Apple and Macs

[Barney McGrew]

Having spent the past 4 hours looking through Apples web site, and tutorials on the Macs, I am very tempted to make the move from PC to Mac.

Are they really better than the PCs running windows. I accept that its going to be very different in its use but is it worth all the hassle changing and learning how to use it.

Convince me one way or the other. I am also not sure whehter to go for the Mac Book or change my desktop PC for a iMac.

Any advice greatly appreciated as the only thing that is putting me off is the cost.

[sickpuppy]

Are they really better than the PCs running windows.

Short answer: No.

Slightly longer answer: Some things are better, some worse. If you don't mind the initial extra outlay you won't be disappointed nor will you be blown away.

The one advantage of owning a mac is that you can always dual boot into windows on that machine should you need too.

The main downside is your hardware upgrades are tied to a more limited set and the fact the same money would get you a better specced PC. If you are thinking about a laptop or never change bits in a PC the upgrade point is moot but you may find the better specced PC would last you longer.

Other short answer: Go and have a play with one and see if excites you enough to pay the premium.

[rutty]

I much prefer OS X to Windows but that's just a preference thing. You can't run OS X on a PC (not quite true) but you can run Windows on a Mac - perhaps that might be deciding factor.

The cost thing is harder to work out that you think. The iMac PC equivalents tend to be more expensive than the iMac (see Sony's attempts) and they don't look anything like as nice (personal opinion). John Lewis is a good place to compare.

Macbooks just seem too expensive to me.

Had my iMac for 18 months and not even thought about upgrading it. No doubt I'll think differently in another year but it doesn't seem to me to be underpowered at all. I don't miss any Windows-only programs at all, although if you want to play games of any type I'd be wary of going onto a Mac

[sickpuppy]

Had my iMac for 18 months and not even thought about upgrading it.

I think my last PC lasted 5-6 years not that there was much of the oroginal left by then.

[Tony]

Had my iMac for 18 months and not even thought about upgrading it.

I think my last PC lasted 5-6 years not that there was much of the oroginal left by then.

[rutty]

Without even watching that clip I know which one it is 

Classic

[Jeewhizz]

Without even watching that clip I know which one it is 

Classic

WHS!!

[Toxteth OGrady]

Flaming web sites, buying a Mac, that closet door is more than just ajar

[MattC]

Without even watching that clip I know which one it is 

Classic

Me too

[Barney McGrew]

Flaming web sites, buying a Mac, that closet door is more than just ajar

I have an iphone too, so I guess its wide open.

[Barney McGrew]

Would purchasing one of the Mac Minis give me a good insight into using an Apple ? This would be the cheapest option and could easily sell this on if needed to. By having a play would then allow me to judge if purchasing a full spec one would be the way to go.

Thoughts ?

[Chris H]

I think you've already decided.

Just go get what you want.

And wear your uniform and helmet, you might get a discount at the Apple Store. 

[Barney McGrew]

I might have to Chris. They have just launched the new iMacs so I am looking to get one. I have done some research and have also bored Jee to death today so thought I would gather futher info from the Mac experts here.

I am 1 click away from buying one from Apple but have hit a brick wall when it comes to the graphics. The first 2 models come with NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics, a 20" and a 24" whilst the 3rd comes with NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 with 256MB memory and a better Dual Core Chip. The price difference is a few hundred pounds more expensive.

What I need to know is, is the graphics card and the extra on the chip worth the money. I do not play any games but will be using it for my HD Video Camera. Once the Graphics Card is sorted I think I can get one ordered.

[slaughteredlamb]

What I need to know is, is the graphics card and the extra on the chip worth the money. I do not play any games but will be using it for my HD Video Camera. Once the Graphics Card is sorted I think I can get one ordered.

If you don't play games you don't really need the fancier graphics card. I have an older iMac (about 2 years old) and play HD video on that no problem and edit Standard Video without problems too. I've even played games and found it perfectly adequate but then I don't sit there counting frames etc 

Are you 'just' buying an iMac or are you getting a custom spec machine or ordering any peripherals? If you are don't order via the Apple website, instead phone them and invariably they will offer you a discount. When I ordered mine I ordered a custom machine with external drive and speakers and without me even asking they offered me a better deal than any other Apple dealer had.

You won't regret it!

[Barney McGrew]

Im looking at getting the 24" iMac with the 2.66ghz chip, 4GB Ram, 1TB Hard Drive, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M, Wireless Keyboard and Mouse with the iWorks and Apple care.

The next one up has a 2.93ghz chip and a 640GB HD complete with the NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 with 256MB memory, this is over £300 more expensive that the first one.

By opting for the top one I can add the wireless options, up the drive to 1TB and get the Applecare and iWorks.

[rutty]

It's usually cheaper the get the one with less RAM and buy the upgrade yourself, although some resellers might offer a free upgrade as an incentive.

Do they come with 4GB now?

[Jeewhizz]

Do they come with 4GB now?

Yup!

The upgrade to 8Gb is £800 :O

[samhs]

which is absurd. I've got 4gb in my iMac, and 2gb in my MacBook. Both were very simple "user-upgrades" at 1/5 price Apple were charging at the time.