How can I stay with Mac with deals like this?

04/22/2008 06:36:41 PM · #78

Originally posted by lynnesite:

You can build your own Mac.

You do lose the ability to run the automatic software updates however. It's for tinkerers. Psycorp as mentioned in the article provides two levels of already configured ones as an alternative.

You sure Psystar doesn't just have two levels of stealing your credit card number?

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

04/22/2008 06:46:26 PM · #79

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by hsolakidis:
Oh, and spare me the ethical argument....

It's not an ethical argument, it's one of violating this site's TOS. If that's a legally-licensed product (doubtful from your postscript) then I'll unhide your post.

How about sending this as a PM instead of making it look like you are happy to allow your retort on the thread while hiding whatever the original post was?

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

04/22/2008 06:56:12 PM · #80

Originally posted by DrAchoo:

How about sending this as a PM instead of making it look like you are happy to allow your retort on the thread while hiding whatever the original post was?

The part I hid violated this site's TOS and forum rules. I left that response because I wanted the poster and others to know why I had hidden the post -- not that I was just hiding something I disagreed with.

Patrick_R

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

04/22/2008 07:04:00 PM · #81

soooo I went and tested a mac at the istore during lunch just to see.... I clicked on garage band for some fun and then I heard this strange grinding noise followed by a loud pop and the screen when all stange colors and then black..... I slowly backed out of the apple store and sprinted when I hit the door. haha so maybe I just should never touch a mac again..... me and my touch of death

whiteflyer

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/22/2008 07:49:58 PM · #82

Don't get the Dell with a IntelÂ® Coreâ�¢2 Q6600 Quad-Core (8MB L2 cache,2.4GHz,1066FSB) pay the extra for a Intel E8500 Core 2 Duo Processor (3.16GHz, 6MB, 1333MHz)

Not much software (if any) makes use of quad core so your better getting the faster duo core.

scarbrd

Leica M10

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

04/22/2008 08:57:49 PM · #83

Originally posted by Patrick_R:

LOL!

sfalice

Canon PowerShot SX60 HS

04/22/2008 11:21:13 PM · #84

I hesitated before making this post, but here 'tis.

I've used Dell computers for a long time now, and when it was time to get a new one, I decided on Dell again. Wishing to buy a computer with enough power so that it would last a long time, I went for the top of the line with all the bells & whistles available.
Here are a few of the stats: Intel(R) Core (TM)2 quad CPU @2.40GHz 2.39HGz
with 4 Gig of RAM and 32 bit OS, a T hard drive, and running Vista Ultimate.

Soon, my 'updater' didn't work properly. Then it didn't work at all. then it undid all the updates already in the system.

Dell, even though they sold and installed the OS, said it was a Microsoft problem - they only did hardware warranty service. Microsoft said it was up to Dell. We sorted that out, and I spend a month or so communicating with Microsoft by email doing various fixes, none of which worked. When alll my Adobe programs, including Photoshop refused to open any more, and I hollered pretty loud, Microsoft suggested a complete reinstall of the OS.

After a very long weekend, including several lengthy communications with nice folk in India, and the reinstallation of all my programs, etc. etc. the OS and the computer now work just fine.

Nevertheless, I'm not too fond of Vista and I'm absolutely not too pleased with the service from Dell.

So this isn't necessarily a vote against Dell, just a heads up that all the rosy promises just might have a thorn or two.

Niten

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/22/2008 11:56:19 PM · #85

I love Vista, its like you can't find parts that aren't compatable. I built my system and had 0 trouble with any drivers. Including 4 hard drives and a sled for an evdo card.

Tom

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/23/2008 01:34:13 AM · #86

Originally posted by sfalice:

I hesitated before making this post.

Same here! But here is goes anyways...

I have been a PC guy my whole life, and my current computer is a Gatweay laptop. At school (Brooks Photography) they only use MACs in the computer labs. With keeping a completely open mind, and trying not to be biast, I still don't see what's so great about MACs. They're not as user friendly, IMHO, and the ONLY ONLY ONLY thing I like better than my laptop is better screen colors. I haven't tested out a PC Desktop screen in a while, so I can't comment on that, but this is the only reason I use the lab's computers for editing.

For everyone who is saying that PC's get viruses, just don't download any porn and you'll be fine! We got our first computer over 10 years ago (all PC's) and have never had a virus. The MACs crash on me all the time, and they're as slow as molasses.

