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Tell me why I would want a imac over a PC?
- Thread starter WizardHunt
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Only one way to find out and that is to wait and see. I hope so!
I will be waiting, have been since March
. I don't need it right now, but I want it right now. Oh this is torture, and after seeing that rumor about no imacs at the conference I almost went out and bought one tonight.As for the original question on this thread, I am buying my first mac after about 15 years with a PC because..
1. I have kids and there is great software for them to be "creative"
2. iMovie and iPhoto - I can create cool stuff of the kids for the grandparents.
3. Like the looks and all in one desktop
4. Like everything I have seen and heard about the OS.
5. Can run windows if I want to.
I will be buying the 24" imac.
Unless you'd miss the expandability of a generic PC or you simply can't afford or don't want to pay the Apple premium (which does exist, even if it's just because their stuff looks better), get an iMac.
I've recommended it to so many people and then help them install XP on it. While it may not broaden their experiences it's still one more sale for Apple that would have otherwise gone to Dell or somewhere. They can always dabble in OSX if they want to, and they still feel comfortable in the windows world.
As a good example, my grandmother wanted an iMac in place of her old Dell because it looked nicer, there was much less on the desk (she couldn't put the tower underneath) and the cabling was reduced. She didn't seem to understand that Apple has only recently started supporting windows, and I don't think she cared. She was happy with her purty new iMac.
I've recommended it to so many people and then help them install XP on it. While it may not broaden their experiences it's still one more sale for Apple that would have otherwise gone to Dell or somewhere. They can always dabble in OSX if they want to, and they still feel comfortable in the windows world.
As a good example, my grandmother wanted an iMac in place of her old Dell because it looked nicer, there was much less on the desk (she couldn't put the tower underneath) and the cabling was reduced. She didn't seem to understand that Apple has only recently started supporting windows, and I don't think she cared. She was happy with her purty new iMac.
So, you recommend all these people you know spend money on rather expensive Macintosh hardware and software packages, just so they can run Windows?
Worst advice ever...
Actually, Operating systems (& software) are NOT covered under warranty.
I found this out the hard way when my brand new mini kept crashing & freezing up. After doing what the apple guy told me to do over the phone, the entire thing died, wouldn't even boot. Took it to a service place & got a NZD$110 (US$82) bill because it turned out to be a software fault.
It really sucked, but after the service my mini runs like I was told all macs do & I am so incredibly glad I got a mac instead of another dreaded pc
Today's the day I'm going to order my Macbook yet I haven't decided on buying the Macbook or Mabook Pro!
He's the story. I want to buy a mac mainly for music production, using applications such as Ableton Live and Logic.
Up until Tuesday I had pretty much decided on buying a Macbook with an upgraded 2gb ram as the spec of this machine was very close to that of the pro and the addition features on the pro didn't justify the hefty price difference.
However, since Apple released the updates for the pro I am now wondering whether I should go for the 15" 2.4 pro. It's more expensive but is the difference in performance compared to the macbook worth the extra cost?
Can anyone give me some advise?
He's the story. I want to buy a mac mainly for music production, using applications such as Ableton Live and Logic.
Up until Tuesday I had pretty much decided on buying a Macbook with an upgraded 2gb ram as the spec of this machine was very close to that of the pro and the addition features on the pro didn't justify the hefty price difference.
However, since Apple released the updates for the pro I am now wondering whether I should go for the 15" 2.4 pro. It's more expensive but is the difference in performance compared to the macbook worth the extra cost?
Can anyone give me some advise?
Not really. Many hardcore PC people buy MacBook Pros and Mac Pros because they are amongst the most advanced systems you can buy for running XP or Vista. The fact that it is a Mac is irrelevant to them and the premium just doesn't matter to many people.
Whoa, hold up. Macbook Pros and Mac Pros are far from being amongst "the most advanced" systems.
InformationWeek agrees.
and you would be hard pressed to find a faster truly portable Windows box than the MacBook Pro.
Yes, it's true, but the idea is quite vulgar. I always take the (short amount) of time to teach my friends and family how to use Mac OS X and they always end up liking it much more than Windows.
If they need Windows for some specific app, I point them to Parallels, not Boot Camp.
Might see some new products on June 29th
I think we may see the new imacs or changes to the imac around the same time that iphone is being released. I just seen a tv ad regarding the iphone and it will be coming June 29th. I am hoping that the new imacs will be released by then too. I am waiting for that before I buy my imac and switch from my PC to imac.
