If you had $2500 to buy a MAC. What would you do?

[EOS MAN1]

Ok, if you had $2500 to get a Mac what would you get? How would you use the money? Would you buy a 15in Mackbook pro? Would you buy a Macbook with a Monitor? Would you buy an IMac and save some money for lenses? What would you do?

[don_lee103]

I would buy a Macbook Pro as Macbooks have no dedicated graphic card to support the vibrant colour properly. Also, It takes longer to process as integrated gfx card shares your ram to run.

[liquefied]

I'd buy a regular MacBook and save the rest for software, lenses, etc..

[rosselliot]

I bought the 17 inch macbook pro, 2 GB RAM, you'll LOVE IT. it's amazing. I'd get the 15" macbook pro if you can't get the 17 inch. the portability and status symbol it presents is amazing. :) the portability mostly, of course. haha. I love it, you will too. I think you'll regret getting the macbook, because you'll always want to know what it's like to have the macbook pro with the metal casing and the higher processor. I think you'll regret getting the imac because I think you'll wish you had the portability - there's absolutely no reason to go with a desktop now unless you REALLY need the tower with a MASSIVE processor and the HUGE screen, the laptops can do most of the same things! AND YOU CAN TAKE THEM ANYWHERE!!!!!

- RE

[liquefied]

$1,000 is a lot to pay for the "status" of a MacBook Pro. If you're only doing photography as a hobby a regular MacBook is plenty of machine.

[tunin]

I would get a REFURB mackbook pro from apple.com (when they get it running) and spend the rest on other gear.

[MikePrattPhotography]

Not sure of the price of the Macbook/macbook pro, but I have been doin a lot of research lately. My plans (when I return from deployment in August) is to purchase a Macbod pro and purchase the 30'' cinemad sisplay that apple offers. That way i have a desktop when im home, simply unplug, and i have a laptop for portability. Along with using the 30" as a monitor, it will also be my TV.

If anyone has heard about this method being used, could you please PM me. I am not sure if its gonna work but with the research i have been doing, it seems like it "should" work, but if someone tells me know i would REALLY apprecaiate not to wast the money...lol.. Thanks

[terriyaki]

I'd get a fully featured 20" iMac since I already have a 12" iBook for my on the go needs. I'm not a computer user that needs a powerful portable computer. I think a decent portable computer capable of doing generic daily tasks paired up with a powerful desktop computer is more versatile for my needs.

Plus a 20" iMac would go well paired up with my Dell 2005FPW. :)

[MDJAK]

I own two 17 inch MacBook Pros, one for work (not photography) and the other for my home computer and photography.

They are both excellent computers.

If portability is not an issue, I'd probably go for the iMac with the 23 inch screen. It's a real nice machine.

The cost of the 17 over the 15 is only $200, I believe, which made it a no brainer for me.

As to the question about pairing the 30 inch, even though it's come down about $1200 from its original $3,000 price, it's still quite expensive to use as a TV.

The screen on the MacBook Pros is so good, I gave my daughter my 24 inch Dell Ultrasharp as it was just not needed.

You're better off buying the Panasonic 42 inch plasma which can be had as low as $1200 and use that as a TV. Remember, one drawback to Apple notebooks is the complete lack of docking stations. I have five plugs plugged into mine, and it's a real PIA to unplug them and replug them in whenever I want to move it.

mark

[EOS MAN1]

Oh yeah, I am going to be in the photography program at the University of Central Florida this August. I have me gen eds out of the way, so I am starting into photography. This will be my job after I get my degree. Hopefully before I finish as well.

[producerism]

feel free to flame me for this, but for $2500 you could get two PCs, each just as good as the Mac.

[EOS MAN1]

It ok. I am tired of PCs I have been wanting a Mac for some time now. I am willing to pay the extra for less headache on my part.

[Savagebasher]

hell, for $1500 you could build a top of the line intel rig, get a nice 23-24" lcd, and have a grand left for a lens/other goodies

[cosworth]

24inch iMac and stuff it full of ram.You'll have money left over.

[_aravena]

Oh yeah, I am going to be in the photography program at the University of Central Florida this August. I have me gen eds out of the way, so I am starting into photography. This will be my job after I get my degree. Hopefully before I finish as well.

Better be Daytona Campus 'cause the Orlando one sucks. I went there for that. Gave up 'cause it was bad!!! Besides, a degree in photography means little with nothing to show for it. I'm right there now. Instead I'm about to shoot weddings, portraits, and who knows what (they haven't given me the offcial details) 'cause of background.

Obviosuly not a problem for you, but one reason I dind't go was 'cause all they used was Mac's. Nice ones though. Very top of the line.

[EOS MAN1]

The first half of the program is at the Daytona campus and the second half is at the Orlando campus. I like the Orlando Campus, but I hate Orlando, I can't stand that city. I like Daytona a lot. When its all said and done I will have a bachelors in Photography.

[_aravena]

no no no!!! Both are there in Daytona. Don;t let them tell you otherwise. A BA is in Orlando but a BS in Daytona where they actually teach you things pertaining to photography. Orlando has like 2 classes. I know, I went there. It's more art than photography.

[Rumjungle]

The iMac line is about to get updated. That said, I think the 20" or 24" iMac would serve you well. Do you shoot RAW or jpeg? If you shoot RAW, I would prioritize processor speed & HD speed. You'll want at least 2gb of RAM either way.

[Citizensmith]

an ipod shuffle and $450 to home build a linux box, and $2000 on lenses.

[BradT0517]

I would get the 15 inch MacBook Pro in about a month or two concerning when the update will be released.

[gparvan]

an ipod shuffle and $450 to home build a linux box, and $2000 on lenses.

I was running Ubuntu, but too many issues. Lightroom came out and I dumped Ubuntu. I like Linux, but I need software to run. Beside I spend my work days getting servers to run.

I'm looking at a Mac. My cube-mate just bought a Macbook Pro 17. It's nice.
I suppose a laptop would be nice to have so I can dump my CF & SD cards when they fill up.

OK, I am gunna order the pro 17. :lol::lol::lol:

[Rumjungle]

SanDisk firewire readers on the MBP are blazin' fast.

[R Hardman]

Buy a PC and use the rest to purchase a 17" printer, calibration software, and roll paper. You might be able to squeak in a printer stand if you play your cards right. I think your spending way too much on the computing power. Of course thats me and not you. :)

[RichNY]

The iMac line is about to get updated. That said, I think the 20" or 24" iMac would serve you well. Do you shoot RAW or jpeg? If you shoot RAW, I would prioritize processor speed & HD speed. You'll want at least 2gb of RAM either way.

When is the iMac line supposed to be updated?

I also went with a 24" iMac w/2gb RAM and Aperture. Very pleased with the configuration although it does make for a big 'laptop' when traveling.

[EOS MAN1]

SanDisk firewire readers on the MBP are blazin' fast.

I was hoping they would get updated. I just saw the regular mackbooks got a core 2 duo now. I was thinking of getting an iMac because of the speed and extra harddrive capability. I will be getting one of the Sandisk Firewire reader which ever way I go. I read about them, they are super fast. They will go nice with my Sandisk Extreme III cards. By the way, there is a big sale on them right now. www.adorama.com 1gb for $18 after rebate 2gb for @25 after rebate 4gb for $40 after rebate and 8gb for $90 after rebate and so on. All of them Extreme IIIs super fast.

