Could you expand upon that please? Irrelevant things such as? It will eliminate doing things such as?
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Mac or PC?
- Thread starter End of Rine
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Those are the main 3 reasons, that is why you're getting attacked by fanboys. Don't like it, get a PC.
Personally I like Mac OS X better then Windows.
Personally I like Mac OS X better then Windows.
Clicking X on stupid pop-ups telling you to upgrade your Flash player, run the desktop assistant to remove unused icons from your desktop, etc.
User-friendliness is the most important selling point if you ask me. Everything is much easier in OS X than in Windows. It's the reason I moved away from Windows.
Feature-wise, I don't think there are that many differences between the OSes, perhaps Windows wins there because it has more compatible applications, although it has been a long time since that was actually a problem for me.
It's a pity you downplay the importance of user-friendliness, though. It comes in many forms. Someone already pointed out all the gestures that are present for use with trackpads or the Magic Mouse. They're a joy to use. Then there's stuff like many integrated apps such as a PDF viewer, built-in VNC support, and so on. In Windows you have to manage so many things yourself, with thousands of updates each month. It gets to be a pain in the ass.
As I said, I came from Windows, so I was also used to Windows. Despite that, I gladly made the transition because despite me knowing how to deal with Windows, it was still much easier, and more importantly, much more fun, to work in OS X.
Also, you can just install Windows using Bootcamp in case you sometimes want to use it. =p But of course that's not a reason to buy a Mac.
In conclusion, the user experience is the reason why OS X is great. Perhaps you are something who doesn't give a crap about that, and then a PC is just fine for you. Also saves you some money.
Well, you offer no solid reason why Windows or Linux would be better. There is no *solid* reason for choosing a particular OS/brand - its a matter of personal preference. For me, I am happy that my laptop only weights 2kg and can run 7+ hours on a battery charge. I am also happy about the OS X UI, which I find both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. If you prefer Windows, that is fine, but I see no point in coming here and trolling.
I'm also a PC builder 
I have one big reason to buy Mac and only one - IT HAS GOOD LOOKS !
If not for the great looks/good chassis design, I WOULD NEVER EVER HAVE TOUCHED NOR BOUGHT A MAC !
But with that said, once you then adopt Mac OSx it just us that little bit better than Win 7.
It looks smoother, it reacts a bit better and even though I have only once had virus problems on a Win PC - it's nice to know virus is 99,99% unlikely on a Mac.
But Win 7 in my mind is very close to OSx - so if you don't fancy the smooth design of the laptops and iMacs and don't fancy the smoother design of the OSx - then take my advice and DUMP Macs and don't look back !!
As other mentioned the touchpad and trackpad with multigestures are very very nice, but not a dealbreaker to get a Mac.
But Mac laptops not only have better design but also have great batterylife, which is very important.
So maybe you should go half & half - PC homebuild at home, Mac laptop on the run
I have one big reason to buy Mac and only one - IT HAS GOOD LOOKS !
If not for the great looks/good chassis design, I WOULD NEVER EVER HAVE TOUCHED NOR BOUGHT A MAC !
But with that said, once you then adopt Mac OSx it just us that little bit better than Win 7.
It looks smoother, it reacts a bit better and even though I have only once had virus problems on a Win PC - it's nice to know virus is 99,99% unlikely on a Mac.
But Win 7 in my mind is very close to OSx - so if you don't fancy the smooth design of the laptops and iMacs and don't fancy the smoother design of the OSx - then take my advice and DUMP Macs and don't look back !!
As other mentioned the touchpad and trackpad with multigestures are very very nice, but not a dealbreaker to get a Mac.
But Mac laptops not only have better design but also have great batterylife, which is very important.
So maybe you should go half & half - PC homebuild at home, Mac laptop on the run
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First of all, OS X applications usually spot very clean UI, which results in less effort being required in activating this or that option.
Secondly, you don't have to "maintain" your system. Installation and deletion of applications are very straightforward, the search system is very powerful, and you can organize your data easily.
The whole OS (and UI) is to a degree plugin-based, meaning you can enhance aspects of the system (for instance, system-wide notifications, system wide spell checking etc.)
You have very powerful automation and scripting facilities built-in into the OS. As a power user, you can for instance write a script which will automatically sort and move each downloaded file to an appropriate location. In addition, its unix, so you can use the power of bash etc.
