Contemplating about switching from PC to MAC, beneficial in my case?

Question

Hi guys, Im contemplating on buying the new 13" macbook pro. I'm currently a PC user and have been my whole life. But I'm currently a photocomm major in college so I may need a Mac's processing power for photoshop etc applications. I'm not very proficient in PS at the moment but I will be. But I would still like the luxury of playing PC shooter games, IF I do buy the mac. No viruses and slow downs would be nice too. Are my conditions realistic if I get a Mac? Thanks!

Answer 1

I use both Mac(s) and PC(s) and have CS4 and Lightroom 2 on both. There is not much to choose between them as far as speed goes, but the Mac screen is, in my opinion, better then most PC based laptops. The iMac 24 inch is just a dream to work with!



The big issue for conversion is software cost. PC versions will of course not work on a Mac platform - the Lightroom CD does contain both platforms though. As you will have found out, Office Mac can be had for less than the PC version, but you are still looking at nearly doubling the Mac hardware cost to get a decently populated system.



Cheers

Charles

Answer 2

I did the same thing. The nice thing about the mac is its features in the ilife. I will never go back to a personal PC. I am a IT, but dont tell my work that I prefer a mac. You will love how easy it is to use adobe products on the mac over the PC. The no Virus saying is correct so far. 2 years. If you have to have the gaming side of the PC word they have vmware that allows you to load xp ,vista, or windows 7 to the mac.

Answer 3

IF you buy a Mac you will be paying WAY to much for an Operating System and under powered hardware....not worth it to me...



Photoshop is Photoshop...there is really no benefit of using on Mac vs PC...just like using Word Mac vs PC.

Answer 4

Mac's are a dumbed down version of everything. if you are someone who wants to just do a few very basic things, like pull up websites and read information........ or maybe write a word document... and that's it, then get a mac maybe. they don't have all the normal windows shortcuts, file and folder behavior, and keyboard shortcuts. Everything you have learned (or should have learned) to make life easier and smarter when using a computer, will do you no good after purchase of your mac - because none of them will work.



A mac is like a small tiny world unto itself. All you will be doing is making life difficult for yourself on a mac. They make you look trendy... and certainly sound trendy ... but all I know is my sister ventured out into the mac world and since she is not a computer expert and I sort of am, she calls me all the time asking for help with normal stuff like files, folders, regular pc stuff. And I can't help her because she has a mac and everything is different.



It's like if you have a choice to go to college, and you either study a mainstream subject that will be relevant in your life and career...or you study some really obscure thing that 90% of life won't relate to.... your choice?

Source(s):

Jobs, career, experience.



Imaging training yourself to use a mac, then you get out of college and every single corporate job you'll ever get will use PC's. And you have to tell them you are completely PC il-literate...



I can't even imagine trying to get a job at this point in the economy and every normal, standard big-company job you can get requires you to know PC's. And then all you know is MAC? it's not mainstream, so yes it's an adventure...but a risky one.



Lastly...all this talk about viruses and customer service>>?? Is kind of irrelevant. Remember, none of that matters unless you actually ARE prone to getting viruses or needing customer service. I have had not-even-top-of-the-line PC's for years and have only gotten 1 virus the whole time, and it was because I did something stupid I basically knew I shouldn't have....which by the way, is the only way you get a virus. They don't just jump into your computer, you have to kind of do something to get it.



AND....the one single virus I got in years of avidly surfing the net with a PC? all that time was with NO paid anti-virus software. It was WINPc Defender (the virus). And I removed it with some freeware off Google.



PC's are the most versatile thing you can get where you have the most freedom to do stuff...Mac's are for people who haven't really learned to work the computer... they want it to provide a real dumbed-down graphics interface of itself that will greatly restrict them to doing it.



A lot like, 10 years ago, many people used AOL to access (and browse) the internet, instead of just using a browser and surfing to whatever site they felt like. Gradually, everyone realized that it was far better to have a bit of knowledge oneself and browse where you wanted, insetad of all the "keyword" cr@p



And I agree...definitely try for windows XP, Vista is a bit annoying.

Answer 5

I say do your research. PC vs Mac questions are everywhere, and the only thing that happens is Mac people come on and rant about how bad PC's are and how they get viruses (even though Macs get them too), and PC people get on and talk about how Mac is overpriced for crappy hardware. Same ol' same ol'.



I'mma PC guy. I say get a PC with a 64bit, but if you like video editing, and photo manipulation? Get a Mac.

Answer 6

photoshop cs4 64bit is faster on a pc, but just get da mac since everyone else will probably have one..

