PCMech Forums - View Single Post - Why is a Mac prefered over a PC for Multimedia?

Mac Medic · 10-21-2006, 10:22 AM

I found it, but i really have no opinion. Both platforms do the job. I do think that FCP is a factor for a lot of movie houses, but Avid is a fine competitor on the PC side.

Photoshop users should avoid the Mac right now as the switch to Intel processors has left Photoshop running in Rosetta (emulation) until an Intel native version (CS 3) is released which won't be until next year.

The only place that Apple has a real advantage is in the colour space realm. Color management/color profiles are common place on the Mac yet I rarely hear it mentioned on the PC side even though it's critical for any print/desig shop. This may not even be an advantage as I'm sure Windows does colour management too, I just haven't been able to find it.

Basically, buy what makes you comfortable!. Don't listen to the commercials, they're funny but thats about it, and don't buy a Mac just to run windows!

edit: Oh yeah, if you're planning on doing anything 3d intensive be prepared to spend A LOT of money on a high end Mac Pro! For 3d you can get a PC to do the job for a lot less. Motion only runs well on the highest end Mac's, but as this was a thread directed at Pro's I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have a problem with the price.

10-21-2006, 10:22 AM	#10
Mac Medic Member (11 bit) Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,729	I found it, but i really have no opinion. Both platforms do the job. I do think that FCP is a factor for a lot of movie houses, but Avid is a fine competitor on the PC side. Photoshop users should avoid the Mac right now as the switch to Intel processors has left Photoshop running in Rosetta (emulation) until an Intel native version (CS 3) is released which won't be until next year. The only place that Apple has a real advantage is in the colour space realm. Color management/color profiles are common place on the Mac yet I rarely hear it mentioned on the PC side even though it's critical for any print/desig shop. This may not even be an advantage as I'm sure Windows does colour management too, I just haven't been able to find it. Basically, buy what makes you comfortable!. Don't listen to the commercials, they're funny but thats about it, and don't buy a Mac just to run windows! edit: Oh yeah, if you're planning on doing anything 3d intensive be prepared to spend A LOT of money on a high end Mac Pro! For 3d you can get a PC to do the job for a lot less. Motion only runs well on the highest end Mac's, but as this was a thread directed at Pro's I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have a problem with the price. __________________ Better to use a Mac and be THOUGHT a fool, than to use Windows and REMOVE ALL DOUBT Last edited by Mac Medic; 10-21-2006 at 10:25 AM.