DVD & CD burning and some digital editing. So not too much crazy tinkering going on. But that's just the thing. When I read the list of what I use my PC for, I keep reading and hearing that those are MAC's strongest features.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 2:54 pm

Someone should make a flow chart of that.

If you have access to the WSJ, Walt Mossberg has a similar decision-list for whether people should switch, although a bit simpler.

If you just want to try it out, the Mac Mini is nominally cheaper (although if you add a nice monitor and keyboard, not that much cheaper).

Nicholas Negroponte of MIT is trying to get manufacturers to produce a $100 laptop for Third-World countries. Jobs supposedly offered OS X for free for this effort but Negroponte wanted only open source software.

Can you imagine if those systems were offered here? Of course Wal Mart is supposedly offering a $400 HP laptop next week. Should be fun to wait in line for that.

EDIT: remember that trying out or switching may involve a lot of software costs. Macs come with good multimedia applications bundled but the Mac versions of Photoshop and Office are things you will have to lay out big money.

Oh and one more thing, unless you were thinking of getting this as an Xmas gift for yourself, it might be worth waiting until early January when they have Macworld Expo where historically, a lot of new products are introduced.

Now this iMac with the built-in web cam was just introduced last month so you wouldn't think it would be rev'd. But you never know, it might come with faster processors, maybe better GPU in January.

Rumors are floating around of new laptops or Mac Mini with Intel processors. Not sure Intel on the Mac the first time around will necessarily be that good. Often, you have issues with first revisions of Apple hardware which get ironed out in a few months along with spec. increases.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 3:07 pm

wco81 wrote: EDIT: remember that trying out or switching may involve a lot of software costs. Macs come with good multimedia applications bundled but the Mac versions of Photoshop and Office are things you will have to lay out big money.

I have a 'free' copy of Photoshop 7 for PC but it is kind of outdated now anyway. I would probably go with Photoshop Elements for MAC right off the bat as it is $75 and can fullfill my immeadiate needs for post-processing since the main things I use Photoshop for can be done in PS Elements (I think). I just won't have nifty actions for them. I also think I can get Office through my work for really cheap. Other than those I have nothing specific that I could not just download.

Does MP3 (AAC) Gain work for MAC? I used that program on ALL my AAC files to normalize them and would hate for them to now be incompatible for some weird reason with MAC.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 3:12 pm

Anything that you ran on Windows won't run on Mac, unless there's a Mac version of it. Not familiar with Gain but I would guess there are similar programs.

You could check iLounge or versiontracker.com. On the latter, it will read what browser you're using and assume you will want to search for Windows programs.

But you should be able to search for Mac OS X programs.

If not, you can pose a query at iLounge or some other web site devoted to digital audio.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 3:23 pm

Spooky:

There is a Mac version of MP3 Gain:

http://homepage.mac.com/beryrinaldo/Aud ... acMP3Gain/

Not sure if files equalized with the Windows version of MP3 Gain will be normalized out of the box on a Mac. I wouldn't see why not, though.

Take care,
PK

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 3:29 pm

pk500 wrote:Spooky:

There is a Mac version of MP3 Gain:

http://homepage.mac.com/beryrinaldo/Aud ... acMP3Gain/

Not sure if files equalized with the Windows version of MP3 Gain will be normalized out of the box on a Mac. I wouldn't see why not, though.

Take care,
PK

I just found the exact same link. Thanks so much!!! Looks like I will be fine on that aspect if I convert. Phew...

I can't tell you how awesome it is to not have to constantly adjust my volume when on shuffle.

Jayhawker · Post by **Jayhawker** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 3:33 pm

PC gaming is ridiculously expensive. That's not to say there aren't some great games, some with just fabulous graphics, but the cost involved in keeping a PC powerful enough to enjoy those games is just dumb.

When you factor in ease of set-up and use, stability and vulnerablity of the OS, as well as depreciation, Macs are cheaper than PCs. The suite of software bundled with Macs that users actually use blow away what you get in XP, as well.

There is so much more software available for PCs, but when you actually look at what it is, 90% of it is crap. Look at what you need, and Macs have great software for whatever you need to do. There are exceptions, but 95% of users do not need a PC to do what they need to do, if you subtract gaming from the mix.

I had no problem leaving consoles to play what were better games on the PC back in '95. I have had no problem leaving PC gaming to play what are better games on the consoles three years ago. That could change again, but right now, for gaming dollars, consoles make the most sense. For personal computing dollars, Macs make the most sense.