I think we may see the new imacs or changes to the imac around the same time that iphone is being released. I just seen a tv ad regarding the iphone and it will be coming June 29th. I am hoping that the new imacs will be released by then too. I am waiting for that before I buy my imac and switch from my PC to imac.
The software comes with the hardware, I don't advise that these people buy extra mac software. I also point out that it costs more, but looks better (and is more convenient). I also point out other options, such as buying a pre-configured PC (such as a Dell) or indeed getting one built. Mostly the people I talk to are more then happy to spend the extra money for the mac. I then install windows, run updates etc and have it up and going in about two hours.
The people know what they're getting. Once you factor in screen, sound system and everything else, a mac ends up being pretty competitive. This advantage is usually taken away by then buying xp (and maybe office 07).
One thing you can't buy elsewhere is the convenience and simplicity of the hardware. Even other sff systems (such as shuttle, the dell optiplex series, most of the lenovo systems) you have a huge bundle of cables which can be daunting if, say, you want to plug in your digital camera. Once the keyboard and printer (or mouse, depending on peripherals) is taken care of, there is only one usb port left. Just plug the cam into that one. A mac is simple, even hardware wise.
Also, I usually try to get student discount for them. I have a big pool of students (friends + family) that have loaned me their studentness for this purpose ^_^
Anyway, my point is that macs are compelling even as windows machines. As I said before, the only things that could put you off buying one is either the price or the expandability. You questioned my methods on a basis of price, I stated in my first sentence that price should be a deciding factor. Go figure.
I don't understand why you don't explain to them that Macs are meant to run Mac OS X or even make an attempt to show them why it is better (which it is, this is another part of the cost). It's not just because they look better.
Well obviously not. Explain to them that they're paying for an outstanding operating system that tramples all over Windows, an outstanding package of software for which no PC equivelant truly exists (iLife) and that they're wiping it all out to install another operating system and some less impressive software, just so they could have the "look" of a Mac, as you put it.
Maybe I can envision, like, one person wanting to do this. But you make it sound like you have a veritable fleet of these orbiting around in your friendspace. Which I find super hard to believe, unless all of your friends and family just have lots of money to blow and all absolutely refuse to even acknowledge Mac OS X. And from my experience of getting (surely even more of) my friends and family into Macs, they all want to use Mac OS X. I haven't had a single person yet tell me they want to run Windows. I don't get how you could have found a whole bunch of these extremely rare people.
What?? I have never seen a digital camera need any more than one cable, on either a Mac or a PC.
I still don't get it. I don't see this tremendous value.
These people are aware of OS X. I show it off to them. I leave windows as the default OS because they are comfortable using it, they have software invested in it, they have devices that are designed for it and they find it easier to get tech support from friends and family if I'm not around.
The point about the cables was referring to the cable mess you often see behind PCs, not the number of cables from the camera itself. On a standard system you have internet, monitor, speakers, printer, keyboard, mouse, etc. With the iMac, that becomes keyboard in the back, mouse in the keyboard, internet into the back and printer into the back. Instead of having to wade through a bundle of wires to even find the ports you need (which aren't accessible if they're around the back, anyway) one has only three cables and one clearly shaped usb port remaining to use. There is less cable clutter because it's more integrated.
I have used both mac and pc for a while now, and I'm not impressed by the software of either side. Windows is effected by instability due to poor coding, usually at the device driver or third party application level. Apple seem to simply disregard many third party hardware peripherals. I've often had applications crash on me too. The people I am talking about I have spent hours teaching how to use one operating system, or have special applications for which there is no mac equivalent (such as, say, accounting packages). Either way I don't want to usurp their investments on a whim. If they say they need windows I give them windows. I show them some of the fancy things that OS X can do, then let them slip back into their comfortable world.
Just because you think it's a poor decision it doesn't mean that others do as well. I could just as easily have advised most of them to get a shuttle or a similar sff computer - in fact, in one case I did. The thing is these people don't even care that OS X exists. They want windows. If they choose to have a boring pc from Dell, that's their choice. My advice has always been that the iMac is simpler and Apple has better hardware support and warranties (particularly if you get Applecare).
Frankly I don't understand why this bothers you so. If people are buying Macs and are fully aware of the premium they're paying but then decide to run another operating system, why is it a problem? Does every mac need to run OS X? Are you hurt that people are running an unclean operating system on virgin Apple hardware? If the operating system is so important, why not just pirate OS X on generic hardware? You can build a _very_ nice pc if you put the effort in.