Buy a PC and use the rest to purchase a 17" printer, calibration software, and roll paper. You might be able to squeak in a printer stand if you play your cards right. I think your spending way too much on the computing power. Of course thats me and not you. :smile:

I send my stuff out for printing, so I won't need that. I really want a Mac. I have had PCs all my life(actually started on a Mac)I have never bought a new computer before. Always used. My Mom jusdt bought a new Laptop and desktop for her house. Both are fast computers using Vista. Vista Blows. I had so many problems when I used her computers. Vista IMO is very Slow. I am not trying to start an argument. This is just the basis for my decision. No one will be able to change my mind.

an ipod shuffle and $450 to home build a linux box, and $2000 on lenses.
Do you think it will run CS3? I guess thats something to consider. LMAO:lol:

[Kimberlyscklli]

feel free to flame me for this, but for $2500 you could get two PCs, each just as good as the Mac.
I see you use PS CS3. I am looking to purchase new software. I am a new-bie just getting started. Do you like the software? Is it easy to use? What type of printer do you use?

[René Damkot]

MacBook vs. MacBook Pro (http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook/faq/differences-between-macbook-macbook-pro-core-2-duo.html).

[EOS MAN1]

I need all your prayers that I get a decent settlement in a month so I can. Pay off a few debts and get a computer.

[canoflan]

Ok, if you had $2500 to get a Mac what would you get? How would you use the money? Would you buy a 15in Mackbook pro? Would you buy a Macbook with a Monitor? Would you buy an IMac and save some money for lenses? What would you do?

iMac 20". I got one a month ago and love it. I use LR and CS3 on it flawlessly.

[EOS MAN1]

That is what I have been looking at most. I can't decide whether it be that or the MacBook Pro for portability. I want the power and storage of a desktop and the portability of a laptop.

[zacker]

isnt it harder to PP on a laptop?? I always heard it was..something about the colors being strange... Id get a mac over PC if i was in the market again, but id definetly get a desktop over an LT... you just get sooo much more computer with the DT for the money!

[_aravena]

Yeah, but I always have my laptop with me. I guess if you got the money it not bad at all but if you can barely break a grand you're quite limited.

[metalman1010]

Ok $2500 question here and hopefully I can help answer it for you.

First off the thing I will ask you is do you want to have dual monitors to help you use CS3?

I have an older Mirrordrive mac with a 250g hardrive and 2gb of memory that runs pretty decent. I use dual monitors for the purpose of it works so much better when you are PP photos. If you want that then you have to go with a Promac as it is the only one that supports dual monitors that aren't (mirrored) meaning it shows the exact same thing on both screens. I have dual Samsung 20" monitors side by side and that only cost me <$700 including tax.

If you want to stick with a single screen and want to save some cash in the front end, think about going with a Mac Mini. The Processors on them are very decent and you can pick and choose what monitor you want. The apple cinema screens are nice and are like purchasing Canon L lenses. You pay a price but the IQ is stunning!

Like stated before by other people you pretty much want at least 2gb of memory if not more to let your machine chug along at top speed when you are using Photoshop.

Now the next all in one option is the IMac. I have owned the first 3 generations of these computers because you get it all in one. I looked at the difference between the new ones and for $500 do you want an extra 4" of monitor (20-24" model) because thats the only differnce for the most part.

I have always had an Ibook laptop and really didn't ever want to use it for photos because the Bus speed on them was very limiting. Plus the LCD screens just didn't give the vibrance you are looking for in a desktop monitor.

If you do go with a laptop invest in the Macbook Pro's. They are faster, have larger screens with higher resolution and are already set up with 2gb of memory.

So hopefully this suggestion will help you choose probably some of the best stuff Mac has to offer. And yea keep looking on the Refurb page as things pop up from time to time that are great for reduced prices that carry the same exact warranty as the brand new models.

Oh yea one last thing...Get Applecare for whatever computer you get. Believe me it's worth it!


Have fun!

Ross

[EOS MAN1]

I definitely think I will get AppleCare. It does sound worth it. I think the displays in the MacBook Pros are considered pro level. I am definitely torn on this issue. I probably have a little over a month or two before I will be getting one. I swear I am going to have nightmares. I think the iMac is the best bang for the buck for me, but I am still going to be debating the MacBook pro for portability.

I don't really think I will need two displays. It would be cool, but for me not necessary. I wish I knew more about what part of the field I will end up in. I think my best bet would be to get the Macbooks Pro if I can afford it, and if not, then I will go with the 20 inch iMac.

Would it be better to get the lowest model Macbook Pro and upgrade the Ram from an aftermarket place or just go for the higher 15' macbook pro?

[gparvan]

Question: How much do we need to allocate for software license migration?
In other words how much will Adobe charge us to move from PC to Mac for CSx and LightRoom? How much will Noiseware charge us? How much will other vendors charge???

[shesgotthepic]

I would get a REFURB mackbook pro from apple.com (when they get it running) and spend the rest on other gear.

I wouldn't. I had a 1st generation MBP core duo 1.86gHz and it went through2 motherboard replacements, 1 powerinverter for the screen replacement, 1 superdrive replacement and still didn't work. I ended up getting it refunded and bought a core 2 duo MBP 2.16ghz. 1gig ram already in and as I had a spare 1gig from the old MBP I stuck that in and now have 2gig ram.

I absolutely love it!

Now, if you can get a refurbed core 2 duo - then yes. Just stear clear of the 1st generation machines.

She

[lostdoggy]

I wouldn't. I had a 1st generation MBP core duo 1.86gHz and it went through2 motherboard replacements, 1 powerinverter for the screen replacement, 1 superdrive replacement and still didn't work. I ended up getting it refunded and bought a core 2 duo MBP 2.16ghz. 1gig ram already in and as I had a spare 1gig from the old MBP I stuck that in and now have 2gig ram.

I absolutely love it!

Now, if you can get a refurbed core 2 duo - then yes. Just stear clear of the 1st generation machines.

She

No way!!!

MACs are indestructible self healing computers even virus and trojans can't hurt them. You mean to tell me that they are fallible just like PCs. Say it ain't so.

[shesgotthepic]

No way!!!

MACs are indestructible self healing computers even virus and trojans can't hurt them. You mean to tell me that they are fallible just like PCs. Say it ain't so.

yup. the 1st generation had some pretty bad issues. I'm not the only one. There were loads on the apple.com support forum complaining about the same issues.

Before I eventually got it refunded by the shop they tried to get me a replacement (apple would not replace it. shop would) and gave me a macbook as a loaner. A fairly top spec version but I returned it after a few days demanding a full refund on the MBP as the macbook just couldn't cope with running PS CS2, dreamweaver and Lightroom without groaning.

I would definetly go for a MBP over a desktop. I've had a 12" powerbook (and if MBP is ever issued with a 12" model I could be tempte to swap down) and a G5. Stick with laptop.

As for PP on laptop - once you are used to it it sin't really a problem. I quite oftn do it on the fly using the trackpad and no external mouse.

She

[Rumjungle]

Question: How much do we need to allocate for software license migration?
In other words how much will Adobe charge us to move from PC to Mac for CSx and LightRoom? How much will Noiseware charge us? How much will other vendors charge???

Adobe allows you the make the switch once a year...for free I believe.:)

[Tony-S]

You might consider:

15" 2.16 gHz MBP with 2 gb RAM
Apple Bluetooth keyboard
NON-Apple Bluetooth 3-button optical scroll mouse
22" DVI display (e.g., Samsung)
500 gb firewire or USB2 drive

This would allow you to use your MBP as a desktop, with the need only to plug in the external drive and display as you need it. I've not tried it, but if you link your laptop to an external keyboard and display, you can keep the lid closed. The bluetooth keyboard and mouse will allow you to free up desktop space.

[Tony-S]

feel free to flame me for this, but for $2500 you could get two PCs, each just as good as the Mac.

How so?

[Tony-S]

hell, for $1500 you could build a top of the line intel rig, get a nice 23-24" lcd, and have a grand left for a lens/other goodies

You mean like the Intel Core 2 Duos or Quad cores that come with Macs?

[Tony-S]

No way!!! MACs are indestructible self healing computers...

Yes, thanks to journaling they are self-healing if they crash because of power failures or some other unpredictable event.

