Should I get a Mac or PC laptop?

Kooli · 03-09-2008 9:48pm #1

Hi all,

I want to buy a new laptop so would like some advice on what to get.

Budget: Not really an issue if I can get something good that does everything I want. Less than 1500 (obviously a lot less than 1500 if I go for a PC).

Uses: lots of internet and email, but mainly lots of photos and photoshop, and hoping to get involved in using my new digital video recorder and editing home movies, burning them onto DVD etc. Might download some music too although that's not a huge priority.

Not hugely concerned with it being small or dainty or anything.

I don't know if that's enough information or if anyone can help me.
I've always used PCs, but the only reason I'm considering a Mac is cos I've heard it's better for working with movies and editing. (And of course all the propaganda from the Mac-heads who say once you use a Mac you don't go back!!)
But the question is there enough of a difference to justify the extra cost.

drunkmonkey · 03-09-2008 9:57pm

With your budget i think i'd buy both...

A 20inch imac for home...for €999 and a good dell for €599

you'd have the best of both world...

Kooli · 03-09-2008 10:01pm

Why would I need both?

When you say 'best of both worlds' which is best for what? WHat would I need a PC for if I had a MAC? (And vice versa)

drunkmonkey · 03-09-2008 10:09pm

If your used to a windows machine I don't think you'll be able to just walk up to a mac and figure it straight out.....i'm using one for about a year and I still haven't figured it all out.....sometimes you just need windows

have you used one?

AlmightyCushion · 03-09-2008 10:10pm

Kooli wrote: »

But the question is there enough of a difference to justify the extra cost.

That's one question we can't answer. For me, no but others would say it is. Each to their own really.

Pete4779 · 03-09-2008 11:11pm

Kooli wrote: »

Why would I need both?

When you say 'best of both worlds' which is best for what? WHat would I need a PC for if I had a MAC? (And vice versa)

Maybe not best of PC and MAc worlds but a desktop is much much better to work with for video and graphics and I suppose all work on a computer.

Bigger screens and better displays, easier and much cheaper to expand hard disk and RAM (well maybe a desktop PC as opposed to an iMac).

EDIT:
Acually, you could pick up a nice Dell XPS1530 as a laptop and get a good 22-24" TN LCD screen and spare keyboard and mouse for €1500. Now *that* is the best of both worlds (nothing to do with Macs though).

Software for both systems are pretty much identical. Photoshop, etc., . There is probably more choice of software on Windows besides the mainstream stuff on both platforms.

The hardware on both platforms (at least in CPU terms) will be identical anyway, so it really comes down to personal preference for OS interaction style - you'll end up doing the same stuff on the same hardware regardless.

Passenger · 03-09-2008 11:17pm

Well, if you're gonna be focusing slightly more on professional pursuits then probably the Mac is what you need. You'll never look back.

tmulcahy365 · 03-09-2008 11:39pm

I would get a Mac as the multimedia software available from apple is well priced and has great features. But hold out for a while as the macrumours.com buyers guide mentions that a new model update may be coming soon,

http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/

You should also know that the apple.ie web store has an outlet for certified refurbished computers if you are interested in saving some cash.

http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/irlstore.woa/wa/RSLID?sf=w4KK97TTT9DU4XPU2&nclm=Certified

The tag line is "Apple certified, good as new" so I shouldn't worry about quality

Alanstrainor · 04-09-2008 1:06am

This MAC Vs. PC debate has been done before, so if people could just try and spec up machines based on the OP's requirements rather than this Mac V Pc drivel that'd be great.

Dartz · 04-09-2008 8:51am

Seconded for the 1530...

I've had one for two months and not had a problem. 1500 quid will go very far with Dell...

320GB HDD,
Intel T9300 processor,
4GB RAM,
Nvidia 8600 GPU...

15 inch, 1440x900 screen (With larger options)

Vista premium is a bit of a dog... but throw memory at it (and use it a bit) and it'll seem lightning quick. (Compared with my last laptop with 256Mb of RAM anyway) Dell dont offer 64-bit OS, but the 4GB comes as a pair of 2Gb modules, so it's a bit either-or. The Dual channel can have a positive effect on speed... but it's up to you. It's only an extra 50 quid anyway...

It can play most games half decent, can be spec'd with a blueray drive if you want. Best thing about it is having a HD-TV and using the HDMI plug to run thinggs onto that... Animé, games, movies.... It even comes with a little remote control on the expresscard slot.

That cost me 1440 about 2 months ago, and you'd probably pick it up cheaper today if you know what you're doing. Dont pay for MacAfee or Norton, spend the money on an extended warranty instead. (I arsed this up)

1500 Euro will pay for a lot....

On money alone, you'd get better spec'd hardware from Dell, than you'd get from Apple for the same price.

Kooli · 04-09-2008 9:10am

Thanks for your help everyone.

I wish I hadn't actually mentioned a budget! If I was to go for a PC, I'm not looking to actually spend the whole amount, that would only be for a MAC cos they're more expensive.

And I don't do any gaming, and I won't be watching movies on it.

