Ugh...I bought a Mac

AsSiMiLaTeD

I did something yesterday I thought I'd never do, bout a Mac product. I ordered the 27" iMac and picked it up last night. I'm not new to Apple products, as I've owned several iPhones and currently own an iPad 2, but I am fairly new to Mac.

I've been using PC based systems for close to 20 years now, so making the switch is no small change. I'm not giving up my PC, gotta have something to play my games on :biggrin:. The goal though is to replace as much of the functionality on my PC as I can with the Mac.

I'm still learning the OS, but am quite impressed overall. It's very quick and the 27" screen is absolutely beautiful. It's running Snow Leopard, may make the switch to Lion soon.

I absolutely hate the one button mouse thing, but I plugged in my wireless trackball and it's working perfectly, right click and all. I'm also not a big fan of the Thunderbolt connection as the only way to use the monitor as an external display, I'm just going to have to wait on someone to come with with an adapter that will allow me to use the display as a monitor for my PC.

I purchased this for two primary purposes, photo / design work and iOS app development, looks like I'll need to install Lion before I can get the current version of XCode.

Our VPN at work doesn't work with Mac, I was able to use Sun VirtualBox to install Windows XP on a virtual drive though and that's working great, so now the only time I need to boot up my PC is to play games.

I don't believe this thread really has a purpose or a point, other than to let you other Mac guys know I've decided to join the dark side. Also, if anyone has any recommendations for applications or what-not I'm all ears.

WilliamM2

Sorry to hear that. At least it will run Windows in a virtual machine, making it somewhat useful for getting work done.

tommyt21

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

I did something yesterday I thought I'd never do, bout a Mac product. I ordered the 27" iMac and picked it up last night. I'm not new to Apple products, as I've owned several iPhones and currently own an iPad 2, but I am fairly new to Mac.

I've been using PC based systems for close to 20 years now, so making the switch is no small change. I'm not giving up my PC, gotta have something to play my games on :biggrin:. The goal though is to replace as much of the functionality on my PC as I can with the Mac.

I'm still learning the OS, but am quite impressed overall. It's very quick and the 27" screen is absolutely beautiful. It's running Snow Leopard, may make the switch to Lion soon.

I absolutely hate the one button mouse thing, but I plugged in my wireless trackball and it's working perfectly, right click and all. I'm also not a big fan of the Thunderbolt connection as the only way to use the monitor as an external display, I'm just going to have to wait on someone to come with with an adapter that will allow me to use the display as a monitor for my PC.

I purchased this for two primary purposes, photo / design work and iOS app development, looks like I'll need to install Lion before I can get the current version of XCode.

Our VPN at work doesn't work with Mac, I was able to use Sun VirtualBox to install Windows XP on a virtual drive though and that's working great, so now the only time I need to boot up my PC is to play games.

I don't believe this thread really has a purpose or a point, other than to let you other Mac guys know I've decided to join the dark side. Also, if anyone has any recommendations for applications or what-not I'm all ears.

Dude I work in IT and I love my Imac... If you do movies or slide shows look at Final Cut.

AsSiMiLaTeD

WilliamM2 wrote: »

Sorry to hear that. At least it will run Windows in a virtual machine, making it somewhat useful for getting work done.

Actually for the kind of work I'm looking to do, the Apple is better suited for the task.

Sherardp

MAC is good stuff. I own the Ipad, Ipod, and ieverything else except for an iMAC. I've looked at the 27" and it is gorgeous and does everything you would need. Only thing is I can't come up with a place to put one if I purchase. I was going to buy the smaller version and use it in the kitchen for recipes, youtube, networking etc. Congrats.

BlueFox

I am thinking of getting one as a music server. Since they do not have a fan they are suppossed to be great. However, a 27" monitor is the only option, and I'm not sure I want one that large just for a music server.

AsSiMiLaTeD

They have a 21" version as well. I was going to get the smaller version but decided at the last second to splurge and get the bigger screen, I also got the one with the higher specs as well, figured why half-**** it.