...even virus and trojans can't hurt them.

So far, yes, that's a truism.

You mean to tell me that they are fallible just like PCs. Say it ain't so.

Well, you can screw them up by installing Windows on them. :p

[EOS MAN1]

Yes, thanks to journaling they are self-healing if they crash because of power failures or some other unpredictable event.



So far, yes, that's a truism.



Well, you can screw them up by installing Windows on them. :p

LMAO. Windows. . . hahahaha. I think I will just use my fiance's computer if I need windows. I can't wait to have another Mac. The first Mac I had was on of the really really old Black and White Macs. I can't remember what they called it. At the time it was awesome. It even had a Golf game. Way faster than PC. The thing was pretty big and clunky. The screen was only like 10 inches. I miss that computer. Things were simple back then.

[nicksan]

Yes...and you'll still have a grand to spend on a lens with the PC's...


You mean like the Intel Core 2 Duos or Quad cores that come with Macs?

[EOS MAN1]

I don't know what i'll do until the time comes. I think that if I can afford to do it I should. If I can't I will have to find some other means until I can.

[prime80]

Please...NO MAC VS. PC cr@p!! It's been done to death. All of us WIndows users are absolutely positively sure we are right, and all of the Macheads are just as absolutely positively sure they are right. There's NO point in arguing it. The OP said he wants a Mac, so please limit the suggestions to his intent to purchase a Mac.

Now, my suggestion would be: A good Dell XPS laptop with Vista an...wait, never mind. j/k :)

Seriously, it sounds like you really want the portability of the laptop, and the Macbook Pro is the best fit for that need. My advice when buying a computer has always been "Set your budget and then spend every cent of it." If you can afford to get the Macbook Pro, then get it. You will always wonder if you don't. If you can't afford it, get the Macbook. If the money comes in tight and you can't squeeze either of them out, get the best iMac you can afford. I think any of the three will do the job for you. I will note that if you get either of the Macbooks, strongly consider adding a second monitor. If you've never used dual monitor, it really is worth it. I've got 2 PCs and 4 monitors at work (I do a lot of app dev) and I couldn't be without the extra monitors.

[Rumjungle]

Good advice, especially when dealing with laptops. You can't really upgrade 'em later so spend the money on quality and performance now.

[EOS MAN1]

Thats a good point. I've never owned a computer from new, so it seems like good advice to me.

[mknabster]

I'm in the same boat as you are, except my degree in college next year is graphics design, so i'm going to need the power. Though for me, i'm on a tighter budget, nothing over $2000. So i'm going for the baseline Macbook Pro, 15 in, and the 2GB Ram upgrade. If you haven't already, check out if Apple gives you the college discount, for me, i get $200 off, plus no tax or shipping fees, it's pretty nice. i would love to oerder CS3 with it, but i don't have an extra $500 for the softwares i need.

[nicksan]

I have to admit, the Mac Towers look mighty impressive.
Dual Core x 2, or Quad Core x 4...Xeons. My goodness.

Not sure what kind of real workd benefit you'll see...but I see that their 2.66 Dual Core x 2 machines chime in right around $2499.

Daaaaaym....

[vladnl]

I don't know what kind of photography you'd do, but you'd appreciate portablity of laptop shooting tethered. I certainly do :)
Cheers
Vlad

[René Damkot]

I will note that if you get either of the Macbooks, strongly consider adding a second monitor.
Quoted for truth. If not for dual monotor setup, then for color critical work.

[urladyswidme]

Forget about upgrading. I have already accepted the fact that I will have to buy a new computer every two years. The pains of upgrading (PC or Mac) is just not worth it. Why spend your time loading drivers and determining your CPU socket configuration if you could be out there taking nice pictures? :-) I say get one that works for you the next three years and enjoy the rest of your time doing what you love.

[EOS MAN1]

Well, I have to get a decent computer. the one I have won't cut it. Image editing takes too long. Remember I am on a 700mhz machine with 384megs ram. That minimal at best I am surprised Photoshop even opens on this system. Forget trying to use a filter. You have to wait 5 minutes while it applies. Don't get me started on RAW files either. Thats almost impossible.

[20D_Newbie]

My vote is for a fast PC and some camera gear.

[Rumjungle]

Well, I have to get a decent computer. the one I have won't cut it. Image editing takes too long. Remember I am on a 700mhz machine with 384megs ram. That minimal at best I am surprised Photoshop even opens on this system. Forget trying to use a filter. You have to wait 5 minutes while it applies. Don't get me started on RAW files either. Thats almost impossible.

Man, are you in for a treat! I can't wait to hear your thoughts when you get a new computer.:)

[Team Scream]

If i had $2500.00 to buy a Mac I would buy a PC laptop instead and spend the extra $1500.00 leftover on another lens or some other piece of gear I really wanted, Macs are a waste of money.

[Tony-S]

If i had $2500.00 to buy a Mac I would buy a PC laptop instead and spend the extra $1500.00 leftover on another lens or some other piece of gear I really wanted, Macs are a waste of money.

Why do you think Macs are a waste of money?

[EOS MAN1]

Well, apparently my University doesn't. They use MacPros for the program. I think it is best to learn the same way. It is a ll a preference thing anyway. I am tired of dealing with Microsoft and all their problems. I am tired of viruses. I am tired of having to make my computer work every week. It should just work. There is too much maintenance on PC. I have to reformat every couple of months to keep the operating system be getting bloated. I could go on forever. This is my choice. I think it is a good one.

Rumjungle- I think I will be presently surprised with anything I get. By the way, that is a beautiful wedding picture. I am assuming that is you. When did you get married? I am getting married next May.

[Rumjungle]

Congrats on the engagement, EOS Man! No, it's not me. I shot her wedding last week.:)

[Billginthekeys]

Not sure of the price of the Macbook/macbook pro, but I have been doin a lot of research lately. My plans (when I return from deployment in August) is to purchase a Macbod pro and purchase the 30'' cinemad sisplay that apple offers. That way i have a desktop when im home, simply unplug, and i have a laptop for portability. Along with using the 30" as a monitor, it will also be my TV.

If anyone has heard about this method being used, could you please PM me. I am not sure if its gonna work but with the research i have been doing, it seems like it "should" work, but if someone tells me know i would REALLY apprecaiate not to wast the money...lol.. Thanks
i dont know for sure, but i would call apple, the 30 inch monitor takes a BIG graphics card to run, i know the macbook pro has a decent one, but i dont know if it could handle that big a screen,.

[Tony-S]

i dont know for sure, but i would call apple, the 30 inch monitor takes a BIG graphics card to run, i know the macbook pro has a decent one, but i dont know if it could handle that big a screen,.

I think you can run a 30" display with a single DVI port, but you can't get its full resolution. I'm pretty sure you need dual ports for this (like the Mac Pros).

[EOS MAN1]

According to David G. at Apple, the MacBook Pros have the Dual DVI built in. It is suppossed to run that monitor at full resolution. The iMacs will not run it at full resolution.

[EOS MAN1]

Congrats on the engagement, EOS Man! No, it's not me. I shot her wedding last week.:)

Thank you. Nice job on the picture. Do you have a gallery?

[Rumjungle]

PM sent

[EOS MAN1]

It looks like there are rumors that the MacBook Pros are going to be updated along with the iMacs very soon. The Macbook Pros are suppossed to be getting new displays with white LEDs as the backlights instead of the flourescent tubes. This will make more vivid color stable displays with a much lower power consumption. Sounds pretty good to me. The average update for the MacBook Pros are about every 182 days. It seems that it has been 209 days already, so it is overdue and should be soon.
Macrumors.com suggests not buying now, and waiting for this new update to come out.

[Tony-S]

Not to mention the elimination of mercury, which is a good thing, too. Now, if we can only get rid of those coal-burning power plants. Nuclear, anyone?

