PC or Mac?

[jill_c_fitz]

Which do you use for your scrapping PC or Mac?

[angelicjoey]

Although I use a PC I prefer my hubbys MAC by far. :)

[carlalee]

I use a PC but wish and day dream about having a Mac. -c-

[kydeb]

I use a PC (laptop) and it weren't for the cost of changing all my programs to MAC that's how I'd go next time.

[jill_c_fitz]

I was just wondering what the majority uses. I am new here and can't wait to start scrapping. It would help to first purchase a computer. I really want to get a mac, but they are so darn expensive.

I know for loading lots of photos you need lots of memory. Does anyone suggest anything to look for when purchasing a computer? (memory wise or the type of processor?) Thanks!

[Fizz]

I would go for a PC. Easier to get software, and to me they just feel faster to use.
The mouse on mac feels like dragging your cursor through treacle. you get near what you want to click on, and , eww, it kind of slows down. I did some work on a mac in an office last year, using layout software and it took me forever. I tookthe same work home with me, did it on my pc, and got it done in a fraction of the time.
(My boyfriend thinks im mad about the mouse thing btw!!)
As for the make.. id go for Dell everytime. Mine is 4 years old and has never ever crashed.

[jenniferp417]

I have a PC right *now* but in a couple of months at MOST I will have a Mac and then will never, ever purchase another Windows-based computer. Ever.

[Sierra]

Switched to Mac about 3 1/2 years ago and would never go back. I love my Mac!

[taralyn]

I LOVE my Mac! I have used one every since Elementary School. I had a PC for about a year and gave up and bought another Mac. I'm in the process of saving for a new one... my G4 laptop is running a tad slow these days. It could be due to the 30 Gb harddrive with 512 Mb of RAM :-)
tara

[diturpin]

I've used both in graphic settings and to me it boils down to what you are most comfortable with. I have a PC because that is what I'm most comfortable with. I know alot of Mac folks who wouldn't trade theirs for the world and I 'm very happy for them. My mac at work crashed constantly and needed more memory. My boss wasn't tech saavy and didn't want to pay for upgrades, but wanted to use the most up-to-date software. Whichever way you go, research what you'll need to run the software you want to use and buy double what you think you'll need! LOL!

[maryjos]

I use a PC but only because it would cost too much to switch all my software to Max. I know you can run Parallels and such for the windows software, but I just have too much that I need to run for that to be feasible. Were I just getting started though...it would be a Mac.

[mrichar383]

I have a PC at home and a Mac at work. I agree that it is what you are most comfortable with.

[carlalee]

My boss wasn't tech saavy and didn't want to pay for upgrades, but wanted to use the most up-to-date software.
Too funny! I feel your pain! I work for a BIG company that switched over to XP SP2 last year ONLY because Microsoft stopped supporting the older XP. Then to support running SP 2, folks with the older PCs got new ones! WOO HOO - you'd think... Don't use all that 5GB HD in one place! LOL Now we're running like greased Lightning with our 512Kb processors! I'm sure these were new machines back in '99. :eek: -c-

[diturpin]

Caralee, I took home work many a night, just to GET IT DONE with out rebooting every time I typed a sentence! My current work computer has less than 5% free on the hard drive and it is slower than snail mail, but I'm next on the list to upgrade! Yeah! I'll have blazing speed for about 3 years and then.....the circle of life will repeat itself!!

[debbers]

We have a PC at home, where I scrap; but we are switching to Macs at work. I've got a shiny new MacPro with 3G of ram and a huge hard drive sitting on my desk at work .... collecting dust. We've got no software for it yet.

I went kicking and screaming into having to learn a Windoze machine many years ago after being spoiled rotten by my Amigas.

I figure if I can do that, then learning a Mac is no sweat at all.

deb

[crouch79]

I agree that it is what you are most comfortable with. I use PC, and have liked it. I have XP SP2 and 2 GB of RAM. It moves pretty fast. If you do get a PC, go for a Dell, I have their laptop and got the Complete Care Warranty, its worth it, if I need something replaced, they either send the part or a repair technician to your house. They even replaced my entire LCD Screen and DVD drive. You could accidentially drop it or spill something and its covered. I don't think Apple has that kind of warranty.

