PC guy wondering about Macs

[RUINER ACTUAL]

No, not for me. I have an Alienware.

My sister is going to a school next year for video editing or something (terrible school choice btw), and she says she NEEDS to have a Mac for school. I really do not know why it is such a necessity. Anyway, I started looking at the Apple website for computers and oh your god, they are expensive. And that's coming from someone who bought an m15x.

So why are Macs so special? Looking at the website, they can do literally everything a PC can do, but they aren't a PC? They "never crash" even though crashes are usually software based, and if you are running the same software as a PC, I fail to see the logic in that statement. I really do not want to here the reason of "they do different things." Mainly because they don't. There is really no special must-have-or-die software on Macs that aren't in CS4. The only difference really is the OS.

Also, my sister is a bit dumb, and follows trends really easy. And I'm sure the school being heavy on Macs is just her excuse to "be cool" with a Mac.

Please don't turn this into a hardcore flame war, even though I already piled gasoline next to kindling. I would really like some good information here.

In all honesty she'll need both.
I do a lot of audio work and some software works better on PC's and some works better on Macs. Its annoying as some aren't even for PC's entirely and vice versa, but that's just the way it is.
As far as preference? I prefer the mac because it has Logic Studio Pro, which is my favourite software, and PC doesn't.

For her, it comes down to what software she is running.
If she has no clue than let her get whatever she wants really. Its her money and if she's not gonna do the research then it is her problem right?

Thanks for the help, but the only problem it isn't her money, and I doubt she knows what software she needs. More then likely it will be my moms money. That's why I'm doing this.

 

[vodkainferno]

These days you've got loads of editing / graphical programs for both Mac and Windows. So only if she HAS to run some programs that ONLY runs on a Mac, buy a Mac. Otherwise she should get a Windows PC and go on vacation with the remaining cash she saved

This is most likely. And most logical.

That, or she is a trend fiend and must be rehabilitated.

 

[BlindMessiah94]

No, not for me. I have an Alienware.

My sister is going to a school next year for video editing or something (terrible school choice btw), and she says she NEEDS to have a Mac for school. I really do not know why it is such a necessity. Anyway, I started looking at the Apple website for computers and oh your god, they are expensive. And that's coming from someone who bought an m15x.

So why are Macs so special? Looking at the website, they can do literally everything a PC can do, but they aren't a PC? They "never crash" even though crashes are usually software based, and if you are running the same software as a PC, I fail to see the logic in that statement. I really do not want to here the reason of "they do different things." Mainly because they don't. There is really no special must-have-or-die software on Macs that aren't in CS4. The only difference really is the OS.

Also, my sister is a bit dumb, and follows trends really easy. And I'm sure the school being heavy on Macs is just her excuse to "be cool" with a Mac.

Please don't turn this into a hardcore flame war, even though I already piled gasoline next to kindling. I would really like some good information here.

In all honesty she'll need both.
I do a lot of audio work and some software works better on PC's and some works better on Macs. Its annoying as some aren't even for PC's entirely and vice versa, but that's just the way it is.
As far as preference? I prefer the mac because it has Logic Studio Pro, which is my favourite software, and PC doesn't.

For her, it comes down to what software she is running.
If she has no clue than let her get whatever she wants really. Its her money and if she's not gonna do the research then it is her problem right?

Thanks for the help, but the only problem it isn't her money, and I doubt she knows what software she needs. More then likely it will be my moms money. That's why I'm doing this.

Tell your parents you talked to a "Friend" who went through a graphic program and quote what I said. Tell your parents not to get her anything until she researchers what the most used software and hardware in the industry is and wether its compatable with mac, pc, or both, and what her minimum sys requirements will be. If she doesn't do it, and your parents don't care and just want to throw money at it, then I guess just curse her under your breath and know you are smarter than them all

 

[mugetsu37]

She could always just go with Linux, use Cinelerra, AND be cooler than all the Mac kids

 

[rainman2203]

If a school says you HAVE to have a Mac, that means they have signed a marketing deal with them. The journalism school here runs solely off of Macs, despite the fact that all the software runs just as well on PC.

I personally can't stand Macs and Mac people. I don't get how buying a computer for 50% more than an equivalent PC costs and that looks like large coaster is trendy or hip. Maybe I need to wear girl pants more often and name drop obscure indie bands as often as I can.

 

[Baby Tea]

...and if you are running the same software as a PC...

Well that's the problem.
I have a friend who works in Television. He's an editor for a TV show, and the programs he uses for video editing are industry standard, and they are Mac only. Yeah, there are some cross-overs, bu everything he uses (Again: Industry standard) is Mac only, so if she's getting into real, industry-style editing and production, then she needs a Mac.

