peripatetic
Well-known
There are now 3 really good choices, Mac, Linux (I prefer Ubuntu) and Windows 7.
Like many people I have Macs at home and Windows and Linux at work.
Back in the day OSX was a huge advance over Windows, but technically now both Linux and Windows 7 are equally good for most things.
Macs do have a price premium, and in the UK at least, the premium is approaching extortionate proportions - I'd say more than double, approaching 2.5x the equivalent PC price for Linux or Windows. I think it's not quite as bad in the US.
The only thing I really really really (I mean a LOT) hate about OSX is the finder; which I think is a complete abomination. Of couse one can buy a decent file browser, but they cost as much as the OS. I actually frequently use the command shell rather than suffer one of the four stupid ways to browse the finder allows you.
However, you should probably let your choice of software choose your operating system for you. If it's Aperture it has to be Mac, Lightroom and Capture One will go Mac or Windows, and Bibble Pro (now Corel something) will go Mac, Windows or Linux.
I have a ton of Apple devices, iPhones, iPads, MacPro laptop, Mac Pro desktop, etc. And they make really good stuff. However Microsoft has really cleaned up their act in the last few years, post-Vista and now make very good software too. It's been years since I last saw a blue-screen on a Windows machine, and I've had a lot more hardware problems with my Macs than my Windows or Linux PCs in the last 4-5 years.
Probably everyone is moving towards "appliance" type devices, Apple certainly is, and Microsoft is going to be making its own tablets too. I find this unfortunate, but it seems to be inevitable.
I've probably bought my last Macs, but if you've never had one then you might as well try one.
My next computers will doubtless all be very touch-screen focussed. Probably Windows 8 tablet devices.
Don't get all religious about Macs though, that way bankruptcy lies.
Like many people I have Macs at home and Windows and Linux at work.
Back in the day OSX was a huge advance over Windows, but technically now both Linux and Windows 7 are equally good for most things.
Macs do have a price premium, and in the UK at least, the premium is approaching extortionate proportions - I'd say more than double, approaching 2.5x the equivalent PC price for Linux or Windows. I think it's not quite as bad in the US.
The only thing I really really really (I mean a LOT) hate about OSX is the finder; which I think is a complete abomination. Of couse one can buy a decent file browser, but they cost as much as the OS. I actually frequently use the command shell rather than suffer one of the four stupid ways to browse the finder allows you.
However, you should probably let your choice of software choose your operating system for you. If it's Aperture it has to be Mac, Lightroom and Capture One will go Mac or Windows, and Bibble Pro (now Corel something) will go Mac, Windows or Linux.
I have a ton of Apple devices, iPhones, iPads, MacPro laptop, Mac Pro desktop, etc. And they make really good stuff. However Microsoft has really cleaned up their act in the last few years, post-Vista and now make very good software too. It's been years since I last saw a blue-screen on a Windows machine, and I've had a lot more hardware problems with my Macs than my Windows or Linux PCs in the last 4-5 years.
Probably everyone is moving towards "appliance" type devices, Apple certainly is, and Microsoft is going to be making its own tablets too. I find this unfortunate, but it seems to be inevitable.
I've probably bought my last Macs, but if you've never had one then you might as well try one.
My next computers will doubtless all be very touch-screen focussed. Probably Windows 8 tablet devices.
Don't get all religious about Macs though, that way bankruptcy lies.
jcrutcher
Veteran
Thank you for all the assistance.
I've convinced myself to get a Macbook Pro 15 inch. A couple of you have suggested the non-glare screen, can I ask why you think thats better? also the retina interests me if I feel I won't use an external monitor. If I plan to use the laptop screen than why is the Retina better? what I see from the Retina is the possible 16G of ram, not sure if I need that or not. As far as upgrading every 3 years, what I meant to say is since it appears this is normal I might as well try a mac this time around. I'm fortunate that the cost difference is a minor factor.
Thank you again. Jim
I've convinced myself to get a Macbook Pro 15 inch. A couple of you have suggested the non-glare screen, can I ask why you think thats better? also the retina interests me if I feel I won't use an external monitor. If I plan to use the laptop screen than why is the Retina better? what I see from the Retina is the possible 16G of ram, not sure if I need that or not. As far as upgrading every 3 years, what I meant to say is since it appears this is normal I might as well try a mac this time around. I'm fortunate that the cost difference is a minor factor.