[omio]

I agree that it is what you are most comfortable with. I use PC, and have liked it. I have XP SP2 and 2 GB of RAM. It moves pretty fast. If you do get a PC, go for a Dell, I have their laptop and got the Complete Care Warranty, its worth it, if I need something replaced, they either send the part or a repair technician to your house. They even replaced my entire LCD Screen and DVD drive. You could accidentially drop it or spill something and its covered. I don't think Apple has that kind of warranty.

I used to use both but have always considered myself a Mac user since starting with Macs in the 1980s. My MacBook Pro has Parallels so now I just use one computer for both platforms. (Parallels is absolutely remarkable by the way--I switch between Windows XP and the Mac OS as easily as I switch between applications.) Re Dell's Complete Care Warranty, I think that must be their version of AppleCare. Apple has won all sorts of praise for its customer service and I always buy AppleCare with new Macs -- just consider it part of the computer cost and have never regretted it.

I will always choose Mac but the fact is that both platforms are excellent. :tup:

[dmrdm]

PC since day one when I had a Radio Shack computer with DOS...so guess I was born that way.

Since CS3 works so great on the PC, can't think of a reason to change. Doubt if some of my software is even made for MAC's.

Guess that's why we have choices.....

[Fulltime RVer]

Absolutely MAC! We've owned nothing but Macs since the late 80s and currently have a laptop and a desktop.

[gammie]

Well I have had a PC for years Gateway & now a Dell. I am so sick of the problems that go with a PC. Viruses, over heating when using larget files or programs. My latest is a Dell and in 3 yr I've had to replace, 3 power packs and the mother board. All of which had died 2 weeks after the warranty expired. I expected more than 1 year trouble free. I am still going through trouble and once again they are saying power pack. It was a top of the line computer.
I have friends who are into scrapping and digital photography and they all swear by the MAC. Software now is very accessible and quiet a few companies are doing the MAC.
I am truly going Mac! I am sick of weeks with out a computer and from what I hear very few problems with MAC's. Stay tuned I'll keep you posted and if any mac users could suggest software let me know. I will get my photoshop cs3 but I am a filter user and would like to know any that people are happy with.

[HeatherL]

I use a PC desktop and a Mac laptop. There are advantages to both. I believe I am on my Mac more often now and low its graphic capabilities.

[tshirt]

The Mac isle at my local Fry's store gets bigger and bigger everytime I walk down it to get to my PC parts section ! :eek:

To tell you the truth I would dread relearning the new keys. Cmd instead of Cntrl and I think there's another. I have such a hard time at night classes at the local community college due to them having Mac's.:doh:

[omio]

The Mac isle at my local Fry's store gets bigger and bigger everytime I walk down it to get to my PC parts section ! :eek:

To tell you the truth I would dread relearning the new keys. Cmd instead of Cntrl and I think there's another. I have such a hard time at night classes at the local community college due to them having Mac's.:doh:

You would be amazed at how quickly you would adjust! I've used both and now have a Macbook Pro which will run Mac OS and Windows at the same time -- pretty cool! Gave my son my old Mac for his children to use and he was hooked in less than a week. (Loved that -- he's been hassling me about not using Windows for years. :D) Since Windows is based on the original Mac OS, it's really an easier adjustment than most people think it will be. Again, both platforms are good so a good system with lots of memory will work no matter which platform. :tup:

[tshirt]

Well I would only go mac for one program and that is Final Cut Pro for video editing which is not available for PC's. I used that program at a night class and I swear:yikes: those mac's never froze up once. Even with those hugh video files. I can't say the same for my PC and Adobe Premier. :annoyed:

[scrappygrl]

I used a Mac in college in my graphics design classes and love it but only have a PC now :(

[pseudo_nz]

Wow, looks like I really am in a minority - I am just starting out with digital scrapping, and I'm on a linux-powered laptop!

I have a windows box at work, which has PS CS on it, but so far I'm not missing it at all. I'm using GIMP for image editing and Scribus for layouts, both of which are also available for Win and Mac.

[omio]

Hey, pseudo -- welcome to the site!! I just searched the forums and found some other GIMP users -- you might want to look at these threads and find some buddies to chat with about using GIMP. :tup:

GIMP Text on Curves (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30070&highlight=gimp)
Using GIMP and Photoshop Brushes (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29737&highlight=gimp)
Anyone use GIMP on Windows? (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26414&highlight=gimp)
I'm a GIMP User (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23853&highlight=gimp) (This is a thread from last year but some current users posted in it.)

