Mac vs. PC

I used a PC with windows for many years and about a year ago switched to a Mac for the first time. I have not had a moment of regret over switching. The Mac is much more stable and easier to use. I woudn’t say there’s anything photographer specific to my experience, actually my background is in software engineering more than photography. All of the photography related software I’ve needed has been available and just as solid as the windows versions. Although there have been a few bumps reported in Apple’s latest OS upgrade it’s nothing like what Windows users consistently have to go through when MS compells people to upgrade to it’s newest OS version.

In my opinion get a Mac, even though the upfront costs are a little more. The time, worries, and stress you’ll save in the long run will make the Mac worth every additional penny.

Seth is right.
B.

Thanks, this is helpful. So it’s a matter of operating system preferences rather than photographic needs that drive your decisions to choose Mac?

Rachael, go for it, mac is also much more fun ;) like Seth i switched also one year ago, since then not one crash/restart/crash/restart and so on….

MAC = Brad Pitt in thight jeans with a six-pack tummy.
Windows/PC = Woody Allen in what ever he’s wearing.

It’s your choice…. ;)

:)) Woody Allen was never very smooth running was he?

I’m going against the “Steve Jobs is the right hand of God” grain here by saying that both work fine. I know as many people who have problems with their Apple computers as the ones who use Windows systems. A properly maintained computer runs well and a poorly maintained computer falls apart. I’ve used Windows since version 3.11 and have never gotten a virus, or a “blue screen of death” or any of the other evils that Apple people say plague Windows. All this despite being on broad band for 7 years, with different 9 desktop and 2 laptop machines over the years.

One big bonus to owning a Windows machine is the availability of internal upgrades. When an new processor or motherboard technology comes out you can just get it without having to buy a whole new box. I’m about to upgrade my main workstation to a newer processor/mobo type and it’s only going to set me back about $500 or so. You can’t do that with a Mac. If you want the new stuff you plop down a few grand to upgrade.

“being on broad band for 7 years, with different 9 desktop and 2 laptop machines over the years.”Jonathan!!!! Then you really should try a MAC. You could have done that same time with maybe only 3 desktop MAC’s instead of 7 PC’s.;) (Sorry mate. I saw an open door that I just could not resist kicking in….)

Umberto Eco set it straight in the nineties:

“The fact is that the world is divided between users of the Macintosh computer and users of MS-DOS compatible computers. I am firmly of the opinion that the Macintosh is Catholic and that DOS is Protestant. Indeed, the Macintosh is counterreformist and has been influenced by the "ratio studiorum” of the Jesuits. It is cheerful, friendly, conciliatory, it tells the faithful how they must proceed step by step to reach – if not the Kingdom of Heaven – the moment in which their document is printed. It is catechistic: the essence of revelation is dealt with via simple formulae and sumptuous icons. Everyone has a right to salvation.

DOS is Protestant, or even Calvinistic. It allows free interpretation of scripture, demands difficult personal decisions, imposes a subtle hermeneutics upon the user, and takes for granted the idea that not all can reach salvation. To make the system work you need to interpret the program yourself: a long way from the baroque community of revelers, the user is closed within the loneliness of his own inner torment.

You may object that, with the passage to Windows, the DOS universe has come to resemble more closely the counterreformist tolerance of the Macintosh. It’s true: Windows represents an Anglican-style schism, big ceremonies in the cathedral, but there is always the possibility of a return to DOS to change things in accordance with bizarre decisions…..

And machine code, which lies beneath both systems (or environments, if you prefer)? Ah, that is to do with the Old Testament, and is Talmudic and cabalistic."

- I am all for guaranteed salvation, so I use mac. Whether it is that much better, I don’t know. It works for me, and seems much more intuitive than PCs. The fact that both the software and the hardware is well-designed does mean a lot too. I spend way too much time around my computer, so the esthetics do matter to me.

