Mac's ... Good? Bad?

[jmayo86]

This will probably start a massive argument :) but im new to the 'Mac' seen and wondered why are Macs so well known in the graphic industry? Why not a pc?

Also what do you people that own a Mac think about them? Do u prefer a Mac or a PC?

Im only asking this as im thinking of buying a laptop and im looking into buying a mac laptop, but i dont know which one?! :h:

[Kristopher]

A) Should have searched the forum for previous topics.

B) Macs are supperior for graphics because it's internal setup of the OS is based off of graphcis and UNIX.

C) I own a powerbook. I LOVE IT. Worth every penny. Just soo much easier to navigate. Apple takes care of you too. I do miss my PC for gaming though. I mean I still acquire a few games for Mac through bitTorrent, but there is no selection near the PC. That's THE MAIN ONLY arguement why all my friends make fun of my powerbook: they are gamers. However, since I don't have the temptation to play games anymore because I physically can't, I've been reading more, designing more, and working more. So it's actually benefiting me :).



So to recap: If you still want to game, Macs are kinda crappy. If you don't wish to game, then why wouldn't you get a Mac (unless price is a factor)? It's better in almost every aspect. Powerbook 12" works nice, because when I design, I just connect to my big CRT through a jack and BAM, I have duel monitors. A 15" isn't bad if you don't have another monitor. I really like the portability of the 12" though.


Best of luck J with buying stuff :)

[Proksel]

I own a couple macs: dual 2.5 & 667 powerbook
I also own a windows computer: AMD + x800
And an old computer (500mhz) running red hat enterprise

I use each for specific reasons. I like using my powerbook in class to take notes and basic tasks - email, internet, writing papers. I love it because I basically never have to do any upkeep on it. No wide-spread exploited security gaps that I have to worry about. Don't get me wrong, if a person has a little technology ability a windows based computer can be very secure - in fact my AMD computer has not had any problems since i built it. I just make sure it is on at midnight and it does a spyware and virus scan. Plus I just use a nice firewall. So in my mind both can be very secure.

As for preference in the graphics field it is because of the stability of the os and how it handles ram. I feel mac os x handles and protects the system stability and I have seen it when i work with 1 gig + photoshop files and other ram intensive graphics programs.

As for the film industry I believe it is used due to the programs - motion, Final Cut Pro HD, Shake etc. These programs form an amazing suite in which just about any thing can be done. You can see some of the amazing results of the "pro" applications from apple http://www.apple.com/pro/ .

In the end I use windows, Mac, and *nix because I believe each has its benefit and to be honest I like having all of them it makes everything easier.

As for you buying a mac notebook. I would suggest you look into an ibook because it (maxed with ram) will do just about anything you can toss at it. I would also visit an apple store or compusa (and Bestbuy in some areas) and test out the operating system. In the end the use of either is based on preference. With the correct technique and software either can be productive. It is all a matter of preference and knowledge of the platform you use.

[jmayo86]

Thanks. Yes i should have searched the other topics...i forogt though :( yer i agree, i havent seen many games around for Mac really, not like the selection you can have on the PC. I will still have a desktop pc that i can game on etc, go on the net etc but i just wanted a laptop to do my designs on it, especially if im going to do alot of graphics. Ill consider a mac

Ive used Mac OS, ive used the latest one and the old one with the grey appearence. Ive used them at college and found them similar to PC's, the only thing i noticed is the price of what you get, thats the only doubt i have. Plus the availability of software, as im kind of skint hehe

[Proksel]

Basically whatever program you could use on windows most mac users could find you a program that does the same thing and is most likely compatible with file types.

What programs do you use that you are not sure if you can get on mac?

[Kristopher]

It's hard to explain J. Once you own a Mac and use it, you just realize how crappy your life was before with only a PC. I was one that was against Macs a half year ago... but once I've owned one... it's a wierd thing that all Mac owners know about.

[jmayo86]

I know most of the programs i have on my PC, you can run on a Mac so that isnt a problem. Just like Kristopher said about games....they are less available for a mac, but i am not bothered about that.

Kristopher, yes i agree, ive done a full two years of graphics at college and really hated macs and used to have alot of arguments. But now im interested in them as im geting a bit bored with just 'windows' and want to try something different, plus as i am a graphic student alot of designers use mac's so thats another reason i want to try one.

[Butters]

I have a PowerBook G4 12", it rocks, I use it every day with Final Cut and stuff.

Buy a PowerBook, they rule!

I can't wait for the PowerBook G5, thats gonna own.

[jmayo86]

I am considering it, but where do you get your software from?! Also do you use it for going on the internet? as i dont know how i would do it, because my house runs on a network of 2 windows based PC's would i be able to link my Mac (when i get it) to this network?

[Proksel]

I am considering it, but where do you get your software from?! Also do you use it for going on the internet? as i dont know how i would do it, because my house runs on a network of 2 windows based PC's would i be able to link my Mac (when i get it) to this network?

The network is no problem. Both Panther (10.3) and the upcoming Tiger(10.4) make networking a breeze. It has never really been a problem. Macs use the exact same protocols that windows uses - with the addition of some of their own (appletalk, opentalk, etc). All you need to do is connect the mac to a network and it will work. A little more information on the network and I can give you exactly configurations once you have a mac. router, wireless, hub, all are no problem to configure for.