Having said that, an iMac is probably way overkill for a music server. There are lots of other more cost effective solutions out there.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Right now I'm doing some research on potential replacements on the rest of my PC programs. I'm looking for a DVDFab equivalent so that I can rip DVDs and a replacement for dbPowerAmp so that I can rip my CDs to lossless (don't want to use Apple Lossless, wanna stick with flac).

ohskigod

once you get used to it, you'll never think about the PC again (except if your a hardcore gamer...but thats it.)

my favorite thing about macs is if something freezes and you quit, it;s gone in 5 seconds....none of that stuck program lingering forever Bullsh*t

AsSiMiLaTeD

I found that ripper a couple hours ago, seems to be working well with the few that I've tried. It's a bit slower than what I'm used to, but it should work.

I was not aware that they made Audacity for Mac, so I'll check that out.

sucks2beme

I use a lot of oddball apps on mine. NO Mac support for most of the
stuff in any way shape or form. My other big problem with Mac
is the Mac only hardware. If MS limited hardware support to only a
few platforms, don't you think it would run a lot better?
So much of what makes it a bit clunky is much of the OS
is universal plug and play. I don't play games, so that isn't a factor.
Mac runs some stuff much better than MS can. The OS is locked
down pretty tight, so it's their way or no way. This does make
stuff pretty stable. I never understood the whole fan club thing
for Apple. It's a choice based on how you are going to use the machine.
In the bad old days of IBM, they really had envisioned the same thing
as MAC until the guys at Compaq backward engineered their stuff.
That and Intel screwed up the design on the 286/386 badly enough that
OS2 died a horrible death waiting for the hardware stuff to get ironed out.
Windows really screwed up the pc market. DOS hung around too long,
and it still haunts the modern pc OS.
I have high hopes that Linux will some day become what neither
Mac or MS is, cheap, dependable, and universally supported.

mantis

Your Apple Mouse no matter which one you have has a right click,

Follow the following to set up right click and also other cool features.
1) Got to SYSTEM PREFERENCES
2) Now click on MOUSE
3) Watch cool little videos of what our mouse can do.
4) Check the check box of all the features you like.
5) Your done , go play with your mouse

If you don't have system preferences in your Dock, put it in there. Also I strongly suggest watching all the short clips on how to change from a PC to a Mac. It will greatly help you get use to the OS. Once you figure out how to do everything you like to do , you will love it. Apple figured out many cool short cuts on doing everyday things.
Also I strongly suggest a Apple Genius bar appointment for a 1 or 2 hour learning session. You will also greatly benefit from this and worth the time in gold. They really know how to help someone come from PC window based systems and give you all the pointers to make your experience fantastic.

Congrads on the new computer. I'm all mac over here and have been for 5 years now. We all love our macs and I have not fixed a computer problem in 5 years. Thats the best benefit for me. My family had a hard time with windows working consistently. I spent to many weekends fixing windows problems. It was what made me switch.

Ditto on the Final Cut software for video. My son uses it for Still motion videos and DVD's and what not. He loves it.

jmwest1970

BlueFox wrote: »

I am thinking of getting one as a music server. Since they do not have a fan they are suppossed to be great. However, a 27" monitor is the only option, and I'm not sure I want one that large just for a music server.

You can always use a Mac Mini as the music server. Then you can use the monitor or tv of your choice for the display. Also, you'll save a ton of money over an iMac.

Jstas

*SIGH* :frown:

AsSiMiLaTeD

John I was wondering how long it would take to get something along the lines of "Oh joy another Mac thread" out of you. I actually thought of your others posts along those lines when I was creating this thread. Then I figured there's lots of threads about other stupid stuff on here so another mac thread isn't going to hurt anything.

WilliamM2

Keiko wrote: »

I've worked with both platforms and prefer Mac. The OS is much more stable and IMO, Mac's are much more user friendly. For graphics, Mac's the way to go.

I've used them both as well, I work in IT and also do graphic design. I'm curious, what makes them better for graphics? They use the same hardware, with less choices of course, and most the same programs are available as well. Well there are more free programs for the PC. Sounds like more fanboy bs to me.

One thing I have noticed, anyone with a Mac has to run Windows in a virtual machine, or they just can't do everything. Those with Windows, never need to install the MAC OS.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Keith, I agree with your post 100%. Those who know me know that I've been saying this for years. I've always been a PC guy, and I've been on that side of many heated arguments here on the forums over the years. I went back and read some of those old posts just for grins and it's hard to believe that I'd ever own a Mac or Apple product after having felt that strongly against them.

