Thinking of getting an Apple.

[Jura]

I'm thinking of getting a desktop from them. Perhaps a year from now. I noticed they're quite expensive.

Also, Am I able to use a normal PC monitors, external hard drive, and flash drives with Apple computers? Is there anything I must know?

I've used them in the past and I noticed most of the programs I use support Macs.

[gunslinger]

Get one and don't look back.

I got my first Mac about 6 months ago and have been very happy with it. Stable, fast, no worries of spyware/viruses. I have mine set up to dual boot OS X and XP Pro SP3, I am also running Ubuntu Linux inside VMware.

Two things I would recommend. By your RAM from newegg or some other third party you will save a bit there. Second thing, you may want to check into getting refurbished Mac. Again you will knock a few hundred off the price.

They may seem expensive but considering what you get they really are not. ( very high quality and the best OS there is by far )

Monitors, external hard drive, and flash drives will all work with the Mac.

[Bryce W]

Im looking to get a Mac as well, mainly to tinker around with. Gunslinger, what type of mac are you using atm? desktop, macmini, macbook, macbook pro etc..?

[gunslinger]

I have a Macbook with a 2.2 GHZ core 2 duo, 4 GB of RAM, and 120 gig HDD.

[Andyuk2007]

But what can a mac do that a windows computer can't ? give some good examples as i just see macs as overpriced low spec computers.

[Y.F.N.C.G.]

But what can a mac do that a windows computer can't ? give some good examples as i just see macs as overpriced low spec computers.

I think people feel that Macs can do everything a PC can do, only a little bit better and with less headaches. I personally don't find value in them, but may end up getting one just so I can get familiar with them and add Mac servicing to my consulting business.

[Jura]

What about language settings? Can you switch languages with the OS easily (like Japanese)?

Are there any blogs or articles showing off some of the most unique (third party) programs and tools?

Is it possible to use Windows Live Messenger or something that allows me to log on to it?

[gunslinger]

What about language settings? Can you switch languages with the OS easily (like Japanese)?

Are there any blogs or articles showing off some of the most unique (third party) programs and tools?

Is it possible to use Windows Live Messenger or something that allows me to log on to it?


Yes language settings are easily changed.

Look to youtube to see some OS X only apps in action.

I think there is a version of Windows Live Messenger for Mac, if not you can use a program called Adium that allows you to log into pretty much all popular IM clients including Windows live. http://www.adiumx.com/



I think people feel that Macs can do everything a PC can do, only a little bit better and with less headaches. I personally don't find value in them, but may end up getting one just so I can get familiar with them and add Mac servicing to my consulting business.

With the exception of playing DX10 games, Macs can do anything a PC can do and some things a PC can't, and do it all without headaches or worries of viruses and spyware.

[Jura]

Macs can do anything a PC can do and some things a PC can't

What are some of those things that a PC can't do?

[gunslinger]

What are some of those things that a PC can't do?

Run OS X legally for one thing. This gives you the options of using any Mac apps you like plus being able to dual boot windows gives you the ability to use any windows program. All from one machine. You cannot legally and without lots of hacking and tweaking , get OS X to work on a PC.

This in itself is a huge plus sense OS X is by far more stable, faster , and more secure than Windows.

With terminal the power of its Unix roots shows and you can do pretty much anything you like with the OS.

Some of the apps that come with OS X are far more powerful than their windows counterparts. Imovie compared to windows movie maker just to name one.

[l337]

Removed as stated. Sorry.

[gunslinger]

one thing thats meant might be an idea if your thinking of getting a mac would be to install mac os on one of your windows pcs nowdays if you google its quite easily done to install aswell

But why when you can have the real thing with less problems and run Windows in bootcamp. Besides doing what you are talking about is not legal.

[Jura]

I would prefer it to be legit and I plan on getting a higher end new one. I'd only consider above if I were to want to try it out, but I hope there are nicer ways of trying before buying.

[l337]

Removed as stated. Sorry.

[Jura]

It appears to be illegal.

[gunslinger]

Were you thinking Mac pro or iMac?

[Jory]

Don't buy a Mac unless you already know what you want it for. A lot of people will claim they're better for this or that reason, but in reality they're just trying to justify spending twice the amount for the same hardware.

That's not to say they don't have any advantages, but personally I don't think they justify the cost even if you ignore the disadvantages.

