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why should I get a iMac??

  • 12-05-2011 10:32PM
    #1
    JohnSmith17
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 231 ✭✭


    I need a bit of re-insurance!!!


«1

Comments

  • #2
    Johnmb
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,150 ✭✭✭Johnmb


    JohnSmith17 wrote: »
    I need a bit of re-insurance!!!
    You'd be better off posting this is the Mac forum:
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=108


  • #3
    aidan_walsh
    Closed Accounts Posts: 17,208 ✭✭✭✭aidan_walsh


    Moved.


  • #4
    Hobbes
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,264 ✭✭✭✭Hobbes


    Why do you need a computer? I don't think anyone can tell you why *you* need a Mac.

    They might explain some of the benefits of the Mac, but that is it.


  • #5
    Dublinstiofán
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,190 ✭✭✭Dublinstiofán


    JohnSmith17 wrote: »
    I need a bit of re-insurance!!!

    In my opinion the best reason to get a mac is because it makes life easier. I bought an iMac at christmas and before that we had a Dell. My parents were afraid to use the Dell. It took 20 minutes to boot up and browsing and word processing were almost impossible unless the machine was on for at least an hour. Every time i look at the iMac now one or other of them are on it because its so easy to use.

    Just a small few things but, things like
    • You get a new camera, you plug it in iPhoto will work.
    • You get a new printer, you plug it in chances are the drivers are already there.
    • The system boots up and shuts down quicker.
    • Its a far superior Operating System.
    • You can put windows on it if you so desire at a later date with 'Boot Camp'
    • If looked after well it will most certainly last two to three times longer than a windows machine (from personal experience) and doesn't loose its speed!


  • #6
    Stainless_Steel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,155 ✭✭✭Stainless_Steel


    Dublinstiofán wrote: »
    In my opinion the best reason to get a mac is because it makes life easier. I bought an iMac at christmas and before that we had a Dell. My parents were afraid to use the Dell. It took 20 minutes to boot up and browsing and word processing were almost impossible unless the machine was on for at least an hour. Every time i look at the iMac now one or other of them are on it because its so easy to use.

    Just a small few things but, things like
    • You get a new camera, you plug it in iPhoto will work.
    • You get a new printer, you plug it in chances are the drivers are already there.
    • The system boots up and shuts down quicker.
    • Its a far superior Operating System.
    • You can put windows on it if you so desire at a later date with 'Boot Camp'
    • If looked after well it will most certainly last two to three times longer than a windows machine (from personal experience) and doesn't loose its speed!

    While I agree with your bullet points, I don't think it's fair to compare with your dell machine...I have both a windows machine and an iMac and my windows PC is deffo not like your dell!


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  • #7
    Fatboydim
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,924 ✭✭✭Fatboydim


    I used to build my own PCs. Then about five years ago I shifted over to Mac. I've never looked back. Maybe two or three times in all those years I've has a frozen screen - but just like an iPod - reboot and it's fine. Unlike Windows machines that BSOD all the time.

    [And in fact when I have had a frozen screen it's usually because of Microsoft Office]

    Best thing about Mac? - No need to worry about Viruses. [Though caution should still be advised - however I have had no issues whatsoever.]

    Worst thing? - Not so good for games.


  • #8
    Stainless_Steel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,155 ✭✭✭Stainless_Steel


    Yeah if you're into your gaming and don't want to splash out on 2 machines then deffo don't by a mac!


  • #9
    Trevor451
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,463 ✭✭✭Trevor451


    Dublinstiofán wrote: »
    In my opinion the best reason to get a mac is because it makes life easier. I bought an iMac at christmas and before that we had a Dell. My parents were afraid to use the Dell. It took 20 minutes to boot up and browsing and word processing were almost impossible unless the machine was on for at least an hour. Every time i look at the iMac now one or other of them are on it because its so easy to use.

    Just a small few things but, things like
    • You get a new camera, you plug it in iPhoto will work.
    • You get a new printer, you plug it in chances are the drivers are already there.
    • The system boots up and shuts down quicker.
    • Its a far superior Operating System.
    • You can put windows on it if you so desire at a later date with 'Boot Camp'
    • If looked after well it will most certainly last two to three times longer than a windows machine (from personal experience) and doesn't loose its speed!

