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MAC or PC?

by GoogleWarrior
35 replies
So...my old laptop is so slow now... that I am planning on buying a new computer. I want this computer to use the CS5 suite...

however, I am torn between buying a mac or a pc. I have always used a pc before...but the macs are supposedly so great and they look 100x better.

Do any of you guys have any advice on which one to buy and why?
#mac
  • Profile picture of the author InternetM39482
    Mac all the way!

    I bought one last year August and it's been amazing. I'm going to get a Mac Pro pretty soon, too! I love Macs
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  • Profile picture of the author Dayne Dylan
    Banned
    MAC! I ditched my PC a few years ago and it was the BEST thing I ever did.

    P.S I have both the Mac Pro (awesome!) and a big iMac (also awesome!).
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  • Profile picture of the author GoogleWarrior
    Ya... i was thinking of the mac book pro.. but I think that the tower might be better... SWASTIK are you able to run the Creative Suite programs on your mac with no problems (no slowdowns, etc?)
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    • Profile picture of the author InternetM39482
      Originally Posted by GoogleWarrior View Post

      Ya... i was thinking of the mac book pro.. but I think that the tower might be better... SWASTIK are you able to run the Creative Suite programs on your mac with no problems (no slowdowns, etc?)
      Yup, I've got most of the suite (PS, DW, Illustrator, After Effects et al) and they run without any hiccups.

      Just go to an Apple store once and see it for yourself. You'll fall in love with the Mac, I'm sure.
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    • Profile picture of the author Christian Sawyer
      It all depends on your budget and your needs. It sounds like you are going to need a good amount of RAM for the multi-tasking with the Adobe suite.

      If you have around $2000 then go for the Mac, but if you want to stay around $1000, get a PC.

      I personally prefer PCs because I can build one that will blow a Mac out of the water for half the price.

      -Christian

      EDIT: Just saw a post throwing out the usual reasons why "Mac is better". There are viruses for the Mac, that's why they make anti virus for Mac computers as well. Anything from your cell phone to this very forum can get viruses! I can also say that I have NEVER gotten a virus on my PC, this is because I know what I'm doing. If you are fairly computer savvy, you should have no issues, at all! The one thing that I can say is that, Mac OS IS known to run smoother than windows. In the end, there are many things to think about.
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      • Profile picture of the author garyk1968
        Originally Posted by Christian Sawyer View Post

        If you have around $2000 then go for the Mac, but if you want to stay around $1000, get a PC.

        I personally prefer PCs because I can build one that will blow a Mac out of the water for half the price.
        Macs hold their money much better.

        I recently sold a G4 Powerbook for £148, bought in 2003 for £950. The year before I sold a 3 year old gateway laptop pc for £167 bought in 2006 for £700. One has depreciated far more than the other.

        Doing iphone dev work I have to have a Mac.
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  • Profile picture of the author GoogleWarrior
    Thanks Dayne.. could you tell me why its better. I hear this all the time... but how is it better?
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    • Profile picture of the author Dayne Dylan
      Banned
      Originally Posted by GoogleWarrior View Post

      Thanks Dayne.. could you tell me why its better. I hear this all the time... but how is it better?
      Better design. No viruses. Macs also run more efficient and smooth. I've had mine for years, never crashed once. And no issues at all.
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    • Profile picture of the author mile1333
      Originally Posted by GoogleWarrior View Post

      Thanks Dayne.. could you tell me why its better. I hear this all the time... but how is it better?
      From my experience, the MAC response quicker than a PC. I've been using my MacBook 1.83 Core2Duo for already 4 years, and it works perfectly fine for me. I just upgraded the RAM and Harddisk.
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  • Profile picture of the author l23bc
    Im a fan of both i have A desktop Pc With Windows 7 And one toshiba Laptop which is quite old just still usefull and a acer laptop Both Running Vista and Windows 7

    I also Have a MacBook pro which i prefer then My other machines for online work purposes Because Alot of Time My Windows Computers take a long time and the Annoying thing also is that they can Crash or go slow or the annoying Windows update which reboots my machines when im in the middle of something also.

    I would suggest Mac because of the following

    Keynote:Its a mac Softwere like Powerpoint but much more better to work with added tools for video Marketing Creation. Using themes from Linkjuice.com to created stunning video and bring things to life.

