Why iMac over PC

FM Forums \| Pro Digital Corner \| Join Upload & Sell	Search Used
1 2 3 … 5 6 end

Archive 2009 · Why iMac over PC

jrf37
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #1 · Why iMac over PC

Everyone is telling me that a iMac is much better than a PC. For photography and editing can anyone tell me why? Wont Photoshop CS3 or 4 and all my add ons work the same?

Thanks
John

Dec 16, 2009 at 07:48 PM

mishavosk
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #2 · Why iMac over PC

Not everyone. Some years ago I switched from Mac to PC and no regrets. You must configure system under your requirements and no big difference between PC or Mac. I think so.

Dec 16, 2009 at 08:00 PM

Seph Photo
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #3 · Why iMac over PC

well, thing thing about mac is they still dont have a BYOPC option..

i pieced together my own computer, and i have NEVER had a problem that wasnt caused by me doing something i wasnt supposed to :P

macs are not the god of problemless computers....
dont blame the tool :P

Dec 16, 2009 at 08:33 PM

mdude85
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #4 · Why iMac over PC

"Wont Photoshop CS3 or 4 and all my add ons work the same?"

Yes they will!

Dec 16, 2009 at 08:35 PM

Ho1972
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #5 · Why iMac over PC

Macs are Macs and PCs... etc. Buy what makes you happy.

Dec 16, 2009 at 09:37 PM

el_hoppy
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #6 · Why iMac over PC

I went from PC to Mac about two years ago and don't regret it.

Is it better?, I'm not really sure what to say. They are different and both have their pluses and minuses.

You know what they say, "a change is as good as a holiday"

Dec 16, 2009 at 09:45 PM

shatterkiss
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #7 · Why iMac over PC

As a photographer, you may want to hold off on the current generation of iMacs - once again, it seems like Apple may be having manufacturing quality issues:

http://gizmodo.com/5424639/i-spoke-too-soon-my-imac-is-ed-too

Dec 16, 2009 at 10:06 PM

alex108
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #8 · Why iMac over PC

Nowadays Mac, is a custom configured PC inside. Operating system is better though. I think it's a matter of what you like or, if you have most people around using one or the other, than you should get what your friends, lab, clients etc. have.

Dec 17, 2009 at 03:54 AM

ajkessler
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #9 · Why iMac over PC

shatterkiss wrote:
As a photographer, you may want to hold off on the current generation of iMacs - once again, it seems like Apple may be having manufacturing quality issues:

http://gizmodo.com/5424639/i-spoke-too-soon-my-imac-is-ed-too

This might actually not be such an issue. I've heard that this "delay" may actually be due to staggering demand. Who knows though.

The iMac is a pretty good deal, considering you get a decent computer and a decent monitor for a decent price. Plus, they look pretty nice, have a small footprint, and have a cool little apple logo that lights up

For $2k, roughly what you'll spend for a decently equipped 27", you could get an equally decent monitor (probably better: not a fan of the glass covered screens) and a far better computer. You won't get any of the bundled software, most of which you'll likely not use, and it will be uglier, and you'll have to build it yourself. But, you'll be able to upgraded it very easily, and it will smoke the iMac in terms of performance.

It's all about priorities and how much time you want to invest.

Dec 17, 2009 at 05:09 AM

gheller
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #10 · Why iMac over PC

Primary reason for getting a (i)Mac:

when you get anther one, one USB plug from one to another, a couple of clicks, and, voila, all is transfered.

So easy...try that with a PC

greg

Dec 17, 2009 at 06:06 AM

shatterkiss
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #11 · Why iMac over PC

gheller wrote:
Primary reason for getting a (i)Mac:

when you get anther one, one USB plug from one to another, a couple of clicks, and, voila, all is transfered.