—j

I personally think that you should stick with what you know. For laptops in our family, I use PC, my wife uses Mac. They both work fine. The Mac is more expensive to buy and service. The PC is more compatible with a lot of other systems. PC software is more often sold at discount. The Macs are (usually) more elegant designwise. But there are definitely different when it comes to operations, so rather than picking based on subjective fan-club recommendations, consider how frustrating it is going to be for you to learn the other system.

have used both. Both at once, as did my whole creative dept…. all the same, doesn’t matter- I hear the MAC’s are faster, though..but that could just be the set up. Whatever…and of course I have screwed up both..:)

Did someone just compare my laptop to Brad Pitt?

A few years back (memory eludes me, must be 10-15 years back) there sure was a major difference when working with graphics and images depending on what platform you used. Coming from the pre-press industry myself, Apples “Macintosh” computers and then available DTP and image editing software were the predominating tool for serious graphics handling (albeit CAD, GIS and other industrial designing software were not really Macintosh’ area).

Now however I’d say choose the platform you feel comfortable working with, be it OSX or Windows. Windows-machines has become better in the respect of image editing and Mac’s has become better in other areas. Both handles image editing with marvel. (I still think working with Mac is easier but then I’m biased since a long time ago)

Nowadays, since Apple stopped churning out small laptops I only use Mac when I’m in my own backyard. When out travelling I need to keep my luggage as slimmed down as possible and here’s where the benefit of ultraportable Windows-machines comes in handy. Right now I’m sitting with an 11" Windows-machine typing away, transferred and edited some images last night with no problems. Working on a small computer has some limitations but as long as you are aware of them, theres no problems.

Be aware of your needs. What will be the typical setting for you to work in? Are size and weight crucial factors? The benefit of OSX (or actually the Apple hardware) nowadays, as others already pointed out, is that you can run both OSX and Windows depending on your needs. The smallest existing Mac today though is the 13" MacBook. Small, but sometimes not small enough IMO.

Happy buying!

Sonny, did the PowerBook G4 somehow vanish off the face of the earth? I’m pretty sure you can pick up a used but still functional and powerful Powerbook.

Just because a newer version is out doesn’t make the last model obsolete or…gone?

Definitely stick with what you know. I understand the PC very well. I reformat my computer and reinstall the operating system once every year to keep it virus free. I know which programs I need and don’t need so my PC desktop is a fast, fast machine. I don’t waste processing power on aesthetically pleasing graphics and movement. I have a computer that helps me process digital photos efficiently and I understand how to pop the hood and tinker with the engine. However, if I didn’t have this understanding of the PC, I’d probably use a Mac. They are indisputably prettier and they feel like a better tool. That’s why Mr. Jobs can charge so much.

@ Laurie: What’s a virus?

And also sticking with what you know is a very dangerous mindset to hold as a photographer let alone a human being.

@ Con

Virus: Malicious software that attacks and infects and steals information from PCs. Also, those things that will attack Macs once hackers see that there is a big enough market share so it is worth their while to make Mac viruses.

Con, if you think you’re safe from viruses because you use a Mac you are wrong wrong wrong.

I’d like to point out that macs are so easy to use and understand that you don’t have to worry about the thing that pc lovers mentionned above: mac is intuitive! Really!! There is no need to re-learn everything. There is just the need to stop worrying all the time. The stress factor disapears so theres no worries when you are under a deadline. Oh and correct me if i’m wrong, but I’ve never seen a pc (laptop) that doesn’t have a glossy screen…
Yannis

I switched to mac not so long ago and will not be going back to pc! the advantages for photographers are:

much nicer screen for editing (plus with macs there isn’t a hundred brands of monitor, so editorial clients that use macs are seeing exactly what you are)

also you can switch between three or four programs such as ftp, browser software and photoshop with out it crashing

hope that helps

Patrick

I use mac.

Rachael,

When you ask a question like yours, you’re really opening a can of worms. :) (Canon vs. Nikon anyone?) You’re going to mostly get answers from people who are either rabid mac users, or rusted-on PC people, but what you really want to do is find people who have chosen to change from PC to Mac or Mac to PC (although I don’t know even one of the latter) and pay more attention to them. I don’t think you’ll get as meaningful an appraisal from someone who has been romantically attached to either platform for decades.

