Mac or PC?

[Brian Wilson]

Hanging out at the Singapore buskers festival in 1999 we were lucky enough to get half of the acts to the beach and bar at Sentosa island for a day of R&R. We're all sitting around playing pool, chilling out, and the conversation turned to HTML coding, web promoting, computers, video editing..etc.
Bill Ferguson turned to us all and said "You know people would never beleieve us if we told them this is what performers talk about!" So true Bill, so true.

[Todd]

Even stranger..........
Sitting backstage at a Rennissance Festival in Florida, there were 3 laptops belonging to performers out and running, and trading webinfo, etc. When Jim Frank of Whipflash (who was visiting me at the time) comes backstage and gets hit up for tips on upgrades and increasing performance.
Out on the street "turkey leg m'lord". backstage a computer seminar with a performer whos day job is the head of computer security for the navy.

[scot]

I use both. I don't own either. If I were to buy a new computer it would probably be running linux because I don't like being a free spokesperson for any destructive corporations.

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The Lonnie Anderson of juggling,
Scot Nery

[Zoltan]

Not that you *specifically* asked for my advice...

I am a PC user - I have been since color screen meant 'green and black' (as opposed to 'white and black'). In many ways, PC is better simply because it's the industry standard for most things.

Most software developed by third-party vendors (eg, small businesses not hired by IBM or Apple) is developed for PC, or developed for PC *first*, and then moved to Mac. As a result, there is a greater variety of software available for PC, and it works better on PC (since it was built primarily for PC). Also, by and large (and I used to know a woman who was bi and large), most software developers use PC (even to develop Mac software!), so again, the PC version tends to be 'cleaner' since it's an environment with which the uses are more familiar.

Having that *said*, I would be remiss if I did not note that Mac systems are more highly used by people in the 'creative' software fields of artwork, music, graphical layout, etc. In fact, in adverstising, if you ever seen a computer screen shown, it is almost *always* a Mac-version screen, because chances are that the graphical person who created the ad was using a Mac at the time.

Make no mistake, though - unless you're specifically creating 'artistic' material, you should be using a PC. In the same way that if you're creating webpages, you should be using pure HTML....

[Frisbee]

Hmmmm...I don't agree with some stuff the last post said about Mac software being designed by and on a pc...I also don't by th statement that pc versions are cleaner...I have used both pc and mac and I have to say that in general a mac is a hell of a lot easier to use than a pc...although I am using and have always owned a pc...this is most likely going to change in the next three months.

-Frisbee

[Vantage]

The mac hardware is of a better design. The problem has always been with the Operating System. That has now been solved with the move to OS-X. OS-X is a Birkley Unix derived OS and very powerfull. Once mac has started disribution of a non BETA version of OS-X i am getting ons of those cool dual 500s.

[ALAKAZAM]

yes yes Mac Rocks,I too own a powerbook and it does everything i need it to,but i do have to say ,Doms machine is a ripper,he is making my new promo tape and not to mention doing a fantastic job.
I really don't know too much about it and i only bought a mac because Tom comet and checkers told me too,but i have to say,mac are definately the innovators as far as graphics,movie editing and asthetics goes.
Cheers folks
AL

[Brian Wilson]

I'm a PC user, but I've never used a Mac. I guess you could say that I'm a Mac luddite.

Whats the compatibilty between Mac's and PC's like. I'm thinking about picking up a mac laptop for work on the road, video, etc, but have this beefed up Pc home system. What's compatibility like between the two systems? Anyone?

[Zoltan]

In terms of compatibility, Brian, it's not that easy a question. It's more like, what do you want to do with the two computers?

Mostly, it's about the software, not the hardware. Data is all ultimately 1's and 0's, and since you can create floppies that are readable by both a Mac and a PC, reading the data or moving it from machine to machine is not the problem. Getting the machine to interpret it is. (though I note that for some stupid reason, iMacs, at least the original ones, don't have a floppy drive, making moving the data a serious problem).

If you have the same piece of software on both machines (for example, MS Word for the PC is the original, but you can get MS Word for Mac), then saving a Word file on one and moving it to the other is not a problem, as long as you save the file in the correct format. There are other programs that were made for PC but have a Mac counterpart that also work similarly.

Plus, there are some generic file formats (like the .jpg or .gif format for pictures) that aren't really associated with one particular piece of software - you should have no problem moving files like that back and forth.

However, you may have problems when it comes to moving files for which you have software for one system (say, PC), and not the other. Also, setting up your email so that you can use it from either machine without duplicating mail or dropping mail or stuff like that.

You have my personal email address...feel free to email me for more details, if you like.

Hope that helps...