So easy...try that with a PC

greg

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/features/easy-transfer.aspx

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2b6f1631-973a-45c7-a4ec-4928fa173266&DisplayLang=en

Dec 17, 2009 at 01:47 PM

butchM
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #12 · Why iMac over PC

When it comes to a photography workflow, there really is little difference between platforms. It comes down to personal preference and what works for you. Building your own Windows machine can save you money and allow you to customize it to your specific needs .... with an iMac ... you take it out of the box and turn it on .... transfer your personal data, install the software you prefer and go to work. One is not really "better" than the other. There are advantages to both.

That said, I have been using an iMac 24" for about three years now and have no complaints ... and I am looking to upgrade to a 27" iMac sometime in the second quarter of 2010. I do hope that Apple will soon embrace eSATA and Blu Ray in the near future though ....

Dec 17, 2009 at 03:07 PM

wingcommander
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #13 · Why iMac over PC

Apart from the money- do you do anything ELSE with your computer? Software availability may make you go PC.

If it weren't for that issue- I might run Macintosh.

Dec 17, 2009 at 04:56 PM

halie
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #14 · Why iMac over PC

This thread is unusual so far in that it is comprised of logical responses rather than the usual fanboy jibberish. In my opinion, if you know microsoft's operating system well, then get a pc. If you know apple's operating system well, then get an imac. I've used both, and spending time trying to figure out an alien operating system is not what I like doing.

Dec 17, 2009 at 05:05 PM

ajkessler
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #15 · Why iMac over PC

halie wrote:
This thread is unusual so far in that it is comprised of logical responses rather than the usual fanboy jibberish. In my opinion, if you know microsoft's operating system well, then get a pc. If you know apple's operating system well, then get an imac. I've used both, and spending time trying to figure out an alien operating system is not what I like doing.

To be honest, the first time I used OSX, I found it very straightforward. If you're familiar with windows, the switch is very easy. Part of this is due to the fact that there isn't all that much to tinker with.

Dec 17, 2009 at 05:47 PM

mdude85
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #16 · Why iMac over PC

halie wrote:
This thread is unusual so far in that it is comprised of logical responses rather than the usual fanboy jibberish. In my opinion, if you know microsoft's operating system well, then get a pc. If you know apple's operating system well, then get an imac. I've used both, and spending time trying to figure out an alien operating system is not what I like doing.

It could be because people are burnt out discussing the differences between the two systems on the dozens of other threads devoted to this topic ...

Dec 17, 2009 at 07:26 PM

Seph Photo
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #17 · Why iMac over PC

yeah, lets go back to a nikon vs canon thread ..

JUST KIDDING!!!!!

we all know ford trucks over chevy trucks...

JUST KIDDING :P

Dec 17, 2009 at 08:21 PM

Brit-007
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #18 · Why iMac over PC

I think one of the biggest advantages for me is the support. Buy a Dell Laptop with the warranty and if the battery goes out after a year, too bad, fork out for a new one. With my Mac book Pro, took it in to the store, they ran a test and swapped out the battery. Unit was just under 2 years old.

Yes, Apple does have hardware issues as it is a piece of electronics but they are there to support it. I had the 24" iMac for 2.1/2 years and it developed an issue with the video card. Took the unit in to the store and they confirmed the problem. They got the part in and it still had a problem. They called me and offered an option to fix or I could come in the store and pick up a brand new machine. I decided to take a credit and purchase a new Mac Pro. They had backed up all my data and applications, they even told me to contact support to get a refund on the balance of the warranty.

I know Dell would certainly not do that in any circumstances. Maybe getting on in years, I have had enough of putting together PC's. Remember, when you price out the machine you have to include the price of a comparable monitor. I am not out to start wars but I have priced a Dell against an Apple and it actually costs more for the Dell if you choose pretty much the same components. I find it easier to work and with less hassles on a Mac. A lot of people disagree with me but each person has to decide how they want to work.

Microsoft has created their own headache in that they just wtite the OS and it has to work with millions of parts. Apple, on the other hand, are able to restrict the parts list, just select those that give the least hassle, and get the OS to work. This I think is the simplest answer. They do produce good looking hardware which is a plus.

