Mac vs PC

[higley]

Every once in a while an issue arises that demands our thoughtful consideration. So I ask you: are you a Mac or a PC?

Once, when I was young(er) and ignorant in the ways of the world, I called Macintosh "Macintrash" and trumpeted the superiority of Microsoft. I rescind these thoughtless words as I sit typing on my Mac computer.

I know it depends on what you use the computer for (as an artist I find Macs better suited for my work, but I understand that programmers prefer Windows still). When I purchased my new Mac I gave my old MacMini to my mother, who is still trying to understand it and I think still prefers the Dell machine she uses at work. My father loves Macs however, and swears the next computer he gets will be one. But being something of a techie himself, he favors the Linux system above all else.

How about you? Or does it really matter? Macs are so expensive and that is really my only objection to them. I about broke my budget getting this one, but I love it so I won't complain. Apple's become trendy (my fellow artsy people view Steve Jobs with reverence) but I don't think that dismissal of pop culture--in this case--ought to overshadow the genuine appeal of these machines.

I do, however, keep my Dell computer handy although using it is a pain now. There are yet some programs only available to PC that I wish would make the jump to Mac already.

[Virgil]

I've never really used a Mac Higley so I can't tell. But I've been happy with the PC system. I know Mac users are extremely loyal. But I've always thought of it as novelty and the association of being unique. If Macs are so expensive then I don't see any reason for buying them.

[Zee.]

Macs are amazing

[papayahed]

I've never used a Mac.

[Mathor]

I have been a Mac user for much of my life, and honestly I don't really see any reason to switch over. I'll run down my pro's and cons.

Windows -
Pro - CHEAPER!
Con - Windows software is HORRIBLE.

Mac -
Pro - The monitors have better resolution and more light (so for artists this is VERY IMPORTANT).Programs like Photoshop or other programs that use a lot of memory like photo or video editors like Final Cut Pro tend to run faster on Mac hardware (I have both a P.C and a Mac and always yield better results from my Mac). Their software is often very well-written. (iTunes, Safari)
Cons - Expensive. No very good games for Mac if you are a gamer.

So at least for me, the only reason not to get a mac is if you seek affordability. Though I agree they are VERY overpriced, I love them enough that it's worth it for me.

[Themis]

Every once in a while an issue arises that demands our thoughtful consideration. So I ask you: are you a Mac or a PC?

Mac.
We always had Macs in the family. I did have a PC once (for games though) and had to use one at school (and I'm still certain that I almost failed my informatics class because I simply couldn't get my PC to do what I wanted it to do) , but I'm definitely a Mac-fan. What you can get with one click on a Mac, you'll need five steps for on a PC as far as I know.

[billl]

Macs are too expensive. The most recent versions of software usually pop up on Windows first, too, but the software situation seems to be improving for Macs (People have been saying that for some time, so it must be true ).

Other than that, I think Macs are superior. I've used both (at jobs, it's always been Windows, and a lot of my friends and family do Windows). Macs have well-integrated innovations before Windows adopts them; impressively done standard features such as Spotlight (which searches the hard-drive for file-names and text SUPER-fast, as one types, and is hovering in the top right corner at all times); there's rarely a system request involving super-technical issues or arcanely named files; and my experience is that Windows is more apt to get into trouble as things get more automated (for example, a highly-regarded security program had a feature that automated updates on a relative's computer, and it suggested updating software that wasn't on the machine, confusing it with another program). Still, it is truly impressive how Microsoft has managed to hold it together, maintain support for older versions of that spaghetti-coded graft over DOS, and continue playing a decent game of catch-up with Macintosh. I think the price issue makes Windows a very-defensible choice. And I think higley's right about how the purpose for using the computer could also be a deciding factor.

[AuntShecky]

What a timely thread, right up my own personal alley today, as tech problems (such as booting up) are currently rampant.

Right now I'm fortunate to be able to be online, since our three-year-old computer, an "emachine" whose name is Pong II, is moribund. I wish I could afford a Mac, but it's too expensive. Not every program is compatible, but the good things I've heard about Macs over-ride that issue. For instance, the Mac is extremely user-friendly.

If you don't see me on the LitNet for awhile, you'll know that Pong II has breathed its last, but I'll try to get another one ASAP.

[Niamh]

I use a PC. Very few people use MACs here in Ireland. Probably because of all the software giants that have located here in the past. I have however used A MAC in college to make a website. For the Dreamwever and Fireworks programmes (which are probably prehistoric at this point in time...was 2001 after all) i found the MAC much better than the PC which i struggled to get around certain proceedures on that were simple on the MAC. I think from a design/ art point of view the MAC does win hands down. But, for a plain, simple, easy to use computer for writing, its Microsoft... although i'm not a fan of vista and thankfully still have windows on my laptop.

[Virgil]

I use a PC. Very few people use MACs here in Ireland. Probably because of all the software giants that have located here in the past. I have however used A MAC in college to make a website. For the Dreamwever and Fireworks programmes (which are probably prehistoric at this point in time...was 2001 after all) i found the MAC much better than the PC which i struggled to get around certain proceedures on that were simple on the MAC. I think from a design/ art point of view the MAC does win hands down. But, for a plain, simple, easy to use computer for writing, its Microsoft... although i'm not a fan of vista and thankfully still have windows on my laptop.

Isn't that another good reason to go with a PC? There is more available software for them. At least they used to be.

[Niamh]

yeah it is. The new tills we got into work are actually microsoft systems and are classed as the best. They are really good.

[AimusSage]

This topic is like a religious debate for geeks.

Windows FTW! Vista was a dud, but windows 7 is so much better, taking the best bits of the mac while leaving out all the crappy stuff.

Mathor, Mac monitors do not have better resolutions. Actually there are better monitors available for both the mac and PC than the standard mac monitors.

[JBI]

I have a Mac, and though tempted to become a "Mac guy" because it cost too much, I still am a PC person, simply because the system is far more natural and user friendly, though neither are particularly good.

[Mathor]

This topic is like a religious debate for geeks.

Windows FTW! Vista was a dud, but windows 7 is so much better, taking the best bits of the mac while leaving out all the crappy stuff.
\

Wishful Thinking? Windows 7 hasn't come out yet.

[higley]

Vista is a major pain in the butt. It was the bump in many a road for some friends during college, trying to transfer projects from their homes to the campus.

What's nice is that as much more money as the Mac cost, I have saved at least as much in all the repair work I haven't needed for it. The built in virus protection is superb; with my old PC laptop I am constantly dealing with virus alerts, scans and bugs. I haven't gotten a single virus on my Mac. Whether that's because the built-in firewalls are so effective or because there simply aren't many viruses yet being unleashed on them, it's liberating not to deal with that. And I LOVE the system updates.

Plus, the processors and graphics cards really are great. I use the Adobe Creative Suite and it just goes so smoothly on this computer, whereas Photoshop on my Dell is a frustrating experience.

AimusSage you are right. This is a total nerd debate.

Isn't Windows 7 sort of a step back from what they were trying to do with Vista? I'm not familiar with that outside of playing with it in Best Buy and listening to my bud complain.