Imac or PC - advice!
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Bundy
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Macintosh answer to the blue screen of death?
SuitsBlueX2
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Immac? Get you closer to what you want to feel.
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As I have only ever used windows, as I cant afford the ridiculously high priced Imac, it can only be windows from this direction. BUT I'd love to get my hands on an Imac and give it a whirl and compare as it looks so cool and sleek
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Depending on your hardware, you might be able to install OSX on your current Windows box
I'd personally say the iMac, but I have no real issue with Windows 7 and it looks a nifty little operating system. In fact it's very 'Mac' like with the eye candy stuff, even though it's a tad messy. Having said that OS X has become a bit of miss mashed mess of themes these days, Ghost will understand that last bit.
The iMac you pointed out really should be upgraded to the Core i7
The upgrade will increase the cost to €1,979
The processors would then be identical, although the iMac underclocks the processor for thermal reasons
For the uses you've described you want from a computer I would say the following to each point:
1/ Movies - You did mention streaming, both platforms would be fine for this. If you're also considering editing home moves then the mac would win. Out of the box it comes with software pre installed called iMovie. The software is so easy to use that when it was first released Apple offered no tutorials at the press release and just told journalists to use it. It's come on since then, and there are now many handy tutorials on Apples website so you can familiarise your self with it's most recent additions
If you're looking to buy software, there are many options on both platforms and the divide blurs somewhat.
2/ Playing music - Since iTunes is available on both platforms, this is a mute point. Some people don't like iTunes and prefer windows media player, so this could mean it's a one horse race if you fall into that category. If you were a musician i'd say for go for the iMac as it comes preinstalled with Garageband, but otherwise this is a possible PC win or a tie.
3/ Visiting multiple websites and having multiple apps open at the same time - One word on that for me, Expose! If you don't know what it is ask your partner. It really does make the mac win hands down when it comes to this type of multi tasking.
Since apps behave like apps when you are in them, neither platform offers much of an advantage. Having said that; quite a few apps on the mac platform adhere to common rule standards, which means that the application menus and lay outs are exactly the same regardless of which company has made them. Meaning that it is easy to familiarise your self with a new app without having previously used it, stuff like cut and paste, spell check, formatting, etc etc are all in the same place on many apps.
4/ Downloading music - This would be the killer for me.
As Dylan pointed out "Stay away from the low rep sights and torrents (hell, any p2p for that matter), keep your gf from installing everything under the sun and your PC will run just dandy." if you do these things you will be fine on Windows.
Personally I don't want those constraints, although a lot of what Dylan said in fairness are not constraints and are just common sense. What I mean though is that Macs do not get viruses or suffer from spyware like Windows does. Also I've never had to tell anyone to be careful using my mac in case 'they break it'. The amount of times I get that warning when I jump on a friends Windows box is annoying as hell.
So for me the music stuff is a win on the mac platform because you really can use what ever site you want without any fear. But having said that, I do think if you heed Dylan's advice and are cautious you will be ok. Whether your GF would enjoy being patronised and told not to load stuff on your computer incase she breaks it is a different matter
loll. Sorry that is a jab at Windows and now Dylan there.
[Note: the same advice is interchangeable with downloading movies too]
5/ Photos - iPhoto, enough said. Comes free with the mac and is superior to anything that is free with Windows. Argue as much as you like, but even the hardened Windows user will agree with that if they are being honest. When it comes to 'paid software', Adobe's software is essentially the same on OSX or windows, so there is no differentiator there for me, but there are lots of quality applications for low cost on the Mac platform,w which gives it the edge.
6/ Multi tasking - Already covered this with the website and app comparison, OSX is better at multi tasking and Windows 7, but so are many Linux OS's too.
7/ Games that are playable on websites - Tie, no difference really. If you are looking to buy games, and run them on your computer, well Windows wins hands down then. There are games on the mac, but there are just far more on Windows. Now having said that you can install Windows on a mac and either boot into it as the primary OS or run it in some emulation software, costs about £50ish, but I wouldn't play a game through emulation software personally.
