Why should i get a mac?

[California]

I'd lay off the guy. I'll take him at his word that he is interested in getting a Mac and unless you you got money to burn, your budget can take a big hit. He hasn't really unfairly trashed Apple in any way, though negative comments are not always taken so well. And honestly, I will agree with his point that the number one reason Windows is slow is that users don't know what they are doing and there is tons of crap bogging it down. My Windows machine works very well, honestly maybe more stable than my Mac. But then again I am totally paranoid with my Windows machine and load tons of crap on my Mac

The only reason I think iWho was trolling was that he asked a newbie question and then gave a seasoned answer. Tricky.

 

[iWho?]

Thank you DaveP. You have been very helpful. What i think i will do is wait for more tests on the intels to emerge, and then maybe consider it.

California, thanks for your input, it's really appreciated. Another thing i have decided from this thread is that whenever i don't with the mac community, they become hostile. The community of users is a very important thing when buying hardware, and i haven't seen that in the mac community, except in a few users!

Well done! you just scared away another person considering a mac!

i'm kinda sad about this, i was excited about a new os to tinker with

 

[iWho?]

The only reason I think iWho was trolling was that he asked a newbie question and then gave a seasoned answer. Tricky

like i said earlier, i am a complete newbie when it comes to macs, but i do know a bit about PCs. no, i didn't answer my own question, i simply questioned points brought up.

 

[California]

Thank you DaveP. You have been very helpful. What i think i will do is wait for more tests on the intels to emerge, and then maybe consider it.

California, thanks for your input, it's really appreciated. Another thing i have decided from this thread is that whenever i don't with the mac community, they become hostile. The community of users is a very important thing when buying hardware, and i haven't seen that in the mac community, except in a few users!

Well done! you just scared away another person considering a mac!

i'm kinda sad about this, i was excited about a new os to tinker with

No. You aren't.

Our words betray our true intentions and you already made up your mind before you asked the first "innocent" question to bait us.

You'd already decided that the Mac OS was not right for you, and your PC is stable and you don't seem to have any good reason to switch so, what was your point in starting this thread?

 

[Jovian9]

.......As your title states, and most people on here will tell you, most people buy an Apple computer, because of the Macintosh OS.

The OS is #1 for me.........

And next I would say I buy Apple computers for design.......some people actually care what the computer, that they spend hours a day in front of, looks like. If Apple packaged these things in brown/beige/black boxes there would be no way I would enjoy using the machine as much as I do now.

Never worrying about security is another reason I enjoy owning a Mac.

Plug and play with any peripherals (printers, cameras, external drives, card readers, etc.) is great....I've never had a problem with something not working or not being recognized when plugged in. I don't know how many times I had this problem on the last compaq/windows machine I owned.

After using Macs for years I would also add to this that I will continue to buy them b/c of customer service. Any time I have ever had a problem it has been resolved, and several times I have received brand new upgraded replacements for my troubles or free RAM/accessories and such. Exceptional customer service.

 

[iWho?]

umm. My point in starting the thread was to see if i would like Mac OS. I'm into graphics and creative type things, and i heard OS X was great for that. I thought it would be a good idea to join a Mac forum to learn a bit more about it.

i find it interesting how you say you know what i am thinking better than i know what i'm thinking

You'd already decided that the Mac OS was not right for you, and your PC is stable and you don't seem to have any good reason to switch so, what was your point in starting this thread?

Windows works well for me. My Athlon XP 2400+ worked well for me, but i upgraded my system because it is better. I am considering OS X becuase it may be better than what i currently have.

Thanks Jovian9 for your input. Does Mac OS automaticaly find drivers when you plug something in or do you need to install them?

 

[sorryiwasdreami]

Does Mac OS automaticaly find drivers when you plug something in or do you need to install them?

OS X comes with all the drivers you need. I don't think there was ever a time i had to use a driver CD when I used new hardware. I'm sure there are exceptions, but I've never come across them.

 

[Jovian9]

umm. My point in starting the thread was to see if i would like Mac OS. I'm into graphics and creative type things, and i heard OS X was great for that. I thought it would be a good idea to join a Mac forum to learn a bit more about it.

i find it interesting how you say you know what i am thinking better than i know what i'm thinking

Thanks Jovian9 for your input. Does Mac OS automaticaly find drivers when you plug something in or do you need to install them?