[EOS MAN1]

I will definitely wait for this to come out. My fiance has had so many problems with the display in her hd laptop. The flourescent tube and the inverter have been replaced multiple times. and it still goes out often.

[Tony-S]

Are you planning to get Aperture? It's only $99 at the Academic pricing.

[mediamst]

I am a wedding photographer and I have a macbook. Photoshop CS runs like a dog on it. It's hell to edit a wedding on it. I have to use my P.C. I wish I got the pro.

[cdifoto]

Well, apparently my University doesn't. They use MacPros for the program. I think it is best to learn the same way. It is a ll a preference thing anyway. I am tired of dealing with Microsoft and all their problems. I am tired of viruses. I am tired of having to make my computer work every week. It should just work. There is too much maintenance on PC. I have to reformat every couple of months to keep the operating system be getting bloated. I could go on forever. This is my choice. I think it is a good one.

Rumjungle- I think I will be presently surprised with anything I get. By the way, that is a beautiful wedding picture. I am assuming that is you. When did you get married? I am getting married next May.

Your computer is old and not up to spec for what you're trying to do on it. Has NOTHING to do with being a PC. An Apple with the same specs would be just as painful.

[Tony-S]

I am a wedding photographer and I have a macbook. Photoshop CS runs like a dog on it. It's hell to edit a wedding on it. I have to use my P.C. I wish I got the pro.

CS is binary for the PowerPC architecture (as is CS2), thus runs under Rosetta emulation on the Intel-based Macs. Do you have 10.4.9 installed? That came with an increase in performance of Rosetta. Also, you need 2 gigs of RAM as Rosetta with CS takes quite a bit of horsepower. CS3 is fat binary (both PowerPC and Intel architectures) so is blazing fast, even on a macbook. My copy is due any day now and I'm looking forward to the speed increase.

[EOS MAN1]

Are you planning to get Aperture? It's only $99 at the Academic pricing.


I plan on getting Photoshop cs3. I am very familiar with CS2 so it will be a smooth transition.



Quote:
Originally Posted by EOS MAN1 http://photography-on-the.net/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=3240786#post3240786)
Well, apparently my University doesn't. They use MacPros for the program. I think it is best to learn the same way. It is a ll a preference thing anyway. I am tired of dealing with Microsoft and all their problems. I am tired of viruses. I am tired of having to make my computer work every week. It should just work. There is too much maintenance on PC. I have to reformat every couple of months to keep the operating system be getting bloated. I could go on forever. This is my choice. I think it is a good one.

Rumjungle- I think I will be presently surprised with anything I get. By the way, that is a beautiful wedding picture. I am assuming that is you. When did you get married? I am getting married next May.

Your computer is old and not up to spec for what you're trying to do on it. Has NOTHING to do with being a PC. An Apple with the same specs would be just as painful.


Most of my pains have been with my moms two new computers with Vista. I don't like the operating system. I am not opening another debate about this. This post was for Mac users opinions about what Mac I should get. I don't want a PC. I have been working on them since I was twelve. I have been fixing them for other people since I was 16. I don't like PCs anymore. I want something new.


CS is binary for the PowerPC architecture (as is CS2), thus runs under Rosetta emulation on the Intel-based Macs. Do you have 10.4.9 installed? That came with an increase in performance of Rosetta. Also, you need 2 gigs of RAM as Rosetta with CS takes quite a bit of horsepower. CS3 is fat binary (both PowerPC and Intel architectures) so is blazing fast, even on a macbook. My copy is due any day now and I'm looking forward to the speed increase.

I used Photoshop cs3 in the Apple store on some of the iMac. It was awesome. I can't wait to get a Mac.

[cdifoto]

Most of my pains have been with my moms two new computers with Vista. I don't like the operating system. I am not opening another debate about this. This post was for Mac users opinions about what Mac I should get. I don't want a PC. I have been working on them since I was twelve. I have been fixing them for other people since I was 16. I don't like PCs anymore. I want something new.

Where in my post did I tell you to get a PC? :confused: :rolleyes:

[EOS MAN1]

Sorry about that. I think I read it a little too fast to get what you were saying. Definitely at the speed my current computer is anything would seem slow and have problems. Sorry for the confusion and sparking a debate that wasn't there. My apologies.

At the moment, it is the only thing I have to edit with, so I pretty much have to try and run the software on it. I cannot wait to get a new Mac. Compared to what I have now, OMG. It will be fast.

[cdifoto]

Sorry about that. I think I read it a little too fast to get what you were saying. Definitely at the speed my current computer is anything would seem slow and have problems. Sorry for the confusion and sparking a debate that wasn't there. My apologies.

At the moment, it is the only thing I have to edit with, so I pretty much have to try and run the software on it. I cannot wait to get a new Mac. Compared to what I have now, OMG. It will be fast.

No worries. No matter what you get, it'll kick ass compared to what you have. Unless of course, you get the same thing. :) :p

[cosworth]

Just don't reformat the hard drive every couple months. Since you've never heard of defragging a Mac will be perfect for your needs. You'll enjoy it.

[EOS MAN1]

No worries. No matter what you get, it'll kick ass compared to what you have. Unless of course, you get the same thing. :) :p


I am sooo excited.


Just don't reformat the hard drive every couple months. Since you've never heard of defragging a Mac will be perfect for your needs. You'll enjoy it.


What about defragging a Mac? I am confused with the sentence. I only reformatted my PC every cuople of months because #1 I knew what I was doing, and #2 the operating system gets so bloated. I think that was something you were reffering to. I am not sure though. I know I won't have to reformat all the time. Do they have defragging on a MAc?

[EOS MAN1]

I defragged my PC every week. It still has a tendancy to get bloated. Its the nature of the beast.

[cosworth]

I defragged my PC every week. It still has a tendancy to get bloated. Its the nature of the beast.

Stop installing crap on it. In 17 years of running a PC, I still have yet to format the drive to cure a "bloated" OS. This is a common myth that comes down to maintenance and responsible computing.

As I said, you'll be happy with a Mac.

[Tony-S]

Just don't reformat the hard drive every couple months. Since you've never heard of defragging a Mac will be perfect for your needs. You'll enjoy it.

That is one of the beauties of OS X's HFS+ file system. There's really no need to defragment the hard drives - it's all taken care of by the OS. The only time a problem can really arise is if your disk is nearly full or if you have a disk with a small cache.

[cosworth]

A catalog file is not beautiful. All the programs can end up waiting for it and if it goes south (and it does) you're hooped. If you delete the pagefile on a PC it just makes another one.

Tony, I know you love your Mac. But just swallow the fact that they are not for everyone. I can tell people till I'm blue in the face that I like the benefits and drawdacks of both systems, but that i prefer to use a PC. I don't go around professing some magical virtues of PC use, and Mac users should do the same.

[Tony-S]

Tony, I know you love your Mac. But just swallow the fact that they are not for everyone.

And I've never said they are. The decision on which platform to use is dependent upon one's needs. I've said this many times on these forums.

I can tell people till I'm blue in the face that I like the benefits and drawdacks of both systems, but that i prefer to use a PC. I don't go around professing some magical virtues of PC use, and Mac users should do the same.

Good for you.

But when someone makes statements about Macs that are inaccurate or misleading (intentionally or not) then I (and others) will be here to correct them. :)

[EOS MAN1]

A catalog file is not beautiful. All the programs can end up waiting for it and if it goes south (and it does) you're hooped. If you delete the pagefile on a PC it just makes another one.

Tony, I know you love your Mac. But just swallow the fact that they are not for everyone. I can tell people till I'm blue in the face that I like the benefits and drawdacks of both systems, but that i prefer to use a PC. I don't go around professing some magical virtues of PC use, and Mac users should do the same.

I know both sides of the argument get a little carried away.