The main difference with the Mac is the design and small touches, such as built in web cam, magic mouse (touch technology), apple remote (look it up), screen resolution and quality, and general aesthetics. You do however PAY for this. It does exist on the Windows front too, despite the fact this is always overlooked. Look at Dell's Adamo for example or any of the Sony high end Vaio range, to give a few examples. Not all PC's are ugly plastic boxes.
It's your decision and no one can make it for you at the end of the day. If it was about what you 'needed' we'd all be running cheap ugly linux boxes, but it's always about what you 'want' at the end of the day (without going into the psychology regarding why we buy). It's a lot of money either way, and an investment that will hopefully last you a good 3-5 years going forward, so why not try and go to a few stores and play around with both machines and see how you like them. Windows 7 does look quite nifty as an OS, and of course the iMac is a beautiful machine. I've tried not to be biased, but I will always prefer the hassle free experience the mac offers. Actually I have been biased, who the hell am i trying to kid!!!
The iMac you pointed out really should be upgraded to the Core i7
The upgrade will increase the cost to €1,979
The processors would then be identical, although the iMac underclocks the processor for thermal reasons
For the uses you've described you want from a computer I would say the following to each point:
1/ Movies - You did mention streaming, both platforms would be fine for this. If you're also considering editing home moves then the mac would win. Out of the box it comes with software pre installed called iMovie. The software is so easy to use that when it was first released Apple offered no tutorials at the press release and just told journalists to use it. It's come on since then, and there are now many handy tutorials on Apples website so you can familiarise your self with it's most recent additions
If you're looking to buy software, there are many options on both platforms and the divide blurs somewhat.
2/ Playing music - Since iTunes is available on both platforms, this is a mute point. Some people don't like iTunes and prefer windows media player, so this could mean it's a one horse race if you fall into that category. If you were a musician i'd say for go for the iMac as it comes preinstalled with Garageband, but otherwise this is a possible PC win or a tie.
3/ Visiting multiple websites and having multiple apps open at the same time - One word on that for me, Expose! If you don't know what it is ask your partner. It really does make the mac win hands down when it comes to this type of multi tasking.
Since apps behave like apps when you are in them, neither platform offers much of an advantage. Having said that; quite a few apps on the mac platform adhere to common rule standards, which means that the application menus and lay outs are exactly the same regardless of which company has made them. Meaning that it is easy to familiarise your self with a new app without having previously used it, stuff like cut and paste, spell check, formatting, etc etc are all in the same place on many apps.
4/ Downloading music - This would be the killer for me.
As Dylan pointed out "Stay away from the low rep sights and torrents (hell, any p2p for that matter), keep your gf from installing everything under the sun and your PC will run just dandy." if you do these things you will be fine on Windows.
Personally I don't want those constraints, although a lot of what Dylan said in fairness are not constraints and are just common sense. What I mean though is that Macs do not get viruses or suffer from spyware like Windows does. Also I've never had to tell anyone to be careful using my mac in case 'they break it'. The amount of times I get that warning when I jump on a friends Windows box is annoying as hell.
So for me the music stuff is a win on the mac platform because you really can use what ever site you want without any fear. But having said that, I do think if you heed Dylan's advice and are cautious you will be ok. Whether your GF would enjoy being patronised and told not to load stuff on your computer incase she breaks it is a different matter
loll. Sorry that is a jab at Windows and now Dylan there. [Note: the same advice is interchangeable with downloading movies too]
5/ Photos - iPhoto, enough said. Comes free with the mac and is superior to anything that is free with Windows. Argue as much as you like, but even the hardened Windows user will agree with that if they are being honest. When it comes to 'paid software', Adobe's software is essentially the same on OSX or windows, so there is no differentiator there for me, but there are lots of quality applications for low cost on the Mac platform,w which gives it the edge.
6/ Multi tasking - Already covered this with the website and app comparison, OSX is better at multi tasking and Windows 7, but so are many Linux OS's too.