I know people rip on Macs, and I'm not a Mac user myself, but the fact is that Macs are really robust machines. The hardware is excellent quality, which is why the price is so high. They aren't fail proof, that's for sure, and the price makes most consumers want to double-check that $500 Acer laptop, but the Mac hardware will, barring some drop or uncommon hardware failure, last much longer then that Acer. Way longer, since Acer is crap.

The OS is way low drag, especially compared to Windows, and also very slick.

Macs aren't a gamer's machine (Though with Steam coming to OSX, I don't know how long that will last), but they are very good computers. And if your sister is serious about video editing, and wants to use industry software: She needs a Mac.

 

[KissofKetchup]

Macs really are more user friendly than PCs, especially to people who aren't uber-nerds like me and I'm going to assume you too. Their performance are also pretty decent. Macs are pretty much the BMWs of the computer world. They're well designed, reliable, and have fairly good performance. Sure you could get a car or PC with better performance for the same amount of money, but not having so many aches and pains with the OS is worth it in my book. Their only drawbacks are that they aren't a real good gaming platform (unless the only games that you play are made by Valve in a little bit) and you can't build a Mac like you can a PC (for the most part).
Plus Macs are great for the "life" applications like movie editors and Photoshop.

Oh yeah the trackpads for the MacBooks are ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! I've had mine for over two years and never once have I really thought of getting a mouse for it. Well, not until now but only for games now that Steam is coming to Mac

Yes I am an Apple whore and I am not ashamed

 

[RUINER ACTUAL]

...and if you are running the same software as a PC...

Well that's the problem.
I have a friend who works in Television. He's an editor for a TV show, and the programs he uses for video editing are industry standard, and they are Mac only. Yeah, there are some cross-overs, bu everything he uses (Again: Industry standard) is Mac only, so if she's getting into real, industry-style editing and production, then she needs a Mac.

I know people rip on Macs, and I'm not a Mac user myself, but the fact is that Macs are really robust machines. The hardware is excellent quality, which is why the price is so high. They aren't fail proof, that's for sure, and the price makes most consumers want to double-check that $500 Acer laptop, but the Mac hardware will, barring some drop or uncommon hardware failure, last much longer then that Acer. Way longer, since Acer is crap.

The OS is way low drag, especially compared to Windows, and also very slick.

Macs aren't a gamer's machine (Though with Steam coming to OSX, I don't know how long that will last), but they are very good computers. And if your sister is serious about video editing, and wants to use industry software: She needs a Mac.

Thanks. Good info. The only problem is I don't know how serious she is about anything. She could've gone to a school with a free ride, but in her retardation decided to not even APPLY there. I'm going to try to talk my mom into not getting her anything. Plus there would be no way for me to help her with a Mac, and my cousin the Mac/PC guru has his own shit to worry about.

 

[Horticulture]

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/images/upload/Image/news/2006/Apple/Final-Cut-Pro-5_vanity.jpg

 

[Outright Villainy]

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/images/upload/Image/news/2006/Apple/Final-Cut-Pro-5_vanity.jpg

This right here. My girlfriend is doing film studies in college, and apparently she has to use final cut pro, which is pretty annoying as you can imagine. Luckily in my science department everyone uses linux or windows.

That said, Garage band is awesome in so many ways, I want its babies...

 

[Kron_the_mad wants to be deleted]

It's probably true that she could survive with a PC, but the fact of the matter is that macs are the industry standard for "video editing or something." Yes, the OS is different; that difference is what makes macs generally accepted as better for this use than Windows.

Additionally, it's true that macs "never crash" in the same way that PCs do. Software issues will crash the application that has the issue, but you'll never get a major error that will require a reboot like you will with Windows.

we have to use macs at my university and we've had total system crashes before that required a reboot. also through inadequate cooling they sometimes fry their components when left on overnight (a must for high quality renders)

 

[jasoncyrus]

No, not for me. I have an Alienware.

My sister is going to a school next year for video editing or something (terrible school choice btw), and she says she NEEDS to have a Mac for school. I really do not know why it is such a necessity. Anyway, I started looking at the Apple website for computers and oh your god, they are expensive. And that's coming from someone who bought an m15x.

So why are Macs so special? Looking at the website, they can do literally everything a PC can do, but they aren't a PC? They "never crash" even though crashes are usually software based, and if you are running the same software as a PC, I fail to see the logic in that statement. I really do not want to here the reason of "they do different things." Mainly because they don't. There is really no special must-have-or-die software on Macs that aren't in CS4. The only difference really is the OS.

