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What are the benefits of a Mac?

celery

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Originally Posted by teddieriley
Just a general comment on MAC pc/laptop reliability. I always see a bunch of people in the Apple store taking **** to the genius bar because they are having some sort of issue. So Apple computers are certainly prone to problems. I don't have any statistical evidence how this compares to PCs, but no matter in what environment you're running, issues will arise and it's nothing that a simple reboot can usually fix.

Well to be quite honest, unless you have a defective Mac, it takes a real moron to mess up their computer.

As for the OP, you sound like you just need to get used to what you're doing. You have muscle memory from years of using a PC that wants you to do something different. So it'll just take a bit of time until you "unlearn" your previous behaviour.

When it comes to crashing, because I use both on a daily basis (and am very computer savvy), my macbook has not crashed in 2 years whereas my PC crashes at least once per week. Granted, I push my PC harder and hotter as I use it for gaming (although I do monitor my temps).

I've said it many many times, for most people, your choice of computer does not matter. Both will be able to do what you need if you get a sufficiently powerful computer to meet the demands of the applications you use.

Personal preference in the end.
 

Milhouse

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Speaking in terms of using computers professionally only, I don't notice much difference. Extremely powerful software can and does crash a Mac just as easily as a Windows PC. In a previous job, there were software packages that were only available for one platform or another, so we had to have both Macs and Windows machines. One of the tasks we did involved video editing, and we would often let the Mac run it overnight. probably 1 out of 4 nights each week, we'd come in to a crashed computer in the morning. Using a mathematics package on the Windows machine, we'd have a similar fail rate.
 

Ace Rimmer

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Personally I'd never buy one because I thought you can't build one from scratch. I build my PCs and I love the flexibility of being able to select the parts that fit MY needs.

However ...

Originally Posted by Jumbie
I just built a Mac for my parents at 1/3 of the cost of buying the real deal (because Apple's harware is overpriced and is not better than other components despite what they'd have you believe).

I'm intrigued ... did you start with parts available from a common online source (e.g. Newegg) and then buy the OS separately? Inquiring minds want to know.
smile.gif
 

Jumbie

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Originally Posted by Ace Rimmer
Personally I'd never buy one because I thought you can't build one from scratch. I build my PCs and I love the flexibility of being able to select the parts that fit MY needs. However ... I'm intrigued ... did you start with parts available from a common online source (e.g. Newegg) and then buy the OS separately? Inquiring minds want to know.
smile.gif

Great, karma or something is biting me **********. I typed out a reply and then FF crashed. *sigh* Anyway, long story short, visit http://www.insanelymac.com (down at the moment) Not all hardware works so it's best to spend a fair bit of time researching. Also, while some hardware does work, it sometimes has shortcomings e.g. one of the mobo's onboard LAN is problematic (solved by a $10 add-on card). A good guide, including recommended hardware is http://forum.insanelymac.com/index.php?showtopic=112708 My advice is to spend as much time reading as possible. I've seen people get into trouble because they didn't research their parts properly. There's a wiki with working parts. Upgrades can also be a problem but there are newer methods of installation that work better and allow for direct software upgrades from Apple now. When I first started, I used a modified installation disk. Then, similar to the iPhone, when an update came out I had to wait for a modified update to be released by the team. So I went from 10.5.2 to modified 10.5.3 then was able to directly update to 10.5.4. With the new methods, which are slightly harder to get working, I installed from a retail disk and then directly upgraded to 10.5.4. I did this mostly as an exercise in curiosity and geekery. If your time is $, then don't bother. Just buy from Apple directly (or follow a guide with recommended parts) because there is a learning curve and research involved. My system that I ordered a month ago consists of: - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 - GA-P35-DS3R mobo with onboard sound and LAN - $30 crap nVidia 7600GT cause I don't game - 2 x WD 640 GB hard drives that I plan on RAIDing because reports are that it is almost as fast as the $300 300 GB velociraptor - 4 GB PC 1000 RAM - 22x DL DVD burner - add on firewire and bluetooth - aftermarket CPU cooler + extra fan - Antec 900 case ($80 after rebate) + 430 watt PSU ($30 after rebate) - splurged on a 24" Dell ultrasharp ($500 on sale vs usual $700 + taxes) - existing wireless keyboard and mouse Total was $841 + $500 for monitor = $1341 Probably not 1/3 the price of the same Apple system (allowing for my exaggeration) but still a significant savings + the satisfaction of doing it. Let me check how much a similar system would cost from Apple. *** Okay, it's hard to configure the same because they don't have that many options but going by a quick similar config, I saved about $1000 (based on an iMac) as the Mac Pro is 8 cores standard. However, going by the Mac Pro and using just 1 2.8GHz quad core Xeon (Xeon is better than the Q6600 although I have mine overclocked to 3.0 GHz), the price works out to $3,948.00 + tax. That's with a 23" Apple monitor. Apple makes really nice screens though so it's quite likely better than the Dell "high end" 24" (as opposed to their lower end one). I configured it with as similar options as I could which was 2 x 500 GB hard drives (less than mine) and the 4 GB of RAM is 800 MHz as opposed to 1000 MHz like mine is. I chose the cheapest graphics card as well. I got my processor for $184. Their Xeon sells for $720 on Newegg so that brings the total adjusted price to $3428 + taxes. WOW!!
 