Perhaps we should leave this thread alone and continue our discussion as PMs? You could email me as well, if you want. I think my email is available on my profile. Either way, let the poor guy make his decision without our fight in the background ^_^
The point about the cables was referring to the cable mess you often see behind PCs, not the number of cables from the camera itself. On a standard system you have internet, monitor, speakers, printer, keyboard, mouse, etc. With the iMac, that becomes keyboard in the back, mouse in the keyboard, internet into the back and printer into the back. Instead of having to wade through a bundle of wires to even find the ports you need (which aren't accessible if they're around the back, anyway) one has only three cables and one clearly shaped usb port remaining to use. There is less cable clutter because it's more integrated.
I have used both mac and pc for a while now, and I'm not impressed by the software of either side. Windows is effected by instability due to poor coding, usually at the device driver or third party application level. Apple seem to simply disregard many third party hardware peripherals. I've often had applications crash on me too. The people I am talking about I have spent hours teaching how to use one operating system, or have special applications for which there is no mac equivalent (such as, say, accounting packages). Either way I don't want to usurp their investments on a whim. If they say they need windows I give them windows. I show them some of the fancy things that OS X can do, then let them slip back into their comfortable world.
Just because you think it's a poor decision it doesn't mean that others do as well. I could just as easily have advised most of them to get a shuttle or a similar sff computer - in fact, in one case I did. The thing is these people don't even care that OS X exists. They want windows. If they choose to have a boring pc from Dell, that's their choice. My advice has always been that the iMac is simpler and Apple has better hardware support and warranties (particularly if you get Applecare).
Frankly I don't understand why this bothers you so. If people are buying Macs and are fully aware of the premium they're paying but then decide to run another operating system, why is it a problem? Does every mac need to run OS X? Are you hurt that people are running an unclean operating system on virgin Apple hardware? If the operating system is so important, why not just pirate OS X on generic hardware? You can build a _very_ nice pc if you put the effort in.
Perhaps we should leave this thread alone and continue our discussion as PMs? You could email me as well, if you want. I think my email is available on my profile. Either way, let the poor guy make his decision without our fight in the background ^_^
I asked because I wanted to see the responses I would get and what reasons other buy Macs. I was actually convinced before I wrote the thread but my wife wasn't. Thanks to all the Excellent responses she is now convinced that imac is the next computer for me. I wish to thank everyone who put in their 2 bits.
However Father Jack, your comment was not useful at all, sorry but it wasn't.
I plan to buy a imac with 24 inch screen and have 3 GB ram , with 500GB or 750GB Hard Drive and I want to get it with the 256 MG video card option and might even order the 2.33 vs the 2.16 though it may not be much difference in speed. However with all the talk in this thread I am going to wait til after the end of June to see if there will be any new imacs coming to the table.
Everyone feel free to comment on this reply. I again wish to thank everyone for taking the time to answer my question that I posted . . . Thanks again.
I see lots of people doing that. Im sure hes just an old grumpy guy
Yeah, he probably doesn't sign his emails either! (What are they teaching in schools these days?
)-=|Mgkwho
No- Apple won't cannibalize its iPhone publicity. Also think of the craziness that will happen that weekend; the stores will be incredibly crowded.
Unless they reconfigure the iMac into a professional offering (as ThinkSecret suggests) which is doubtful, you won't see it at WWDC and therefore won't see it until mid-July at the earliest.
-=|Mgkwho
well most people are usually sceptical of macs...no surprise as macs are slightly more expensive if u take into consideration their specs compared with pcs...da interface is scary at first looks and also...the limited choices of games...i myself was the same until my dad bought a macbook pro
it impressed me from the power on button...never in my life i have seen any pc start up so fast...and stuff like spotlight dashboard and expose made me went...'cooooollll'...
and for you vista users out there, please take a look at the leopard sneak peeks...its lovely
erm...other reasons for imacs...no big cpu's on your desks, the speakers are surprisingly much better than standard monitor speakers, and erm...you get a cute little remote
it impressed me from the power on button...never in my life i have seen any pc start up so fast...and stuff like spotlight dashboard and expose made me went...'cooooollll'...
and for you vista users out there, please take a look at the leopard sneak peeks...its lovely
erm...other reasons for imacs...no big cpu's on your desks, the speakers are surprisingly much better than standard monitor speakers, and erm...you get a cute little remote
In May (last year) my PC completely died and I was raising money throughout the summer to buy a new computer, when (in September) Apple announced the new 24" iMac (myself being a graphic designer) I couldn't resist, I went for it straight on and I must say, it was my best purchase ever.