Disclaimer: I don't hate Macs, but I do hate their marketing and fanboys

[Jura]

I was hoping for a Mac Pro. I was messing with the custom bits on their site. o.o;

[Shian Kiri]

Don't buy a Mac unless you already know what you want it for. A lot of people will claim they're better for this or that reason, but in reality they're just trying to justify spending twice the amount for the same hardware.

That's not to say they don't have any advantages, but personally I don't think they justify the cost even if you ignore the disadvantages.

Disclaimer: I don't hate Macs, but I do hate their marketing and fanboys

I would agree with that.

Unless you want some of the ridiculously pro software like Studio Cut and such, Macs are generally not for you.

When you weigh the functionality of it and what you get, $3000+ doesn't justify it when you can get the same thing for $1000 and less with the same kind of software and then some.

[MrMille]

Apples are complete nonsense, and are just a statement, an over-priced one at that.

I love the look of them.

It has long been proved, that a PC can do a better job in areas that mac fanboys claim to be it's domain of expertise, i.e. graphic work.

Oh, and don't forget to buy an antivirus package for your mac (http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-10110852-83.html).

Oh, and don't forget, if something goes wrong with the hardware, you'd better have the vaseline ready, cos it's going to hurt/cost a lot to put right.

[gunslinger]

Apples are complete nonsense, and are just a statement, an over-priced one at that.

I love the look of them.

It has long been proved, that a PC can do a better job in areas that mac fanboys claim to be it's domain of expertise, i.e. graphic work.

Oh, and don't forget to buy an antivirus package for your mac (http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-10110852-83.html).

Oh, and don't forget, if something goes wrong with the hardware, you'd better have the vaseline ready, cos it's going to hurt/cost a lot to put right.


Looks like we have a Windows/PC fanboy in the house.

In short you have no idea what you are talking about.

It has long been proved, that a PC can do a better job in areas that mac fanboys claim to be it's domain of expertise, i.e. graphic work.

Bullshit.


Oh, and don't forget to buy an antivirus package for your mac

Although as Macs become more popular the need for antivirus will rise its not there yet. I have had my Macbook for 7 months now and have no viruses or spyware ( I know because I downloaded and installed an AV program just to see where I stood.) 7 months of daily use and completely clean. I challenge anyone to do that with a PC. Macs may become more of a target but as of right now a stock Mac running Firefox is far more secure than any PC could ever dream to be.

Oh, and don't forget, if something goes wrong with the hardware, you'd better have the vaseline ready, cos it's going to hurt/cost a lot to put right.

Ever hear of Applecare? Get it and you are coverd for 3 years. Plus most things a good tech could fix anyway. HDD, RAM, video card they are all the same as the PC and easily replaced. You get what you pay for.

That's not to say they don't have any advantages, but personally I don't think they justify the cost even if you ignore the disadvantages.

Why don't you tell the class about these disadvantages.

[Simmy]

Is being a windows/pc fanboy a bad thing?

My main rig costs ~£1100 and runs any software I throw at it without any fuss or tears. What reasons are there to spend £1800+ on an equivalent mac?

I'm tempted to get a 2nd hand mac mini just so I can play around with it.

[gunslinger]

Is being a windows/pc fanboy a bad thing?

My main rig costs ~£1100 and runs any software I throw at it without any fuss or tears. What reasons are there to spend £1800+ on an equivalent mac?

I'm tempted to get a 2nd hand mac mini just so I can play around with it.


Its a bad thing when you blindly ignore other sometimes better technology.

The Mac can run any software Mac or PC.

"equivalent Mac" ? tell me what you are comparing.

[Simmy]

I was referring to one of the Mac Pro 2.8GHz quad core machines. I realise now they are dual quad core chips :eek: That will clearly account for a large chunk of the extra cost. The rest of my hardware is better in comparison though (hard drives, graphics, RAM)

One of the main downsides of a mac for me is their ability to play PC games. It looks like a right ball ache to get that running?

[14049752]

One of the main downsides of a mac for me is their ability to play PC games. It looks like a right ball ache to get that running?

Not even close. Installing Bootcamp onto a mac is about as hard as installing OEM Windows (any version). The OS X disc has all the drivers on it, so once windows is installed, you pop the dvd in and it auto installs everything for you.

[gunslinger]

Not even close. Installing Bootcamp onto a mac is about as hard as installing OEM Windows (any version). The OS X disc has all the drivers on it, so once windows is installed, you pop the dvd in and it auto installs everything for you.

Exactly, you beat me to it. Its dirt simple to dual boot OS X and Windows. The reason some games wont run on the highest settings is that DX10 is not supported.