Answer 7

I would recommend staying with a PC for the following reasons (and Mac is much more overpriced, even with discount)



PC=Variety of specs, options, quality, prices, vendors, support

Mac=One vendor, limited options, still more expensive. Look below for more information..



Today, Macs use a subset of PC hardware. Why spend extra to get the same CPU chips, graphics cards and OS X isn't as secure as you think..



Don't believe the lies that Macs are better than PCs at graphics/animation.. Dreamworks Animation http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/ under studio click on Technology of Animation, an independent film maker I know uses PCs, a graphic artist I used to know uses PCs also.



A number of PCs can also run OS X (Mac OS) http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=os+x+on+pc&btnG=Google+Search&aq=0&oq=os+x+on+ as well just that Apple makes it illegal in order to get Market share.. The reason why Mac can run native Windows is because it is using a subset of PC hardware,



If you decide to buy a Mac for running Windows, you will still have to get the same virus/spyware protection, and run into the same issues as a regular PC.





Now is a Mac worth buying for OS X?



I say: NO... for the following reasons...



QUALITY/PROBLEMS

Contrary to belief, Macs are not better quality. Apple also has been changing suppliers to try to "lower the price" and thus lowering quality. Even with the lower prices, Macs still cost more, they spend a higher percent of budget trying to make it look pretty, and marketing.



Sample of problems: Overheating Macbooks, OS X- not responding to keyboard, some units with 16bit screens, etc. Apple statistics are misleading since Mac users with problem machines are more likely to go out and buy a new computer than PC users. Apple is lowering prices which means you can expect lower quality than in the past. Apple had switched the manufacturers producing parts. OS X also has problems slowing down.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10020263-17.html

http://www.tuaw.com/2008/08/01/apples-quality-dwindling-my-macbook-pro-sob-story/

http://www.appledefects.com/

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/os-x-operating-system/107748-mac-os-leopard-running-slow.html

http://cybernetnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/reliable-laptops.jpg



Repairs are more expensive than PCs since the IMac, Mac Mini are compact units, and Apple charges a premium for their services. Some repairs can be done by another repair service but the compact design of the computer causes problems.

With an IMac, if the problem is with the monitor, the whole computer would have to be brought in.

IMac and Mac mini lack expansion.



VIRUSES

Mac OS X has viruses (and significantly on the rise), a friend of mine has a virused Mac. As more users use Macs, more viruses will come out for it. Especially when users think "they are safe".

http://infosecurity.us/?p=4005

http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2008/07/malware_authors_take_aim_at_growing_number_of_1.html

http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/poll_have_you_noticed_an_increase_in_malware_viruses_etc_on_your_mac/



SECURITY

Mac OS X was hacked in 2006 less than 30 minutes, and within 2 minutes in a contest in 2008, and within 10 seconds in 2009. In 2008, Linux and Vista were not hacked until another day when restrictions were lowered. Vista was next, and then Linux. In 2009 Windows 7 fell shortly after the Mac but Linux was unscathed.

Macs are standardized with Cameras, if your Mac gets hacked, the hacker can turn on your camera with more ease.

Please Note: All OS's have vulnerabilities.

http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/security/soa/Mac-OS-X-hacked-under-30-minutes/0,130061744,139241748,00.htm

http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/03/27/Gone-in-2-minutes-Mac-gets-hacked-first-in-contest_1.html

http://www.infoworld.com/article/09/03/19/Researcher_cracks_Mac_in_10_seconds_1.html

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Finds-Irony-in-Mac-OS-X-Getting-Hacked-Before-Vista-SP1-82135.shtml



PRICE

A similar equipped PC is much cheaper to purchase than Mac. Lets use Dell (but you can compare with another PC Brand if you like)



**(LAPTOP)

Dell Inspiron Laptop Starting Price: $500

Ending Price: $500

15" Screen

CPU: 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo [5% slower]

Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD [Not as good/fine for general use[

Memory: 3GB DDR2 SDRAM [75% of ram)

Hard Drive: 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (same)

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dndozm4&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=laptop-inspiron-1545



Cybperpower Notebook Xplorer X5-2900 Starting Price: $755

Ending Price After upgrades (not including 5% rebate): $860

15" Screen

CPU: (upgrade to) 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (+$100) [FASTER]

Graphics: Nvidia GFORCE 9600-GT 512MB [MUCH FASTER/BETTER CARD]

Memory: 4GB DDR2 SDRAM [MORE MEMORY]

Hard Drive: (upgrade to) 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (+$5) [LARGER HARD DRIVE]

