Author Topic: Do you use Mac or PC for your photography/creative art workflow and why (Read 19875 times)

avava · « **Reply #25 on:** January 05, 2009, 01:11 »

I think you can get the same amount of real power in both systems and same with screen space so I don't quite understand the last posters explanation. Still seems cheaper to go PC.

AVAVA

pauloresende · « **Reply #26 on:** January 05, 2009, 04:40 »

I only can speak for my experience. I work with Mac at home and at work, i work for several years in PC then we switch for MAC and i don't think in turn back again.

In my home i heave one iMac with 3 years, Intel C2D with 2,0Ghz and 3GB of RAM. And what did i do with this?
All my work with photos (Photoshop), illustrations with (illustrator), editing video, play Call of duty 4 or Need for speed, surf the web, webdesign (dreamweaver and flash), text some documents (word and exel).

At my work i add some Mac with 7 year and even this macs are good enough to work and to run the late operating system (try that with Vista).

But like someone wrote here, the best is to try with a friend that add Mac or try to visit a Mac store in figure out your self.

.shock · « **Reply #27 on:** January 05, 2009, 06:25 »

I using late macbook pro attached on 24" dell tft with vista x64 on it. Everything work perfec and fast. I have tested late osx 10.5 on it, there is also everything fast and stable but some details are incredibly annoying....

- image browsing software (nothing compared like acdsee pro on pc)
- ftp sofware (nothing like cute ftp pro)
- couple of photoshop plugins
- finder.. file browser is not user friendly and usable like windows exporer
- no ctrl+x option (cut)

But there is lot of things that you will love on your mac platform if you have time and paitence... hahah...

pauloresende · « **Reply #28 on:** January 05, 2009, 07:00 »

Quote from: formated on January 05, 2009, 06:25

- no ctrl+x option (cut)

Try this keys = +x (cut), +c (copy), +v (paste)

And can i also suggest to try cyberduck (free ftp software)

Dreamframer · « **Reply #29 on:** January 05, 2009, 07:07 »

I use PC simply because I can't find nothing for MAC here. 99% of users run PCs here

araminta · « **Reply #30 on:** January 05, 2009, 07:34 »

My computer at home is a Mac since 1989 and I'm a software engineer and work 8h a day on a PC since 1990.

I cannot tell you exactly why, but overall I would never purchase a PC at home: I just love the "Mac way" of doing things a lot more than the "PC way".

If you really want to decide based on facts, you should avoid to listen to remarks on Macs coming from PC guys: there are too much false ideas (e.g. the one button mouse, hardware compatibility issues or the not enough softwares myths)

Remember: most Mac users use PC too while most PC users don't know Mac at all.

Ask any Mac user what he thinks about his computer (IMPORTANT: without entering into the Mac vs PC war because then everybody will defend his choice) and then do the same with PC users. I bet 90% of Mac users will tell you they are VERY happy and have a great pleasure using their computer, which is not the case for PC users.

Mac users are most of the time very enthusiastic. Now answer this question: why this difference?

You should try to borrow a Mac or purchase a Mac-mini and play with it for 1 week or so: the first days you will only see the difference with a PC which may be annoying first... and then you will understand

michealo · « **Reply #31 on:** January 05, 2009, 08:22 »

Quote from: araminta on January 05, 2009, 07:34

My computer at home is a Mac since 1989 and I'm a software engineer and work 8h a day on a PC since 1990.

I cannot tell you exactly why, but overall I would never purchase a PC at home: I just love the "Mac way" of doing things a lot more than the "PC way".

If you really want to decide based on facts, you should avoid to listen to remarks on Macs coming from PC guys: there are too much false ideas (e.g. the one button mouse, hardware compatibility issues or the not enough softwares myths)

Remember: most Mac users use PC too while most PC users don't know Mac at all.

Ask any Mac user what he thinks about his computer (IMPORTANT: without entering into the Mac vs PC war because then everybody will defend his choice) and then do the same with PC users. I bet 90% of Mac users will tell you they are VERY happy and have a great pleasure using their computer, which is not the case for PC users.

Mac users are most of the time very enthusiastic. Now answer this question: why this difference?