As a side note you can search on youtube and find many videos of people running Crysis , COD, and Farcry 2 on Macs.

[seedubya]

Guys, I'm going to buy a 2nd hand mac over the next few weeks in order to get used to the OS. I have been asked 3 or 4 times over the last few months if I serviced them and I do - but slowly. There are now 3 shops selling macs in my area as opposed to 0 last year. Macs seem to be steadily growing in popularity and I feel I'm missing out by not being fully familiar with the modern ones at least.

I have fixed mac hardware many times, it's been almost exactly the same as PC hardware for a very long time and as long as I have checked exactly what part is required I've always managed to get them working.

So what OS version should I be looking for - X obviously but which one?

[Simmy]

As for the mac vs pc debate. It's stupid..

As long as it doesn't get out of hand then it's interesting.

From my point of view, I fail to see the appeal and considering my PC does everything I need it to quickly and without hassle, I can't see myself changing anytime soon. Also, I've been running my machine without an anti-virus for years and I can't recall getting an infection.

Lets say I've paid £1800 for an octo-core mac and I've setup bootcamp, installed windows xp and got CS Source running. If I don't do photo/video editing (at least not anything serious), what advantage will I see by having a mac? Bearing in mind speed, stability and malware is not an issue on my PC?

[MrMille]

Its a bad thing when you blindly ignore other sometimes better technology.

The Mac can run any software Mac or PC.

"equivalent Mac" ? tell me what you are comparing.

How about I give you €2,000 dollars, you buy the best Mac you can, and I'll buy the best PC I can. My PC will (and it's been proven) outperform your Mac in every category of usage, be it editing videos, editing 'choons, and playing games.

You see Gunslinger, I haven't blindly ignored Macs. I would like a Mac.
I know a lot about Macs and have always paid very close attention to any articles or TV shows I've read/seen about Mac/PC comparisons.
My assertion about a same price PC doing a better job at graphics, was on a TV show that did a 15 minute bit on comparing the PC vs. Apple.
They also did a segment on the repair costs of a PC vs. Apple after two similarly priced machines were deliberately dropped on the ground from a fair height.

You might also want to look into the terrible quality issue Macs suffer (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/12/06/macbook_air_display_problems/)
That's a lot of moola for a duff piece of kit.

With regard to viruses, did you click the link, or simply go-off in an Apple fanboy rage? The link points to a new bulletin from APPLE THEMSELVES, recommending Apple users make use of anti-virus software packages, multiples!.

Why would your Apple get a virus anyway? you download all your porn from your PC! /joke! :D

I love the look of Apples, and would happily buy one, were it not for the fact that they are

Over-priced
Takes big money, and a long wait to get them repaired with Apple care
They don't run PC software out of the box
For the longest time, their mouse only had one button. WTF.
It's only artsy wannabes who buy them, and I don't want to associate myself with people who think an 'Arts' 'degree' is an education.




Not even close. Installing Bootcamp onto a mac is about as hard as installing OEM Windows (any version). The OS X disc has all the drivers on it, so once windows is installed, you pop the dvd in and it auto installs everything for you.

Let's buy a Mac, so it can play PC stuff. :rolleyes:

Somebody give me a Anadin please!

[14049752]

Let's buy a Mac, so it can play PC stuff.

I didn't say anything about buying a mac so you can play PC stuff. All I said was that it was easy.

Since you brought it up, though: I have a macbook. I run PC stuff on it. It's easier than carrying around two laptops to support my mac and pc customers. I like it, I don't care what anybody else thinks.

[seedubya]

Guys, how does this machine look in terms of both price and spec.

http://www.adverts.ie/showproduct.php?product=83333&cat=8

Here's a 20" iMac from apple.ie/store for comparison

http://store.apple.com/ie/configure/MB323B/A?mco=NzU0NDY4

[Simmy]

hmmm...maybe this is stupid

[seedubya]

This what?

[Simmy]

I was referring to this quote :p

As for the mac vs pc debate. It's stupid..

[seedubya]

It is stupid. Each to their own. Almost everything that everyone has said in this thread either positive or negative can be seen as true, hence the never ending argment over which is correct.

[MrMille]

True, the pc versus mac thing starts flame wars all over the internerd on a daily basis.

Having said that, those of you about to pay new money for a top of the line Mac, I'd recommend a visit to a phrenologist first.



