mikeguy3086

Okay, this is the longest debate that is likely to go on forever. I'm going to say it now, and I'm going to say it later. Two things.

1. It all comes down to preference.
2. I am not a technical genius, I am a new media designer and my opinions go off of what I have noticed while working across all 3.

Now, I'm asking only one simple thing of anyone who reads this. Lighten up, you know it's preference and I know that whichever one you use, you are going to take it to the grave that it's better.


I'm just going to get Linux out of the way right off the bat. It is open source, there are many versions, and it is certainly customizable, streamlined, and smaller. And free - hence, open source. The drawbacks that I have encountered with Linux is none...because I've never used it in daily activity. But from what other people could tell me, it is kind of hassle to find support sometimes for hardware and software. I don't need to go into the benefits because I certainly don't know any ultra cool ones that you guys don't already know. My experience from using Linux came down to this : I used it as a render node when doing 3d. Thats all, it takes up less resources meaning the hardware is more dedicated to doing what it does..which is calculations and moving info along.

Now I'm going to comment on the heavy hitter debate...Mac vs. PC. I know I will not touch every point and some of you guys will scream blasphemy, but get over it.


If it comes down to aesthetics there is no winner because that is preference. Yes, Apple's are sleek and pretty, but so are PC's. For instance my case, I like the G5(Mac Pro) tower case, but I have a PC, so I went with a Lian-Li, because it looks similar. Lian-Li is also the company who inspired the designer to make the G5 tower that way. Some of you guys like your cases modded to hell and like your case to be flamboyant and super sci-fi looking.

Quick Fact: I remember when I was in school, the huge news that Apple was switching from their IBM chips to Intel. But more so that, wouldn't that make it essentially a PC? -hmmm one could ponder.


I want you guys to know this too, software problems are annoying yes, but they are fixable and you can work around. But when you are doing heavy work and you need hardware to work, that is where it counts for me. At one of my jobs I was on a late model G5 tower. It stopped working. I had to bring it into the Apple store-make an appointment, which was 2 hours later. And I looked at why, it was because they were trying to explain to people why they should "make the switch". And in my work, that's just dumb, because I have to know how to use both of them. On the other hand, I don't like calling Support for Microsoft to have my phone call outsourced to an obvious foreigner with a fake name. I have nothing against anyone who is not like me, but it makes it hard to communicate. And if you are like me, then you never actually call support unless you at your end-and you do not want to have to deal with any other problems.

One of my best friend's uses a Mac, I think it's fine, I almost bought one, but then I took into consideration what work and programs I would need..and it wasn't available on an Apple computer. Did I get torches and pitchforks and curse the name of Apple. No, I was like oh well, maybe another time.

Another hardware problem I've run into was with replacing hardware on an Apple. I don't like that it's your computer and it seems they make it to keep you out. And next thing I know I'm online with a plastic knife in my hands counting my blessings as I pry open the case. But same with PC's with windows, when you buy a new piece of hardware and it seems there are common problems...and then their is your problem, the unique one that no one else has.


Now finally the point I'm trying to make all along. It comes down to preference. In fact, this whole little post is about my preference in what I choose to say. Once people realize that the Hardware/Software is similar- some things are similar because it works. I know you guys also like to be like "THEY STOLE THIS IDEA FROM THEM"...well obviously, why the hell not. The one thing I could think of are widgets and gadgets. My friend who uses a Mac had the coolest widgets ever. I was like damn, I wish I could have those, then Vista came out and I was like yess, now I do. I know it's pretty much the exact same thing, but who cares- now I have it.

Another Quick Fact: Please do not tell me that any OS is so much more reliable, because even that comes down to preference as well. I've seen the blue screen of death. And I've also had a Mac shut off i the middle of editing for no apparent reason to never turn on again. I don't use Linux so I can't say, but I know when it comes down to needing a good OS for small devices that need to be programmed...I've seen Linux dominating that (excluding cell phones because that's not what I have in mind.

Which is why it's business. The goal is to sell, sell, sell. Not start cult followings..well maybe in some cases. But you know what I'm saying.

Now maybe a question you've been wondering, if you didn't already notice. My primary Computer is a PC-because I'm comfortable with it and it has what I need. If I was given an Apple computer would I use it? Hell yes I would, they are pretty as hell, they are great computers. And would I use one with Linux..sure why not? It's only going to lead to more innovations that benefit everyone-not me using Linux, but people being so ignorant to say that one is better than the other.

Like I said at the beginning...It all comes down to preference.

Revelation

I sit in front of a Mac all day long. When I go home, I go to my PC.

