Who uses a MAC?

[MAZDA Kitten]

Thinking of picking up a MAC book or even an iMAC

Any feedback?
Is it that far superior than a PC?
I bought a Gateway laptop last year and its a total POS* :-\

[Wild Weasel]

If I'm understanding the commercials correctly, it will take your home movies and turn them into pr0n. ;D

[bluntman]

Superior, no. It's just like asking people how to get to a certain destintation, they will all tell you different routes to take, but eventually you will get there in the end.

I am a long time PC user, but I have been seriously looking at getting an iMac or at the very least, the Mac Mini. I spoke to salesperson at the Apple Store at Sherway, who was a long time PC user as well. He said that there is a little bit of a learning curve, but eventually you will get the hang of it. Windows and the Mac OS are very similar, but their inner workings are quite different. I've played around with the Mac and I absolutely love it. The only thing stopping me from buying one is the initial cost of the 24" iMac and the huge performance difference between it and the Mac Mini.

[MAZDA Kitten]

I am in the same boat as you as well

Supposedly there is a new Apple OS coming out early 07 to compete with the VISTA called LEOPARD?

So is this a bad time to buy?
Can you upgrade Mac OS like you can do with a PC?

I love how MACs are so clean and functional. I love the white too
Just everything about them I like...

[fourtrack78]

i guess it depends on what you use it for. they are both capable of doing to same thing. mac's OS(X Tiger and soon X Leopard ) is suppose to be better ie, stable and less virus attacks then windows(xp,we'll see about vista). your personal preference.

[fourtrack78]

I love how MACs are so clean and functional. I love the white too
Just everything about them I like...

just put linux on you pc and i think X can be put on the right pc's

[majic]

mac is teh suck

what will you use it for? are you willing to sacrifice some apps (that aren't available for a mac)? can you still right click with a one button mouse? ;D do you even need a laptop? superior to a pc, what kind? with what memory/CPU/mobo? etc..

your question was pretty much on the order of "are mazdas good?"

anyway.. start by listing your requirements :)

[majic]

I am in the same boat as you as well

Supposedly there is a new Apple OS coming out early 07 to compete with the VISTA called LEOPARD?


bah.. vista is xp that looks even more confusing but pwetty..



I love how MACs are so clean and [i]functional. I love the white too
Just everything about them I like...


i guess u prefer looks.. just get a mac then

[MAZDA Kitten]

Yeah I prefer the looks LOL but... MACs dont get viruses

For some reason my computer is being very slow lately and I am getting very frustrated. So I am just thinking of ditching it and getting something new LOL :D

[MAZDA Kitten]

Speaking of which... has anyone installed AVAST! and found that it slows down their computer BIG TIME

[Broli]

dont buy a mac cause u like the way it looks!!

that is dumb!

buy it cause you require it for a certain reason

otherwise whats the point, as majic said it is more difficult to get apps and so forth

[majic]

Yeah I prefer the looks LOL but... MACs dont get viruses


umm..
1) their market share is FAR less than that of PC [clones]
2) majority of the joe shmoes and suzzy qs are using IE to surf the web and outlook to check email - both are teh suck and are frequently targeted
3) majority of #2 don't use popup blockers, adware scanners, firewalls, anti-spam or anti-virus softwares



For some reason my computer is being very slow lately and I am getting very frustrated. So I am just thinking of ditching it and getting something new LOL :D


probably #3 :)

just reformat and start clean.. backup your docs and you're set.. it'll cost you some time BUT the same time you would have to spend on building a new system anyway.. unless u'd use it as it came from the factory :o

[Kevin@nextmod]

I believe you can still right click with a normal USB mouse with a mac.

All i know is Macs are good for graphics and design?

Thats what i've been told.

[fourtrack78]

I believe you can still right click with a normal USB mouse with a mac.

All i know is Macs are good for graphics and design?

Thats what i've been told.


I've tried both never saw a difference. Macs i believe used dual core cpu's before intel thats why they were better. and now macs are starting to use intel cpu's

[majic]

I believe you can still right click with a normal USB mouse with a mac.


it was a joke :-\



All i know is Macs are good for graphics and design?


is that a question?