/ queue frantic googling

[gunslinger]

True, most of the time flame wars are started by fanboys on either side making stupid uninformed comments like "Macs are a waste of money" or "PCs suck"

* Over-priced ( not for what you get , fanboy comment )
* Takes big money, and a long wait to get them repaired with Apple care
(Does not take big money and most techs can do it themselves)
* They don't run PC software out of the box (Its called boot camp, its free, it comes on all Macs out of the box, all you need is a Windows disc)
* For the longest time, their mouse only had one button. WTF. (you have always been able to right click with a Mac, another stupid fanboy comment)
* It's only artsy wannabes who buy them, and I don't want to associate
(that is a really ignorant statement that does not even need a comment)


You said you know a lot a bout Mac because you read articles about them? WTF.

If you don't own a modern Mac you have no place to even comment on them and to do so you just make yourself look very uninformed and unprofessional.

Get a Mac, use it, educate yourself. Then make informed comments.

[MrMille]

I was going to construct an elegant and incisive rebuttal to your comment, but your use of the term 'bootcamp' confused me, and I find myself resorting to a response of lower intellectual calibre.

To whit

"So's your face"

I am reliably informed that this always works, therefore I win..

[gunslinger]

I was going to construct an elegant and incisive rebuttal to your comment, but your use of the term 'bootcamp' confused me, and I find myself resorting to a response of lower intellectual calibre.

To whit

"So's your face"

I am reliably informed that this always works, therefore I win..

See above comment: "you just make yourself look very uninformed and unprofessional."

And I rest my case.

[MrMille]

So's your face

[seedubya]

Gunslinger, just on a few of your points above....

can you explain how Mac's aren't overpriced when they appear to cost significantly more than a similarly specced Windows machine? Does this apply to every model e.g. the MacBook and MacPro lines seem to cost crazy money, iMacs less so?

Most users aren't techs, so does Applecare cost a lot, or not and is it slow, or not. What's the difference between Applecare and say, a Dell premium warranty?

Bootcamp, AFAICT is just a utility to dual boot Windows. You need a full version licence to use it legally, not just a disk. Yet another cost. So, in fact saying it can run Windows software out of the box is the same as saying my Dell XPS can run Linux software out of the box - only if I install the approriate OS first.

On the surface, it appears to me that it would be a better use of resources to buy a well specced Windows system and run Linux in a VM for internet an email security.

[gunslinger]

When you compare the Macbooks to other notebooks, make sure you compare the exact same specs, not better specs, not worse. Metal case, same size, same features and the prices will be very close. The only thing you can compare the iMac to is another AIO system and when you do you will see only a little difference in price.

I have never had to use my Applecare so I cannot say how fast it is. But I have friends that have and they agree it was not that long and they got prompt service from someone that speaks English. The price depends on what you get it on. Mine was $139 with a student discount.

You do need a full version license to use Windows legally. Almost any program that is on a PC there is something just like it for the Mac. If you have to have Windows you have that option. If you live in a world were all your programs are windows only and you are a hardcore gamer then a Mac is not for you.

Right now I'm dual booting OS X, Windows XP SP3, and I'm running XUbuntu inside VMware. This is versatility you cannot get in a PC.

The two biggest things you get with the Mac are OS X,( far better than anything Microsoft has ever put out ), and high quality. The fact that you can also run Windows on it just makes it even better.

[seedubya]

No offence, Gunslinger, but I'm still not entirely convinced. I'll continue with my original plan to start of with a secondhand iMac (Leopard, of course) and see how I get on.
Actually I'd appreciate it if you could have a look at http://www.adverts.ie/showproduct.php?product=83333&cat=8 just in terms of specification for a Mac virgin.

[gunslinger]

There is nothing wrong with getting a refurb Mac. Thats exactly what I did.

I did check out the link. To be honest if you get this understand that you are getting a 3 year old computer. Be sure you take that into account when reviewing it. I would recommend the Apple certified refurbed. I paid a little over $900 seven months ago.
My Macbook is running an Intel core 2 duo at 2.2 GHz, and has 4 gigs of RAM. I have 93 apps installed and I can open up 80 at once with no slowdown at all.

[Simmy]

OS X,( far better than anything Microsoft has ever put out )

Better than Vista?!

Also, I thought you could install OS X on a PC but Apple don't allow it? If I purchase an operating system, I want to be able to install it on any machine I like.

[14049752]

I have 93 apps installed and I can open up 80 at once with no slowdown at all.

Right..... :rolleyes:

[gunslinger]

Better than Vista?!

