Thinking of changing to Mac [Archive]

Sparrow

02-27-2007, 02:42

As a household we now have four PCs (and two game “boxes”) on wireless network and I’m finding keeping the whole thing running very time consuming, despite my best efforts they seem to always have some issue or other and be running slower and slower over time.

Now with the advent of Vista, and the hardware upgrades that probably involves, some of my ISP’s software is already refusing to run on an eighteen month old XP laptop, the volume of junk and viruses needing anti-virus and firewalls maintaining all eating into my quality time I got to thinking, would it make sense to start switching to Mac.

Is it a silly idea from where I am now? anybody got an opinion; keep in mind I’m a bit of a techno dummy

I have all my scammer and printer software for Mac but would need to buy Photoshop

ClaremontPhoto

02-27-2007, 02:47

Just do it.

It's so easy, and it always works.

markinlondon

02-27-2007, 02:47

You and me both, Stewart. You may not need to buy PS, have a look at apple Boot Camp and Parallels desktop for Mac. They both allow XP on a Mac.
I'm just waiting for the money from my M6 to buy my Mac Mini, then it's Arrividerci Windows.

Sparrow

02-27-2007, 02:52

Hi Mark, that allows you to run PC software? on the Mac

Sparrow

02-27-2007, 02:54

Just do it.

It's so easy, and it always works.

Even if the system is “mixed” for a time?

ClaremontPhoto

02-27-2007, 03:00

abumac

02-27-2007, 03:04

I did it a lot of years ago. My first Mac was the first genration iMac. Now I have a G4 PowerMac. It allways works. No more silly blue screens announcing a "fatal error in modul K29393837465X45646Y36353".

Just do it, you will enjoy it.

Sparrow

02-27-2007, 03:21

I've never tried emulation software. But I have used Apple for 20 years or more, and OSX since it was launched, and have never had any issues at all.

Look into the iMac: it's got a big screen (good for photos) but it's really small on the desk.

In case you don't know it's http://www.apple.com

I started out on Mac in the 80s but the business side of things moved to PC through the 90s, is the reliability and compatibility as good as everyone claims.
I think I’ve read their entire site its weather I believe it or not now

markinlondon

02-27-2007, 03:31

Hi Mark, that allows you to run PC software? on the Mac

Oh, yes. Boot Camp (free from Apple) allows you to create a dual boot machine. Parallels Desktop (about $60) gives you a virtual windows machine within OSX. You could also consider switching to Gimpshop which is an open source package with a similar look to Photoshop. You could test drive Gimpshop on Windows before taking the plunge as there are versions for both OS's. You may not need your Windows after all.

amoz

02-27-2007, 03:38

Hi Mark, that allows you to run PC software? on the Mac

Hi Sparrow, the current Macs run on Intel processors, so no need for an emulation environment. If you want to, you can just run XP strictly for photoshop on a separate partition (of the same Mac-machine) and boot into either one at start-up.

Contrary to Windows computers, Macs actually run faster when their OS gets an upgrade! Nevertheless, you better get yourself enough RAM to deal with image processing software. The RAM that is being sold by Apple is really expensive but you can add third-party memory yourself if you want to. I know it is very feasible on the PowerMac but I am not sure about unscrewing the top of an iMac...

Anyway, bottomline: go for it! I am sure you won't be disappointed (once you've recovered from the investment).

Best

ClaremontPhoto

02-27-2007, 03:44

Sparrow

02-27-2007, 03:55

Oh, yes. Boot Camp (free from Apple) allows you to create a dual boot machine. Parallels Desktop (about $60) gives you a virtual windows machine within OSX. You could also consider switching to Gimpshop which is an open source package with a similar look to Photoshop. You could test drive Gimpshop on Windows before taking the plunge as there are versions for both OS's. You may not need your Windows after all.

Thanks Mark, I think I’d stump-up for photoshop6 or 7, just looked it’s £50-90 on eBay, it’s the iMac website, I’ve read their entire site now, just sounds too good to be true and I’ve become so sceptical over the years!!

Sparrow

02-27-2007, 04:04

I bought extra memory from Crucial (http://www.crucial.com/). It arrived next day from Scotland. I downloaded the upgrade instructions form Apple's site and opened my iMac, installed the memory and put it all back together again in less than five minutes. It is very easy to do. All you need is a small screwdriver and a towel.

Towel??? Is that an Arthur Dent thing?