Why?
1 - Best looking computer EVER, really... even the back is absolutely stunning. Go see it live at an Apple Store, you'll know what I mean
2 - Uncluttered design, only two cables (power and keyboard) goes in the back, the rest is up to you.
3 - Has a built in camera to use with Skype and to grab some tacky pictures of yourself using the Photo Booth application (bundled with OSX).
4 - Has built in Microphone so it's one less thing you have too purchase or plug on.
5 - It has the Apple Remote which is great if you want to use the iMac to watch dvd's or other media from across the room using Front Row (also bundled with OSX).
6 - iLife. Excellent suite for creating content, I never thought I would actually use it but it's just so easy to work with that you'll soon find out that this application suite is almost worth what you pay for the computer itself. Beautiful integration and interface design is a perfect match for every single iLife app.
7 - I play Counter Strike Source online, no problem. Downloaded Bootcamp, installed Windows XP and I've been playing with better performance than I ever did in my PC.
8 - OSX. This is the killer feature for me. I strongly believe that if people approach OSX with an open mind they will NEVER go back to Windows. The cleanness, stability, security, robustness and integration of Apple's OS kicks the crap out of Windows IMO (this would be a whole different thread). And I never wanted any Windows app that I couldn't find for OSX or at least it's equivalent. Exposé, Dashboard, Spotlight, Spring Loaded Folders, Built in Dictionary, the Dock, iTunes, Front Row, Font Book, Address Book, Mail.app, iCal.. this stuff is all bundled with OSX and give you even less reasons to download further 3rd party apps.
9 - The little things.. make a great product. The ambient light sensor, the non reflective bright screen, the easiness with setting up the computer, the easiness of transporting it (compared to a display and tower PC), the option to run almost any OS in virtualization.. it all comes together to give you the best computer experience possible.
This was my first Mac (purchased by me, for me) and in 9 months of using it I must say, I'm very happy to have made this choice, I can't even remember the last time I had a problem with my computer and I'm definitely "NOT GOING BACK" to PC's, both hardware and software.
Instead... I'm already thinking of buying a MacBook
My 2 cents...
Why?
1 - Best looking computer EVER, really... even the back is absolutely stunning. Go see it live at an Apple Store, you'll know what I mean
2 - Uncluttered design, only two cables (power and keyboard) goes in the back, the rest is up to you.
3 - Has a built in camera to use with Skype and to grab some tacky pictures of yourself using the Photo Booth application (bundled with OSX).
4 - Has built in Microphone so it's one less thing you have too purchase or plug on.
5 - It has the Apple Remote which is great if you want to use the iMac to watch dvd's or other media from across the room using Front Row (also bundled with OSX).
6 - iLife. Excellent suite for creating content, I never thought I would actually use it but it's just so easy to work with that you'll soon find out that this application suite is almost worth what you pay for the computer itself. Beautiful integration and interface design is a perfect match for every single iLife app.
7 - I play Counter Strike Source online, no problem. Downloaded Bootcamp, installed Windows XP and I've been playing with better performance than I ever did in my PC.
8 - OSX. This is the killer feature for me. I strongly believe that if people approach OSX with an open mind they will NEVER go back to Windows. The cleanness, stability, security, robustness and integration of Apple's OS kicks the crap out of Windows IMO (this would be a whole different thread). And I never wanted any Windows app that I couldn't find for OSX or at least it's equivalent. Exposé, Dashboard, Spotlight, Spring Loaded Folders, Built in Dictionary, the Dock, iTunes, Front Row, Font Book, Address Book, Mail.app, iCal.. this stuff is all bundled with OSX and give you even less reasons to download further 3rd party apps.
9 - The little things.. make a great product. The ambient light sensor, the non reflective bright screen, the easiness with setting up the computer, the easiness of transporting it (compared to a display and tower PC), the option to run almost any OS in virtualization.. it all comes together to give you the best computer experience possible.
This was my first Mac (purchased by me, for me) and in 9 months of using it I must say, I'm very happy to have made this choice, I can't even remember the last time I had a problem with my computer and I'm definitely "NOT GOING BACK" to PC's, both hardware and software.
Instead... I'm already thinking of buying a MacBook
My 2 cents...
Note that 3GB ram is awfully expensive for the benefit it brings (next to none for most tasks).
I would agree if you are only word processing or surfing but surely additional ram is of great benefit because of the speed increase when using programs like Photoshop and Final Cut etc.