Making the switch to Mac... - DPChallenge Forums

Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux M Aspherical MF - Black

05/15/2007 01:08:00 PM · #1

Ok, I am about a button press away from switching to Mac for my everyday work machine. I bought a Mac Mini a while back to get my feet wet, but it wasn't enough machine to use as a work machine, so I've gone full boar here, but perhaps too much.

I have been looking at high end PCs, and I was about to buy a fairly high end single quad Xeon 2.66 GHz with 4GB of memory and Windows Vista for around 3100.

But I have been thinking about switching over to Mac for my day to day programming, except I was hoping to wait for the next iteration of the OS. I can't wait any longer, really, my existing system is doing too many out-of-memory stalls (and buying more memory is expensive and impractical at this point for a 4 year old system).

Looking at the Apple Mac Pro, I could go for a two processor dual core machine instead at 2.66 GHz, or jump to a two processor Quad Xeon 3.0 Ghz for $1500 more. Since I do a lot of multitasking, running 6-8 XML python-based data conversion processes at once (each running against a mySQL database), I am thinking it might be worth the dual 3.0 Ghz quads. What do you think?

Mac Pro
Part Number: Z0D8
Bluetooth 2.0+EDR module
Apple Keyboard and Mighty Mouse - U.S. English
750GB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s
One 16x SuperDrive
Accessory kit
Two 3.0GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon
500GB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s
2GB (4 x 512MB)
Mac OS X - U.S. English
NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT 256MB (single-link DVI/dual-link DVI)

Note that I have two Dell 19" DVI based LCDs I want to run off of this.

I will probably need to run Windows stuff too, so I put Parallels desktop in it as well. Any comments/recommendations on that?

I am a bit worried in general about the extra costs/headaches of being multi-platform here again. Love to hear from others who made the switch (especially at work!)

Edit: I think I can switch to Mac when I upgrade my PS CS to CS3 without problems. Hope I can also "switch" my Lightroom to Mac (rather than paying for another license).

Message edited by author 2007-05-15 13:09:49.

scarbrd

Leica M10

05/15/2007 01:13:55 PM · #2

Parallels works great on my MacBook. Coherence mode is awesome, shows the app without the Windows background!

I don't know if the quad processor is worth the extra $$$. I'd say get it if you can afford it, otherwise the dual processor will be a great performer for you.

Looks like a sweet machine you're getting there. Have fun!

Message edited by author 2007-05-15 13:15:20.

meyers

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

05/15/2007 01:22:55 PM · #3

I switched to the Mac platform when my IBM Thinkpad stopped working back in early 2002. I bought VirtualPC to handle any Windows-only software I might need, but never had to use it.

The best part about going to this platform from Windows is when I started to expect things to "just work"--no more random lockups, blue screens, random IE behavior, or quarterly reinstalls to keep things running smoothly. Not everyone has had such bad luck with Windows, but I did, and I've had no problems since I left Windows behind.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

05/15/2007 01:27:17 PM · #4

That sounds like it will scream through whatever you throw at it, but I don't have much experience with the latest Mac hardware. My only regret about switching to Mac is that I didn't do it sooner.

BTW, I have a Dell DVI based LCD display and it works great with my Mac.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

05/15/2007 01:33:42 PM · #5

Some other questions:

1) Good place to buy Mac FB DDR2 memory? (I have 4 extra slots to fill)

2) How quiet is the Mac Pro? (I am spoiled by my Dell Precision WS, which is whisper quiet.)

3) What would I expect to pay to upgrade to the next major release of Mac OS. Any "time-based" upgrade guaranteee? (An additional cost penalty for not waiting.)

Cutter

Nikon D700

05/15/2007 01:35:25 PM · #6

I am an unbiased Mac switcher of 2 years. I promise you will be quite pleased and have absolutely no regrets. Good for you.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

05/15/2007 01:49:28 PM · #7

Originally posted by nshapiro:

Some other questions:

1) I use OWComputing for RAM, but RamJet and TransIntl are also good choices. Note that you'll want to get the really good stuff for Mac Pros (particularly the quads). Apple frequently uses Samsung modules.

2) I'll bet it's at least as quiet as your Dell.

3) OS upgrades run about $129, and there is no discount. Note that Apple's developer conference is less than a month away, and there may be hardware and software upgrades at that time (not the OS itself, but maybe Aperture, iLife, lower prices on the Pros- that sort of thing).

TonyUK

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS II USM Lens

05/15/2007 02:07:15 PM · #8

Hi,

I have recently switched to an IMAC and its the best (PC) thing I have ever done.

System noise is minimal....compared to my boeing 747 pc's I used to run

I run Paralells desktop for windows apps and they run like you wish they would on PC's.

If you do get paralells - install it, register it, then before you install any OS's, run the 'check for updates' command under help.....you will get a large download with LOTS of updates.......install that then install your windows stuff.

cheers

Tony

hahn23

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

05/15/2007 02:11:52 PM · #9

Neil,

Your system is very similar to mine, purchased last November. You'll love it. It will return many hours per day to your life. Sometimes, I take for granted how quickly my Mac Pro system performs tasks, until I go back to my G4 laptop or older desktop model for some reason. It's a joy to have a computer system that can work as fast as the human can think and react. (Actually, in my case, the human is much slower than the system. But, such is life.)

