Planning to buy my first Apple/Mac Computer

[speXedy]

Note: I just joined the site and looked around for a forum to fit this need, and I was debating between this and hardware, but this is a little off topic, so I thought here would be best, if you want to move this feel free.

So hey macosx! I feel weird being on this site using a PC, is that against the rules? hehe I'm half kidding ... is it?

Anyway for a good majority of my life I have been very anti Apple/Mac computers. I actually have said on a few occasions I HATE MACS! But then I started to go to college for Photography, and BOY was I wrong. Macs for graphic work and video work is the only way to go.

I have always been a Sony type guy, I've had Sony Vaio Laptops and Desktops. About a year ago I had a Vaio Desktop that was made for video editing (had a built in TV tuner/graphics card ugh I miss it) but we had a flood in our basement at my house SIX FEET of WATER ... it sucked, so I bought a Vaio Laptop. This was right when I started college, and had only used the iMacs at our school for about a week. I was thinking about getting a Mac .. but thought eh kind of a bad idea because I didn't know much about them. After almost a year of using them in class, I WANT A MAC SOO BAD. For about 1/2 a year I have made my Windows XP look like Mac OS X, but it really slowed my computer down.

I just reformatted my computer, and it's back to normal (non-Mac style). It's depressing. I miss the object bar, and other things, and besides it really wasn't a Mac, so now I am in the market for an Apple computer.

I already have my Vaio Laptop so I don't think a apple laptop is my way to go, but I don't know if I should get a iMac or a Power Mac or even the Mac mini. I don't really know too much about buying Macs. The main thing I would be running on it would be Photoshop, and I HATE how my laptop is always so slow at loading images, and editing large files from my Digital SLR.

So what would you recommend? What are the differences in the Macs? Oh and what's the difference between Mac OS X Tiger, and Mac OS X Panther, and Mac OS X Safari? I am clueless as to which to buy.

One last thing, Is it possible to watch tv/vcr/ect (you know TV tuner/Red Yellow White cables into the computer, and record onto a Mac?) I also do video editing.

Thanks for any information you reply with. Sorry for being so new.

- speXedy

[Ferdinand]

Hi!

The PowerMac is the fastest - but it comes without display, so you would have to buy it extra, or use any old ones you have. MacMini comes without keyboard, mouse and display - so you would need three things extra for it to work. iMac is all-in-one. Very nice, look at www.apple.com/imac . I would recommend it.
About software:
Mac OS X Tiger can be compared to Windows XP, so its the newest operating system.
Mac OS X Panther can be compared to Windows 2000, so its like the second oldest operating system. It can right before Tiger.
Mac OS X Safari can be compared to Internet Explorer. It isnt an operating system, its a web browser.

[symphonix]

Originally Posted by speXedy

I already have my Vaio Laptop so I don't think a apple laptop is my way to go, but I don't know if I should get a iMac or a Power Mac or even the Mac mini.

That sounds like fairly sound logic. Desktops are usually better performers, better value for money, easier to upgrade, have bigger screens and better keyboards. Why get another laptop if you don't need one?

I would highly recommend the iMac. I think the Mac mini would not be quite powerful enough for your tastes. I'd happily recommend a Mac mini to someone who only does the occassional bit of PhotoShop work, but for someone who considers it a "main" purpose for the machine, then the Mac mini simply isn't quick enough. The Power Mac is great if you can afford it, and will perform much better than both the iMac and Mac mini on PhotoShop, but they are expensive and the new models are expected fairly soon.

The thing to remember is that PhotoShop's current version is compiled for PPC, so while the PowerMac G5 will run it natively, the iMac and Mini both run it in an emulation layer, meaning it will be much faster on the PowerMac. When the next update to PhotoShop comes out though, it will level the field a bit and the iMac will run PhotoShop about as fast as the current PowerMac. I'd still recommend the iMac, though, its much better value for money and PhotoShop performance will catch up soon when Adobe releases PhotoShop as a Universal application.

If you're not too desperate to buy right away, I'd wait til WWDC (Apple's annual World-Wide Developer's Conference, August 7-10) as you'll at least get some idea by then of what to expect in the way of new models and software announcements.

Mac OS X Tiger, and Mac OS X Panther, and Mac OS X Safari?

Mac OS X 10.4 is codenamed "Tiger" and was released April 2005.
Mac OS X 10.3 was codenamed "Panther" and was released October 2003.
"Safari" is the name of the web browser created by Apple which ships with Mac OS X.
And you don't need to worry about which one to get, as the latest version of Mac OS X (and Safari for that matter) will be included with your Mac.

One last thing, Is it possible to watch tv/vcr/ect (you know TV tuner/Red Yellow White cables into the computer, and record onto a Mac?) I also do video editing.

http://www.elgato.com/ makes the EyeTV, which is the most popular general purpose TV-tuner and video input for the Mac. There are a few others around, including some more expensive models for professional use.

