Scared to ask......

[taracotta7]

PC or Mac? I really don't want to start a debate but I am in the market for a new laptop. My hubby SWEARS by Mac. Seriously. He thinks I am crazy for having a PC. I just don't see the "value" of spending more on a laptop for basically the same memory, Ram, processor speeds, ect. I don't get it. Seriously.

I want HONEST advise on what to do. Let me explain what I want......I want a FASTER computer that has a REALLY fast processor and has LOTS of memory.

My concerns are: I am not a huge fan of change and I am worried about learning something new. (Not a huge deal but still a concern)
All my programs are windows based with means I will need to purchase new software for Mac. (my scrapping software is my biggest concern here )

My questions.....
Will my backup program online be an issue if I change to a Mac? I use backblaze and worried about the transition and if I ever need a full restore.
Will my external hard drive be compatible?
Have you MAC users found anything that doesn't support mac?
Does Mac have a program like Windows Office (word, power point, excel, ect) or a program that makes those apps compatible? (I use word and excel weekly so this is important to me)
Does it change anything about scrapbooking? (other than using command instead of control for shortcuts?) I have PSE8 now but considering going to CS5 soon.

Is there anything else that I need to consider when comparing the two that I haven't mentioned?

Seriously. Help me! I am glad that I don't have to convince my hubby of spending the extra money but I am really concerned if that is the way to go. He insist that "once I go Mac that I won't go back"! LOL

[aggiefamily]

Will my backup program online be an issue if I change to a Mac? I use backblaze and worried about the transition and if I ever need a full restore.

Backblaze is compatible. You can contact them about what to do when you switch.

Will my external hard drive be compatible?
Most are. If it is formatted NTFS it will be readable but not writeable. If it is formatted Fat23 it is fine.


Have you MAC users found anything that doesn't support mac?

There are a few things but you just have to look for a similar mac version. ACDSee isn't available for mac but the built in Finder (like explorer) and iphoto are excellent.

Does Mac have a program like Windows Office (word, power point, excel, ect) or a program that makes those apps compatible? (I use word and excel weekly so this is important to me)
Yes- iwork. And you can get Office for Mac.


Does it change anything about scrapbooking? (other than using command instead of control for shortcuts?) I have PSE8 now but considering going to CS5 soon.

You just have to get use to the terminology of the command, option , etc. There is no other difference. (eta: the one huge difference I can think of is that mac versions of PS give you a transparent program background but you can easily change that in PS settings)

And I did a price comparison of what I got on my Dell laptop with a macbook and there wasn't much difference.

Another eta: make sure you get iLife added. It gives you iPhoto which rocks. It is an image database/library that lets you edit photos/images and organize them. You can also post your photos straight from iPhoto to facebook and other things.

[MamaBee]

I use both platforms... my desktop is a Mac and my laptop(s) are Windows... they both have their highs and low points.... Mac's are very user friendly, the what you see is what you get thinking... however, if you are a die hard Win user, you will be a bit frustrated (as my hubby is when he uses my Mac)... but I don't have problems with virus and stuff. You can get copies of Microsoft products for Mac... they do run a bit different and depending on versions may or may not be able to switch between Win and Mac. But the software costs are very expensive compared to PC versions.... I did hear though that Adobe will give you a price cut on Photoshop if you have a PC version... but I don't know that for sure...

ETA... I should say, that the initial frustration doesn't last long if you are good with computers.

[joelsgirl]

I have a Mac. I wish I would have bought a souped up PC for half the price instead. But the Mac is good. however, I am not in the Mac cult. My husband just got a new computer with Windows 7, and it is REALLY cool.

If your EHD is formatted to a PC, it won't work with a Mac, but you can buy software for about 20 bucks that will make it compatible instead of having to either replace it or reformat it.

I haven't found anything about it that makes me think it's worth the $1200 I paid for it. If it lasts twice as long as Joel's new computer, THAT would be worth it, I think, but I can't see that now.

[aggiefamily]

I think it also depends on what you are doing on your computer. What I do (graphic design, websites) is much easier for me on the mac than our pc.

Maybe you can go to Best Buy or the Apple store and try one out?

[Traci Reed]

Alright people. Mac cult? LOL I love how the fur starts flying so fast!

We bought a Mac after having PCs my entire life, then we promptly bought a MacBook and we'll never go back. Even "souped up" PCs start running slow after a couple months and I've had my Mac a year and it still runs as fast as it did in the beginning. At least, that's what we've found.


