It is amazing!  Family complains about it, but it works!  Plus it cost about $2500 so I'm  trying to get my money's worth!

"I don't buy into the latest trends like Apple."

 

Yeeeah, I've been using various incarnations of that "latest trend" for about 18 years now. :roll:

Apple isn't what it used to be. I was refering to the ipods, iphones, etc craze. Some of my peers will buy anything Apple brand.

 

Apple computers these days aren't much different from PCs though. The gap is closing. Creative types like the OS's interface because theres more ways to do one thing.

I use my work Latitude for most everything, but at home I have a Dell I bought in 1997. As of last year, I could no longer do my taxes on it, not powerful enough for that year's version of Turbotax.

 

i'm surprised the Dell from 1997 still works. ;)

 

I have a Dell Optiplex from like 1998! Still works good. The operating system has probably been upgraded 3x. The only issue for regular use is the outdated USB ports. They're not high speed like the current ones so the new external wireless internet cards you plug into it are painfully slow.

Still works well.

Apple isn't what it used to be. I was refering to the ipods, iphones, etc craze. Some of my peers will buy anything Apple brand.

 

Apple computers these days aren't much different from PCs though. The gap is closing. Creative types like the OS's interface because theres more ways to do one thing.

 

Yeah, ever since apple switched processor types to Intel (which they had to do or die, basically) they've started to become more similar to PC's.  This is why I can run Leopard on a PC I built, for example.  Inside, they're basically the same computer nowadays.

I've been PC since I bought my first one in 1983, genuine IBM with 8088 CPU @ 4.77mhz, 256K RAM, 2 DSDD 360K 5 1/4" floppy drives, no hard drive. The computer plus WordPerfect plus a "fast" Hayes SmartCom 1200-baud external modem set me back in the neighborhood of $5,000.

 

Working in tech support at Lincoln Financial, and then outsourced to IBM, I worked exclusively with the PC platform, almost exclusively with IBM brand.

 

I built my current system in late 2006, and I've put off plans for an upgrade until my financial situation improves. It's Athlon XP64 3700+ CPU, 3GB RAM, 700GB of Serial ATA hard drive capacity. It does the job for scanning with a Nikon ED9000 film scanner, Epson 2200 printer, and Photoshop CS3. I like the way it works and the way it looks, and I've very rarely had to do any trouble shooting with it or Windows XP Pro.

 

I've considered Mac for photoshop work but would want to try one out long enough to get comfortable with it before making the decision. My friend tells me, "Once you go Mac, you'll never go back," but he's a lot younger. To a certain extent I'm dealing with the old-dog-new-tricks syndrome.

 

Edit: Just read the posts immediately above. Yeah, Apple's move to Intel processors gives me another way to look at it. I haven't compared prices lately, but it used to be I could build more processing power in a PC for a lot less money than I could buy a comparable Mac. Even my Mac-using friend acknowledged after using my PC that it was noticeably quicker than his fairly new Mac.

I've got a 6 year old Mac Powerbook G4 Aluminum.  It's still a great computer, but it's time to upgrade, I think.

Apple computers these days aren't much different from PCs though. The gap is closing. Creative types like the OS's interface because theres more ways to do one thing.

 

Are you kidding me? PC shops Nationwide were advertising to downgrade folks back to XP for a small fee.

 

As someone that uses a Dell laptop for work and a Macbook for personal use ... I'd stay with Apple any day of the week. Far to no crashes, whereas with my Dell ... I "need to be careful."

 

I think the gap is closing alright, but I think it's in the direction of more Mac users nationwide.

I need to make a critical decision within the next 3 weeks.  My 4 year old laptop just died and I'm about to purchase a new computer.

 

It will definitely be a desktop, but I don't want it to have a CPU tower.

I'm stuck between the Dell All-In-One studio desktops or an iMac

Reguardless of being mac or pc, I will install vista on the machine

I want a big screen.  I do a lot of visual work in photoshop and illustrator

My budget is to be no more than $2000 on the standard market price of the machine, although I will not be paying that much because of a student discount.  (I'm technically spending more around the $1600-1700 range, which would get me a $2000-2100 computer at the apple store for example). 