LabelKing

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I like Apple computers, but I find their genius bar misnamed. None of the people working there strike me as remotely genius; but rather, quite dull, if you catch my drift.

One time I went there to ask a question about a problem with my Powerbook, and the fool spent 20 minutes in the backroom doing God knows what. I was tempted to ask him: "So, how was your *******"?
 

Jumbie

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Originally Posted by LabelKing
One time I went there to ask a question about a problem with my Powerbook, and the fool spent 20 minutes in the backroom doing God knows what. I was tempted to ask him: "So, how was your *******"?

Sometimes I wish I could just ask the questions that come to my mind.

Today at noon conference they had a guest lecturer nutritionist giving a talk to the residents. The team of entirely blonde hospital staff nutritionists were also there for that particular lecture given the subject matter. It's a running joke with my friends and I that they are all blonde. Seriously, all of them. At the end of the lecture, the brunette speaker asked if there were any questions. I wanted to ask, "So, how come you're not blonde?" but I'm just a lowly student and didn't want to risk it.
 

GQgeek

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Originally Posted by Jumbie
Great, karma or something is biting me **********. I typed out a reply and then FF crashed. *sigh*

Anyway, long story short, visit http://www.insanelymac.com (down at the moment)

Not all hardware works so it's best to spend a fair bit of time researching. Also, while some hardware does work, it sometimes has shortcomings e.g. one of the mobo's onboard LAN is problematic (solved by a $10 add-on card).

A good guide, including recommended hardware is http://forum.insanelymac.com/index.php?showtopic=112708

My advice is to spend as much time reading as possible. I've seen people get into trouble because they didn't research their parts properly. There's a wiki with working parts.

Upgrades can also be a problem but there are newer methods of installation that work better and allow for direct software upgrades from Apple now. When I first started, I used a modified installation disk. Then, similar to the iPhone, when an update came out I had to wait for a modified update to be released by the team. So I went from 10.5.2 to modified 10.5.3 then was able to directly update to 10.5.4. With the new methods, which are slightly harder to get working, I installed from a retail disk and then directly upgraded to 10.5.4.

I did this mostly as an exercise in curiosity and geekery. If your time is $, then don't bother. Just buy from Apple directly (or follow a guide with recommended parts) because there is a learning curve and research involved.

