How can I stay with Mac with deals like this?

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

04/22/2008 08:48:46 AM · #1

I've been with Mac for about 3 years, and now it is time to upgrade machines. I currently have a iMac G5 20".

I can get an EPP Dell machine through work for a pretty good price, for today only.

Dell XPS 420 w/ 20" monitor for $1151

Specs:

Intel® Core�2 Q6600 Quad-Core (8MB L2 cache,2.4GHz,1066FSB)
Radeon ATI HD 2600 XT 256MB
3GB Dual Channel DDR22 SDRAM at 667MHz - 4 DIMMs
500GB3 - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache
Blu-ray Disc Combo (DVD+/-RW + BD-ROM)

I'd cost me at least another $1k to get a Mac system close to this. How can I justify staying with mac?

-Chad

chris48083

Pentax K10D

04/22/2008 08:49:59 AM · #2

macs arent everything they say they are, youll be perfectly happy with a windows based system...no worries, ill even hold your hand if you wish....

strangeghost

Canon EOS-7D

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

04/22/2008 08:53:14 AM · #3

If you're asking that question, then there's clearly no reason for you to stay with the Mac. Get the windows box and enjoy!

citymars

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

04/22/2008 08:54:09 AM · #4

Sounds good, though why the "one day only" pressure?

JMart

Nikon D80

Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di for Nikon

04/22/2008 09:04:07 AM · #5

I'm a PC person (and love mine), but don't forget to take software/hardware that may not work with a new PC into consideration. Also, you'll have to get used to the PC OS and moving existing data from your mac to PC might not be seamless. If all of that is no problem, go for it. But changing OS either way can be challenging on various levels.

04/22/2008 09:07:45 AM · #6

Originally posted by citymars:

Sounds good, though why the "one day only" pressure?

It is one of their "10 Days of Discounts". I'm sure a deal like this will be around tomorrow too, just called something else.

It was more of a general question. I've been seeing these quad-core machines for a while, and a Mac Pro STARTING at over $2100, and that's with my company discount.

I love OSX and all, but geezums.

-Chad

04/22/2008 09:09:34 AM · #7

Originally posted by JMart:

That's not really a problem for me, since I'd upgrade to CS3 either way. I currently have CS2 for the G5.

-Chad

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

04/22/2008 09:19:51 AM · #8

Originally posted by cpurser:

Originally posted by citymars:
Sounds good, though why the "one day only" pressure?

It is one of their "10 Days of Discounts". I'm sure a deal like this will be around tomorrow too, just called something else.

It was more of a general question. I've been seeing these quad-core machines for a while, and a Mac Pro STARTING at over $2100, and that's with my company discount.

I love OSX and all, but geezums.

-Chad

I say stick with OSX.

There's a lot of software you'll need to buy to get a Windows PC to work like the OSX will out of the box, also, all of your current software licenses may or may not transfer. I know Adobe will, but not all software companies will transfer licenses easily.

You'll also have to deal with Vista, which, sucks butt. Not on either cheek, but right in the middle.

Also, do you really need a Mac Pro? I do just fine using CS2 with my G4, though I am planning on an upgrade by year's end.

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

04/22/2008 09:30:17 AM · #9

The resale value of the iMac could pay for a big chunk of the cost of the new PC if you can afford to pay for the PC while you sell the Mac. I like OSX, but that's just my personal opinion after about 4 years with zero problems on a G5 Powermac that's never been to the shop for anything.

scarbrd

Leica M10

04/22/2008 09:53:55 AM · #10

It's made by Dell and it comes with Windows.

What other reasons do you need to stay with a Mac? ;-)

Factor in the cost of the software you get (and I'm not talked some crippled "limited" version) like iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, etc. These are all full version, very capable, very useful programs.

You don't mention the OS included, but if you want more than the basic Home version you'll probably have to pay more. And OS X has it all over Vista.

Plus factor in the value of your time dealing with viruses, worms, and general Windows baggage.

You will spend more money on that Dell and replace it sooner than an iMac.

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

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

04/22/2008 10:02:46 AM · #11

Originally posted by scarbrd:

I second that (being a mac user for 19 years but also having had a Dell box with windows). If you still want go for that crap please don't bother us with questions like "Why does this not work..." or "What does that error mesage mean...", "how can I fix that..." "where have my files gone..."

Message edited by author 2008-04-22 10:03:03.

Strikeslip

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

04/22/2008 10:03:47 AM · #12

Originally posted by cpurser:

.... for today only.

Personally, I'd ignore any deal with a timer on it.

tate

Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

04/22/2008 10:07:13 AM · #13

I often ask myself this very question. Even with a teacher discount, the prices don't come close.