My concerns are: I am not a huge fan of change and I am worried about learning something new. (Not a huge deal but still a concern)

It's seriously not hard to adapt and once you've got it, it's super easy and more intuitive (to me)

All my programs are windows based with means I will need to purchase new software for Mac. (my scrapping software is my biggest concern here )

Depending on how long ago you bought PS (if that's what you have) sometimes adobe will let you switch platforms for free.

Will my external hard drive be compatible?
Yes

Have you MAC users found anything that doesn't support mac?
Some things, but almost everything that people actually use has a Mac version, and there IS an ACDSee for Mac and it's still in beta so it's free!

Does Mac have a program like Windows Office (word, power point, excel, ect) or a program that makes those apps compatible? (I use word and excel weekly so this is important to me)

You can buy office for the Mac, though I bought iWork which is the "office" for Mac and I like it better.

Does it change anything about scrapbooking? (other than using command instead of control for shortcuts?) I have PSE8 now but considering going to CS5 soon.

Not really, the keys are pretty comparable. Command=ctrl, option=alt. The biggest thing to get used to was the no right clicking thing, you just hold down control and click instead.


Is there anything else that I need to consider when comparing the two that I haven't mentioned?

Adobe was designed for the Mac interface so it runs much smoother on a Mac than a PC. You can run a gazillion applications at once and it doesn't even start to slow down the Mac. I've had PS crash once in the entire year I've had the Mac, it was once a week when I had a "souped up" PC.

In the end, it's going to be a personal choice. Don't buy it because of the "mac cult" go to a store and let them show you what it can do. Play around with the interface and decide if it's something you can get used to or will drive you crazy.

For what it's worth. At school, everything's Mac. On the first day I had to run around the computer lab showing all the kids how to use it. Within the first week they were secure with it and then the "die hard" PC people in the room are now even amazed by them. One guy said that going from PC to Mac is like going from straight to gay. There's SO much warring and prejudice, it's hilarious. But guess what? That guy just bought a MacBoook. LOL

[Traci Reed]

Hey Amanda...

MAC ACDSee

[aggiefamily]

Thanks Traci! I wonder if I will like it better than iPhoto. Hmmm...

[nanienamou]

A note on ACDSee. I used to use it each time I scrapped on my PC. When I bought my Mac, I downloaded the beta (an upgrades since) and it really doesn't work well. It crashes so often and I have constantly to force it to quit since it will not by itself. I'm not too impressed about it at all. It crashes when I try to open scrap folders with lots of stuff in them (i.e. alphas in many colors). But ACDSee is known to crash on PC too.

I love my Mac, wouldn't switch back to PC fwiw. It runs smothly and never crashes. I use Microsoft Office for Mac and it works well.

[Traci Reed]

Originally Posted by aggiefamily

Thanks Traci! I wonder if I will like it better than iPhoto. Hmmm...

For sorting scrap stuff? YES.

[Milmomma]

I just have to put a vote in for the PC. I struggle with macs just like I struggle with the iphone over my blackberry. I think different people like different things. (I use gaming pc's mostly not only cause I'm a gamer, but the spec work great for graphic stuff. Though we also build our own desktop-pc's, so I can get what I want.)

[KristinCB]

I still have not updated my OS to leopard (still running on tiger) so ACDsee isn't compatible but I use picasa (also free) and like that just fine. I've never been one to tag etc though so not sure how well that works for it

Mac all the way! I DID just have my harddrive crash but I will have had my computer four years this february and that was the first time anything had ever happened.

[CA Dreamer]

I have both a PC and a Mac. Love them both.

I think that if you get the fastest processor and largest cache memory you can get, you will be fine in either platform.

The adjustment period is very short going from PC to Mac, so I wouldn't worry about that at all.

As for Microsoft programs, there are Mac versions. I have never had a problem creating a new doc in one and opening it in the other.

Good luck with your decision!

[Paula]

Go for Mac!

Will my backup program online be an issue if I change to a Mac?
It shouldn't be. Most online places provide service for Mac users.

Will my external hard drive be compatible?
Yes. You'll just have to configure it to work with your Mac.

Have you MAC users found anything that doesn't support mac?
The only thing that there is no Mac version for is Paint Shop Pro - which to me is no big loss.

Does Mac have a program like Windows Office?
I have a Mac version of Windows Excel and use it weekly.

Does it change anything about scrapbooking?
Nope, like you said, some commands are slightly different.

Is there anything else that I need to consider when comparing the two that I haven't mentioned?
The Macbooks are slightly more expensive than PCs lappys, but in my humble opinion, they are WELL worth their weight in gold.