That's my 7 cents

I love my iPod and I can't wait for the new iPhone tho! :-)

plugsnpixels

04/23/2008 04:14:06 AM · #87

When you buy an Intel Mac, you're also getting a PC! Why get a Dell (etc.) that can only run Windows? And your Windows environment on the Mac is easier to manage than on the PC, since it resides on its own partition (in the case of Boot Camp) or in a folder (in the case of Parallels Desktop. I use Parallels on my own Macs for doing screenshots and samples of Windows-only plug-ins and applications; in the higher ed computer labs I manage we use Boot Camp (it's less likely to get messed up by students since there are no virtual machine settings to adjust).

Using Parallels, you can seamlessly drag files from the Mac into Windows, from desktop-to-desktop or from hard drive to hard drive, and vice-versa.

To back up your Parallels Windows environment, drag the folder onto an external drive or onto another computer. Boom, you've got another installation of Windows if you want. To migrate our lab Boot Camp setup I manually dragged the raw list of Windows XP files from their partition on the source machine onto many other computers, and it actually worked. No reinstalling Windows--that alone is worth the "price of admission" (Boot Camp is free, but requires a restart to switch OS environments).

PS: If your Mac is crashing often, *you're* doing something wrong (lack of proper maintenance, etc.). If certain apps are crashing (ie, anything with "Microsoft" on the splash screen), well, there you go... ;-)

Tajhad

Canon EOS R

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS USM

04/23/2008 07:00:05 AM · #88

I have found this thread quite interesting and have followed with interest.
My HP laptop is about 3 years old and I am looking to replace it in the not so distant future.Not there is any problem with it -but because I figure it's a good idea to replace a laptop every 3 years or so (get lastest technology, bigger HD, faster ram etc). I need it for work stuff as well as photoshop.
I was looking at maybe trying a Mac this time.
A few things I definitely wanted were
- a good screen; the macs are reputed to have better quality screens.I had even looked at the 17 inch screen (on the mac book pro)which it appeared to be lesser resolution than the 15inch ( I realise this is a problem with PC 17inch screens as well);
- a large HD; the mac book pro only went to 250G and then a drop in speed fromm the 200G. Dealing with photos I think the larger HD you can get on board the better - it beats having to hook up external HD's to work on files.
- 4G of RAM; the mac book pro comes with 3G of RAM standard and a whoping $550 extra if you want the 4G
The whole set up will be about $1000 more than a similar spec PC laptop.
Friends have just recently stwitched to Mac's and love them. Their main arguements were virus protection and reliablity.
I've always taken precautions and been one of the lucky ones and not suffered from viruses, but would still take the same precautions on a mac.
It's interesting to hear the to and fro posts re mac or pc. There seems to be valued points on both sides of the camp. In my own case I'm still not convinced the mac represents an extra $1000 worth of value - as the original poster is thinking of swhoping the other way (from the mac to the PC)for the same reason.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

04/23/2008 09:19:42 AM · #89

Originally posted by Tajhad:

... 4G of RAM; the mac book pro comes with 3G of RAM standard and a whoping $550 extra if you want the 4G

Apple's RAM is insanely expensive. Get it from another source like owcomputing.com or newegg and you'll be fine.

I tried configuring a Dell XPS 420 last night with the faster dual processor, better monitor, etc. and even with the "discount" it was coming out about the same price as a 24" iMac (maybe even more). I didn't get a final number because I was on my wife's PC while she hogged my Mac... and Explorer crashed. :-/

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

04/23/2008 10:06:54 AM · #90

Originally posted by plugsnpixels:

PS: If your Mac is crashing often, *you're* doing something wrong

Ah. But when your Vista machine crashes often, clearly it's Microsoft's fault. Got it.

awpollard

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

04/23/2008 10:20:17 AM · #91

Originally posted by Louis:

Originally posted by plugsnpixels:
PS: If your Mac is crashing often, *you're* doing something wrong

Ah. But when your Vista machine crashes often, clearly it's Microsoft's fault. Got it.

What's up Louis, you still toying around in this thread? Doh!

For hours of entertainment google OSX Issues there must be a lot of people doing something wrong for something that "Just Works".

04/23/2008 10:25:53 AM · #92

Originally posted by awpollard:

What's up Louis, you still toying around in this thread? Doh!

What can I say? All these religious belief threads are very interesting. ;)

zeuszen

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

04/23/2008 01:02:34 PM · #93

Originally posted by Tajhad:

...I think the larger HD you can get on board the better - it beats having to hook up external HD's to work on files...
The whole set up will be about $1000 more than a similar spec PC laptop.
Friends have just recently stwitched to Mac's and love them. Their main arguements were virus protection and reliablity. ..