Thats what i've been told.


so you know or you been told? :)

[Hazy]

I've been a long time PC user until couple months ago. I still own a desktop PC but I have MacBook Pro aswell. As *(bluntman?) there is a bit of learning curve along the couples months but eventually I did get the hang of it. I've only had my Macbook since June and I absolutely love it. As for the mouse, you can use any universal usb mouse. There is also a program called Bootcamp where you can install Windows XP. That means you can switch between two different operating systems. Windows XP will work just like a PC. And, for those who are in school, you can get an educational discount depending on what you buy.

[MAZDA Kitten]

You guys are discouraging me :(

[fourtrack78]

You guys are discouraging me :(




If like the way it "looks" then buy it.......... ;D. when you get tired of it sell it to me ;)

[MAZDA Kitten]

LOL
Fine! I will buy it then... hmph!

[majic]

You guys are discouraging me :(




we're merely helping you to make an educated decision..

to me.. macs are used for photoshop and video editing.. and for those who want to be different ;)

[mEtH]

Bagh...all you newbs!

This is as Biased as if you were to go on a WRX board and say the Mazdaspeed is faster. What do you think they would say?
MK if you got questions about Mac give me a call, I use both PC and Mac. PC is my daily junk box and I also use it for web design, my Mac is solely for my print work but it can be used as a daily machine as well if need be.

All programs like office work the same and are compatible onto a PC platform. Not to mention all these arses never even mentioned how you can install Windows on a mac. If you just want a machine that is more efficient and doesn't drag then i'd suggest a mac. I have never used windows on a mac but I doubt its bad in any way. if you still have your pc kicking around you can always terminal into it and use windows on your mac that way. Then you can use both platforms without really having to install windows on the mac. If you do get a Mac, immediately get Firefox because no other web software ever gets the latest updates.

Msn is probably the only program that is not as up to date as the PC version. The office version for mac is getting outdated but there are always updates for it and they are or have come out with a new version for mac too.

OH THE BEST PART OF IT ALL!!!!! NO ONE MAKES VIRUSES FOR MAC!!!!!

[MAZDA Kitten]

Thank you for being my voice of encouragement :D :D

[majic]

Not to mention all these arses never even mentioned how you can install Windows on a mac.


Hazy did ;)



There is also a program called Bootcamp where you can install Windows XP. That means you can switch between two different operating systems. Windows XP will work just like a PC.




If you just want a machine that is more efficient and doesn't drag then i'd suggest a mac. I have never used windows on a mac but I doubt its bad in any way. if you still have your pc kicking around you can always terminal into it and use windows on your mac that way. Then you can use both platforms without really having to install windows on the mac.


HAH.. NO matter what hardware you have it's BLOATED winblows that 'drags'.. that's why you just reimage your machine every 6 months or so.. and the bloatware can be limited with users not installing every single thing that pops up at them in IE ;)

as for terminal access to a pc.. please.. i do it from work b/c i have to but why on earth would you do that from PC to PC in your house? i can see for fixing and quick access purposes but not for day-to-day work!!!



OH THE BEST PART OF IT ALL!!!!! NO ONE MAKES VIRUSES FOR MAC!!!!!


market share.. besides.. they all know that you mac users want to be 'special' so they leave you alone.. get linux and be done with ALL bloatware ;)

[Wild Weasel]

You guys are discouraging me :(




What? Don't like pr0n??

[Skarbro]

Macs suck.

[MAZDA Kitten]

and the bloatware can be limited with users not installing every single thing that pops up at them in IE ;)


ooooops

[iconicrocket]

I work with macs all day, and use my PC at home. The only real difference I find is the way you navigate round the OS. I find it easier to work with a mac than a pc. Things like: folders that spring open when you hold items over it, expose that clears up your works space, the dashboard at the bottom, boot-camp and parrellel are awesome. Also, colour management on a mac is WAY easier than a PC. Even the shortcuts are easy to remember.

It might not seem like a huge difference, but all the little things add up. I'm also eyeing a macbook in the near term, just waiting for the price to drop. All the MacBook and MacBook Pro run on the Intel Core 2 Duo, so performance isn't an issue, they even got the webcam built into the bezel of the notebook too.

Mac is the real schizzle.

[majic]

I work with macs all day, and use my PC at home. The only real difference I find is the way you navigate round the OS. I find it easier to work with a mac than a pc. Things like: folders that spring open when you hold items over it, expose that clears up your works space, the dashboard at the bottom, boot-camp and parrellel are awesome. Also, colour management on a mac is WAY easier than a PC. Even the shortcuts are easy to remember.

