Ask Me Help Desk - Should I switch to Mac?

Hi Everyone!

I am considering making the switch from PC to Mac, but I would like to know a bit more about it first so I can make a more informed decision.

In my new work environment everyone uses Macs and I am considering switching to Mac.
I have an interest in graphic design and digital imaging. However I've started learning programming and I would have to start all over again on a Mac. I also hear that Unix is much more complex. My other major concerns are the lack of compatibility with the PC-using population and the lack of software available for Macs. I love testing out all the open source software for windows and creating basic programs myself.

So I guess my question is what makes Mac better at graphic design? I mean everyone knows Macs are better for creative stuff, but WHY? And also what are the disadvantages/inconveinces of Macs? And is it more difficult to learn to program with Macs?

Thanks everyone in advance for your comments, they are very highly appreciated.:)

Have your cake and eat it too. With the new intel based MACs, you can have all the advantages of a MAC and still run Windows or Linux on the same box.

The reason MACs are better at the graphic stuff, is because the whole OS is geared towards it. But MAC programs are done in the same programming languages, just the compiler is different.

I did.I hardly use my PC now, it's seems so clunky.The Core Duo iMac all in one is just superb.I think mac build their OS's from the ground up which Microsoft don't do, they just pile more stuff on top of the original OS which is probably why their apps etc.are so huge.
Besides , PC's should be fun and easy to use.I found the Mac very intuitive and got used to itr very quickly, besides that, you can also run XP on it if you need to because they are intel chips-best of both worlds.
PS Graphics.. Adobe PhotoshopCS -Illustrator CS -Dreamweaver CS and Macs.. you couldn't get a better match.Don't forget as a designer you will probably appreciate that Macs are beautifully designed.. not just 'made'.You are on home ground.
I also have a 12" iBook which I put in my backpack and download a days pix and video every night when I check in to an hotel which gives me clean cameras for next day.Enjoy!

Quote:

Originally Posted by stormwalker

Hi Everyone!

I am considering making the switch from PC to Mac, but i would like to know a bit more about it first so i can make a more informed decision.

In my new work environment everyone uses Macs and i am considering switching to Mac.
I have an interest in graphic design and digital imaging. However ive started learning programming and i would have to start all over again on a Mac. I also hear that Unix is much more complex. My other major concerns are the lack of compatibility with the PC-using population and the lack of software available for Macs. I love testing out all the open source software for windows and creating basic programs myself.

So i guess my question is what makes Mac better at graphic design? I mean everyone knows Macs are better for creative stuff, but WHY? and also what are the disadvantages/inconveinces of Macs? And is it more difficult to learn to program with Macs?

Thanks everyone in advance for your comments, they are very highly appreciated.:)

Google "mac vs pc" and you will get a wealth of information.
I have used both a mac and PC, and the mac is way easier for me.
I too worked where everyone had a mac, it was embarrassing to even use a PC. =)
People can give you PC files and they will work on a mac but not always the other way around. These would be graphics programs, Illustrator/Photoshop as well as MS Office.
I think the reason graphic designers like macs is because of the speed of the processor. You can work on large files very quickly, However, I think that pc's have caught up with
the speed of a standard mac. The top of the line mac cannot compete with a PC.
PC's seem to always be a step behind the mac in the advances in technology. Also, the new macs come with a bundle of great programs. Iphoto itunes. The only problem I have had is when I send photos via email to family members that are on PC, they get them in mine format when it leave as a jpeg. I have to take them into a graphics program and resave them for the web before I email. This is only for two people, as everyone else gets files just fine. I hope this has helped. I am happy to answer any other questions.
If you do get a new computer, I would highly recommend a laptop, I have a 17" powerbook and I could not live without it. I can take it wirelessly around my house and out in the yard with my apple router. You can normally find an internet connection around, even go into a Starbucks and be on their network,

Quote:

Originally Posted by stormwalker

Hi Everyone!

I am considering making the switch from PC to Mac, but i would like to know a bit more about it first so i can make a more informed decision.

In my new work environment everyone uses Macs and i am considering switching to Mac.
I have an interest in graphic design and digital imaging. However ive started learning programming and i would have to start all over again on a Mac. I also hear that Unix is much more complex. My other major concerns are the lack of compatibility with the PC-using population and the lack of software available for Macs. I love testing out all the open source software for windows and creating basic programs myself.

So i guess my question is what makes Mac better at graphic design? I mean everyone knows Macs are better for creative stuff, but WHY? and also what are the disadvantages/inconveinces of Macs? And is it more difficult to learn to program with Macs?

Thanks everyone in advance for your comments, they are very highly appreciated.:)

The main reason Mac's are better for this kind of application is that the one company has thought through the solution from start to finish and they have built the hardware to complete the task and as such aren't concerned with other external sources.

The basics are that if you look at the life style media that you want to use such as photos, home movies and music Apple have a single click through method to go from one area to the next and it's absolute child's play.

Anyone who can't learn to use a Mac in day and be able to add their own music, to a photo album that they then burn on to a DVD to watch on the TV or post directly to the Web will certainly struggle to use a PC to complete these tasks.

I guess my answer sounds basis but I have to use both in my working environment and I have never seen a Mac user convert over to PC's unless they are forced to by work. On the other hand I have seen hundreds switch from PC to Mac and then go on to convert friends and family to do likewise, all of them are happy for it.

What ever you choice I hope that it give you pleasure, just remember that a life spent in the real world is always better than life wasted in a virtual one.

Good luck

Paul