Also, my sister is a bit dumb, and follows trends really easy. And I'm sure the school being heavy on Macs is just her excuse to "be cool" with a Mac.

Please don't turn this into a hardcore flame war, even though I already piled gasoline next to kindling. I would really like some good information here.

Macs are a necessity for video editing courses because they are the BEST setup for graphics and video manipulation. Always have been and likely always will be. It was riginally made for mac and as far as I know (I could be mistaken) The mac version is usually developed first.

 

[Lyri]

No, not for me. I have an Alienware.

My sister is going to a school next year for video editing or something (terrible school choice btw), and she says she NEEDS to have a Mac for school. I really do not know why it is such a necessity. Anyway, I started looking at the Apple website for computers and oh your god, they are expensive. And that's coming from someone who bought an m15x.

So why are Macs so special? Looking at the website, they can do literally everything a PC can do, but they aren't a PC? They "never crash" even though crashes are usually software based, and if you are running the same software as a PC, I fail to see the logic in that statement. I really do not want to here the reason of "they do different things." Mainly because they don't. There is really no special must-have-or-die software on Macs that aren't in CS4. The only difference really is the OS.

Also, my sister is a bit dumb, and follows trends really easy. And I'm sure the school being heavy on Macs is just her excuse to "be cool" with a Mac.

Please don't turn this into a hardcore flame war, even though I already piled gasoline next to kindling. I would really like some good information here.

I live with a Mac user so I get random facts pointed out to me when I'm doing anything on my windows.
The OS does run differently, if your software crashes it doesn't crash the OS and likewise with the OS.
If that crashes programmes don't, kinda neat but they do crash fully everynow and again.

Anyway, that snippet aside.
If the school uses Macs it would probably be in her best interest to use a mac too, aside from that some programmes are mac exclusive, it just makes things easier for her.
Stuff she learns at school will be relevant and cause her less problems at home (Hopefully).
There won't be any connectivity problems either, so in my opinion it's a plus.
My collage used all macs, it was a pain having to redo things because i had a pc and give up free time.

 

[pelopelopelo]

Well they say Final Cut is the 'industry standard' video editor and that's Mac-only but that's definitely only said by people unfamiliar with Avid.

I have a Mac and it's cool. Not really any different to having a PC though (and I only have one because I didn't pay for it).

Every self-respecting Mac user dual-boots with a Windows partition for gaming anyway.

 

[Poomanchu745]

No, not for me. I have an Alienware.

Oh boy, I was going to come in here and support my PC brethren until I saw you have an AlienWare.

Damn, and I had my anti-mac speech all lined up and ready to go.

I got my Alienware because I didn't get the money to go to the school I got accepted to back in 2008 when Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were in the shitter. That's the only reason, otherwise I was going to just get a stock PC. So let's hear this anti-Mac speech, I'll need it.

I think what he is saying is you could have built the same computer for 1000 bucks and saved a grand. That might be a little over estimation on money saved but you would have saved at least 600. There is a big anti-alienware sentiment within the PC community that builds their own computers because you are basically being overcharged out the ass for something you could build yourself.

 

[benoitowns]

Why cant she just use like Adobe or even Pinnacle or something? They are all PC, PC is way more awesomer in general, easily upgradeable and dont cost a fortune unless you want it too....or just build a computer......

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

we have to use macs at my university and we've had total system crashes before that required a reboot. also through inadequate cooling they sometimes fry their components when left on overnight (a must for high quality renders)

When I was at Uni the mac labs were popular because they were the ones you could be sure Computer Systems Engineering students wouldn't come into and trash your work so they could have a LAN party.

 

[Snow Fire]

Macs are a waste of money in my opinion, just buy a better PC, or build a even better one for even less, and load it with the Mac OS in it's own partition. It's possible, somehow.

 

[Good morning blues]

It's probably true that she could survive with a PC, but the fact of the matter is that macs are the industry standard for "video editing or something." Yes, the OS is different; that difference is what makes macs generally accepted as better for this use than Windows.

Additionally, it's true that macs "never crash" in the same way that PCs do. Software issues will crash the application that has the issue, but you'll never get a major error that will require a reboot like you will with Windows.

we have to use macs at my university and we've had total system crashes before that required a reboot. also through inadequate cooling they sometimes fry their components when left on overnight (a must for high quality renders)

Yeah, but the thing is that you are one of two people that I have ever heard of that suffered a crash with a Mac that required a reboot. It has never happened to me in the four years I've owned one, and only to one of my dozens of friends who also use them. You can't really say the same thing about the infamous Windows Blue Screen of Death.