[Paula]

Originally Posted by Traci Reed

Not really, the keys are pretty comparable. Command=ctrl, option=alt. The biggest thing to get used to was the no right clicking thing, you just hold down control and click instead.

You can buy a two sided mouse for Mac. The iMac that I bought in March came with one. You can also right click on your Macbook, you just have to configure what side of the pressure pad you want to use for right clicking.

[Lyd]

I'm a Mac girl too. I don't have much more to say beyond what the other girls have said, except that you CAN get a mouse with a right click button for Mac. I LOVE my Wireless Mighty Mouse!

I have the beta version of ACDSee for Mac, but haven't use it much. I used to use iPhoto for my scrap stash, but I recently switched to just using the Finder, and it's working for me quite well. So, you have a lot of options as far as that goes, and you just have to figure out what works best for you.

[Paula]

Originally Posted by joelsgirl

If your EHD is formatted to a PC, it won't work with a Mac, but you can buy software for about 20 bucks that will make it compatible instead of having to either replace it or reformat it.

Sorry Kellie, but yes it will. I had a 400 gig Seagate that I used on my PC for two years and when we switched over to Mac two years ago, I plugged that baby in and it worked fine. I had to change some permissions, but it worked great and I didn't have to buy anything for it.

[Paula]

Originally Posted by ltarbox

I'm a Mac girl too. I don't have much more to say beyond what the other girls have said, except that you CAN get a mouse with a right click button for Mac. I LOVE my Wireless Mighty Mouse!

I have the beta version of ACDSee for Mac, but haven't use it much. I used to use iPhoto for my scrap stash, but I recently switched to just using the Finder, and it's working for me quite well. So, you have a lot of options as far as that goes, and you just have to figure out what works best for you.

I love my wireless mighty mouse too!!

I use the finder as well. I categorize similar to ACDSee using aliases, but you do it all in the finder. It's awesome!

[Nettio]

Originally Posted by Traci Reed

Alright people. Mac cult? LOL I love how the fur starts flying so fast!

LOL except it's coming from a Mac user! I prefer to refer to it as "Mac goggles" as in everyone is so amazed by the awesomeness of Apple that they choose not to see any negatives.

Originally Posted by taracotta7

PC or Mac? I really don't want to start a debate but I am in the market for a new laptop. My hubby SWEARS by Mac. Seriously. He thinks I am crazy for having a PC. I just don't see the "value" of spending more on a laptop for basically the same memory, Ram, processor speeds, ect. I don't get it. Seriously.

I want HONEST advise on what to do. Let me explain what I want......I want a FASTER computer that has a REALLY fast processor and has LOTS of memory.

Let me just start by saying that your DH is right - once you go Mac, you won't want go back. I made the switch a couple years ago and you could not pay me any amount of money to go back to a PC. Ever.

But with that said is my Mac perfect? No. Do I think the extra cost would have been worth it based on the hardware specs alone? No. But the real value in a Mac has nothing to do with the hardware and everything to do with the fact that it creates a total computing experience that PCs don't even come close to duplicating. The way the hardware integrates with the OS and software is where Apple really shines. Because it's all designed to work together from the beginning, everything just runs smoother and more efficiently. I've had my computer almost 2 and half years now and it's just as fast as it was on day 1. I love the Mac experience WAY more than I ever cared for Windows. That to me alone is worth the extra money.

My concerns are: I am not a huge fan of change and I am worried about learning something new. (Not a huge deal but still a concern)
All my programs are windows based with means I will need to purchase new software for Mac. (my scrapping software is my biggest concern here )

Switching over does take time. I had used Macs before for work and even so, I found the first month or so to be a bit frustrating. It's just a totally different way of thinking than a PC so it just takes time to get used to the changes. But you have a HUGE advantage in that your DH can easily answer any questions you might have and you also have all of us here too.

Have you MAC users found anything that doesn't support mac?

I haven't. If anything I feel like it's much more likely for a PC to have issues with something from a Mac than for a Mac to have an issue with something from a PC. I love that if I get a new device (camera, printer, etc), I can just plug it in and it's ready to go. There's no messing with drivers and CDs the way there was with a PC. There's also a ton of 3rd-party software that is really amazing too. I've yet to find any software from my PC that I haven't found a suitable and usually much better replacement for. Plus the software that comes on a Mac is actually good quality, useful software so you can do most of what you need to right out of the box.

Does Mac have a program like Windows Office (word, power point, excel, ect) or a program that makes those apps compatible? (I use word and excel weekly so this is important to me)

I use a program called NeoOffice. It's technically free although they do ask for a donation. But it does everything Microsoft Office did and it allows you to save files as Word or Excel files if you need to send them to PCs. It's great.