    • Most cameras are detected as USB storage devices so they work out of the box with windows as well.
    • Windows update downloads the drivers automatically off the web.
    • Windows boots up/shuts down really fast with a SDD.
    • You can install mac os on a PC (you might be breaking apple EULA)

    I have windows 7 on my main computer and it is one of the best operating systems I have ever used. I even use it on my netbook (which has a crappy intel atom processor)

    Main reason you have had a bad experience with your dell is because DELL pre install there systems with junk. Not really microsofts fault is it?

    I personally would not go with a mac because the hardware is so overpriced for what you get.


  • #10
    Sean Quagmire
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,348 ✭✭✭Sean Quagmire


    Trevor451 wrote: »
    I personally would not go with a mac because the hardware is so overpriced for what you get.

    I hear what your saying on the other points but Just on the hardware, I have always been let down by the hardware on windows systems. Dell, Siemens, Toshiba, and HP have let me down in the past with crappy hardware. If I looked at a top spec sony with a decent laptop casing, I'd be in the same price region of a mbp. I'm generalising a bit, but on hardware alone nothing comes close to the apple stuff imo.


  • #11
    challengemaster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,930 ✭✭✭✭challengemaster


    Trevor451 wrote: »
    I personally would not go with a mac because the hardware is so overpriced for what you get.

    Here we go. AGAIN.

    /sigh


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  • #12
    Trevor451
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,463 ✭✭✭Trevor451


    challengemaster wrote: »
    Here we go. AGAIN.

    /sigh

    Sorry for voicing my opinion? :rolleyes:
    Sean Quagmire wrote: »
    I hear what your saying on the other points but Just on the hardware, I have always been let down by the hardware on windows systems. Dell, Siemens, Toshiba, and HP have let me down in the past with crappy hardware. If I looked at a top spec sony with a decent laptop casing, I'd be in the same price region of a mbp. I'm generalising a bit, but on hardware alone nothing comes close to the apple stuff imo.

    I do agree that OEMs such as dell and acer do have really bad build quality and charge outrageous prices for what you get. Apple use the same components as many OEMS do (I believe that macs are made by the same manufacture as dell (foxconn)

    I built my own computer from components and it ended up way cheaper and you know that you are getting high quality components.


  • #13
    maccored
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,786 ✭✭✭✭maccored


    have you ever owned a mac? If so, did you have it for long? Using a friends one, or using a mac in 1987 dont count.

    Trevor451 wrote: »
    • Most cameras are detected as USB storage devices so they work out of the box with windows as well.
    • Windows update downloads the drivers automatically off the web.
    • Windows boots up/shuts down really fast with a SDD.
    • You can install mac os on a PC (you might be breaking apple EULA)

    I have windows 7 on my main computer and it is one of the best operating systems I have ever used. I even use it on my netbook (which has a crappy intel atom processor)

    Main reason you have had a bad experience with your dell is because DELL pre install there systems with junk. Not really microsofts fault is it?

    I personally would not go with a mac because the hardware is so overpriced for what you get.


  • #14
    Kavrocks
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,347 ✭✭✭Kavrocks


    Trevor451 wrote: »
    I personally would not go with a mac because the hardware is so overpriced for what you get.
    I've been looking into this a lot lately while trying to decide what laptop to get and for what I need I've found a brand new mac off the apple site to be cheaper than any comparable windows based laptop from the top vendors websites.

    At first glance the mac seemed very expensive but when I compared like with like it turned out at least $100 cheaper than any comparable windows model. I have never used or bought a mac before but I'm seriously thinking of making my next purchase a mac.

    I would love to be proved wrong but even microsofts website comparison section highlights windows models that are more expensive than the mac they are compared with and in some cases do not have as good hardware as the mac.


  • #15
    NullZer0
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,629 ✭✭✭NullZer0


    Dublinstiofán wrote: »
    In my opinion the best reason to get a mac is because it makes life easier. I bought an iMac at christmas and before that we had a Dell. My parents were afraid to use the Dell. It took 20 minutes to boot up and browsing and word processing were almost impossible unless the machine was on for at least an hour. Every time i look at the iMac now one or other of them are on it because its so easy to use.