[LANCEALOT]

Well, my first ever posting on the renewed Performers Net so here goes:

I've worked on PC's since the mid 80's - when windows meant something with glass in it - however 6 months ago I opted to buy an iMac and am pleased I made the change.
Apart from being more stable its much easier to use and a lot more fun, also Macs seems to ignore virtually all viruses out there. It's true that there is much more software for a PC available, but "less is more" has it's virtues: You'll never get totally confused by the sheer choice of software titles, but the choice you do have is nearly always (in my experience) superior in quality.
However saying that, there are times when I want to run certain Windows' Applications that are not made for Mac, which is why I bought a program called Virtual PC along with my iMac. Basically I have a fully functional PC running the Windows OS on my Mac - 2 machines in one. I can run any Windows program, Access PC Networks and Share Files between the PC and Mac by simply dragging and dropping them.

I received a WORD for Mac document a few days ago as an e-mail attachment. Its simply a matter of dragging and dropping the file from my Mac desktop to the Virtual PC desktop and hey presto! I can open it in WORDPAD - with no need for WORD on either system in fact.

I would suggest that anyone who wishes to have the best of both worlds consider the purchase of a Mac and then installing either Virtual PC or SoftWindows, the software costs between USD 60.00 and USD 150.00 depending on whether you want just DOS, Windows 95, 98 or 2000. A small price to pay for getting in essence 2 computers.

As for the lack of floppy drive for the iMac, USB drives are available all over the place and cheap at that - I picked mine up for 125 Dutch Guilders or about USD 60.00 which is not exactly expensive, plus the floppy drive takes what power it needs from the USB cable itself.

At the end of the day it's down to personal choice, I opted for both systems - in one machine.


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[Danny Hustle]

As a guy who has spent most of the past 20 years messing with computers and the last 10 working in the field I can say in all honesty that when all the fence pissing is done it makes very little difference.

Both platforms run ALL kinds of software well. Both platforms are easy to use.

All the "creative people use Macs" crap, is mostly just that, crap. Advert. agencies use Macs because they have always used Macs. The reason for this is when the people who selected the boxes were in college, they used Macs.

How do I know this? When I was installing network servers in these places I asked the guy who picked the rigs.

If you were doing video Amiga was the ONLY way to go. Finally, both PC and MAC have caught up with the curve (It only took them 10 years).

As far as PC's being more hardware generic, this is true. You can go find pieces parts for your PC with no problem. You can build your own box damn near Heathkit style by going to any computer show in the country with a pocket full of bills.

To this I say, so what? With computers being so cheap why not just buy one with everything you want? USB works on both platforms (Except Windows NT4, Nice going Bill). This makes pulling your box apart a silly thing to do. You should buy it with the hardware you need.

Software, yup it's true. MILLIONS of software titles for the PC. The BEST games almost always come out for PC first. Everyone writes for the PC.

Again, big deal. I defy anyone to mention a product that they need for the mac that they cant get. Not a brand, but an actual product i.e. Word cruncher, spread sheet, etc.

The Mac runs multiple OS. So does the PC I'm currently running Linux, Winnt 4, and OS2, on this box believe it or not.

Why anyone would want to run windows on a perfectly good Mac is still beyond me. If you wanted Windows you should have bought a PC.

Personally, I'm a PC guy. It's a big part of my job. That is why I made my choice. I can do anything a Mac can do and I can do it just as well. The same can be said about a Mac, an excellent personal computer.

My point is, when it's all said and done, there is usually more said than done.

I know this will tweak some propeller head to the point that he will have to tell me that PCs or MACs are crap. I disagree. I think both platforms are equidistant from Nirvana.

Best,

Dan-

[LANCEALOT]

Good Gosh, you write a perfectly sober piece and there's always someone moaning on about how much they know!

Dear Mr Hustle, personally I don't care if you've had 40 years computer experience. Does it make you better, more experienced or more computer literate than anyone else on the planet or the forum?

And as to your question: "Why anyone would want to run Windows on a perfectly good Mac is beyond me?" shows how much of my piece you've read. To put it bluntly: OS9 + WIN98 on one machine = BEST OF BOTH WORLDS without the cost.
Should I dump my Mac and buy a PC Mr 20 years experience?. If we continue with Mr Hustle's logic I should also discard my car which runs on Petrol and LPG and return to just petrol. Jesus Hustle! Were you born stupid?
Hey, stay off the forum or grow a brain.

[Dead Wood Records]

I thought this was a performers site, not a computer advertising agency.

Come on boys so what you've all got all these kinds of computers, So bloody what!
Just use them for what you want them to do and stuff the rest!

Brag, Brag, Brag !

At the end of the day I think you have all forgotten who you really are.