I've never installed a driver on any OSX machine I've owned (4 iMacs, 2 iBooks, 2 PowerBooks.....I upgrade every year). I've had several card readers, several external hard drives, 4 printers (one laser), 2 scanners, a wacom tablet (purchased years ago), several keychain flash drives, lots of different mice (until I realized I loved the Logitech Trackman Wheel mice) b/c I have never liked the one button mouse (though I occassionally give my mighty mouse a try..........and still have never installed a driver. There are lots of drivers already installed in the OS. If you do a fresh install yourself you can exclude drivers from whatever companies you'd like (say you have a lexmark printer....you can let those install and take out the hp drivers, brother drivers, etc.).
As for your question about whether it finds drivers, well yeah....I assume so.....since everything always just works.

 

[iWho?]

thanks

 

[Malfoy]

Depends on what it is.

OS X detected all my HP printers (7350 and 7760) but I had to install the drivers for my Canon printers (i9900 and CP220). Only other things I've installed for it was the iSight, iPod, card reader, and a logitech keyboard and mouse. All was detected and i didnt need to install anything. Oh and I think its worth mentioning that I keep to NTFS external drives connected to my mac for reading purposes and they work fine. I just can't write to them. Ok now I need to do some HW!

 

[blackpeter]

A shorter list might be: "Why should you keep using Windows?"

 

[maz94protege]

ive uses windows since the first beta version for the older 286 processor and the 486 intel first processor at 55mhz, Suddenly took the leap into the APPLE world...never triped and will never go back, Easy to pickup on...very simple to use. Any common person can catch up on it, some stuff is a lil different, but absolutly the best decision ive ever made in my life


"Oh i did also save money on my car insurance by switching to...... " nevermind LOL


JUST SWITCH! You wont regret it!

 

[iWho?]

that statement is backed up only by opinion.

The most helpful users have backed up their claims with facts.

 

[Jovian9]

I guess another benefit would be how well Apple computers hold value. I sell mine and upgrade about every year. I spend b/t (just estimating) $200-$500 extra per year to get a new machine after I sell the old one. It's not too much to spend to always have a new machine and always have a warranty. I sell my Macs on eBay and always get good $ for them.

 

[Avarus]

that statement is backed up only by opinion.

The most helpful users have backed up their claims with facts.

From my personal experience, the Apple computers tend to run smoother than the PC based ones running windows. This is probably due to the fact that Apple controls the hardware put into the computer and thus are able to optimize their OS to run faster and more streamline as opposed to Windows which is built for compatibility which leads to stability issues and the like.

I love my PC and wouldn't change it for anything since it does play games fairly well and is adaptable. But it will always get it's ass beat hands down by the eMac I use at my job, which constantly performs faster and is greatly more stable than my PC which has a faster processor and more ram- better Video Card as well.

I would say if you are into GFX editing and Audio, go for a Mac.

 

[DaveP]

One thing to consider is that Macs have high resale values. So while it is a large financial commitment, you should be able get a very high percentage of your money back if you don't like it and want to sell.

 

[GFLPraxis]

You shouldn't buy a Mac for the hardware- especially when considering they are going to have standard PC hardware now.

It's all about the operating system. At first the interface may seem foreign, but the OS is far superior. Ever experienced Windows rot? Your Windows PC slowing down over time as you use it, the more programs you install? That doesn't happen on OS X. There are no viruses that affect Mac OS X. By design it is far more secure. It's generally much easier to fix problems with Macs, as well. It also is a lot more capable, with UNIX and X11 and all. If you find the GUI limiting, pop open terminal and do whatever you want

Apple's software is far more user friendly nad very good, especially the iLife application suite.

 

[Bubbasteve]

When I think of creativity I think of Apple computers because of the marketing slogan "think different"... I can't really back up why they are so great for creativity (I'll let other posters help you out there). But all I have to say is that there is a reason why a majority of professional producers and photographers use Macs now-a-days, and that reason IMO is because of their easy to learn OS and reliability... but heck I could be wrong

 

[LACOSTE]

Why i chose the Mac

1. CHATTING... MSN dont have Video/audio support for the MAC OS version. But iChatAV rocks (interface, filesharing, integration with other software are top notch) and if u need to tinker tool with a PC chat buddy you use yahoo IM service.