Of course, the above also applies to Linux (excluding the good UI design). Still, the problem with Linux is, ironically, its flexibility. Software for Linux is often designed based on very different concepts, which leads to a particular feeling of discomfort for the user. Because the system is so tweakable, I often found myself tweaking it endlessly instead of simply using it
And in the end, I had to reinstall my Linux machine on numerous occasions, because I would have tweaked it to death.The Mac basically offers me what I expected of Linux: a simple, intuitive, fast and clean OS which is equally useful for a beginner or a power user.
I keep anything important up to date because it takes less than a second and I also keep my desktop clean. The only thing that takes me any amount of time is sorting out useless files, which pile up quite frequently.
I keep hearing this yet nobody wants to give me any examples. How is it easier?
Just quickly thinking about this, what's the default video player available for Mac and what are some alternatives? In addition, iTunes seems to be a big thing for music, but I cannot stand it. Currently I use foobar because it's lightweight and easy to sort music with. Is there anything similar to that or would I be stuck with iTunes?
I find trackpads annoying, to say the least, and because of my mouse grip the magic mouse does not work for me at all. In addition, I think you're exaggerating the amount of updates you have to do in Windows.
Once again, why is it more 'fun' to work with OS X?
As I've said, I keep hearing about this 'user experience' but there's never any evidence of how it would actually change things.
I'm not quite sure what you mean by this.
I don't want to shoot down all your points like this, but in Windows it's essentially the same.
I don't think I'm understanding you correctly. I can already do that by assigning a download location.
Also, for the record, if I don't address a point, consider it understood and accepted, not ignored.
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Well, Macs -- DO -- get malware if the user is careless enough, so the "they don't get viruses"-argument is nonsense anyway.
But Mac OS X usually is much more user friendly than -any- other operating system, and this is a huge selling point for most Apple customers. Sure, Windows 7 and Linux are certainly good enough from a usability perspective, so this might just be a matter of personal preferences.
"It's pretty" is a big thing for a lot of Apple buyers. As much as I prefer the design of a Lamborghini Countach over the ugly average American sedan, every Mac is nicer to look at than any PC on the market.
But it's not just that a Mac is "prettier". It's almost MUCH better engineered. The guys at Apple pay a lot of attention to the tiny details that you don't notice at first, but they sum up to a much better user experience on the hardware level. Macs are far from being perfect, but you can feel in every detail that they were designed by people who actually USE those computers and not just build them to meet certain technical specifications.
Also, the Apple engineers try to make those computers as quiet and economic (read: low power consumption) as possible. This is very hard to find elsewhere and it is one of the biggest selling points for me. I like it quiet and since I live in Europe where energy is not cheap, I prefer low electricity bills.
I also like the fact very much that under the hood OS X is a Unix and uses a lot of Open Source technologies. Together with its simplistic graphical user interface, it's a powerful platform and there is a of software for my personal needs available for it. I don't need Windows or Linux, but I don't mind using them either. I'm platform agnostic enough to get the job done on any system, but I prefer using OS X.
From my professional experience, I can also tell that a Mac requires less maintenance than a Windows system - it's more comparable with a well configured Linux box. But it's almost ironic that Macs run Windows better than most PC boxes on the market, and Macs are also great Linux machines.
Macs suck for gaming, though (which is why I own an Xbox 360), and using and owning a Mac --IS-- more expensive than the TCO of a PC. The machine costs more and you usually buy more software (mostly Shareware) for a Mac, too. Whoever tells you otherwise is either lying, doesn't care about money because he has enough of it or simply doesn't get his math right.
Macs are the BMWs of the computer industry. Nice to look at, nice to drive, but they don't come cheap and they are not for every purpose.
I don't know what you are looking for or why you even began to think about a Mac in the first place. You said that you don't care for two of the biggest reasons for buying a Mac - user friendliness and design - so you probably shouldn't buy one because "these are not the droids you are looking for".
One thing to add here is that the resale value of a Mac drops a lot slower than that of a PC.
What exactly are you wanting this computer for? Gaming? Intensive? Additionally, what model of Mac are you thinking of?
I do believe there's plenty of examples in this thread. But since you didn't seem to pick them up, my guess is that you're not impressed by them. Which is fine, if you have given them some thought that is. Just quasi-ignoring them isn't.
In the end, though, I'm personally thinking about switching back to windows. It's not that I want to go Windows, it's just that I'm not too sure about Apple anymore. They've become too much of a company running on greed. iPad's and all, for me there is little need to buy one other than greed. If people feel different, fine, really. But with more reports of Apple's unethical business-doing in Asia (or Foxconn doing it for them) and the server park on dirty energy, well those are things that matter to me. Unfortunately there is no single computer-company that can guarantee they're doing it right, and Apple is doing a bunch of things right as well.
