Recent Windows to MAC platform - do it again???

[Spike88]

My Win XP box blew last week and we're looking for a computer replacement. Was thinking of iMac higher end i3 21.5" model (due to physical space limitations). This desktop will be used for typical home computer tasks (re: email, internet, minor photos, minor video, minor music, minor web caming, etc. etc.). NO Games - kids have gamining machines for that. If wondering, we have a Windows HP Laptop as well. We use it for portability. Thus, Windows Only applications (like Tax Program) will be used on it. 95% of the time, this desktop is used by my kids - age 9 - 17. Wife does email on it.

For the folks who recently switched from Windows to Apple (re: iMac or MBP), would you do it again?

Note: I've had my fill of Window/Apple comparisons (re Chev vs BMW comparisons). I'm also an MCSE - so I know the Windows platforms better then many. Just want to know if the you'd pick the iMac/MBP platform again?

thanks.

 

[JAPears]

i'd switch in an instant, i went back to windows for a few months, ended up selling my gaming pc to buy the top end imac, osx is a lot easier to work with than windows, and the aftercare is superb

 

[akm3]

My only regret was I dipped my toe in the water with a Mac Mini. if I knew then what I knew now I would have gone straight for a top of the line iMac or entry Mac Pro.

...

Which is what I did later. My Mac Mini is now a file server / htpc and I have an iMac 27", wife has a Macbook Air, and a smattering of iPods/iPhones/iPads. We couldn't be happier and would never go back.

One week after purchasing my Mac Mini, my old self built tower PC was unplugged, in the basement, and never to be seen again.

/edit: And no, everything isn't perfect on the Mac side, and not everything 'just works', etc. It isn't a nirvana or perfection. It's just that all the stuff that used to piss me off about computers is simply gone. I have new/different problems but they are much more manageable and less frustrating.

 

[KDR]

I would definitely switch again. I still keep a PC around to access old backups, etc. but am very happy with the move. The whole family is on Macs/iPhones/iPads and I have our entertainment system and distributed music system running on Apple stuff. The integration is awesome.

I don't think Macs are nearly as intuitive as people claim they are, or at least from the perspective of an old PC user. But, they are much better at doing the things 90% of people in the real world use them for.

 

[talmy]

I bought my wife an iMac for Christmas 2004. That was the first in the house. I switched November 2007 when Intel Macs were out as I need to run some Windows apps. Still use Windows (and Linux) at work, but would switch to Macs at home again.

 

[bt22]

I started out purchasing an iPod which introduced me to Apple. My uncle had always used Apple products, but I never bought into it. After the iPod I began purchasing more and more Apple products. I have Airport Extreme, Airport Express, iPhones, several iPods, Apple TV, iPad and just got a MacBook Pro at christmas and want to get an Apple desktop when my Windows computer dies. I have never had any problems with any of these devices, especially compared to windows computers. Like previously posted, there are still problems, just much more managable. OS-X is a lot different than Windows and I still use windows, but I more and more prefer to use OS-X. It just takes a little time learning the features on OS-X that you are used to using in Windows. A lot of these features require using the Command Key or option key... I can't see me going back to Windows unless something drastic happens. Since you still have the HP laptop you would still have access to windows if you had to absolutely use it. Come on over the water is nice over here...

 

[sheareb]

Traditionally a windows based developer doing .NET development and website stuff with dreamweaver. Bought a mac mini to try iphone development.

What I like about the mac is very few problems (I have had the occasional software not respond) and especially the integration between applications such as imovie/iphoto between each other and the mobileme/apple printing service (calendars etc).

macs arent without their glitches tho - somethings still take a lot of getting used to such as switching applications and remembering the top bar changes or switching apps to, say safari, but no window pops up and then realising the menu has changed you just dont have any windows open!!!

Also, on windows the applications such as Visual Studio and Dreamweaver are self contained and fill the window whereas on the mac Xcode and dreamweaver seem to be more floating menus and windows... I hate seeing the desktop through the middle of an app!!!

Would I do the move again? on balance yes... in fact I am looking to sell my mac mini and move to a 27 inch for the extra oomph when using the adobe products and the extra screen space for design work.

 

[Spike88]

Many thanks for your feedback. And I appreciate your honesty stating that "apple isn't perfect - but its better then others" tone. Your honesty impressed me. Based on your feedback, I ordered a new iMac 21.5" i3 box last night. And, my wife is already asking when "her new Apple / iMac box will arive?". Thus, showing she wants to use it for iPhoto fun as well...

On a side note..... I asked a simular question on a few Windows forum. Man, I cannot believe how defensive and anal some of those Windows owners turned into. It was like I insulted their spouse or kids or some other valued family member. It was like I insulted their inner souls. Many of them got "down right" hostile on me. For what? To defend their mighty Windows 7 "perfect" box? Glad you guys have maturity in your replies. Must thank you for that as well...

.

 

[BigRedOne]

I was a very long time Windows user, in June of 2009 I purchased a refurbished 24" and there is no going back. I suspect your going to enjoy your new iMac when you get. Good luck.

 

[farmermac]

I was a very long time Windows user, in June of 2009 I purchased a refurbished 24" and there is no going back. I suspect your going to enjoy your new iMac when you get. Good luck.

Once you go Mac, you don't go back. I remember 1997-1998 when windows was better (IMO) but at this point in time it would take a lot to pry the apple stuff away from me