Mac vs. Windoze?

I think I'm about to make the Big Switch from PC to Mac, but before I do anything drastic (like spend some money) I thought I'd ask you guys:

1. Is anyone here familiar with both PCs and Macs? If so, do you have a preference and why?

2. For those running dual-boot Mac, how much do you actually use Windows and why?

3. If anyone has an iMac, how hard is it to move from room to room if you have a wireless LAN? This is about the big tossup between desktop and laptop. I like a REALLY big screen, and I'm very tempted by the 24" iMac. But I will need to move this machine around, maybe a couple of times in a day each week or so. It looks easy, but you never know??

Thanks again.

Ghoti

Re: Mac vs Windoze?

Can I answer the question with a question...


Why would you choose a Mac over a PC for trading or investing...???

Without looking back at your post, I assuming your talkin new Mac right, because the new macs are/will be intel based processors (hence even more compatable with windows written software), and have very compatable archetichere, which means pci cards, ide interfaces, memory chips are all very similar if not the same, just card drivers are mac based.

One thing good about a the new Macs, is that if they're more compatable with windows based software, they will be more compatable with viruses, spyware & worms (not the slimy type, but yes the burrowing type) which some may say have been written by the Mac users to bring down the Windows systems...opps now you know which side I'm on...

Seriously, I just don't see a need to spend vast amounts of money to get the best in the mac world, UNLESS your a professional photographer, graphic designer or studio editor, etc etc... when you can spend half that and get the best in the pc world that will definetly do the job for most (but not all).

Just bare in mind the sharemarket game is not huge, like office tools, graphics industry, so perhaps lots of software wont work on macs, even if they say it should...

Also note a entry level 24"screen for pc would be btween $1000-$1400 but have no idea if that cheap in the mac world for 24" screens... screens are usually interchangeable anyway...

Nearly brain dead...
Off 2 sleep now.
Cheers

Re: Mac vs Windoze?

SevenFX said:

Can I answer the question with a question...

Why would you choose a Mac over a PC for trading or investing...???

Without looking back at your post, I assuming your talkin new Mac right, because the new macs are/will be intel based processors (hence even more compatable with windows written software), and have very compatable archetichere, which means pci cards, ide interfaces, memory chips are all very similar if not the same, just card drivers are mac based.

One thing good about a the new Macs, is that if they're more compatable with windows based software, they will be more compatable with viruses, spyware & worms (not the slimy type, but yes the burrowing type) which some may say have been written by the Mac users to bring down the Windows systems...opps now you know which side I'm on...

Seriously, I just don't see a need to spend vast amounts of money to get the best in the mac world, UNLESS your a professional photographer, graphic designer or studio editor, etc etc... when you can spend half that and get the best in the pc world that will definetly do the job for most (but not all).

Just bare in mind the sharemarket game is not huge, like office tools, graphics industry, so perhaps lots of software wont work on macs, even if they say it should...

Also note a entry level 24"screen for pc would be btween $1000-$1400 but have no idea if that cheap in the mac world for 24" screens... screens are usually interchangeable anyway...

Nearly brain dead...
Off 2 sleep now.
Cheers

Click to expand...

Crap Crap crap and more crap.

This is just the usual rubbish trotted out by PC users.

Entry level Mac's are cheaper and faster than PC's (have a look at the Mac Mini)
Mac are entirely cross-compatible with all PC/Microsoft software and have been for years.
Networking Mac with other Macs and even god forbid, PC's is as easy as plugging it in.
Don't even get me started on the whole virus/spyware issue.

I've been using Mac's for years and never had a bug.Ever.
And when did I update my anti-virus software? Never. I don't have any, Don't need it. I like living on the edge!

Mac OSX is the most user friendly operating system in the world. That's why intelligent people use them. Microsft can only try to imitate it - poorly.

I've used PC's and Macs.

Most people who knock Mac's have never actually used one.

We fear what we do not understand.......



By the way, you dont need to interchange a screen with a 24" Imac, because if you'd taken the time to look, and Imac is basically a screen with the CPU and everything built it. Cost $3000 for the entire unit - 250 Gig HD, 1gig RAM, Superdrive etc

For you Mac non-believers out there check out
http://www.apple.com/getamac/

Re: Mac vs Windoze?

ghotib said:

1. Is anyone here familiar with both PCs and Macs? If so, do you have a preference and why?

Click to expand...

Once you Mac, you'll never go back!

2. For those running dual-boot Mac, how much do you actually use Windows and why?

Click to expand...