2.PORTABILITY of their Portables... the cheaper equivalent PC laptops are too heavy fo even put on your lap. iBooks and Powerbooks are very sleek albeit expensive. But i Find that these machines pay for themselves. They dont weigh a ton, and their batteries have last for ages. Just feed them with enough RAM and they fly... the MAC OS feeds on it. The MacBook Pro is alot faster already (4-5 times quicker as quoted), With added RAM, it would be even more blistering... Just ordered one with 1Gb of RAM, cant weight till they ship on feb... sigh.

3. CREATIVE NICHE... Macs foster alot of creative and innovative software. Try your hands on omnigraffle (concept mapping) and omnioutliner for the mac, they are an absolute Godsend for students. You cant go wrong with the iWork suites especially Keynote (kicks the arse of powerpoint by a mile). The Mac version of MSWORD have alot of extra features not seen on the PC version: eg audio recording and Notebook layout which saved my heavy loaded semester of study. Hint: with the iWork software called pages: you can create a good looking layout of a flyer and port it to word if you need to. Very useful indeed.

4. NEWBIE FRIENDLY... i consider Macs newbie friendly because they are so easy to use. You said earlier that the interface is too simplistic, why do you want to complicate what the customers see more that you need to? If you are really looking for a more advanced level of control over the OS learn about how to use Applescript. You can control and automate virtually any application you feed your Mac in alot more efficient ways than you could on a PC. Maybe even create your own, in less time and less hassles. A mac is not only Newbie friendly, but it gifts efficiency for ADVANCED USERS.

5. iLIFE suite IS SWEET... check out what you can do with the software that comes preloaded on the mac. They are very useful, (a)iPhoto manages your photos easily, efficiently and profeessionally (b) iMovie Create professional looking movies in less time (c) GARAGEband - create podcasts with moving pictures in minutes (d) iWeb - create professional looking websites without a knowledge of programming and difficult software. I suggest you browse through the iLife section at apple.com to view more interesting features.

6. INTEGRATION... the thing that you find out about the software made for Mac is that they talk to each other very well. Crosslinking among the six iLife applications is a really good example, it saves a lot of time. The level of integration of Mail, iCal, iChat, and also the use of Widgets makes using a mac a breeze, a pleasure and a very memorable one.

7. HARDWARE... Just look at the macs on the shop... they look as good as they run. iPods, iMacs, MacBook Pro, PowerMacs... and the gorgeous cinemadisplays.... they demand a higher price because they are worth alot more in beauty and capability.

IF i compare the PC and MAC using these 7 categories, the Mac wins handsdown. There are alot more reasons why the Mac comes out a clear winner, some of them im still learning like all the other mac fans.

 

[altair]

Give me a break, this guy is a troll.

Its a very good technique he is using.

He first asks a question that he knows will get responses, then acts nice to them, but then throws out another question that is sure to get a negative response, ie "the whole file system is a mess and the interface is a bit too "dumbed down" for me".

Then some of ya'll fell into the trap of defending yourself to someone who obviously isn't worth your time. And he was set, he could then throw in the "but i was just curious about the system don't be so mean!" type statement, which invariably makes some people feel for him, and others see through the falsehood, and call him on it.

This creates a supposed rift within the community, with some people defending him and others trashing him, which then turns into the community attacking itself instead of the troll.

He can further the issue by then claiming that "Another thing i have decided from this thread is that whenever i don't with the mac community, they become hostile. The community of users is a very important thing when buying hardware, and i haven't seen that in the mac community, except in a few users!" Which is mainly silly as everyone was helpful except a few people.

He then goes nuclear with "Well done! you just scared away another person considering a mac!"

Silly silly troll using a pretty good trolling method, ask a question, take a shot, when they shoot back, you cry, when they pity your tears you fire another shot, some still pity you, others don't, embrace the ones pitying you, get them to shoot back at the ones who don't.

Well done.

 

[kwajaln]

^ GREAT post LaCoste!!!

A shorter list might be: "Why should you keep using Windows?"

TOO TRUE, TOO TRUE!!!

 

[sorryiwasdreami]

Give me a break, this guy is a troll.

Its a very good technique he is using.

Well articulated.

 

[BakedBeans]

iWho

If you like the windows operating system - Stick with it. Apple is in no rush to convert every Windows user to Mac.