    Just a small few things but, things like
    • You get a new camera, you plug it in iPhoto will work.
    • You get a new printer, you plug it in chances are the drivers are already there.
    • The system boots up and shuts down quicker.
    • Its a far superior Operating System.
    • You can put windows on it if you so desire at a later date with 'Boot Camp'
    • If looked after well it will most certainly last two to three times longer than a windows machine (from personal experience) and doesn't loose its speed!

    Sounds like Ubuntu :-)


  • #16
    jack presley
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    Dublinstiofán wrote: »

    Just a small few things but, things like
    • You get a new printer, you plug it in chances are the drivers are already there.
    Except if it's a Dell printer.


  • #17
    Deep Thought
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,609 ✭✭✭Deep Thought


    Well

    I am not going to get into the "Over Priced" "Apple Restricted" argument

    Bought a Macbook in 2007 after several Laptops of various descent

    The Mac I foung is easier to use, I believe its safer due to the OS and the fact that not many viruses etc out there

    I also like the way the OS works, it doesn't really install the applications but mounts them on the disk. This minimizes the access that the apps have to the OS and in-doing so prevents any sneaky things getting further, it also makes it easier to un-install

    I like the look and feel of the Mac, I think the Mag lock is great and have save many a topple

    It has a great sensor that figures out if the Mac is falling and locks the HDD thus saving me again.

    Its very easy to upgrade and have recently put in new HDD and RAM, the great thing was it asked me do I have a restore file (which I had via time machine) and it installed everything as it was when I left it

    I love the way it doesn't keep asking me questions when I do something, Windows seems so paranoid about you doing anything.

    You can buy MS Office and all the usual apps that Windows has.

    I like that when a new version of the OS comes out..there is one version for all, not a Home, Professional, version..just one


    I have installed a windows partition using Boot Camp and if needed I can get windows but I have only used it 2-3 times

    I haven't looked back after buying my Mac and after 4 years have only had one problem and even that was down to an issue with an app and not the m/c itself

    So..I would say go for it, You will be impressed

    The narrower a man’s mind, the broader his statements.



  • #18
    DualFrontDiscs
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 932 ✭✭✭DualFrontDiscs


    I am typing this on my iMac.

    Life is good.

    DFD.


  • #19
    Johnmb
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,150 ✭✭✭Johnmb


    Trevor451 wrote: »
    I personally would not go with a mac because the hardware is so overpriced for what you get.
    That's not an accurate statement. While you can buy a PC cheaper than you can buy a Mac, if you actually compare like with like, the Mac is not that expensive. In fact, when I needed a new computer in work last year, it worked out a couple of hundred Euro cheaper to get an iMac that to get an equally spec'ed Dell, and that included the fact that I had to add the cost of Parallels and Windows 7 on to the cost of the iMac!


  • #20
    Oafley Jones
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,545 ✭✭✭Oafley Jones


    Johnmb wrote: »
    That's not an accurate statement. While you can buy a PC cheaper than you can buy a Mac, if you actually compare like with like, the Mac is not that expensive. In fact, when I needed a new computer in work last year, it worked out a couple of hundred Euro cheaper to get an iMac that to get an equally spec'ed Dell, and that included the fact that I had to add the cost of Parallels and Windows 7 on to the cost of the iMac!

    I'd argue that it's not that simple. While Apple tend to include very expensive processors they tend to cut corners in other areas e.g. the MBA we just got standard config is 2GB of ram - which is a joke in 2011 for a 1,300 euro machine. Graphics cards, 5400rpm hard drives, the screen on the MBP 13 - even the 15 MBP isn't something you'll be shouting about - are areas where they're making up those margins. The 27inch iMac is actually pretty decent value given the going rate of 27 IPS panels. You may not have the exact same processor, but it shouldn't be hard to get a cheaper Windows machine that'll smoke a Mac in overall performance.


  • #21
    scotty_irish
    Closed Accounts Posts: 427 ✭✭scotty_irish


    you shouldn't. get a mac for a laptop but for a desktop build one yourself and linux it. Some great distros out there. save a fortune, and get a quality machine.