Have a PPC Mac (will get a new MBP sometime early next year), I use Windows only when I have to on an old junker PC, usually work-related apps.

3. If anyone has an iMac, how hard is it to move from room to room if you have a wireless LAN? This is about the big tossup between desktop and laptop. I like a REALLY big screen, and I'm very tempted by the 24" iMac. But I will need to move this machine around, maybe a couple of times in a day each week or so. It looks easy, but you never know??

Click to expand...

Um, a 17" laptop not big enough?

m.

Re: Mac vs Windoze?

I switched over about 3 months ago, to a 13" MacBook. (Also never owned a laptop before so this was quite a move). I've used PC's for about 15 years - Of course moving to something new takes a bit of getting used to, for the first couple of weeks you find yourself still thinking in 'windows' mode however after a while you really get to appreciate the differences.

No more freakin daily virus updates, anti spyware, etc. slowing your machine down. Put it this way - I have BootCamp and Windows XP installed (I need to do .Net development work in Windows sometimes) - Booting OS X takes 21 seconds, booting XP takes 50!

In digging around for Mac software to replace the things I used to do in Windows, I've found less to choose from, but generally of a higher quality.

1. Is anyone here familiar with both PCs and Macs? If so, do you have a preference and why?

Click to expand...

Definitely prefer OS X now - I just seem to use the computer for what I intended, instead of fussing around with Windows trying to keep it stable.

Re: Mac vs Windoze?

in regards to Q3, I think the 24" iMac will be a pain in the **** to move around due to size. The other two, the 20' and 17' are fine. I know a couple of people who regularily have to cart their macs to a presentation etc. As one unit it's pretty simple to pick up and move on.

the only recent virus' for mac have been "proof on concept" design via anti virus companies like Symantec. One real one that did appear couldn't be classed as a virus in the end as it was so pathetic. Not that it can't be done, it's just going to rely heavily on user stupity.

SevenFX is right about the cost of Apple displays. A Dell is much more affordable for quality and plugs right in anyway. But you don't want a seperate display. An imac is all in one. And for price comparisons, sure you can build your own PC cheaper, but you can't buy much cheaper already made PC's off the shelf with similar specs. And don't forget the Mac includes all software in it's pricing. Old news.

I will say that some software can be hard to come by if you're onto some specialized programs. ie medical field, but also good stockmarket programs are almost non existent I think. This would be where you need to run your windows based program through something like Parallels or VMWare. Both have very good reps. Crossover for Mac will run some windows programs straight on top if OSX. Or you do have the option of booting the Mac straight into windows, but can be a bit "finiky" setting it up. Next years new release of the Mac OSX Leopard will make life easier in that regard.

Some Links:
CrossOver Mac
http://www.codeweavers.com/products/cxmac/
Parallels
http://www.parallels.com/en/products/workstation/mac/
VMWare
http://www.vmware.com/whatsnew/macsignupform.html

btw: The CIO of the Harvard Medical School and CareGroup, John Halamka writes an interesting article.

Re: Mac vs Windoze?

Firstly, to nearly everyone, stop associating PC with Windows. It really ticks me off. Windows is software that runs on PC (personal computer - acronym dating back into the 70s). It is not the machine.

Myself, I use PC hardware, and run Linux. Yes - free operating system.
Open Office - free alternative to MS office
Actually, all my software on my PC is free.
On that note, I also have never had a Linux virus - mainly because they don't really exist, and never had a lock up (blue screen of death).

This doesn't mean you should use linux, but its another alternative.

I agree that Macs are coming down in price, but are still no where near competivie to PC parts bought yourself. Don't go to a retail store and buy yourself the lastest brand name machine. They migfht have a nice name on the outside, but trust me, I used to work for Dick Smith Electronics, even some of the BIGGEST names in PC manufacturing use the cheapest motherboards etc. Find someone with the know how, pop into a good wholesaler (if your in Sydney, msy.com.au is a good place), and buy yourself a complete machine, with warranty for a few hundred dollars.

Re: Mac vs Windoze?

I am a Mac user ... have used Windows too, when I absolutely have to. My preference is always my trusty Macs ... they just work! I can also confirm that in the more than 10 years I have been using Macs, I have never had a virus problem.

http://www.apple.com/au/getamac/

Re: Mac vs Windoze?

Hey Ghotib -

I'm an iMac user (20in) and I'd have to say that if you're going to move it often, then that's going to be a pain. Mine is fairly heavy and the 24in even more so. You'll also have quite a few cords to move with it as most camera's/keyboards/mice etc still have to be plugged in. If you're after portability go for a MacBook or MacBook Pro.