I used Windows for years - I still own a windows box (Although it doesnt get switched on and i dont let it on my network) just incase i need it - which i havent done in the 3/4 years I've been using Mac, so I know windows really well.

Its probably more appropriate to ask you what you do for a living and what you use your system for than it is for us to tell you why you should use Mac. If you are a creative professional then there is a huge benefit to using the Mac platform - thats why Mac has a (roughly) 80% share of the creative market. If you are running it for just games then great - use windows, its better, much better for gaming (simply because of 1) game availability 2) optimization )

If you want to manage your digital life style then Mac outperforms windows easily - iTunes, iPhoto, iWeb, iDvd and iMovie all come free with Mac and are FANTASTIC apps. If your a webdesigner then Mac is a great option (roughly 65 - 70% of websites are made on Mac)


I think Windows users feel the need to be switched - that Mac needs to earn the right for you to use it - but the reality is, if you dont want to - dont, its no big eal.

if you want a smoother more secure OS with many many bonuses (and very little disadvantages) then choose mac

 

[maxterpiece]

The UI will seem clunky when you first use it because your first thought every time you want to do something is to do it the windows way. Some of the time that won't work at all, and all of the time it won't work exactly how you planned. Once you break out of your instinctual windows mode, you start to see the logic behind how apple decided to structure things.

I would argue that in all honesty it is OS X that is less dumbed down and less disorganized - these to things add up to elegance: elegance in the way that programs interact with each other, elegance in the way that security is built in. There are no wizards that jump in your face and offer to help you do this or that (think autoexec CDs, new hardware wizard, connect to the internet wizard), instead, Mac OS respects that the user will install any hardware he needs properly and will access the help menu if he needs help. Likewise, there is not so much of an emphasis on shortcuts because OS X actually respects the fact taht a user will be able to navigate his hard disk, and organize his files in a way that makes sense to him. The dock is easier to edit (drag, drag off, no need to right click and select an option). Everything is there, but it's not in your face because it knows the user will find the more advanced things as he becomes more advanced. None of this is a big deal really, but the sum of it - think of it like dealing with a person. You can work with a 2 coworkers, both of whom get the job done equally fast, but one is easier to approach and you don't have to be so nasty to just to get a point across.

Now no one is suggesting that you can't handily manage your windows system. Almost any one on this website can, and most people do. We don't get on our windows machines because we know what we're doing. The bottom line is, when you try a mac for a while you start to realize all the managing you used to have to do - and not that it necessarily even took up so much time, but you always had to have these little things in the back of your mind to avoid.

If you are really truly curious about the macs, the only way you're gonna find out whether you like them is by going out and getting one and forcing yourself to use it. If it doesn't work out then you ebay it. If you get one of the first Intel Macs you could keep it for 2 weeks then return it minus 10% restocking, or if you keep it longer, ebay it for about 90% of what you spent. It's not a huge loss.

 

[solvs]

Another thing i have decided from this thread is that whenever i don't with the mac community, they become hostile. The community of users is a very important thing when buying hardware, and i haven't seen that in the mac community, except in a few users!

You shouldn't base such a decision on stuff like that. There are some Windows and Linux users who are the same way. Mac users are used to being dumped on by people who know nothing about them, so we can be defensive. And we evangelize because it's something we love. Some of us just despise Windows. I fix Windows problems all day at work, so I know how bad it can get. I rarely have a problem with my PC at home, but it does happen. I have far fewer problems with my Mac, and I love the software.Seems much smoother to me. For a comparison, I clicked on the FireFox icon on my similarly configured Mac and AMD Windows2000 PC, and though the PC seemed to load it faster, it was actually up and usable on the Mac faster. I was still staring at a blank page on my PC while on the iMac I was ready to surf. But that's just me. If you like Windows and Linux, and don't like OS X, nothing anyone says will convince you otherwise.

I like my iMac (more than I thought I would, I was planning on buying a PowerMac), and I like the software. OS X, iLife, FCP Studio. Editing audio/video/images feels easier to me. Fewer weird problems and headaches. Not saying it's perfect, but better IMO. If you can spend a good amount of time on a Mac, try to forget to do things the Windows way, and you still don't like it... what else do you want us to say?

As long as you make an informed decision and don't troll around her telling us that you don't like OS X, it would be hard for us to fault you.