It might not seem like a huge difference, but all the little things add up. I'm also eyeing a macbook in the near term, just waiting for the price to drop. All the MacBook and MacBook Pro run on the Intel Core 2 Duo, so performance isn't an issue, they even got the webcam built into the bezel of the notebook too.

Mac is the real schizzle.


aaah from all that you describe ;) i can see how a mac is uber easy for a n00b and user friendly.. but on either machine (i'd assume) you can learn shortcuts and tune the OS to suit your needs.. but in MK's case it's all about looks so MAC it is :D

[Stylus_MZ3]

+1 I say wait till the new year!

I'm getting a new MAC for all my design software. I might just talk to Joe to design some TM3 stuff ;)

[SoopaBanana]

Since my work requires me to use a Mac, I initially thought I'd hate it...

That was 2 years ago.

Now I don't think that I'd buy a PC again, unless Vista actually lives up to its claims. Even then, I still don't see Vista being better than Leopard. Not at all.

Here's why I like my Mac:

1. Hardware design. I own a MacBook Pro and regardless of how I abuse it, I've yet to see a scratch mark. The keyboard lights up when the surrounding is dark. The power adaptor is magnetically connected to your laptop. The power brick even comes with little latches to wrap the power cord. Comes with a remote control that serves as a anti-theft keylock. And I can go on and on.

2. Open source software. My biggest concern when switching to Mac was the software. Then I realized that most of the software that I'd want are all free. In terms of software, Mac follows the Unix model: do something small and do it very well.

3. Web development. I work full time for a media company but I own a little web design company on the side. Macs come pre-installed with Apache, PHP, MySQL, Ruby, etc., and the Unix backend makes it extremely easy to set up Rails. As a sidenote: Ruby on Rails is pre-installed on Leopard.

4. Productivity tools. You can install Microsoft Office on a Mac, and you can even "strategically" acquire one online, but in the end, MS Office is probably the worst piece of productivity tool. Omni offers some of the best productivity software available (roughly $200 for the whole suite) and it's only available for Mac.

5. Integration. On a Mac, everything just works. Synching your Calendar and Address Book with the cell phone via blue tooth takes less than a minute to set up. The Mail client threads all of the emails automatically. The web browser Safari automatically checks the sites that you bookmarked for any new RSS feeds. Not to mention the Smart Folders that you can set up to automatically bring up the documents that you have created that starts with "MZ3".

Having said all that, it's not a good time to buy a Mac now. Coming January there are a lot of speculation on some new products. I'd definitely wait 'til then. Also, if you have any friends who are in school, ask them to buy it and get 8% off automatically.

Let me know if this helps!

[sbmonkey]

More Mac Love!

I've been using my Powerbook G4 for the past few months while up here. My Windows desktop is still in Texas and I remote into it once in awhile to download updates, etc. While I was at home, I used both computers at the same time (via Synergy) for various things. I prefer to use the Mac more than Windows, but as stated before, some software aren't as up to date to their Windows cousins due to Windows specific code (usually for video or audio), but there are usually Mac and Linux/Unix alternatives.

Another plus for the Mac is that it runs on a FreeBSD (Unix) core so you are opening yourself up to a HUGE library of open source software. The Fink Project ports over many Linux applications to OS X and also provides an easy to use package manager (FinkCommander). This also includes X Windows software which can be run with Apple's X11.

My favorite thing about OS X is that it is very streamlined. Almost all of the applications share the same shortcut keys and similar button layouts. Overall, the look and feel of OS X is cleaner. The interface is more intuitive. When you buy a Mac, it comes with almost all the software you would want via iLife and a built-in high quality multipurpose came, iSight (except for the Mac Pro and Mini).

Want to find something on your Mac? Two keys and you get the Spotlight search box that returns results extremely quickly because everything is already indexed. Windows XP Find is not as refined.

If you don't play a lot of games, then I would definitely recommend a new Mac over a Windows PC. There are plenty of games for OS X but they usually come after their PC versions. Now with Intel in the Macs, that might change (if the games don't depend on DirectX). Don't be concerned too much with speed because both Mac and PCs are pretty much on the same table for the average consumer.