Some facts, though:

• The average mac user keeps their machine for 7 years (according to Apple).
• Apple’s consumer market share has gone from 5% to nearly %10 in recent years (according to them).
• Apple’s hardware quality-control is appalling (according to ME). I’ve been using their gear for ages, and suspiciously, simultaneous to the emergence of the iPod was a dramatic increase in the chances you’ll get an out-of-the-box dud from them. If you do buy an Apple, it is essential that you do NOT buy it from their online store, and that you find a retailer who will let you open the product in the store and check it before you pay for it. You need to check the monitor for dead pixels. Apple will not accept warranty claims on dead-pixels unless there are more than 8 of them in the same inch and half or something, so check for this before you buy it. There are ways around this (and if anyone needs to know how to get around Apple’s system, contact me and I’ll tell you what to say). A mate of mine wanted a couple of 23" dislays, for instance, and had to open seven (SEVEN!) boxes to find two good ones. I went through two boxes to find a good 30", and the MacBook Pro I am typing on now has had its top half replaced, and is currently flickering slightly with a “known issue” that effects them all (warranty repairable). Dodgy iPods are another story.

All in all, I still strongly recommend the Mac to you for its excellent operating system and the stability you get when the manufacturer produces both the software and the hardware. They’re also a more pleastant “experience”. But I am the sort of person I told you not to listen to. :)

Good luck.

Wade.

A simple decision for you if you just go and spend an hour at an Apple store.

Windows = loads of work in computer management, avoiding viruses, reboots and reinstallation’s.

Apple Mac = loads of work in photography and what you want to do and is fun and enjoyable to use and zilch/nada on geeky computer management.

The world is starting to see it thankfully (it took me 15 years).

@Wade:

I moved from Mac to PC. I did it because both hardware and software for the PC are cheaper.

@Jonathan:

You are correct. PCs require that you know how to take care of them. That’s the price you pay. If paying more for the Mac eases your mind about protecting your privacy and your files than Mac is a clear choice for you.

Alternately, if you know how to care for a PC (and are inclined to do it) then PC is the way to go because you’ll save money you can use on photography.

A simplified answer to this questions is that either system can be just as fast as the other. Both systems can be really expensive. Both systems can be glitchy. And, more importantly, both systems can work so well you don’t realize you are using a tool, you are just working on your photography. That is what I really want out of a computer.

Please don’t believe the myths that keep being promulgated about Macs being so much more expensive. Do your homework and you will find that they are equivalent in price. Unless that is you want an unworkable, cut-down piece of kit that you replace every 12 months.

Then consider resale values and lifetimes. Macs do last longer and resell for considerably more than any Dell or HP does.

Then consider the cost of upgrading. Apple’s recent OSX Leopard is $129, vista is $300 if you don’t want a cut down version.

Then consider all those hours of maintenance and “computer care” you have to put in with Windows. I would argue that that is not care, it’s survival to stop it slowing down to a crawl every few months or bugs destroying it.

This argument has already been won by Mac OSX. For some people it will take longer to admit Windows isn’t at what its made out to be, because they have vested interests, or they can’t face change. Just go and read what all the top tech commentators have to say about it. Sorry, game over, if you’re objective.

Thank you all! It has been helpful and entertaining. I’ve been noticing the photojournalism industry trend seems to be in the direction of Macs. MU’s photojournalism department strongly prefers Apple computers and 99.5% of their students use them.

It never ceases to amaze me how truly S**T pc’s are. Overly complicated, virus ridden with an utterly incomprehensible operating system. I’ve used macs for 12 years, the proof is in the pudding…no viruses, no breakdowns, no lost data, minimal system conflicts. An interface that is a joy to use, 100 percent trouble free. I cannot rate them highly enough.

PC’s ARE EVIL…

i agree, this turns into a nikon/canon chevy/ford debate pretty quickly… and is equally silly.

all i can add to the discussion is that i work with, on, and support both, for photography among other purposes. the virus issue is getting totally absurd on the windows side, and has created issues on my own, and other (tech) peoples machines that can only be solved by a wipe and clean install of the OS. after doing that three times on an older machine in the last month, i finally have switched all my personal systems over to apple.

it’s simply easier and less work to keep them running.