Also, if you go to Tools-Choosing Software (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=81) and click on the New Thread box, you can start a thread with GIMP in the title, maybe Who Uses GIMP? or Anyone Use GIMP and Scribus? It will go into the New Posts column and I'll bet you'll hear from some other users. (Today is Mothers' Day in the U.S. so you might hear from that group after today. :yes: )

Good luck!! :wave:

[pseudo_nz]

Hey, pseudo -- welcome to the site!!

Thanks for the welcome and the links - am checking them out as I type :D

[Solitaire]

Macs are the only way to go, as far as I'm concerned. If you spend a lot of time on the web, Windows based 'puters are much more vulnerable to viruses, spyware, worms, etc. When I was still a State University student, my home PC got fried when I was using the school's gateway to check out class required bulletin boards.

I'm comfortable in both platforms, but since we maxed our eMac out on memory, added an external hard drive, and updated to their newest operating system, oh my gosh, it's a treat.

And as far as bosses that don't want to spend the money, sorry - they've got to understand that you need to upgrade memory and operating systems on anything if you want your 'puter to work properly.

[idtwinmom]

I would go for a PC. Easier to get software, and to me they just feel faster to use.
The mouse on mac feels like dragging your cursor through treacle. you get near what you want to click on, and , eww, it kind of slows down. I did some work on a mac in an office last year, using layout software and it took me forever. I tookthe same work home with me, did it on my pc, and got it done in a fraction of the time.
(My boyfriend thinks im mad about the mouse thing btw!!)
As for the make.. id go for Dell everytime. Mine is 4 years old and has never ever crashed.

I'm sorry, but this is blatantly false! Yes the software is different, but there are just as many titles when looking for "quality" software. As for children's titles, there are by far more programs for the Mac. I have way more problems with my PC mouse than my Mac! I really think that a one time experience with what may have been an older, over-worked machine is a bad comparison!!!!!! If you want to run $5 software titles that crash your machine every 5 minutes, then yes, you can get more software and the mouse is different, but definitely not worse!

[idtwinmom]

I agree that it is what you are most comfortable with. I use PC, and have liked it. I have XP SP2 and 2 GB of RAM. It moves pretty fast. If you do get a PC, go for a Dell, I have their laptop and got the Complete Care Warranty, its worth it, if I need something replaced, they either send the part or a repair technician to your house. They even replaced my entire LCD Screen and DVD drive. You could accidentially drop it or spill something and its covered. I don't think Apple has that kind of warranty.

The Apple Care is just as good. However, I agree, comfort is a major factor. One more thing about Macs though - you don't need to buy Antivirus or Firewall software every year. They just don't get viruses! Add up the cost of a truly good PC (not a Costco or other retail machine), all the software to upgrade to Vista, all the Antivirus software over the life of the machine...... hmmmm, pretty close to the Mac and what software you do want to run.

And one thing against Mac - do not buy iWork, purchase Office for Mac. The extra cost is more than worth it!

[idtwinmom]

Wow, looks like I really am in a minority - I am just starting out with digital scrapping, and I'm on a linux-powered laptop!

I have a windows box at work, which has PS CS on it, but so far I'm not missing it at all. I'm using GIMP for image editing and Scribus for layouts, both of which are also available for Win and Mac.

Wow! Love finding a Linux user here! Since the creation of Mac OS X, we are closer than you think. OS X is based on Unix and Linux is very similar as well! Nice to see you here!

[idtwinmom]

As you can tell, I'm a Mac user. I have been for 6 years now (bought my first one month before getting pregnant for my twins). I now have an iMac that I just love! But, because I still do not have a desk that I can put in the living room, it lives in my bedroom. To do anything during the day, my DH brought an old and nearly dead laptop home from work for me. It suffices. I can at least get on the net and stuff while taking care of the kids.

