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Mac or PC
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I seriously need a new computer. I use it for hours daily for
1. Email
2. Post processing photos ( this should be #1)
3. hours on flickr!
I currently use a PC with Windows.
What do you suggest. I have heard that Mac is way better for photoediting and this is what I seem to be doing mostly these days.
What are the experience driven advantages?
Thanks All
Posted at 6:39AM, 15 May 2007 PDT
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I am going to be curious at the responses here... I asked the same question on another board I frequent...
Some of the information I received was... MAC handsdown for photoediting / processing. The initial cost of a good MAC system may be more than a traditional PC, i.e., order Dell online... but the system will be kept for 3-5 as opposed to 2-3 years for a like PC... (not sure I agree with that... but this is coming from MAC experts) I really haven't found any negatives on MAC's or from MAC users.
Posted 61 months ago.
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Definitely PC.
Old good times when Mac was optimal for multimedia processing still away.
Pay much money for "closed" system with limited set of software is not a very smart solution
Posted 61 months ago.
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I use Mac and have for many years. I've never had a bad experience. I'm a graphic designer and the Mac has been the industry standard for years. I found the Mac to be very user friendly and easy to maintain. Since I started shooting digital I've been using it more for photo work also. Recently replaced a Mac PowerPC G4--that I had for about 7 years with no problems--with a17", 2 GHz iMac. So far I've found it to be adequate for the price--$999. It is blazing fast. I don't have much experience with the PC, so I can't really give a comparison of the two systems.
Good luck!
Posted 61 months ago.
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@embrownny If you are a graphic designer and don't use your computer for other purposes, may be Mac is a good choice (but not better then PC).
But choice of other applications - for example computer games or software development tools much better for PCs then for Mac. I can't even compare
Mac is a _closed_ system and all changes in hardware (easiest examples - new HDD or more RAM or DVD-Writer) are not easy.
This list can be continued.
Posted 61 months ago.
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Well, Reedcat, I did say that I didn't have much experience with PCs. My exposure to them are limited to the library. But for graphics and digital photo editing/imaging, the Mac has work great for me. Of course, it has it's limitations, but I'm not writing programs nor am I gaming (with the exception of an occasional online game of Scrabble or Solitaire). I can add 2 additional gigs of RAM, I can read and write CDs and DVDs. But, I'm not interested in rebuilding the unit by exchanging hardware. So that said, it all depends on what you ultimately want to do. Since WISugar's original question pertained to photo editing as her main intended usage, I gave my opinion based on that.
Posted 61 months ago.
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My opinion is that it comes down to personal preference, you'll get extreme responses from both sides, asking that question on forums is just like starting a mini-war. PC users well tell you all kind of old myths about the Mac, Mac users telling you once you try it you'll never want to even be close to a PC.
You should go try a Mac out. If you have the chance, go to a Mac store and play with them, see what you think. As far as them being more expensive than PCs, that's just not true anymore for systems with the same configuration (of course some can say PCs are cheaper if they compare a $500 Dell with a $4,000 MacPro, but that's comparing apples to oranges... no pun intended :), and you're not really limited to anything since if you really need windows, you can easily run both Windows and Mac OS on today's macs, so software limitation is not a valid reason not to get one anymore, if anything you get MORE choices of software with a Mac because you can run all Windows software plus all Mac software.
The best you can do is look for a way to try it out, and go for the one you feel more comfortable using, there's no standard "best" platform for everyone, you should work where you feel more comfortable and feel more productive.
Posted 61 months ago.
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Many years ago Mac has other (and better!) CPU inside. Now all Apple computers are build on Intel platform, and even is possible to run the OS-X on almost any PC (but illegal). pcworld.about.com/news/Aug122005id122207.htm
What reason to pay more? :)
Posted 61 months ago.
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I think Oscar & Lili pretty well hit the nail on the head... it is going to boil down to what you feel the most comfortable with... I am on the same journey you are on... the difference being I will be adding a MAC to my existing collection. I will primarily use the MAC for photoediting / processing. I have built my own PC's for the past ten years and have too much of an investment in Software to just walk away... now I know you can run Windows and OS X on the same system with the newer MAC's, however, I am looking into getting the Mac-Mini and maxing out the RAM.