You don't hear noise about viruses on Macs because, as majic said, they do not have as large a market share. However, OS X is definitely more secure out of the box than Windows. I also recommend getting Firefox as a web browser. Safari is a wonderful browser, but doesn't get updates as frequently. If a site doesn't work in Firefox, that's when I would use Safari. There is a copy of Office for OS X so you don't have to worry about moving documents between PC and Mac. New Macs also come with trial version of iWork which has a word processor, Pages (think Word), and a presentation application, Keynote (like PowerPoint).

Go to an Apple Store and play around with a Mac for awhile. Ask questions.

Do I miss my Windows machine? Not really. I can do with a new Mac Book. I've come to decide that 15" is a little large to travel with and I really want the faster Core2Duo. :D

Did I mention that I played Halo, Max Payne, and Civilization 3 on my Powerbook and it's only 1Ghz? Nothing flashy, but it's very playable. ... and you can use multiple button mice if one button freaks you out. ;)

[SoopaBanana]

Majic: why do you hate Macs?* Have you used one...* recently?

My programmers who hated Macs reluctantly tried it for 1 week... and that's all it took for them to be Mac fanatics.

sbmonkey: while I agree with you on most parts, I don't really agree on the gaming part... If the sole purpose of a computer is to play games, buy a PC or Alienware... Macs really do suck when it comes to games... Unless you boot into Windows XP on a Mac, that is.

[bluntman]

I am in the same boat as you as well

Supposedly there is a new Apple OS coming out early 07 to compete with the VISTA called LEOPARD?

So is this a bad time to buy?
Can you upgrade Mac OS like you can do with a PC?

I love how MACs are so clean and functional. I love the white too
Just everything about them I like...


I'm not sure, but Leopard may just be an enhancement of OS X, just like Tiger is an enhancement of Jaguar (OS X). The current G5 Macs will definitely be able to handle Leopard, the Mac Mini included.

I love the clean look of the OS, that's what first grabs your attention. Next is the dock at the bottom of the screen. Further digging leads to how functional and how user friendly and how customizable the Mac OS is compared to Windows. Remember, Windows basically ripped off the Mac OS.

Switching, you will loose many of the applications that you are accustomed to, but there are a lot of applications that you not only can only find on a Mac, but also some that actually work better than their Windows counterpart! Personally, I would say GO FOR IT.

[sbmonkey]

Leopard will be a whole new beast just like Tiger had some little but significant changes to Jaguar. You will want to have Leopard when it is released.

Check out the sneak peek: http://www.apple.com/macosx/leopard/index.html

[majic]

Majic: why do you hate Macs? Have you used one... recently?


lol.. :)

1st of all.. very nice 'review' on the previous page, kudos.. 2nd of all.. macs, just like linux/unix aren't for everyone as i mentioned before.. they aren't for me for sure.. and as i stated, they are probably most suited for graphics professionals and NEW users thanks to their user friendliness.. and now to answer your question..

to be honest.. i don't know.. everyone has their preferences and truthfully i just never gave a crap about a mac before.. call me ignorant BUT i like the flexibility of the choices in CPUs, motherboards, memory, cases, etc.. i don't upgrade often but i DO have a lot more options when i do choose to.. i don't like the 'stock' menus.. i don't like the way mac feels.. just so sterile.. some people like it - for example, i love google talk, it's clean and simple so i should probably like mac's interface but i don't

i don't do enough graphics or video editing and i'm just happy with my setup now.. yes windows pisses me off.. but i have an image handy to revert back to a clean slate.. it's not a mac thing, i don't like apple period.. hate ipods, hate things that make you use proprietary software (maybe you can use something other than itunes now - i don't care anymore) .. just like i used to have a sony minidisc and then i was going to get one of their new sleek mp3 players.. proprietary shit and DRM.. hate it.. apple.. starbux.. sony (except their phones).. footlocker.. domestic cars.. they have been on my blacklist for a while now :) .. i'm like the soup nazi when it comes to that stuff.. NEEEEEEEEEXT!

if i were to give apple a shot, i'd just install madrake/redhat and be done with.. everyone is entitled to their opinion and choices.. these are mine and i was merely thinking outloud why a PC might suit MK better than a mac.. cheers!

[sbmonkey]

I just want my shit to work nowadays. During college years I went through 4 CPU's, a couple motherboards, and some video cards a year. Expensive and time consuming and I just don't have time for it anymore. :)

The greatest thing PC has over Macs are the choices of parts available and relatively lower prices. :D

[SoopaBanana]

Wait... All these posts just so that MK can make a decision on whether she should buy a Mac?