All of my computers are networked and work well together and that consists of unix, linux, windows xp, and mac os x 10.3 & mac os x 10.4 preview.

Software can easily be bought for mac at an apple store (where I usually buy since there are two by me), also CompUSA has mac software, newegg, macmall.com and straight from apple.com or the vender direct.

[Kristopher]

If anything, J, Macs are better with networking (at least easier) because they are UNIX based.

Also, I get my software through efollet.com. My college has a thing set up so I get software for cheap because I'm a student. You in college?

If you aren't in college, then the best place to buy Apple software is actually Apple.com. Just as cheap as any legal place anywhere else and it's straight from them, so if you have problems, they take care of you.

[λ]

linux != unix, remember that..

You may have some problems with file/printer sharing, I don't know.. but the overall networking and routers/gateway setups are standard, so the internet should work.

[jmayo86]

OMG im so getting a MAC!!! woo, the only thing that was stopping me was because i didnt think i could connect it to my windows network. I have a router and its a wired network, so ill look up on that, cheers guys.

Yer im at university studying multimedia and web dev, but im quitting as its quite crap, ive been there 4/5 month and learnt nothing, and the 2nd year guys say it doesnt get better. So im quitting and going doing a degree in graphic design, where i did my A-level graphics. I know when i was at college, people were getting photoshop / illu free.

yer i know unix is linux, i just done a module on unix and networking systems so im quite familiar with that.

Im defiantly considering a mac, which laptop do u suggest?

[Proksel]

The largest factor would be how much money do you want to spend?
And how long do you want to go before you buy a new computer?

[Proksel]

linux != unix, remember that..

You may have some problems with file/printer sharing, I don't know.. but the overall networking and routers/gateway setups are standard, so the internet should work.

Yeah I had some small problems doing networking (mainly print sharing - file sharing was pretty easy) with all of the operating systems but it was easy to figure out with some small help from other forums.

[jmayo86]

Yes, i am not bothered about file sharing, i would just like to have the internet on my laptop, when i get it. I have a limit of about £1,200 no more though

[Butters]

You can get a PowerBook 12" for £1,200, mine cost about that.

[Proksel]

I would check out the education store since you are at university. You can get a 12in powerbook w/ superdrive for £1,194.98 ((£1,017.00 ex VAT))

[Disco-Stu]

The only apple in my house is in the fridge; where it belongs. ;)

[Kristopher]

Disco-Stu doesn't advertise :ub:

But anyways, I bought a really nice 12" powerbook for $1400. And don't buy an iBook. Get a powerbook no matter what.



And as for dropping out of school - don't do it man! The most important thing is a slip of paper. If you have the chance to go to a university - take it!!!! My classes this semeseter: Geography, Business, United States Civil War, and ASP.NET. My current job: Web design. It's the fact taht you are going to school and getting stuff accomplished that matters to a boss. I've been in school for almost 2 years now... and I still feel like I'm regurgitating stuff I already know.

DON'T DROP OUT OF SCHOOL!

[jmayo86]

OK ill look into the Powerbooks :D hehe kristopher, im dropping out and rejoining a new course because i dont like the one im on!

P.s. i take it that disco-stu doesnt like apples? ;-)

[Kristopher]

O ok. You are still staying in school though right? Because that's what matters.


For example, www.burnkit.com is a GREAT flash firm in Canananadia. The lead art director has a degree in Biology...

[jmayo86]

Never heard of Canananadia :P but i think i know what you mean hehe.

Yes im still going to be studying, just not the subject i am at the moment

[VersusMG]

I've noticed with people i work with that if you start out on a mac then you like a mac and if you start out on pc your normally pc. But our company is making the switch to mac just because their sexier and just overall better for our applications. The only think that could make a mac better is the right click option. I'm so used to it that it can be annoying when I "right click" on a mac mouse which just clicks...but thats not a big enough reason not to switch.

[jmayo86]

Aye, i agree....we pay more! for one less button!

[dru_nasty]

The only think that could make a mac better is the right click option. I'm so used to it that it can be annoying when I "right click" on a mac mouse which just clicks...but thats not a big enough reason not to switch.
so ctrl-click or buy a two button mouse for your mac.

[Butters]

Yeah, seriously, it's not a big deal.

I don't use right click that much anyway...

[Kristopher]

I even use my Microsoft Intelli Mouse 5.1.... kinda ironic, no?

[jmayo86]

Yer, i knew about ctrl and click but its a bit awkward, i know what hes trying to say because like me hes probably used to accessing stuff by right clicking and it becomes a habit to just ... right click :S

[grimdeath]

Well on older Mac OS filesharing was a bit of a problem but theres options like Dave and PCMacLan which were programs ive used before to get files and internet shared across pc and mac networks but i think they fixed this with Panther not sure you can read this article for more info.

If your using windows 2003 server then theres a option to enable afp which is a mac protocol and you can start sharing files without the need of any software.