Also, it is important to note that I used to work teaching people to use PC's and my DH is a Network Admin with lots of experience with all kinds of hardware. Even he is now convinced that Mac is the way to go. The new Mac's are very Green (less pollutants in their construction, that sort of thing) and much more stable. Macs do have their glitches from time to time, but I am so grateful that when I turn on my machine it works, no fiddling, no fussing, and very little frustration. It really is easy to learn, and what you don't know - spend $99 and get a year of classes from your local Apple Store!

[Muma]

I'm a PC user .... never used a MAC so have no idea what the difference is .....
What is the difference btw??

I have only used HP to buy PCs in the last 5 years .... the only thing that failed was my DHs hard drive but I believe turning it off via hard boot 98% of the time and viruses contributed to that. I am using Vista and love it. After using it for 2 weeks I would never go back to XP

[debbers]

Muma, I use both a PC and a Mac. I don't think either one is any better than the other overall, but each one has things it is better at.

The Mac is newer, and has fewer things, but it does a MUCH better job at video work. My PC is a rock solid screaming HP that's about 18 months old, and I turn to it for things I'm familiar with. Because really, I've gotten to the age where I tend to prefer what I'm already comfortable with.

They both have PSCS2 on them, and I share files back and forth as needed.

The Mac has a mouse I WISH I could get on the PC. I'm the one with a bad case of tendonitus in my right wrist, remember. I use a trackwheel mouse thingie from Logitech on my PC. The Mac's mouse scroll wheel ... scrolls HORIZONTALLY as well as vertically. It's light as a feather, and even after hours of video work, my wrist doesn't hurt from using it.

Really, that horizontal scroll was something I'd never have thought I'd want to try, let alone like. Someone should do it for a PC, too!

Anyway ... Photoshop is the same price on a PC or a Mac. Office pretty much costs the same. Firefox costs the same, you use them all the same way.

Macs cost more out of the box, but you replace them less often.
PCs require far more TLC and maintenance.

It's really a toss up as far as I'm concerned. I've TOLERATED Windows since I had to start working on them (after having to give up on my beloved Amiga), and now I've grown used to them.

;)

deb

[Fulltime RVer]

Two of my friends just switched from PC to Mac because of the horror stories they have heard about Vista. They figured since they have to learn something new anyway, they may as well learn to use a Mac. Both paid the $99 for a year's worth of weekly one-on-one lessons. Both are absolutely delighted with their new Macs and are amazed at how easy it is do things.

I, like Omi, have been a Mac user since the 1980s. I used PCs when I worked so I do have some basis for comparison.

[debbers]

That $99 for a year of one on one lessons is an INCREDIBLE offer. They assigned me to a professional video guy who has been there to answer any question, help me with the best way to do things, if I have a specific issue, I can just bring in my project files on my own EHD, plug it all in, and he'll help with my own file.

Very very cool!

deb

[Muma]

I had heard that the Mac is far superior for graphics works

As far as Vista goes I love it and have had no problem at all with it but I did have a PC that came with it. My brother on the other hand who tried to upgrade from XP to Vista had nothing but trouble with it and if memory serves me right that is exactly what happened with the upgrade from 98 to millennium.

[omio]

The Apple Care is just as good. However, I agree, comfort is a major factor. One more thing about Macs though - you don't need to buy Antivirus or Firewall software every year. They just don't get viruses! Add up the cost of a truly good PC (not a Costco or other retail machine), all the software to upgrade to Vista, all the Antivirus software over the life of the machine...... hmmmm, pretty close to the Mac and what software you do want to run.

And one thing against Mac - do not buy iWork, purchase Office for Mac. The extra cost is more than worth it!

I agree re the cost -- Mac costs up front but PC nickels and dimes you to death. (I've owned both.) There are more software titles for PC but you have to look at it carefully -- lots of cheap junky programs for PC -- titles that most people on this site wouldn't need or use. The big programs are available for both and there are very few differences in use. Also, take into consideration that Mac comes with quite a lot of excellent software (not trials) for use with email, photos, dvds, movies, electronic music, and tons of other things. One of my favorite little apps is Photobooth -- a click of the mouse turns your built-in webcam into a still camera -- the screen even flashes white to provide extra light for photos in the dark. Very fun to play with.