Even now I still don't think Mac is better, just different.

On one hand you have MS who has their OS running on thousands of different brands and configurations of machines, and they have to code the OS to be able to handle that, which of course is going to result is a more bloated OS and potentially more loopholes for hackers to get through. The upside with Windows is that you can do almost anything within it, you just have to know how and be able to troubleshoot when things go wrong.

On the other hand you have Apple, who only has a handful of products they have to build for, so they're able to keep things small and tidy. As long as the Mac will do what you want the upside is that there's less overhead and things do tend to run better, but if it doesn't do something you want (in my case gaming) then you're SOL.

I'd say that each approach taken by MS and Apple has its advantages, it's up to each person to decide what's right for them. But claims that one is better than the other I don't agree with any longer.

AsSiMiLaTeD

WilliamM2 wrote: »

I've used them both as well, I work in IT and also do graphic design. I'm curious, what makes them better for graphics? They use the same hardware, with less choices of course, and most the same programs are available as well. Well there are more free programs for the PC. Sounds like more fanboy bs to me.

One thing I have noticed, anyone with a Mac has to run Windows in a virtual machine, or they just can't do everything. Those with Windows, never need to install the MAC OS.

I believe it's generally accepted that Macs are better for graphic design work, and not just amongst 'Apple fanboys'.

Example, I've used Photoshop on the PC for years and after only a couple hours using it on the Mac I can already tell you the workflow just feels better to me. Someone like Deniurge who I believe has used it on both platforms more extensively could probably explain this better as I'm still new to it.

You're absolutely right about needing Wndows inside a VM with Mac. The Juniper VPN software I need to remote in to work is not available on the Mac, so I installed Windows XP inside a VM to be able to remote in to work.

I've been on your side of the argument for years so I know where you're coming from, but I find it funny that every time someone makes an argument in favor of Mac guys just say "that's more fanboy BS"

Jstas

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

John I was wondering how long it would take to get something along the lines of "Oh joy another Mac thread" out of you. I actually thought of your others posts along those lines when I was creating this thread. Then I figured there's lots of threads about other stupid stuff on here so another mac thread isn't going to hurt anything.

I was just sighing at the loss of another minion to the dark side.

*LE SIGH* :frown:

AsSiMiLaTeD

Dan I appreciate the tips. I'm actually not a big fan of a mouse in general, I have no idea why people still use a mouse over a trackball, but to each his own I guess.

I've not run across any of those short videos you mentioned on making the switch, but I think I've got everything figured out.

A question for you though, do you have a recommendation for a good USB DAC that would work with the iMac? The next thing for me to figure out is if I'm going to be able to use the Mac as my primary music source here in the office and for my Squeezebox server.

I'm trying to move as much over to the Mac as possible. My gaming PC uses quite a bit of power (I have a 1200 watt power supply in there to run everything included two high end video cards) and generates quite a bit of heat. Ultimately I'd like to get to the point where I'm turning that thing on only to play games vs leaving it on all the time. I've got a checklist over here that I'm working through of things that I need to be able to replicate on the Mac in order to do this and I'm nearing the music section.

WilliamM2

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

Example, I've used Photoshop on the PC for years and after only a couple hours using it on the Mac I can already tell you the workflow just feels better to me. Someone like Deniurge who I believe has used it on both platforms more extensively could probably explain this better as I'm still new to it.

I must admit, I haven't used Photoshop much on either platform, so both systems are much faster than I am. Although we have Photoshop, the company I work for uses mostly Corel, it's what they started with before Photoshop was available for PC. We also distribute it, and get several copies of each new release for free. Hard to get management to pop for PS with that going on.

But I don't know how anyone can claim one platform better than the other based on 1 program. In truth, these days the performance of either is probably more than 99% need. Compatibility is another issue though.

AsSiMiLaTeD

It's not just Photoshop, it's the full suite of Adobe programs that people generally prefer on the Mac. And since alot of the industry uses those programs vs the cheaper stuff from companies like Corel (note that's an assumption on my part, I don't have evidence of that), I assume that's why you generally hear that Macs are better for design work.