 

I don't understand the differences between processor speeds on the macs and pcs.  I want as much processor speed and RAM as possible.  This is really where I'm stuck.  I'm curious to hear if anyone is running windows on their mac.  I must install vista because all the programs I own are only windows versions, and I don't feel like purchasing them all over again.

 

 

 

In the meantime I'll be using my Sony Viao from 2003.  It works fine, but the Pentium 4 cranks up the fans. :oops:

well my nephew had to take his 3 month old imac back after iphoto borders were burned into the screen.

 

keep in mind this didn't happen on just his laptop, but the external monitor.

Intel processors that dual boot Linux and some version of Windows.

 

I use Linux more than Windows.

 

Mac's Tiger and Leopard are versions of UNIX.

 

psik

 

Welll after asking questions from all types of people: IT Techs, architecture students using macs to run windows programs, Dell desktop users, user reviews, and lengthy discussions with people at Best Buy and apple stores, I have made final decision.

 

I'm going to get the new 24" imac.  The package includes wireless keyboard and mouse + 3 year extended apple care warranty.  After discounts it's $,1685 (which includes tax).  All need to do is buy a VGA adaptor to connect to my Dell external monitor, taking the final price to $1,700

 

Excited but anxious....I was really supposed to use this $$$ to pay off my student loans  :-P  Oh well, I have 9 months to worry about my first payment.

 

Nice choice!  I bought the 2.4 Ghz 1GB ram 20" imac, got it for $999.  Upgraded to 3Gb ram and love it.  I also have the airport wireless to stream music and the airport extreme as a wireless N router with printer and hardrive for backups.

As an architecture student using a PC to dual boot Vista and Leopard, I'm disappointed.

 

I still just don't understand how that computer can possibly add up to $1700.  I built my PC around 6 months ago for $1200 (with comparable non-custom ones available at Microcenter for about $1500), and the specs are superior all around.  Of course, running Leopard on it probably isn't allowed...  but hell, I use Vista 90% of the time anyways.  I was forced to buy a Powerbook when i started school, and just never caught on.  What is it that I had to pay more for???

 

 

Well the 3 year extended warranty is a plus.

 

I heard GIS runs slow on Macs. Is that a myth? Or do you already have the files to import to whatever other software you import them to?

Well the 3 year extended warranty is a plus.

 

I heard GIS runs slow on Macs. Is that a myth? Or do you already have the files to import to whatever other software you import them to?

 

I have heard the same thing as well, mainly from my roommate who owns a Mac and is in DAAP.  I took it to be true. 

I ran ArcGIS9.3 on a Mac here at school and it seemed to work just fine....though it's networked on a centralized server.  I'm not sure how demanding that program really is....then again, I also ran it on my five year old computer and it ran fine as well.  I really can't tell the difference.  I doubt I may install ArcGIS again though.  I'm graduating in two weeks, and the only time I could ever imagine using it at home was for homework.  I know people who use it at work everyday and can't wait to get away from it.  Even if I want to do a side project, U of M has remote desktop access where I can login into a PC and separate window fills the screen.

 

Good thing people are really thinking of these things.  I want to make sure everything small things is covered.  Last night I made sure that my Dell External Monitor could be connected without problems.  I still plan to buy it later this week.

 

The OS really isn't important to me.  I have software for both OS's and I plan to install them on both Windows and Mac, since I never use hard drive space to store anything but software.  The real test is running AutoCAD 2009.  From what I heard, it runs fine on Vista installed on a Mac.

 

I thought about building a PC, but I really ended up overdoing it when it came to selecting what I'd want.  I've decided that I'm not in the market for the biggest and best beast like I was in the past.  I'm tired of towers, wires, and big exhaust fans.  I've really been trying to simplify what I own and an all-in-one really catches my design eye.  I looked at PC all in ones, but nearly all the ratings were 1 out 5 with people saying "Never by this product because of..."  My parents own an Imac, and for some reason, I just really feel the quality in them

 

I know a laptop from both worlds offers the simplicity and power, but I don't picture myself moving around as much anymore.  I hardly even take my laptop (when it was working) to class anymore.  It's really great on trips, but I think when I get a job, I'll buy a nice, but inexpensive model so I can edit photos and check the internet, but that's about it.