Another downside with Apple is that you're stuck to their choices. Want a relatively powerful desktop but use your own monitor? Tough luck. Want a neat small PC with expandability? Tough luck. There are more or less six choices in the desktop compartment (not counting pro's here), an awfully small number if you ask me. Let's see what happens today though, perhaps they're offering very attractive options
Oh wait, this thread was about reasons to go for a Mac right?
If what you are looking for are objective reasons why you should get a mac, you won't find them. Other than the virus thing, they are very much subjective reasons. I could tell you that I find the mac easier to use, I had used windows for ten years and within two weeks I found OSX easier to use. I could tell you that I prefer looking at something beautiful. I could tell you that the mac just makes sense to me. I could tell you that even though I could have bought a better spec PC for less money, I have never regretted buying my iMac. It's all subjective, just like I like my steak medium is subjective.
But my subjective reasons are enough for me. I've tried both, I know which I prefer. You can't know which you prefer until you try both.
But my subjective reasons are enough for me. I've tried both, I know which I prefer. You can't know which you prefer until you try both.
You're asking a very broad question about the differences between two OSes here. The best things for you to do is to sit down with Mac OS and just play with it for a few days, or weeks even. That's the only way you'll get a good, clear picture on this.
It might suck on Windows, much like Safari does. I used to loathe iTunes on Windows, but I'll use nothing else on OSX.
I bootcamp into Windows and the amount of updates vs. updates on OSX is staggering. I don't think it's an exaggeration. A quick look at my Control Panel>Add/Remove Programs>List of updates is just pretty massive. All the hot fixes and security patches....not to mention all the updating I have to do on the new Security Essentials simply dwarfs the updates you get on OSX.
For me, changing the way I think by using programs such as iTunes and iPhoto to manage all my media files is a huge jump from the way I used to work in Windows, which was basically always wading through Windows Explorer.
Again, it's just hard to explain unless you simply try it out for yourself. iLife is a big part of the OSX experience so don't forget these apps that come built in with every new Mac.
The evidence is in the continuously growing Mac user base. Something's gotta be working.
Honestly, I feel as if I just read an ad campaign for the thing. I want to know how it's more user friendly. How that impacts use of it.
Another thing, I personally find Macs blaring white colour scheme a lot uglier than a nicely built PC. Yes, most pre-builts are ugly as sin, but I personally find that many cases, including the CoolerMaster Storm Scout one I would be using look much, much better. However I am a firm believer in function > eyecandy so it's not a big thing for me, but please do realise not everybody enjoys how Macs look.
I find the noise level of a computer directly linked to how hot it runs. I need to leave my computer on for up to days at a time to process and encode very large files or to download a large file (Australian here). I feel comfortable leaving my PC on because it will still run at around the same, low, temperature of 40C, while if I press my hand against a Mac that has been running a long time I have to take it away quickly, lest I burn myself. I'm not sure if this is part of Mac design, but I'm not sure how it would hold up to days of straight processing. In addition, said computer generates a soft hum, not much noise at all.
As I've said earlier, "I'd be using the computer for video editing and music editing as a compliment to that, with some gaming and possible photo manipulation thrown in. Of course I'll also be using it for internet usage, but that's a given."
It's not how bloated it is, it's just it's way of organizing music that I dislike, I was hoping for an alternative.
White? Take a look at the store when it's back up. Most Macs are aluminum-grey.
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Hmmm...well I love how iTunes organizes music.
To each their own.
End of Rine said:
Hmmm...well I love how iTunes organizes music.
To each their own.
Going by the things that don't matter to you, you'd probably need to find the whole package appealing. For eg., OS X having much less malware (though at this point I'd wait for the new Lion this summer), the simplicity, yet relative power of iLife software (GarageBand, iPhoto, etc.), being able to run Windows 7 & PC software via Boot Camp, the general design of Macs (FWIW, I can't stand their glossy screens, but that's me), & so on. Otherwise, I think you're better off staying with Windows.
I've been using Macs since late 2005. They're well-engineered & when they work, which mostly they do, they provide an excellent, carefree computing experience for the average user. I'm likely to always keep a Mac at home.