And I'm not going to go professional with any of the media stuff I'm doing (at least I don't think so!!)

But I did hear that a MAC is better for simple editing software - is that not true? Cos if it's not then I might as well stick to a PC seeing as it's what I'm used to and it's so much cheaper.

Kooli · 04-09-2008 9:17am

Oh and also, I have used a MAC before a bit in college - not enough to really get the hang of it though. I don't mind putting the time in to get used to it (i.e. I wouldn't see that as a reason not to get one) but does it get confusing if you are still using a PC in work?

Tmulcahy - thanks for the tips! Will definitely keep an eye out if I go for a MAC in the end.

Dartz and Pete4779 thanks for the advice, much appreciated!

Now what to do....

Alanstrainor · 04-09-2008 11:07am

By the sounds of it, you could buy a machine for 700 that would suit your needs like a vostro 1510 or similar, with core 2 duo 1.8Ghz, 250gb hd, and 2gb ram with graphics. Check out the Dell, small business section of the site.

Hugh_C · 04-09-2008 11:49am

Hi Kooli, as a Mac user I'd recommend a Mac.

All machines come with all internet utilities you'd ever need as standard, they also come with iMovie and iPhoto as standard. iPhoto is great for organising your libraries of photos, but not great at editing. So you'd either have to buy PhotoShop (expensive enough) or download The Gimp (free).

The OS is pretty intuitive and easy to use (for me anyway).

The screen real estate on a MacBook is pretty tight, on a MacBook Pro (15") it would be better for your needs. Not sure if your a student or not or if you're VAT registered, but there are educational discounts available and there are often good deals to be had in the Apple refurb shop. These can all be accessed from http://www.applestore.ie/ and look like they'd squeeze in on budget.

One word of warning, if you decide to beef up the RAM, don't buy it from Apple because it's a ripoff, buy from crucial or somewhere similar, much better value.

Oafley Jones · 04-09-2008 11:53am

Does Mac stand for something now???:D - MAC, or is it makeup yer all buying.

Macrumors are suggesting that the new Macs won't be revealed until October and the next weeks event is to be centred on iPods. Never thought I'd say it, but i'm sick of the constant iPod updates.

Pete4779 · 04-09-2008 2:06pm

Kooli wrote: »

Thanks for your help everyone.

But I did hear that a MAC is better for simple editing software - is that not true? Cos if it's not then I might as well stick to a PC seeing as it's what I'm used to and it's so much cheaper.

For video, you will able to buy basic versions of Photoshop or Premiere on both platforms for reasonable money.

With regard to editing software, i.e., video, you will find it far easier to find video editing (e.g., cutting up, pasting together) video files on Windows than MacOS (there is an abundance of free conversion tools like SUPER). I think in MacOS there is Handbrake but apart from that you will always find that new audio and video codecs will be supported first on Windows, then Linux as the OSS usually quickly drive for inclusion into any video software and then MacOS which is usually included at a later time and in my experience charged for.

(e.g., DivX). Look at the likes of VobDec and so on. In a large part, the system you choose depends exactly on what type of editing you want to do:

1. The software application (e.g., fades, wipes, etc., )
2. The codecs you need (MPEG2, MP4, etc., )
3. The distribution system you want (e.g., DVD, BR)

If there are no games needed, then you basically need the fastest CPU, the most RAM and the quickest & largest HDD, all of which should be expandable if possible to upgrade. Picking one system could mean you have restricted choices on amount of software available for your task (less choice = costs more), unsupported codecs (Premiere is goodish but doesn't by any means have wide codec support) and conversion and distribution tools are usually way more widespread on Windows platforms (e.g., BR, DVD burning software and imaging).

(Personally I found the lack of choice of software on MacOS and the inability to get software as equivalent on it or software with as much support on it to be a reason why I stick with Windows. The likes of DVDFab, Nero, SUPER, VobDec, every possible codec being supported, and always getting the latest versions first is reason enough).

Dartz · 04-09-2008 2:22pm

Never mind Vendor Lockin that would get a company the size of Microsoft done for anti-trust (again). MAC's arent the best for FRU's... pretty much everything and anything on a Dell or IBM/Lenovo especially can be replaced in the field by a reasonably competent user.... Apple (especially the Macbook Air) are buttoned up tight.

The users manual for my laptop comes with instruction for replacing/adding: Flash cache module, GSM module, WLAN module, RAM, HDD and keyboard... among other things. Heatsink can be ripped out for cleaning. The whole thing is pig-easy to dismantle and put back together.

And provided you buy the parts from Dell, following those proceedures doesnt void the warranty.

Kooli · 04-09-2008 3:20pm

I'm drowing in acronyms but thanks for all the great advice folks!!

Hugh_C · 04-09-2008 3:40pm

Pete4779 wrote: »

I think in MacOS there is Handbrake but apart from that you will always find that new audio and video codecs will be supported first on Windows, then Linux as the OSS usually quickly drive for inclusion into any video software and then MacOS which is usually included at a later time and in my experience charged for.

Not strictly true Pete, VisualHub, basic QuickTime, Handbrake, vlc, MacTheRipper - all free or included, all easily downloaded and installed. New codecs are aded almost on a weekly basis to VisualHub.

