Mac or PC? Which should I go with and why?

[Dave Bloom]

I have been a PC user since 1987. I have recorded and produced albums on them on numerous occassions, both privately and professionaly. I have edited numerous videos, going back to when digitl editing first came into play in the late 90s. Now, I am looking for a new machine to do it all on. Yeah, I hear it all the time. "Macs are the best." But explain why. I can go either way on this,. While I do have a limit, money is not the issue. I want the better product, whether I order a Mac online, or get a custom built pc.

So, what is YOUR opinion. Sell me on it. Which one, but more importantly WHY? And I will look more towards the opinions of those who have done editing, graphics, music, etc... on one or both of the machines since those are my purposes behind the purchase. And a thank you in advance to anyone who is a help by contributing to this thread.

[Scribbler]

Hey - a nice big can of worms. Let's open it!

I'm a professional matte painter and concept artist in the film industry, so that's pretty graphic-y (although I work mainly with stills, not video).

At work, I've been given a PC. When I spent my own money on a machine to use as a freelancer, I bought a Mac latop.

There are so many nice little touches to a Mac, and to OSX in particular (which is the main reason to buy one) that informed this. Things like expose, time machine, spaces, dashboard, rapid application switching and gestures. My home machine boots up quicker, doesn't need drivers installing and updating all the time, and has a beautiful backlit keyboard. :cool:

Some of these (I believe) have now been integrated into Windows7, and most are not unique in any way to Mac, so I'm not going to fanboy envangelise. However, my best guess is that using a mac and OSX over a PC saves me something like 0.5%-1% of my time overall, and I would expect the machine to last 3 years.

Calculate that at your hourly rate for the time you are going to use it, and the difference more than pays for the additional cost of the machine, at least for me.

If you into hardcore gaming, watching blu-ray, or have a desire to take your computer apart every few months, then a mac isn't going to float your boat, however. I'm not - I like things that look and feel nice to use, are well designed, and let me be productive right out of the box.

Let the argument commence...

[valmorel]

I would agree with Scribbler, then go right ahead and use Linux anyway :) But that is a culture thing, nothing to do with effectiveness.

[dis]

I agree with Scribbler, it's a big can of worms. The computer that you select really depends on what you need it for. In terms of hardware, it's a very minor part of the equation in my opinion for most people. The operating system that you're running on it becomes a much larger deal. I use Windows, Linux, and Mac every day between work and home. Each has their benefits and downfalls.

Windows has a lot more applications available because that's what more people use. Linux is pretty free, and starting to become more usable, but it's still a pretty geeky OS that will probably require some tinkering (though I've seen it work well for a number of people who are not too computer literate, and are only looking for internet / word processing). Macs are pretty, but there is less selection in terms of software. I've sort of explained below why I use a Mac at home.

I used to be very anti-mac, but I've used on as my primary home computer for the last 3 years. For me the reason was the operating system. I'm a computer engineer and there are a number of things that I prefer about it. It's based on a Unix based os, which means that I can do a lot (it's sort of similar to linux, but a lot more polished). Apple hides this away, but doesn't make it hard to get to if you want it.

Another really nice thing is the fact that you can run windows on a mac as well, so if there is something that you really need in windows, you can just reboot into it and run. If the thing you're going to do in windows isn't too processor or graphics intensive, you can even run windows in a virtual machine (I use VMWare Fusion and it lets me run off of my bootcamp partition, so it's one instance of windows that I can get to two ways).

Stability is a big plus as well. At work I use a PC, and it gets pretty slow after it's been on for a while. I'm still using XP on that machine as some of the applications I need to use for my job are not Windows Vista / 7 compliant. I have to reboot there more frequently than I've ever had to reboot my Mac.

I really like the hardware personally. One example is that I've got a home theatre with optical audio inputs and I can connect my mac laptop to it to get full surround sound. The cable is standard, so I was able to pick it up pretty cheaply.

Finally, it's the little touches. One of my favourites is that Mac OS remembers your preferences for external monitors. If I take my mac to work and hook it up to my monitor there, it remembers that the monitor is on the right side of my computer, but when I go home it remembers that my monitor there is on the left. In laptops a bit newer than mine, if you take a set of iPhone earphones with the mic built in, you can just plug them into mac and it will use the mic from them.

[ChaseMe]

I truly believe Apple to be an evil company, more so with consumer electronics than the computers but anyway...(read: Apple TV).