I honestly don't install a lot of crap on my computer. I only install neccessary software for my computing needs. I have found that after a certain amount of time its just gets bogged down. It may not be that noticable to some but for me, I like a fresh system. I monitor the services that run and make sure only the neccessary are running. There are so many things that try and sneak into the msconfig. That ends up dragging the system. Usually checking on that every once in a while will keep the system running smoothly.

I do it it because my system is old and it makes a bigger difference on that system. I have a seperate hard drive with my files to keep from losing them.

For me it is a quick and easy way to get a fresh system. For you guys with much faster PCs it may not be an issue. I am also trying to run software not made for such an old system, so keeping it clean just works for me.

I think I have made it sound like a bigger problem than it is. Mysystem usually runs pretty effecient. Some of the computers I have worked on are well, I don't know how people can possibly get their computers so messed up.

I worked on a computer for this guy that had 6 different spyware/antivirus programs all running at the same time in the background. This computer ran like a dog. He said that it catches all the viruses. If one doesn't catch it the other will.

The funny thing was he downloaded all these free programs that were full of adware and spyware themselves. People get so easily sucked into marketing. I feel especially bad for those that are computer illiterate.

Anyway, I don't need to format my system that often, I just do as part of my routine to keep things like new. Its as close as I get to having a "new" system right now.

[Team Scream]

Stop installing crap on it. In 17 years of running a PC, I still have yet to format the drive to cure a "bloated" OS. This is a common myth that comes down to maintenance and responsible computing.

As I said, you'll be happy with a Mac.

Thats the most logical reply I have heard to date on any forum where the Mac/PC debate rages on.
I started my computing career on Apple II, and EVERY single year from 1986 through 2001 I purchased damn near every new Apple/Mac to hit the shelves, I had used PCs during that time and was Apple/Mac to the core, almost to the point of being militant about it.
Finally one day I decided to build my own PC, and wanted to compare apples for apples (forgive the pun) and when I was done I spent less than $1000.00 for everything, what I ended up with was a machine that absolutely SMOKED the (then) current Apple offerings and I was blown sideways, from that point forward I bought the new Macs only when a major upgrade came around (G3 to G4, G4 to G5) and I can tell you that still to this day, I will never chase the Apple again, they are WAYYYYYYYYYYYY overpriced, and you are paying for the "Apple Experience" far and away more than you are paying for cutting edge technology, I am not into the "Apple Experience", I am in to productivity, and speed and that spinning beach ball drives me up the damn wall.

I know how to install an operating system, and I know how to streamline an operating system so well now that I have also yet to reformat for bloat or any other "problem" which is NOT hardware related (failed hard drive, motherboard etc).
IF you get viruses on your PC it is simply because you do not know how to properly protect yourself, or you use foolish programs like LimeWire to share music or whatever and invite those issues into your system.

Anyone who knows how to disable all of the crap that does NOT need to be running on his/her production system will aggree with in saying that once you have your system streamlined for it's primary use, a (powerhouse) PC will SMOKE a (powerhouse) Apple in performance and productivity ANY DAY OF THE WEEK.
And the added benefit is I do not need to purchase an EXPENSIVE applecare "warranty" to cover my system beyond the 30 days it is covered for out of the box because if I need to I can BUY a relacement motherboard, processor, video card whenever I want to, also I can UPGRADE any one of those components at will, something you will NEVER be able to do with an Apple unless you go with a 3rd party upgrade like NewerTech, Daystar or PowerLogix which are pricey and bound by the current buss speed of your motherboard and related components which you cannot upgrade.

Bottom line, I think the Apple (business) model sucks, if and when they allow users who build their own systems like I do to run their software, I may consider migrating back to the "Apple Experience", but as long as I am required to purchase EXTREMELY expensive (and outdated) hardware just to run the OS, they can keep it all.
If you don't agree with me, just consider one component....just one:

What is the current top of the line video card you can run in the current top of the line G5 ?
Answer:
A video card that is at least 3 product cycles old when compared to the current top of the line Windows platform.
That alone makes the "Apple Experience" a lame duck.
Good luck to you Macbook Pro users, by the time your new MacBook Pro arrives, the hardware is already ancient by current PC standards.
That is just how it is.

P.S. my current "powerhouse" PC is a dual Opteron 285 based system (which means it is a quad core system) that I built myself, I have 8 gigs of memory running XP64, and machine SMOKES 3 different Quad Core Apples, that I have run side by side tests on at my place of business.
real world photoshop tests, real world mpeg encoding, real world video editing, those are the things that make me money, and so far there is not an Apple that I have been impressed with that costs less than $6,000.00, my system cost me less than $3000.00 to build and it is over a year old now.
Sorry, but I have YEARS and YEARS of banging my head against the Apple.
Those $2900.00 MacBook Pros' will be obsolete in less than a year, are you going to spend $2900.00/yr to stay competitive just to play in the Apple sandbox?
I like iPods tho.

[EOS MAN1]

Definietly makes you think.

[EOS MAN1]

I have been comparing Pc to Mac in the same specs. There isn't that huge a difference in price for what you get. If thats the case, then I will stick with Mac. The olny reason I would consider going with PC is if I were to save soo much on buying a awesome PC that I could buy a $1000 lens with the savings. For my needs, there is just not that big a difference in price. Look at the laptops in the Core s Duo range of 2.0 ghz and above. For a PC in the range of 2.0 Ghz and up it is about the same as a Mac.

I think I am just going to have to pray to have enough money for a computer and a new lens.

[Team Scream]

I have been comparing Pc to Mac in the same specs. There isn't that huge a difference in price for what you get. If thats the case, then I will stick with Mac. The olny reason I would consider going with PC is if I were to save soo much on buying a awesome PC that I could buy a $1000 lens with the savings. For my needs, there is just not that big a difference in price. Look at the laptops in the Core s Duo range of 2.0 ghz and above. For a PC in the range of 2.0 Ghz and up it is about the same as a Mac.

I think I am just going to have to pray to have enough money for a computer and a new lens.

Ok here we go: This is the bottom feeder 15" MacBook Pro
$1999.00, plus tax, shipping and AppleCare if you decide to go with that.

Apple MacBook Pro 15":

2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1440 x 900 pixels
1GB memory
120GB hard drive1
6x double-layer SuperDrive
ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics with 128MB SDRAM


Dell Inspiron 6400 15": $1168.00

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5300 (2MB Cache/2.0GHz/533MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows® XP Home
15.4 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife™
2GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHZ, 2 DIMM
120GB SATA Hard Drive
24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive
256MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory
Dell Wireless 1390 802.11b/g Mini Card (54Mbps)
]Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate)


The Dell has a much better video card with twice the memory and there are codes that you can use to get 20% off THE LISTED price nearly every day, so if you buy smart, you can have this laptop for $933.00

so lets see:

$1999.00
- 933.00
___________
$1066.00

Last time I checked, I could buy a 24-70 f2.8 L series lens for just shy of $1100.00 (in fact thats what I paid for mine).

That Dell price is also with several upgrades added, like the 2 gigs of memory, the 120gb hard drive, and a higher power main battery, so you can go with say an 80 gig drive and save another $50.00, go with the original battery and save another $30.00.

There are other options as well, this is just one of the many, and yu dont have to go with Dell.
Asus makes some really nice laptops now also.

[brucea]

24" iMac, but I would wait a few weeks because new models are coming out with faster speed processors.

[EOS MAN1]

You know thats probably one of the only places I didn't look. Where would I find these codes? In fact, the 24-70mm f/2.8L is the one I would porbably be looking for in that case.