The problem with Apple, in my opinion, is simply the price. It's absurd what they charge for a decently equipped MacPro. And now they are pulling an Adobe and bundling software (final cut, dvd studio) so you have to buy a "package".

Anyone remember a few years ago, when the G5 was coming out, and Apple released those unbelievable "benchmarks" that showed how much "faster" their proc's were than a comparable Intel?

RacerX

I have used Windows since '93. I played with a couple different Macs (Apple II) and the more recent ones that are coloured and have all their components in a pyramid shaped (on it's side) monitor. Since 2 months ago, I've had a Linux course as part of my college degree program. So I've got some experience with all three.

I'm not a fan of the Mac for a couple reasons:
Too Proprientary for me.... I like to be able to change any piece of hardware.
Price: With such a big market for hardware, Apple is too expensive.

Linux... Great OS, however, even with some DOS experience, I have troubles installing packages and figuring out the command line. I'm still new at it though. The downside to Linux is a lack of hardware drivers and software apps.

Windows - specifically Windows XP for home users. Does a lot of things right. Most compatible and widespread. Major security holes, expensive software and being forced to upgrade are the downsides to anything M$.

I'm on the fence with WinXP and LinuxMint. But as I get to know Linux more, I think that's where the future lies for me.

strangedaze39

If you looked at advances in Apple stick it to the man type. You or anyone can build a very sweet Mac and they DO run better then Macs. Apples hardware pisses me off with the lack of drivers for, I feel like a window shopper in OSX (no pun intended) But I do say it goes to show how good Apple's OS is for people to not care about the prices and not care about hardware handicaps. Linux I've only tried for a week and I really didn't bond to well with it in that period and I don't think many people do, which is why it's the underdog. I will say though linux fans are some of the most hardcore, patient, intelligent people.

trendy

Apple no longer has the lead in "design":

Dell XPS One

@Racer: About driver support. . . How many drivers did you need to install on linux to get your motherboard working correctly? Now, what about windows? See my point? Driver support is still pour compared to Windows, but "out of the box" support is MUCH better on Linux.

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strangedaze39

Trendy IMO that is far less attractive then the iMac. FYI because dell came out with a slick computer does not mean "Apple loss the lead in desing" Mac doesn't make one sexy machine. They make all sexy machines. (that machine would look so much better without those speakers.)

Guruboy

But you have to admit...the XPS One is mighty fine Design is not all about attractiveness. It is much, much more.

The only reason I don't use Macs at all is because I play games and use 3DS Max (no pun intended ). I'm not a fan of Apple's business model; they'd be a monopoly if they managed to sell enough of them because they sell the only computer hardware that officially supports MacOS...plus you can't buy one without also buying said OS.

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e_dogg

For me, it comes down to 3 things: games, drivers, and comfort.

I'm a pretty avid gamer and there's very little game support for linux (although sameGNOME is really cool ) and Mac.

When I get a new piece of hardware, I like when I can plug it in and just have it work.

And when I get comfortable with a good OS, I like to use it until it's not usable anymore. Once games and such started requiring Win9x, then I upgraded to it from DOS / Win3.11. Then XP came along and after games started requiring that, then I upgraded. Now that Vista is the next hot thing for gaming, I've got a copy of Vista waiting to be installed (haven't summoned up the courage for it yet ).

I think because of all those things, I'll be a Windows user through and through. However, for servers *nix is a good system to use. I don't think it's any better or worse than Windows, but just different.

Personally, I don't think that Macs are very useful unless someone wants a pretty, white computer. People say they're better for audio and video editing, but PCs have just as much software available to them. It seems to me that at this point Mac is just out there to be an alternative to PC for those who have something against MS.

PatSharp

I use all 3 regularly, and you learn that apple macs are all about hype pretty quickly. Apple OSX is nowhere near as stable as Vista in my opinion (especially the release version of Leopard), Vista hasnt crashed yet, OSX crashes a program (like XP does) most days. Linux is a great operating system but requires a bit of work to get it perfect, but if you're willing, like me, to learn it and spend the time optimising it, it can turn out to be great. Plus theres so many distros and customisability too.

Linux tends to crash the whole OS though when it does, so you need a restart, quick to start up though. Im actually surprisingly pleased with Vista, being a skeptic beforehand, the only problem I have with it though, is that it is a bit resource hungry and startups could be quicker (even after me doing every tweak I could find).

Anyway, like mikeguy said, its down to preference, I would just say apple macs are such a large investment, be sure you def want one before you get sucked in by the hype

slytown

If it comes down to preference, why debate? I hate politics.

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