Is Apple Mac still the only real option for graphic design work or are PCs good enough these days?

Question

I run a small (35 people) publishing business. Our marketing and design team use Macs for graphic design work (leaflets, web banners, book jackets and so on - no video or more complex work). The rest of us use PCs for office tasks. Increasingly we find it hard to get IT support for the Macs and I would like to move everyone to PCs. However, I have always thought that Macs were superior for creative work and that's certainly the prevailing wisdom in our design department!

However, this thinking dates back at least 10 years. These days are modern PCs and PC software more than up to the job for design work or is there still a great divide? I don't want to hurt our design capability or quality but I'd like some advice on whether moving to all PCs would be a smart move. I'd be glad to hear from any creatives or design managers who have POSITIVE things to say about using PCs for creative work but also any recent horror stories about being forced to give up your beloved Macs.

Answer 1

You are right about Macs, great for the publishing business, but sucks for the business end.

If you use a Windows mode on your Macs to use Quickbooks and other PC software, be sure that you DO NOT use it on the internet. I fear that Windows Based MACS will be poorly maintained and be very vulnerable to attack.

A Mac user becomes an easy sucker for SpyWare, Virus and Malware attack. Once you have gone to PC, you are doomed, and MUST learn how to handle these maintenance issues.

In your business, you have to stick with the MACs. It would be best if all of your MACs were nearly an identical configuration, so you learned how to manage these "beloved" computers. Organize your system and program disks. Look at your array of computers and ask yourself... "can I live through any of these MACs breaking down?" Then work on the plan to make every piece "replaceable". Backups are vital. Long term archival is vital. Develop your plans and enforce them.

Your next graphic designer HIRE should be some computer dude that has a long history of MAC computer expertise and even repair.

Answer 2

It is not so much the quality of the components although Macs out of the box do use good quality parts, it is the operating system, it's stability, reliability and security which still give Macs the advantage. Having worked in the Print trade in design and the shop floor there is a definite feeling of "job done" with a Mac. As for compatability problems I found little trouble with the office side and it was rare, apart from the occasional snaphot and proof sent to customers that a PC was ever needed.
Not anly have PCs come a long way in the past 10 years but so has the Mac and maybe the difference is now not so great there is still a marked difference when it comes to publishing including internet publishing.
For the past year I have been experimenting with Linux systems, Macs use a form of Unix as well, and have been pleasantly surprised with it's ability for graphic and multi-media design although to say it is a little rougher than the other two OS's is an understatement but it can breach the divide between the two interprettating Windows and Mac files which is why many businesses use Linux servers.
A simple question: How often have you heard of a Mac having a total system collapse compared with Windows, and I don't think Vista is going to be any better even though they have tried to make it more Mac like.

Answer 3

In my experience, Macs are more stable than Windows machines, especially now that they are using a Unix-based OS. More than that, Macs are almost invulnerable to viruses, spy-, and other mal-ware. A minimal firewall suffices for security, although backups remain a necessity. If you switch, your staff will need to acquire the necessary Windows paranoia.

Macs, when equipped comparably to Windows boxes, tend to be only a little more expensive, and tend to require much less IT assistance. Graphics and design programs are available for both, but the best and earliest deliveries tend to be on the Mac.

The real issue for you, in my opinion, will be the learning curve for your design staff if you switch. It will be exceedingly disruptive, even if you use a Windows version of the same software. Expect serious productivity slumps for at least 6 months.

When I have moved staff from one platform to another, that was our big problem. That and the "moan and groan factor." The company I was in was about the same size at the time.

Feel free to contact me directly if you want to talk more about this. You can reach me through www.GropenAssoc.com

Answer 4

10 years ago I probably would have choked on the question.
I was using a Silicon Graphics cluster at that time.
Macs now use the same Processors as Pcs.
In reality, with the new dual core processors, the Mac has no real advantage.
On the other hand, you can dual boot the Mac and run XP as well as MacOS X.
Unless there is a real conflict in file format or available software, I would switch to PCs.
Maybe 2-3 to start with and see how they work.

Answer 5

Moving to pc's would be BAD move! I work for one of scotlands main media production companies, and the day that we got rid of our last pc was the day that we no longer needed an IT department. Our office runs like clockwork, and everyone, whether they are doing creative or administrative work, has no problems with their computers.
New macs can run windows as well if you really feel the need - but i see no point.

Answer 6

I had the same dilema a while ago I wanted to get an Apple which are good for graphic design work, I think PC's are better but you would not get the same performance from a PC for graphic design work as you would from a mac . . ..therefore a mac is probably better in the long run

Answer 7

PC's are they way to go. Look at the MAC it is now using Intel (PC)
cpus and they have been using the SAME graphics cards as PC have for years. The same software and a LOT more is out there for the PC. There is NO reason to be using a MAC in this day and age.

Answer 8

I think we have all been here at some point.

The problem is that even if you make the change to PC yourselves, the industry around you runs on Apple, so unless you want to spend half your time importing and exporting from Mac to Pc file formats you are best sticking to Apple.

I am keen to see what effect the new Intel based machines have on the market, in terms of pricing, and compatability. Perhaps what we are talking about now will be much easier in a couple of years time.

Answer 9

Aint no Apple fan here but, if you wanna keep your people busy, keep them on a MAC! They wont be so likely to stray from their jobs! As far as PCs go tho, the software for PCs and graphic art is just as good if not better than MAC! Keep in mind, its folks like you who kept Apple alive! Not the general public! Lets be truthfull, Apple has NEVER been anything but a market failure!

Answer 10

Macs are the 'industry standard' which means that any work your creative department does will have real problems when it goes to the repro house to be output and printed if it's from a PC. Stick with Macs and ask around for support - there are brilliant Mac support services out there.