Rachel – there is also the fashion-factor. A lot of people in our game, and in creative industries like to be seen in cafes with their MacBook, whereas an IBM ThinkPad just won’t cut it. ;)

If you’re looking for a portable, a new MacBook will be released soon, next week I think. If you don’t need the newest and fastest, it will still cause prices to drop on the bottom ones.

Good luck.

Wade

P.S. Did I mention that my Canon is so much better than your Nikon??? :)

[EDIT: For the benefit of Laurie McGinley, the comment about the prevalence of Macs used as fashion items is mentioned as a warning to Rachael – something to perhaps avoid. No, I don’t think you should buy a Mac to take to the cafe]

Wade, that is the all time best argument I’ve ever heard for buying a Mac. I’m a PC advocate and I will fully, openly, publicly pronounce that Macs are way sexier and you’ll look cooler working on one.

Forget sexy – it’s just that generic Windows PC’s are usually utterly tasteless and frequently plug ugly.

Macs are clean and free from useless, tacky gadgetry and design excess…

I have PCs at home and teach on Macs – Bottom line is both work great, I find PCs more intuitive because I learnt on them.

Photoshop and Lightroom are identical on both.

If you are worried about viruses get a good antivirus program and don’t download files that are suspect. We are professionals, learn to use the equipment.

Its not a fashion statement or a religious thing, just get one learn how to use it AND TAKE PICTURES!

As for my experience, PC computers’re unreliable. They all break down today or tomorrow. Only IBMs don’t. I had two IBMs in my life and they didn’t break though it’s a hell work travelling in my luggage.

I work with Magnum Photography in the Magnum In Motion dept. http://inmotion.magnumphotos.com/
100 percent of everything we do is done on a MAC. Most the machines are not even “pro” models. (imacs and Macbooks) The 1 percent that we need windows for is accomplished by using Parallels on intel macs. If you buy a Mac you can have a Windows machine as well.

http://www.apple.com/pro/profiles/magnum/

Laurie, are you a little slow? The suggestion that fashion is a factor for some is a WARNING to Rachael, so she may temper some of the Mac’s public prevalence with the knowledge that some are buying for the brand alone.

For Christ’s sake, you really thought I was telling her to buy Apple because it’ll go well with her Armani?

@ Wade,

No need to get defensive photography brother. At no point did I tell Rachel, or the other people who will read this to find computer advice that you think Macs look better with an Armani suit.

Most of these posts have been about the ease and good design of Macs vs the confusion and ugliness of PCs. For some people, that is a legitimate factor to consider when they buy something as expensive as a computer.

In a way this thread reminds me of the Leica argument. For Leica lovers, it is the beauty and feeling (not to mention technical superiority) of the camera that makes them loyal. I see this debate in a similar light for a fraction of the Mac camp. Macs ARE a better designed tool. Macs ARE more aesthetically pleasing to use. Macs DO feel better in your hands, on your lap and in your bag. Macs LOOK better in your studio.

If that is important to you, then buy it. You’ll feel better about the tool you use to deliver your art.

I have been teaching digital photo ate several colleges for the last 4 and a half years, and I have never had anyone move from Mac to PC, although every semester there were students dumped their PCs in favor of Mac.

I have a Mac with Windows on it :-)

I’m a Mac user for over 12 years and it’s much easier, smoother to use. You get all programms for photographic work, it’s really nice.

And if you need some Win Apps, on an Intel Mac you can install a Windows version via Boot Camp, Parallels or VM Ware. I need it from time to time, testing websites, using a newsletter tool or for the german tax :-(

linux.

One other thing to remember…

I held back from converting because of the software spend. However I learned to my joy that Adobe offer (in the UK at least, probably a global principle I expect) free cross platform trades, all you do is pay the cost of shipping. So don’t let that hold you back. DreamWeaver is cross platform, as is Abobe Lightroom. All I had to buy was iWorks for the spreadsheets (Excel compatible), and word processing (Word compatible) and a mac version of my FTP software.

I’ve been fully mac for a few months now. My 13" MacBook runs my business (with VMWare platform for windows for the accounting software that has no Mac version) and a PB17 for the photography. Both with 24" monitors at home. In my opinion life is easier with a Mac. I can’t remember the last time I hung my head in my hands.