7/ Games that are playable on websites - Tie, no difference really. If you are looking to buy games, and run them on your computer, well Windows wins hands down then. There are games on the mac, but there are just far more on Windows. Now having said that you can install Windows on a mac and either boot into it as the primary OS or run it in some emulation software, costs about £50ish, but I wouldn't play a game through emulation software personally.
The main difference with the Mac is the design and small touches, such as built in web cam, magic mouse (touch technology), apple remote (look it up), screen resolution and quality, and general aesthetics. You do however PAY for this. It does exist on the Windows front too, despite the fact this is always overlooked. Look at Dell's Adamo for example or any of the Sony high end Vaio range, to give a few examples. Not all PC's are ugly plastic boxes.
It's your decision and no one can make it for you at the end of the day. If it was about what you 'needed' we'd all be running cheap ugly linux boxes, but it's always about what you 'want' at the end of the day (without going into the psychology regarding why we buy). It's a lot of money either way, and an investment that will hopefully last you a good 3-5 years going forward, so why not try and go to a few stores and play around with both machines and see how you like them. Windows 7 does look quite nifty as an OS, and of course the iMac is a beautiful machine. I've tried not to be biased, but I will always prefer the hassle free experience the mac offers. Actually I have been biased, who the hell am i trying to kid!!!
Nice write up that mate but you're right, you are massively biased!
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I'd personally say the iMac, but I have no real issue with Windows 7 and it looks a nifty little operating system. In fact it's very 'Mac' like with the eye candy stuff, even though it's a tad messy. Having said that OS X has become a bit of miss mashed mess of themes these days, Ghost will understand that last bit.
The iMac you pointed out really should be upgraded to the Core i7
The upgrade will increase the cost to €1,979
The processors would then be identical, although the iMac underclocks the processor for thermal reasons
For the uses you've described you want from a computer I would say the following to each point:
1/ Movies - You did mention streaming, both platforms would be fine for this. If you're also considering editing home moves then the mac would win. Out of the box it comes with software pre installed called iMovie. The software is so easy to use that when it was first released Apple offered no tutorials at the press release and just told journalists to use it. It's come on since then, and there are now many handy tutorials on Apples website so you can familiarise your self with it's most recent additions
If you're looking to buy software, there are many options on both platforms and the divide blurs somewhat.
2/ Playing music - Since iTunes is available on both platforms, this is a mute point. Some people don't like iTunes and prefer windows media player, so this could mean it's a one horse race if you fall into that category. If you were a musician i'd say for go for the iMac as it comes preinstalled with Garageband, but otherwise this is a possible PC win or a tie.
3/ Visiting multiple websites and having multiple apps open at the same time - One word on that for me, Expose! If you don't know what it is ask your partner. It really does make the mac win hands down when it comes to this type of multi tasking.
Since apps behave like apps when you are in them, neither platform offers much of an advantage. Having said that; quite a few apps on the mac platform adhere to common rule standards, which means that the application menus and lay outs are exactly the same regardless of which company has made them. Meaning that it is easy to familiarise your self with a new app without having previously used it, stuff like cut and paste, spell check, formatting, etc etc are all in the same place on many apps.
4/ Downloading music - This would be the killer for me.
As Dylan pointed out "Stay away from the low rep sights and torrents (hell, any p2p for that matter), keep your gf from installing everything under the sun and your PC will run just dandy." if you do these things you will be fine on Windows.
Personally I don't want those constraints, although a lot of what Dylan said in fairness are not constraints and are just common sense. What I mean though is that Macs do not get viruses or suffer from spyware like Windows does. Also I've never had to tell anyone to be careful using my mac in case 'they break it'. The amount of times I get that warning when I jump on a friends Windows box is annoying as hell.
So for me the music stuff is a win on the mac platform because you really can use what ever site you want without any fear. But having said that, I do think if you heed Dylan's advice and are cautious you will be ok. Whether your GF would enjoy being patronised and told not to load stuff on your computer incase she breaks it is a different matter
[Note: the same advice is interchangeable with downloading movies too]
5/ Photos - iPhoto, enough said. Comes free with the mac and is superior to anything that is free with Windows. Argue as much as you like, but even the hardened Windows user will agree with that if they are being honest. When it comes to 'paid software', Adobe's software is essentially the same on OSX or windows, so there is no differentiator there for me, but there are lots of quality applications for low cost on the Mac platform,w which gives it the edge.
