Bugged about PC - Thinkin' Mac

I'm about at the end of my rope with my pc. I have a budget to get a nice mac setup at this point, but would hate to have to repurchase all of my expensive software in the mac version. Namely PS#, Color Efex Pro, FotoFusion... to name a few.

Has anyone transitioned to Mac after being fully equipped with PC stuff? Can you get the Mac version without actually having to purchase the software again? Is the P.I.T.A factor worth it?

Thanks so much!

In a way you can. You will have to re-buy the programs again but not immediately.

I did the same thing. I moved from PC to Mac and at the time I didn't have enough money to replace all my programs.

So what I did is use Bootcamp. It's a software that comes preloaded on all Mac computers that allows you to partition your HDD and install either Windows XP or Vista.

When you have that partition you can boot into Windows and use your programs as if you were on a PC.

After time you can start to re-buy your software but for the Mac side.

It is a pain in the ass, but it was well worth the hassle to be using a much more stable operating system.

Hope this helps.

-YQ

I changed years ago and have never looked back...Well i may have peaked over my shoulder a couple of times......
All in all i am glad i did...Ocassionally i get in a huff because something is only available for Windows OS but that's pretty negligable..
There is a poll on operating systems running in here now and more people are voting Mac than PC.....
IMO windows life time is finite..

maybe you can try contacting the developers.. maybe the software key will work for both mac and PC. or maybe they'll even let you switch for free? it's worth a shot... and yes. go mac!

I read somewhere on here you can get adobe to give you a new licence for mac and the cancel your pc one

Just made the change 3 weeks ago.

Lovin' the mac

tgr141291 wrote in post #8463861
I read somewhere on here you can get adobe to give you a new licence for mac and the cancel your pc one

Just made the change 3 weeks ago.

Lovin' the mac

You can switch photoshop licenses, but it's a full on switch, can't have both. And you need to send in shipping fees as well.


Usually it's not worth it to go mac unless you have a huge budget to blow. Perhaps your current problems are very simple to fix, and in 90%+ of the cases where windows users are fed up with their systems, it's either something wrong with hardware they can fix in 5 min, random software glitch that can be fixed by repairing an install (of program or OS, this and one before happen to apple computers as well though, just most mac users don't think twice about sending a mac in for repairs, but somehow windows users don't want to :confused, or it's something you personally installed which you shouldn't have.

Since you are thinking about a new computer, it's time you first reformat your current computer (since you would need to reinstall everything on a new one anyway). Back up everything, then grab that windows dvd and wipe away your issues (after running utilities to make sure it's not a hardware issue)

What is it about your PC that's ticking you off? If it just windows XP or Vista, have you given Windows 7 a chance yet? I've been using it for months now and really like it.

If your really set on changing to Mac then yes its going to cost a fair bit changing to the Mac version of the software you mentioned.

I've had excellent support from Nik software - email or call them.

for Adobe: Adobe Product Platform Swap

basroil wrote in post #8464219
Usually it's not worth it to go mac unless you have a huge budget to blow.

Your other information is correct, but this is just ridiculous. If you are going to answer anyone's questions about Mac, you should make them aware of your anti-Apple bias, so they can make an informed decision. Your statement implies that the OP will be wasting his money - which only he/she can decide is true. Worth is a subjective evaluation.

Excellent bargains may be found for many Macs that do not require a 'huge' budget.
15 inch MacBook Pro's start at $1299 and I have seen 24 inch iMacs as low as $1200 as refurbs. Do not forget educational/business/g​overnment discounts.

basroil wrote in post #8464219
Usually it's not worth it to go mac unless you have a huge budget to blow.

Basroil, why do you even bother jumping on Mac threads. You are so biased that there is no validity in your posting.

Most software vendors will allow you a transfer fee for a small price.

I have run both Wintel and Mac for 20 years. There is no comparison in terms of stability, with OSX far superior. And yes I have windows 7 running, which admittedly is a great improvement on vista but still behind.

There will always be a cost in transferring, however the reduced overhead in "keeping the windows machine alive" far out-ways any upfront cost.

What you base your continual bashing of the platform on?

Quite easy, my definition of "huge budget" seems to be different than your own. OP never stated his budget, so I'll assume $1500 including monitor. For that price, you either have to go with a refurb or a laptop with TN screen (not exactly suggested for a professional) as wlescall stated. But, that isn't even why two "fanboys" (not entirely, but windows bashing mac users are generally termed that) are attacking the statement is it?