It is worth saying that until Apple made its Safari web browser available recently on Windows, NO browser in that environment could handle photos with embedded colour profiles. I gather there is a new beta version of Firefox that is playing also now playing catch-up in case you want an alternative. It is indicative of the spreadsheet/imaging origins of the two systems.

As as happened so many times before, Microsoft is behind the curve, just too busy fleecing the world for as little value as they can get away with. Sorry, but it’s the truth, hard learned over twenty plus years.

I love my macbook; I switched from pc earlier this year and I haven’t regretted it since.

That said, a warning on Leopard: being the excited dork I am, I rushed out to get Leopard when it came out. After a day of being really excited about Time Machine and how I would never lose my work again (fingers crossed!) I ran into a kernel panic (similar to the Windows Blue Screen of Death).

It so happens that the Leopard wireless (on my machine at least, and from accounts, I’m not an anomaly) causes kernel panics. Over and over and over again. The new software update from this morning did nothing to fix that (nor did 5 hours on the phone with tech support).

So you might want to think about getting a machine with the older operating system or waiting for an updated version of Leopard that actually deals with this problem.

That said, though, I love the graphics and macs are just a lot easier and faster and smoother to use for me. It took me about 2 weeks to really get accustomed to the feel of macs and now using a windows is hard work. Go figure.

I just upgraded from a PC to a Macbook for no other reason than curiosity and aesthetics.

Having used Windows for 10 years I really struggled to move over to OSX as I know Windows inside out and it was a bit tiring trying to learn all bew shortcuts and ways of doing things that I could do with my eyes closed in Windows.

I am used to OSX now but there are still a few things that niggle and I could do faster on a PC – having said that it lookds sexy and I have not had any problems with viruses, malware crashes etc. (although I never got a virus with windows either…)

i’m a mac

Canon v. Nikon, SLR v. RF, Mac v. PC, film v. digital

All hail Eris and her golden apple of discord!

Having read the whole thread, very similar to film Vs digital, canon vs Nikon, sexy vs ugly. I just feel as a teenager (are we?!). So, I am doing my move to Cohiba no, 2 pinhole box, and a typewriter. Then maybe I would get more concern on producing images

I’ve used Photoshop on both and found little difference – apart from the fact that all the Windows based PCs I’ve used crashed regularly and so far – touch wood -my mac never has (the very elderly mac I used to use at work had a few problems, but that ended up being down to it being on a Windows based network managed by a techie who admitted after f**king the whole thing up that he knew nothing about macs)!

Where macs are great is that everything is so much more user friendly for those who are less computer savvy, I’m totally happy to install/uninstall software, extra RAM, etc, with a mac. With a PC things ALWAYS went wrong.

And macs are prettier!

I have to disagree with Wade about buying online from Apple, at least where iPods are concerned…I had a problem with my new iPod and they sent out a replacement so fast that it arrived before the courier had picked-up the old one – no questions asked, which was just as well as it turned out that the fault was with me and not the iPod!

Mac = Armani? mhhh is Armani still hip? I thought it must be Gucci and Prada these days ;)

How much is Apple paying you all for endorsements? :)

Nicola…I am just saying that so many of their products are DOA that you really need to watch out. Especially for big purchases like computers where there’s a lot more fuss in getting them replaced (there’s one sitting next to me that’s been in this process for weeks). Second, dead-pixels are a real drama for some of us (I won’t accept them), but if you receive your machine by courier from Apple and you have just such a problem, you’re stuffed unless you have 8 within an inch and half. Failing this, they just won’t come to the party on a replacement. There are tricks to achieve a return in this situation, but I would say that the better option over all is to buy locally, and inspect before you pay.

Stefan – fair one. The real point is that I am not hip enough to know. :)

I don’t accept dead pixels either, and when I returned my 3 week old 30" Cinema Display to the Apple Store, telling them I had one (1) bad pixel, they gave me a new one in an unopened box. They took my word for it, not even plugging the monitor in to test it. I was told to test the new one and if I had any problems to bring that one back as well. (It was, and still is, just fine.)

My experience with online and phone orders has also been excellent.