Pros of Apple:
Virtually Virus-free,
Can run Windows if needed,
Better QC if Apple builds your machine,
Better OS (subjective of course),
Higher resale value.

If you feel you will be happy with the Windows machine, go for it -
but you pay a premium for APple products for a reason - I guess the question is: is it worth it?

Louis

Nikon D800

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

04/22/2008 10:11:48 AM · #14

Just remember that the above Mac evangelists are offering opinions. :) "OSX has it all over Vista", "Windows baggage", etc. I've been on both sides myself, and, quite frankly, found OSX to be a clunky unintuitve mess compared to Vista. I understand you love OSX and that's great, but don't be swayed by simple "Vista sux" arguments. They're silly. I use it professionally and at home, and have none of the problems described here. If you're not an idiot and know how to deal with your own e-mail, and have at least a modicum of caution when surfing online (no suspect porn sites for you!), you don't need A/V. I don't use it, never have. And don't be fooled by price arguments -- it is, without a doubt, cheaper to go PC.

awpollard

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

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

04/22/2008 10:21:33 AM · #15

Actually, you can get a Gateway with a Quad Core Phenom 9600 (AMD) or if you must get Intel one with a Core Duo, 3G RAM, 500G Sata and a nVidia 8800GT w/512M (specs out better than the ATI) for $999 or $1099 any time. The (new) Gateways has an Off-the-shelf (Elite Group (ECS) mobo - ok not ASUS, ABIT, MSI or the likes but it isn't an in house, cut the corners mobo like Dell uses).

On the Bluray thing I would wait til SPEC 2.0 unless you are only going to use it for storage, they (Sony) haven't quite worked the specs/standards out on the movie side.

04/22/2008 10:24:19 AM · #16

Originally posted by Louis:

Of course, Louis is also offering his opinion, as are all the other Windows proponents. I wonder how many actually use both enough to be familiar with both.

I use both OSX and Vista fairly extensively and I find OSX to be easier if you want to do work with your computer. Vista is better if you want to work on your computer.

Vista, unless you spring for some level above "home" is crippled. Vista sucks, because it sucks resources, unnecessarily, IMO

04/22/2008 10:25:11 AM · #17

Believe me guys, I want to stay with OSX. But the price difference is HUGE. This Dell has a BluRay drive. Apple doesn't even offer BluRay.

Mac Pro with the same specs is $3,218!!! (includes 20" cinema display)

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

04/22/2008 10:25:41 AM · #18

Sounds like a good deal. A few notes FWIW:

Your old G5 iMac is still worth $700+ on eBay.

Don't expect a quad-core computer to run rings around a dual core. The difference isn't as big as you might think.

An iMac will even run Vista faster than a similarly configured PC. Personally, I'd rather have a 24" iMac for Photoshop than a Mac Pro (and I do).

Message edited by author 2008-04-22 10:27:45.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

04/22/2008 10:26:47 AM · #19

Originally posted by cpurser:

I will tell you to stay away from the Apple displays. I have a Dell. It has the same panel as the Apple and cost less than half.

soup

Canon EOS-30D

04/22/2008 10:27:06 AM · #20

i've got an off the shelf gateway that i modified a bit. ( in the past i've built mine from scratch - i was lazy this time around ).

i'll never buy a dell for myself. we use them at work and i can't stand the set up and proprietary BS they seem to use religiously...

bfox2

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

04/22/2008 10:27:11 AM · #21

Originally posted by eyewave:

My mom asks me questions like this all the time when her mac desktop OR laptop start acting up.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 IF EX DG HSM for Canon

04/22/2008 10:30:17 AM · #22

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

I will tell you to stay away from the Apple displays. I have a Dell. It has the same panel as the Apple and cost less than half.

Agreed, but be sure to calibrate the Dell. As shipped, the color is way off. Avoid the current 20" iMac, too (the 24" version is great). Note that new iMac models are due out within the next few weeks.

coronamv

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

04/22/2008 10:30:35 AM · #23

Did anyone have trouble with the latest Apple Lepard update? This is the secound time Lepard has crashed my macbook.

04/22/2008 10:32:29 AM · #24

Originally posted by scalvert:

Originally posted by Spazmo99:
I will tell you to stay away from the Apple displays. I have a Dell. It has the same panel as the Apple and cost less than half.

Agreed, but be sure to calibrate the Dell. As shipped, the color is way off. Avoid the current 20" iMac, too (the 24" version is great). Note that new iMac models are due out within the next few weeks.

Yes, but the Apple displays need calibration too. If you're at all serious about photography/art, ANY display should be calibrated before use.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III