Mac vs. PC - DPChallenge Forums

03/08/2005 08:43:00 PM · #1

I'm going to buy my first laptop soon. I was wondering if I should buy a PC or a Mac. Which is better. Why do tend Macs have slower processors than PCs?

krazyivan

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 50mm f1.2L

03/08/2005 08:55:40 PM · #2

It's all preference. Have you had a chance to use both? The reason that the processor speeds are different is because of the architecture, kind of like apples and oranges. Laptop wise, Intel has the advantage. Desktop wise Apple has caught up with there G5 processor. I don't know if they will be putting that processor in a laptop anytime soon, it gets too hot for a laptop.

I would try using both, if possible, for the applications that the laptop will be intended for, then make a decision. IMO, Mac Laptops are nicer. They are reliable and when it comes to graphics, they rock!! The displays are excellent and they are light weight, except for the 17" Powerbook. It's a monster, but still about an inch thick.

Any Windows laptops in particular that you were looking at? What about Macs, iBOOK or Powerbook?

Message edited by author 2005-03-08 20:56:08.

03/08/2005 09:03:15 PM · #3

Nothing in particular. I just want one that has a nice display (maybe widescreen) and can handle big tasks, like editting high resolution pictures in Photoshop. I'd also likea a fast DVD burner.

It will basicly take the place of my destop, which is about 3 and half years old. Many of the laptops going for about $1250 seem to match it.

If i want to hook up a Mac to a network with PCs, will it still work?

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Nikon

03/08/2005 09:04:51 PM · #4

I was looking at the Powerbook, but they seem rather pricey.

Size also matters. I want something relatively small but still with good preformance.

Apple iPhone

03/08/2005 09:06:51 PM · #5

i think its personal preference.... its what you're used to and like...

BTW they make LINUX laptops too, and it seems to run faster than Windows...

Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4.0 AT-X Pro DX

03/08/2005 09:07:21 PM · #6

We are a Mac family - although we do have a couple of PC's for certain specific purposes.

With Mac, you don't have to worry about viruses or things coming in via your internet connection if you are using Firefox or Safari - much less possibility of having outside influences bring your computer down.

I've been doing most of my photo processing on my laptop for the last 2 years. While I have now added a CRT for better color control, the colors on my laptop screen are excellent. There is a trick to viewing the screen at a certain angle to get the best color to match what people see on individual computers.

The Mac operating system is very easy to use and the graphics capabilities are wonderful. Crashes are few and far between and it is very easy to run multiple programs at the same time and be working on several projects simultaneously.

The Mac support is wonderful. If you buy the Mac extended warranty and have problems - either take it to your local Apple store - they'll ship it (at no cost to you) and we get it back usually within a week. We bought a warranty at Fryes' with one of our Macs - and that one didn't work nearly as well as the Apple warranty. If you are near an Apple store, there is lots of support people who will help you with anything you need to know to get started. They even have workshops and educational events to attend. We've visited Apple stores all over the country and had very great experiences - from New York City to Los Angeles.

That said, both systems have good things to say for themselves. But people who've had Macs become very loyal very rapidly.

IMHO - I'd go Mac.

zagman

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

03/08/2005 09:07:44 PM · #7

I have both and use both on a daily basis. I work with a G4 desktop, and a two different XP laptops. I use the Apple for graphics and video and some security issues for my work. Since XP was introduced, its very similar. Although hardcore MAC fans would not agree. XP has many more options for sofware titles and have 90% of market cornered. So when most people speak computers they assume that you have the Windows OS system. They even assume that you have all of the Windows Word, Powerpoint, Excel, etc programs. That's annoying as well.

Apple is more expensive and their CEO Steve Jobs, who once was stealing phone service, also known as "Phreaking". Is charging high prices.

In summary its now pretty much the same, putting aside the security risks involved. Since everyone wants to be a "kiddyhacker"...

03/08/2005 09:10:17 PM · #8

P.S. I noticed the comment about Linux -I'm not the computer specialist of the family, but I remember that:

Mac OS.X also runs Linux programming. Best of both worlds - for those that need or prefer Linux.

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

03/08/2005 09:14:18 PM · #9

Sorry for still another post . . My Mac runs all the Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc etc in a format designed for MAC- and I can easily ship files to PC people that they can easily read and return for me to work on.

And Apple's share of the market, while a small piece of the computer pie, is growing very rapidly right now. They are going to be around for a while and they are constantly improving their product.

nsbca7

03/08/2005 09:14:30 PM · #10

Originally posted by zagman:

So when most people speak computers they assume that you have the Windows OS system. They even assume that you have all of the Windows Word, Powerpoint, Excel, etc programs. That's annoying as well.

Mac has native Windows Word, Powerpoint, Excel, etc programs for OSX. Any software that I use on my PC is avalable for my Mac with the exception of Nero which seems primitive to the way I burn on my Mac without an extra software program.

MAK

Leica CL

Leica 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario Elmar-T ASPH

03/08/2005 09:15:10 PM · #11

Hi there.. I just recently switched from PC to MAC for the simple reason that MAC is recognised as the graphical medium for `professionals' or so they say. I got the G5 desktop and was very impressed with it and the first 3 pics i edited using the MAC placed in my best ever 5 shots .. I think the MAC is clearer and shows a better image than my PC did. I still have a PC for certain things but I have now just repaired a G3 laptop to use too I have the G5 in my recording studio running the Cubase and also for my photography.. the PC now does e-mails and games. I think if possible you should have the 2 formats but if it is one or the other and its for graphic work and NOT gaming I say CHOOSE THE MAC... some say you can game well with a MAC but i do not agree. good luck hope you choose well.

krazyivan

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 50mm f1.2L

03/08/2005 09:19:32 PM · #12

A MAC will work on a PC network. The new OS (OS X) is very compatible with windows networks. Very easy to configure.