You just have to know where to look for software - http://www.versiontracker.com/macosx/ is pretty hot.

I get the impression from the OP that s/he wants to capture stuff from a video camera in which case the codecs won't be an issue. You can also publish DVDs directly from iMovie.

Premier sucks chrome off toe-bars.

bealbocht · 04-09-2008 4:47pm

The high end professional software, has been much better on the Mac for video and picture editing. Photoshop and final cut pro, for video.

But , if you are not used to mac, and have no experience of final cut, it will proabably be an expensive waste.

iMoive I think comes as standard with most macs, did with mine, and you can make DVDs handy enough, but I still find I use the windows laptop a lot for more common software.

I know, most PCs can cope pretty well with some good video editing software.
So unless you feel like spending €1000+ on professional video editing software, that only runs on a mac, you will probably be as well off sticking with a windows solution. Or its all the same .. what ever..

Actually.. you sould try and think about what "software" you want to use/what is available to you... and work it out from there.

Kooli · 04-09-2008 5:33pm

Hugh_C wrote: »

I get the impression from the OP that s/he wants to capture stuff from a video camera in which case the codecs won't be an issue.

Yeah that's right. Most of what I'll be using will be off a digital camcorder. But some will also be transferred from old VHS, so I don't know what format that would be...

I don't want professional editing software, iMovie or something similar might be enough.

Pete4779 · 04-09-2008 7:07pm

I'd say you should pop down to an Apple shop and have a feel for the OS and iMovie. I'm not a MacOS X user , but quite a few mates have them and Apple do include a lot of solid basic software as standard (even if they all have to bless themselves whenever someone says Steve Jobs

).

If it was music creation for example, then a MacOS X system would be no question for the likes of Logic Studio.

You know already what Windows is like so a bit of a test drive would be in order I think! The only real Mac in your price range is a Macbook. The Macbook Pro would obviously be a better choice but much more expensive. Does it need to be a laptop or like earlier would a desktop setup suffice?

As for importing VHS stuff, you should do a bit of reading on formats used on specialist forums. iMovie by what I know has no problem importing from the likes of DV camcorders, etc., .

gamer · 04-09-2008 7:19pm

Get a dell laptop as advised above ,with extended warranty .Make sure the graphics chip is good,geoforce or nvidia.Get 3 or 4gb ram,at least 3 usb ports.Have a look at laptops in the shops ,if its your main pc get a 17inch screen.you can always upgrade the hardrive ,get at least 160gb to start off with.BUY a video editing program ,or download a public domain 1 .
I think you don,t need a mac, they are almost twice the price of pc laptops.GET laptop with vista os on it.MACS are used by artists ,designers ,video editors alot .theres nothing wrong with macs ,but as pros they can claim tax allowances on them,so an extra grand for a mac is nothing to a professional editor.
You might want a firewire in interface if you have a digital camcorder.
Spend 700 euro and you,ll get a very fast dell laptop,take out a 3 year warranty ,extended.A dual core 2.5ghz mac is no faster,or more powerful than a dell pc with with the same cpu/ram.Most pc programs have demo versions or lite versions avaidable.Think about what resolution do you like to use the internet ,eg 1000x768 ,if so, is it a good idea go get a laptop with a higher resolution screen. A 700 euro dell is probably 1200plus for a mac with the same cpu ,ram ,motherboard specification.The graphics card should have at least 200meg vram .YOU could buy 15inch laptop,handy to carry around, plug it into an larger monitor when doing video editing.
Google laptop recommended for video editing , av laptops pc.

papu · 04-09-2008 11:36pm

Yes get an Xps 1530 , a nice screen , or one of the new dell studio hybrids , Macs are all show and no glory , for simple editing Windows movie Maker , standerd on vista , or Avid Free , are perfect for simple quick home movies , and capturing from video cameras

theres no point paying a high premium on something with less features only because people say " its better" , the dell comes with a free remote , 18 euros with the mac laptop , fingerprint scanner , Card reader hdmi out , i have one infront of me and i've never thought of looking back , Check out the dell outlet store for great bargins

edit:: just looking over it again , getting a cheap studio laptop might be the best bet , the graphics card is enough to keep up with editing , but not games

a 17" for 699 including free delivery is just awesome value
no mac can top that
http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/laptop_studio_17?c=ie&cs=iedhs1&l=en&s=dhs

bnt · 06-09-2008 3:04pm

Don't forget that if you buy PC hardware, you're not locked in to Microsoft Windows. You could also bung a Linux version on it, such as Ubuntu. Less bloated, huge number of applications, all free, perhaps not as polished as you might get from a Macintosh.

papu · 06-09-2008 3:18pm

bnt wrote: »

Don't forget that if you buy PC hardware, you're not locked in to Microsoft Windows. You could also bung a Linux version on it, such as Ubuntu. Less bloated, huge number of applications, all free, perhaps not as polished as you might get from a Macintosh.

you do know that you can install linux distros on apple machines?? :rolleyes:

Should I get a Mac or PC laptop?

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