[chemistry_geek]

speXedy,

I've been an Apple user all of my life, since High School, infact, I've never bought a Windows PC. I had one given to me once, I used it as a passive air filter for collecting dust in my garage. Getting back on the subject, you need to think about how you're going to use your next (Apple) computer. I simply want blazingly fast speed, for ripping CDs, DVDs, making home movies, converting some of my DVD collection to iPod-friendly movies, using GIMP to manipulate my digital photography library, working with MS Office, playing an occasional game, etc... I hate wasting time, so I aim very high on Apple's hardware lines. Whatever Macintosh you purchase, make sure to load-up heavily on RAM, Mac OS X performs much better with a lot of RAM.

Also consider that Apple is transitioning from PowerPC to Intel processors, and that like many first generation products, there most likely will some bugs and hiccups. I never buy Apple or any other manufacturer's first generation products and like to stay with the tried and true more mature product lines.

My last two Power Macs, one a Blue & White 500 MHz G3 with 768MB RAM, and the other a Dual 2.7 GHz G5 with oogles of RAM are both very solid computers. I always buy Apple's top-of-the-line computers every 6 to 7 years because that's how long it takes for them to become painfully slow relative to operating system updates and newer hardware. Really, they do last that long, and you get the most bang for buck. Regarding the switch from PowerPC to Intel, the PowerPC platform will be supported for a long time, I would not be concerned about buying a new PowerMac Quad G5 today, in fact I may still buy one in the next month to month and a half.

[speXedy]

Thanks so much for the replys! I think I am leaning towards the iMac becuase it's pretty much an all in one. From the word around the forum, I should upgrade my RAM eh? How much should I add? Also being a lifetime slave to PC, are there any things I should know that Mac can't do that PC can and I am going to miss? (Well I won't miss it to much becuase I do still have a PC laptop, but I've been debating selling it for funds towards my iMac.)

Anyone want to buy a Viao Laptop? wink wink? hehe jk

Oh and what is this about emulating Photoshop CS2 because it's a PCC version? If that's the case can I install PC programs on my Mac? That kinda confused me.

[chemistry_geek]

Originally Posted by speXedy

Thanks so much for the replys! I think I am leaning towards the iMac becuase it's pretty much an all in one. From the word around the forum, I should upgrade my RAM eh? How much should I add? Also being a lifetime slave to PC, are there any things I should know that Mac can't do that PC can and I am going to miss? (Well I won't miss it to much becuase I do still have a PC laptop, but I've been debating selling it for funds towards my iMac.)

You'll miss the following: installing Norton Anti Virus, Anti Spyware, Anti Spam, Norton System Works, Norton Firewall, the Windows "Blue Screen of Death", "NEW HARDWARE FOUND", and restarting your computer a few times a day due to memory leaks, flakey program behavior, computer hang-ups, etc...

Welcome To Protected Memory and Improved Stability.

Max-out the RAM if possible for the iMac/MacMini, go at least half-way full for a newer PowerMac G5.

[speXedy]

Originally Posted by chemistry_geek

You'll miss the following: installing Norton Anti Virus, Anti Spyware, Anti Spam, Norton System Works, Norton Firewall, the Windows "Blue Screen of Death", "NEW HARDWARE FOUND", and restarting your computer a few times a day due to memory leaks, flakey program behavior, computer hang-ups, etc...

Welcome To Protected Memory and Improved Stability.

Max-out the RAM if possible for the iMac/MacMini, go at least half-way full for a newer PowerMac G5.

It's kind of funny you say that, the first thing I do when I reformat my PC is UNISTALL all that stuff hehe. I'll look into the RAM thanks.

[speXedy]

I just had a talk with a guy over at apple and thought I'd post it for other people if they wanted to read.