A couple thoughts...

1. If you buy through a business sales rep (telephone), there is a pretty good discount available relative to retail.

2. Normally, I am not a big proponent of insurance, but I did buy the Apple Care protection for my system. It has paid off, as I have had to replace the Optical drive. Apple was quick to help and respond with a replacement. They would have even sent out a technician from Boulder, if the item had not been user installable. Now, I've recovered the insurance cost and have 2.5 years of coverage remaining.

3. I initially bought 2G of RAM, too. I have since bought an additonal Gig to bring me up to 3Gigs. (4 Gigs is maximum capacity) I didn't think I'd need to do this, but performance got much, much better with more RAM, especially when I had photo apps and business apps all running at the same time.

4. If I had it to do over again, I might have bought two optical drives. Can still do that in the future, of course.

5. Apple's new OS will be coming out in the Fall. You won't have any trouble migrating up with the system you have in mind. And, in the past, Apple has offered free OS upgrades to computer owners within a close enough window to the new OS release. You may want to negotiate this with your sales rep.

6. I love Apple's Aperture. This program alone has given me back hours of my life every day.

7. My wireless mouse and wireless keyboard are joys to use... well worth the money.

Good luck!

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS II USM Lens

05/15/2007 02:12:16 PM · #10

Originally posted by TonyUK:

Thanks, I wasn't even thinking of it just being a virtual PC where I have to install my own OS. I assume Windows XP will activate ok under it?

hahn23

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

05/15/2007 02:17:52 PM · #11

Originally posted by nshapiro:

Some other questions:

1) Good place to buy Mac FB DDR2 memory? (I have 4 extra slots to fill)...

Things may have changed in the past few months, but when I checked for third party RAM to fit my MacPro, it was not available cheaper elsewhere. I think those modules were supply constrained, with Apple getting first call on available inventory. Normally, third party sourcing is sugnificantly cheaper than Apple, but was not the case when I checked back in January.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux M Aspherical MF - Black

05/15/2007 02:20:59 PM · #12

Originally posted by nshapiro:

I assume Windows XP will activate ok under it?

There's nothing virtual about Parallels (or Apple's Boot Camp). Both merely allow your Mac to be treated as a regular hardware PC.

Also note that you can get substantial discount on the Mac Pro itself by buying though 3rd party retailers or Apple's Education store. Amazon offers $150 rebates. Note that you can also buy refurbs through Apple, and they carry the same warranty as new. A 3.0GHz Mac Pro Quad is $3299.

scarbrd

Leica M10

05/15/2007 02:47:26 PM · #13

Originally posted by scalvert:

[quote=nshapiro]
3) OS upgrades run about $129, and there is no discount. Note that Apple's developer conference is less than a month away, and there may be hardware and software upgrades at that time (not the OS itself, but maybe Aperture, iLife, lower prices on the Pros- that sort of thing).

I've always bought the upgrades for $99, even at the Apple store. Usually the first day it's available.

iLife upgrades were $69 last time, if I remember correctly. Best bargian in software, IMO.

strangeghost

Canon EOS-7D

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

05/15/2007 02:51:32 PM · #14

You won't be sorry Neil. It's a great user experience. You'll probably be surprised how easy it is to part from the Windows experience once you have a Mac.

Nusbaum

Fujifilm X-T1

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

05/15/2007 03:08:09 PM · #15

You mentioned both python and Mysql. If you do a lot of work on hosted apps, Mysql and python on the mac may be a lot closer to your hosting environment which may relieve some of your dual platform stress. I used to develop on windows and then deploy on linux based hosting services but since moving to the mac for development the deployments have gotten easier. The mac environment, once you open the console, is a much better match to want you might encounter with hosting providers.

Message edited by author 2007-05-15 15:08:52.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

05/15/2007 03:31:26 PM · #16

What are some other recommendations for running Windows apps on a mac, side by side with Mac apps, without needing the windows "environment" and better yet, without the hassle of installing the OS itself on top of the Mac?

strangeghost

Canon EOS-7D

05/15/2007 03:42:47 PM · #17

Parallels allows you to run Window and the Mac OS simultaneously, literally side by side windows and apps if you want. Bootcamp just allows the Mac to boot either into Windows or Mac OS, no side by side.

There is one other solution currently that actually allows Windows apps to run natively in the Mac OS, but its name escapes me now (SCalvert will know immediately). It's still in development and only works with selected apps right now. In the long run, this sounds like the BEST solution to me: running windows apps without windows. Yeah!

hahn23

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS II USM Lens

05/15/2007 03:48:45 PM · #18

Originally posted by nshapiro:

Universal Applications to be run on the MacPro in native.
//www.apple.com/universal/

pawdrix

Nikon D700

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

05/15/2007 03:54:19 PM · #19

Originally posted by scarbrd:

Parallels works great on my MacBook. Coherence mode is awesome, shows the app without the Windows background!

I would love for someone to show me how to work Parallels.

I read the book and followed an online tutorial and it seems to box out whatever I do.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III