Quick iMac question

that is unfortunate. Anyway way whilst im on the topic... should i buy one? why are they better than Windows based pc's. The reason i was thinking of getting one was to get rid of all the clutter under my desk.

I know it must have been covered before but some quick pointers to persuade me either way would be great.

Thanks,

Matt
 
They are better than windows based pc's becuase you can run windows and mac os x on the one machine so you can get the best of both worlds.
 
Serberus said:
I've HAD to use one at work because the company I recently joined only runs Macs and Linux (trying to migrate everyone to Mac).

If you've grown up with Windows I wouldn't switch to OSX. I've been using Linux for years as a server but neither OSX or Linux can match MS for a desktop OS yet.

http://www.serberus.net/2006/10/28/my-first-week-as-a-mac-user/

Queue flames :rolleyes:
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I wouldn't say this is flaming but I've used MS since pentium2 and I made the switch completely (apart from running a couple of windows only stuff through parallel). I've not regret since.

One thing about the Mac is, you have the choice to use OSX and or XP if you're uncomfortable or when you just need to due to software issue - however, there's always a good if not better OSX alternative too.

Just see what you think is worth it, try out OSX or something at the store and have a feel first.
Edit: Use OSx/Mac with an open mind - that's especially important because you might be too used to MS you expect it to be like MS in very way (i.e. the shortcuts, the page up page down buttons...) That will only lead to unpleasant use of it.
 
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I bought my first mac about 2 weeks ago and i think they are just brilliant.

Personally, so far, i have found:
-An app for every task i need to complete (not saying XP dont have that too)
-Smooth running (i mean VERY smooth)
-Nice aesthetics
-A GUI that is easy to use and makes jobs straight forward, i dont find myself searching for a feature or task
-Quiet operation (MacMini anyway)

Also, if you like multimedia (dvd video burning, cd curning, editing of both) then this a pleasure to do.

So far so good. :)
 
hmm good posts. Im a bit unsure about trying it in a shop I mean what do I try?? To truly know if it is a better OS would require me to be in store for a few weeks at least!

I forgot you can run windows on a Mac as well so thats a bonus, the only thing id use windows for is games I guess as everything else I do can be done on OSX (i think)
 
SoapSurgeon said:
hmm good posts. Im a bit unsure about trying it in a shop I mean what do I try?? To truly know if it is a better OS would require me to be in store for a few weeks at least!

I forgot you can run windows on a Mac as well so thats a bonus, the only thing id use windows for is games I guess as everything else I do can be done on OSX (i think)
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Toys R Us is brilliant for that - they leave the laptop on display for anyone and everyone to touch and use. That's just for what's in there, how it feels like running a few applications like itunes, iphotos and stuff...
 
Serberus said:
http://www.serberus.net/2006/10/28/my-first-week-as-a-mac-user/
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Not flaming, but I just thought I'd comment on a few of the points you've made:

1. That's an issue with your keyboard. In response to the question you ask later on in the post, yes any standard USB keyboard will work with a mac (although I don't know how the mapping will work out — presumably the Windows key will perform the same funtions as the Command key and if you don't like things there are multiple software-based mapping utilities available). On my MacBook the arrow keys act as home, page up/down and end when used in combination with Ctrl. I always thought the insert key was the most useless thing ever invented, and I see nothing wrong with it's absence from my keyboard — although I do miss the hash key (Alt+3) whilst churning out code.

2. You can always triple-click to select a line of code

8. You get used to it, and it's not really an inconvenience.

10 & 11. Have you had a look at TextMate? I'm not sure if that will solve those particular gripes of yours, but on the whole I find TextMate much nicer than bbEdit.

13. Try Mozilla Thunderbird. With a few extensions you'll have it set up exactly how you like it — there's no need to stick with Mail.app if you don't want to!

*av
 
I got a Macbook Pro this morning and have to say I have fallen in love with it immediately, I replaced a mid spec (2.65Ghz X2, 2Gb Ram, x1800XT, 19" TFT) system and while Im still coming to terms with losing a lot of storage and dedicated sound card, the benefits I have seen already outweigh the cons.