I do have iWork and Office. I use Office more because I have to export iWork files so Windows can read them. But I love the iWork applications -- Pages is just awesome!!! One funny thing happened. I had a Windows doc that wouldn't open in Word on my DH's PC or my Mac. I tried opening it in iWork's Pages and it popped up with all of the formatting intact. :lol:

My DH has always staunchly refused to let me get him a Mac. After yet another 2-hour fight with the PC -- his new MacBook Pro laptop arrives Monday. :tup: :rofl: I'll let you know how it goes.

Re the Mac that crashed and caused so many problems -- someone had really mistreated that computer before you got to it. I've had two Macs crash in about 20 years and both times were my own fault. You know when you think "I probably shouldn't do this" and do it anyway? :doh: :D

That said, either platform will be fine if you take good care of the computer. Either one will be fast if it has enough memory -- one big issue people have is trying to use Photoshop with too little RAM -- I have 4 GB on my desktop and 2 GB on my laptop -- all the difference in the world in speed. Either one will run the programs you actually need. It's kind of hard to go wrong if you spend the money up front to get a fast processor and plenty of memory. :tup:

[dmrdm]

Good question to do a poll on.

I'm a PC...have been my whole life. Started out with DOS back in the good old days. Owned so many PC's since the 80's. Never had issues. Have one with XP now and 2 with Vista. No Vista issues - not sure of why every one thinks there are issues. Favorite OS, XP. Guess my first desktop and laptops where Radio Shacks. Can't remember how much that laptop weighed, but it was heavy!!! All computers since then have been Gateways. Only had one hard drive failure about 2 years ago, rest of the computers were given away to young nieces and nephews and charitable orgs.

Love my PC's...use CS3, do movies, RAW photos, and use the normal business applications such as Excel, Access, etc.

Guess, I don't have a reason to change. Love what I've got and all works perfectly.

[wndyeliza]

My ex BF is a Mac nut and talked me into one. I am so glad that he did! I find it a lot easier to use than a PC. I don't have any digiscrap experience on a PC so I can't compare that way.

[omio]

After taking part in this thread, I had to laugh at a PC-Mac discussion on www.unclutterer.com. It started out so friendly and with such good sportsmanship and then kind of degraded into name calling on both sides. :rofl:

It's so funny how loyal and connected we are to our computers. My son says my Mac is hardwired into my brain. Hmmm....what do you think he means by that? :think: :rofl:

You know what? The bottom line is that both platforms have their plusses and minuses. When I was teaching computer classes and parents asked for advice on buying a computer, I always told them to find the software they wanted and then buy a computer that would make it work. That's not especially good advice any more (unless you're a gamer and need a PC for wide choices) because the major software is available for both platforms. Bottom line is that the best choice is whatever makes your boat float. :tup:

Wishing all of you Macs and PCs a wonderful holiday with the ones you love. :hug:

[Victoria]

Hope you all had good Christmases. Omio, did your husband like his new Mac?

[omio]

Hi Helene! My DH is getting more happy with his Mac by the day. Of course, switching to a new computer, even if it's the same platform, is a pain. I've had to remind him that he had exactly the same inconvenience when he got new PCs and he can't blame the Mac. We have his mail switched over now, which was the main stumbling block since Outlook doesn't play nice, so he feels like his data is all secure now. To answer your question, after five days on the Mac and learning to use Skype video, he's decided that this was a good switch after all. He's very happy not to struggle with the antivirus software and is especially happy with iPhoto, which does everything he needs to do with pictures. He is an engineer and doesn't always handle this kind of change real well so I feel like I've won a major victory. :tup: :lol:

[Victoria]

Good to hear he is loving his Mac. Change from any computer, even within the same family of computers has alearning curve. I just set up a new HP desktop in Nov. and had to switch to Vista. I also upgraded to PSE 7from PSE 4 and each of these changes had learning curves. I'm happy now.

[omio]

I'm happy now.

And there's the bottom line on which computer anyone should buy. :tup:

[barefoot_mum]

I'm a Mac gal, we have 3 macs in the home office....17inch & 24 inch and also an ibook hoping to get a new macbook pro later on in the year....I've also converted an old PC to Linux & iAtkos (which is the Mac OS on a PC machine...)

Thanks for the great poll

[omio]

I'm a Mac gal, we have 3 macs in the home office....17inch & 24 inch and also an ibook hoping to get a new macbook pro later on in the year....I've also converted an old PC to Linux & iAtkos (which is the Mac OS on a PC machine...)