Also, I thought you could install OS X on a PC but Apple don't allow it? If I purchase an operating system, I want to be able to install it on any machine I like.

Its not legal and you have to do some hacking to get it done.


@14049752

Would you like a video?

[seedubya]

Just for non-scientific purposes I tried comparing Dell and Apple on 2 different systems the entry level iMac and the entry level MacBook - the iMac came in a 67% more expensive vs.an Inspiron 530S and and the 13" MacBook (white plastic) at 38% vs a Vostro - this is based on Irish prices. Yes I know the particular Dell models are entry level - but on the surface the specs are the same. Also, I had to use these as I couldn't get any other models to go as low as the Mac specs.

Considering Apple charge only €129 retail for OSX 10.5.4 they're REALLY marking up the hardware prices .... It's an awful pity they don't allow OSX to run on vanilla Intel kit. Of course they can't or the insane profits that they're making on each computer would disappear like the whole clone wars thing of the early 90's.

There's no way MS would ever get away with tying it's OS to Intel boards only....

[gunslinger]

When I compared the notebooks I compared the Dell 1330 and the white Macbook, the Macbook cam out $13 cheaper with the same specs. This was a few months ago.

Its not an awful pity they don't allow OSX to run on vanilla Intel kit. If they did OS X would suffer from about 80% of the same problems as Windows does.

[seedubya]

If they did OS X would suffer from about 80% of the same problems as Windows does. :confused: How come, d'ya reckon?

[gunslinger]

running apps in OS X (http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=2j12xav&s=4) For you 14049752, Only had 43 running with almost two gigs of RAM still free, need I go on?

I think if OS X was more popular it would become a far bigger target for hackers and virus makers. Also what you have to make one OS work on any one of a million possible combos of hardware, you are begging for driver issues.

[14049752]

Yeah, anybody can load apps into ram and switch to them.
When somebody says "I can do this with no slow-down at all" I expect normal use of the computer with no slow down.

I have Vista on this machine and I could replicate your video with only 2-gigs of ram and using comparable windows apps. If you were actually doing anything in any of those apps, like playing a video or downloading, or anything really, I'd say that you have a point. All you managed to show is OS X's windows manager.

I appologize, I don't have a screen recorder installed, so a screenshot and my word will have to suffice. I have youtube streaming, media center and media player playing two different movies, ZSNES emulating Super Mario World :D and of course, Folding at home is using its share of CPU..
I can switch between windows without a delay at all, too.
I have 1.33GBs of ram in use, and again, only have 2GB total.


Anyway, having said that....I'm not interested in arguing with you. I like Mac OS X, I just think your "no slow-down" comment isn't telling the whole truth.

[gunslinger]

Anyway, having said that....I'm not interested in arguing with you. I like Mac OS X, I just think your "no slow-down" comment isn't telling the whole truth.

I can run any combo of programs you like. The simple fact it OS X makes use of its resources better.

I don't want to argue either but the Mac hate from some of the people here is just ignorant. Simple fact is If you have not been on a modern Mac you have no right to even comment on them.

It would be like me saying why I hate a certain car and the only time I have been close to one was on a car lot 5 years ago.

[Jura]

It would be like me saying why I hate a certain car and the only time I have been close to one was on a car lot 5 years ago.
That's normally the case with most things. I already liked Macs from years ago. Wait, do those two sentences conflict?

[Simmy]

Flight of the conchords video

You sir, have good taste ;)

[Alana]

I'm thinking of getting a desktop from them. Perhaps a year from now. I noticed they're quite expensive.

Also, Am I able to use a normal PC monitors, external hard drive, and flash drives with Apple computers? Is there anything I must know?

I've used them in the past and I noticed most of the programs I use support Macs.
If it be now.tis not to come;if it be not to come, it will be now;if it be not now, yet it will come; the readiness is all. William Shakespere

[Don]

I have an ibook G4 with OSX and have no complaints about the operating system but the logicboard was defective in that particular model (their hardware is usually really good but I happened to buy a lemon). AppleCare refused to fix it and now it works for only a short time until it gets hot. I looked into replacing the logicboard myself but they cost almost as much as what I paid for the laptop. :eek:

Macs use a UNIX based OS (that's why they are so smooth and stable) If you want a free comparable OS to Mac, give one of the Linux distributions a try. I recommend Ubuntu 8.10 or one of my personal favorites Fedora 10 and both can run from a Live CD which means you can try them out without installing them. Linux is also more secure. :)

[Andyuk2007]

I saw a video on imovie09 today and boy oh boy was i impressed with such a good video editing program :D Now if it was avaliable for windows I would buy it but sadly it isn't.