I will say the research I have done... plus asking this same question on various Photo Boards... there is still a huge group that prefers MAC in Graphic Design and Photoediting / Processing.
As Oscar and Lili suggested... go to your local Apple store and play with a few systems. They are more than happy to let you try different systems.
Good luck... this is fun stuff.
Originally posted 61 months ago.
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Ronnie1055 edited this topic 61 months ago.
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IMO it's personal preference because each system has their own merits. I choose to use Linux, Mac and Windows and like all 3 the same. Mac had an edge in 3D movie rendering (not to be confused with 3D gaming) but they don't use a PPC CPU anymore. My suggestion is to go to a few computer stores and try each system out - like some people do for cameras.
@Oscar & Lili
I just did a price comparison between a Mac and a HP PC and the Mac was almost $500 more. On top of that, a lot of Mac software is shareware - which means you eventually have to pay for it. On a Windows and Linux PC I can find comparable Mac software for free. I'll be more than happy to post links, notes and prices if anyone is interested.
With all that said, I still think it's personal preference.
Originally posted 61 months ago.
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tayker edited this topic 61 months ago.
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@tayker
In fact, we should make a choice of operation system, but not of hardware platform
And what we discuss for? :-)
Posted 61 months ago.
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I have been a pc user for well over a decade. I actually now own and enjoy using both. I think it really comes down to what software you're interested in using because some are made for just one type of Operating System.
In terms of OS, I would recommend an Intel Mac if you can afford it. Now that they have this new version out, you can run a program called Parallels/Bootcamp and use a Windows OS on it. So for a little bit more, you can have both OS on one machine.
In terms of software, I like using my Mac for my photos because it includes iPhoto, which I use to store & catalog my stuff. If you're really into it, check out Aperture. It's like Adobe Lightroom but has been around longer. Also, I would disagree with tayker, in that you can get lots of freeware on a Mac. I know people that use MS Office compatible software for free on a Mac. Heck, you can get a Google acct and get mail, calendar, document, spreadsheet and more online for free! If you don't like iPhoto, use Gimp or Picassa for free. Here... I googled "free Mac photo processing" and found this link:
graphicssoft.about.com/cs/imageediting/tp/budgetphotoedm.htm
Good luck!
Originally posted 61 months ago.
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moore fun edited this topic 61 months ago.
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I agree with an above commenter with Mac longevity.. I purchased an iBook 6 years ago to go to college with and used it basically non-stop for 4 years and have put lots of hours on it in the last 2 years since college and have had no problems with it.. In the same time frame my parents who rarely use the computer have gone through 3 Dell PC's.
Another advantage to Mac OS is to be able to run simultaneous applications with little or no slowdown in performance, great for being able to run PS and a bunch of other stuff at the same time.
But most people got it right, if you feel more comfortable with PC, stick with it but Mac OS is very easy to learn if you have never used it before.
Posted 61 months ago.
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My dear, its one word and one world
GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO
F O R
Mac
you say : how in the ______ i waste all my years infront of windows not the Mac
which the same i said
whishing u to join the mac club soon
Posted 61 months ago.
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"Also, I would disagree with tayker, in that you can get lots of freeware on a Mac. I know people that use MS Office compatible software for free on a Mac. Heck, you can get a Google acct and get mail, calendar, document, spreadsheet and more online for free! If you don't like iPhoto, use Gimp or Picassa for free."
The software you're suggesting is also available for a Windows platform, and doesn't require X11 to run it. I wouldn't suggest Picasa as an iPhoto replacement because it can't even compare to iPhoto, let alone the Windows version. I'm a "entrepreneur" and I have made all my computers comparable (4 Macs & 4 Windows PCs) so I can do the same project on each system. To do that, I had to pay more for the software I use on a Mac than I did on my Windows computers. Also, I never said there isn't freeware but the Mac/Windows ratio is more favorable towards the Windows platform - with Linux beating both systems, if you want to go almost completely free.
That being said, I still recommend going to a store and playing with each system because I think it's personal preference.