You should try to borrow a Mac or purchase a Mac-mini and play with it for 1 week or so: the first days you will only see the difference with a PC which may be annoying first... and then you will understand

PC means personal computer (a Mac is a personal computer too)

the difference is between a PC running Windows versus Mac OS

helix7 · « **Reply #32 on:** January 05, 2009, 08:26 »

Quote from: michealo on January 05, 2009, 08:22

PC means personal computer (a Mac is a personal computer too)

the difference is between a PC running Windows versus Mac OS

True, but good luck convincing the world to change how they refer to these things.

bittersweet · « **Reply #33 on:** January 05, 2009, 08:56 »

Quote from: formated on January 05, 2009, 06:25

- finder.. file browser is not user friendly and usable like windows exporer

That's so funny because I feel exactly the same way about Windows. I cannot find anything. ever. I finally figured out that I can use that search thing but it seems like so many extra steps compared to what I can do in Finder. I guess we just get used to whatever OS we are using. I know my way around Mac. If I want to find an Application folder, I click on the App button. If I want to find a photo, there's a Pictures button right there, etc, etc... I don't have to go on a scavenger hunt all the time, and I don't feel like I'm going to break something by going into some scary place where the file names all look like cheat codes for my son's DS games.

araminta · « **Reply #34 on:** January 05, 2009, 09:48 »

Quote from: michealo on January 05, 2009, 08:22

PC means personal computer (a Mac is a personal computer too)
the difference is between a PC running Windows versus Mac OS

Of course you are correct, but you also know that everybody understand PC=Windows comupter and Mac=MacOS X computer.

And you know that the meaning of a word may evolve along with its usage: common usage of "PC" nowadays is for "PC running windows".

ichiro17 · « **Reply #35 on:** January 05, 2009, 10:45 »

I use PC because I refuse to pay 3x more for a computer thats glossy

bittersweet · « **Reply #36 on:** January 05, 2009, 10:58 »

Quote from: araminta on January 05, 2009, 07:34

If you really want to decide based on facts, you should avoid to listen to remarks on Macs coming from PC guys: there are too much false ideas (e.g. the one button mouse, hardware compatibility issues or the not enough softwares myths)

Remember: most Mac users use PC too while most PC users don't know Mac at all.

You mean like this, for instance:

Quote from: ichiro17 on January 05, 2009, 10:45

I use PC because I refuse to pay 3x more for a computer thats glossy

Just funnin' ya... seriously, please do not make your decision based on this thread. Get out there and give a Mac a try. If you have an Apple store nearby, schedule an appointment to check one out... or just stop in. It will be worth it in order for you to be shown all the things that you can do, and have any questions answered by someone who actually knows what they are talking about. You already know PC, right?

helix7 · « **Reply #37 on:** January 05, 2009, 11:01 »

Quote from: ichiro17 on January 05, 2009, 10:45

I use PC because I refuse to pay 3x more for a computer thats glossy

If only that were the only difference, then I could save some money and stop buying these Macs...

Although, many would argue that the price difference is not anywhere near 3x, and some would even say that there is no significant difference.

ljooc · « **Reply #38 on:** January 05, 2009, 12:23 »

Thanks everyone for the very lively discussion indeed. I really appreciate your first hand experience as a user/photographer/designer.

To clarify: Yes, I already know PC well. My Mac knowledge is skimpy. had a PowerMac desktop once and played with Illustrator on it. I did not have it long enough though because the persistent humming noise when it is on sleep mode drove me nuts. I sold it after a week. I actually did like the way folders and programs are displayed on Mac, it is design friendly and very intuitive. Although Vista is trying to do the same with its browser screen. My PC's crush a lot since I have too many programs running at the same time and they don't seem to like each other, I am somewhat tired of the hacks and software viruses lurking at PC and having to be on guard all the time, updating the anti virus softwares. For programming work, PC is definitely more suitable, more programs have been written for PCs and that is an important criteria to me.

The dual licenses will be costly. Having given much thoughts to all your advice and comments, I think a good solution is to get a new PC laptop for my normal work (writing/Photoshop,programming stuffs), then try to find a used Mac (a mini) or an old ibook and work with that and see if I can/should make a definitive switch at a later date.

thanks again
jc

bittersweet · « **Reply #39 on:** January 05, 2009, 12:28 »

Quote from: ljooc on January 05, 2009, 12:23

Thanks everyone for the very lively discussion indeed. I really appreciate your first hand experience as a user/photographer/designer.

To clarify: Yes, I already know PC well. My Mac knowledge is skimpy. had a PowerMac desktop once and played with Illustrator on it. I did not have it long enough though because the persistent humming noise when it is on sleep mode drove me nuts. I sold it after a week. I actually did like the way folders and programs are displayed on Mac, it is design friendly and very intuitive. Although Vista is trying to do the same with its browser screen. My PC's crush a lot since I have too many programs running at the same time and they don't seem to like each other, I am somewhat tired of the hacks and software viruses lurking at PC and having to be on guard all the time, updating the anti virus softwares. For programming work, PC is definitely more suitable, more programs have been written for PCs and that is an important criteria to me.