I use a PC all day, and then go home to my iMac. They are beautiful machines with the big difference being their user interface, consistency, and stability. I'm obviously in favour of Mac's, and will buy a MBPro this Chrissy to go along with my iMac so I have the portability option (can use it at work instead of this PC).

Compatibility-wise, I'd make sure that a specific program works first on the Mac, and if it does, then go for it. MS Office and most of the big programs work, but I'm not sure about smaller trading one's.

Absolutely love working on my Mac and highly recommend the 24in iMac (as long as you're not going to move it too much). They're great for watching movies on too.

Ty.

ghotib said:

I think I'm about to make the Big Switch from PC to Mac, but before I do anything drastic (like spend some money) I thought I'd ask you guys:

1. Is anyone here familiar with both PCs and Macs? If so, do you have a preference and why?

2. For those running dual-boot Mac, how much do you actually use Windows and why?

3. If anyone has an iMac, how hard is it to move from room to room if you have a wireless LAN? This is about the big tossup between desktop and laptop. I like a REALLY big screen, and I'm very tempted by the 24" iMac. But I will need to move this machine around, maybe a couple of times in a day each week or so. It looks easy, but you never know??

Thanks again.

Ghoti

Click to expand...

Re: Mac vs Windoze ?? How about FREE Linux

Gotta say - I agree with Stock-man - Linux is the G.O.

FREE LINUX operating systems with `windows` style desktops are getting better all the time. Personally - I think better than windows even.
Yup - theres a learning curve - but after 6 months - I can tell you its worth it.

1. Safer - no viruses or Trojans, few crashes and no serious crashes, or loss of data.

2. Free - all of the OS and updates are free - virtually all of the software is free. (though good Financial software may be $$$).

3. using `WINE` program allows you to load & run alot of windows software within Linux OS. (If you really must) or your can easily dual boot for those times when you really just need windows.

4. LIVE CD`s such as the one I use - called Simply MEPIS - is complete bootable O/S on one CD which you can testdrive simply by inserting the cd and starting your computer. It runs completely (& abit slowly) from the CD and RAM so it makes no changes to your HD until your choose to install.
(Obviously the HD installation will run much faster than the `testdrive`- generally faster than windows in fact.)

5. Automatic recognition and setup of virtually all hardware during installation process.

So - for anyone interested in trying linux - its not as scary as you think
- go to http://www.mepis.org or another bootable linux version.
- download the FREE bootable CD
- Burn it and chuck it your hard drive
- Have fun playing with linux for a while.

You`ll never look back.
---------------------------------
Now thats Ramping if ever I`ve seen it

Re: Mac vs Windoze ?? How about FREE Linux

Dukey said:

Personally - I think better than windows even.
You`ll never look back.
---------------------------------
Now thats Ramping if ever I`ve seen it

Click to expand...

Go team linux!

Re: Mac vs Windoze?

I have the new 20''Imac for creative stuff. My Music software of choice was bought out by apple (Logic) So I was forced to buy one.
It is definately a diff beast . And I am still getting used to it. I still use my p.c for almost anything else. But this is really just to keep my Mac HD free'd up Though windows does seem to flow better for me. But Im sure its just because I usually only learn what I need to and a change takes getting used to. So my learning on the mac has been slowed due to simply not forcing myself. They are both networked, no worries there easy access to both drives..
I also lug my imac to school and back when needed. It is def not as easy as a laptop. But you get more bang for yr buck. Youcan get wireless mouse and keyboards so that is not a prob., and I sourced a carry bag/backpack from usa. and does the job nicely.

Hope it helps.
gees I dislike typing, excuse my phrasing.

Re: Mac vs Windoze?

Linux is great if you know your command line and how to compile programs.
But why would most people bother these days?
I would much rather pay the $200 for OSX than mess around with linux and software that only just cuts it.
The idea is great and OSX shares the same *nux roots, but OSX has totally superseeded all home user OS's IMHO.

Another thing, if you're advocating Linux, you may as well be advocating unix, therefore OSX. Linux is open source you say? So is the heart of OSX. http://www.apple.com/opensource/
Apple has gone where Linux dreams of.

Re: Mac vs Windoze?

Wow, I'm really surprised how many people on this forum are in favour of Mac OS and Linux!!

Obviously a lot of very smart people subscribe here!

The Windows supporters are very quiet.......

Did I mention that mac's are also just downright sexy looking machines!

