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Mac VS PC: ultimate face off!...

Let's see ...

Neither "just work". Both are equally expensive if you spec comparable hardware. Both will run most major applications and either will have an alternative for the minor ones. Here's the two major differences as I see it.

1. With a PC you have more choice in terms of hardware configurations. You can walk into a Best Buy or order online and you can usually find a PC configured with exactly the hardware you want.

2. Because of #1 a PC will come with a "bloatload" of software pre-installed, either by the manufacturer or because the manufacturer was paid to include it.

It's a tired old discussion that after a decade of internet discussion has only served to increase the digital noise on the interwebs. If you just buy what you like and let everyone do the same, the world will be a happier place, except for the tech bloggers, who thrive on stirring up this kind of stuff.
 
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I must correct my esteemed colleague Lunatic on one point, a comparable Mac will be considerably more than a PC of similar specification. My system which would retail in the neighborhood of $2500.00 from a manufacturer would run over $5000.00 for a similarly equipped Mac.

As I have said before, I don't really have anything against Mac products except for price and inability to build your own, at least now that they run Intel processors, before that they were overpriced toys. My problem is with the company and hopefully now that Jobs is gone that will change for the better.

As far as the OS's go, I prefer Windows despite its bad rap. It has been my experience whenever I worked on a system that had crashed it was the users fault 99% of the time. I have had very few issues with Windows personally because I took the time to learn how to use it, which the average user won't and this is where OS X excels, it brings it down to the lowest common denominator so the computer illiterate can use it without worry.

Many of the claimed advantages of Mac's over PC's are untrue, graphics and CGI being prime example. You will hear the argument from the Mac crowd that they are somehow mysteriously far better at CGI than PC's are and all CGI in Hollywood is done on Mac's only. I have personally experienced this argument many times, and once when I showed a particular Mac devotee the Netter Digital site where it was stated that Babylon 5 was rendered on 19 (iirc) daisy chained PC's running a Unix variant designed specifically for CGI he stated "BS, the website was hacked to say that"! Funny thing is they were still using Motorola processors at the time we had the discussion. The fact is the limiting factor for CGI is the OS now that both run Intel processors and Windows has a slight edge in number crunching potential over OS X but they are both overshadowed by Unix.

The point I am trying to verbosely reach it is a matter of preference, try them both. Neither OS is ideal for everyone and much of your choice should be dictated by what programs you use and what OS they are available for. I do a lot of photo editing but still stick with Win 7 because I prefer it despite what many people say is the better OS for editing.

Also listen to the reasonable people on either side and avoid the rabid fanboys!
 
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I must correct my esteemed colleague Lunatic on one point, a comparable Mac will be considerably more than a PC of similar specification. My system which would retail in the neighborhood of $2500.00 from a manufacturer would run over $5000.00 for a similarly equipped Mac.

This is a slippery slope upon which we are about to tread, so first let me get my spikes on ;).

This is a very common argument in favor of PC's that bears closer examination. On the surface a dual core 2GHz Intel Processor with 4 GB ram and a 500 GB hard drive, coupled with a 23" budget display might look similarly spec'ed, but if one is running a Celeron with no-name Taiwanese ram chips an a 5200 rpm WD drive, it would cost considerable less than a PC with an IPS display using an Core i3, Corsair Vengance DDR3 and a 15,000 rpm Seagate Cheetah. What I am suggesting is to take each component in a Mac and try to match it as closely as possible to a PC component. Do that, and I think you'll find the difference much less.

A couple of years ago I did that just as an example and I think it still holds pretty true.

mini530comp.jpg

What is true is that the way you can spec a Mac is limited by what Apple offers. Currently you have the Macbook/air for laptops, iMacs/mini for consumer models and Mac Pro for workstation class machines. If you need expansion for any reason, even the basic Mac Pro is prohibitively expensive starting at $2500.

What I am saying is that the cost, component for component, is a wash between platforms, but if you need even one component not offered on a base model, Apple forces you to buy a highly over-spec'ed machine to get it.
 
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This is a slippery slope upon which we are about to tread, so first let me get my spikes on ;).

This is a very common argument in favor of PC's that bears closer examination. On the surface a dual core 2GHz Intel Processor with 4 GB ram and a 500 GB hard drive, coupled with a 23" budget display might look similarly spec'ed, but if one is running a Celeron with no-name Taiwanese ram chips an a 5200 rpm WD drive, it would cost considerable less than a PC with an IPS display using an Core i3, Corsair Vengance DDR3 and a 15,000 rpm Seagate Cheetah. What I am suggesting is to take each component in a Mac and try to match it as closely as possible to a PC component. Do that, and I think you'll find the difference much less.