Does it change anything about scrapbooking? (other than using command instead of control for shortcuts?) I have PSE8 now but considering going to CS5 soon.

Yes, it makes it much better. No really, Photoshop is not that different on a PC vs a Mac. Most of the changes are due more to the change in operating systems than the program itself. So some things might look different and the shortcuts are different. But I don't think any of it would enough to really throw you for a loop. Moving up from PSE8 to CS5 would be a MUCH bigger change.

My favorite scrapbooking related feature is that Safari automatically unzips the zip files and moves them to the trash when you're done downloading them. That alone is worth it's weight in gold to me.

Is there anything else that I need to consider when comparing the two that I haven't mentioned?

Yes. Stop stressing about it and just DO IT. I debated for probably at least 3-4 years before I switched and my only regret is not doing it sooner. I my Mac.

[aggiefamily]

Originally Posted by ltarbox

I

I have the beta version of ACDSee for Mac, but haven't use it much. I used to use iPhoto for my scrap stash, but I recently switched to just using the Finder, and it's working for me quite well. So, you have a lot of options as far as that goes, and you just have to figure out what works best for you.

I would marry the Finder if I could. I sometimes will try to enter hard search paramaters to see if I can stump it and it beats me every time.

[Nettio]

If you want a mix of tagging and Finder, there's also some programs that will allow you to tag files and then use Finder to search. It's cool because you can search based on the tags and then save Smart Folders for them so you don't have to search again. I think it has a lot of potential for digi organizing.

[profiler_mar]

Well I have never tried a Mac, but I am not a die hard PC user either. Honestly, I love reading what people say because in this hobby our computers take over and I am always looking for the next upgrade!

I had a custom PC built this year. I LOVE the speed, I have loads of memory, and an awesome graphics card that makes PSE run that much faster.

That said, I am a firm believer that Windows can be, well, evil. I have so many problems with Windows crashing programs and making things difficult that reading what Lynette said about Mac makes me wish I had bought one! And even with the awesome specs on my PC, I still have issues with it bogging down. I say do what everyone else suggested. Find a Mac store and play with a Mac to see if you can like it. That is the only way you will know for sure.

[Lyd]

Originally Posted by Nettio

If you want a mix of tagging and Finder, there's also some programs that will allow you to tag files and then use Finder to search. It's cool because you can search based on the tags and then save Smart Folders for them so you don't have to search again. I think it has a lot of potential for digi organizing.

Oooh - that sounds interesting! What are the names of these programs?

[Nettio]

Originally Posted by ltarbox

Oooh - that sounds interesting! What are the names of these programs?

The one I used is called Tags. There's a screenshot on their site that shows how it works. If you have any questions about how I use it or whatever, let me know.

[nanienamou]

Thanks Lynnette, I'll go check it out too.

[ColleenSwerb]

Originally Posted by Paula

Sorry Kellie, but yes it will. I had a 400 gig Seagate that I used on my PC for two years and when we switched over to Mac two years ago, I plugged that baby in and it worked fine. I had to change some permissions, but it worked great and I didn't have to buy anything for it.

It depends on the way the hard drive is formatted, like Amanda said.

[Paula]

You're right Col. Mine was formatted in the friendly way! LOL

[Melissa Bennett]

I just got a macbook and so far I love it!!! I had to reformat my portable external hard drive for it, but it was super easy, I just saved all my stuff to the computer hard drive and then reformatted it. It only took a couple of minutes.

[taracotta7]

Thank you EVERYONE!!!!! I am starting to lean towards Mac (okay, my arm has been twisted!). LOL My hubby will be so thankful to you ladies! LOL Seriously. He really thinks I have gone off the deep end for even considering another PC. He is a part of the "cult" previously mentioned. LOL

I just got PSE8 in the summer so I will contact adobe and check about changing formats. I really do hope it is FREE! That would totally rock. I am asking for CS5 for Christmas though! I am really ready for that upgrade.

To be totally honest the two things that have stuck out to me that has me leaning towards MAC is:
Everything runs smoother AND the safari unzip and trash the zip file for me! HOLY COW!!!!! That may be worth the extra money right there. I love going on shopping sprees at SSD but the unzipping makes me go crazy and wish I wouldn't of bought so much! If I had a MAC, I could REALLY go crazy shopping and not have that frustration. SCORE!

Again, thanks ladies!