The dual licenses will be costly. Having given much thoughts to all your advice and comments, I think a good solution is to get a new PC laptop for my normal work (writing/Photoshop,programming stuffs), then try to find a used Mac (a mini) or an old ibook and work with that and see if I can/should make a definitive switch at a later date.

thanks again
jc

I still don't believe that dual licenses are necessary, but...

Check out the refurbs at the online Apple store as well. The selection changes daily and you can get some good prices. Everything is certified and comes with a 1 year guarantee, which is more than you'll get buying from somebody on ebay.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

loop · « **Reply #40 on:** January 05, 2009, 13:07 »

Quote from: whatalife on January 05, 2009, 12:28

Quote from: ljooc on January 05, 2009, 12:23
Thanks everyone for the very lively discussion indeed. I really appreciate your first hand experience as a user/photographer/designer.

To clarify: Yes, I already know PC well. My Mac knowledge is skimpy. had a PowerMac desktop once and played with Illustrator on it. I did not have it long enough though because the persistent humming noise when it is on sleep mode drove me nuts. I sold it after a week. I actually did like the way folders and programs are displayed on Mac, it is design friendly and very intuitive. Although Vista is trying to do the same with its browser screen. My PC's crush a lot since I have too many programs running at the same time and they don't seem to like each other, I am somewhat tired of the hacks and software viruses lurking at PC and having to be on guard all the time, updating the anti virus softwares. For programming work, PC is definitely more suitable, more programs have been written for PCs and that is an important criteria to me.

The dual licenses will be costly. Having given much thoughts to all your advice and comments, I think a good solution is to get a new PC laptop for my normal work (writing/Photoshop,programming stuffs), then try to find a used Mac (a mini) or an old ibook and work with that and see if I can/should make a definitive switch at a later date.

thanks again
jc

I still don't believe that dual licenses are necessary, but...

Check out the refurbs at the online Apple store as well. The selection changes daily and you can get some good prices. Everything is certified and comes with a 1 year guarantee, which is more than you'll get buying from somebody on ebay.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

With Apple there's less choice, and that means that all is more expensive. Way more. I've used both and thre's not big difference, once you are familiar with the software. Mac is fancier, yes, but my last PC, running Lunux or Windows XP (I'm not fond of Vista) goes smooth and great. It costed me almost the half what a Mac with similar specs would have cost me.

ichiro17 · « **Reply #41 on:** January 05, 2009, 14:15 »

10 years ago, Mac was the way to go because Photoshop was programmed for MAC not PC and there were bugs all over the place. Now the coding is being specialized a lot more and with the processors being very similar in both mac and pc, adobe is optimizing photoshop and lightroom to run on both.

i'm comfortable with PC, and i like being able to run other stuff so i don't have any problems there. the only bonus is that there are no constant virus threats, but maybe thats just because no one really cares enough about macs to write them?

lisafx · « **Reply #42 on:** January 05, 2009, 15:16 »

I've used both PC and Mac. I have always had PC's at home and used to work as a secretary in a job that used Mac.

I always found PC much more intuitive, although I hear a lot of people say the opposite.

When Vista came out I was in need of a new computer and had heard so many Vista horror stories that I decided to get a Mac. Spent over $3300 on a tricked out Mac Pro.

Guess what - I hated it! In spite of dual quad core processors and 4 GB of ram it was slower than my old PC! And the lovely industrial grid pattern on the front of the thing drove me nuts dancing around my peripheral vision.

But the best part was that the text was "antialiased" (which means BLURRED) and was causing me some serious eye strain. When I called Apple service to find out how to turn off antialiasing for small text they said it couldn't be done. Lovely.

When I returned it they charged me a 15% restocking fee because it had been custom ordered (i.e. - I spent more money). Even with the restocking fee I was happy to be rid of it.

Managed to get a high end HP PC with comparable specs for 1/3 the price ($1100). Took me about 10 minutes to figure out how to turn off the annoying pop-ups in user account settings and after that Vista was a breeze - not at all buggy and lightening fast, especially compared to the comparably equipped Mac. I've been using the Vista machine over a year now and it is still super fast and bug/hassle free.