Thank you again. Jim
jcrutcher
Veteran
One more question. Apple has only 8 G of ram with the macbook pro Non-Retina. Can more be added by 3rd party like in a PC?
bdeyes
Established
In the 5 years since I got my first Mac (Macbook Pro 17" in 2007), Apple has issued 4 OS releases (Leopard, Snow Leopard, Lion, Mountain Lion). If you like stability, and not having to worry about impact of upgrades to your favorite software programs (in my case Nikon Scan, Silver Efex), take a hard look at the support history of those programs, and customer issues, before you commit to Mac. Also note that the 17" MBP is no longer in the Apple lineup, which I find to be a show-stopper for me in terms of an upgrade path. (I prefer laptops, and need the larger screen real estate.)
Good luck on your quest.
Good luck on your quest.
SausalitoDog
Well-known
Good work on the convincing, Jim
A lot of folks screamed when Apple switched the default to shiny vs matte. It is true that the shiny is a little more vibrant than the matte, but it is just too gorgeous not to use it.
As to memory, the apple installed is a little more expensive than 3rd party, but I would go with the apple memory by all means (I never buy extended warranties, but Apple care is so good, I would get that as well - anything wrong, they fix or replace on the spot for 3 years with it).
I see the last post about eliminating the 17" version - which is what I am moving from... I thought long and hard about that and decided that the retina display was just too good to stay with the 17" any longer (nice as it is). The new MBP is so light and small it's almost like a Macbook Air (you probably will want the external dvd drive just in case there is some app or other you need to install from a CD - a LOT less likely these days).
We've had 5 Apple notebooks in the family now and I have to say I have loved every one of them, but none have excited me like the new one (expected in a week
Cheers,
Tom
A lot of folks screamed when Apple switched the default to shiny vs matte. It is true that the shiny is a little more vibrant than the matte, but it is just too gorgeous not to use it.
As to memory, the apple installed is a little more expensive than 3rd party, but I would go with the apple memory by all means (I never buy extended warranties, but Apple care is so good, I would get that as well - anything wrong, they fix or replace on the spot for 3 years with it).
I see the last post about eliminating the 17" version - which is what I am moving from... I thought long and hard about that and decided that the retina display was just too good to stay with the 17" any longer (nice as it is). The new MBP is so light and small it's almost like a Macbook Air (you probably will want the external dvd drive just in case there is some app or other you need to install from a CD - a LOT less likely these days).
We've had 5 Apple notebooks in the family now and I have to say I have loved every one of them, but none have excited me like the new one (expected in a week
Cheers,
Tom
RObert Budding
D'oh!
Photoshop on the PC or on the Mac is still Photoshop. All I want from the OS is stability and easy maintenance. You can get that on either platform - because the Mac is a BSD Unix variant.
Jubb Jubb
Well-known
If you are going a laptop, get the non-glare screen. The glare screens are so reflective it makes seeing it in daylight very hard, so if you want to be outdoors/near a window or anything, you are going to want to see your screen. Also, colour accuracy should be a lot better on the non-glare, as the normal screens seem to saturate colours more.
Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
Laptop screens are useless for photo editing, and that includes Mac laptops. Even the best laptop screens change dramatically as you move your head, they do not make it possible to really calibrate a screen for graphics work. I love my Mac Pro, and wouldn't trade it for ANY Windows PC, but I wouldn't waste money on a Mac laptop. Get an iMac if money is an issue, or a Mac Pro with a really good graphics screen like the NEC Spectraview screens.
Paul T.
Veteran
A lot of the discussion about the various systems are like religion, or football teams. People like what they know.
I only use Macs because that's what I've grown up with, for publishing and design. But that's me.
For all that, though, there's one huge advantage with Macs, if you're near anywhere that has a Genius bar: you can take your laptop in, and they'll solve more or less any technical fault or often incompatibility. That alone puts them streets ahead of other manufacturers for me.
My Macbook screen went once when I was over in LA (I live in London). THey fixed it in 48 hours, and altho they don't officially do loaners, they let me buy a new one, ported everything over from the dead machine, and then gave me a 100% refund for it when I collected my repaired laptop.