It makes me want to get a mac but they are a bit tad overpriced so i cannot afford it at the moment.

[14049752]

I saw a video on imovie09 today and boy oh boy was i impressed with such a good video editing program

I know this isn't in theme with the thread, but if you want a good video editting program, try Cinelerra in your Linux OS of choice.

[gunslinger]

It makes me want to get a mac but they are a bit tad overpriced so i cannot afford it at the moment.

Try a refurb. You wont regret it.

[Andyuk2007]

Try a refurb. You wont regret it.

I've looked on ebay for a used one but they are still around £1000 quid. Its gonna have to wait a while :rolleyes:

[gunslinger]

I've looked on ebay for a used one but they are still around £1000 quid. Its gonna have to wait a while :rolleyes:

Apple Certified Refurbished on apple.com. I have seen Macbooks as low as $849.
I got mine for just over $900 and then went to newegg for a $30 4 gig RAM upgrade.

[Andyuk2007]

Apple Certified Refurbished on apple.com. I have seen Macbooks as low as $849.
I got mine for just over $900 and then went to newegg for a $30 4 gig RAM upgrade.

thats great but i'm in england, i did check on the apple store under the refurbished section but sadly they are still around £1000 even for a used one :(

[gunslinger]

I see. I was not aware there was such a price difference in England.

Well, If I get the new Macbook Pro I'll sell you mine for cheep :p

[Andyuk2007]

I see. I was not aware there was such a price difference in England.

Well, If I get the new Macbook Pro I'll sell you mine for cheep :p

hehe thanks :p i did think of ordering from america and having it shipped to the uk but the plugs are different over here e.t.c

also the current exchange rate with the pound vs the dollar is terrible

700.00 GBP = 1,036.50 USD
United Kingdom Pounds United States Dollars
1 GBP = 1.48072 USD 1 USD = 0.675349 GBP

darn recession :mad:

[bigdippin]

I just purchased a MacBook. I've only been on it for a few hours and I'm loving it. Wish I would have switched before. Its costly but IMO its worth every cent.

[gunslinger]

I just purchased a MacBook. I've only been on it for a few hours and I'm loving it. Wish I would have switched before. Its costly but IMO its worth every cent.


I have yet to meet one person who has used a newer Mac running OS X who did not love it. Glad to see you are having fun with it.

[Bryce W]

Gunslinger, I am looking to get either a iMac 2.4 for $1499 AUD, or a Mac Mini 1.83/1G Ram/80g/Combo drive for $829 AUD.

Now, this is where im having trouble deciding. I believe the iMac is a little better value since its a higher end machine and comes with an LCD/Keyboard and Mouse.
However, I already have 2 great 19" screens in my current setup and a great keyboard and mouse, so I think the Mac Mini would be better.
I defintely have the space for the Mac Mini and Ill just KVM switch it with my current PC gear. Ill have to make some room for the iMac though.

What do you think I should get? I dont think I'll be using either of them for high end video editing, even if I do it wont be often.

[Flyingbull]

I've got to say, that the keyboards that mac produces are hard to beat, for some reason I like the feel of their keyboards to any other one I've used (laptops).

Anyway, I was wondering if if you guys know if there would be a differnece in quality between a scan to a PC versus a Mac? I'm thinking about buying a Mac to fix a problem my wife is having when she scans in her Oil Paintings. The scanner she just bought seems to scan at a brightness level that actually goes through the paint. I was wondering if you have more discrete control over the scanner in a mac versus a PC. -- The reason I ask, is she got the scanner on the good reviews from other oil painters/illustrators, but they use macs where she uses a PC.

[gunslinger]

I would go with the iMac. Even with OS X the specs on the mini are a little on the light side for me. I would get it with the least amount of RAM you can and upgrade it yourself, you will save money and end up with a machine that will do pretty much anything you would need a desktop system to do. Also with the iMac you can upgrade the RAM more easily. I think you will enjoy the iMac more.

[Bryce W]

Thanks gunslinger.

[MLCS]

Nice topic and discussion. I'll honestly say I don't know jack about macs, so I won't be adding anything to the disgruntled bickering about which is better. Like many here I am also looking to purchase a mac when possible to learn on so I can add that to my service list.

The one thing I do "have" to make note about though...