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Welcome to the Apple Store. An Apple Representative will be with you shortly.
All Apple Representatives are currently assisting other customers. Thank you for your patience, we will be with you shortly.
Hello my name is Tim. How may I help you today?
Tim: Good evening, and welcome to chat!
Apple Customer: Hey Tim, I don't really know what you can help me with. I was browsing the Apple website and this thing poped up and said "Want to chat with someone" or whatever. So can you answer general questions?
Tim: I certainly can answer some general questions.
Apple Customer: Alright, well let me first off start by saying I've been a PC user my whole life!
Apple Customer: And I'm SICK of it.
Apple Customer: I was actaully very much so agaist Macs up until college. I started college last September.
Apple Customer: I am going to College for Photography.
Apple Customer: So I had to use Macs.
Apple Customer: I really want to purchess my own now.
Apple Customer: But I'm not sure where to start.
Tim: Wonderful! We have a lot of resources to help you. Do you do RAW photography?
Apple Customer: RAW photography? Well I save my images in RAW file format sometimes yea, if that's what you mean.
Tim: Great! For anyone who does RAW, I think you'll want iMac, MacBook Pro, or Power Mac G5.
Tim: For files of that quality and complexity, they have the best resources to work with them.
Apple Customer: I actaully have a Vaio Laptop right now, and I most likey will keep my PC, so yea I've been going between the iMac and Power Mac.
Apple Customer: I like the iMac becuase its an all-in-one (you don't have to buy a monitor)
Apple Customer: But someone told me with the new intel based processor, Photoshop CS2 won't run right becuase it's PCC based.
Apple Customer: or PPC
Apple Customer: something like that.
Tim: Adobe has indicated they will release a Universal version for the Intel systems, though I don't have an exact date on that.
Tim: In the long run, the Power Mac is a better investment, as it is more expandable, though the iMac is a blazing fast system.
Apple Customer: So if I was to walk into the store right now and buy an iMac I woudln't be able to use Photoshop today?
Tim: You'd be able to use Photoshop, it wouldn't take advantage of the Core Duo's speed as yet.
Apple Customer: Oh, so it will work? Alright maybe I missunderstood them. They were going on about something about an emulator.
Apple Customer: Do you know anything about that?
Tim: Rosetta - the best software you'll never see.
Tim: An emulator pretends to be hardware that isn't there.
Apple Customer: Interesting.
Tim: Rosetta is a translator, translating from what is expected to be there to what is actually there.
Apple Customer: That's pretty smart.
Apple Customer: If it's ok I have a few other questions.
Tim: It is. The Core Duo is so fast that some programs even run faster in Rosetta than on a native PPC system!
Apple Customer: Now that Macs use OSX will we ever see the day OS X is released on PC?
Apple Customer: err use Intel sorry*
Tim: I can't speculate about the future. Apple has always tried to build the whole widget to make it easy to use software with spectacular hardware to run it on.
Apple Customer: Mkay, few other random questions ... Wireless Internet.
Apple Customer: Do Macs have built in readers?
Apple Customer: Or do I have to buy a card?
Tim: All Macs except the Power Mac are wireless ready out of the box, and the Power Mac can be configured to be ready.
Apple Customer: that's great.
Apple Customer: And if my dad has our Linkeys Router on a PC, will I have problems with it on a mac?
Tim: My sister-in-law hooks her PowerBook to a Linksys router all the time. Macs use standard wireless, so it should be simple.
Apple Customer: Sounds easy enough.
Apple Customer: I know that your not Adobe, but I own Photoshop CS2 for PC, is there any way with that Rossetta thing you were talking about to install that on a Mac? or will I have to snuff it and buy the version for Mac?
Tim: You can actually do Boot Camp to switch the Mac to a PC temporarily if you wish.
Tim: We have lots of information here: http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/We also have requirements, installation, and frequently asked questions here: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303572 You will need an Apple ID to get to that second link.
Apple Customer: Thanks! I'll check them out.
Apple Customer: iMacs ...
Apple Customer: They come with a monitor
Apple Customer: but could I buy a larger one if I wanted to?
Tim: And a mini-DVI that can be adapted to support an external monitor as well!
Apple Customer: eh? Could you explain that a little better? Whats a mini/DVI?
Tim: mini-DVI is a plug which can be adapter to VGA or DVI for most monitors to support it.
Tim: One such adapter - click here.
Apple Customer: Speaking of Monitors, does Apple have an add-on to have a tv tuner type card installed on an iMac? (you know to plug red, yellow, white) cables?
Apple Customer: To do video editings, and recording.
Tim: Even better - a PVR (Personal Video Recorder) - click here.
Apple Customer:
Apple Customer: I think you answered everything.
Apple Customer: Oh RAM.
Apple Customer: If I am doing video/photoshop stuff would you recommend upgrading?
Tim: 1 GB or more for you; 2 GB ideally.
Apple Customer: So before I go, any last words of support for life time pc users? Anything I should know about Cons of a Mac?
Tim: Not at all - click here for Switch 101.
Apple Customer: thanks so much!
Tim: It's a little course to help you lose ctrl and gain cmd. It's a great resource to switch over with.
Apple Customer: you've been a realy big help.
Tim: When were you looking to purchase?
Apple Customer: As soon as possile, before the end of the summer.
Tim: Excellent! I hope you can make it before July 17th, as we have a printer rebate you could take advantage of ending then.
Tim: Up to $100 on a printer to best display your photos - making a lot free - is a great deal to catch if you can.
Apple Customer: Good to know.
Apple Customer: Oh ...
Apple Customer: I did think of one other thing sorry.
Tim: A printer for you on the rebate - click here.
Tim: Not at all! Please, go ahead.
Apple Customer: A friend of mine told me I should wait for the 2nd batch of intel iMacs becuase there are usually buggy and the 2nd version of the computer is usually better. and you have your E3 type show in Auguest or something?
Apple Customer: e3 is a video game show, but you have something like that.
Tim: We do have an event in August. It's discussed at apple.com/hotnews.
Apple Customer: When are new models of macs released?
Tim: Whether anything new will come out then is unknown, because that's difficult to predict.
Tim: I can't speculated about unreleased or future products.
Apple Customer: ok, well i think i've bugged you enough. Thanks so much, is there a form i can fill out for custorm care to say how much you've helped and get you kudos with the higher ups?
Tim: I appreciate the compliment, very much. That's all I need.