Re: Mac vs Windoze?

Wow. Thanks guys; keep 'em coming, but here's an update.

Rusq provided a Um, a 17" laptop not big enough?[/QUOTE]
Well I'm looking at a 19" screen now, and I could do with some more real estate. But the funny thing is that widescreen 17" seems a lot smaller than conventional 17". After all, watching movies is not my principal reason for using a computer.

tekmann said:

Why would you choose a Mac over a PC for trading or investing...???

Click to expand...

In two words, "Vista" and "activation". It'd be interesting to discuss them, but not now and probably in a separate thread. However that's the trigger for me. I should add that I'm sick to death of endless in-my-face updates to everything and unpredictable and messy conflicts, especially between security programs. Not to mention manufacturer-installed software that Won't Go Away!!!

My research to date confirms most of what Braveface says about pricing - the huge difference between Apple and the Rest has just about gone. A Windows user could buy a Mac Mini or an entry-level iBook for well under $1400, plug in their existing monitor, keyboard and mouse, and get productive.

stock_man said:

Firstly, to nearly everyone, stop associating PC with Windows. It really ticks me off. Windows is software that runs on PC (personal computer - acronym dating back into the 70s). It is not the machine.

Click to expand...

Sorry to tick you off You're absolutely right, and I did hesitate about the title for this thread. I went with the inaccuracy because in the Windows world (which I still inhabit) the confusion is close to universal.

As I understand it now, the choice I'm considering is really between Windows and OSX. OSX can sort of run on machines other than the Mac, but it's not guaranteed, it's not really supported, and I'd probably have to look at the kind of tweaking I'm sick to death of with Windows. So if I go OSX, I'll go Mac.

I've been keeping an eye on Linux for years, but it still doesn't do what I want - disappear. Dukey you talk of a 6-month learning curve. The consensus on OSX for application users seems to be 3 days. I already use Firefox, Tbird (which I find clunky) and OpenOffice (ditto); from my brief glance yesterday the bundled Mac equivalents have better functionality and much cleaner interface. I've been playing with operating systems for a long time; these days I just want them to get on with their job and let me get on with what I want to do. Windows almost did that, but it's very obtrusive and getting worse. Linux wants serious brain work - thanks but I'd rather spend the time reading company reports.

Gotta go. Hope I haven't missed anyone. Thanks to you all; I'll keep you posted.

Ghoti

Re: Mac vs Windoze?

ghotib said:

rusq, have you really tried to move a 20 FOOT iMac? You must be one strong fella.

Click to expand...

When I find one, I'll let you know. :alcohol:

Re: Mac vs Windoze?

Hi ghoti,

I have been trading for just 12 months and use a mac 12" powerbook with a 19" generic monitor. I run VirtualPC_7 to run trading software and Excel for mac for trade management.

VP7 is slow but adequate if you need to move about. I think dual boot would be quicker, but maybe not better. 12" laptop is great for portability (new 13' probably better compromise), but limiting for charts/spreadsheets.

My ideal setup is el-cheapo PC running existing 19" monitor for charting. New 21" apple display side by side with laptop for trading platform and spreadsheets.

Then unhook laptop and run vp7 when travelling.

Hope this helps
AC

Re: Mac vs Windoze?

i switched to a macabout 3 years ago. have not looked back since. never had a bug or virus. i cringe now whenever i have to use windows. mac is very user freindly often autoconfiguring new add ons and you don't pay money for a state of the art antivirus software.

Re: Mac vs Windoze?

BraceFace said:

Crap Crap crap and more crap.

This is just the usual rubbish trotted out by PC users.

Click to expand...

WOW one thing you can say about MAC users (esp the one above) is that they're very emotional about they're MAC's, and anyone that would in ANY way discredit them... (hot topic that will never die..)

But think someone else pointed out, there's few packages, esp the good trading software that will run on a MAC, unless you run windows, which (unfortunately) means activation whichever hardware you run.

And besides there only one reason mac users run windows on mac, which is a bit like running a ford engine/gearbox in a Holden.... hee hee hee... tabo..

p.s I'm a Linux fan 2, and expliot long range wireless technology over it.

Re: Mac vs Windoze?

SevenFX said:

But think someone else pointed out, there's few packages, esp the good trading software that will run on a MAC, unless you run windows, which (unfortunately) means activation whichever hardware you run.

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I was pointing out that you can run your windows trading program on the mac without installing windows.

But you can keep your nice grunty PC and it's windows OS and we'll just keep smiling

And what's WoolWorths got to do with any of this?