Contrary to Windows computers, Macs actually run faster when their OS gets an upgrade! Nevertheless, you better get yourself enough RAM to deal with image processing software. The RAM that is being sold by Apple is really expensive but you can add third-party memory yourself if you want to. I know it is very feasible on the PowerMac but I am not sure about unscrewing the top of an iMac...

My .tiff scans are 232mb on a PC what size ram would I need on a imac?

ncd_photo

02-27-2007, 04:08

You won't regret the move!

You can integrate a new mac into your current set up as they all get along quite happily. I've networked 3 imacs running OS 9, OS10.1 and OS 10.4, and 2 PCs one running 98 and one XP, all sharing the internet and printing to 2 different printers. The only computer that ever gives any trouble is ---- yes you guessed, the shiny Dell running XP!

The new intel macs are superb, I'm using a 17in iMac and the screen is brilliant for photo work.

One warning - as the new macs are intel based you have to wait for software developers to bring out 'universal binary' programs that are optimised for the new chips to make the most of the dual core chip. But when they do they rock! Nikon capture NX is now UB, Lightroom is UB and runs very well indeed but you'll need to wait for Photoshop CS3 to take advantage of the new processor speed - or run it in a windows environment if you really must.

I also want to second what Jon said abour crucial memory, I buy all mine from them and you'll want to pack as much ram in as you can for the best experience.

iml

02-27-2007, 04:09

More RAM is always better. Anywhere from 1Gb-2Gb is good for photo editing, scanning, etc, but as much as the machine will take is always better. Basically, as much as you can afford. Likewise disk space.

I bought a Powerbook about 3 years ago, it's a great little machine and I've had no problems with it, although the time is approaching to upgrade it to one of the newer, faster, Intel-based models.

Ian

Pherdinand

02-27-2007, 04:19

Well, let's not be overly idealistic.
Macs are also not perfect. While I love my little white macbook, it had already several problems. One was the famous hardware problem causing sudden shutdown (was cured by the apple guys at the shop in three days). Other one, the OSX that came with it: when you shut it down and close the lid before the computer completely shuts down, it goes to "sleep"- a VERY deep sleep, only taking the battery out will resolve the problem!! this was at the beginning; nowadays it just crashes (i updated the system twice already and that seemed to solve the problem halfway but it boots a bit slower since).

ANd, last week: iMovieHD crashed TWICE on me, in the same evening. And was not even overloaded - i only had a little movie thing less than five minutes long.
Also, some not very important but everyday-used software (like yahoo messenger) are VERY basic/dumb under mac os at this moment. Hope it will change.

Good thing is, installing/uninstalling stuff in mac os x is extremely easy compared to win XP, no dumb questions or unexpoected dialog boxes; and if something crashes, the rest runs without problem. And, i like that all image displaying softwares read the image's icc profiles first (if it has any, of course). And, the computer does not handle the user as an asshole, meaning, if there is a message or dialog, it is probably necessary and comprehensible on the user level. No triple checks before deleting or installing something and no " Illegal operation in kernel k2345234" type useless messages.

And a lot more little and big details.

I wish irfanview existed under mac os x, though.

Sparrow

02-27-2007, 04:44

hi Pherdinand
I’m not expecting perfection; the question is would you go back to PC?

dcsang

02-27-2007, 04:47

I just switched over the weekend..
on a Mac Pro now.. it's pretty easy to switch - the only thing I'm not liking is the inability to now adjust the contrast on my Dell 20" LCD because it's DVI and no longer analog..

That said.. looking into the colorsync tool and such on a mac is a LOT more in depth and interesting than on the PC.

I too have to get Photoshop.. but I'm waiting for the CS3 release - I currently have Photoshop running on XP within Parallels on the Mac.

Cheers,
Dave

ncd_photo

02-27-2007, 04:49

We use PCs at work and its always a pleasure to come home to the mac.

I've 'converted' several friends over the last few years and not one has regretted the move.

Its true that all electronic equipment will have problems at one time or another but my last mac was a PowerMac G4 tower that wasn't switched off for 5 years - it never ever let me down and is now living on at a friends house, so I'm pretty convinced :-)

ClaremontPhoto

02-27-2007, 04:54

You need the towel when you upgrade the RAM as you need to tip the machine onto its screen, and you dont want to scratch the screen on your desk.

ClaremontPhoto

02-27-2007, 04:56

I'm running my iMac with 1GB RAM and it's fine.

Crucial will advise about possible upgrades, but my usual method is to fill up any empty slots. To get to maximum you'd need to throw away installed memory.

