Mac Users Raise your hands

[Luremaker]

I've been die hard PC for years and years. My first business on my own was as a "basement" PC builder. That said, I'm afraid my next computer may very well be a Mac. I've just flat had it with the constant lockups, need to constantly download upgrades (bug fixes) etc. I used to think that it was because of games causing problems with my computer, but I have not had a single game on my system in 5 years. Unless something changes big time, I see my next purchase being a Mac. I think I'm going to have to be a convert...

I agree with Dargo as well except I dropped windows and moved up to linux about 5 years ago. I have been using the open source SME server software on 2 our servers without any downtime or lockups for years. All 9 our our desktops are running Simply Mepis - an amazingly simple desktop version of linux which installs in about 10-15 minutes from a live cd. Total software expense for the past 5 years = $0.00, you have to love that. No more worries about blue screen of death and have never had a virus problem. Never used a MAC.

 

[hilld]

I am an IT manager by profession and have to support about 60 windoze and 30 linux desktops plus about 30 servers. At home, I run a combination of windoze and mac's. Personally, I use a mac as well as my wife and our home business. Our kids have PC's as they are really into gaming and the games they play don't run on a Mac. Guess who makes the games - Microsoft - hmmmm.

At home I like to use a computer not work on one, therefore my choice is a Mac, a lot less maintenance and more stability.

YMMV.

Derek

 

[Mike_Lipke]

I am writing this on a Mack IBook. $995. I added Office for Mac, so when someone sends me an email with an Excel or Word document, it is seamless.

I travel with this mac, and a pc, because my company uses super secret secure vpn's to access my email etc. So, I use and am proficient with both.

However, my mac loads, sleeps, and works faster. Never locks up or makes me restart. It is like my tractor. It works.
The pc on the other hand..... well, at least once a month I am on the phone with the company "help desk" over some pc issue.

Give me a Mac.

 

[meledward23]

Okay, I have done much reading about these Macs.

I am sure I will have a few more clarification questions but at the moment the two I see from PC to Mac bashers against mac that peak my curiosity.

1) Multitasking is harder on a Mac(sp edit). There is no task bar. I have read these statements far to often. Real World Application, I currently have open, Outlook (Mail), Netscape x2, Excel x5, Adobe, and Efax (online fax client). I switch between these fairly often. Is that easy in Mac OSX? One click in Windows for me.

2) Any of you run dual screens. I use this for document processing. I bring one doc/program on the left monitor and the other on my right monitor. Talking with the apple guys this is no problem. Any of you work this way without many problems?

3) My understanding is that you can print to a PDF file using OSX. Is that true and accurate. Meaning without spending extra money to buy adobe, or a deskpdf type program as windows users must do?

I really appreciate your help with this. I dont consider this to be a drop in hte bucket for my budget. But, if it works smoother and life is simpler, easier, and more productive it will pay for itself in the long run.

 

[rswyan]

Mel,

Multitasking: It's a non-issue - you can switch applications by clicking on an app's icon in the Dock. I believe there are also key-commands that allow you to cycle between open applications. Personally I use a 3rd party add-on called X-Assist, which provides an application menu similar to Mac OS 9.

Dual screens: I've been running dual monitors since .... ahh ....... Mac OS 7 I think (probably 12 to 15 years ago) ...... works like a champ .... always has.

Print to PDF: Yes, it is true and accurate - just hit "Save to PDF" in the print dialog. For PDF authoring, it's not as fully featured as the full version of Adobe Acrobat, but then it is free. You can use the included Preview app to view PDF's.

 

[Michael_S]

Command tab will cycle you thru any open applications.
As for multi-tasking, I currently have only 11 apps open on my G-5, but's it's a slow day.

 

[CurlyDave]

I love my Mac.

Have been using them since the old Mac Plus days.

My wife is now converted, and will use nothing but a Mac.

 

[CurlyDave]

Okay, I have done much reading about these Macs.

1) Multitasking is harder on a Mac(sp edit). There is no task bar. I have read these statements far to often. Real World Application, I currently have open, Outlook (Mail), Netscape x2, Excel x5, Adobe, and Efax (online fax client). I switch between these fairly often. Is that easy in Mac OSX? One click in Windows for me.

2) Any of you run dual screens. I use this for document processing. I bring one doc/program on the left monitor and the other on my right monitor. Talking with the apple guys this is no problem. Any of you work this way without many problems?

3) My understanding is that you can print to a PDF file using OSX. Is that true and accurate. Meaning without spending extra money to buy adobe, or a deskpdf type program as windows users must do?

1. I prefer multitasking on a Mac, to me what the machine does when I click on something is a lot more predictable with a Mac.

2. All of the professional level Macs will run dual screens right out of the box. Just hook up the monitors and away you go.

3. Absolutely true.

 

[Tom_H]

Went from Power Mac to iBook G4. Always loved 'em. Never had a problem with any worms, viri, trojan horses, any/whatever other diseases/enemies PCs have.

 

[meledward23]

Well, Looks like I am going to Give MAc a try.

I think I will get my wife a Mac Mini, and myself a Imac20". Some Memory boosts, software, the Airport, .mac, and I should roll out the store a pauper.... But if the system works. I can't count the number of times I ahve screamed at this machine this morning.