PC VS MAC: What would I expect if I changed?

Question

How often does Mac have to change their os? You just get used to one os with MS and a new one comes along. If I wanted to run vista it would require a major upgrade so I am toying with the idea of a switch.
I do a lot of video editing and photo editing, and photo dvds on my pc using xp pro and programs like Roxio, Pinnacle, Dvd X Show, ULead... depending on what I am doing at the moment. My favorite photo editing program is still Picture It 99 but not for printing the pics.
What would Macs have to offer for photo and video editing?

I own several versions of Windows. What has me thinking is that if I am interested in Vista it is not backwards compatible with many programs I depend on now and I would need to do more computer upgrading than I need to run my software. Need new hardware and software to run a new os; maybe it is time to switch? I have been using the evaluation version of Vista.

I "dual" boot now between xp home, xp pro and the vista trial.

Answer 1

Since you do a lot of video editing get the mac, although remember that if you get the mac you would have to buy a whole new set of software to go with it as most windows programs do not run on mac computers. If you are interested in the mac i would leave it a little while because there is a new version of the mac osx comming out sometime later this year.

Answer 2

Two things.

1. The Mac is focused on users who do things similar to what you do. I believe you will find the integration and the bundled tools will provide a very positive experience. Stuff just works well together when editing or managing media files.

2. The OS from Apple tends to get an upgrade 1x a year. The upgrades are not that expensive and the process is very smooth. More like receiving a patch compared to how Vista pretty much requires a hardware upgrade. Note that it is has been 5 years since Microsoft has released a new version of the OS. Some extra cost and some raising of the bar for hardware should be expected after 5 years.

One item that you might have missed. Assume you get a Mac and find that you generally are happy with the machine. Also assume there is some program that you just have to use which only runs under Windows. An Apple Mac can have Windows loaded on it so you have a choice with an Apple. You can boot up Windows (Vista, etc) or you can boot the Max OS (OS X). You are not cut off from the Windows world. To run both operating systems on the same hardware means buying a copy of Windows so this is not a free option. Just a way to benefit from using a Mac without being cut off from Windows if you really need something.

The opposite will not work so you can not buy a PC and expect to run OS X.

If you look at a higher spec PC and a Mac you will find the hardware costs almost exactly the same with the Apple being less some of the time compared to major PC brands. With the bundled applications (iLife will handle what you want) you might save money over a PC if you need to upgrade the PC software.

Answer 3

Hey, If you wanted to change over to a Mac, your learning curve will be pretty high. Macs are pretty different from Windows. Especially now that Windows is now going in a different direction with Vista. If you want good photo editing or great DVD stylers, the Mac does it better than Windows. However, you may have to use more Mac specific software. Macs may not run half or even a quarter of what Windows is able to run. Macs require Mac specific software.

But not to worry. Your Mac should come equiped with all the software that it needs to do all the great photo, DVD, and sound editing you would ever dream of doing. I'm not 100% sure of this, but you can deffinatly check out there website @ www.apple.com. You should find more than enough information.

And one more note: (1)Windows Vista is a new operating system with a lot of bugs. I would advise that you stay away from Vista until it becomes more stable with more service packs (this may take years). (2)Macs are expensive. Very expensive. $1000 bare minimum for a new one (check prices on web). You could still find older models on ebay, but wouldn't advise buying them there. If you don buy a Mac, make sure it has OS X or OS X Tiger for its operating system. (3) Windows XP beats Vista right now in the performance area by miles. It's very stable and will suit all of your needs for all kinds of editing. If you need to upgrade your computer I promise that it would be much cheaper than a Mac and less of a head ache than with Vista. Take your pick.

Answer 4

Mac has a lot more to offer for photo and video editing. That is what Mac is built for. They have a New OS coming out in Spring of 2007.