[Tony-S]

Ok here we go:
Dell Inspiron 6400 15": $1168.00

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5300 (2MB Cache/2.0GHz/533MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows® XP Home
15.4 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife™
2GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHZ, 2 DIMM
120GB SATA Hard Drive
24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive
256MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory
Dell Wireless 1390 802.11b/g Mini Card (54Mbps)
]Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate)

The Dell has a much better video card with twice the memory and there are codes that you can use to get 20% off THE LISTED price nearly every day, so if you buy smart, you can have this laptop for $933.00


With his student discount, he can get the MacBook Pro you listed for $1,800, not $2,000.

No one doubts that you can buy a PC for less than a Mac. But if you compare similarly-equipped Windows and Macs, their prices are just about the same.

For example, with the machine you've provided, the T5300 (which has apparently ended its production run) is a 1.73 gHz chip, not a 2 gHz chip as you have listed. Is this a typo from the Dell web site, or have they done something to it to get it to 2 gHz? That's a slower and cheaper chip than the 2.16 gHz T7400 ($440 at Newegg) used in the MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro chip also has 4 mb cache and 800 mHz bus. There are other significant differences between the T5xxx and T7xxx chips as well, and they are not really similar to one another.

I'm not sure I understand why you believe the X1400 graphic card in the Dell is better than the X1600 graphic card in the Mac, other than the extra 128 megs of VRAM. The X1600 has 157 million transistors (vs. 105 million for the X1400), 12 pixel shader processors (vs. 4), 5 vertex shader processors (vs. 2) and dynamic voltage control (vs. powerplay power management, which is less efficient) for controlling energy (i.e., battery) consumption.

Does the Dell come with built-in video camera, Firewire 800, Firewire 400, digital optical audio input and output, or 802.11n wireless, like the MacBook Pro does? Does the Dell come with a backlit keyboard, like the Mac does? How easy is it to replace the hard disk or RAM in the Dell? These are each 5 minute jobs on the MacBook Pros.

How much more would XP Pro or Vista Ultimate add to the cost, since they are most similar to OS X? What other other software comes with the Dell? Does it include multimedia software equivalents to the iMovie High-Def, iDVD, iPhoto, iSync, iChat, iWeb, Front Row and its wireless IR remote, and GarageBand that come with the MacBook Pro? Does the Dell come with built-in display calibration software, like all Macs do?

[EOS MAN1]

I coulnd't find that computer he listed either. Oh well, I am going to stick with a Mac. I am not going to let myself settle this time. I only end up spending more in the long run if I do.

[René Damkot]

Does it include multimedia software equivalents to the iMovie High-Def, iDVD, iPhoto, iSync, iChat, iWeb, Front Row and its wireless IR remote, and GarageBand that come with the MacBook Pro?
While I'm using a Mac myself, and agree with you on most other points, I'ld rather pay less, and let Apple keep these bits of software... These were the first things I removed after getting my Mac.
On the 'built in calibration: It's better then nothing...

[prime80]

EOS MAN, do you have to have a notebook? If not, you can get SO much more for your money in a desktop (either Mac or PC). Why pay the premium for the portability if you don't absolutely have to? Now, if you want to use it at an event to shoot tethered (just did this today with my laptop btw...was pretty cool to get to proof the images as I shot them :) ), or just have a need for a laptop, then by all means, get one, but if you just "kinda want" a laptop, I'd strongly consider getting a desktop. That would be your best chance to get a killer rig AND a nice lens.

[Tony-S]

While I'm using a Mac myself, and agree with you on most other points, I'ld rather pay less, and let Apple keep these bits of software... These were the first things I removed after getting my Mac.
On the 'built in calibration: It's better then nothing...

Yes, and that's fine. I think everyone should buy the computer that best suits their needs. It's too bad Apple doesn't have more customization options to add or subtract features - this is one of my dislikes of their model. Every Mac I'd buy would come with no RAM - I'd buy it from a third-party vendor.

Mostly, I get concerned when people state that Macs are more expensive than Windows-based PCs. They really aren't all that much out of line. Bare-bones PCs can be really cheap to build, but you get what you pay for.

I use my Spyder to calibrate, but with a little practice I became pretty good at ColorSync. Fortunately, I don't have to do that any more.

[Rumjungle]

Build quality is another factor. I'm a die-hard PC user, but for my notebook, I went with a MBP. The difference goes beyond just the processor and vid card. PC notebooks in the MBP class would be Dell's Precision line, Alienware, or possibly Falcon Northwest. Check their prices on a similarly equipped unit and you'll see it's not too different than a Mac at all. Then measure the thickness and you'll find that none them are packaged thinner or better.

If this argument was about desktops, then I'd say custom built PC hands down. The difference in price would be considerable. In fact, I'm in the process of putting together another photo workstation and you can bet it's gonna be PC.

[Billginthekeys]

Then measure the thickness and you'll find that none them are packaged thinner or better

actually the dell latitude series is just as if not thinner and lighter.

[Rumjungle]

actually the dell latitude series is just as if not thinner and lighter.

On the ultra portables, yes. But I'm talking about ones that are equivalent to the Macbook Pro (15.4" widescreen w/ intel core 2 duo). The only one in this class would be the Latitude D830. This baby comes in at 1.39" x 14.2" x 10.34". Not bad, but still 39% thicker than the MBP.:)

[EOS MAN1]

This issue is tearing me apart. I can't decide what I am going to do. I wish I knew exactly how much I will be able to spend. I will know in probably a month. In the meantime, I am trying to research every possiblilty.

[Rumjungle]

Bernard, the bottom line is that you'll see a massive improvement no matter which way you go. Be realistic about your budget. And if you won't be getting it for another month, don't torture yourself about it anymore. In fact, go pick another thread to read right now!:) Things can and probably will change in the next month, so worry about it then. In the meantime, stop pullin' your hair out over this and go do something you enjoy, like taking photos.

[davidtaylorpictures]

feel free to flame me for this, but for $2500 you could get two PCs, each just as good as the Mac.

Wrong, just wrong. PC is not as good as a mac for media related stuff no matter what hardware and software combinations you got. MAC has the edge.

[Rumjungle]

Wrong, just wrong. PC is not as good as a mac for media related stuff no matter what hardware and software combinations you got. MAC has the edge.

Could you please explain what you mean?

[davidtaylorpictures]

Sure, Softwares meant for media design are designed primarily for Macs then for PC's thus making them more user friendly on macs and also more efficient. MACS workflows handle changes and integrate them into your computer better.

Macs have less potential of crashing, and out perform pc's hands down.

[oni0n56]

I've had a macbook, macbook pro 15 and mac pro. I'd suggest the macbook pro. The better build quality and screen are just better.

[Billginthekeys]

Wrong, just wrong. PC is not as good as a mac for media related stuff no matter what hardware and software combinations you got. MAC has the edge.
sorry but you are both wrong
Sure, Softwares meant for media design are designed primarily for Macs then for PC's thus making them more user friendly on macs and also more efficient. MACS workflows handle changes and integrate them into your computer better.

Macs have less potential of crashing, and out perform pc's hands down.
your about five years to late for that comment. these days every piece of software is made by two teams making sure it works well on both systems. also, in terms of performance, if you put an equally speced mac and pc next to eachother, and run the same software, they will perform exactly the same, this has nothing to do with whether its a mac or a pc, the same parts= the same results. you can argue the user friendliness, good design, and ease of macs all you want, and i would agree on most of it, but this worthless dribble about macs having some magical power that makes everything go faster is BS. ohh, and if you want to talk about program efficency, how about how utterly crappy CS2 ran on macs through rosetta, doesnt sound like perfect efficency to me, thats one of the main reasons i am a PC owner at the moment, not a MBP owner myself, i used CS2 every day until i got CS3, and couldnt afford to have that kind of slowdown.

[cdifoto]

Sure, Softwares meant for media design are designed primarily for Macs then for PC's thus making them more user friendly on macs and also more efficient. MACS workflows handle changes and integrate them into your computer better.

Macs have less potential of crashing, and out perform pc's hands down.