My system that I ordered a month ago consists of:

- Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
- GA-P35-DS3R mobo with onboard sound and LAN
- $30 crap nVidia 7600GT cause I don't game
- 2 x WD 640 GB hard drives that I plan on RAIDing because reports are that it is almost as fast as the $300 300 GB velociraptor
- 4 GB PC 1000 RAM
- 22x DL DVD burner
- add on firewire and bluetooth
- aftermarket CPU cooler + extra fan
- Antec 900 case ($80 after rebate) + 430 watt PSU ($30 after rebate)
- splurged on a 24" Dell ultrasharp ($500 on sale vs usual $700 + taxes)
- existing wireless keyboard and mouse

Total was $841 + $500 for monitor = $1341

Probably not 1/3 the price of the same Apple system (allowing for my exaggeration) but still a significant savings + the satisfaction of doing it.

Let me check how much a similar system would cost from Apple.

***

Okay, it's hard to configure the same because they don't have that many options but going by a quick similar config, I saved about $1000 (based on an iMac) as the Mac Pro is 8 cores standard.

However, going by the Mac Pro and using just 1 2.8GHz quad core Xeon (Xeon is better than the Q6600 although I have mine overclocked to 3.0 GHz), the price works out to $3,948.00 + tax.

That's with a 23" Apple monitor. Apple makes really nice screens though so it's quite likely better than the Dell "high end" 24" (as opposed to their lower end one). I configured it with as similar options as I could which was 2 x 500 GB hard drives (less than mine) and the 4 GB of RAM is 800 MHz as opposed to 1000 MHz like mine is.

I chose the cheapest graphics card as well.

I got my processor for $184. Their Xeon sells for $720 on Newegg so that brings the total adjusted price to $3428 + taxes.

WOW!!


Actually, if you didn't buy in to apple's marketing without questioning, you'd find out that the high-end dells are as good as or better than the apple displays, especially after calibration. They can be calibrated to an average dE of <1, which is very very close to reference quality displays. If you want to step-up from a dell, you go to a high-end NEC display, not an apple. And apple's cinema display lack some very basic things, such as HDCP iirc. That's pretty unforgiveable for such an expensive monitor. Of course, apple sells to image-conscious people, so it's not surprising they're willing to pay a premium for a display that's really not any better than cheaper models. It does look nice though.
 

Jumbie

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Originally Posted by GQgeek
Actually, if you didn't buy in to apple's marketing without questioning

I actually don't. If you refer to one of my earlier posts I said that Apple's components are not any better than a lot of other "competitive" products out there. However, from what I've seen, their monitors have always been pretty good.

you'd find out that the high-end dells are as good as or better than the apple displays, especially after calibration.
Going by many review sites and a 40+ page discussion on HardForum, there are actually quite a few shortcomings to the supposedly high end monitor I bought as compared with previous iterations. These are higher lag than usual + poor color across the screen + text is either too sharp or too blurry as they have the adjustment in increments of 25 rather than a more reasonable 10 or even 1. There are ways around it but many people are not pleased. Again, especially after the previous 2007WFP or whatever it's called.
 

MCsommerreid

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I've never had a Mac do a hard crash without there being catastrophic hardware issues. Usually one program will crash, and I can just restart it without having issues with any other programs.

With PC systems (generally Windows) I'd have at least one hard crash a year, and depending on how much tweaking I do as many as one a day.

Originally Posted by GQgeek
Actually, if you didn't buy in to apple's marketing without questioning, you'd find out that the high-end dells are as good as or better than the apple displays, especially after calibration. They can be calibrated to an average dE of <1, which is very very close to reference quality displays. If you want to step-up from a dell, you go to a high-end NEC display, not an apple. And apple's cinema display lack some very basic things, such as HDCP iirc. That's pretty unforgiveable for such an expensive monitor. Of course, apple sells to image-conscious people, so it's not surprising they're willing to pay a premium for a display that's really not any better than cheaper models. It does look nice though.

This is becoming more and more true, since Apple hasn't really upgraded their Cinema displays in at least 4 years, and depending on how much the last three upgrades where, as many as 6 years ago. Dell cranks out an update like every two years or so.
 

beirut

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I hope you weren't planning on upgrading your hardware... Ever.