If you have a decent discount it might be time to give a MAC a shot. The build quality is pretty amazing. The OS is supposedly stable, but is no more so than Win7 (regardless of the fan boys rants...). Just remeber the world of the PC is wide open software and hardware wise. As for Apple, they've got you good once you buy in.

[Karl]

I'm with ChaseMe. I think Jobs has built Apple around making the newest shiny product on the market therefore often neglecting other factors that are important in making long lasting quality products. Their hardware is no better than that of a quality PC and now with Win7 I can't buy into the argument that the OS is better/more stable. I'm not into graphic design by any means but I do know there are plenty of video editing sweets available, many free, for PC.

I work in desktop support/engineering and we have a mixed environment of roughly 30% macs 70% PCs. The macbook pros we have (07 & 08 unibody models), which is about 50 I'd say, have almost all had their logic boards replaced because of poor heat dissipation engineering that causes the video cards to burn up. I will say though, the G5 desktops and newer power macs were made solidly though. We rarely ever have an issue with those. Our Dell laptops and desktops, even though out numbering the mac laptops and desktops, have had less issues and if they do, are much easier and cheaper to get support for.

I just don't like Apple's proprietary (need to have control of everything) business practices. In closing my rant I'd say if you want a quality computer that's cheaper, go with a well researched PC. If you don't mind supporting somewhat shady business models (IMHO) and are OK with spending a bit more money for a few features that may make things a bit easier/quicker then I'd go with a mac.

Keep in mind, you've asked for opinions and this is merely mine, I hope no one takes offense, it's just something (me being a nerd) I feel strongly about.

[Dave Bloom]

The free editing software for PCs are garbage. I am more into advanced editing, so I need better software. The pro world editing suites are PC based, but the run Avid and cost around $10,000. So, for the price I'm starting to see that Macs are better because their processors handle larger files better, and editing is based around large files. I have done so much research in the last few days on the actual hardware components and such. As far as laptops go, Mac seems to have the upper hand. In comparison to the desktop world, where yes you can build anything you want in a pc. But, I need the portability. In regards to the heat issue, I actually heard from many people one of the big advantages to MacBook Pros is that they have far better heat displacement. On a note to you saying your Dells haven't had many problems, I have had so many issues with Dells in such a short amount of time, especially with their support, that I wrote them off about three years ago and will never be using their product again. That is just my own personal issue.
I do validate yours and everyone's opinion and thank you for it. I have come to the decision that while I have been a PC user since 1987, and will still continue (I have two), I am going to try out a MacBook Pro. For only a little bit more money, I think if anything else the time saving from not having to restart is worth some extra dollars. I edit with many clips running simultaneously on the screen in frames, and my PC constantly froze or studdered and I had to restart. Worse comes to worse, I don't like it and sell it. It's a learning experience.

And yes, Apple controls their market with an iron fist, but Windows does the same thing. I've always been pretty anti-Microsoft even though I've used windows since it first hit the market. So, I'll be alright. You'll just never see me buying an iPhone! :)

[dis]

If you're against microsoft / apple practices you can always go Linux. I used to work at an animation studio that preferred linux desktops to anything else. You had to justify windows or a mac to get one. That being said, I believe the editors were using macs with final cut pro. The animators were the primary users of linux.

[Dave Bloom]

Linux was the other options. I considered it and weighed out all of my options. I feel for this time (add in the $400 discount I am getting) I am just going to try the MacBook Pro with Premiere and After FX. I am lost at understanding why people believe Final Cut Pro has become the industry standard. It's just less expensive. The standard is and has been for over a decade, Avid. Avid workstations again are the cream of the crop. I haven't used Final Cut Pro myself, but I have heard many negative stories. I think because a lot of people have gone with Macs and that is basically their lead up software, a lot of people don't realize the other options.

[wjeong]

[QUOTE=fourdown;104301]I have been a PC user since 1987. I have recorded and produced albums on them on

My GF bought a Mac. It's thin and light weight. At 14", I figure she paid about $100 an inch. I've been a PC user all my life. Mac users say they are much easier to use. I don't find them intuitive to use myself. They also say the don't get virus's like PC's. That may be true, but if you have the recovery disc and back up your data, it's easy to clean any virus on a PC. I'm not convinced a Mac is a good choice unless you are a graphic's artist.

Wendell

[Dave Bloom]

Audio, video, and still editing all take up massive amounts of resources. I do two of the three so that is why I am moving in the direction I have leaned towards. In fact, audio editing is the heaviest load bearing process on a computer. I often have 15-20 tracks running at once. For editing, it is essential to have clean, uninterrupted playback.