That will be the last time I get seduced by the (excellent) mac advertising. In practical use I find the PC faster, cheaper, and more intuitive.

avava · « **Reply #43 on:** January 05, 2009, 17:01 »

Hey Formated,

Have you tried Photo Mechanic as an option for image tracking and editing here is a link:

http://www.torrentreactor.net/torrents/1721968/Photo-Mechanic-(Camera-Bits)-v4-5-3%2BKeygen

I use it on a Mac and it is the fastest I know. I think it beats everything else myself. Also been using it a long time and have a work flow established.

Best,
AVAVA

araminta · « **Reply #44 on:** January 05, 2009, 17:30 »

Quote from: whatalife on January 05, 2009, 10:58

Quote from: araminta on January 05, 2009, 07:34
If you really want to decide based on facts, you should avoid to listen to remarks on Macs coming from PC guys: there are too much false ideas (e.g. the one button mouse, hardware compatibility issues or the not enough softwares myths)

Remember: most Mac users use PC too while most PC users don't know Mac at all.

You mean like this, for instance:
Quote from: ichiro17 on January 05, 2009, 10:45
I use PC because I refuse to pay 3x more for a computer thats glossy

That is completely false: Mac are no longer glossy!!!

nebojsak · « **Reply #45 on:** January 05, 2009, 17:33 »

Quote from: lisafx on January 05, 2009, 15:16

Guess what - I hated it! In spite of dual quad core processors and 4 GB of ram it was slower than my old PC!

Sorry, but I can't believe this. It turns out that I can afford a new Porche, state that it is much slower than my old Daewoo from 2001, and expect everybody would believe this.

Let's stay within usual comparisons, pros and cons, please.

araminta · « **Reply #46 on:** January 05, 2009, 17:34 »

Quote from: whatalife on January 05, 2009, 12:28

I still don't believe that dual licenses are necessary, but...

True...if you already have a PC, you already have a Windows license, isn't it?

araminta · « **Reply #47 on:** January 05, 2009, 17:48 »

Quote from: lisafx on January 05, 2009, 15:16

In spite of dual quad core processors and 4 GB of ram it was slower than my old PC!

Hum...

On my iMac Core 2 Duo 2.16GHz and 3GB RAM, I'm able to render a 6000x4000 3D picture in Maxwell Render requiring almost 2GB of memory and using 100% CPU on both cores in background while continuing surfing, writing mails, listening to music and even doing some light PS work: the OS is very efficient at resources allocation.

On my PC at work, Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz with 4GB RAM, as soon as I run Maxwell Render with even a small sized output, everything almost freeze: it is impossible to do anything else.

And concerning antialiased fonts, I always feel Windows font rendering ugly compared to Mac and I'm glad now to be able to use Safari on my PC which render web pages with anti-aliased fonts.

Different people, different experience

cclapper · « **Reply #48 on:** January 05, 2009, 17:51 »

I've worked on macs since the first model came out, with 64k of ram, in the 80s. I would never buy a PC to do serious graphics work on. But that's just me. Having said that, I have worked on PCs at various jobs (not by choice). There are some features about XP that I like a lot, and there are a ton more programs for the PC. But this just hasn't ever been enough to sway me to the dark side.

Lisa, you must have gotten a lemon. That just does NOT sound like a Mac at all. I'm sorry you had such a bad experience.

araminta · « **Reply #49 on:** January 05, 2009, 18:17 »

Quote from: cclapper on January 05, 2009, 17:51

and there are a ton more programs for the PC

On PC, you have 2563 graphic editors... 2548 are crap and the best one is PS which is also available on Mac along with a few other very nice piece of software (yet not as powerful).

On PC, you have 99283 text editors... but I need only a good one which is not a problem to find on a Mac.

On PC, you have 992 FTP software, but I need only a good one and there are a few good ones on the Mac as well as many not as good.

On PC, you have a mega-powerful and expensive MS Office suite but should I pay so much when I only use 10% of Word or Excel features? On Mac you have MS Office too, but I prefer a lot Apple iWorks suite which is just what I need and so much fun to use and cost only $80.

On PC you have 92993820 OS skins or hacks. But I don't want to skin or hack my Mac because it works just fine as it is.

Having the choice among zillions of apps? But I just need to be able to choose the best app amongst a few good candidates and there are many good apps on Mac in every category.

But I agree: a few softwares are available on PC only and if you need them absolutely.... well, you can use a Windows VM on your Mac

There are a few good arguments to buy a PC rather than a Mac and a few good arguments to buy a Mac rather than a PC, as well as a few good arguments to use a Linux box... but there are dozens of silly arguments and it is difficult to distinguish between them $:-\$