For photography, should I use PC or Mac?

Question

My parents want to buy me a lap top for christmas or graduation. I've never had a Mac (raised on PC and Microsoft) BUT I do have access to one that I can try. I will be using it mostly for photoshop and college(hopefully SCAD). Which is more efficient for this kind of work?

I already have PS CS2.

Answer 1

The best choice is always a Mac. Apple uses superior hardware in every Macintosh. The main difference? Macs have a much better design, in my opinion. The MacBook is very durable. MagSafe will save your computer from a fall should someone trip over the power cord. There's also the Sudden Motion Sensor, which will park the hard drive's heads if the system detects a fall taking place, a feature that only Apple provides. There's also the built in iSight camera, which has a much higher resolution than the web cameras seen on PCs. The glossy wide-screen display is beautiful, to say the least. The audio hardware is great, with hybrid analog/digital/optical input/output. Let's not forget the built-in AirPort Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth. Now let's move on to software... It's the only notebook on the market that can run Mac OS X and Windows XP, but let's focus on Mac OS X, the most advanced operating system in the world. Don't let people tell you that Macs are less prone to viruses because it's lack of users or low market share. This isn't true. It's actually due to the Mac's UNIX underpinnings. Here's an article explaining exactly why Mac OS X is more secure than Windows XP:

http://weblog.infoworld.com/enterprisemac/archives/2006/08/is_windows_inhe.html

There's also the myth that there's a lack of software for Mac. This, again, is not true. There may be millions of calendar programs for the PC, but how many of them are worth using? Maybe two or three? Simply put, crap doesn't survive in the Mac market. Most of the software available to Mac is much better than it's PC counterpart. You can find Mac software for just about anything. There's also a lot of great open source applications, due to Mac's close relationship to other open source UNIX-based operating systems. There are many great features to talk about when it comes to Mac OS X, but it would take me forever to tell you about them. There's just so many, like built-in system-wide spellchecking, as you type. A system-wide dictionary that can be invoked in any application with a few simple key strokes. You can search your entire system instantly with Spotlight. It comes in handy when you have thousands of files to search through. The results come up as soon as you type a letter. :-) These are just a few of the thousands of great things you'll find in Mac OS X. It's crazy how many great things Mac OS X can do. Take it from me, I've been using Mac for two years and I'm still finding features that amaze me. Get a Mac, you'll love it.

http://www.apple.com/getamac/

If you have any specific questions about Mac, just send me an e-mail. I'm always glad to help a switcher.

Answer 2

I would stick with a PC and here's why.

There is much more done with a PC. More sharing, more programs, more everything. You also KNOW the PC. Photoshop works just great on a PC.

If you were going to school for Graphic Design or do work for the "PRINT" industry, then a MAC would have it's advantages... That would be the only reason to pick a MAC.

Most Professional photographers that I know, use PCs.

Take a very close look at Toshiba. These are well built and rugged. While you might be thinking of Dell, I can tell you from first hand, that they are junky and not reliable. HPs are a good 2nd choice.

The new Toshibas have that Finger Print security system. It really works great to keep people OUT. Program that, and go with confidence. By the way, laptops are the most stolen item in America. Drug users turn them into Quick Cash. You read the newspapers, 20,000 stolen last year.

Good luck

Answer 3

read Macgeek and Lady in Red's responses, then take a look at the macbook pro and software like Aperture 1.5 and the CS2 suite.
You'll find that when it comes to professionnal photography and design Mac is just plain better...
good luck in school ~ w

Answer 4

What MacGeek said - EMPHATICALLY - took most of the words out m'mouth, bless his Apple-bitten head!!
But I digress...
People who are planning on attending college should also note that there are usually Technical requirements on the hardware & software that they must bring with them should they be accepted there as a student. Before you and your parents purchase a computer system, take a look at those requirements Admission Policies for that college or university. I suggest that you purchase the maximum that you can afford and that will fullfill the maximum requirements.

Since you are planning on going to Savannah College of Art & Design, these are the computer system requirements for their e-Learning program for instance:
http://www.scad.edu/elearning/admission/policies.cfm

Most colleges do have MAC/PC computer labs, but they get really bogged down during peak student usage times. Some colleges require you to have a personal computer anyway.

If you are going to get a MAC laptop, the MacBook series - in particular the MacBook Pro seems right for your graphic arts studies - not the iBook series.

MacBook Pro At a Glance
* 15.4- or 17-inch widescreen display
* Up to 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo
* 667MHz frontside bus and main memory
* PCI Express architecture
* Up to 120GB Serial ATA hard drive
* ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with up to 256MB memory on 16-lane PCI Express
* ExpressCard/34 slot
* Dual-link DVI, VGA adapter included
* FireWire 400, FireWire 800 (17-inch only), and USB 2.0 ports
* Optical digital and analog audio I/O, built-in microphone and stereo speakers
* Slot-loading SuperDrive
* Illuminated keyboard, Scrolling TrackPad
* Built-in AirPort Extreme (802.11g), Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, and Gigabit Ethernet
* Mac OS X Tiger with iLife ’06 featuring iWeb, iWork ’06 trial, and more
* MagSafe Power Adapter
http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/

You can test-drive them at an Apple store or reseller nearest you...http://www.apple.com/buy/

Apple has College & University Student financial assistance for purchases. http://www.apple.com/financing/

Lastly, you are purchasing the latest technology, this laptop is has plenty of upgrade potential and will get you through to your first job, or to design for your your first client as a Graphics Designer in the years to come!

Should you want more information on the availablity of hardware, software, transferring your PC skills to the MAC, and other MAC resources that you will not find on the Apple site, either post another question or contact me directly via my profile.

"An Apple a day keeps the PC-Doctor away" -- Lady in Red

Answer 5

Well you know PC so that may be a good choice, BUT...

Mac is more reliable i.e. No random file deletions
Mac has more power i.e. very few slowdowns
Mac has the best photo software i.e. photoshop

Answer 6

Its moslty based in the program the quality and stuff you will probably have to pay about $200 or more for a really good one or you can just get Photoshop its cheap but good.

Answer 7

I suggest PC, on there u can download/install most programs
but MAC is not so populaor with new software its kinda limited in many ways.

Answer 8

Get the Mac....It is fun, will last you a very long time, and it is what most graphic designers and design students use....