This is the question. It's time for me to buy a new system for my home. I'm between embarrassed and proud to have used the same computer for almost six years. Before blogging there was really little reason to spend hours online and having a PC running on Windows XP at home was convenient as I could easily transport files back and forth.
A recent report from Gartner says that worldwide shipments of PCs have increased 12% in the second quarter -- with US sales at about 6%. Dell and HP are in the two top spots in both lists, with HP clearly dominating the international market. Another report from IDC, says that Apple, Acer, and Toshiba lead charge in US PC sales -- with Acer growing at a whopping 164%, Toshiba at 50% and Apple taking the lead to 960,000 units (just below Gateway) with a growth of 26% in quarter to quarter comparison between 2006 and 2007.
Apple seems to have done the nicest jump from 4.8% to 5.6%.
Every time I talk to a Mac user, I'm tempted to go that route. The system seems to be the easiest to work with, and notwithstanding the fact that it's been thirteen years since I worked on a Mac, the ramp up time might not be too bad. Although the expense would be much greater and I would have to purchase Adobe Suite programs for that system, in addition to the overall cost of Apple, which is greater than Windows' based PCs.
I'm a practical person, I tend to lean towards a Windows based system. So looking at those systems, the main question seems to be Quad-core or Dual-core? And here's a new hurdle: Windows Vista. I have now read a few reviews that panned the new operating system for many reasons. A preliminary look in stores these past couple of weeks did not thrill me, either.
What are your thoughts? Keeping in mind that I use my home computer mainly online for blogging and for some light design work, for which I currently use Adobe software .
- Mac or Windows? Why?
- Windows XP or Vista? Why?
- Where do you see the future of personal computers going?
Mac for seamless ease of use in every single way, software and hardware. You're productivity will go through the roof and you will have more time for your offline life. The future is wireless, laptop (Macbook Pro), mobile and that big flat third screen we used to call the TV.
Posted by: Damiano Vukotic | July 22, 2007 at 05:29 PM
I've worked on Microsoft systems for years.
(used to maintain LANs, code applications, number crounching, etc)
If you want to number crunch or word process, Microsoft is fine.
My employer provided PC is Microsoft.
My home PC is an Apple iMac (my mac laptop died last year).
Next year the MacBook Pro.
If you want to design, create, visualize in motion or audio consider Apple. My blogging is from a mac. All the tools are there.
Oh, and you can get multi-media iTunes with either, but...
video iPod!
a whole other conversation ;-)
Posted by: Russ | July 22, 2007 at 07:04 PM
I'm a Mac guy, through and through, but early in my career I was able to get jobs because I was proficient at both.
Reading your thoughts here, though, my initial thought it to recommend a PC.
But since nowadays you can run PC software on a Mac using Boot Camp or Parallels, the only way a Mac would be wrong for you is if the price is too high.
You can get Adobe Creative Suite for both Mac and PC. The price is about the same, and the end result is comparable (even if the Mac-run software might be faster and more consistent than the PC version).
If you already have the PC version, try running it on Parallels before buying the Mac version. That's probably not the way it was supposed to be run, but if cost is an issue and you want to explore the Mac, this is an option for you.
If you have to buy the Mac version (I hear CS3 runs really well on Intel-based Macs), sign up for a college course on a subject you really care about at a community college. Get a student ID and buy the academic version. Even with the tuition, this should save you a lot of money.
If any of that is too much trouble or risk, skip the hassle and stay with what you know.
Posted by: Cam Beck | July 22, 2007 at 08:41 PM
I'm very happy on my HP widescreen laptop. I got it before Vista came along. I'd get a mac just to do it and get it over with.
Posted by: mvellandi | July 22, 2007 at 08:46 PM
There's no doubt an Intel Mac is worth the investment. With OSX you get a great user experience built-in. With Vista you have to settle for user irritance. A big plus for Apple is that it comes loaded with actual working software (iLife - image and video manager, garage band music creation, etc) With PCs you get a crap-load of software that are triel only. You could spend months trying to get rid of the junk!
There's also evidence (albeit only anecdotal) that Mac's have a longer lifecycle - they'll last longer before becoming space junk!
Posted by: Mitch Brisebois | July 22, 2007 at 09:18 PM
Damiano -- I kind of had a sense about the flat screen future. Go to any store and that's pretty much all you'll see on the computer and TV side. What's the security with wireless?
Russ -- I am so down on Apple for the iPod. Mine needs a daily recharge as I bought it before we all learned about the battery thing (small details). What's your favorite feature on Mac?