â�¢ Remember you'll be running Leopard with Time Machine. You'll likely need that external drive.
â�¢ Have you considered the cost of software you'd have to still acquire to bring a PC anywhere close to up to par with a Mac?
â�¢ Additional arguments I'd make for Mac would be better resale value, better soft- to hardware integration, runs OS of choice, runs Windows faster than a PC, no hunting for missing drivers, elegant chewing gum-resistant design you don't have to hide in an office or a garage, you can run OS X, simple, efficient media to web integration through .Mac.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

04/23/2008 02:03:55 PM · #94

Originally posted by zeuszen:

â�¢ Have you considered the cost of software you'd have to still acquire to bring a PC anywhere close to up to par with a Mac?

Often the little "applets" that Apple provides are more than adequately replaced by open-source software. Software, including OS functionality, is really a noon-issue, IMO.

Originally posted by zeuszen:

â�¢ Additional arguments I'd make for Mac would be better resale value, better soft- to hardware integration, runs OS of choice, runs Windows faster than a PC, no hunting for missing drivers, elegant chewing gum-resistant design you don't have to hide in an office or a garage, you can run OS X, simple, efficient media to web integration through .Mac.

- Who resells their computer? Most of us use them up. From a purely personal perspective, I never consider resale value in a computer purchase
- I won't debate the fact that with a narrower range of available hardware configurations, Apple has a much better shot at smooth integration. But that same narrow range of hardware brings its own limitations. Double-edged sword.
- A PC will run Leopard... heck a Mac *is* a PC. Run windows faster than a PC? Let's see, again, the Mac *is* a PC; it runs Windows faster *how??*
- Missing drivers... see narrow range of hardware. Can't remember the last time I had a "missing" driver, and if I need/want an updated driver, Windows drivers usually available rapidly from the hardware manufacturer's website.
- I won't debate at all that Apple does an outstanding job of design. It's also possible to configure a PC to be pretty damn elegant, though, if you wish to pay attention to that. An integrated yet elegant look is harder to achieve.

Message edited by author 2008-04-23 14:04:45.

k4ffy

04/23/2008 02:14:52 PM · #95

just one note, kirbic. a PC will run Leopard, but not without significant tweaking, and even then the driver support will be extremely limited, if at all existant for your specific hardware.

carry on :)

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

04/23/2008 02:16:01 PM · #96

Originally posted by k4ffy:

just one note, kirbic. a PC will run Leopard, but not without significant tweaking, and even then the driver support will be extremely limited, if at all existant for your specific hardware.

In terms of advocating Mac, was that a pro or a con? ;)

k4ffy

04/23/2008 02:19:25 PM · #97

Originally posted by Louis:

Originally posted by k4ffy:
just one note, kirbic. a PC will run Leopard, but not without significant tweaking, and even then the driver support will be extremely limited, if at all existant for your specific hardware.

In terms of advocating Mac, was that a pro or a con? ;)

neither actually, it was more of a "caveat emptor". though i suppose if i had to categorize it, it would be a pro for Mac hardware, since its many many times easier to get Mac hardware running other X86 architecture operating systems than it is to get Leopard running on non-Mac X86 machines.

Message edited by author 2008-04-23 14:19:51.

scarbrd

Leica M10

04/23/2008 02:22:25 PM · #98

Originally posted by k4ffy:

Originally posted by Louis:

Originally posted by k4ffy:
just one note, kirbic. a PC will run Leopard, but not without significant tweaking, and even then the driver support will be extremely limited, if at all existant for your specific hardware.

In terms of advocating Mac, was that a pro or a con? ;)

neither actually, it was more of a "caveat emptor". though i suppose if i had to categorize it, it would be a pro for Mac hardware, since its many many times easier to get Mac hardware running other X86 architecture operating systems than it is to get Leopard running on non-Mac X86 machines.

That and it's not legal to run OS X on a non-Apple machine. Plus, running Windows on a Mac either native or virtual is fully supported.

k4ffy

04/23/2008 02:23:31 PM · #99

Originally posted by scarbrd:

Originally posted by k4ffy:

Originally posted by Louis:

Originally posted by k4ffy:
just one note, kirbic. a PC will run Leopard, but not without significant tweaking, and even then the driver support will be extremely limited, if at all existant for your specific hardware.

In terms of advocating Mac, was that a pro or a con? ;)

neither actually, it was more of a "caveat emptor". though i suppose if i had to categorize it, it would be a pro for Mac hardware, since its many many times easier to get Mac hardware running other X86 architecture operating systems than it is to get Leopard running on non-Mac X86 machines.

That and it's not legal to run OS X on a non-Apple machine. Plus, running Windows on a Mac either native or virtual is fully supported.

correct.