I don't care what the reasons are, but I haven't had to run software to protect my Mac from viruses or spyware since I got it three years ago. I've been sent viruses more than a few times from my wife's work, where she is on a Windows 2000 network, as well as other family and friends. They just don't work on the Mac.

But this will certainly be drowned out by the many PC users here.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 3:39 pm

Hell Spooky, if you're just ready for a change you could always run a Linux machine. You really, really need to try messing around with a Mac to see if you like it. That's an awfully expensive risk if you end up not liking or adjusting to the Mac. There's no doubt a Mac would serve your needs (so would a Windows Media Center PC for that matter) but you might not like it. I enjoy tinkering around on the Macs here at work but I would never buy one for my house because I really don't like the operating system.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 3:47 pm

ScoopBrady wrote:Hell Spooky, if you're just ready for a change you could always run a Linux machine. You really, really need to try messing around with a Mac to see if you like it. That's an awfully expensive risk if you end up not liking or adjusting to the Mac. There's no doubt a Mac would serve your needs (so would a Windows Media Center PC for that matter) but you might not like it. I enjoy tinkering around on the Macs here at work but I would never buy one for my house because I really don't like the operating system.

So what are the main drawbacks for you with a MAC as your main OS for home?

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 3:58 pm

Spooky wrote:
ScoopBrady wrote:Hell Spooky, if you're just ready for a change you could always run a Linux machine. You really, really need to try messing around with a Mac to see if you like it. That's an awfully expensive risk if you end up not liking or adjusting to the Mac. There's no doubt a Mac would serve your needs (so would a Windows Media Center PC for that matter) but you might not like it. I enjoy tinkering around on the Macs here at work but I would never buy one for my house because I really don't like the operating system.
So what are the main drawbacks for you with a MAC as your main OS for home?

Have you ever played a videogame where going through the menus seemed very unintuitive? That's what it's like to me. Sure, once you're playing the game you're having a blast, but when you get back to the menus you're no longer having fun.

I don't have the tolerance to let it become second nature for me. And if you're the type who can't stand going from the control scheme of NFL 2k to the control scheme of Madden you'll likely feel the same way switching back and forth between working on Windows and working on X.

That's just how I feel though. If you think you can handle that then by all means go for it. Macs are definitely sharp and perform well. If none of the drawbacks concern you and you can handle what I mentioned above you're probably a good candidate for the Mac club.

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 4:45 pm

ScoopBrady wrote:Hell Spooky, if you're just ready for a change you could always run a Linux machine. You really, really need to try messing around with a Mac to see if you like it. That's an awfully expensive risk if you end up not liking or adjusting to the Mac. There's no doubt a Mac would serve your needs (so would a Windows Media Center PC for that matter) but you might not like it. I enjoy tinkering around on the Macs here at work but I would never buy one for my house because I really don't like the operating system.

I've been a Mac guy since HS. That's a long time, and Scoop is the only guy I've heard of who ended up 'not liking or adjusting to the Mac.' Let's just say it's a very rare case.

I've known people who've gone from PC to Mac, but I've never met anyone who went from Mac to PC, unless they had to for work (not really an issue anymore in most cases), or for gaming. People I know who've gone from PC to Mac haven't gone back.

I think you owe it to yourself to try it. You've never lived with a Mac, how will you know if you like it or not till you do? Worst case, you're stuck with a computer you don't like for 5 years. Or if its really that bad, you can sell it off after a year, get most of your money back, and start again with a PC setup.

I can't imagine having to do anything on a PC, so I guess I'm a snob. But like I said, I've been Mac since it started, and have never had any reason or desire to switch. Except one. Gaming.

The gaming thing is the only thing, and yes it has been painful the last, gee, almost 10 years or so now. But these new consoles feed my appetite really well. For every time there's a killer PC game that I really, really want to get in on (think the original Call of Duty, BF1942 when it first hit, hell, Counter Strike, and then right up to Half Life2, Far Cry PC, not to mention the great racing sims like rFactor. . . the list goes on) I remind myself how much moeny good graphics cards are, not to mention the flight sim controllers, the FF wheels, etc., and go back to trying to get a game of SC:CT on Live. You get my drift.

My advice, Spooky, is to take a chance, go with the Mac, give it a shot. If you can deal with the games thing, I don't think you'll regret it. For the media thing, I think you'll be pretty enthused about what is waiting for you right out of the box.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Wed Nov 16, 2005 9:38 am

So is there any way or any place to get iMacs for cheaper than list? I actually get a 6% discount through Allstate (which ends up being like $100 off), but I am trying to get it cheaper if possible.