    No windows Updates:You get what you pay for with a mac.
    Smoother to run and on my mcbook pro connections are alot better no fussing about with Drivers like windows computers are known for sometimes.

    Bluetooth Built in with wireless ports also very happy on that one because you can transfer more items from mobile phone or external hard drive better...No more Plug and play usb drives.

    Better softwere then Windows.All adobe Products were orginally designed for Apple computers.

    Plus if the transation is too much to go to a mac you can just use VM softwere and just install Windows to run on a mac.

    Hope that helps.
    andrew
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  • Profile picture of the author mscherrah
    In my mind, unless you want to run programs that are Mac specific, go for the PC. When you think that a Mac can run thousands of dollars, and if you were to build a PC with the money you spent on a Mac, you can get a machine that is at least twice as fast and twice as powerful.

    I personally use Mac, because my business uses Final Cut Pro, but if FCP ever became multi-platform, I would switch in a heartbeat. I tend to like speed and power more than looks and trends.
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  • Profile picture of the author l23bc
    Of course You could just say no to both and take the thrid Option Lunix Os However Im not too sure If Cs5 Runs on a Lunix Computer
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  • Profile picture of the author fredjr1978
    Originally Posted by GoogleWarrior View Post

    So...my old laptop is so slow now... that I am planning on buying a new computer. I want this computer to use the CS5 suite...

    however, I am torn between buying a mac or a pc. I have always used a pc before...but the macs are supposedly so great and they look 100x better.

    Do any of you guys have any advice on which one to buy and why?
    I used to be a PC before I married my wife who is a MAC.....I have not looked back since getting a MAC. There use to be a lack of IM programs for MAC, but I dont think thats the case as much these days.

    Go for a MAC, you will love it!
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    • Profile picture of the author NicheMayhem
      Don't buy a brand name PC, build a tower. My last build has been nothing short of spectacular. Total cost was under $1000 and ended up with 8GBs of speedy RAM and a 2GB video card as well as a quad core AMD CPU running at 3.0GHz. I even installed a kick-ass CPU cooler and 8 fans throughout the case and for the drives and components with a fan controller still under budget. The thing runs at 76 degrees air cooled and will last for a long long time. Two things kill computers, heat and dust. (well and viruses but a good Anti-Virus, regular updates and Malwarebytes will keep you safe)

      If you know what you are doing you can completely avoid virus problems and we all know that MAC has so few groupies that it doesn't get targeted like it's big brother windows. lol, not sure what it is but I enjoy jabbing MAC lovers in the ribs.

      Windows 7 is a very good OS and practically runs anything old and new provided you get at least the Pro or Ultimate version. Most of the programs and hardware you plug in is now plug n play which means all you do is plug it in, not sure how that could be a downside. Drivers and needed elements are automatically downloaded and the days of hunting for drivers are for the most part over unless you still run XP or Vista.

      With running VM software to run Windows on a MAC you still need a legit Windows key and the one off your old machine will NOT work. Not to mention the considerable limitations and performance problems, VM software essentially is like running two OSs at the same time. Does MAC make a Quad Core machine? Is it super expensive?

      Could even spend a little more and go with the new 6 Core CPUs which are crazy fast and make my mouth water. PC has no limitations MAC does and requires work-arounds for more things then I care to mess with. Have had both in the past but I prefer PC because way more software studios build for PC.

      PM me for links to a few of the greatest places to get tremendous deals on PC stuff if you decide to go with a PC tower.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bossman34
    I have both a Mac and PC and they both have their advantages.

    As far as performance they are pretty much identical. I mean, you would have to be seriously picky to notice any difference and when there is a difference it comes down to the application I'm running. They both have 3Ghz Core2Duo processors and 4gb ram so neither really has an edge as far as hardware goes (except my PC has a superior graphics card which really doesn't factor into most applications).

    I will say that I like the Mac OS better than Windows 7. Not necessarily because it performs better, it's just more enjoyable to use. If I'm just bumming around I'll use my Mac because it's more fun to use.

    The biggest difference between the two was price. I paid about $600 more for my Mac which has pretty much the same specs as my PC except it has a smaller hard drive and an inferior graphics card.

    My opinion is that unless you REALLY want a Mac because it's nice piece of hardware and have the extra cash, go with a PC. Windows 7 closes the gap as far as the user experience and you can get more machine for your money.