If you're more comfortable with the Windows OS, just load it on your macbook. Problem solved.
 

thorman

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I use linux wherever possible - unfortunately not at work. It's a fantastic platform. I use the Ubuntu Distrobution myself and find it very easy to use once you get over the learning curve. I'm really into this kind of thing however and your average user isn't going to like it (probably).

It's worth the time though - I've not found an operating system I can do day to day tasks easier in.
 

beirut

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Originally Posted by thorman
I use linux wherever possible - unfortunately not at work. It's a fantastic platform. I use the Ubuntu Distrobution myself and find it very easy to use once you get over the learning curve. I'm really into this kind of thing however and your average user isn't going to like it (probably).

It's worth the time though - I've not found an operating system I can do day to day tasks easier in.


Have you been watching the freeDOS project? It's going to be AMAZING when the 1.1 distro comes out. It's an MS-DOS infused Linux distro; like Ubuntu running WINE, but functional for all .exe.

http://www.freedos.org/
 

thorman

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That does sound very cool. I've not heard much about it but i'll check it out!

Sounds like your interested in Unix - whats your 'brand' ?
 

Tokyo Slim

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Once you realise that windows maximise to as big as they need to be
I seriously... SERIOUSLY hate it when people say that kind of ****. Ridiculous. No they damn well do not.
Originally Posted by Apple people
There are as many ports as there need to be. Any more ports, features, or useful items would be horribly unnecessary. You can dual-boot if you want to play games or do office work. The price is a bargain considering you'll never have to upgrade your computer. This machine does everything I need it to, it never crashes, it doesn't get spyware or viruses... and its so easy to use!
lol8[1].gif
ohyea3.GIF
 

Tck13

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Originally Posted by MetroStyles
I was recently convinced to purchase a MacBook Pro by a friend of mine who is a computer programmer (i.e. somewhat knowledgeable). I myself have a rather high level of experience with Windows, but I really got fed up with all of my machines (from assorted makers) dying after 3-4 years. I figured, may as well take a chance and get a Mac, since I will still have my work PC laptop as a fallback. Besides, I was so dogmatically anti-Mac for years that I figured I wasn't giving it a fair shot. Now I am having a bit of buyer's remorse (it's only been about 5-7 hours of usage though). The keyboard is very abbreviated, and the lack of a page up/page down/delete are annoying. Pressing enter in Finder (i.e. Windows Explorer) renames a file instead of opening it (why would anyone want to rename files so often that it uses the most common key on the keyboard?). Windows will not maximize. They get resized to some "optimal size", but not maximized like I want. I have figured ways around this, but it was annoying. The dock bar is annoying, but I can get used to it. Considering I am an advanced user (i.e. do not need simple interface or spyware protection for dummies), what are the benefits of a Mac? Did I make a huge mistake?
Hmmm. I'd say that you just need some time to get used to it. It took me a while to change over but I'll never switch back. Either that or they may just not be for you? I have no problems getting the windows sized the way I want them and eliminating anything from the sreen to use it fully (f11 I think). Also, you can do just about anything with the Dock Bar if needed. I don't quite understand your 'Finder' issue. Apple has a forum which is great for getting any questions answered quickly. You can find it at Apple.com. It's just like this forum but people actually know what their talking about...
plain.gif
I've had about 6 years with my iMac and never had any problems with it. I've watched my PC friends have their computers crash over and over and have problems with viruses and I'm so happy I don't have to deal with that. The only thing I've done to it is add memory and it does everything I need it to do. Programs crash once in a while and I had a day or two where it didn't work (kernel panic) but I bought something along these lines and it has helped me with any problems I've had. Landau knows EVERYTHING that can go wrong with a Mac and how to fix it. I might suggest a book to help with switching since it is a little different. Your Mac has so many little short cuts and you'll find (IMO of course) it so much easier to use (once you figure it out) you'll be happy.
 

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