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Comments
Chweers Pat.
Hey Charlie,
I'm coming along.. dealing with soreness and healing pain but therapy is doing its job. Thanks for asking.... good to see you back
Glad to hear your on the improve.
I'm seriously considering an Apple computer to replace my PC. Can anybody shed some light on the situation?
Charlie
I guess it all depends on what you're going to do with it. Macs have long been known as being very user-friendly, and yeah, they're more expensive than PCs.
One real advantage with Macs is that they are far less virus-prone than PCs. This is probably because those writing virus figure they can do more damage gearing them for PCs, only because there are so many more PCs on the market.
Another advantage is when a software program crashes (which is rare), you don't have to re-boot the entire computer. You just re-launch the program that crashed. That's a really nice feature.
Bob
I plan to get an Imac.2.8 with 2 GB of ram. - More computer than I need, but then I will have it for a long time.
I'll also be getting a Macbook Pro later on for presentations.
I've spent a lot of time at the Apple store and have gone to their free seminars. From that experience alone I see that there will be fewer computer interruptions to my work day. Less time at the computer - more time with clients. It's as simple as that.
Mac pro - That's one nice computer. great design too. In fact all their products are visualy pleasing.
As far as cost goes - I won't be getting a 90 day trial or watered down versions of software as you do in PC's. When you add those applications to a PC the price comes much closer to a Mac.
Oh, I forgot - add $100 per year for anti virus programs. Some of those PC's may cost more than a mac after 5 years.
I know - It sounds like I've already made up my mind. I'm just trying to make sure I don't trade one set of problems for another.
Charlie
lhttp://buyersguide.macrumors.com/
I use Apples at home & work (a graphic designer also). At home, my Titanium PowerBook's getting a little long in the tooth (think it's approaching 8 years) but still handles most things well. Was looking at adding a new MacBook Pro to the family this month, but the rumor is the newest round of Intel chips will be added to the line in June, so I'm holding off. (This'll actually be my wife's computer... she's making "the switch". She loves the hardware but needs to run Windows, so the new Macs are good for her.)
Third party support (i.e. internet provider & non-Apple hardware) can be frustrating, but I've no other complaints about Apple. I think they're worth the small premium (kinda like Subaru).
But if you are mostly browsing and don't have some esoteric software you have to run, they're just computers. Drive what you like. :shades:
Force quit on a Mac is instantaneous. The crashed program just disappears. It takes so long with my PC that I usually pull the battery on the laptop and reboot!
I was thinking of getting a 24" iMac, but I'm now considering a Mac Mini (assuming the chip is the same) because it doesn't make sense to me to get a new monitor every 6 to 8 years when I'm ready upgrade the computer.
Note: I'm writing this on an iMac vintage late 1999.
Jim
-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host
Thanks for the input
I'll be running Office for mac, I work, and possibly adobe acrobat standard. My wife is using Acrobat 8 at work so I'll be able to really determine if it is right for me.
I'm basically building the hardware around the software that I need to run my business efficiently. I shouldn't have any problems.
We could make the United Automobile Workers of America (UAW) or the Presidential Primaries and Election discussions look like Sunday School. :shades:
The initial cost of a mac is higher but you don't need to add virus protection every year. On average it's safe to say that cost is $100 per year.
Of course you may add software and updates to a Mac over the years - but the net result is an improved computer.
Bob, Jeff - would you agree with this???
As Jeff said " Subaru and Apple are very similar. Premium product due to their unique hardware.
Yet both have softened their differences to reach a greater audience. EX: Mac using Intel chip sets and Office for Mac., Subaru design of the Impreza and 08 Tribeca.
Both are taking risks going mainstream.
This computer discussion has relevance to Subaru.
If you are buying it for a special purpose, or just "like the mac better" then I say go for it, but if you are buying it cause you think it's cheaper, it's not.
I just was up at micro-center in Paterson saw a real good re-furbed IBM unit for less than $200, bump up the memory and you are looking at $250 max and that's with Windows XP Professional on it.
-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host
Oh yeah, I've been on PCs since the late 80's and I've yet to buy an anti-virus program. AVG Free is my current pick. Not sure why I bother though - I think I've had maybe 3 viruses on one of my computers in all that time, and I've never lost anything. But maybe I'm hosting a zombie server spamming for immigration law services (if you remember Canter & Siegel) and don't know it.
Steve, visiting host :shades:
The Mac would require less maintainence - according to what i have heard.
I am also basing my statement on a person who does not have the time (or know how) to repair the computer himself (me!) and therefore must pay to have it done. For this person the Mac might be a better value.
. You and Mike make a good argument.
By the way -I have 3 other PC's in the house so my problems have been X4.
I have the Info I need.
I would like to thank everybody for their input.
The failure rate on most computer hardware is quite low (and then often covered under warranty) so not feeling comfortable about replacing a part doesn't really matter (and truely it's easy to do).
I just checked and year's subscription for McAfee Antivirus is $20.
-Frank
Again, in my business (graphic design), using a PC—while certainly possible, will just make life for me more difficult. When dealing with printing companies and professional design organizations (AIGA, ADCMW), which I do a lot, the support is far, FAR greater for Macs than for PCs.