Like what? Photoshop? Lightroom? DPP?

This is 2007, not 1998. :rolleyes:

[Team Scream]

This is exceptionally healthy debate, and I applaud everyone for keeping it civil, that is not normally the case when the Apple/Windows debate rages.
I must apologize for the typo with the T5xx vs T7xx chips that I quoted there in my comparison, I actually cut and pasted all of that data and then realized that I was comparing a 1.7 ghz chip on the Dell to a 2.1ghz chip on the Apple, then I went back and reconfigured to get the correct processor in the Dell price but did not correct my paste job.

That being said, the posts following my quote post were amazing and made a lot of sense to me, and I wholeheartedly agree with you guys.
If you really look at the whole Apple package, and the fact that they include a lot of really neat applications when you buy an Apple, then it is an attractive package.

I however have always junked ALL of that additional software on ANY production machine I bought so it is a non issue and I cant consider it if purchasing a system. If however I were Joe consumer average user and I only had one computer which had to be my production machine and my internet toy, I would be awestruck at just what is included with every new Mac, they include some really neat software, but that is all part of the "Apple Experience" I was referring to which is why Apples (in general) are so much more expensive than similarly built PC's imho, they do not give you a choice to "opt out" and get a barebones set up.
After all I am certain that Apple OEM's every single components on every laptop they build, and the motherboard is no exception, so excluding the aesthetics of the overall package, there is really nothing "unique" about a MacBook pro, other than it is optomized to run OSX.x.


Good arguments guys and gals, I still cannot wrap my head around a $3K laptop, with virtually ZERO upgrade ability sans hard drive and memory.
The only thing that would justify that for me would be if I made most of my money in the field, and required tethering as was mentioned earlier, but even then, I would still opt for a SFF PC over a laptop, because even SFF PC's are upgradeable, hold multiple hard drives, can accept full size (dual slot) video cards and are even available in quad core configurations now.
Pretty amazing.

Long live the Apple fan base.

[Team Scream]

Wrong, just wrong. PC is not as good as a mac for media related stuff no matter what hardware and software combinations you got. MAC has the edge.

Hmm.....I wonder why LucasArts, DreamWorks, and nearly every single post production facility in LosAngeles uses Quad AMD Opteron based systems for the vast majority of the work they do, even the ones like DreamWorks who have proprietary software and could afford ANY system on the planet use AMD based Opteron systems?
That must be because as you said:
PC is not as good as a mac for media related stuff no matter what hardware and software combinations you got. MAC has the edge.

Most of the compositing (heavy lifting) is done on Flame, older Flints, Smoke etc.
Trust me, there is not a Mac in the house.
There are far more ultra high end Linux based multi cored (PC) systems making the Hollywood magic you see every day on TV and the big screen than you can possibly imagine.
The ones (post houses) that DON'T have multi million dollar budgets are running final cut pro.

[csm328]

We have both the latest Macbook Pro and Toshiba Sattelite Pro with VISTA. Both have 2 Gig of RAM with creative suite. We both do graphic design and the Toshiba leaves Mac for dead. It doesnt get the lockups, the problems with multiple open programs, it's much more user friendly, even for something as simple as organising a workflow. Dumbest $2300.00 I ever spent was on that 'crapple'.

[EOS MAN1]

WOW, I can't believe how far this thread has gone. 8 pages now. I wan't to pull my hair about this. I won't to make sure I explore every option. A lot of times, I get my eyes set on one thing, then later find a better use for the money than the thing I was originally stuck on. What I will be trying to do if things go right is get my fiance a new laptop too. I will probably get her a toshiba or dell laptop. What I am figuring is that I could possibly get her a laptop and me a desktop. Then if I need to use her computer I could borrow it.

I am going to meet with the Director of Photography in my program today. This will be one of the questions I will have for him. What his reccomendation is for me. I know for sure the program uses Macs.

Anyway, either system will be a huge upgrade for me. I was surprised for the options, I wouldn't save as much as I thought going with a PC. It is some money, just not as much as I thought. I will see whats going to happen and go from there. As soon as I know my budget I am sure I will make the right decision.

I really really want a MBP when this new LED LCD comes out. It should be the next upgrade for the 15 inch model. I am so tired of the problems with my fiances current computer. The LCD inverter has been replaced 4 times. The LCD has been replaced 2 times and the backlight still goes out. It is a problem with the model of HP she got. I will never buy from that crappy company again. There are huge posts on the problem. All people with the same or similar models. HP won't warranty it. Won't even sell the inverter seperate. You have to pay $650 for a new inverter and a LCD. They basically won't acknowledge that there is a problem.

Toshiba had a similar issue and is warranting the models that are defective.

[prime80]

Sure, Softwares meant for media design are designed primarily for Macs then for PC's thus making them more user friendly on macs and also more efficient. MACS workflows handle changes and integrate them into your computer better.

Macs have less potential of crashing, and out perform pc's hands down.

LOL...nothing like making broad, sweeping generalizations that are at best debatable. BTW, which CS3 features are there in your Mac version that aren't available in my Windows version?

[prime80]

WOW, I can't believe how far this thread has gone. 8 pages now. I wan't to pull my hair about this...

Just get what you want...if you want a Mac, then quit worrying about it and get a Mac. Don't let these little flame wars mess with your head. It's about getting a system that will make you the happiest and do what you need it to do. I think any modern desktop/laptop is going to do what you need it to do, so just get the one that makes you happy. Also...quit worrying about it so much! There's nothing you can do except wait on the settlement, or whatever is funding this purchase. Enjoy life while you wait!

[csm328]

LOL...nothing like making broad, sweeping generalizations that are at best debatable. BTW, which CS3 features are there in your Mac version that aren't available in my Windows version?

I agree. I dont see how this statement can be justified. It's already been noted but companies like PIXAR are using PCs, not Macs. These are billion dollar companies with some pretty smart people that choose not to use Mac.

I bought my fiance a Macbook Pro and I stayed with a Toshiba. Mine works flawlessly. Hers does not. Simple as that :)

[prime80]

I agree. I dont see how this statement can be justified. It's already been noted but companies like PIXAR are using PCs, not Macs. These are billion dollar companies with some pretty smart people that choose not to use Mac.

I bought my fiance a Macbook Pro and I stayed with a Toshiba. Mine works flawlessly. Hers does not. Simple as that :)

Actually, I'm pretty sure there's at least 1 or 2 Macs at Pixar, seeing as Steve Jobs started the company. ;) I do know that their render farm is all linux boxes, though.

[EOS MAN1]

I think that in either situation, there will always be people that have problems with PCs and there will always be people that always have problems with Macs. Its just like the Canon vs. Nikon debate. Both are great companies, both fill different peoples needs. Its the nature of the beast. It makes people happy to argue that their stuff is better no matter the situation. Most people are inherantly fond of their stuff. Thats pretty much as simple as it goes.

People can argue all day to which is better. I am not going to make that call. It doesn't matter. I like this thread, it give me something to do right now. So, for now, I will still worry about it. I know I am going to end up dissapointing myself if I do, but oh well.

I will let you guys know what the Director of Photography says when I get back.

[EOS MAN1]

Well, it looks like I need a Mac for the program.

[vladnl]

you "need"? :)

[EOS MAN1]

Thats what it says on the paper they gave me. I will need a Mac platform computer.

[cdifoto]

Well, it looks like I need a Mac for the program.

Thats what it says on the paper they gave me. I will need a Mac platform computer.

Yeah well my high school calculus (or was that algebra?) class said I "needed" a TI-82, 83, 85 or 86 graphing calculator but I got along just fine with my Casio CFX-9850G.

[EOS MAN1]

I need a computer anyway, so its not a problem. the student discount is pretty good so it works for me.