6/ Multi tasking - Already covered this with the website and app comparison, OSX is better at multi tasking and Windows 7, but so are many Linux OS's too.
7/ Games that are playable on websites - Tie, no difference really. If you are looking to buy games, and run them on your computer, well Windows wins hands down then. There are games on the mac, but there are just far more on Windows. Now having said that you can install Windows on a mac and either boot into it as the primary OS or run it in some emulation software, costs about £50ish, but I wouldn't play a game through emulation software personally.
The main difference with the Mac is the design and small touches, such as built in web cam, magic mouse (touch technology), apple remote (look it up), screen resolution and quality, and general aesthetics. You do however PAY for this. It does exist on the Windows front too, despite the fact this is always overlooked. Look at Dell's Adamo for example or any of the Sony high end Vaio range, to give a few examples. Not all PC's are ugly plastic boxes.
It's your decision and no one can make it for you at the end of the day. If it was about what you 'needed' we'd all be running cheap ugly linux boxes, but it's always about what you 'want' at the end of the day (without going into the psychology regarding why we buy). It's a lot of money either way, and an investment that will hopefully last you a good 3-5 years going forward, so why not try and go to a few stores and play around with both machines and see how you like them. Windows 7 does look quite nifty as an OS, and of course the iMac is a beautiful machine. I've tried not to be biased, but I will always prefer the hassle free experience the mac offers. Actually I have been biased, who the hell am i trying to kid!!!
Thats a fantastic post mate, thanks for taking the time to write it, really appreciate it!
Thats really after helping me a lot, more info in the one spot then anywhere else.
++++Rep
Mate, its Ghost using an alias.
I remember mate, still a boss post - leaning toward the fruity thing now!
Have to say lads when i bump up the Spec on the Dell Studio Xps 8000 and the iMac 27 inch - im leaning toward the mac, i know im paying for the wireless key board and mouse and 27 inch display - but my god it is 27 inchs and lets face it size does matter - honestly though have been impressed with my Gfriends i mac and this laptop that defies its age and is still superb. If i added the display with the Dell and the wireless mouse and keyboard and someof the software options with the Mac surpriseingly there coming in at a similar cost.
The Dell has:
Pro
an I7 chip set 2,93 ghz
8gb Ram
Nvidia 1gb card
Cons
My last Dell gave up after 5 years
No Display
Basic Software
No Wireless Mouse, mouse/keybord
Price 1135
The Imac 27inch
Pro
Stunning display 27 inchs
I7 chip set 2,80 ghz
8 gb Ram
Restore discs come with (big plus for me)
Decent come with software
Wireless mouse and Key board as standard
Cons
No option for a Blue ray drive
Ati 512 graphics card
Costs more
Price kitted out: 2173
The Dell has:
Pro
an I7 chip set 2,93 ghz
8gb Ram
Nvidia 1gb card
Cons
My last Dell gave up after 5 years
No Display
Basic Software
No Wireless Mouse, mouse/keybord
Price 1135
The Imac 27inch
Pro
Stunning display 27 inchs
I7 chip set 2,80 ghz
8 gb Ram
Restore discs come with (big plus for me)
Decent come with software
Wireless mouse and Key board as standard
Cons
No option for a Blue ray drive
Ati 512 graphics card
Costs more
Price kitted out: 2173
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Point proved there, your paying nearly twice the price for the same spec.
Overpriced tosh.
Overpriced tosh.
As in Mac - in - tosh!
Has to be sayed mate - if i made the same software - Display and wireless upgrades to the Dell its in and around a similar cost, while the biggest dell screen on the market is 24 inchs and 600 top end spec like the mac offers, i was surprised by that but reckon thats how dell make their money in the additional extras.
Couple of 100 in difference all added up.
Last edited:
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