The time I've spent using a PC is very small, but every time I've used one I couldn't wait to get back on my Mac.
Bob
My neighbor purchased a Mazda Protege new in 03.
He drove my 01 Forester and admitted the handeling was great He wanted the WRX but felt the cost was high and not worth the premium..
He was to the dealer 6 times in 5 months because the battery would go dead if the car was parked for a few days. They finally determined that the defroster would not turn off. Their answer - there is currently no fix from Mazda - don't use the defroster, you really don't need it anyway. There were days if not weeks that he could not use his car. Two years later he traded it in.
(knock on wood) My Forester has not seen a dealer in seven years. I believe that has added value.
Macs are like Subarus - they cost a bit more, they're premium machines -not perfect though - nothing is .
If your in business for yourself, like me, or in a time sensitive industry like graphic design time is an important asset. Macs allow you to address more time to other important issues.
If I can close only one more project per year - then in the long run the mac is saving me money.
Fortunately, my work pc is very stable. When the company upgrades my laptop, I plan to keep it!
Jim
-mike
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/02/27/next_apple_notebook_refresh_rumore- d_for_june.html
I'm thinking about getting an new mobo and rebuilding my desktop. What I really hate are my hard drives - seems I never can get the sound isolated and there's always a whine somewhere. I may just rip 'em all out and hang an external fanless terrabyte drive on the system. Flash drives don't sound very affordable yet.
-mike
The base 2.4 MBP now has the touch pad and you can upgrade to a 7200rpm HD for only $100 - Which I feel is a better value than the $500 bump to the next 2.5 processor. I can always add RAM later on. It's a fast machine.
I hope the rumors are correct and there is an updated IMAC on Tuesday.
The problem with all computers is waiting for the latest technology, you'll never buy - there always something new a few months away. This is the week I'll make my decision.
Charlie
Jim, the next time your system stalls when a program crashes, try this instead of pulling the battery: Press and hold the power button for ~5 seconds; this should shut the system off. Wait a few more seconds, then power back on and let the OS reload.
I would strongly suggest you use a dust mask if you're contemplating woodworking again. The Doctors have diagnosed my lung condition as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. If I contemplate cutting any wood I'm supposed to wear a dust mask (darn, can't remember the #) to keep the sawdust out of the lungs. BTW, carpenters and wood workers can get pulmonary fibrosis according to the doctors. I was lucky and got into a drug study. This drug supposedly halts the disease progression. So far so good. Have they taken an x-ray of your lungs? Looks like a bunch of spider webs and when you breath the doc can hear your lungs crackling. Oh, such fun.
I have had very sensitive lungs every since childhood; I contribute it to my mother's intense and inconsiderate smoking habit.
Cheers Pat.
Cheers Pat.
Boy this was one of those really worthwhile things to do, I had hoped to do it sooner but health problems kept getting in the way. Next year it will really be appreciated. Mind you there is still some old man winter left.
Cheers Pat.
Feel exactly the same way... if we don't hold out 'til June, that's same the configuration we'll go with. :shades:
I plan to switch to Mac this weekend. I'd shoot myself if the upgrade came next week.
Any Info??
How much did that set you back?
I'm going to toss out a guess of ~$400 or so.
Like I said a worthwhile and satisfying job. Total time was about 4 hours, that included running the wiring and finding a suitable location for the switchs.
Cheers Pat.
Don't laugh.. I'm still running Pentium 4 1300 Mhz, 1.30 Ghz, 1.00 GB of RAM. I really don't have the budget for another pc so I'm thinking of just upgrading the processor. Is it worth it? Too much of a headache?
I need some serious help here. I've been getting mixed feedbacks on it but I'm still on the fence. What to do?
And there's always Linux.
How much is a set of those pliers?
It's hard to do a cost estimate when you have to buy new tools, because you never know if you'll use the tool for other jobs later.
But The cheapies do the job, mine are not cheapies but not top quality either. I have had them a long time. I have had more than a few seats apart so they have more than paid for themselves.
Cheers Pat.
Official policy:
http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/salespolicies.html#topic-20
Can't hurt to talk w/the store manager... I've heard they're sometimes able to do things beyond official policy. Good luck to you.
Another issue has popped up. That is the reflections I may have from the glossy screen. Where I sit in my office there is a window behind me - and a light as well.
I can live with having an "older" model and some reflection but on a sunny day it may be a problem. It's hard to determine this in their stores.
Getting a mac pro and using it with my current monitor might be the solution.
I did install a soft top on the Miata by myself, but that job was a bear. Took the better part of 2 days, and I was sore for a week.
Lots of riveting and working in tight spaces.
-mike
Cheers Pat.
My Mac friend keeps telling me that if I can get XP going on his Mac Pro so he can use his sat phone, he'll give me his relatively new Compaq laptop. I'm like - dude, that screen is shiny and I'd never be able to use it lying in my hammock. :shades:
At one time you had a matte/glossy screen choice with the Mac Pro but he's not sure if the matte is still available. His home office is windowless and when he's on a trip, he only uses the laptop in his tent late at night so it doesn't bother him. And he thinks movies show up better on it on planes and stuff.