Mac / PC

[RowanSpry]

This is a gray area, i didn't really know where to put this.

Also i don't meen to start any arguments..

But i'm trying to decide on weather i should get either a Mac, or build a PC. I've tried talking to some people about it, but some are really biast towards one or the other, and some dont really know.

Basically, all im using a computer for is Internet, music / videos, and also im starting Computing A Level this year, which will be more based around Windows. though i still have other PCS in the house..

What are the pros and cons of PCs and Macs? the only things iv really had so far to tell me, are the videos on youtube, but there mostly biast.

And please be as constructive as you can.

Thanks a bunch

RAS

[XenaWP]

Bottom line. Mac is a relatively closed system. It runs on Apple hardware. You can upgrade some components to an extent, if the item is Mac compatible. The OS is pretty and relatively easy to use. There is less software available. Everything costs more.

I used Macs for about 5 years, loved them, and shortly after switching to PCs, I felt like I had been liberated from a brainwashed cult. The PC did everything the Mac did, was not as pretty, cost less, is almost infinitely tweakable in terms of what you can put in the box or run on it. I loved having the choice to build my own PC and the incredible learning opportunity it presented. No one has ever built a Mac.

To me, PC represents better value and greater selection.

Mac is easy to use and pretty.

[not important]

XenaWP summed it up pretty well. I was always told PC for computing and MAC for graphics work. Not doing any graphics work myself, I can't attest to that.

[TwoRails]

Yes, XenaWP summed it up pretty good. My understanding is that at one time Mac was the king of the hill for graphics but the few pre-Intel benchmarks I've seen they are no longer so. I haven't seen any benchmarks now that they are Intel boxes but I'd guess that helps them out in the processor department.

[RowanSpry]

Thanks guys that really did help. When it comes to decision time think ill just go for a PC. More software, more compatibility, more learning opportunity's, and more viruses..fun fun

So would i be fair in saying a Mac is better for... 'creative stuff'? (as i heard someone put it like that). Like graphics work as mentioned, music and video..? Or are they about the same now.

Thanks

[XenaWP]

One clear advantage is that the printing and publishing industries are still largely devoted to Macs. Many print shops still may not have PCs, or may have an older one ... the better ones are up to date with PC support. Even with that being the case, the PDF format erases any major issues, as I can prepare a PDF of a document and give it to a Mac only print shop and they can do it up just fine.

All the top creative software is available for PC too ... Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator, Lightroom, the Corel suites, Sony Vegas. I think Final Cut Pro (video editing) may be Mac only, but that is used, literally, in broadcast quality video editing. (Though it's not the only broadcast video editing software.)

Apple provides tight integration with their popular accessories like ipod and iphone. And they give away some nice software with the Macs (itunes, iphoto, imovie). That's mostly entry to mid level stuff though.

Not sure about audio capabilities.

[rave]

having worked on both mac and pc for graphics, i can say i cant feel any difference. illustrator and photoshop on the mac are still illustrator and photoshop on the PC. but i have to say, that the response time of photoshop and illustrator on the mac are pretty snappy for a G4 processor.

[RowanSpry]

Yeah cheers guys, made my decision for a PC.

*edit* removed question about mac monitor on a pc. i should have searched google first to answer the question. i keep doing this..!

Anyway thanks guys, been a great deal of help.