Gunslinger,

I enjoy almost all of your posts, and you have a lot of great information... but what's up with the fanboy comments? From everything in this thread it's easy to see that you're one of the biggest mac fanboys out there. So I don't understand you using the "fanboy" term to try to flame others... That's like one Christian Religion Zealot calling a Baptist Religion Zealot a "Pretentious Radical Extremist Baptist Fanatic"... when the Christian Zealot is just a "Pretentious Radical Extremist Christian Fanatc"... what's the difference?

[gunslinger]

Nice topic and discussion. I'll honestly say I don't know jack about macs, so I won't be adding anything to the disgruntled bickering about which is better. Like many here I am also looking to purchase a mac when possible to learn on so I can add that to my service list.

The one thing I do "have" to make note about though...

Gunslinger,

I enjoy almost all of your posts, and you have a lot of great information... but what's up with the fanboy comments? From everything in this thread it's easy to see that you're one of the biggest mac fanboys out there. So I don't understand you using the "fanboy" term to try to flame others... That's like one Christian Religion Zealot calling a Baptist Religion Zealot a "Pretentious Radical Extremist Baptist Fanatic"... when the Christian Zealot is just a "Pretentious Radical Extremist Christian Fanatc"... what's the difference?


I think a fanboy comment is one that you can't back up with facts. Saying you like chocolate Ice cream and telling everyone vanilla Ice cream sucks is an opinion is a fanboy comment.

When I say Macs are more secure than Windows its because they are, its not an opinion.

When I say Macs can run pretty much any OS its a fact, they can.

Macs have better resale value. A fact.

When someone says Mac sucks because they can play games better on their PC, thats a fanboy comment.


I like PCs as much as the next guy. I like building them, upgrading them and tweaking them. I love Windows XP. But, let me state that I like Macs and OS X and now I'm a fanboy?

I say what I think is right, and most of the time I can back it up. Maybe the reason I come across that way is because most of the time I'm making a response to someone who had made ignorant comments like: "You can't upgrade Macs", "you can't play games on Macs", "Macs suck", "you can't right click on a Mac". When I hear complete crap like this day in and day out I tend to get a bit on the defensive.

[Flyingbull]

I would go with the iMac. Even with OS X the specs on the mini are a little on the light side for me. I would get it with the least amount of RAM you can and upgrade it yourself, you will save money and end up with a machine that will do pretty much anything you would need a desktop system to do. Also with the iMac you can upgrade the RAM more easily. I think you will enjoy the iMac more.

Thanks for that!

[MLCS]

I see your point on flying remarks without any backing of reasoning to their claims. I just see fanboys as people the do get very defensive over their "preferred" product because they think it's the l33test and no one else is going to tell them any different. Myself I don't generally care, true I don't care for Vista, but I hold no beef against Mac vs Windows or any of the above really. At the end of the day, they're all different tools that I need to know inside and out to make me money. That's all I need to care about. If the person loves mac to death I just need to be able to fix it when they have issues, if they love PC's to death.. well same thing... all applies to Linux as well.

We can complain all day about computer illiterate idiots and the whole PEBKAC errors etc... but myself, I'm glad they're out there, because they're giving me a career at the moment. All of us should think about that next time before we go ranting about how stupid a customer was. I don't care if he looks at porn ALL day long and keeps getting viruses over and over, as long as he's willing to pay me to come remove them, he can keep on his quest to browse the entire index of every porn site on the web for all I care.

[purple_minion]

I see your point on flying remarks without any backing of reasoning to their claims. I just see fanboys as people the do get very defensive over their "preferred" product because they think it's the l33test and no one else is going to tell them any different. Myself I don't generally care, true I don't care for Vista, but I hold no beef against Mac vs Windows or any of the above really. At the end of the day, they're all different tools that I need to know inside and out to make me money. That's all I need to care about. If the person loves mac to death I just need to be able to fix it when they have issues, if they love PC's to death.. well same thing... all applies to Linux as well.

We can complain all day about computer illiterate idiots and the whole PEBKAC errors etc... but myself, I'm glad they're out there, because they're giving me a career at the moment. All of us should think about that next time before we go ranting about how stupid a customer was. I don't care if he looks at porn ALL day long and keeps getting viruses over and over, as long as he's willing to pay me to come remove them, he can keep on his quest to browse the entire index of every porn site on the web for all I care.

I think you're missing the point. It's like a car, some people like Chevy, Ford, Honda, whatever. They are all tools right? Yet people have groups and get togethers etc. because they prefer that tool over the other.