We use a 24" iMac at work for some heavy-design work but it's a hog. The software constantly locks up and the machine is not upgradeable, which is a downside when the applications become larger and more powerful.

 

I thought about a Macintosh when I built my computer two years ago, but went ahead and spent $1,500 for a top-spec system. Going off memory here: Some good Intel motherboard with a 2.2 GHZ dual-core chip (quad-cores were just coming out), 4 GHZ of DDR3 1066 MHZ memory, an nVidia 8600 Superclocked graphics card (ranks with the best of the 9000 series), a 860W power supply, and a OEM copy of Windows Vista 64-bit.

 

I rarely have slow-downs, and it's only when I am merging and performing alignment selection on a batch of images in Adobe Photoshop CS4. All other programs are a breeze to run. Programs very rarely crash, and it is always with some minor third-party software. I have never experienced some blue-screen-of-death, and I rarely restart -- mainly when doing updates and the like. I have also never had a virus, and in two years, I've not been bombarded with spyware. I do download software a lot, so I'm lucky in that regard.

 

At work, I use some Dell model that was new when I started in July. It's showing its age, with a slower processor and only 2 GB of memory that frequently slows down my work with heavy applcations. It does have a 3.5-hour battery life, but the motherboard and interface is nothing like the new Acer models that have a NINE hour battery life.

Yeah, I'm big on Adobe products which seem to make some quantum leaps every couple years.  My Dell bought in October of 2005 seem to run CS4 just fine.  I even tested it with a massive complicated document in InDesgin, then opened illustrator at the same time.  Keep in mind, processors were no where near what they were at this time.  I knew performace could be better, but I'd expect any new machine at this point for the amount I'm spending to run somethign better than CS4.  I have a trend of buying brand new electronics (camera, computer, mp3) every four years, so by the time I'd notice slow downs on this new computer, I'm ready for another.  I will be using the progams the Mac fans are always trumpeting about such as the Adobe Suite.  I also do intensive sketchup work and may use autocad from time to time.  I don't play pc games at all......which should satisfy me as far as not demanding the most.

I use a pc for right now but ever since I had to go to the apple store over an iphone issue I started considering getting a mac..

What a great investment I have made.  I've really warmed up to using MacOS.  It was easy to catch on and all my devices integrated well.

 

I also purchased Fusion so that I wouldn't have to run Microsoft Vista of bootcamp.  Instead I click the VMWare Icon and Vista Pops up in a large window and loads VERY QUICKLY!  If I want, I can also click full screen so it fills the whole monitor like a normal PC.  I've installed AutoCAD 2010, 3ds Max 9, and ArcGIS 9.3.  These windows products are extremely demanding for those who don't know, but the mac is running them flawlessly in Fusion. 

 

I love toggling back and forth between AutoCAD in Vista and Photoshop in MacOS, with just a click of a button, and no waiting time.  In fact, I rarely wait at all with this machine, everything is very fast.  I've opened some pretty demanding files, including a massive 3d model that has failed to open on every PC.  Well, it opened on my mac, which pretty much cemented my approval. 

 

Tomorrow I will buy the correct VGA cord to hook up to my dell monitor.  I bought the wrong one last week.

 

 

The only complaint I have is that the might mouse moves the cross hairs in autocad a bit slower than normal.  I hooked up my wireless microsoft mouse and that completely fixed the problem.  Not really a big deal since I don't use CAD all that much anymore.  I didn't have this problem at all in 3ds.  However, I might leave the MS mouse in for awhile since it allows me to right click...that is until I get used to using the might mouse.  But still, at least I was able to resolve the issue by just using a native windows mouse for a windows program.

 

To top it off, the 24 inch display just blows me away.  I've appreciated my photography in a whole new way. 

 

I really recommend this computer to anybody looking to purchase one in the future.