I've interviewed with several photo and print design shops over the years and every single one of them were running Macs.

I don't think anyone is claiming that one platform is better than another, I know for sure I didn't. In fact I've gone out of my way to say that neither is better, they're just different and each suited better for certain needs. If anything, you were the one who started this thread down that road with your first comment in the post right after my original.

WilliamM2

Well my original post was meant mostly in jest, there was a smiley there.

WilliamM2

Keiko wrote: »

He does that a lot. :rolleyes:

Like the way you follow me around with that stupid picture?:rolleyes:

Troll.

John in MA

Design places generally use Macs because they started with Macs back when PCs didn't handle graphics/desktop publishing well, and there's no need to change platforms.

I used to be a huge Apple fan (as in dozens of Macs of various vintages) but these days about the strongest recommendation I'd give would be "Great if they work for you." I find PCs easier and more flexible to use now.

If I needed Mac specific software I'd probably install Mac OS on a PC. Apple's current hardware is one of the things that bugs me the most. Other than the IPS displays (why iMacs have such impressive screens) and the Macbook Pro, the computer hardware is both average quality (mostly made by Foxconn, a PC parts supplier) and difficult to repair or upgrade. Despite what Apple says, Macs do break or get old, and when that happens it's a hell of a lot easier and less expensive to get a PC running again.

AsSiMiLaTeD

The screen is actually what attracted me to the iMac in the first place. The original plan was to just buy the cinema display or whatever they call it. That display runs about a grand, I decided to just throw in another $600 and get a computer as well and give 'this mac thing' a shot.

Macs tend to hold their value really well for some reason, so figured if I hated it I could sell it and not be out a ton of cash and just call the whole thing a learning experience.

I agree on the hardware and the related cost. For the $600 I paid for the 'computer' part I could have paid probably closer to $500 for a PC. The hardware isn't bad on this machine (i5 at 2.7ghz, 1tb, 4gb ddr3, etc), but it's not high end either and I agree that there is an extra premium to the hardware on a Mac, you can certainly get the same hardware on a PC cheaper.

John in MA

A 27" IPS is somewhere around $900 as a standalone monitor, so iMacs aren't a terrible value when it comes to the basic specs. My issue is more with service. For instance, you can't easily use a hard drive that isn't supplied by Apple, despite the actual drive being the same as the off-the-shelf one. Same for every other internal component. If your DVD drive dies, it's $100 and a long service procedure to replace. If my PC's DVD dies, it's $22 and a few minutes, or I could put in anything else I wanted like a Bluray burner.

Mac hardware costs get silly when you look at the high end, though. There's a funny comparison chart that shows you how a loaded Mac Pro system is something like $8000 more expensive than a PC system with identical or better specs.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Well I'll just have to hope that I never have any hardware issues then. In all my years with computers I can only think of one time I've had hardware fail (bad hard drive). The issues most people run into are very seldom hardware related, they're almost always software related, at least in my experience.

Mac isn't immune to software issues like alot of Mac users would have you believe, but you do have to admit that they are alot less prevalent on Macs. It doesn't matter WHY those issue are less prevalent (that's where Ive always criticized Mac in the past, they have fewer issues because their system is so locked down), just the fact that they do tend to have fewer software issues is what matters to most people.

All I know is that if some of the retards I have for friends who own Mac can avoid getting viruses and such then it must be a relatively 'safe' architecture.

That's not at all why I bought one. I for one like troubleshooting and fixing things, I bought one more just to try it out and because I'm taking on some more design and photo work on the side and have always heard they're good for that kind of work.

AsSiMiLaTeD

In 20 years I've never once had a virus on my pc, but my mom sea to get one every year even with an antivirus. I don't even run an antivirus program and I've never had one.

John in MA

I know some people who get viruses every few months. "But the computer is telling me to click here--why shouldn't I?"

I don't think I've ever had one. Actually, back in the '90s I had a few Macs that got infected. When Apple was really booming in the '80s and early '90s there were more people writing viruses.

WilliamM2

Still trolling I see, just can't let it go. Tell me Keiko, how do you earn your living, since your such an expert on computers, and graphic design?