Hi folks,
Time has come to replace my good old PC. I consider buying a Mac (G4) & would like to hear your experience with digital post-processing. I really like the Paintshop software, yet it's not available for the Mac. I also don't want to use it via Virtual PC.
What kind of software do you use on what Mac model? How about performance compared to the PC? Does anyone use Photoshop CS for the Mac? A pro photographer told me in spring that there are some stability problems with CS & the Mac. Are those solved now?
Thomas
Moderators: richierich, ua900, PanAm_DC10, hOMSaR
RE: Image Post-Processing & The Mac
I've got an art and design suite opposite me right now that exclusively uses Macs, and the staff swear by them. Performance does not seem to be an issue in either Photoshop or video manipulation software.
Macs offer easy peripheral installation (they're all standardised), and intuitive interface, and use active partioning on the hard disk (useful for data integrity in the event of something bad happening to an application). Of course, they look cool and have that funny one-button mouse.
However.....
PC's have come a hell of a long way. A machine running XP or XP Pro would be as stable and as easy to use in terms of peripherals and devices, and Photoshop is practically no different. I think it comes down to personal preference now - if you really want to become one of those commie dirty hippy one-buttoned mouse wielding weirdoes, feel free
Cheers
James
Macs offer easy peripheral installation (they're all standardised), and intuitive interface, and use active partioning on the hard disk (useful for data integrity in the event of something bad happening to an application). Of course, they look cool and have that funny one-button mouse.
However.....
PC's have come a hell of a long way. A machine running XP or XP Pro would be as stable and as easy to use in terms of peripherals and devices, and Photoshop is practically no different. I think it comes down to personal preference now - if you really want to become one of those commie dirty hippy one-buttoned mouse wielding weirdoes, feel free
Cheers
James
It takes a big man to admit they are wrong, and I am not a big man.
RE: Image Post-Processing & The Mac
I know some designers still swear by Macs as the only way to go, and sometimes, when Windows won't co-operate, I've been tempted. But everytime I've looked a little more seriously, cost, adaptability, and compatibility seem to be serious issues.
I am certain you could get a G4 that will perform well and do exactly what you want - today. But what happens in 6 months when you want to upgrade, or some new processing software comes out (sorry - PC only).
Yes, Macs have a reputation of being more "dependable" but in part I think that's because there is much less scope for "modifying" them - with most people I know, the first thing they do when they get a PC is start changing and adding bits, possibly, just possibly, this might account for some of the problems encountered?
But Macs do look waaay cooler
Cheers
Colin
I am certain you could get a G4 that will perform well and do exactly what you want - today. But what happens in 6 months when you want to upgrade, or some new processing software comes out (sorry - PC only).
Yes, Macs have a reputation of being more "dependable" but in part I think that's because there is much less scope for "modifying" them - with most people I know, the first thing they do when they get a PC is start changing and adding bits, possibly, just possibly, this might account for some of the problems encountered?
But Macs do look waaay cooler
Cheers
Colin
Colin K. Work, Pixstel
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- chris78cpr
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RE: Image Post-Processing & The Mac
I'm just about to buy a G4 powerbook. I currently use a pc. I have used my girlfriends families macs and find them to be very good for general work on, i have also used photoshop CS on a 17" powerbook and it runs lovely! It's smooth, fast and i have never had it crash on me. A desktop G4 would probably run it faster. I can whole heartily reccomend a mac. However, like Colin said, it is frustrating to see good software come out for PC only. Which is why i will keep my desktop pc and use it aswell.
The mac's just seem to offer the best laptop option for me right now and yes they do look cool!
Chris
The mac's just seem to offer the best laptop option for me right now and yes they do look cool!
Chris
5D2/7D/1D2(soon to be a 1Dx) 17-40L/24-105L/70-200F2.8L/100-400L/24F1.4LII/50F1.2L/85F1.2LII
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- Travelralf
- Posts: 101
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RE: Image Post-Processing & The Mac
Well, sometimes this PC vs. MAC is a little bit like Canon vs. Nikon.
I used PC's for 10+ years when I got so frustrated and I finally switched to Apple last year. I never regretted this move and as I know by now I should have switched much earlier
No crashes, no bugs, no search for correct drivers, great apple software provided for free with the purchase of a Mac ...
And new software and upgrading has not been an issue at all so far.
I have an iMac G4 and I use an older version of photoshop elements (I will upgraded now to V3). Works great. Performance is no issue at all.
As far as I know there are only eMAC's and powerbooks left with the G4 and there are due to be replaced with G5 processors next year (same happened already to the iMAC's). So performance will be no problem.
Don't worry about switching to a completely new system (or "world"). You won't regret it.
Cheers
Ralf
p.s. I'm no long-haired freaky apple computer nerd
I used PC's for 10+ years when I got so frustrated and I finally switched to Apple last year. I never regretted this move and as I know by now I should have switched much earlier
No crashes, no bugs, no search for correct drivers, great apple software provided for free with the purchase of a Mac ...
And new software and upgrading has not been an issue at all so far.