Cam -- great tip. Am I glad I know you! For the record, I was even before ;-) Your brilliance continued to amaze me.
Mario -- we missed you here. I've been rationalizing staying with Windows for so long... you are on the right track about getting it over with.
Mitch -- "user irritance" is one way one could describe Windows programs. And coming from you this advice is really worth considering. I did have experience with loads of software and add ons I do not use nor need as well. Thank you for stopping in. I hope my other readers take a peak at your blog and work.
Posted by: Valeria Maltoni | July 22, 2007 at 10:43 PM
Like most tech companies, Apple outsources the parts manufacturing and much of the assembly. There be gotchas in that approach sometimes. With Apple, well, all of them, extended warranty is a good idea.
I wore my first iPod out. My new one is just 3 months old - post the battery thing. Being video, it can chew through battery juice pretty quick. But awesome sound and video. I listen to music many morning walks and often find myself trying to find where a sound is coming from - only to realize the stereo earpieces are giving better quality than anything I've had before. Subtle sounds like you are right there when the track was laid out.
The iPhone is slick but I'll wait for version 2 - more memory, better sense of reliability.
Posted by: Russ | July 22, 2007 at 11:35 PM
There's nothing wrong with outsourcing a lot of the component manufacture (and even integration, or as it used to be called "putting it together"): my Ducati was built that way! :-)
So were all 3 Mac's in this house. I have a Windows machine, but frankly: I haven't switched it on for over a year. I'm not anti-Windows - I like most of Windows - but I haven't found a viable reason to upgrade to Vista. The most recent machine I bought was an iBook/iMac (whatever the laptop is called). From receiving it in the store, I've liked it! So easy to use - and oh so reliable.
For the Windows software I use Parallels. It's decent for most things; real-time games can be a bit "dodgy", though. (You didn't mention them as important, so that's probably not a concern.) Strategically, I'm not sure Microsoft understands the home-user anymore. High consumer pricing, and a focus on the Xbox, seems to indicate that it prefers the security of the corporate world.
Go Mac. :-)
Carolyn Ann
Posted by: Carolyn Ann | July 22, 2007 at 11:50 PM
Ahh. The age old question. Mac or PC. I have both at home and at work, and went through a similar exercise a few weeks ago when I replaced my wife's older laptop with a Mac.
You will have people respond from both sides of the fence. I use both and I don't think there is a single right answer that applies for everyone.
Here are a couple things to consider:
1) do you share documents with others that are PC only format?
2) do you have PC only items, such as printers, scanners, etc, and documents that can't be opened from a Mac?
3) are the programs you need or a suitable replacement available on a Mac?
4) do you have time to spend getting up to speed on another platform and new programs?
5) price probably shouldn't be a significant factor in comparing because you get what you pay for on both platforms.
6) sure, you can run Windows on a Mac in a pinch, but it takes up quite a bit more memory and storage, and you end up paying for additional license fees for Windows and the Windows applications. if you really need a PC, I would say to stick with a PC.
7) if you work in a corporate environment or visit clients that don't support Macs (for printing, network authentication, file sharing, remote access, etc), make sure they give you the green light as well, otherwise you may not be able to continue business as usual. my own Mac's and PCs don't always play nice together on the same network, especially during upgrades.
converting from one to the other will take some time to get up to speed, although feasible, can be a hassle in crunch time when you don't know how to do something on the other platform (or are using a different program than before).
for items such as email, web surfing, word processing, presentations, etc, it really doesn't matter which way you go, because both systems can handle that perfectly.
the iPhone I have has little business use, but it sure is fun to play with as long as you can get wifi access. can't wait for iPhone 2.0
as I said in my own post and what was my biggest decision, buy what you want and you'll figure the rest out later. =)
Posted by: Dustin Jacobsen | July 23, 2007 at 01:11 AM
Valeria,
I'd say that both can probably respond to your needs. I'd say a Mac might lead you to go further than strictly "do your work". Anything from managing and working with pictures, movies, DVD's, music, ipod, iphone, etc.
Plus... if you get a Mac, you'll get free 24/7 support from a Belgian Alien friend!
Now, isn't that motivating? ; )
Posted by: mindblob | July 23, 2007 at 04:55 AM
Russ -- you have a good point about warranty. For some products it's an unnecessary add on. Maybe if companies did a better job at explaining what each covers and why it's a good idea to purchase it...
Carolyn Ann -- a Ducati! I would not want to stray too much from this topic. Suffice it to say I love motorcycles ;-) "Strategically, I'm not sure Microsoft understands the home-user anymore." This sounds interesting. I had not thought of it that way, but now that you point it out, I see it. My first computer was a Mac, may be time to go back.