My G5 model came with 512MB in one slot so I just put another 512MB in the second slot.

ChrisL

02-27-2007, 05:25

If you currently have a legal copy of PS running on your PC you can cross upgrade to the Mac version for free. Adobe has a document that you need to sign saying that you will destroy the PC media and remove the software. They in turn will ship you out the Mac version cd's.

Pablito

02-27-2007, 06:08

dcsang

02-27-2007, 06:22

Pherdinand, as I think we've discussed in another thread, the situation with your macbook is extremely unusual. OSX is remarkably stable. Between home and work I have 5 macs, all on OSX, and have only experinced two or three real crashes since the release of OSX! I suspect faulty hardware. In your shoes, I would not not accept this. I'd take the machine to Apple, especially if its still under warranty, and demand a fix.

I'd go one step further... especially if it's under warranty.. and request a replacement.

For all the Macs I have (wow.. I've got a whole whopping 2) I always purchased Apple Care.

For PC's I felt "no way" about replacing such and such or adding this-that-or-the-other-thing but in the Macs; especially with newer released models (MacBook and Mac Pro) I've taken to "investing" in the 3 year Apple Care as a "just in case".

Dave

PHOTOEIL

02-27-2007, 06:31

"... would it make sense to start switching to Mac..."

What are you wayting for?:confused:

Sparrow

02-27-2007, 07:36

OK I’m sold!
Now I need to decide which one, what do I need in the way of firewall and anti-virus?

RObert Budding

02-27-2007, 07:50

I'm planning to buy a Mac next year. My wife can keep the PC for her work and I'll use the Mac for scanning and photo editing.

kaiyen

02-27-2007, 10:24

Sparrow,
You'll be fine with the built-in firewall on the mac, I think. I've always been fine with the built-in one on the PC, too. Using these tools - firewalls, whatever - properly is usually just as effective as going and buying a hardware one.

While there are viruses out there for OS X, you probably don't need to bother installing software for it. I hate saying that. Not because I don't like macs - I do, though I can also build a PC for a lot less with a lot more horsepower - but because the idea of "it's a mac, I don't need antivirus" is one of the mantras of Mac "fanboys" that just drive me crazy.

I work with PCs and Macs all over the place. We have 350 Macs, and 275 PCs, give or take. They have their pluses and minuses. Don't believe all the hype, one isn't always better than the other for everything, and just try to buy the right tool for you. Having said that, perhaps a mac will meet your needs if you are feeling frustrated with keeping your windows set up going.

One thing I don't get is why you feel you have to upgrade to Vista. But that's another question.

allan (running Vista, on an iMac with Bootcamp, right now...)

Pherdinand

02-27-2007, 13:15

hi Pherdinand
I’m not expecting perfection; the question is would you go back to PC?

I never had a pc:)) this is my first own computer. I use pc at my work and the windows "tricks" annoy the hell out of me but there is no way to make the whole thing change there so i get to use both worlds every day.
But i definitely not regret buying my macbook. I is a great little machine.

Pherdinand

02-27-2007, 13:25

Pablito,
maybe i made it sound worse than it is.
The hardware shutdown problem was repaired, the lid-closing issue is not a real issue and is also halfway solved by the sys update, the only thing is that crash of iMovieHD that i don't understand.
Otherwise it IS stable.

BillBingham2

02-27-2007, 13:36

Just Do It!!!

Get more memory be it PC or Mac.

I've run both and am moving back to a pure Mac HW environment. I have looked at BootCamp and it's fun, but not as functional as I want. Parrallel Desktop seem fine (had the bells and whistles I need) but I read that Apple in thier next OS version might have that functionality. So I am holding off the purchase till the next Apple OS comes out.

I used to work at Apple, loved it then back in the days of the Mac II. When I was demoing the FX vs Compaq, I trippled the VM on the Compaq and the FX still blew it away. Now, giving it 4X the VM, the Compaq blew away the Mac IIfx, but I never showed anyone (outside of Apple) that.

Mac hardware is great and most has the new fast N wireless networking hardware built in.

Go Mac and you will be fine.

B2 (;->

kaiyen

02-27-2007, 13:48

I believe that it's bootcamp that will be in leopard, not parallels. Just fyi.

What about bootcamp is not functional for you? It allows dual-booting. It functions. :-)

allan

colyn

02-27-2007, 14:33

You could also consider switching to Gimpshop which is an open source package with a similar look to Photoshop. You could test drive Gimpshop on Windows before taking the plunge as there are versions for both OS's. You may not need your Windows after all.