I use the MacBook Air now, early ones weren't that reliable, but I also got a free replacement for mine when it went wrong at 23 months (with no extended royalty).
Maybe there's another company that gives aftersales service like that - but I don't know of one.
I only use Macs because that's what I've grown up with, for publishing and design. But that's me.
For all that, though, there's one huge advantage with Macs, if you're near anywhere that has a Genius bar: you can take your laptop in, and they'll solve more or less any technical fault or often incompatibility. That alone puts them streets ahead of other manufacturers for me.
My Macbook screen went once when I was over in LA (I live in London). THey fixed it in 48 hours, and altho they don't officially do loaners, they let me buy a new one, ported everything over from the dead machine, and then gave me a 100% refund for it when I collected my repaired laptop.
I use the MacBook Air now, early ones weren't that reliable, but I also got a free replacement for mine when it went wrong at 23 months (with no extended royalty).
Maybe there's another company that gives aftersales service like that - but I don't know of one.
adamjohari
Established
For desktops I'd recommend a PC because the cost of building one is pretty cheap and the performance is stellar with today's components. I just built a gaming rig last month and it runs everything like a champ for a cheap price.
For laptops I'd recommend a Macbook Pro. Get the retina display. The screen is just too good a deal for the price. The retina macbook is the only Macbook (maybe apple product as well) that got an award from anandtech.com. Getting an award from anandtech is really really hard. Plus, I think it would retain its value and you could resell it without a significant loss if you decide you don't want it in the future anymore.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/6023/the-nextgen-macbook-pro-with-retina-display-review
Just my $0.02.
For laptops I'd recommend a Macbook Pro. Get the retina display. The screen is just too good a deal for the price. The retina macbook is the only Macbook (maybe apple product as well) that got an award from anandtech.com. Getting an award from anandtech is really really hard. Plus, I think it would retain its value and you could resell it without a significant loss if you decide you don't want it in the future anymore.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/6023/the-nextgen-macbook-pro-with-retina-display-review
Just my $0.02.
Duane Pandorf
Well-known
The OP travels so the laptop would seem to be a must. However, to solve the laptop screen issue, he can always hook up an external monitor while at home. Its pretty hard to travel with anything but a laptop.
I use Spyder Express to calibrate my MacBook Pro's screen. Maybe not perfect compared to a stand alone monitor but its the next best thing.
Sparrow
Veteran
^^^ ... I was surprised when a battery leaked and jammed in an almost three year old keyboard my daughter got a free replacement without question, I wouldn't have even asked but the store just replaced it on the grounds that "it wasn't her fault"
peripatetic
Well-known
When my graphics card on my Mac Pro desktop machine died I booked an appointment with the "Genius" gang at the Westfield Mac store. I took it in and they were unable to properly diagnose what was going on, they would need to keep the machine for at least a week, and because it was out of warrantee it was going to cost me something ludicrous. After a great deal of discussion it turned out that I could purchase a new graphics card which they thought might work. If it didn't work I could bring it back for a refund.
I took it home, enable remote desktop access, (why the "Genius" at the store couldn't have done that remains a mystery to this day) connected and established that the machine was fine, but it really was the graphics card. The card they sold me didn't work. They would sell me an old stock card for around £400, which by modern standards was shockingly slow. I searched the forums and instead took a chance on a £280 card which was possibly hackable to work with the hardware I had. So I did that. It was faster than the old card and worked well. Still does. But the equivalent card for a Linux or Windows machine was £45.
So my personal anecdote is that the "Genius" bar is stocked with teenagers who know only a little more than the teenagers at PCWorld. That when things go wrong with an out-of-warrantee Mac it is VERY expensive to get it fixed. Gouge, gouge, gouge.
When it comes to laptops though, and if you can afford them, the Macpros are simply fantastic machines. You can always hook up a proper color-calibrated monitor if you want to. Apple no longer make monitors for color-accurate work. Not much profit margin in it I suppose. Eizo, NEC, Lacie, etc. are the usual suspects in this market.
Apple make great products. No question. But they are very very expensive for what they put inside the box. No question there either.
We have to have a Mac because my wife needs FCP for her work. If you've never owned a MacPro laptop and you can afford one, go for it (esp the Retina). You can always run Windows virtualized if you want to.