@reed cat - OS-wise, close call. I'm loving Vista Ultimate - it's a nice OS. I am looking forward to Leopard too. However, I am a hardware junky and build my Windows PCs - I like having the freedom to tinker under the hood.
Posted 61 months ago.
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Depending on how much post processing you do, you could get away with a Macbook which are a pretty good deal. The integrated graphics could be countered with expanded memory of up to 2GB which isn't that expensive going through 3rd party OEMs. The internal HDD is also extremely easy to expand. If you are into heavy lifting then you'd want to go for the Macbook Pro. That is where it gets really pricey. If portability isn't an issue, then you could use a iMac as a very accommodating system.
The Mac platform may be considered "closed" but there are pros and cons by having a closed system. Pros are better integration with hardware and software giving you more consistent computing experience. Cons are obvious as it is closed and limited to other 4rd party apps. However, in my experience - using a PC since I was 20, and now a Mac for 2 years since - I have not run into any limiting barriers. I do photo editing, graphic design and web development. Maybe because I don't program in environments that use Microsoft technology that is reason why I haven't felt the burden of a closed system.
On the flip side, looking at specs on paper, the "PC" route is arguably cheaper with respect to price. Even though numbers are the same, you can say the same when comparing cars. So if you decide to stick with what you're familiar with, then research brands, like HP, Sony or Acer.
I've briefly used Vista and aside from the new Aero interface, it still works the same. So you gain that familiarity in usability. Vista over XP promises better networking and security, so hurray for that. But it is a new system and so some compatibility issues with older system (both hardware and software) may be an issue.
In the end, like what others said, go in the Apple store and play with the machines you feel you may intend on buying. Make sure you look at how their are configured so you know what to expect. Go to BestBuy or some other big box store and try their computers. Aperture is Mac only while Lightroom is cross platform. CS3 is cross platform, but you already know that.
Good luck and let us know what you get.
Posted 61 months ago.
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Thanks all, for the detailed responses to my question. I never realised that it was one of those 'Nikon vs Canon' type of questions!
I am leaning towards a PC again, solely based on pricing - I live in Jamaica and because of our devalued currency, the Mac is way expensive, I checked at the Mac store yesterday and a system with a large screen will run me J$200,000. Even in Ja money that still almost QUARTER MILLION DOLLARS!!!! Of course I ran screaming out of the store and back into PC'S arms.
Thanks for the wealth of information.
Posted 61 months ago.
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DEFINITELY windows. NEVER use a mac. Trust me. They are extremely confusing and windows PCs use more buttons and easier to use toolbars.
Pricing is better for better quality, as Macs are less quality and more expensive.
I'm glad to hear you bought a PC.
Posted 61 months ago.
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@WISugar: Welcome back to the Bill Gates' club! ;-)
BTW, in Belarussian currency such prices looking much more terrible - about 2-3 millions...
Posted 61 months ago.
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i would say if you think you would take more of an interest in phtography etc in the future i would go for the mac, although more expensive come better eqiupped hardware wise to handle such projects! if not pc can handle alot and also can be cheaper with most software available on mac is on pc format too!!!
Posted 61 months ago.
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Mac, No doubt.
You can use the same software on a PC but they where made for Mac. So, Adobe Photoshop and the best graphic softwares run better and faster in a Mac.
Posted 61 months ago.
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All I will say is I built a $1400 Windows XP MCE computer wtih a 19" widescreen HDTV monitor system before I bought my Mac. I'd rather by on my 13.3" Macbookanytime.
Mac's OS is much more stable than XP. Sure Windows is good for certain things, much more software is available for Windows for example, but there are also many downsides. Mac doesn't have spyware/adware/viruses for example, but it also lacks a software library like Window's.
Plus Mac's OSX runs very well and is easy on the system. For example, my MacBook can get around 5-6 hours of battery life if I turn the screen brightness completely down (~4 if you keep it relatively bright). Can Window's laptops do this? Also, note that you can run OSX with minimal RAM and Vista (Window's catch up OS to Mac) needs 1.5GB minimum.
Originally posted 61 months ago.
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nachisimo edited this topic 61 months ago.