The 14" iBook is very good. It has the same G4 processor that the Powerbook has, the difference is in the speed. If you decide on an iBook, get at least 512MB of RAM. MACS run alot better with more memory. The iBook displays are nice and bright, also very clear, not widescreen though. There is an iBook version with a DVD burner. It starts @ $1499.

There are alot more choices for Windows laptops. You can look at Dell (not my 1st choice), HP, Toshiba, SONY, etc.
HP makes a nice laptop. This model can be built with a 15.4" widescreen display HP Pavilion zv5000z

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

03/08/2005 09:44:36 PM · #13

I've heard that now more and more graphic designers are using PCs instead of Macs. What do you guys think of this?

eswik

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

03/08/2005 09:46:07 PM · #14

Originally posted by autobahn123:

I was looking at the Powerbook, but they seem rather pricey.

Size also matters. I want something relatively small but still with good preformance.

I don't know if many people know this, but virtually anyone can get an 'educational discount' on Apple products, since they don't check for verification [if you order online]. Just scroll down to the lower left corner of the Apple website.

I just converted from PC to Mac [yay] and bought a 12" PowerBook w/ SuperDrive and 512mb RAM. The original price of that would've been $1699

With the educational discount, I got that PowerBook WITH a 256mb RAM upgrade [totalling 768mb RAM] for only $1567 :]

Message edited by author 2005-03-08 21:48:42.

eswik

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

03/08/2005 09:52:41 PM · #15

Originally posted by autobahn123:

I've heard that now more and more graphic designers are using PCs instead of Macs. What do you guys think of this?

I think that's because of the better software thats coming out only for PCs, like ACDSee. I'm bummed that ACDSee hasn't released any recent Mac updates..

One problem I had at first when switching to Macs is the way Macs organize photos. I had my own organization system set up on my PC involving folder heirarchies and such. However on a Mac, iPhoto organizes all your pictures in a completely different manner that takes some time to get used to. However I'm used to it now and find it a lot better and easier. However iPhoto is a bit slow when you get over 1 gig of pictures.

scalvert

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

03/08/2005 09:54:27 PM · #16

Originally posted by autobahn123:

I've heard that now more and more graphic designers are using PCs instead of Macs. What do you guys think of this?

Degigners are overwhelmingly Mac-based. I've been in the business since before the first Macintosh was introduced, and have only met a handful of PC-using designers since that time.

Regarding the speed difference, think of it this way... PC speed = words per minute, Mac speed = sentences per minute. Mac processors run fewer cycles per second, but they do more in that time. Photoshop generally runs faster on a Mac than on an equivalent PC.

As for price, look at the special deals section of the Apple Store online. "Certified" Macs (refurbished) are considerably cheaper, yet carry the same warranty as new.

ellamay

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

03/08/2005 09:56:31 PM · #17

I have used both, I prefer macs hands down, they are stable, don't get viruses, and the screens for graphics are very good. They are much more intuitive and just more pleasing to look at in terms of interface.

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

03/08/2005 09:58:44 PM · #18

Mac = Ultra stable, no viruses, no trojans , no headaches...

awpollard

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

03/08/2005 10:04:58 PM · #19

Originally posted by scalvert:

...
Degigners are overwhelmingly Mac-based. I've been in the business since before the first Macintosh was introduced, and have only met a handful of PC-using designers since that time.

...

Tell that to the Pros that have been using AutoCad for twenty-some years.

Andy

nsbca7

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

03/08/2005 10:11:38 PM · #20

Originally posted by eswik:

One problem I had at first when switching to Macs is the way Macs organize photos. I had my own organization system set up on my PC involving folder heirarchies and such. However on a Mac, iPhoto organizes all your pictures in a completely different manner that takes some time to get used to. However I'm used to it now and find it a lot better and easier. However iPhoto is a bit slow when you get over 1 gig of pictures.

I don't use iPhoto. I just kept the files in the same folders that I had them in. No problems. I open and work on everything in PS CS.

digitalpins

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

03/08/2005 10:14:46 PM · #21

Hei I am a gaphic designer using both mac and pc. Mainly more mac. Although windows xp is a much better then the previous windows 98 and millineum I love the mac so much more. I just purchased a powerbook and love it. It runs great and no problems at all. Also like previously mentioned microsoft office runs great between the macs and pcs. But if your are going to run graphics kind of stuff like myself I love the macs for this. Also i never have to worry about virus's. The macs just run so well and no problems at all............. I have been using macs for years as well as pc's and just love the macs. Thats just my opinion though.

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

03/08/2005 10:26:22 PM · #22

When you buy a Mac, does it come with Microsoft Office?

I already have it and Photoshop for PC. Buying new software is really the only thing keeping me from switching.

nsbca7

03/08/2005 10:28:58 PM · #23

Originally posted by autobahn123:

When you buy a Mac, does it come with Microsoft Office?

I already have it and Photoshop for PC. Buying new software is really the only thing keeping me from switching.

It comes with a trial version. You would need to activate it to continue to use it. I'm not sure how much that costs, as I did not activate mine.

Geocide

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

03/08/2005 10:34:48 PM · #24

The "i" Series ie: iBook, iMac etc... come with appleworks which is apple's answer to office. But MS office is not included.

Oh, i have a Powermac G5, a Power book 12" and a Intel P4 3.0. I until very recently was a full time PC computer technition which drove me to macs. I haven't looked back since.

Message edited by author 2005-03-08 22:36:35.