[Karl]

The free editing software for PCs are garbage. I am more into advanced editing, so I need better software. The pro world editing suites are PC based, but the run Avid and cost around $10,000. So, for the price I'm starting to see that Macs are better because their processors handle larger files better, and editing is based around large files. I have done so much research in the last few days on the actual hardware components and such. As far as laptops go, Mac seems to have the upper hand. In comparison to the desktop world, where yes you can build anything you want in a pc. But, I need the portability. In regards to the heat issue, I actually heard from many people one of the big advantages to MacBook Pros is that they have far better heat displacement. On a note to you saying your Dells haven't had many problems, I have had so many issues with Dells in such a short amount of time, especially with their support, that I wrote them off about three years ago and will never be using their product again. That is just my own personal issue.
I do validate yours and everyone's opinion and thank you for it. I have come to the decision that while I have been a PC user since 1987, and will still continue (I have two), I am going to try out a MacBook Pro. For only a little bit more money, I think if anything else the time saving from not having to restart is worth some extra dollars. I edit with many clips running simultaneously on the screen in frames, and my PC constantly froze or studdered and I had to restart. Worse comes to worse, I don't like it and sell it. It's a learning experience.

And yes, Apple controls their market with an iron fist, but Windows does the same thing. I've always been pretty anti-Microsoft even though I've used windows since it first hit the market. So, I'll be alright. You'll just never see me buying an iPhone! :)

Hopefully, as it looks like you've found in your research, they've addressed the heat issue with the newest models. I will say, all the Dell's at work are business models which could be part of the disconnect that you've noticed between my experiences. I don't think I'd ever recommend a Dell if you're looking for a high end model laptop though, just making a point with the situation. I wouldn't validate the processor argument though because you can get the same processor in the macbooks in a pc ever since apple switched to Intel CPUs. I respect your stance with Dell though. I wish more people would learn to vote with their dollars and not buy products just because they're cheaper or easier to get a hold of. I guess your feelings for Dell are mine for Apple :)

Post some updates and let us know how everything turns out, what you like and don't like about it. I always like to know what other people think.

[Dave Bloom]

I will definitely post some updates in around three weeks. I will be able to directly compare editing on both machines, giving the pros and cons of each. My PC will still be functioning full time. In fact, the specs on my PC and Mac are almost identical. I'll post some sample videos done on both to look at a comparison.

[Mavrick]

So, for the price I'm starting to see that Macs are better because their processors handle larger files better, and editing is based around large files. I have done so much research in the last few days on the actual hardware components and such.

Wait...What? Since the x86 change, Macs use the same processors that PCs use. Risk processors in ways were superior to the x86 processor, however IBM couldnt keep up with the demand for releasing new technologies and thus, we now have core powered macs.

Nothing is mystical about their hardware anymore. Its their OS. To be honest, up until the release of the original OSX, mac was always shit. If you wanted graphics done, you did it on a sparc station. The whole "mac is superior" ego these days reminds me of the "Smug alert" episode of southpark. Most of the reason their OS runs so well is that Mac limits their OS to running only on their hardware. This means out of the box their OS is tuned to run the systems nearly flawlessly. Unlike Windows and Linux where there are millions of combinations for hardware. The other reason is because its Unix based. Which if i were to run a unix environment, it would be linux. I dont like how mac makes you feel confined in their OS as to what you can and cant do with it.

But in reality, its all opinions for everyone. What suits you great probably wont suit me and vice versa. I havent used a desktop since i went to college 10 years ago. Now i hate desktops. The thought of being trapped to only one room just makes me shutter.

So when i shop, i look at laptops only. The one i use now cost my company a hefty price. HP Compaq 8710w. I do alot of 3D design and i do it all from my laptop...within windows XP. Now, i've got a 240gb SSD drive specifically for booting. I've currently got 5 OS's + VMware running within some of those OS's.
Windows XP(1) One set of plc and hmi software
Windows xp(2) One set of plc and hmi software not compatible with (1)
Windows xp(3) Used for 3D and graphic design
Windows Vista(1) because some clients are using it and need it for dev purposes...
Linux Mint(1) used for personal computing at home.

I play all the latest games on my Vista partition, I edit video and dvd's as a hobby and have been using premiere for almost 14 years now.

