Apple

[tsst]

Apple users what are the pros and cons? What software version and hardware for an average home PC? Web surfing, email, minor graphic editing, etc.


edit: I am thinking a used unit to learn and play on before dumping a few grand. Maybe an iMac?

 

[v_various]

honest to God, if you're not a computer nerd who fiddles with the guts there isn't much difference. Sure, they have different operating systems and such but at the end of the day, I can get the same stuff done on my mac as my PC. I have one of each at home and at work; I've had access to both for the past...oh, probably 11 years.

If you're sick of your PC, switch. Try something different. If you're happy with your PC, don't fix what ain't broke. Take a look at the price difference, specs, and warranties of both and chose what's best for you.

Actually, I guess macs do have limited software availability, but since I'm not a gamer that hasn't been an issue for me. Most major programs come in both Mac and PC versions.

 

[Kokopelli]

If you plan on sharing files such as presentations and documents, you will incur an issue since Apple insist on supporting specific formats that are not supported by Windows.
Mac also has an issue with Flash, which is a big part of the internet.

 

[ShenziSixaxis]

You should be able to buy just the Apple software and install that on any PC. What would be better would be to buy the 30 buck download of Lion, I think it is, and install it as a second OS on your current PC and see how you like it.

All a 'Mac' is is a PC with Apple software pre-installed.

 

[Nova_C]

Not exactly. Apple tightly regulates manufacturers of their hardware and OSX doesn't just install on a PC without driver issues. You are also violating the EULA of OSX by installing it on non-Apple approved hardware....which only matters if the EULA matters to you.

 

[Duff]

Apple is the trendy, designer name label of computers. You'll get a LOT more bank for your buck on the Windows side. There is nothing a MAC can do that a Windows PC can't. If you do go with MAC though, one of the big myths is you don't need anti-virus, but you still do. MACs have gotten popular enough that the bad guys are targeting them just as much as Windows PCs now.

If you're comfortable putting together hardware yourself, you can get even more for your money by using Linux, because you won't have to pay for a Windows license. But that's definitely the less user-friendly way to go, and if you're buying a retail PC, it's going to come with an OS license anyway.

 

[ShenziSixaxis]

Not exactly. Apple tightly regulates manufacturers of their hardware and OSX doesn't just install on a PC without driver issues. You are also violating the EULA of OSX by installing it on non-Apple approved hardware....which only matters if the EULA matters to you.

This is pretty much my reaction, so to speak.

 

[tsst]

Went a little Apple crazy in the last few weeks. Bought an iPad2 and an iMac. So far I like them both. Still kept the IBM laptop but if my use of it goes down too much I will get rid of it.

Any pointers on OS X software? Any tweeks or apps recommended?

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

If you plan on sharing files such as presentations and documents, you will incur an issue since Apple insist on supporting specific formats that are not supported by Windows.
Mac also has an issue with Flash, which is a big part of the internet.

Rubbish. I use an Apple and have absolutely no problem sharing/using files across platforms.

The only thing Apple doesn't do is games and some engineering/CAD software. But I'm not an engineer and I have my xbox for video games.

Though Apple not supporting Flash on its phones/tablets is stupid, but the computers support flash just fine.

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

Went a little Apple crazy in the last few weeks. Bought an iPad2 and an iMac. So far I like them both. Still kept the IBM laptop but if my use of it goes down too much I will get rid of it.

Any pointers on OS X software? Any tweeks or apps recommended?

What do you do with your computer or what are you looking to do?

AudioHijack is a nice and handy program to have. I use it for recording internet radio and other stuff like that.

If you like puzzle games, get Blokt - best $2 I've spent on software.

 

[tsst]

What do you do with your computer or what are you looking to do?

AudioHijack is a nice and handy program to have. I use it for recording internet radio and other stuff like that.

If you like puzzle games, get Blokt - best $2 I've spent on software.

Internet, email, video call with daughter at school, video and picture editing (minor), occasional game when bored, little office stuff (only when I am too lazy to bring work laptop home). Typical home PC type of usage.

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

Most of the built in apps (Safari, face time, chat, etc) will be just fine. iPhoto has some decent editing features as well, especially if you're just doing red eye reduction, cropping, etc you could probably not even bother with photoshop.

For office stuff, Apple Pages is a really nice word processor. It can open and save .doc files, so compatibility isn't an issue between it and Office, plus its only $20 vs. a zillion for office.

 

[tsst]

What type of mouse do you use? Mine came with a mighty mouse with the little track ball. Was curious about the magic mouse.

 

[Nanci]

Went a little Apple crazy in the last few weeks. Bought an iPad2 and an iMac. So far I like them both. Still kept the IBM laptop but if my use of it goes down too much I will get rid of it.

Any pointers on OS X software? Any tweeks or apps recommended?

Now you need the Apple TV!

I think my two favorite iPad apps, things I use the most, are Zinio and Flipboard. Oh and Evernote.

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

What type of mouse do you use? Mine came with a mighty mouse with the little track ball. Was curious about the magic mouse.

I have a laptop and just actually purchased a new mouse this past weekend. I bought a Logitech MX mouse. So far I like it. I've used the Apple Mice as well and they're great - since yours came with one that's fantastic. But for me for the money I just got the Logitech.

 

[tsst]

I have a laptop and just actually purchased a new mouse this past weekend. I bought a Logitech MX mouse. So far I like it. I've used the Apple Mice as well and they're great - since yours came with one that's fantastic. But for me for the money I just got the Logitech.

I find myself missing being able to right click. I figured out the control key + mouse click gets me there but is less convenient. I am sure I will get used to it.

 

[ghosthousecorns]

I'm using a (real old) imac and I have a 2 button mouse and it can right click just fine. I'm pretty sure if you get a usb mouse with the 2 buttons you should still be able to do that...

 

[ShenziSixaxis]

Played with an iPad 2 today. I would definitely want one if they support Flash and weren't so ungodly over priced. For now it's just an item I'll admire from afar. I'll spend 6-800 bucks on a gaming PC, not a tablet.

 

[Drizzt80]

I find myself missing being able to right click. I figured out the control key + mouse click gets me there but is less convenient. I am sure I will get used to it.

If you get a mouse that has right click it will work on mac.

I've been using both for about 15 years now. My home computers are all PC's, work is a Mac. They both have their pros and cons. I do notice that in the past two or three years, they have become more the same than different. I don't know that Apple would be as big as they are if the education system didn't purchase mostly Apple product computers over the years. :shrugs:

D80

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

I find myself missing being able to right click. I figured out the control key + mouse click gets me there but is less convenient. I am sure I will get used to it.

Haha - my mom had this same problem when she got her new imac.

The mighty mouse has right click, you just have to set the right side of the mouse to serve as right click. Should be under System Preferences->Mouse. Then from there you can configure what it does.

The mighty mouse is really nice because it does gesture/swipe commands (not sure if you knew that). I find this to be much more natural than the scroll wheels once you get used to it.

Edited to add, do you have a mighty mouse? Or magic mouse? I thought all iMacs came with magic mouses now? REgardless, the mighty mouse has right click as well, probably still need to set it up in the system preferences.