They both have theyre benefits me i prefer pc, i own a ibook with os 9.2 and iave worked with g4s and a powerbooks the experience is nice and what really is important to me is that you can learn how to develop websites that work in any platform and on any browser that really si what counts and shows how much of a webdeveloper you are, not like alot of people that say they are webdevelopers and you open their site on other browsers and they dont work, always test your work in every platform and browser that says alot about how serious about your job you really are.

I use my mac for testing purposes since its not anywhere near the speed i have with my Notebook heck my notebook is faster than my desktop which i use now as a server adn i work on my notebook. What really sucks about macs is the limited upgrade ability you have, if you wanna upgrade you basically have to go out and buy a new Mac, but you can try buying pc harddrives and cd drives and purchase external enclosures and put them in the enclosures and hook tehm up via usb 2.0 i think thats the only way you could probably upgrade a mac with non apple hardware, IM NOT SURE THIS WILL WORK I SAID YOU CAN TRY SO ITS A RISK.

Get a Mac and experience whats it like then have your own opinons about it dont believe what everyone says, most Mac users are fanboys and are biased, i apologize to the Mac users who arent fanboys but most Mac users i know get very annoyed when someone talks about the OS. Just get one and use what suits you best in the end you will know more because you can use any platform you want and in a job thats very important since you can be more versatile than a person who just knows how to use 1 OS. Good luck ;)

[werd]

Yep, macs are really good with graphics my only gripe is that my desktop seems to get messy after a while....can't wait till my company gets me a G5! buwhahaha!

[Mik3]

Unix/Linux: Programmers, Server Hosting (If I were a hardcore programmer, I'de trust Linux to power my box)
Mac: Graphic Design, Proffessional-Based Jobs (I would trust Apple to run my company)
Windows: Gaming, Teenagers (I would buy a Windows system if I could buy a gaming machine)

[Disco-Stu]

I actually used a G4 regularly when I worked for a design firm, and I still use them occasionally. That being said, Mac's suck balls. Final Cut Pro is the greatest thing to ever happen to desktop video editing, and it's Mac exclusive. Still, Mac's suck balls. OS X is a killer looking OS, and the G4 case designs rock. Mac's still suck balls. I just can't get over the crappiness of not being able to upgrade, the lack of video cards, the software applicable to nothing but design, the crappy default one button mice, as well as the stupid-long boot up times. Couple that with how insanely expensive it is compared to PC's, and you've got why I don't like Macs. They suck balls.

Congrats to those of you who can and do use Macs regularly. You have far more patience than I.

[kirupa]

Unix/Linux: Programmers, Server Hosting (If I were a hardcore programmer, I'de trust Linux to power my box)Where are you getting this from? I know quite a number of hardcore programmers, and all of them use Windows. Even our outdated non-gui emacs-like programming ide's used for class come for Windows because of high demand for them.

Mac: Graphic Design, Proffessional-Based Jobs (I would trust Apple to run my company)Also, what about a mac makes them suitable for a professional-based company as opposed to a PC? Are all those companies/jobs that use PCs not professional? That's like saying Picasso's paintings are better because of the brand of paper he used.

Also, Macs have most of the *popular* games available for them. The games run fairly well on them also!

[λ]

Where are you getting this from? I know quite a number of hardcore programmers, and all of them use Windows. Even our outdated non-gui emacs-like programming ide's used for class come for Windows because of high demand for them.
Emacs does have a GUI. And I know a lot that use Linux. I think it's more whichever you prefer most really..

[ya3]

Meh. Although I have gotten over a lot of my Mac obsession/worshiping, I still like to compare Macs & PCs like BMWs and Hyundais, respectively. Basically, that pretty much sums it up. Many people wouldn't see the point in spending all that money on a BMW - it still gets you from A to B just as good as a Hyundai could. Hyundais are cheaply built and badly overstyled. If you want class and quality, get a BMW - you'll get all the perks and refinements of a luxury car, making the whole experience more enjoyable and comfortable. Sure, you can pimp out a Hyundai with a V12 engine, leather seats and chrome rims - and probably leave the BMW in the dust, in terms of performance... BUT, for true quality and class, a black 7-series sedan beats a pimped out Hyundai anydai ;)


...if you get what I'm saying...

[Butters]

I actually used a G4 regularly when I worked for a design firm, and I still use them occasionally. That being said, Mac's suck balls. Final Cut Pro is the greatest thing to ever happen to desktop video editing, and it's Mac exclusive. Still, Mac's suck balls. OS X is a killer looking OS, and the G4 case designs rock. Mac's still suck balls. I just can't get over the crappiness of not being able to upgrade, the lack of video cards, the software applicable to nothing but design, the crappy default one button mice, as well as the stupid-long boot up times. Couple that with how insanely expensive it is compared to PC's, and you've got why I don't like Macs. They suck balls.

Congrats to those of you who can and do use Macs regularly. You have far more patience than I.
OMG! IT COMES WITH A 1 BUTTON MOUSE! If you cared that much, you would just buy a 2 button one...jeez.

Stupidly long boot times? Are you on crack? My Mac laptop (867mhz) boots faster than my 3.2ghz PC.

You can upgrade, especially the G5 with it's removable side-panel.