    Don't buy into the mumbo-jumbo that Macs are "faster" (they're not, they're built using the same components as a PC right down the the cpu, graphics, and ram) or that they don't get viruses because they can if you visit less-than-savory websites online.



    Hope this helps a bit. Just my $0.02!
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  • Profile picture of the author jonat2005
    Go for MAC man! no other choice
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  • Profile picture of the author Ashley Wright
    Mac all day long! Whats the saying "once you go Mac you don't go back?"
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  • Profile picture of the author GoogleWarrior
    thanks guys....
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  • Profile picture of the author ArticlesThatRock
    I've used Macs and PCs and prefer Ubuntu Linux. I like open source for common apps like graphics, so I use GIMP. The PC operating system is too big, and is prone to viruses, while the Mac is too expensive.
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  • Profile picture of the author lagrimas175
    I'm gonna put in summary what everyone is going to say about this mac vs pc topic which will never end.

    Macs are easier to use if you don't know how to use a computer well.
    PCs are cheaper, but more finicky.
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  • Profile picture of the author GrantFreeman
    Mac of course. It's much easier to clean sporf off of the keyboard.

    Grant
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  • Profile picture of the author BinaryQwest
    I'd go with a PC .. better price and comparable performance to a MAC. Avoiding viruses and other malware isn't too bad if you know a little about it.
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  • Profile picture of the author GrantFreeman
    Can you get it shipped?

    Online support is everywhere, including here in the forum. Mac Warriors, including me will be willing to help you out if you get stuck.

    I don't know everything about them, but I've been using Mac since 1998. We're here for 'ya

    Grant
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  • Profile picture of the author mainstreetcm
    Vista almost sent me to the MAC camp, but I thankfully waited for Windows 7 and seriously feel it is the best OS on the market right now. We also have MAC in the house, and damn its a slick looking machine--sometimes it calls to me in my sleep its that good looking.

    However, if your laptop is starting to run slow, I would encourage you to backup all of your files and do a quick format and re-installation of Windows. Or if you are still running Vista go ahead and make the upgrade to Windows 7. Secondly it depends on what you want your computer to do.

    CS5 will run amazingly well on one of those new iCore processors with a ton of ram. I work in a field of graphic design and video editing. I have a friend who paid out the ass for his machine (albeit it is sexy lol) and runs Final Cut Pro. I run Sony Vegas Pro 9.0 and CS4 on my machine and can get identical results on a far more affordable machine. These are just tools we are talking about, not some holy idols the tv commercials would like you to believe.

    Bottom line is get something YOU are comfortable with. If you are a windows user expect some learning curve when jumping ship, or vice versa. Additionally if you like tinkering with your computer, stay with a PC as MAC's are designed to be very sexy and closed types of machines.
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    • Profile picture of the author Marty S
      YOu can make either a Windows PC or a Mac work for you. Neither is a bad choice. Obviously, budget concerns may limit you to a PC.

      As an owner and daily user of both systems, I can honestly say I am more productive on my Mac(s) than on my PC(s). One of the reasons for this is that the computer is simply more fun to be working on. It's just cool man, and I am never bogged down with the quirky little problems I consistently have on my Windows systems.

      Edit: If you are planning to create video, then this is an even clearer choice for the Mac.
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      • Profile picture of the author BlaineGlynn
        I personally just upgraded both my main systems in the last 6mo. I have a 15" macbook pro, and run vm ware to connect to my rackspace server for when I'm on the road.

        I also have my killer desktop system for everyday work, as I run two 23" screens which comes in so handy when doing..well almost anything. The main benifits to the PC (desktop only) is you can get a great machine for a very good price, (intel i7, sli vid card, raid hard drives, gobs of ram) and windows 7 is a huge step up from anything else. Also, if your doing screencapture I you almost have to go with a pc because camtasia for mac is still in its infancy, and the other apps they have I feel are still rather clunky. Also, as far as video/audio/Image editing, I do most of mine on my pc and almost on a daily basis have photoshop, soundbooth, camtasia, and dreamweaver open at the same time without problems.

        However, if your getting a laptop I would recommend nothing over a macbook pro. They are beautiful, the backlight keyboard is a lot more handy than I thought it would be, battery life is really good, and really OSX is a slick OS. With all the crap laptops I have worked on in the last 2 years (mainly toshibas...not sure why) I will never own a pc laptop again.