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  • #22
    Oafley Jones
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,545 ✭✭✭Oafley Jones


    Deep Thought wrote: »
    Well

    I am not going to get into the "Over Priced" "Apple Restricted" argument

    Bought a Macbook in 2007 after several Laptops of various descent

    The Mac I foung is easier to use, I believe its safer due to the OS and the fact that not many viruses etc out there

    I also like the way the OS works, it doesn't really install the applications but mounts them on the disk. This minimizes the access that the apps have to the OS and in-doing so prevents any sneaky things getting further, it also makes it easier to un-install

    I like the look and feel of the Mac, I think the Mag lock is great and have save many a topple

    It has a great sensor that figures out if the Mac is falling and locks the HDD thus saving me again.

    Its very easy to upgrade and have recently put in new HDD and RAM, the great thing was it asked me do I have a restore file (which I had via time machine) and it installed everything as it was when I left it

    I love the way it doesn't keep asking me questions when I do something, Windows seems so paranoid about you doing anything.

    You can buy MS Office and all the usual apps that Windows has.

    I like that when a new version of the OS comes out..there is one version for all, not a Home, Professional, version..just one


    I have installed a windows partition using Boot Camp and if needed I can get windows but I have only used it 2-3 times

    I haven't looked back after buying my Mac and after 4 years have only had one problem and even that was down to an issue with an app and not the m/c itself

    So..I would say go for it, You will be impressed

    Just to be aware that upgrading the HDD isn't so easy on new iMacs.


  • #23
    Hobbes
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,264 ✭✭✭✭Hobbes


    Stainless_Steel wrote: »
    Yeah if you're into your gaming and don't want to splash out on 2 machines then deffo don't by a mac!


    You have no clue what you are talking about, or maybe you are posting from 1995. It is hard to tell.

    You have steam for Mac, app store games and bootcamp to play all your windows games you still own.


  • #24
    Stainless_Steel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,155 ✭✭✭Stainless_Steel


    Hobbes wrote: »
    You have no clue what you are talking about, or maybe you are posting from 1995. It is hard to tell.

    You have steam for Mac, app store games and bootcamp to play all your windows games you still own.

    Are you serious?!

    I have steam on the mac allright...but get this....steam is not a game itself! It is very rare that a mainstream game is available for mac and that's a fact.

    And you're comparing app store games to stuff like Battlefield, Crysis etc? Obviously not a gamer yourself.

    As for bootcamp....what do I do in a year or two when the next direct x is out or there are advancements in GPUs? I can swap the card on my windows build, but not on my iMac.

    Oh that's right you wouldn't care coz you could still get the latest Angry Birds or some other app store poop.

    PS just tried Black ops through bootcamp on latest gen iMac and it is shockingly jerky on high res.


  • #25
    OctavarIan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,736 ✭✭✭OctavarIan


    Stainless_Steel wrote: »
    And you're comparing app store games to stuff like Battlefield, Crysis etc? Obviously not a gamer yourself.

    As for bootcamp....what do I do in a year or two when the next direct x is out or there are advancements in GPUs? I can swap the card on my windows build, but not on my iMac.

    Oh that's right you wouldn't care coz you could still get the latest Angry Birds or some other app store poop.

    Elitest gamers are so cute when they get all defensive, d'awwh :)


  • #26
    Stainless_Steel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,155 ✭✭✭Stainless_Steel


    OctavarIan wrote: »
    Elitest gamers are so cute when they get all defensive, d'awwh :)

    Haha damn straight.

    Hate misinformation re mac vs PC. Anyone that plays any sort of decent games needs to be really building a custom PC that is upgradable as things move on so quickly. That is not an iMac. Mac pro maybe but for 4 times the cost of custom PC.

    I prefer macs, and use as primary machine. But still have a custom built PC for non angry birds gaming :)


  • #27
    Hobbes
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,264 ✭✭✭✭Hobbes


    Stainless_Steel wrote: »
    steam is not a game itself!