MK you're my idol!

Majic I totally understand where you're coming from... Part of the reason why I love my SonyEricsson but at the same time hate it for the proprietary memory cards...

But my point is, the common perception that Macs are only for video and graphic artists is wrong. Macs make perfect sense for web / java development, even more so than it is with Linux. So while Macs may be good for beginners, it is definitely powerful enough for advanced users.

[majic]

Wait... All these posts just so that MK can make a decision on whether she should buy a Mac?

MK you're my idol!



LOL!!! lol..

if it came in black (maybe it does) i think she'd be sold on its shiney-iness in a jiffy ;D

[MAZDA Kitten]

if it came in black (maybe it does) i think she'd be sold on its shiney-iness in a jiffy ;D


http://images.apple.com/macbook/images/indextop20061108.jpg


:D :D :D :D :D :D
It does come in black

But I prefer the white....
after all my first choice was white :D

My SE phone is white :D

[iconicrocket]

Black looks stylish and professional, while white looks casual and fun.

13.3" or 15", which one would she go for?

[MAZDA Kitten]

LOL

[iconicrocket]

;)

[SoopaBanana]

Hey MK more Mac geekery eyecandies for you:

http://michaelverdi.com/images/parallels.jpg (http://michaelverdi.com/index.php/2006/12/02/parallels-screencast/)

Click image to read the full article.

Just installed Parallels Desktop, a virtualization software that allows you to run Windows in Mac environment... You're looking at 90% speed for both operating systems, and you can run Windows and Mac applications side by side. So let's say that you really want to run Windows Live Messenger on Mac, you can do that now. (Mac does have a better intant messaging solution better than MSN Messenger: Adium (http://www.adiumx.com/))

Hope that helps!

[Stylus_MZ3]

Hey MK more Mac geekery eyecandies for you:

http://michaelverdi.com/images/parallels.jpg (http://michaelverdi.com/index.php/2006/12/02/parallels-screencast/)

Click image to read the full article.

Just installed Parallels Desktop, a virtualization software that allows you to run Windows in Mac environment... You're looking at 90% speed for both operating systems, and you can run Windows and Mac applications side by side. So let's say that you really want to run Windows Live Messenger on Mac, you can do that now. (Mac does have a better intant messaging solution better than MSN Messenger: Adium (http://www.adiumx.com/))

Hope that helps!




Hey Soopa!

Is Parallels Desktop freeware or I gotta buy It? Cus thats that looks hype! :)

[teambedlam]

Well i guess you could call me a MAC user. I do own 12 of them and have been using them since 1984. That either makes me an uber MAC geek or old.... or perhaps both. :)

[sbmonkey]

Parallels is commercial software, so you gotta pay for it, but I think it's worth every cent. I am getting Parellels once I get a new Mac Book in the future.

[SoopaBanana]

Here's my little comparison run-down for Parallels and BootCamp...

Parallels
http://www.parallels.com
Price: US$79.99
Benefits:

Run Windows (or any OS of your choice - Vista included) within Mac environment
Can run more than one virtualization at one time (can run both WinXP and Vista at the same time)
Newest Beta (http://download.parallels.com/beta/Parallels%20Desktop%203036%20Mac%20en.dmg) allows Coherence mode, running Windows apps and Mac apps on the same desktop (Windows Start menu at bottom, Mac Dock floats over it)
Share files from Mac to Windows by drag-and-drop


BootCamp
http://www.apple.com (http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/)
Price: Free
Benefits:

Allows Mac to function just like Windows by selecting which partition to boot (hold Alt when starting computer to choose the OS
No performance hit to either OS
Very good performance for video games in Windows environment
Can use Mac OS to access Windows files

[iconicrocket]

The Parrellel betas are free download. ;)

[MAZDA Kitten]

sick

[b]

I have & like both. I use my laptop pc more... but I love the look, fit & finish of apple computers better! They just work!!!!

[Zaku_4]

hmm

my engineering teacher told me that the reason macs are better is cause their chips archetecture is more efficient than PC archetecture (nand vs and+not gates). so they are generally more efficient (kinda hesistant to say faster) which is why they can handle graphic heavy applications well.

also, subjectively speaking, macs ARE supposed to be easier to use but if you have been using pc's all your life tehn there will be a weird learning.