I absolutely love spotlight, i used a program caled slickrun on xp where i pressed a key combo, typed in a program name and it loaded, whereas spotlght is fully integrated into osx.
i love the file structure, and while not qite as easy for me to organise everything, there is a lot less clutter.

all the bundled software is excellent, and things i will use, especially iphoto, i love!! the fact i can plug my k750i in and osx immediately picks it up, syncs to my portable, downads my pictures etc.

front row is very nice to browse throgh pics and videos when i take my portable places.

i have a .mac account so i also find it amazing how all my bookmarks, contats, e-mails are automatcally synced and backed up regularly.

i am getting to grips with itunes, i came from foobar and am slightly missing it however.

overall i am thoroughly loving the mac experience :) xp was easier to install on parallels than on it's own, however I dont think ill be using xp for anything, so am tempted to remove it.

now all i need is a digital camera and an ipod, oh and a printer :)
 
good to hear a range of opinions. One more question how easy are they to upgrade? Do I have to get 2gb ram now or can i upgrade it later etc?

thanks,

Matt

edit: i just noticed it has dvi out, does that mean that i can plug in another monitor and have dual screens? Or is the answer still no? :(
 
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I was playing with a twin 2.6GHz MacPro.. very nice, smooth and usable today.. tempting but I have an X2 PC at home.

Annoying thing is you can't just plug a 8800GTX into it as the firmware is different I believe.
 
Entourage requires Outlook Web Access to be enabled on the Exchange server, and is generally ass compared to Outlook.

However, Mail.app serves me well for accessing my uni email, much prefer it to Thunderbird.
 
SoapSurgeon said:
good to hear a range of opinions. One more question how easy are they to upgrade? Do I have to get 2gb ram now or can i upgrade it later etc?
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The RAM used in the iMac is all standard stuff (although I'm not sure if it's SODIMM or regular desktop RAM? Can't be bothered to look it up!) which can be bought from a number of manufacturers, often cheaper than from Apple themselves. RAM installation on the iMac could not be simpler, and there should be instructions in the user manual on how to do it, too.

SoapSurgeon said:
i just noticed it has dvi out, does that mean that i can plug in another monitor and have dual screens? Or is the answer still no? :(
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You sure can run dual-screen using the output — extending your desktop across at different resolutions, not just stretching or mirroring. Although bare in mind the fact that it does not have a DVI output — it has a mini-DVI output. You will need to buy a DVI or VGA adapter (sold separately by Apple) to hook up an external monitor, and the DVI adapters supplied by Apple cannot be used in conjunction with DVI->VGA adapters either.

*av
 
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Al Vallario said:
The RAM used in the iMac is all standard stuff (although I'm not sure if it's SODIMM or regular desktop RAM? Can't be bothered to look it up!) which can be bought from a number of manufacturers, often cheaper than from Apple themselves. RAM installation on the iMac could not be simpler, and there should be instructions in the user manual on how to do it, too.

You sure can run dual-screen using the output — extending your desktop across at different resolutions, not just stretching or mirroring. Although bare in mind the fact that it does not have a DVI output — it has a mini-DVI output. You will need to buy a DVI or VGA adapter (sold separately by Apple) to hook up an external monitor, and the DVI adapters supplied by Apple cannot be used in conjunction with DVI->VGA adapters either.

*av
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Excellent! Im starting to warm to the idea now. I've noticed that the majority of the games i play are also on mac as well so may not even bother installing windows on it :eek:

Another question regarding upgrades: can i stick other pci(? dunno if they use pci) cards into it like a tv card? As it would seem a waste having such a huge screen and not being able to double it up as a tv.

Cheers,

Matt

p.s. I hate apple... they price their products perfectly so start off with the cheapest and think "oh, ill just add a bit more ram" then the price is so close to the next one up you think "well i may as well get that one". This process repeats until youve convinced yourself to buy the Mac Daddy 24".
 
SoapSurgeon said:
p.s. I hate apple... they price their products perfectly so start off with the cheapest and think "oh, ill just add a bit more ram" then the price is so close to the next one up you think "well i may as well get that one". This process repeats until youve convinced yourself to buy the Mac Daddy 24".
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Ya, rly. I was looking at the low-end Mac mini and have ended up settling on a fully loaded Core2Duo black MacBook. :o
 
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