        Realistically in a perfect world I still think you need two machines and lots of network backup space, but that's another conversation all together.

        Hope That Helps!

        ~Blaine
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  • Profile picture of the author n3on
    Never had MAC but I would like to have one. Maybe by the end of my Board Exams Mac looks superb and more PRO typo in all the tutorials videos I have ever seen. Anyways, Windows in not a bad option either. You can surely eliminate the chances of virus infection if you know what you do. Linux is also a good option and ofcourse its fully free of viruses. Plus opensource too. Go for Mac if you've earned some extra cash and give it a try!
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  • Profile picture of the author Rich Struck
    I'm too lazy to read the thread but I can tell you that I prefer Macs because by using Fusion, I can run OS X plus Linux, Windows XP, Vista, and 7 too so I am able to check all of my sites for pretty everyone.
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  • Profile picture of the author CJ.Online
    Macs are 10 times better! Trust me. They're worth every penny
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  • Profile picture of the author Ripped
    PC all the way. Much cheaper, plenty of applications for the PC.

    The Windows 7 has been a great improvement over the Vista and XP, and it has eliminated many of the common problems OS problems that the PC had.

    The Mac, as well as all the other Apple products, are move of a fashion statement. You're considered trendy if you sit down in Starbucks with a fancy Mac or iPad.

    The PC is much more versatile and offers much more for a lesser price.
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    • Profile picture of the author Marty S
      Originally Posted by Ripped View Post

      The Mac, as well as all the other Apple products, are move of a fashion statement. You're considered trendy if you sit down in Starbucks with a fancy Mac or iPad.
      The "MAC" or Apple Macintosh was the first real "personal computer" and literally changed the computer industry forever when it was first launched back in 1984.

      I am thinking that is too long ago to be considered a trendy fad. :rolleyes:
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    • Profile picture of the author garyk1968
      Originally Posted by Ripped View Post

      PC all the way. Much cheaper, plenty of applications for the PC.
      Used to be the case, not any more, much much more choice on Mac now as well as Adobe Air cross platform apps (Market Samurai being one example) as well as browser based solutions.

      Originally Posted by Ripped View Post

      The Windows 7 has been a great improvement over the Vista and XP, and it has eliminated many of the common problems OS problems that the PC had.
      Disagree, just got the wife a new laptop with Win7 and some of the flaws in Vista still exist, very poor. That said I still love XP and think its an awesome OS.

      Originally Posted by Ripped View Post

      The Mac, as well as all the other Apple products, are move of a fashion statement. You're considered trendy if you sit down in Starbucks with a fancy Mac or iPad.
      Probably yes, doesn't mean they are any less able than a PC. I do iPhone development in XCode/IB then drop into VMware/WinXp to do SQL Server and Delphi development.

      Originally Posted by Ripped View Post

      The PC is much more versatile and offers much more for a lesser price.
      Simply untrue.
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  • Profile picture of the author l23bc
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Ripped
    The Windows 7 has been a great improvement over the Vista and XP, and it has eliminated many of the common problems OS problems that the PC had.
    I Have vista and Its a memory Leaking and wast of life Operating System. There is Constant Updates,More Money spent on windows programs such word office2010, Otherwise i could download other softwere to it such as openoffice even browsers annoy me with windows, You start fireFox which asks"Do you want this to be your browser default" You start Ie you get the same mesage the reason is your os Is in conflict with it self over what even brower to use to see the web. Thats been a problem since win 98se. Which in win 7 seems stable but goes to show its took Several editions to get that resloved

    Mac Os on the other hand,Loads finds connection in seconds more quieter like alot of people have said and Boom closes with a Goodbye. Sorry i have them both but macs the one for me to do professional work and a cleaner desktop also afterwards, no click point delete just drag clean up no annoying waiting to delete like windows does,

    Plus dont forget to mention when xp came out it has 3 or 4 updates for Security issues, Vista silently has had over the 30mark along with constant updates for drivers and patches,and stiill they tinker with it somehow.
    Which resulted in vista being so slow. So i cannot see how its got better in windows from xp,Xp Server based os was amazing with xeon processors onboard and whole lot of memory. Great as a backup server.

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