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.

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.