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I've had Vista and XP Pro running for a whole week (actually longer, I just don't remember when I powered it up and down) without any issues and my somewhat new 20" Core 2 Duo locked up on me 2 times. Also, there have been recent viruses and security issues with Mac OS X (to include a spyware concept). I wouldn't put a lot of stock in the security and spyware/adware argument.
Posted 61 months ago.
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To make your decision, read this article.
www.photo-mentor.com/content/view/53/1/
Posted 61 months ago.
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i_am_bishop [deleted] says:
mac.
Posted 61 months ago.
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Mac. Easily. Well for me anyway. Its down to personal preference.
Posted 61 months ago.
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Same thing, new people. Always the Mac vs the PC. Buy what you like!
Posted 60 months ago.
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PC with Windows Vista. Consider this... Buying expensive Mac versions of programs or buying same programs at affordable price. Plus, there's been saying that it's hard to prevent viruses and spywares from Macs.
People say that the computers are always going to get this kind of such problem... I've been using computer for 5 years now, and never had a single problem (viruses, ad ware....etc). it's just matter of you treat your computer.
so it's up to you which way you'd prefer.
Originally posted 60 months ago.
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[karanvyas] edited this topic 60 months ago.
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I've been a professional graphic artist for over a decade. I play with illustration, design, photo editing and web programming/scripting. I have used Macs and PC's professionally at many companies and design agencies (often side by side). In general, here are a few of my thoughts, summarized in typical internet troll bullet point fashion.
1. I'll never, ever buy a mac @ home. I don't prefer to spend an extra $2000 for a pretty box and cute case. I can assemble a PC that will kick any Mac's ass for under $1k.
2. In general, macs perform poorly in terms of CPU and RAM benchmarks. How might this affect you? Get a PC and a Mac of equal technical specs. Open an extremely large image (canvas size or maybe multiple layers) in photoshop. Try to perform an intense filter on both of them (easy example: gaussian blur cranked too far up). the mac will show you the bomb and say it can't do it. The PC will do it (but very slow). Poor memory management is just one frustration with the mac, but it's the most prominent and noticeable for something like photo or video editing.
3. WHACKY MAC!! syndrome. It happens to all macs after about a year of operation. How many weekends do you want to waste reloading the OS?
4. Cult of Mac. Yes, it's true. Once macs were the end all of graphics work. That is not true anymore. Thanks to some extremely poor decisions by the leaders of apple computer, nobody has been innovating on macs. By the same token, the open nature of PC hardware and software development means the entire world has been advancing PC tech at an astounding rate. A PC with a good processor and vid card will SMOKE a mac any day of the week.
5. One button mouse. I can't resist mentioning it.
Originally posted 60 months ago.
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Bree R edited this topic 60 months ago.
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Yeah I still have my one button mouse. Going on 6 years now. Great to use as a backup when I forget to buy new batteries for my wireless mouse.
Good for you BreeR that you're technically inclined to build your own computer. Most people can't or won't do so. As far as the CPU, both computers use the Intel Core 2 Duo chips, so that theory has left the building a long time ago. The video card comment also lacks creditability since most Macs and PCs don't use the same card. Please provide a link where someone has compared Mac & PC with the same processor, RAM, and video card.
Hmm, whacky Mac syndrome? I've only installed the OS 4 times in the 6 years I've had my Mac. That's only because I upgraded to the new OS, and wanted to start fresh. Yes, I've had viruses on my Mac before. Picked up the Word macro viruses from my college's PCs.
BTW, what's the deal with Vista? Why offer 4 different versions? Is Bill that hard up for money?!? Why can't he offer one version to everyone?
Posted 60 months ago.
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I use both a mac and a pc. So, the perfect solution, a macbook or macbook pro! This dual core processor allows you to run either os x or windows just by using parallels and partitioning your hard drive. I basically use the mac since I do photo editing and graphic design, but I have not found any application I prefer on a pc. (I am not a gamer, so that choice is easy for me). But the macbook or pro is the best choice so you can have both in 1 machine. Also, as was said earlier, lots of great free software for macs which emulate pc apps.
good luck
Posted 60 months ago.