    You are right. It is a games store with lots of games for the Mac.
    It is very rare that a mainstream game is available for mac

    That has changed a lot in the last couple of years. WOW, Sims3, Portal1/2, TF2, LFD2, EVE. I could cite a couple more but then we would get into an elitist argument over "mainstream game". The simple fact is mainstream games have quite rapidly grown to what you saw a couple of years ago.

    Even ignoring that you can just play the PC apps via Bootcamp.
    And you're comparing app store games to stuff like Battlefield, Crysis etc? Obviously not a gamer yourself.

    See what I mean about what you define "mainstream game". Incidently Crysis runs fine on my Mac with setttings maxed out.
    As for bootcamp....what do I do in a year or two when the next direct x is out or there are advancements in GPUs?

    Well if you have the money you can sell your current mac (for a better price then you can sell a PC) and just buy the next Mac up.

    Or if you can't afford it you can still play the current OSX games or the millions of PC games, or further 1000's of roms out there, etc, etc.
    PS just tried Black ops through bootcamp on latest gen iMac

    What is the spec of your iMac?

    TL;DR, anyone says there isn't games for the mac is talking out their backside.

    [edit] I am aware if I was a hardcore PC gamer I would be better with a PC, but I am not. I prefer a machine that I can get stuff done with and play games with.


  • #28
    Stainless_Steel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,155 ✭✭✭Stainless_Steel


    Hobbes wrote: »
    [edit] I am aware if I was a hardcore PC gamer I would be better with a PC, but I am not. I prefer a machine that I can get stuff done with and play games with.

    You had me worried....I was just about to ask you if you would seriously recommend a mac over a PC for serious gaming.

    I agree the mac can suit some peoples gaming needs.


  • #29
    nesf
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,644 ✭✭✭✭nesf


    Stainless_Steel wrote: »
    You had me worried....I was just about to ask you if you would seriously recommend a mac over a PC for serious gaming.

    I agree the mac can suit some peoples gaming needs.

    Can suit anyone who isn't a performance junkie to be honest with Bootcamp so long as you don't go for a minimum spec Mac.


  • #30
    Hobbes
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,264 ✭✭✭✭Hobbes


    Stainless_Steel wrote: »
    You had me worried....I was just about to ask you if you would seriously recommend a mac over a PC for serious gaming.

    It depends a lot on the game and the Mac you are using.

    For example my Mac plays TF2 and CS:S perfectly at max resolution and no annoyances that you get in the windows version.

    Here is my machine.
    Model Name:	Mac mini
  Model Identifier:	Macmini4,1
  Processor Name:	Intel Core 2 Duo
  Processor Speed:	2.66 GHz
  Number Of Processors:	1
  Total Number Of Cores:	2
  L2 Cache:	3 MB
  Memory:	8 GB
  Bus Speed:	1.07 GHz

    Before you wonder about the price my previous mac I bought for 700 euros I resold it for 500 euros, so it subsidized buying this. There is no way I would of gotten that kind of resale price on a PC (and less prats asking you to strip the machine and sell it in bits at less).


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  • #31
    Stainless_Steel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,155 ✭✭✭Stainless_Steel


    Hobbes wrote: »
    It depends a lot on the game and the Mac you are using.

    For example my Mac plays TF2 and CS:S perfectly at max resolution and no annoyances that you get in the windows version.

    Here is my machine.
    Model Name:	Mac mini
  Model Identifier:	Macmini4,1
  Processor Name:	Intel Core 2 Duo
  Processor Speed:	2.66 GHz
  Number Of Processors:	1
  Total Number Of Cores:	2
  L2 Cache:	3 MB
  Memory:	8 GB
  Bus Speed:	1.07 GHz

    Before you wonder about the price my previous mac I bought for 700 euros I resold it for 500 euros, so it subsidized buying this. There is no way I would of gotten that kind of resale price on a PC (and less prats asking you to strip the machine and sell it in bits at less).

    Agree that it can suit some types of gaming habits but not mine.

    For the price of your mac I have a quad i5 and radeon 6870 surrounded by similarly high end components. Sure it's not as pretty, well made and deffo has inferior resale value.

    But it's fulfilling a need the mac can't - serious FPS on the latest games. Hence I go back to my original post. If you're into gaming don't buy mac. When I say "into" I mean performance matters.


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