However, a few days ago I bought a Windows 7 laptop as I needed a less expensive portable with anti-glare screen. Frankly, though after such a short time I'm bound to still prefer OS X, so far I'm impressed with Win7. The divide between OS X & Win7 is definitely diminishing.
FWIW, I don't believe Macs are necessarily better nor (of course) worse than similarly priced PCs. My iMac's logic board went after less than 3 years (not guaranteed). When factoring in an overall price, I'd also get Apple's 3-year extended warranty. It's not cheap, but some Macs break down just as readily as PCs do.
I've been using Macs since late 2005. They're well-engineered & when they work, which mostly they do, they provide an excellent, carefree computing experience for the average user. I'm likely to always keep a Mac at home.
However, a few days ago I bought a Windows 7 laptop as I needed a less expensive portable with anti-glare screen. Frankly, though after such a short time I'm bound to still prefer OS X, so far I'm impressed with Win7. The divide between OS X & Win7 is definitely diminishing.
FWIW, I don't believe Macs are necessarily better nor (of course) worse than similarly priced PCs. My iMac's logic board went after less than 3 years (not guaranteed). When factoring in an overall price, I'd also get Apple's 3-year extended warranty. It's not cheap, but some Macs break down just as readily as PCs do.
That's not really the point, I just don't like how they look. I prefer the cold, sleekness of a case such as this http://www.overclockercafe.com/Reviews/cases/CoolerMaster_Scout/pics/1000.jpg
Rather than a mac. As I've said, it doesn't really influence my decision much but it is in no way a selling point for me.
I did.
QuickTime. Alternative: VLC, like in Windows. There are some others as well, such as Mplayer.
Music I don't know, I like iTunes.
Alright, no gestures for you. But it is another example and Windows sucks at it. I love them.
And I am exaggerating only a little bit. Each time I boot up my Windows partition, which is often daily for some late night gaming, I find updates.
Some things are hard to point out, but gestures are fun and the aesthetic looks enhance the user experience. Compare it to the iPad. You can browse the web on it as well as on a laptop or desktop, but it is more fun on an iPad. It is more relaxing, the gestures are nice, and also the simplicity makes it much more enjoyable. These are just examples, small ones, but that is exactly it. OS X has countless of tiny improvements that you can quickly notice yourself if you play with one. It sounds to me that you should be doing that, work on one for a while, since you want all the specifics. If you do not notice these things, then I do not see a reason for you to like OS X.
This is your mistake. Your incapability to see what we are saying here. My guess is that you are someone who could still work with DOS and not complain. DISCLAIMER: this was another exaggeration to make a point.
A Windows power user should expect a transitional period of at least two weeks to get used to OS X. Many things are similar (which is not surprising since Microsoft basically tried to clone Mac OS), but there are also many differences in the design philosophy.
For me, the major FELT difference between Windows and OS X is this: Windows takes you on a detour whenever possible while OS X usually is straightforward and simply more intuitive to use.
Most of my problems with OS X came exactly from this difference. 20+ years with Microsoft had taught me to always think around the corner and from back to front and bottom to top. But in the Mac ecosystem, software is usually designed to be ridiculously easy to use.
How does this change things? If OS X is compatible with the way how YOU think and work, it will simply make you much more efficient because your work flow will feel more natural to you. (Just as a side note, this is the reason why I prefer Aperture over Lightroom - the design of Aperture perfectly fits into my way of thinking while Lightroom feels completely alien to me.)
There is no binary YES/NO choice here, and there are no technical specs that you can compare with each other. Most of the reasons why a Mac is the better - or worse - choice for you are of psychological nature and have something to do with your individual emotional response to the machine. You could also use the words "haptics" and "ergonomics" in this context, which are nothing but scientific-sounding expressions for emotional responses.
I don't like this relativistic attitude towards the science or ergonomics. There are good reasons your chair does not have spikes that pierce through you or a mouse the size of mount Everest.
Ergonomics is very important, and Apple seems to make much more use of it than other large companies.
I've got nothing to say to that then, I just don't find my programs to have many updates that I can't live without.
The thing is, I have worked with one and I personally find a lot of it is exactly that, more work. If anything I find it harder to do anything advanced in OS X. If I want to do anything advanced at all I either have to give up or jump through a tonne of loopholes.
There's nothing wrong with DOS, it was good for it's time and yes, if I wanted to do something within it's capabilities I could do so without complaining.
What I'm currently wondering is how well Final Cut Pro stands up to Sony Vegas Pro, I've used both but not FCP extensively. Has anybody used both?