[g8rbeckie]

Die hard PC girl here...I just got a new pimped out PC laptop for less than a Mac Book pro (Amanda, not sure how determined that the prices were comparable??). And it has better hardware. I got a 64 bit OS that lets me run 6MB RAM and I have awesome performance. Win7 is VERY cool, too. it finally feels FUN, not boring like the old Windows OS versions.

Definitely go the way you feel - but check out the prices closely to be sure it's worth it to you!

Also, as much as it pains me to say this, you can run Safari on Windows.

[Traci Reed]

Originally Posted by g8rbeckie

Win7 is VERY cool, too. it finally feels FUN, not boring like the old Windows OS versions.

That's cuz they made it run more like Mac OS..seriously LOL

[aggiefamily]

Originally Posted by g8rbeckie

Die hard PC girl here...I just got a new pimped out PC laptop for less than a Mac Book pro (Amanda, not sure how determined that the prices were comparable??). And it has better hardware. I got a 64 bit OS that lets me run 6MB RAM and I have awesome performance. Win7 is VERY cool, too. it finally feels FUN, not boring like the old Windows OS versions.

Definitely go the way you feel - but check out the prices closely to be sure it's worth it to you!

Also, as much as it pains me to say this, you can run Safari on Windows.

My Dell that I bought (souped up) was $1800 and a MacbookPro is $1799. My 27 in iMac was even less.

All macs run on a 64bit OS system.

And for me peace of mind goes a long way. After ONE year my pc started crashing. Support for it was horrible. Almost one year of having my mac I have not had any issues or crashes.

I personally don't give a hoot as to what people choose for their computer. If you were to ask me why I went mac that statement above is the reason. There was a learning curve and some adjustments I had to make. But I am a patient person and got friendly with google. I made the decision that was right for me after tons of research and trying out both mac and pc.

[joelsgirl]

I would NEVER buy a Dell again. We had two and they were awful. I paid $1200 for my Macbook in June, and when I got back ot hte States, Best Buy had PCs with the same specs for about $600. I wouldn't have had to buy PSE 8 {which is an awful upgrade, imo} and I agree with Beckie about Win7 being really cool. {I also agree with Traci that it's mimicking the Mac; good move, Windows.}

Maybe if I made money off my computer, like as a designer or something, it'd be worth it. But as a recreational scrapbooker who uses PSE, Word/Pages, email and the Internet, it's really not worth the difference in price to me.

I really LIKE my Mac, but I definitely don't have "Mac Goggles", as Lynnette so nicely put it. ; )

[Paula]

Originally Posted by joelsgirl

I would NEVER buy a Dell again. We had two and they were awful.

You can say that again. My DS inherited my grandma's when she passed away in December, and he's had to reformat it twice. And their customer support stinks too.

[taracotta7]

My laptop that is in the process of breathing it last breaths is a Dell. The support really sucks too. I have had it for almost 3 years and it has slowing died after about the first year. I will never buy Dell again.

Hubby is excited that I am CONSIDERING Mac though. He is all giddy and planning a trip to the Apple store. For reals. He is a nut. He may insist on me bring my camera to document the event. You think I am kidding. I am SO NOT. I love my man but he is just weird that way. I am not sure what that says about me since I have been with him for 13 years! LOL

[nanienamou]

Originally Posted by joelsgirl

I would NEVER buy a Dell again. We had two and they were awful. I paid $1200 for my Macbook in June, and when I got back ot hte States, Best Buy had PCs with the same specs for about $600. I wouldn't have had to buy PSE 8 {which is an awful upgrade, imo} and I agree with Beckie about Win7 being really cool. {I also agree with Traci that it's mimicking the Mac; good move, Windows.}

I considered the price long and hard before purchasing an iMac. I have the souped up (dh's choice) 27 inch imac, that came near to 3000$ with taxes. I still don't know if it's worth that kind of money. I'm sure I could have bought a PC with the same specs for half the price but I was so sick of my souped up HP laptop crashing ALL. THE. TIME. I swear, we had trouble with it from the first day we got it. I don't know how many hours DH was on the phone for tech support (and he is a computer technician!). With my Mac, no trouble at all. As I said earlier, the only thing that crashes is that darn ACDSee, and it did so on my PC to. But with Finder and it's awesome search, I don't think I'll be using ACDSee anymore.

I still feel that Macs fall in the categorie of luxury. The prices for those Macbooks are extravagant for the specs, imo. But I love that I got to upgrade to a 2tb hard drive on my iMac.

The other thing that made me lean for a Mac, is that since dh is a computer technician, our desktop computer tower was always opened up, he played with it continually and I just couldn't stand to see that ugly gutted tower anymore in my living room. So it's gone downstairs now!