A couple of years ago I did that just as an example and I think it still holds pretty true.

mini530comp.jpg

What is true is that the way you can spec a Mac is limited by what Apple offers. Currently you have the Macbook/air for laptops, iMacs/mini for consumer models and Mac Pro for workstation class machines. If you need expansion for any reason, even the basic Mac Pro is prohibitively expensive starting at $2500.

What I am saying is that the cost, component for component, is a wash between platforms, but if you need even one component not offered on a base model, Apple forces you to buy a highly over-spec'ed machine to get it.

I do not have the original comparison from when I built my first I7 system (which I found necessary for HD video editing) but I actually looked into a Mac with the same specs/capabilities and it came out over $6000.00 where as I built mine for approximately $1800.00. Similar PC's were running around $2000-2500.00 from a manufacturer. I guess it is the difference between a basic system and a high end that makes the difference.

I stand somewhat corrected, by a Lunatic no less...:p:D

My first I7:
I7 920
Asus P6TD Deluxe
6 Gigs Mushkin Blackline
2 750g WD Caviar Blacks
EVGA GTX470
Sony DVD-R
Coolermaster Silent Pro 1000w PSU
 
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I'm no Mac fan but I think it's unfair to be so disparaging. There's a reason why Apple is so successful. They make elegant and user-friendly products. And for most people that's all they need.
Personally I'm devoted to Linux. I can't really stand Windows or Mac OS. But as many have said, it's a matter of preference.

To be more precise I would say that Apple offers impressive hardware, and I do sometimes want a macbook. But I could never give money to Apple, and I would have to wipe the OS and install Ubuntu or some other distro.
What I would really like to see is some other hardware manufacturer offer a laptop of equal quality and attention to detail and minimalism. It would the awesomest thing ever if System76 took a lesson from Apple and tried to do it for opensource.
 
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So what defines a pc? Macs use the exact same hardware now. So its a mac if it runs Mac OS, otherwise its a pc?

Imho it goes like this for my own preference and opinion, top being best.

Linux
Windows
Vtech
Fisher price
Speak and spell

MAC
I lol'd. Very nice.

But I agree, if not for my lackluster dial up internet (and no compatable linux driver) I'd be pretty much solely linux. My netbook has never been more fun. ;)

Put fedora on it to try it out when the new one was released, and it's been getting used constantly. I do miss a couple of windows only games (though, besides fallout, I forget which ones they were (cheap-o trialware download games lol) - and I'm sure that'll run in wine).

---

My recommendation would be to either build a pc or try and buy one pre-built w/o the OS and try linux. Of course, you'll need a disk to install from :D.
But then I release, that this wasn't actually a "what do I do/get" thread and I may be venturing off topic. :rolleyes::eek:
 
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I find expression of "hate" towards a computer OS distasteful and mildly disturbing. A computer is merely a tool, as is the software run on it. The important part is what you do with it. For gamers the obvious choice is Windows. For developers and many others it's some flavour of Linux. Some people may prefer Macs.... so what? Each can say with some validity that their choice is "better" for them.

I use Windows. I've never used Macs and only briefly tried several Linux distros. For my uses Windows is by far the "better" choice. However I'm seriously considering a Macbook Air as an addition to my photography kit because it looks to be the "best" choice for that purpose.
 
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I find expression of "hate" towards a computer OS distasteful and mildly disturbing. A computer is merely a tool, as is the software run on it. The important part is what you do with it. For gamers the obvious choice is Windows. For developers and many others it's some flavour of Linux. Some people may prefer Macs.... so what? Each can say with some validity that their choice is "better" for them.

I use Windows. I've never used Macs and only briefly tried several Linux distros. For my uses Windows is by far the "better" choice. However I'm seriously considering a Macbook Air as an addition to my photography kit because it looks to be the "best" choice for that purpose.

I still have not found anyone who can provide concrete reasoning as to why a Mac is better for photo editing than a PC. Your choice of editing software has a far bigger impact than the system you are using.

Once again it boils down to personal preference on the OS, if you are comfortable with Windows use that, there is nothing a Mac can do editing wise that Windows can't. If you prefer OS X then by all means use it, Photoshop and Lightroom are available for both.

Personally, I would put the money in a higher end Windows laptop.
 
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I thought that Sun Graphics was the leading edge in graphics at one time. The developers for the visual software for some of the Mars Rovers used Sun rather than Apple.

The main difference between Mac and PC for graphics was the display. Font sizes appeared differently due to display resolution. Otherwise, identical. I was the lone PC/Canon user in a class full of Mac/Epson users.

I've had only one system, and that has been upgraded and updated since I got it. I bought it used and then ordered the stuff I wanted in it. I don't have to deal with OEM crap.