Software compatibility I do not think is a problem because you can either dual boot or as I do, use Parallels. I have one program for my TV Remote that is only produced in a Windows version. Most other programs I have been able to find similar or better on the Mac platform.

Dec 17, 2009 at 09:58 PM

T Bangerter
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #19 · Why iMac over PC

Macs are just great, but do what ever you feel good with

Dec 20, 2009 at 02:21 AM

AdamStewart
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #20 · Why iMac over PC

saw this image right after reading this thread and thought it was appropriate. I personally am a pc fanboy

Dec 20, 2009 at 04:21 AM

Brit-007
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #21 · Why iMac over PC

The main difference in Windows and Mac is that Windows uses a registry. If this gets corrupt or gets altered by a drive by program then you have issues. If it is bad then the normal operation is to wipe out and start again. The registry can get clogged up over time and again it is normal to format and start over. I have used Windows for years and am MCSE but in my years I did the switch and do not regret it at all. I am behind a router which offers some good protection but I am also careful in what I say yes to and do not go to questionable sites.

Mac has just been a smoother experience for me. Yes, they are a piece of electronics as well and can go wrong but the support is there.

Dec 20, 2009 at 04:46 AM

ChrisDM
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #22 · Why iMac over PC

If you're ok with paying nearly twice as much to get a slicker software interface, then yes, Mac is indeed better. If you'd rather get the same performance for half the price, then PC is better. Its a personal choice, but as we well know many people are willing to shell out crazy premiums for whatever looks the coolest. But to answer your question more simply, no, your photography won't know the difference, only your wallet will be able to tell which system you're on.

Chris Miller
www.imagineimagery.com

Dec 20, 2009 at 01:19 PM

chez
Online
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #23 · Why iMac over PC

ChrisDM wrote:
If you're ok with paying nearly twice as much to get a slicker software interface, then yes, Mac is indeed better. If you'd rather get the same performance for half the price, then PC is better. Its a personal choice, but as we well know many people are willing to shell out crazy premiums for whatever looks the coolest. But to answer your question more simply, no, your photography won't know the difference, only your wallet will be able to tell which system you're on.

Chris Miller
www.imagineimagery.com

I'd say your exaggerating a little bit when you say twice the price. More expensive, yes, twice...no.

Dec 20, 2009 at 04:10 PM

butchM
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #24 · Why iMac over PC

ChrisDM wrote:
but as we well know many people are willing to shell out crazy premiums for whatever looks the coolest.

Chris Miller
www.imagineimagery.com

While Apple's offerings do "look cool" .... I wouldn't say that is the premier reason I have purchased Apple hardware .... it is a plus though IMHO.

Is the price for Apple hardware higher than a comparable Windows based machine? ... Yes ... is it a "crazy premium" .... I don't think so ... I have purchased several refurb machines from the Apple Store, and using the NAPP discount along with adding RAM or drives purchased elsewhere ... you can keep the price more in line.

Do we not try to purchase the best cameras, lenses and flash for the work we do ... or do we make those purchase decisions based on low bid? While I wish I could buy Apple hardware for less, I am not that concerned when I look at the ROI I have received using Macs. They have always performed well and there have been few headaches along the way ... probably no more or less than with a good PC.

I started out with PS (v2) on Apple .... simply because PS wasn't available for Windows at the time ... and have seen no reason to switch ..... price point notwithstanding. Sometimes it is the intangibles that win out in a purchase decision .... not just the price tag.

Dec 20, 2009 at 04:39 PM

jrf37
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #25 · Why iMac over PC

This might not be a good question, but I am somewhat curious. The screen on the monitor of a iMac 27 inch with its glossy, glass design is cool and looks sharp. My question is does this help or hurt during editing and then the final print output? I send my prints out and most customers like the matte finish. Or is this just something you learn to overcome. I do realize I can set a color profile and use the spyder3.

Dec 20, 2009 at 05:32 PM


FM Forums \| Pro Digital Corner \| Join Upload & Sell 1 2 3 … 5 6 end