Thanks for the great poll

Welcome to DSP -- lots of great things to learn in a very friendly community. Hope to see you around. :D

[MyPinkFlipFlops]

Looks like this discussion died a little. Just wanted to say how much I love my iMac. I was an art major and anything we did it was on macs so I became pretty good at it. My dh can't stand them. He likes everything about my iMac (screen size, graphics, speed), but because it's not a PC he has to complain. :p

We get into those mac vs. pc fights all the time. It's good natured as we both understand each is capable of doing something different. I think it's just a good representation of our own personalities. I'm an artist and need the design aspect, He was an economics major and needs Excel to function like he learned.

:hug: We are still so much a like even in how we are different.

[omio]

Looks like this discussion died a little. Just wanted to say how much I love my iMac. I was an art major and anything we did it was on macs so I became pretty good at it. My dh can't stand them. He likes everything about my iMac (screen size, graphics, speed), but because it's not a PC he has to complain. :p

We get into those mac vs. pc fights all the time. It's good natured as we both understand each is capable of doing something different. I think it's just a good representation of our own personalities. I'm an artist and need the design aspect, He was an economics major and needs Excel to function like he learned.

:hug: We are still so much a like even in how we are different.

My husband doesn't seem to have many complaints about Macs any more. :p So far I've been able to answer every "Well, on my PC I could...." with an easier way to do the same thing on a Mac. (Including some things I didn't even know my Mac could do!) And he now knows that Excel is Excel -- whichever platform he's on. :tup: Understand what you're saying, though, since my DH is an engineer with an MBA -- the Mac wasn't an easy sell but I've been patient for YEARS. :lol:

[SuzanneCWalker]

Love my mac..... but what everyone else says is true - you'll love whatever you get!! :)

[JanP]

Hmmmm ... I'm looking into a Mac!

[webfrau]

Some helpful discussion here - thankyou everyone. I'm contemplating making the leap to Mac. It's my wallet that's doing the most protesting! LOL!

[chanmansmom]

I just went through the same delima.after back & forth for a couple of weeks, and going to the Apple store & Best Buy and playing around.Hundreds of questions later,I decided to stick with a PC.My desktop is a Dell PC.I decided to buy a Sony Vaio Laptop.It has an absolute gorgeous screen.Alot like the Mac screen.I decided that the Mac had more then I would ever use.And for the price,didnt need it.It's a pretty little computer but has alot more then you will probobly use.And I actually heard that from the Mac salesman.Just take the time to investigate them before you decide.I LOVE my new Sony Vaio.

[omio]

Really interesting that an Apple Store associate would say that, Debbie. Or was this Best Buy? Most of the people I talk to at Best Buy are actually PC folks--I always ask. :D The Vaio is a great computer, though - I used to have one and I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

Changing platforms is pretty much like changing OS systems within a platform. Quite a few people make the switch when a new version of Windows comes out since they know there will be lots of changes anyway. (Same is true for Mac -- I'm holding off for a few more weeks on a new laptop because I want Snow Leopard to get settled down.)

Webfrau, you might want to send a PM to Scamptx. She has switched both laptop and desktop from PC to Mac within the last year in addition to buying an iPod Touch. There has been some adjusting, of course, but I think she's happy overall.

She will be asleep right now but I'll see if I can nudge her over here tomorrow. As a long-time PC user who recently switched to Mac, she's a very good resource for you.

[webfrau]

Thanks for the suggestion omio -I noticed that and I already did! :)

[TalyQ]

I use a PC, but if I ever had the money, I would switch to Mac in a microsecond!!!!!!! =)

[gammie]

Well after months of investgation I went Mac and would never go back. The transistion took a few weeks of getting used to it. Was ready to take there lessons but all my ?'s I've ended up ans. myself. The speed the the ease of use, I LOVE IT. I've had top of the line PC's by Dell & Gatway they were all slow no matter how much ram & memory they had. Then the virus troubles my God I had a Norton protection and still got 432 viruses, you tell me how that happens when I run it couple times a week. Price wise I paid big bucks for my PC's an was never this happy. So one more convert to MAC here. lol:yahoo:

[>>aruaL<<]

I have a Mac Mini. I love it! One thing I like is that it really isn't all that expensive since you can use most of the hardware you already have for your PC such as mouse, even the keyboard. I opted to buy all new keyboard, etc but that was only because I was giving my entire pc system to my one of my kiddos. I did however purchase a PC mouse (a trackball) instead of the mac mouse. But I love my mac keyboard!