I have an iMac G4 and I use an older version of photoshop elements (I will upgraded now to V3). Works great. Performance is no issue at all.
As far as I know there are only eMAC's and powerbooks left with the G4 and there are due to be replaced with G5 processors next year (same happened already to the iMAC's). So performance will be no problem.
Don't worry about switching to a completely new system (or "world"). You won't regret it.
Cheers
Ralf
p.s. I'm no long-haired freaky apple computer nerd
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- chris78cpr
- Posts: 2732
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RE: Image Post-Processing & The Mac
"p.s. I'm no long-haired freaky apple computer nerd "
Hmmmmmmmmm, bet you are! 
Hehe!
Chris
Hmmmmmmmmm, bet you are!
Hehe!
Chris
5D2/7D/1D2(soon to be a 1Dx) 17-40L/24-105L/70-200F2.8L/100-400L/24F1.4LII/50F1.2L/85F1.2LII
RE: Image Post-Processing & The Mac
The analogy is simple.
A PC is like buying an MG. Getting a Mac is like buying a Volkswagen.
Guys that buy MGs like getting under the hood and tinkering. And that's a good thing because you'll be in the garage every weekend. People that buy Volkswagens just want to get to the market to buy milk without the damn thing dying on the way.
Do you tinker or just want to work without the computer getting in the way?
I have two Mac G4s running PS 7 and love both of them. (And bear in mind I am a PC convert.) And I have never, let me repeat this... NEVER been affected by a virus or seen any sort of "Blue Screen of Death..."
Buy a Mac. Change the oil every three months and you'll never worry about it. Ever.
A PC is like buying an MG. Getting a Mac is like buying a Volkswagen.
Guys that buy MGs like getting under the hood and tinkering. And that's a good thing because you'll be in the garage every weekend. People that buy Volkswagens just want to get to the market to buy milk without the damn thing dying on the way.
Do you tinker or just want to work without the computer getting in the way?
I have two Mac G4s running PS 7 and love both of them. (And bear in mind I am a PC convert.) And I have never, let me repeat this... NEVER been affected by a virus or seen any sort of "Blue Screen of Death..."
Buy a Mac. Change the oil every three months and you'll never worry about it. Ever.
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- mikephotos
- Posts: 2888
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RE: Image Post-Processing & The Mac
And I have never, let me repeat this... NEVER been affected by a virus or seen any sort of "Blue Screen of Death..."
I know a lot of XP Pro users who can say the very same thing...me included
Mike
I know a lot of XP Pro users who can say the very same thing...me included
Mike
RE: Image Post-Processing & The Mac
I know a lot of XP Pro users who can say the very same thing...me included
I forgot to append my previous comment:
And I have never, let me repeat this... NEVER been affected by a virus or seen any sort of "Blue Screen of Death..." and I have been using Macs daily since 1996.
wm
I forgot to append my previous comment:
And I have never, let me repeat this... NEVER been affected by a virus or seen any sort of "Blue Screen of Death..." and I have been using Macs daily since 1996.
wm
RE: Image Post-Processing & The Mac
I have a G4 Mac and a PC. I use my Mac for all graphics based work(photos and video) and it is brilliant, so easy to use and no crashes or problems with viruses. I upgraded to OS 10 and now it networks with the PC having Win 98SE no problems. All common file formats shared by both systems appear on the Mac. Sooner or later I will get a laptop and I am keen to get either an Ibook or Powerbook as they are so easy to use. When I connect my compactflash card Iphoto automatically opens and waits for my command to import all the photos to the G4. Mac's come with almost all the programs you need to get started in graphics based work and if you want more then you can upgrade to some of the best available. PC's tend to have a life of 3 years and then they need upgrading or replacing and the advantage is they are the most popular and cheapest around the world. Mac's are a bit more expensive but for me there life is about 5 years before they become obsolete. It is all about choices and I am happy with my Mac and will certainly buy another one as they are so easy to use and look good too.
Cheers,
Colin
Cheers,
Colin
Good things take Time.
RE: Image Post-Processing & The Mac
Change the oil every three months and you'll never worry about it.
Actually, I think it was the oil that fried my motherboard ...
Cheers,
Colin
Actually, I think it was the oil that fried my motherboard ...
Cheers,
Colin
Colin K. Work, Pixstel
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- mikephotos
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RE: Image Post-Processing & The Mac
Actually, I think it was the oil that fried my motherboard ...
Next time use cooking oil instead of motor oil and do it every 3,000 photos uploaded instead of 3 months
Mike
Next time use cooking oil instead of motor oil and do it every 3,000 photos uploaded instead of 3 months
Mike
RE: Image Post-Processing & The Mac
Next time use cooking oil instead of motor oil and do it every 3,000 photos uploaded instead of 3 months
And make sure it's the low carb, low cholestorel oil, works a treat for mine!
Colin
And make sure it's the low carb, low cholestorel oil, works a treat for mine!
Colin
Good things take Time.
RE: Image Post-Processing & The Mac
Thanks for answers, guys.
Thomas
Thomas
Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
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