Trevor Rooney

[Steven Ragatz]

Actually, I think the topic does belong in such a forum. By the very nature of this forum site, the computer becomes a necessary tool. Many of the performers who post here maintain a web presence and use the Internet to conduct business related to their performing.

In spite of falling prices, the decision to purchase a computer can be a daunting one. Nobody here has money to burn, and if you are not familiar with digital technology, then the computer simply becomes an opaque black box (well, beige actually).

Although I don’t agree with Danny’s political rants, he does have a significant point that both Mac and PC platforms have a very broad host of software available to the consumer. Both platforms are widely accepted and both have support and repair outlets.

A major consideration that I tell people when helping them to decide what sort of machine to purchase is to look at the tools they wish to use. Most end users will be using typical office suite tools (word processing, data bases, spreadsheets) and Internet communication software (Web, Email). Any machine, including most hand held computers, and some palms, will support this level of utility.

I would suggest taking a look at your existing software base, if you have one. Buying a machine that runs software that you already own is going to save money. If you are starting from scratch, then look into what compatibility issues might influence your work. If your local print shop is Mac only, then that might be a factor. If your best buddies are all PC guys, then a PC may be a better choice.

Cheaper machines can be had mail order, though if you buy from a local store, you will have closer access to repair if you need it. In my opinion, don’t buy from any of the computer super-stores. If you get anything from them, it’s caveat emptor. If something goes wrong, you have to talk to the manufacturer, and that is as good as a dead end with the big computer names.

If you want a good computer game platform, like it or not, PCs are it. There are far more sophisticated graphics cards made for gaming on the PC.

If your computer use is limited to tasks that are supported in environments like Virtual PC or SoftWindows, then by all means, use them. They do provide added functionality for many users. But, these environments don’t come without costs. Anything emulated in software is going to be slower than hardware. If all you are doing is word processing or file transfers, then this issue is moot. But, don’t expect any high-end graphics to be pumped through a PC emulator running on a Mac. Additionally, you are subject to the availability of applicable drivers for any peripheral hardware devices.

If cross platform support were needed, I would recommend purchasing two machines. In the long run, it will serve you cleanly and without that extra level of indirection. You can save a little cash with one monitor and an A/B switch, though with the falling price of monitors, there is little rational for that inconvenience except for wasted desktop real estate.

Good luck. If anyone has any specific computer questions, I would be happy to answer them as best I can.

Steven Ragatz

PS.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2">Originally posted by Trevor Rooney:
I thought this was a performers site, not a computer advertising agency.

I would point out to TREVOR that posts, in forums, list-serves or newsgroups that are submitted only to comment on the appropriateness of other’s posts, are only adding to the noise and pulling everyone off topic.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2"> At the end of the day I think you have all forgotten who you really are.

Trevor Rooney

By the end of the day, I wish I had forgotten who I was. That’s what weekends are for.

[Danny Hustle]

[quote]Originally posted by LANCEALOT:
<strong>Good Gosh, you write a perfectly sober piece and there's always someone moaning on about how much they know!
</strong>

I wasn't moaning about how much I know. I was qualifying my knowledge of the topic. I happen to know quite a bit about this one small slice of the world. I was trying to share that, not shove it down anyone's throat.

<strong>
Dear Mr Hustle, personally I don't care if you've had 40 years computer experience. Does it make you better, more experienced or more computer literate than anyone else on the planet or the forum?
</strong>

Better? No. More experienced or computer literate? It could. I never said it made me any better.

<strong>
And as to your question: "Why anyone would want to run Windows on a perfectly good Mac is beyond me?" shows how much of my piece you've read. To put it bluntly: OS9 + WIN98 on one machine = BEST OF BOTH WORLDS without the cost.
</strong>

Actually, this shows how much of my post you read. I wasn't commenting on your post. I was commenting on Jim's original question. Contrary to what yoiu may think Captain paranoia, not everyone is talking about you.

And to go a step further, after extensive testing Win98 runs like shit on a MAC when compared to how it runs on a PC.
<strong>

Should I dump my Mac and buy a PC Mr 20 years experience?.

</strong>

No, if you actually took the time to read my post instead of ranting like an idiot I said BOTH platforms were pretty much same-same.

<strong>
If we continue with Mr Hustle's logic I should also discard my car which runs on Petrol and LPG and return to just petrol. Jesus Hustle! Were you born stupid?
Hey, stay off the forum or grow a brain.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Well, this is pretty cute as it is YOUR logic moron. I never said this or anything of the kind. You might want to refrain from commenting on the thoughts of others while your head is planted so firmly in your ass. It makes you sound stupid.

Have a nice day [img]smile.gif[/img]

Dan-

[ 04-25-2002: Message edited by: Danny Hustle ]</p>