Posted by: Valeria Maltoni | July 23, 2007 at 06:49 AM
Dustin:
You have put so much thought and helpful information in your comment, thank you.
If I am ever to make a switch, now is a good time. I already have a PC, which although old may hold me while I ramp up. I work in corporate America and keep my day life and other activities quite separate. I've done consulting work only during transitions and most of what I do is writing -- which I can do on any platform. I leave the design to the experts.
I have a printer and a scanner and I will make a list of the models to take with me once I shop -- compatibility is not a deal breaker, yet it is important.
My two biggest concerns are my Palm data -- more than 1,850 contacts I back up on PC -- and my new digital camera software (which I think would work on both platforms).
Buy what you want is good advice. I'll do my research of course, this is great advice. Where would you suggest I start verifying information? Would online be better than in (Apple) store?
Posted by: Valeria Maltoni | July 23, 2007 at 07:02 AM
Go to one of the larger Apple stores (I think there's one in Phillie; I go to ones in the Christiana Mall, Delaware or Manhattan (the one in Soho is my preferred choice) and ask one of the sales reps. In the last few years of shopping at those stores, I've only come across one person who gave me anything like incorrect advice. (And he couldn't be blamed, I was trying to do something arcane!)
Customer Service for the Mac is good: much better than I've ever found for the PC! (I built my own PC to avoid the customer service worries.)
Buying a Mac at the store is actually a "positive experience". It sets the tone for the entire "Mac experience" thing. (With apologies, of course, for the grammar). The staff do seem to know what they're about, and there's little staff turnover that I've noticed. And once you get it home, plug it in and start up: well, that's it all done for you!
One thing I never thought important: the visual experience. A Mac is actually a satisfying "visual experience". Odd, but I find it just more stylish than the Windows interface, and a bit more intuitive: it's more willing to work with you, instead of gently (?) insisting you work with it.
I've not had any trouble using a Palm with the Mac.
Carolyn Ann
PS Yeah, I love 'bikes. :-)
Posted by: Carolyn Ann | July 23, 2007 at 08:54 AM
Hi Valeria
* far more pleasurable interface
* no viruses
* better support for design/publishing online and offline (ok, that was controversial but I guess PC supporters can ponder why nearly all ad and design agencies are mac based. The Mac Microsoft suite and Adobe suite are really the only software you will ever need to buy and both are fantastic.)
* pretty much nothing except exe files that you can't open (Carolyn Ann: not sure what kind of files you had in mind when you were talking about compatibility earlier, but pretty much everything is cross-platform these days... it's rare to find a file you can't open on a mac)
Life is too short (and our time at the keyboard is too long) to go the PC route dear, treat yourself =)
I say that only for desktop computers. I think Mac laptops are overpriced and questionably solid.
But if you are looking for a desktop, I've tried many different kinds of macs in my studio and I think the Mac Mini is a bargain (and it's no more than you would pay for a PC). Spend the savings on a couple of gigabyte of RAM and a nice 22" widescreen monitor.
=) Marc
Posted by: Marc | July 23, 2007 at 10:14 AM
Glad that helps.
You should be able to track down Mac compatibility from the manufacturer's website.
The Apple store may be able to assist as well in case compatibility isn't listed or is questionable, because some times the devices will still work through 3rd party drivers. You will also want to check OSX version (10.4), since the latest Mac OS version may not be supported.
The Palm synch should work fine, and if the camera software isn't Mac friendly, iPhoto is great for basic image management. In most cases, you should be able to just plug your camera into any computer (Mac or PC) and your computer should recognize it without any other software.
Posted by: Dustin Jacobsen | July 23, 2007 at 10:31 AM
Luc -- a personal 24/7 support from Belgium. How can I resist? If chocolate is an indication, there's a lot of quality wrapped into that. I like the idea of stretching beyond what I do and learning to do more.
Carolyn Ann -- I think I saw one store at the King of Prussia Mall (for those ready to jump on the famous King... hold that). Good customer service these days is hard to come by and even harder to read about.
Posted by: Valeria Maltoni | July 23, 2007 at 12:00 PM
Marc -- "Life is too short (and our time at the keyboard is too long) to go the PC route dear, treat yourself =)" This is golden advice, thank you. I agree on the interface. I have long been jealous of my designers and agencies who worked on Macs. Everyone take a moment to visit Marc at Creative Spark (based in Singapore).
