The ages old question

[Sucumbio]

PC or MAC?

Not, which you like better, or whatever... I need to know specifically what are the key differences between them now besides aesthetics and software availability. Has it really boiled down to OS X vs Windows?

I ask because I am getting a new computer very soon, and it will be predominantly for music production (MIDI sequencing, sound editing, mastering and post-production) and video production. I need a computer that doesn't have back door ally ways for malware etc like my PC does now, running XP. I need a computer that won't burn out on me like an eMachine after 3 years, and I need a computer that will run smoothly, not constantly having background tasks eating up my system resources.

So far all I'm getting is hate for mac from my pc lovin' wife. I can respect her opinions, when they're sound. But to say "don't get a mac, they use Intels now which suck, and the only reason they don't have virus issues is cause no one uses them" just ... isn't valid for me.

1.) People DO use them
2.) Intels don't suck, anymore at least, looking at specs for the i7 vs the AMD phenom2 I can honestly say I'd be comfortable w/both, and the mac intels are currently comparable to the i7.

I have always preferred mac over pc, but for reasons that now seem completely irrelevant. They both use chipsets that make them identical as far as I can tell, just the OS is different.

SO the real ? is am I missing any KEY differences between PCs and MACs other than their respective OS's, and if not, then which OS is safer, more efficient, less buggy/open to attack.

And please, if we can keep the useless comments to a minimum I'd appreciate it, I'm not looking to start a fanboy war over which is better, I really want technical explantations if at all possible.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Dastrn]

What software will you be using for all of this? Ultimately, both platforms can do the job just fine, so your software preference going into it will largely determine which platform you'll go with.

 

[Blizzard Flames]

I prefer Mac because of the easy to use high quality software available for it. I own the 2007 iMac 20'' model. The thing is is that people rarely make any third party software for Macs, and if they do, its either free and it sucks, free with okay quality, and Freakin' expensive but is just amazing but hard to use. If you do choose to get a Mac be use to use GarageBand because it is amazingly good. It saves your songs directly to iTunes if you choose to. It even labels it as your name as the Artist and whatever your album name is. Also, I know its wrong, but if you want high quality software then use torrents and pirate. I have this awesome screen recorder for mac called ScreenFlow and it was $100. I used torrents and al that, but then again you should unless you're sure that you need it for work/school or if you plan to use it for a long time.

Also, if you buy it know you get OSX Snow Leopard(newest OS btw) and iLife'09 free(Video editor, Website maker, photo organizer, GarageBand, etc) free since you bought a Mac after these software's release dates. I also like Mac's better because unlike having to wait for a Windows-running computer to load at start up which takes forreeeever a Mac does it in like a few seconds. Internet connectivity is great. The iMac I have and in general is a desktop but has wireless internet access.

Also, Mac's can get viruses but the chances are slim with Apple's Protection and Care disc and warranty and because most viruses aren't made for Mac.

http://www.apple.com/imac/
http://www.apple.com/macbook/
http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/
http://www.apple.com/macbookair/
http://www.apple.com/macmini/
http://www.apple.com/macpro/

If you have anymore quaestion please feel free to ask or p.m. me ^_^

P.S. Windows 7 is some pretty sexy software. Its fast and reliable, don't forget good looking user interface, too. I would recommend a Dell Inspiron or an HP Notebook. I don't like Compac becaus e of how slow it is. Vista looks nice but I've heard that its maaaad slooow.

Windows=More free software/Comes packed with some really good programs
Mac=Easier to use/User friendly/Can transfer info from mac to Mac if you get a new one

Switching over from Windows to Mac:
http://www.apple.com/support/switch101/

Mac 101: Tips for beginners
http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/

Mac has BootCamp, which allows you to run Windows on your Mac. There's a program for Mac called Parralel Desktop that allows you to simultaniously use Windows and Mac at the same time.

But I still prefer Mac over Windows. Good luck with your choice and let me know what you choose!

 

[Sucumbio]

What software will you be using for all of this? Ultimately, both platforms can do the job just fine, so your software preference going into it will largely determine which platform you'll go with.

Cubase for the music for the most part. I may try out Protools... for video it'll be Adobe Premiere most likely.. though I have more research to do on video tools, for music tho cubase all the way, been using it for a decade.

I prefer Mac because of the easy to use high quality software available for it. I own the 2007 iMac 20'' model. The thing is is that people rarely make any third party software for Macs, and if they do, its either free and it sucks, free with okay quality, and Freakin' expensive but is just amazing but hard to use. If you do choose to get a Mac be use to use GarageBand because it is amazingly good. It saves your songs directly to iTunes if you choose to. It even labels it as your name as the Artist and whatever your album name is. Also, I know its wrong, but if you want high quality software then use torrents and pirate. I have this awesome screen recorder for mac called ScreenFlow and it was $100. I used torrents and al that, but then again you should unless you're sure that you need it for work/school or if you plan to use it for a long time.

First thanks for the info. I'll be using Cubase so software won't be an issue...

Also, if you buy it know you get OSX Snow Leopard(newest OS btw) and iLife'09 free(Video editor, Website maker, photo organizer, GarageBand, etc) free since you bought a Mac after these software's release dates. I also like Mac's better because unlike having to wait for a Windows-running computer to load at start up which takes forreeeever a Mac does it in like a few seconds. Internet connectivity is great. The iMac I have and in general is a desktop but has wireless internet access.

Snow Leopard looks awesome, but as you point out below so does Windows 7. I am fully functional (... nah) in either environment having produced in both, so this is a point of contention w/me because I want to eliminate the possibility of either one being better than the other.

Also, Mac's can get viruses but the chances are slim with Apple's Protection and Care disc and warranty and because most viruses aren't made for Mac.

More slim than say, a PC running norton 360 or trendmicro or any number of other virus protection suites? And the 2nd bit, so that's still true, then, eh? Not so bad on viruses b/c virus makers aren't targeting Macs. This was key info, thank you.

Mac has BootCamp, which allows you to run Windows on your Mac. There's a program for Mac called Parralel Desktop that allows you to simultaniously use Windows and Mac at the same time.

BootCamp is great though I prolly won't use it if I get a mac, unless of course it can also be used to emulate Mac OS 9 - 10.4? Or whichever was the last MAC OS to use G chips and not Intels.

Again thanks for the help! With enough responses I should be able to make an informed decision.