With all that in mind, i multi use the hell out of my computer. The only time i would have ever said i'd go to mac due to superiority was to do video editing 10 years ago with the release of OSX. At the time i was doing post production for my school's video broadcast on Adobe Premiere 5.1. When OSX came out and Final Cut pro was released it beat the living shit out of Premiere. But that was then and this is now.

I will say that my next computer will be a Macbook pro. Not because i want to use their OS, which i will use because i'll own it, but because its the only brand of PC i havent owned in a long time. (I had a mac running OS 7 15 or so years ago...freebee) I'm curious of how their hardware holds up to my abusive traveling. Especially now since their made entirely out of one CNC'd piece of aluminum. However, i will multi boot it with various copies of windows as well as linux.

On the desktop side, when you buy a Mac, you're pretty much stuck with the hardware inside. Vs the PC world, you can pretty much build anything you want. Mac hardware is like Megablox and PCs are like Legos.

Out of all of the OS's, i do prefer linux the best. I like the feeling of being able to do whatever the heck i want to the OS and it supports it. I i want something, i build the support for it. If i dont want it, i can remove it. I can bloat it or i can strip it. Neither OSX nor Windows will allow that.

Whats the take away here? If its just for porntubbing, try em out and buy whichever you like best. If you're looking to play games but really want a mac, buy a mac and dual boot a windows OS.

[dcox20]

Admittedly - I didn't read everyone elses posts. I do much the same type of work you do, graphics intensive, system resource sucking, multi-adobe program concurrent editing. I just ordered my new laptop outfitted like this:

Custom built by cyberpowerpc

Size/Screen: 18.4" Full HD TFT 1920x1080 LED
Memory: 8GB
CPU: Intel Core i7-740QM 1.73 GHz
HDD1: 80GB Intel SSD
HDD2: 500GB 7200RPM SATA HD
GPU/Graphics: Dual ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 1GB DDR5 Video in CrossFireX

I go PC because you can outfit them so heavily for graphics and multi-tasking... my boot time will be nil thanks to the SSD as my OS (windows7) will be loaded to it which will alleviate all of the OS drag most folks experience. The dual GPUs willl handle the graphic duties as I regularly work on multiple files over 800 mb... and everything else should be handled by the 8GB RAM.

total outfit was $2600 - Mac can't touch that performance for that cost, even in a desktop.

[Mavrick]

Admittedly - I didn't read everyone elses posts. I do much the same type of work you do, graphics intensive, system resource sucking, multi-adobe program concurrent editing. I just ordered my new laptop outfitted like this:

Custom built by cyberpowerpc

Size/Screen: 18.4" Full HD TFT 1920x1080 LED
Memory: 8GB
CPU: Intel Core i7-740QM 1.73 GHz
HDD1: 80GB Intel SSD
HDD2: 500GB 7200RPM SATA HD
GPU/Graphics: Dual ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 1GB DDR5 Video in CrossFireX

I go PC because you can outfit them so heavily for graphics and multi-tasking... my boot time will be nil thanks to the SSD as my OS (windows7) will be loaded to it which will alleviate all of the OS drag most folks experience. The dual GPUs willl handle the graphic duties as I regularly work on multiple files over 800 mb... and everything else should be handled by the 8GB RAM.

total outfit was $2600 - Mac can't touch that performance for that cost, even in a desktop.

nice man, i'm itching for my next system. Mine is going on 3 years old now. I've got a Quadro card in mine. It was great then, but i definately cant wait to replace it.

[Dave Bloom]

An update on my new Mac. It arrived Wednesday evening and I have not been able to leave it be. I love tis computer. It runs smoother, faster, more effecient, and can multitask better than any PC I have ever owned. As far as video editing and audio production go I have only been able to use iMovie and Garage Band so far. The newest Final Cut Studio suite will be arriving this week and I will be able to get started on the full length Liberty video. I'm excited to try out Motion. This will be the first time I have ever done animation so we'll see how we'll it goes.

In comparison of the mian reason I purchased this machine, editing on a Mac vs Editing on a PC, I find the Mac more efficient. No crashes, faster importing, it can handle running many effects and clips at once, and I can simultaniously run Safari, iTunes, iMovie, iChat, and Garage Band. My PC would have crashed in a second with that much going at once. Anyone, here is the second edit I've done so far with it. The first will be released in a few weeks.

This is the trailer for Liberty. Enjoy!

http://www.skiboardsonline.com/vbulletin/upload/showthread.php?p=104978#post104978