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Mac all the way! i first tried photoshop on the PC. Couldn't get to grips with it. Then i invested in a mac (power book G4). I picked up the operating system OS so quickly and living with a graphic designer who use mac as indusrty standard, i have embraced the mac. However my other house mate is a fashion designer and uses a PC using all the same programes photoshop etc. Hope you find the computer of your choice
Posted 60 months ago.
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As mentioned above, it's all about personal preference. You still often have to read about Apple being better suited for imaging, dtp and similar. In my opinion this is complete nonsense and a sign of superficial knowledge. There's similar/same software for both platforms and neither of them is predestinated for that kind of work.
Both the apple and pc platform are largely different from the time this statement might have been true. About Apple, both hardware and operating system have been replaced (PC with a "nice" user interface nowaways). As well as Windows is completely different from what it had been in the beginning. Today, there's little difference whether software a runs in environment x, y or z.
Originally posted 60 months ago.
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crazyinthenight edited this topic 60 months ago.
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Think Logically... If Windows Vista wasn't that great, They would actually make advertisements to sell their product just like MAC.
If it was extremely popular and successive on their own, why would they make ads. Whatever they did when they launched, it was considered "Introduction" . Windows Vista is already succeeded, so they would not need to spend millions of money on Advertisements.
Mac advertising " Hello, I'm a Mac....", Insulting PC. because they have not achieved the level.
I agree with Bree R. Buying a a computer that's under 1G seem more affordable, you can save money for Programs such as AdobePhotoshop CS3.
and yea.. i can't stand that bouncing icons on the dock. such annoying interfere opening the program.
Posted 60 months ago.
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Well, may be Mac-funs can comment an article?
I know, revival of old discussions is not a good idea...
Posted 57 months ago.
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I am a graphic designer , and have used macs since the quadra 650, BUT now use a PC, with no problems, for cost versus usability , get a PC
if you feel comfortable using a mac get a mac, it doesnt matter really, the machine is just a tool, and if you prefer one tool over the other use it
Posted 57 months ago.
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For me it was a matter of cost. I used to build my own pcs and upgrade them but tired of the constant tinkering. Recently I investigated both Mac and PC and have to say that the Mac still attracts a price premium.
Some of the price is justifiable for the excellent design features, however I ended up with an extremely powerful laptop (though it's so huge its' really just a "portable" PC) at around 80% of the eqivalent Mac. On top of the spec I was looking for I also got a TV tuner and HiDef output thrown in (so I have my own TiVo-type setup).
All in all I am very happy with my pruchase and expect it to last 5-7 years like the last PC that I built (which is still going as it happens and is now in use as an archive and potential webserver).
I pretty much feel that at this point the Mac choice is esthetic, I use OpenOffice for free on my PC (similar available on the Mac). If you intend to buy it and use it but not upgrade it then I reckon that the PC will be as stable as the Mac. Most PC issues in my experience arise from tinkering with the setup. The Mac avoids this by limiting the tinkering that can be done :-)
Good luck and enjoy whatever you get.
Posted 57 months ago.
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A computer is a tool. Use the tool that best suits what you want to do with it. I use a Mac but given that Photoshop and Lightroom are cross platform, I'd tolerate being stuck with a PC, just have to make sure the anti virus and spyware programs are always up to date, not something I have to worry about with my Mac (the prime reason I switched in the first place)
Posted 57 months ago.
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I think she said a MAc would cost her way too much and she decided to go with a PC...because she can afford it. It will ALWAYS come down to money...no matter what the product it. Some will pay more to get more, while others stick to their budgets. Just like the iPhone...some went and got it right away while others who couldn't afford it waited and were pleasantly rewarded with a lower price.
So, when it all boils down, the mighty dollar will be the deciding factor...not OS, not style, nothing...just the price...
like today for dinner, I could go to some fancy restaurant and order pricey food, but my budget calls for a more prudent choice, so I will cook at home...save money...and be happy! ;)
Posted 57 months ago.
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Some would argue that the value of the free software that comes with every Mac narrows the gap somewhat. And the fact you don't need to purchase anti-virus or anti-spam software as well.
Posted 57 months ago.
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