Loving my mac!!

[scamptx]

I replied to your pm, Julia, and I see that the MacHeads are up in force here!

Laura, your post cracks me up--here's the story I sent Julia:

I am fortunate to live in a town where there is an Apple store so I can play with the toys before I buy. My sister was needing a computer and I told her I would sell her my Dell, and I would move forward on the Mac. She's not techy at all, and just wants a machine that works. Soooo, we went to the Mac store so I could look and have the sales kid (yes, most of them are kids!) talk to me about all the technical details and such. We got one that was really knowledgeable, and spent about an hour with us, even though I had told him that I was not making a purchase a that time. As we were wrapping up, my sister asked him what Mac did for folks like her who didn't have a lot of money to spend but liked what Mac did. She ended up not buying my computer, but the Mac Mini, and she loves it.

No offense meant to any of you younger folk out there, but remember, in the computer world, those of us over 50 are looked at like we don't know a thing about technology, so it works both ways!

And yes, the bottom line for a purchase of any kind is to buy what you need and what makes you happy. My mistake was knowing that I wanted a Mac but talked myself out of when I was shopping for my first laptop. I would have been wiser to have saved a little longer and gotten what I really wanted the first time around.

[omio]

...The Mac has a mouse I WISH I could get on the PC. I'm the one with a bad case of tendonitus in my right wrist, remember. I use a trackwheel mouse thingie from Logitech on my PC. The Mac's mouse scroll wheel ... scrolls HORIZONTALLY as well as vertically. It's light as a feather, and even after hours of video work, my wrist doesn't hurt from using it.

Really, that horizontal scroll was something I'd never have thought I'd want to try, let alone like. Someone should do it for a PC, too!...

Deb, I was looking back over this thread and had to giggle about this. Apple customers are beyond loyal but we all hassled Apple for years about creating a 2-button mouse instead of relying on the CRTL key with that stupid single button. Apple was super stubborn out it so most of us secretly used Micro$oft 2-button mice. :o When Apple finally came out with the Mighty Mouse, I too was delighted to see that horitzontal scroll capability. I don't have physical limitations but I actually have my mouse set to the 360 degree scroll setting. Just makes life a whole lot easier for me, at least.

And, if I haven't already put it in this thread, my favorite little dig in the Mac-PC wars was in 1999. There was all of the panic about what would happen in the business world when the PCs tried to roll over to 2000. A great email was circulating at that time which applied to the mouse among other things: "Notice from Apple -- we may not have been first at everything but at least we knew the millennium was coming to an end!" :rofl:

[Lorne]

I use a PC, but primarily because I also use it for gaming. I'm very Mac friendly though. (I used to be an Amiga user, so maybe I'm just used to rooting for the underdog. :))

OSX is a great OS. If Apple licensed it for use an arbitrary hardware I'd be running it at home already. (I know there are people running it against the license, but that sort of thing just seems like bad karma for a software developer.) I prefer to build my own PCs, too, so I shy away from the price premiums Apple puts on their hardware.

One thing that has always intrigued me is the speed that some software runs at in Parallels. The first time we tried the original Scrapbook MAX in Parallels, some parts of it ran faster on the Mac than it did on the PC! They must take some shortcuts in how they emulate some of the API calls.

(Scrapbook MAX 2.0 runs faster on the PC, though...but it should, I put a lot of effort into making 2.0 faster than 1.0.)

I'd really like to do a Mac version of Scrapbook MAX. It's almost too bad the Parallels emulation works so well, I think designing a native Mac application would be a fun challenge.

Now that we have multicore CPUs with built-in virtualization features, the emulators work so well that in some ways it's becoming less important to have a native Mac application. At some point "it (technically) runs slower under emulation" becomes moot if it still runs more than fast enough to be enjoyable.

[Harmony]

I love my MAC. I would never go back to a windows based PC. The only problem I have had since having the MAC is their mouse, which I hated, so I just got a normal everyday wireless mouse that works just fine.