Also look at consumer reports, they have whole issues that deal with RELIABILITY which leads right back to how the product was engineered. Did they skip corners on the engine so you will have a lot of repairs later on? Or did they spend the time and money and do it right the first time. I'll bet from a mechanics view they LOVE the unreliable cars, because it keeps them in work. Same with OS's. If microsoft did it right, from a users perspective, then it would always get them from A to B quickly and efficiently, and they could do whatever they wanted with their car. I bet when you go shopping and drive around you don't worry if your door is going to fall off out of no where because of some vulnerability.

From another perspective if everyone was a gourmet chef at home how many people would go out to eat, I bet restaurants are happy that people are lazy and can't cook. Why offer lawn care service, how hard is it to mow your lawn? I bet those people are happy they have people too lazy or busy to cut their lawns. It's always going to be important to you to have customers, but you are still entitled to saying "Geez, people sure are lazy."

[MLCS]

Everyone has preferences on cars? Wouldn't those people be put into "fanboy" status as well? "This car is better because it has better accelaration" "This one is better because of the braking and handling" "This car is better because it LOOKS better" "This car is better because it has 2 more cup holders than the rest"...

Who cares? Seriously if the door is falling off, it's not a car, it's a 30 year old rust bucket. But can you tell me that I can go buy a Dodge right now and it "will not" have any problems in the next 2 months, where a Chevy you can tell me everything is going to fall off? To the mechanic working on the cars, the only thing that matters is where they put the *@(#! starter and if they have to tear the whole dash apart just to replace a heater core.

That's me, if it's a Dell the parts are more than likely going to be crammed into the case so tight you half expect the guts to pop out the second you open it. The hard drive is going to be LATCHED to the side of the case somewhere with 8 bolts and the wiring is going to be a complete rats nest. But when the computer boots, it's going to work, it's going to provide our average customer with a calculator, word processor, internet with lots of porn... and of course... FreeCell.

If any of the above aren't working we'll get the call. Some of us will complain and moan about how they bought a Dell, and mutter under our breath while trying to find that LAST screw holding in the hard drive bracket (check the bottom), or thinking how stupid this person is for paying us as much as they are just so they can get their FreeCell back... Others will go fix the product as they were hired to do, keep their opinions about Dell and Windows, and common users to themselves, get paid and go home.

#1 Try to turn your users into Mac people and watch their hair catch fire while they try to learn the differences, but you recommended it because it's "superior".

#2 Turn your users to Linux because it's solid and programable and the best network base around, and watch your customers shoot you in the head with a 9MM because instead of FreeCell they have a game where they have to throw stuff at Bill Gates as he carries Windows Boxes across the screen (very amusing imo, loved that game)

#3 Let your customers use whatever they want, and fix it for them when they need, pass Go and collect $200.00.

I'm not even sure this post makes sense, I found out I have pneumonia today. So I'm a bit out of whack.

[gunslinger]

I think you're missing the point. It's like a car, some people like Chevy, Ford, Honda, whatever. They are all tools right? Yet people have groups and get togethers etc. because they prefer that tool over the other.

I think you may be missing the point. It is like a car and some people like Chevy and some like ford. But if given a choice and you can afford it, do you buy the BMW or the ford escort?

They will both get you from point 'a' to point 'b' , but I don't see you arguing the escort is the better car.

Try to turn your users into Mac people and watch their hair catch fire while they try to learn the differences, but you recommended it because it's "superior"

I would never try to get my customers to switch to Mac, if they all did I would not have a job because about 70-80% of what I do is spyware/malware removal.
I do get a small kick out of the looks on their faces when I show up with an Apple cap on, and use my Mac for trouble shooting.

[MLCS]

I would never try to get my customers to switch to Mac, if they all did I would not have a job because about 70-80% of what I do is spyware/malware removal.

LoL, like the Maytag guy, give all of your customer a perfect product, and you'll have no income from repairs.

So is installing Windows on customers machines like a tire repair shop throwing nails in the road in front of their business?

[gunslinger]

So is installing Windows on customers machines like a tire repair shop throwing nails in the road in front of their business?

lol....yeah pretty much. Even more so with Norton 360 or Mcafee on it.


Think of it this way. If your job consists 70-80% of replacing burned out light bulbs, would you go around recommending light bulbs that last 10 years?

[Jura]

I would be open to getting one sooner if they had lower monthly payments...like $15-20 a month...