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Xplorer_X5-2900_Notebook/detail



Macbook Starting laptop Price: $1000

Ending Price After Upgrades: $1200

13" Screen (SMALLER)

CPU: 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (SLOWER)

Graphics: Nvidia GFORCE 9400 256MB

Memory: (upgrade to) 4GB DDR2 SDRAM (SAME)

Hard Drive (upgrade to) 320B Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (SAME)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MC240LL/A?mco=NjcxMTQ3Ng





**(DESKTOP)



PLEASE NOTE: I compare Apple Mac's vs Dells best deal. If you really want an all-in one the Dell all-in-one has more ram, wireless keyboard and mouse and equivalent to $400 for free making the Imac still more expensive when you matching specs. Personally I don't think the All-in-Ones are a good choice, and consider them overpriced, lack expandability and repairs both more expensive and require the entire computer.



PS: Apple knows that they need to make Macintosh look different than PC so all Macs except the Mac Pro will not have a tower option. Apple's low end lacks expandability but it makes the Mac "look different", if Mac had a tower for low-end, more people would realize the similarities between the two.



Dell: ($700)

CPU: 2.33 GHZ Dell Inspiron QUAD (4 Processor) CORE

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: 4GB Ram

HARD DRIVE: 500 GB hard Drive

OPTICAL DRIVE: 16x DVD/CD Read/Writer

GRAPHICS: ATI Radeon HD 512MB

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dddwra4&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=desktop-inspiron-537s



The Mac Mini since it has no monitor, keyboard, mouse, very skimpy on options and setup and is not the best deal... The IMac is better price than the Mac Mini.



IMac ($1300)

CPU: 2.4 GHZ DUAL (2 Processor) CORE (SLOWER CPU)

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: (upgrade to) 4GB Ram (SAME)

HARD DRIVE: (upgrade to ) 320 GB hard Drive (LESS HARD DRIVE)

OPTICAL DRIVE: 8x DVD Reader/Writer (1/2 speed)

GRAPHICS: Nvidia Geforce 9400M (APPROX SAME BUT LESS MEMORY GAPHICS)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MB417LL/A?mco=NDE4Mzg3Ng



ADVANTAGES WINDOWS :

Aprox 90% of the market is Windows and most PCs have windows already pre-installed.

1) Some websites require Internet Explorer, to run IE on Mac you really get ies4osx which is the Windows version of IE running really buggy and illegal if you don't have a legitimate copy of Windows.

2) Supports more devices (printers and other things you hook into the computer).

3) More business software/games

4) Want the dock on OS X (Mac)? google/yahoo rocketdock, objectdoc.

5) Used by businesses.



ADVANTAGES LINUX :

1) FREE (most versions are)

2) Install software by either 1) Synaptic Package Manager, 2) Add/Remove 3) Opening a .deb or .rpm file (depending on distribution)

2) Like the Mac OS X effects? go yahoo/google COMPIZ FUSION which can do any cool effect a Mac can do and many ore....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Fbk52Mk1w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3gkX9HDfEE (there is no flickering when you use it like on the video, not sure why the person has the flicker)

3) Mac OS X Doc? google/yahoo Avant Window Navigator.Cairo Dock, http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3rf5q_cairo-dock-mac-os-x-leopard-dock-on_tech

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0hzi22g2DE

4) It is FASTER/MORE SECURE to surf on the internet

5) Some Windows programs work with Wnehq/Crossover (also avail on Mac, but why pay $$$)



Instructions how to download, burn and boot http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/

Dual Boot Instructions http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_linux_xp_installed_first.htm



Equivalents to ILife

http://www.jakeludington.com/ask_jake/20070830_ilife_for_windows.html

http://www.xsellize.com/showthread.php?t=20518



FREE Windows Stuff

http://www.comodo.com/products/free_products.html

http://www.iobit.com/

http://www.ccleaner.com/

ANTI-VIRUS

Avira Antivir (FREE) for 2009 personal edition is free (there is a paid version) the free version was rated the best by consumer reports 2009.

http://www.free-av.com/ Avast (Free- Click under Free Software and download Avast Home Edition) http://www.avast.com/



ANTI-MALWARE

Windows Defender (FREE)

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx

Malware Bytes (FREE) Limitation - No Realtime protection on free version.

http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?tag=mncol

Super Anti-Spyware (FREE)

http://download.cnet.com/SuperAntiSpyware-Free-Edition/3000-8022_4-10523889.html?tag=mncol



LINUX INFO:

http://distrowatch.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.desktoplinux.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.ubuntu.com/