[Rumjungle]

Problem solved!:D

[prime80]

OK...glad that's settled. Maybe we can end that part of the debate now. Your next decision is iMac, MB, or MBP. Do you have to be able to bring a laptop to class, or is the Mac only a necessity due to homework type stuff? If it's not a necessity, I'll repeat the suggestion that you look at an iMac. You'll get a lot more computer for your money, it'll be less money, and you might just have enough left over for that lens you're wanting.

[BradT0517]

Personally if you have the money and need the portability get the upper level 15inch Mac Book Pro.

[EOS MAN1]

I have definitely considered it. I think the whole portability thing is going to win me over.

[prime80]

Then a Macbook Pro it is! Problem solved. :)

[BradT0517]

Then a Macbook Pro it is! Problem solved. :)

Yay! Now he can calm down about this for about a month and take pictures mean while.:D

[EOS MAN1]

Yay! Now he can calm down about this for about a month and take pictures mean while.:D

Are you kidding me how can I calm down. Now I need to also get a 17-40 L a 24-70L and a Sekonic Light meter, and a Good Manfrotto tripod, and well, maybe some alienbees with some pocket wizards. The battle never stops.

[BradT0517]

Are you kidding me how can I calm down. Now I need to also get a 17-40 L a 24-70L and a Sekonic Light meter, and a Good Manfrotto tripod, and well, maybe some alienbees with some pocket wizards. The battle never stops.

Well why not get a 70-200 f2.8 IS also.;)

[EOS MAN1]

I will, but for now thats all I need. I am sure i will think of a few other things, but I need this stuff for school.

[René Damkot]

What is wrong with a few primes?
Sigma 20/1.8; EF 28/1.8; EF 85/1.8
Combined with the 50/1.8 you have, that allmost gives you the classical combination 35-50-85-135 ;)

[EOS MAN1]

I prefer the zooms. More convenient for me now. I am sure I will have the primes later down the road. For now, what the director told me to get is enough excuse for me to get some good lenses and stuff.

[imacmadman22]

I'd get a 20" iMac - I prefer NOT to carry a laptop, my back is bad enough already.

Perhaps something like this

* 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
* 2GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB
* 500GB Serial ATA Drive
* ATI Radeon X1600/256MB VRAM
* SuperDrive 8X (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
* Aperture 1.5 preinstalled
* Apple Wireless Keyboard & wireless Mighty Mouse + Mac OS X (US English)
* AppleCare Protection Plan for iMac - Auto-enroll
* 20-inch widescreen LCD
* AirPort Extreme
* Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR

Price? - $2477.00, Applecare included, FREE shipping.

[EOS MAN1]

Not too bad. I am waiting for the imacs and the Macbook pros to be updated and I will make my decision. I will have a student discount, so that will work nice for me.

[aRJun]

Not too bad. I am waiting for the imacs and the Macbook pros to be updated and I will make my decision. I will have a student discount, so that will work nice for me.

New MB Pros out! With free nano (with ed. discount)! Which are you buying? I'm also in the same dilemma as you..so would like to know :)

[Rumjungle]

Bernard, time to make that decision.;)

[EOS MAN1]

I know, I am have made my decision. I found out how much money I will have too. I just have a few more weeks of waiting. New 15" Mac Book Pro Here I come!! Oh yeah, and Canon 17-40mm f/4L, Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 L, Bogen Tripod, and Sekonic light meter.

Whohoo

[fleurya]

Couldn't pick a better time to buy with the new MBPs out! congrats on your soon-to-be new Mac! I don't know if anyone has mentioned this or if it may be against some forum rule, but if you ever have a question about your new purchase, a great forum is www.mac-forums.com. They actually led me to this forum. :)

[EOS MAN1]

Couldn't pick a better time to buy with the new MBPs out! congrats on your soon-to-be new Mac! I don't know if anyone has mentioned this or if it may be against some forum rule, but if you ever have a question about your new purchase, a great forum is www.mac-forums.com (http://www.mac-forums.com). They actually led me to this forum. :)

Thanx, thats extremely helpful.

[urladyswidme]

Hmm.....I wonder why LucasArts, DreamWorks, and nearly every single post production facility in LosAngeles uses Quad AMD Opteron based systems for the vast majority of the work they do, even the ones like DreamWorks who have proprietary software and could afford ANY system on the planet use AMD based Opteron systems?

How about this for an answer?
Cost and mainstream acceptance in business applications. Which is not necessarily a true indicator of superiority in terms of performance and ease of use.

[RichNY]

The iMacs can be quite transportable if you've got the right case for them. I recently purchased one for my 24" iMac and it works great. iLugger (http://www.ilugger.com) *Unless you are constantly on the go or need to run off battery power you'll get more computer for less money going with an iMac.

[Rumjungle]

Thanks for the link, Rich. I've been looking for something like that.

[RichNY]

Thanks for the link, Rich. I've been looking for something like that.
Did you watch the video?

[RichNY]

I've got an iMac yet haven't given up my PC because of one stupid application that I used daily- Opanda's IExif.

Does anyone know of an application for the Mac that will show you the Exif data for a web image? The alternative will be running Parallels and Internet Explorer still for use on POTN and other photography forums.

[blue_max]

Here's my take. I had a macbook pro. It shipped with an 80gig hard drive and 512mb ram and I bought it last June for a trip.

As a graphic designer, I filled the hard drive up immediately, so had an external hard drive. I couldn't work on a 15in monitor, so had an external 23in monitor on it. Also, the monitor could not be hardware calibrated very well - it's rather poor for accurate colour. I also had an external wireless keyboard and mouse. The mouse was not particularly responsive and became frustrating.

All in all, it had a processor that was almost immediately outdated and was not particularly fast.

I was able to get without it and bought a mac pro. Awesome. Ram is pretty cheap to add. I stuck four 500gb hard drives in it (they mount on sleds and have no cables) and striped them together for a super fast volume and online backup. This is massively better.

Bottom line, if you need the portability, there is no arguement. I personally will never buy another portable machine. Nor will I buy an imac as they are quite hard to upgrade too. If you can find a refurb from Apple, it will offer the best bang for buck, long term. Monitors can be had very cheaply these days.

The mighty mouse is a great improvement on the old one too.

Hope you get sorted.

Graham

[Linkzi]

I've got an iMac yet haven't given up my PC because of one stupid application that I used daily- Opanda's IExif.

Does anyone know of an application for the Mac that will show you the Exif data for a web image? The alternative will be running Parallels and Internet Explorer still for use on POTN and other photography forums.

I'm at work on a PC, but firefox has an add-on for free for exif info. It's not as good as Opanda but it's something. Try a firefox seach for exif on their home page.

[boclcown]

I'd spend it on a PC. You can't pirate CS2 on a mac...

^_~

[pepsi]

I am tired of dealing with Microsoft and all their problems. I am tired of viruses. I am tired of having to make my computer work every week. It should just work. There is too much maintenance on PC. I have to reformat every couple of months to keep the operating system be getting bloated. I could go on forever. This is my choice. I think it is a good one.


Sounds to me like you need to spend some of that money on a computer class of some sort.

I have been using and building PC's for years and don't run into any issues like are describing. Getting an Apple is not gonna cure all your woes. A computer (any make or model) is like a car, you have to preform upkeep in order for it to maintain performance.

Sounds like you've got your mind set on an Apple though. They are great computers and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Personally, I wouldn't spend that much on a Laptop. Unlike a camera body that will keep taking good photos after newer models are released, a laptop will get slower and slower as software advances.

Just my .02 cents...

[RichNY]

I'm at work on a PC, but firefox has an add-on for free for exif info. It's not as good as Opanda but it's something. Try a firefox seach for exif on their home page.

Thanks, you were 100% correct. I tried it and it works. Definatley not as good as Opanda but it does get the job done.

[dooks88]

I have a MacBook Pro running XP with parallels. I think its the best of both worlds.