My entire suggestion is that OP try to solve his computer issues first, then think about getting a new computer if the old one is far too outdated or has serious issues. Most issues with windows are usually user-generated, and even the so-called disaster of vista is very stable if it is not messed around with. Since OP is considering a new computer, his first set should be to back up his current computer (first step to switching anyway), then reformatting his computer so it has a clean OS, without any random programs to mess it up. After installing just the programs he actually needs (i.e. photo, and only photo), he can decide for himself if it is still worth getting a new computer. Of the people who actually followed this advice, I do not remember of a single one that decided the computer was still not working as they liked (maybe a major hardware issue here or there, but nobody with software issues complained afterwards). At no point did I say to get a new windows pc did I?

As for FotoFusion, it clearly states on their website that they do not support OSX at all. Forget about swapping licenses or buying a new one from them, there just simply aren't any. You should consider if this will impact your workflow when deciding on a new computer as well.


EDIT:
jlrichmond76, please disregard ad hominem attacks.

jlrichmond76 wrote in post #8462133
I'm about at the end of my rope with my pc. I have a budget to get a nice mac setup at this point, ........

Getting a Mac won't magically solve all your problems, and as others have pointed out, it may create new ones.

Work out how much you have to spend, then create a list of everything you need.
I did this 2 years ago when I needed a new computer. My old windows XP computer was annoying me so much I also wanted to change to a Mac.

Your list will be different, but I looked at the spec of my camera, how many photos I worked on at once, and put together an idea of what of processor performance I would need, how much ram I would need, and how much HDD space I would need.

I worked out I needed a high end dual core, or mid range quad core.
4GB of RAM
2 500GB drives for photos (one is a copy of the other) and 2 other drives for OS, programes, other data, games, etc.

The only Apple that could meet those requirments was a Mac Pro, and that was so far out of my budget it wasn't funny.

I ended up with a nice work station with exactly what I needed, running Windows Vista.

I built it myself, but could easily have had it built for me, and it has so far been extremely reliable and stable. Far more so than any Mac I have used, and I have used a few.

The reason is simple, I built it the same way Apple build thier Macs.
I choose high end, high quality parts that were not bleeding edge technology and had a proven history of working with Windows Vista with stable reliable drivers. Everything came from well known, established manufactorers.

So make a list of what you need your computer to do, then work out your budget.
Then find a system that meets your needs.
If it happens to be a Mac then great, if not then still great.

basroil wrote in post #8465325
Quite easy, my definition of "huge budget" seems to be different than your own. OP never stated his budget, so I'll assume $1500 including monitor. For that price, you either have to go with a refurb or a laptop with TN screen (not exactly suggested for a professional) as wlescall stated. But, that isn't even why two "fanboys" (not entirely, but windows bashing mac users are generally termed that) are attacking the statement is it?

1. The only definition of "huge budget" that matters is the OP's.
2. You assume - you know what that means.
3. Nice way to avoid discussion of your prejudice by invoking the "fanboy" label.
4. What do you call Mac bashing windows users? - prejudiced bullies that need to rely on name calling and actually suffer the same problem that they accuse others of. You clearly demonstrate your ignorance by labeling me a 'fanboy' (an affliction from you suffer on the windows side) - at the very least I am a fanMAN. I started in computing 30 yrs ago - no Macs then. At work, I use Windows systems exclusively. At home I have 2 Macs & 2 Windows PC's (desktop & portable of each).

You have a stated hatred of Apple and continually fail to warn others that are of your prejudice when dispensing your advice; thus depriving them of the opportunity of objectively weighing your advice.

jlrichmond76 wrote in post #8462133
I'm about at the end of my rope with my pc. I have a budget to get a nice mac setup at this point, but would hate to have to repurchase all of my expensive software in the mac version. Namely PS#, Color Efex Pro, FotoFusion... to name a few.

Has anyone transitioned to Mac after being fully equipped with PC stuff? Can you get the Mac version without actually having to purchase the software again? Is the P.I.T.A factor worth it?

Thanks so much!

I can sympathize! As a profesional network specialist working with thousands of computers I see a good bit of PC problems - thus me using Mac at home.

It will cost and you might have to find alternative solutions, but it's well worth it if you like OSX. My home PC has three issues, all minor but annoying. I use my Mac Pro and MacBook Pro much more and neither have the slightest issue despite being older (installs).