I have an Apple store right down the street from me and will probably have to get it there unless there is a cheaper alternative.

Sport73 · Post by **Sport73** » Wed Nov 16, 2005 11:14 am

Are you or is anyone in your family a student or teacher? Apple offers attractive education discounts to anyone 'linked' to education.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Wed Nov 16, 2005 11:17 am

Yeah student discount is about the only way to save some bucks.

You could order from Amazon, assuming they ship it instead of another company. Then you shouldn't have to pay sales tax or shipping.

The Apple Store should support you whether you buy it there or not.

Like I said, there may be newer stuff announced in early January...

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Wed Nov 16, 2005 11:28 am

Sport73 wrote:Are you or is anyone in your family a student or teacher? Apple offers attractive education discounts to anyone 'linked' to education.

My corporate discount is actually a slight bit better than a student one.

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Wed Nov 16, 2005 12:20 pm

We bought our first Mac, one of the hulking CRT eMacs, as a refurb from the local Apple store. Saved us about $200. It had the standard warranty, all of the updated software, and I couldn't find anything on it that looked it had been previously used.

With the new iMacs, they might not have anything but the previous revision as a refurb, but it is about the only other way to save some money up front.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Wed Nov 16, 2005 12:25 pm

Refurb might be okay but for iMacs, the new ones have an integrated web cam, better GPU, thinner case and Front Row with remote.

The old ones may or may not even have a double-layer DVD burner.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Wed Nov 16, 2005 12:32 pm

wco81 wrote:Refurb might be okay but for iMacs, the new ones have an integrated web cam, better GPU, thinner case and Front Row with remote.

The old ones may or may not even have a double-layer DVD burner.

Exactly. The double layer DVD burner and Front Row are worth the extra $200 to me.

So do you really think they'll have even newer iMac's in Jan.??? These things just came out a few weeks ago.

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Wed Nov 16, 2005 12:38 pm

Spooky wrote:So do you really think they'll have even newer iMac's in Jan.??? These things just came out a few weeks ago.

There are rumors that they'll have the Intel chips ready to go, but the form factor will remain the same.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Wed Nov 16, 2005 1:19 pm

There are all kinds of rumors.

Obviously they introduced a new iMac for Xmas and it's obviously targeted at consumers.

The rumors I've heard are for Mac Mini and maybe laptops. There might be other rumors too. Mac Mini might make sense since they introduced it last Jan.

I haven't been following the Intel processor road map too closely but the speculation has been that the first Intel Macs would use the forthcoming Yonah chips, which would be a dual-core version of the Pentium M chips used in their Centrino laptops.

They might hold off on the iMac until later in the year so they don't piss off people who bought it for Xmas.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Fri Nov 18, 2005 3:22 pm

Well I did it! I am now the proud owner of an iMac 20”. So far, so good. Really good actually! The transition has been as seamless as I’d hoped. 2:00pm boot the thing up for the first time, 2:01pm it recognizes my wireless network and by 2:03pm I am at the desktop and it is already downloading updates to the OS, iTunes, ect… 10 minutes later or so it reboots and I am officially off and running (although it did let me use the machine fully even when downloading the updates). Hooked up my external hard drive and was able to access everything and convert it over.

Thanks again to every for their input!!!

DB beware, I am going to start a new thread asking for MAC tips and tricks and any other need to know info or links.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Fri Nov 18, 2005 3:32 pm

What the hell is wrong with this one?

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Fri Nov 18, 2005 3:53 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:What the hell is wrong with this one?

The topic is not appropriate for what I am trying to accomplish. This is no longer PC vs. MAC purchase advice. At least I did not start a whole new thread saying "I DID IT! I BOUGHT ONE!"

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Fri Nov 18, 2005 5:40 pm

Am I supposed to thank you for doing what's right?

James_E · Post by **James_E** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 11:06 am

Sport73 wrote:

NO viruses (none ever succesfully transferred between Mac OSX clients!).

Has the inevitable finally occurred? Is this a sign that MAC OSX now has enough momentum/userbase to entice the hackers/virus writers? It's kind of like a rite of passage I suppose.

Is this even really a virus in the typical sense of the word?

http://it.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=0 ... 9&from=rss

And some analysis:

http://www.ambrosiasw.com/forums/index. ... pic=102379