The only complaint I have is that the might mouse moves the cross hairs in autocad a bit slower than normal. I hooked up my wireless microsoft mouse and that completely fixed the problem. Not really a big deal since I don't use CAD all that much anymore. I didn't have this problem at all in 3ds. However, I might leave the MS mouse in for awhile since it allows me to right click...that is until I get used to using the might mouse. But still, at least I was able to resolve the issue by just using a native windows mouse for a windows program.

 

You can right-click on a mighty mouse.  You just have to go into Mouse settings and change the right side to "secondary button".

What a great investment I have made.  I've really warmed up to using MacOS.  It was easy to catch on and all my devices integrated well.

 

I also purchased Fusion so that I wouldn't have to run Microsoft Vista of bootcamp.  Instead I click the VMWare Icon and Vista Pops up in a large window and loads VERY QUICKLY!  If I want, I can also click full screen so it fills the whole monitor like a normal PC.  I've installed AutoCAD 2010, 3ds Max 9, and ArcGIS 9.3.  These windows products are extremely demanding for those who don't know, but the mac is running them flawlessly in Fusion. 

 

I love toggling back and forth between AutoCAD in Vista and Photoshop in MacOS, with just a click of a button, and no waiting time.  In fact, I rarely wait at all with this machine, everything is very fast.  I've opened some pretty demanding files, including a massive 3d model that has failed to open on every PC.  Well, it opened on my mac, which pretty much cemented my approval. 

 

Tomorrow I will buy the correct VGA cord to hook up to my dell monitor.  I bought the wrong one last week.

 

 

The only complaint I have is that the might mouse moves the cross hairs in autocad a bit slower than normal.  I hooked up my wireless microsoft mouse and that completely fixed the problem.  Not really a big deal since I don't use CAD all that much anymore.  I didn't have this problem at all in 3ds.  However, I might leave the MS mouse in for awhile since it allows me to right click...that is until I get used to using the might mouse.  But still, at least I was able to resolve the issue by just using a native windows mouse for a windows program.

 

To top it off, the 24 inch display just blows me away.  I've appreciated my photography in a whole new way. 

 

I really recommend this computer to anybody looking to purchase one in the future.

 

I love the 24" screen as well.  The remote control is my favorite feature.  Since I don't use the camera thingie, I'm thinking of buying the 30" monitor.

Ah, well that helps things alot with the mouse.  Thanks!

I never use my remote.  MTS, if your just going to buy a 30" screen, I'll trade you my 20" for your 24" imac :)

Well, my computer officially locked up completely for the first time in years two days ago. On Windows Vista 64-bit of all things. Why?

 

One of my four hard drives failed :( It was only four years old too!

I never use my remote.  MTS, if your just going to buy a 30" screen, I'll trade you my 20" for your 24" imac :)

 

LMAO!

 

I love the remote.  I always have the music blasting upstairs.

Yes, MTS truly loves his music!! 

 

Yes, MTS truly loves his music!! 

 

 

he he he he he  :-D

I like using my airport express with my tunes.

^How does that work?  Do you stream your iTunes music over the Airport and hook up speakers to the airport?  I never really understood how that worked.

^How does that work? Do you stream your iTunes music over the Airport and hook up speakers to the airport? I never really understood how that worked.

 

Yes, just hook up powered speakers and your set.  It syncs the music perfectly.

That's awesome.  And you just hook that up to a regular ethernet cable and you're set then right?

You only have to connect it with ethernet to set it up, once you do that it's wireless.  Not to mention,  if you have an airport extreme the airport express can be used as a repeater for your wireless N signal.

You can use it though for just a room right without the base station?  My house has actual ethernet ports and I usually have my computer plugged in, but it would be nice to have a stronger wireless signal in my room. 

You can use it though for just a room right without the base station? My house has actual ethernet ports and I usually have my computer plugged in, but it would be nice to have a stronger wireless signal in my room.

Yes you can use it without a base station. 

Good deal here.  I paid around $130 for both of mine.

 

Apple Airport Extreme AND Express - $100 (Northern Kentucky)

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/sys/1140695159.html