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?
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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 ....
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