Dustin -- thank you, I was planning on making myself a detailed checklist to cover all basis (for my own sake). It is also good to stabilize information that way and feeling a modicum of control when transitioning to a new situation/system. That was self advice on the communications side ;-)
Posted by: Valeria Maltoni | July 23, 2007 at 12:11 PM
Hi Valeria,
I scanned the other 17 comments...one thing missing:
Macs are designed to be beautiful! We have a Mac desktop at home. As soon as we set it up (five minutes!), we vowed never to close the doors to the armoire - the Mac is not just computing and design power - it is asthetically gorgeous.
Posted by: Joe Raasch | July 23, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Uh ... Mac. Duh. Hello?
Unless you're a gamer or have a legacy investment in Widows software, I'm betting you'll find the Mac a more productive environment. They're not bulletproof -- and a virus can be written for any operating system -- but I spend my computer time actually working on my Mac, not swearing at Window's quirks or wondering if that last spam email contained a nasty payload.
As I think some people have pointed out, the new Intel Macs can run Windows applications through the elegant Parallels Desktop or in a VMWare wirtual environment. Parallels is probably the most friendly solution, and it's relatively inexpensive.
For what it's worth. Mac OS X supports most modern hardware out of the box. Plug and play. Go to the Apple site and search your various printers and things. You'll probably find OS X is ready to go.
Speaking of price: Macs are really no longer more expensive than PCs. You could buy a Mac Mini and use your existing monitor and keyboard. The all-in-one iMacs are competitively priced, and they have an elegance which will probably go nicely with your Italian style (and New World Attitude).
And then there's that 24/7 Belgian tech support. Didn't come with my Mac, but there's always Apple Care.
c.
Posted by: Chris Baskind | July 23, 2007 at 03:26 PM
Joe -- a human scanner ;-) Yes, aesthetics have a big role in creating the experience of a tool. I am finding a lot of Mac users among my readers. Is it because we're all into social media and kind of early adopters?
Chris -- funny that you should mention VMWare Virtual environments. I see them becoming more important in the future of computing and systems maintenance. So the Apple site will be my first visit and then the store. I feel like I should do a follow up with photos of my expedition now.
Posted by: Valeria Maltoni | July 23, 2007 at 04:23 PM
Chris,
"Belgian tech support" would definitely help you as well. Do you know the Thunderbirds... it's a bit like "international rescue". FAB, isn't it? ; )
Valeria,
Yes... we want pictures of your computer adventure! Not to mention that thanks to "Comic Life" you'll be able to make a cartoon story out of it! ; )
Posted by: mindblob | July 23, 2007 at 04:35 PM
Easiest question I've been asked all month.
Macintosh.
I've got a MacBook Pro 15" hooked up to a 30" monitor. Firefox browser. Sweet.
Works well with my iPhone.
Posted by: Roger von Oech | July 23, 2007 at 05:08 PM
Luc -- I did not know that about Thunderbirds. Is it true? We have the Geek Squad here... A cartoon story by me. Now *that* is something entertaining to be looking for ;-)
Roger -- a 30" monitor, holy cow! I use Firefox too both at home and work even though right now they are both PCs. The iPhone is a bit too much for me. I still need to take all these great notes and go shopping.
Posted by: Valeria Maltoni | July 23, 2007 at 07:30 PM
Valeria, one of the concerns I hear you speaking about that hasn't been addressed much is the "ramp up time" piece.
To be honest, I wouldn't worry about it.
My wife was a lifetime PC user, and when I went with a iMac G5 instead of replacing our aged Dell, she was forced to learn it. It took her very little adjustment time at all, and she's not what I'd call tech-savvy.
And, for all the other reasons everyone else has said, I'd wholeheartedly support a Mac purchase. I love every minute I'm on my machines, seriously.
Adam
(iMac G5, PowerBook G4)
p.s. Good luck and have fun!
Posted by: Adam Kayce : Monk At Work | July 24, 2007 at 11:48 AM
Recommendation - Mac with BootCamp (Windows).
You can have Windows OS running on a Mac, but you'll realize that you may not use it as much. I own three Macs at home, one of them with BootCamp. I'll design a bit, alot of videoediting, write plus other creative stuff. My Macs fulfill my needs.
Adobe applications - same Mac or Windows
Videoediting - best on a Mac (software included already)
Podcasting - best on a Mac (software included already)
Presentations - best on a Mac (I purchased Keynote, better than Powerpoint)
Internet/network setup - a breeze with a Mac and Apple's Airport
I'm happy with what I have and will continue with Macs. The future? Mobility, integration among devices, ease of use (laptops, iPhone, recorders -video/voice)
Posted by: Ed | July 24, 2007 at 12:04 PM