I just dl'd gimpshop for the Intel Mac and was wondering if any additional software is needed to run it?

Sparrow

02-27-2007, 14:40

Sparrow,
BIG SNIP
feeling frustrated with keeping your windows set up going.

One thing I don't get is why you feel you have to upgrade to Vista. But that's another question.

allan (running Vista, on an iMac with Bootcamp, right now...)

I’m not techno-savvy, I’m an artist, I just want to switch it on and use it. I spend thousands in support at work and even with the goodwill of their technicians it’s a struggle at home the on costs of PC in time and money are getting me annoyed, so I’m looking for an alternative where the cost is up front

PS thanks for the info

colyn

02-27-2007, 14:42

OK I’m sold!
Now I need to decide which one, what do I need in the way of firewall and anti-virus?

I use a router/firewall and no anti-virus. Software firewalls and anti-virus waste system resources.

Virus and spyware don't affect a Mac..

zuikomatt

02-27-2007, 14:51

I switched to Mac last year and I'm happy!!!
(Still have PC's on my work, so I can compare)

ambientmick

02-27-2007, 15:27

Having used Windows for some years (and still at work) and switching to first a Mac G5 tower and recently a Mac Pro, I can tell you that there is no comparison. Windows is unstable, slows down over time and is very prone to viruses/spyware etc. OS X is a much better operating system - faster, easier to use and it doesn't treat the user like a child with constant pop-ups about trivial system information. Windows has the philosophy of telling the user when things are working ("USB device plugged in", for example) as well as when things aren't working, whereas OS X assumes that if you are using the device then you know it is working so why show an annoying pop-up to tell you. This may seem trivial but the whole experience of using a Mac is cleaner and more efficient. As for viruses; there aren't any on the Mac.

One of the best things about a Mac for me is how quiet it is. I constantly fought with noise with my PCs over the years and creating a really quiet PC is difficult and can be expensive. The Mac Pro whispers. As for cost; the Mac Pro uses 2 dual core Intel Xeon processors and quality components throughout. It might be possible to build a PC at less cost but I doubt it would be as quiet or reliable and of course it wouldn't run OS X.

Having said all that, if the software you use is only available for Windows then use Windows. Most of the time it's fine but IMO life is too short to wrestle with Windows - I just want a machine that works and since getting into Macs my time is spent more creatively.

sepiareverb

02-27-2007, 16:19

Don't wait! Simple, reliable and beautiful. A good thing in a camera, computer or partner of any kind no?

kenspix

02-27-2007, 16:21

After many years i have to say that its nice to purchase a laser printer and the g5 saw it and it was ready in 5 minutes. nice also to see the g4 laptop will always connect to the wireless connection,work from the bedroom and transfer pictures to and from both machines using bluetooth. Happy that i did the change.

kaiyen

02-27-2007, 18:28

Stewart (sorry I didn't note your name in your sig earlier),

Whatever it is you decide to do, I wish you luck. Again, in general don't buy too much into too many "universal" comments. All computer systems have their issues. I"m not saying anything one way or the other, but it would not be wise to consider switching to a mac being an absolute up-front-only cost. You never know what might happen down the road, what might break, what a company may or may not repair under warranty in a proper manner, etc.

allan

clicker

02-27-2007, 18:43

Go for the Mac , you will be happy with your choice.

Sparrow

02-28-2007, 01:46

willie_901

02-28-2007, 08:37

While there will be a bit of an adjustment period, you should switch.

350D_user

03-02-2007, 01:16

Why is it that people assume the only operating systems available for PC's are microsoft-based ones?

markinlondon

03-02-2007, 01:21

Why is it that people assume the only operating systems available for PC's are microsoft-based ones?

Because they come in the box (couldn't find the "cynical" icon).
Really, it's a bit like thinking you can only use your Leica with the lens you bought it with. I suppose it comes from buying the PC with Windows preloaded, most people won't look further than that.

Pherdinand

03-02-2007, 04:16

because linux is styill considered "for pros only" even with the nice shiny new user interfaces, maybe?

markinlondon

03-02-2007, 04:24

The Linux setup needs a bit more work than taking the machine out of the box, switching on and registering the OS, but let's face it, you'll be reinstalling Windows a little way down the line to remove all the junk the box builder stuck on as "essential extras".
Anyway, if Windows worked well, I'd be out of a job.