Peter

Peter, well you’re a lucky man. Do a google search, or check out the discussion boards on the Apple site and you’ll understand. Order your monitor online, ring after it arrives to tell them it has “a dead pixel” and they will tell you that it’s “within specs” and to go away. Their “specs” are 6-8 within 1.5 inches.

I found a very good store, like yours, where I told them I wanted to try before I buy. So they pulled it out of the box (30" ACD), connected it to a machine and ran a pixel checking program. I go back to those guys for everything now.

Wade, I was responding to your comment about iPods and general Apple customer care – which I personally can’t fault.

As for monitors, I have an Eizo! After doing some research I didn’t even consider the Apple monitor, it was Eizo, followed by NEC or LaCie, all of which are better than the Apple offering (which seemed to be aimed more towards web design and video editing).

Rachael, I wish I was getting paid by Apple, I need some more RAM and a couple of new backup drives.

Nicola – I am glad you have had good experiences. Most people do have good experiences. The problem is that a greater number of people than would be reasonable have bad experiences with DOA equipment.

Regarding the best display, it depends when you buy and what price you can find really, doesn’t it?

If you want RAM, try macsales.com in the US. I got memory a month or so ago for half the price of London suppliers.

I don’t think it makes that much difference.

I use PC but have also used a Mac extensively when I learnt Dreamweaver a few years ago at college. It makes no difference.

Laurie mentioned the speed on her PC, and someone else mentioned a Mac being faster.

Well a PC will run super fast if you strip it back and use it for a specific function.

I run 2 PC’s. One is specifically used for scanning. I striped it to it’s bear essentials and only run a browser and the scan software. Super super fast…and that was at 512 RAM. I stuck in another 512 and it was whizzing. If you scan film on a regular basis this is a very good set up.

As for good looks. I have a Sony Vaio. Looks nice but most importantly it has a very good screen. I challenge anyone to put there Macbook up to a Sony with an X-Black screen!
And you can buy a new Sony and still have change(compared to buying a G5 or Macbook)to get a second hand PC…and that is exactly what I did, I brought an old T22 Thinkpad, upgraded the OS and stripped it for the use I mentioned above.

No problems whatsoever. Finally check out this Anti Virus software. I asked a friend who works in software support which was the best Anti virus software out of the many and he told me to use this. http://www.zonealarm.com

Never had a single problem and the basic version is FREE.

I like Mac’s as well.

Each to his/her own .

PCs are cheaper and you have more options in terms of hardware, software and support.

Macs are easier to use.

If you are not a technical person and don’t know much about computers, buy a mac.

If you can support yourself and know not to click on attachments, can install and keep running Norton’s Antivirus, etc. Buy a PC.

Get a Mac either way.

Geez, I can’t believe this even a debate anymore. Macs are simply better, less trouble, more fun, better design, more holistic approach. If you’re a ‘a computer is a computer’ type and don’t care, or just want to pinch pennies on the front end, go ahead and get a PC. I’ve never owned a PC and never will, so obviously I’m romantic and biased. But my wife switched from PC a few years back and is a totally happy convert.

That’s bad advice from David Harpe above. How can you justify anyone wasting their precious time on unnecessary Windows maintenance garbage?

There are NO good reasons left to buy a Windows PC unless you want the cheapest poorest option.

Forget software options, forget price, forget compatibility, all gone. As Paul says, how is it this debate is even happening still? Who are the myths being perpetuated? Crazy.

My brother works as a systems engineer for a nonprofit maintaining their PC network, but he is a dyed in the wool Mac guy at home. I once suggested that he set up a small business helping Mac people, particularly with home users. He told me that he’d never make any money at it because Macs are so plug and play. He said he makes a living off of the the inherent problems with Windows machines.

Jonathan – a large obstacle for the Mac in the real world (ie. big corporate settings, etc) is IT departments. They’re not Mac trained, they’ve invested lots of money in their Microsoft certifications, and take the view that if it aint broke don’t fix it. I.e. they’re getting the job done with Windows, what’s the problem? I don’t see how Apple will ever break into big business unless they sell their machines so cheap they can’t be refused (not going to happen). Most companies probably wouldn’t take them if they were offered one-for-one free replacements.

What will happen though, is a continuation in their consumer/SOHO market share growth which has doubled in six years or something.

