usakf

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I keep hearing a lot of good things about Macs. I use my PC for music, pix, and vids and it seems very limited in handling all types of media.

Plus, I hate filling Bill Gates' pockets.

Anyone ever make the switch? Was it good or bad?

CWB

"limited in handling ..." ??!!

i would check the availability of programs to do what you need to have done before you make the investment ...

and remember ... upgrading a mac is a royal pain ... come to think of it , even adding a modem was the pits !
if one portion goes down , you loose the whole thing . if you live outside of the "big city" good luck getting it worked on ... you'll then be lining the pockets of UPS !

mstad

Stick with what you know

raptor_85

I recently bought a mac, but I still have a windows based computer. I like it a lot, but there are some things I hate. The biggest annoyance I can think of was not having a middle click (mine is a laptop, so I don't really want to carry around an external mouse). Also, there is no copy and pasting of files (which I used quite a bit in windows). If you ask the mac people about it, they snap at you about how it is ridiculous to cut and paste a file. Thats the one thing about going Mac that is bad, you will have to figure out things for yourself (the forums don't seem to help as much). However, I was able to come up with a work around for the cut paste problem using applescript.

That is where the mac shines, you have the power to create almost anything you need to with built in programs (create complex automated tasks etc). You also have the power of a terminal like the one found in Linux which can be very useful. I don't know how much you know about computers, and if you even care, so I will assume this wouldn't be very useful to you.

If you are just looking for a media station or to surf the web with, you can buy a PC for much cheaper. You get what you pay for though, and if you want a tiny cpu (ala the Mac mini) you would be hard pressed to find a PC like that. The Mac also comes with a remote to use for music, moves, and pictures. You also get the added bonus of built in DVD editing software and such. In addition to built in software, you have the open source community (because of the Unix base that OS X is built on) which means that you can find almost any software you need for free (there is even a full office suite that can read and write MS Office files, called NeoOffice). OS X is very elegant; you can hide windows and tile them with a quick click of a button (expose). Installing programs is just a drag and drop of a folder (there are a few that have installers like windows), and to delete a program you just move it to the trash. Really no need exists for a virus scan or spyware scanner since no one bothers to make viruses for Macs.

Now as for multimedia there are codec packs (search for codec pack intel mac) that allow Quicktime to play pretty much every type of video including divx. Itunes plays MP3s of course, and I can't think of any other media you would need to play.

To sum it up, just make sure that if there is one specific program you use (for work or whatever) make sure you can do without or find an alternative. Also, if you webcam with people, you will probably have to use Skype or have them use AIM (and you use Ichat). Remember, Apple now uses Intel chips, so with bootcamp (free from Apple) you can dual boot windows assuming you have a windows install available. I have heard this is easy, but have never tried it. If I had to define a mac, it would be: a stable and powerful Unix base, with a nice easy to use interface. You could always try Linux (Ubuntu is probably the easiest), but it will be more difficult to use.

Sorry if that was more information that you bargained for, I didn't mean to sound like an advertisement.

drktitan56

If you do go with a mac you can use a simulator on it that will let you use window progs.

___________________________________________
I have always been a street hacker if you want to put it in those terms. I prefer to call it guerrilla research of todays machines and the never ending thirst for finding out just what the hell is out there. You fear us only until you want something for free.

beyondwords

I have no regrets switching.

I agree that at first it takes some getting used to (control-clicking, command instead of control for a lot of key combos).

I highly recommend it to anyone who has the extra cash for it. It's true Macs are more expensive, but I really do believe you get what you pay for. Since the hardware it runs on is more tightly controlled, everything just seems to fit together.

I find that I spend far less time doing maintenance-type work on my computer; this really does leave me more time to be productive, or at least to enjoy using my computer rather than curse at the most recent annoyance that's cropped up.

One thing ot consider right now though is the impending release of Leopard (OS 10.5). If you still have a functional computer, wait until the new OS ships so that you don't have to pay for the upgrade. I'm pretty sure you'll want it when it comes out.

Finally, I highly recommend a good book to get you up to speed quickly on shortcuts and timesaving tricks. I've found http://www.amazon.com/Mac-Tiger-Tim...s/dp/0764579630 very useful.

P.S. I really don't know what the previous post about not copying and pasting files was about. Command-C and Command-V work just fine if I ever choose not to drag-and-drop.

raptor_85

I meant cutting and pasting files: Command-X / Command-V. But its only a slight nuance. I use quicksilver a lot now its great!

Pocketpool

Unless there is a specific program you need that only runs on windows, go for it. If you have the extra cash. It costs money to be that pretencous.

Lazer

Macs are way overpriced!
you really can't upgrade a mac.
I know plenty of people who went to a mac, And came back to a PC.
And the windows emulator program does not work on everything.

The new mac OS is linux based though.

And Bill Gates isn't a bad guy. Shit Microsoft employess have it made! he treats them well.
And he donates a shitload of his money to decent causes.

shiiboi

Just hold down the CONTROL key- same thing.


??? I copy/paste files in the Finder that all the time. Have you tried?


The ease of learning the OS is the Mac's main attraction. The problem is more that if you have been using Windows for a long time, you have a habit of seeking out solutions that are harder than they need to be. I've never known anyone who didn't adapt to the Mac OS in less than a day.

kartguru

I'm looking forward to when Apple start producing some Tablet form factors ... that coupled with Boot Camp (dual OS) and I think I'll also make the switch

BlaH80

yeah ill stick with my pc that i can build myself for really cheap and upgrade as much as i want.

generalpetres

personally i would stick with pc due to many reasons macs dont have as much softwar they are not completly user friendly not to much performance uses for it. i mean with pcs you can do a lot more and it wont crash every time you use it lol trust me i use to work with macs and they love crashing.

SMonty30

mac and boot camp sounds tasty though...