I've taken the 2 special software boxes offline, since the software I'm using prefers XP in one instance, the other kept wanting to call home for no reason. It didn't need to as it was mostly advertising.

The all purpose computer is Ubuntu. I'm not paying for all the extra junk they are putting in Windows that I don't want and can't get rid of.
 
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I still have not found anyone who can provide concrete reasoning as to why a Mac is better for photo editing than a PC.

In a word calibration. Monitor calibration and printer calibration. In the early days of Photoshop (version 3.0) the tools were simply not there for decent Windows monitor calibration. Couple that with the fact the majority of PC were sold with 16-bit video cards, getting color to display accurately was next to impossible if you were going to a CMYK print model.

That has all been moot since CS1, but the perception persists. It's the same incorrect reasoning that leads people to the conclusion that Macs makes you creative, or that if you are a creative type you have to use a Mac.
 
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I find expression of "hate" towards a computer OS distasteful and mildly disturbing. A computer is merely a tool, as is the software run on it. The important part is what you do with it. For gamers the obvious choice is Windows. For developers and many others it's some flavour of Linux. Some people may prefer Macs.... so what? Each can say with some validity that their choice is "better" for them.

I use Windows. I've never used Macs and only briefly tried several Linux distros. For my uses Windows is by far the "better" choice. However I'm seriously considering a Macbook Air as an addition to my photography kit because it looks to be the "best" choice for that purpose.

Plus, Linux distros are available for both Microsoft OSs and Macs. Why hate something that you can completely change? You can even install on a separate partition, etc.

The possibilities are too varied to hate either Mac or Windows stuff. ;)
 
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Personally, I would put the money in a higher end Windows laptop.

Which will likely weigh more and take up more space. I don't need a desktop replacement, especially when I'm backpacking in to remote locations. I do however need to run Lightroom to catalogue, keyword and do basic post-processing, as well as back up what may turn out to be unrepeatable images. My purpose is quite unique, as you see, and right now an MBA appears to be "better" at fulfilling that purpose. :)
 
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Which will likely weigh more and take up more space. I don't need a desktop replacement, especially when I'm backpacking in to remote locations. I do however need to run Lightroom to catalogue, keyword and do basic post-processing, as well as back up what may turn out to be unrepeatable images. My purpose is quite unique, as you see, and right now an MBA appears to be "better" at fulfilling that purpose. :)

Then you have found your solution!:D

Have you looked at the Asus Zen Books? Awesome, light and thin! (not trying to change your mind, just really impressed with them)

On edit: You might really want to check out the Asus Slate, this thing is a beast of a tablet PC capable of running Photoshop CS5. Touchscreen is awesome when dealing with photos.
 
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In a word calibration. Monitor calibration and printer calibration. In the early days of Photoshop (version 3.0) the tools were simply not there for decent Windows monitor calibration. Couple that with the fact the majority of PC were sold with 16-bit video cards, getting color to display accurately was next to impossible if you were going to a CMYK print model.

That has all been moot since CS1, but the perception persists. It's the same incorrect reasoning that leads people to the conclusion that Macs makes you creative, or that if you are a creative type you have to use a Mac.

That makes sense, and yes it is a moot point now, I have a nice little Spyder 3 Pro sitting right next to my monitor.:D
 
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Then you have found your solution!:D

Exactly the point I was trying to make. It's my solution.... probably wouldn't suit many others but for that it's perfect. Choice is good! :D

Have you looked at the Asus Zen Books?

Only online reviews, not sure if they're available over here yet.
 
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I hate Mac OS. I hate it in the same,way I hate the government. It's not a fatal hate (wishing something dead) and perhaps the term is overused, yet its the term I choose to coin.

I have my reasons for "hating". Usually because people I come across blindly call it the best which as you touched on slug, it may be for them but that oddly is never their argument. It's always better, period.

In an all round perspective, from me as an IT Professional, I believe it not to be. I dislike using it and I dislike supporting it. It just doesn't do what I need it to do. I say dislike but again, hate is what I would usually use. I have a severe dislike towards it and I find "hate" portrays this quite well.

Yes I can change it on my own system but then why did I spend an inordinate amount of my hard earned cash on a mac? Can I change an entire global design departments use of mac to a more tangible OS in support terms?

*shakes magic 8 ball*

All signs point to no.
 
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So what defines a pc? Macs use the exact same hardware now. So its a mac if it runs Mac OS, otherwise its a pc?

Imho it goes like this for my own preference and opinion, top being best.

Linux
Windows
Vtech
Fisher price
Speak and spell
MAC

Linux, windows and OSX I think its called ? but what on earth is Vtech....is it a taking service ? as for Fisher price and speak and spell...are you sure you are not making this up ? if these are real, are they OSS ?
 
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