But I don’t mind at all if Apple forever remains the underdog – it will make them work harder and produce better products for us than they would need to if they had an effective monopoly like Microsoft.

Wade, I think your thinking was right but is becoming out of date. When a survey of 960 IT pros says 34% are looking at alternatives to Vista, and guess what, 28% are looking at Mac OSX, you have to take notice. And how can any IT department argue Macs are no good for business when a company with 20,000 employees, $24 billion in sales and market cap of $150 billion uses nothing but Macs? Apple is a model of why precisely why all businesses should look at moving to Macs.

To us users it makes little difference what share of business uses Mac,so long as it isn’t nil, but darn me if there aren’t huge savings to be made by ridding businesses of the huge overhead of Windows maintenance.

The link to those stats is here: http://www.networkworld.com/news/2007/111607-vista-worries.html

I bought my new IMac this year having used a PC for several years since my first computer. I really disliked Apple but not hated them because everything I could do could be done easily on a PC. The biggest thing PC users complain about is the aspect of cost. They utterly complain about how much you pay for a Mac or the higher ended computers when you can get a PC for cheaper or less. I will not talk about the business political reasons why Mac is more expensive but I sincerely believe that the money reflects the final result of an unbelievely well built personal computer. This is the key difference between the direction of the PC and Mac. Steve Jobs is arrogant, snobberish and snubbing but it’s because of this that Apple have developed their products to what they are today.

I understand you can fully customise a PC but if your a business entrepreneur, a person who is working in a creative field, would you want to do this? If I am not mistaken that you want to spend your whole time on a highly reliable computer with your programs working smoothly? Justification of using a PC and not a Mac because your a PC enthusiast and your a game developer does not argue the point.

At the end of the day, extreme ease of use of a functional working operating system justifies why owning a Mac is about owning a permanent long lasting product not something you by cheap and throw away.

I got a notification of a post that said: “This has to be the saddest thread ever on Lightstalkers – lots of people saying mine is bigger than yours…..Please get over it and take some pictures!” from a Martin S________t (better not reveal his name – he may have taken it down himself.

But as there may well be people who have read this thread and thought exactly the same as him, I wanted to make the following point.

This discussion has nothing to do with “mine is bigger than yours”. This thread is about what works best and to share experiences.

You Martin, don’t have to read it, but you should not disparage people who do contribute to it.

It is exactly the same discussion we were having in the 90’s about digital or film with a shrinking majority saying digital was a waste of time. The reason it is the same as that, is because there is a massive industry surrounding Microsoft Windows, and it has done everything it can to keep Mac market share at a safe, monopoly protecting, 3% level.

But the cat is at last nosing its way out of the bag. And, as you can read from so many people here, once using Macs, you won’t go back because of its advantages. I spent years with Windows, and only wished someone, or more threads like this one, were around earlier to open my eyes to the benefits. I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking that.

Sorry to be banging on on this thread, but I regard it as 10 minutes in the day well spent. There are other hours in the day for photography – in fact even more of them if you use a Mac.

Jonathan

Yes it was me that put up the post and took it down. I took it down because I couldn’t be bothered to have to defend my position (its ironic that here I am doing it now LOL).

I wrote’This has to be the saddest thread ever on Lightstalkers – lots of people saying mine is bigger than yours…..Please get over it and take some pictures!’

And I stand by it. I have made my position very clear I use both – I like both – Photoshop on both platforms is photoshop…. No matter what platform you use it will not improve your photography, taking pictures will.

As to your comments on ‘the industry…. done everything it can to keep Mac market share at a safe, monopoly protecting, 3% level.’ this is nonsense. In 1997 Microsoft invested $150 million in Apple – ‘The deal elicited cheers from Wall Street, where Apple’s shares rose by almost a third – $6.56 1/4 – to close at $26.31 1/4 a share on the Nasdaq Stock Market’
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/business/longterm/microsoft/stories/1997/apple080797.htm
I suspect the motivation wasn’t so much as to save an ailing platform but to protect a valuable market for MS products.

I am not saying PC are better than macs I am saying both are up to the job. If you prefer one platform over another that’s your c