Is there really a difference in capacity between Mac and PC, or do the apps all do the same thing by now?

Question

I don't mean style or personal taste, I mean capabilities, functions, utilities, etc...

If I got a computer it would be for drawing using Paint Shop or Photoshop...

Just to clarify, I have used a PC at work every day for decades. I'm finally considering getting a computer at home for hobby purposes (drawing) as opposed to business purposes. I don't know jack about MACs, but back in the eighties everyone said MACs are better for hobbies, PCs are better for data processing. I'm wondering: Is this still true?

Answer 1

I use both platforms to run applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Excell, Word and others. Once inside the application, I find the functionality pretty transparent, with the only noticible differences being a few keyboard shortcut commands.

If any perfomance differences remain, they have much more to do with raw processor speeds. On extremely large graphics files, rendering times may be, noticably slower in machines with single processors, when compared with a dual processor model. But, these differences are probably measured in seconds, or less on 2D graphics.

I do very little 3D modeling and animation. But friends of mine who do tell me that these rendering times are VERY noticable, and report that dual processors are, almost, mandatory if one doesn't want to spend a lot of time watching the little window on the monitor telling them how much time is left in the process.

Again, they say that it is NOT the platform (Mac or PC) but, rather, it is the processor.

Answer 2

Although I've never used a MAC, and probably never will. I find that the cost and support is easier to come by for a PC then a MAC. In addition, due to the competitive war on processors between AMD and Intel, for the PC, the cost will probably stay more competitive for the PC then a MAC for along time.

As far as ease of use, I've never really had a problem with using the applications on a PC. Most business's are using PCs as a result of the competitiveness as well. Most cases the avarage person is forced to learn the PC.

I guess for home use the MAC would be alright, but as common as the PC is, you will probably have to learn the PC eventually. If you want a job in the IT world or any technology related business, the PC would be my preference.

I know I'm probably stirring up a lot of discussion around this based on my comments, but this is my opinion from my prospective. Likewise if you want to get hired anywhere, one can probably get by if they understand the ins and outs of a PC. However, it's probably a little harder to find work, if one knows only the MAC unless one happens to find a business that is primarily MAC. It probably wouldn't hurt to know both, but I haven't gone wrong with the PC. I'm speaking from a hardware prospective. :)

If you want the look and feel of a MAC, one can purchase applications to mimic the MAC on a PC. Likewise the MAC can be made to look like a PC handling the same applications. It all boils down to how much money a person wants to spend?

Answer 3

I always thought the Power PC Processor handled larger files better then the Pentium processors. Now they all basically use Intel chips. I am a designer, and it's like banging two rocks together when I use a Windows computer. The Mac OS itself I think lends itself more to organizing files and what not where as it is always left to the program to tell you where to put your files. That might be a personal preference. I always have problems loading files over 200MB in a windows computer, where as my Dual G4 can still crank out what I need to better then a new Dell. I have a Dell Optiplex at work and a Dual G4 (about fine years old) at home. Also with longevity the Apple holds up. My computer from college ( Nine years old ) still runs like a champ, and I didn't baby that computer either. I am talking about leaving it on for a week at a time to process animation for my demo reel and posters that were created 100% in CG. I say pay up some more now, and get the quality computer. Esp if your serious about Graphic design in general. Not to say a Windows computer can't handle it because they can. To me, it just doesn't hold up. Also I am using Windows Xp and Mac OS 10.4

P.S. In the design world, your not going to be asked for what OS you know. It's about what programs you know (well mostly your portfolio. But your asked about programs. Anyone can figure out an OS)

Answer 4

Well, I don't draw (only for work CAD), but I thought I add my experience of having just recently bought a MAC for home - my first ever. I was a bit scared that I wouldn't know what to do with it having grown up with DOS and PCs. And all I can say : It is soooooeeeazzzzy! much easier and much faster.

Answer 5

There is still a difference, the Mac is easier to navigate around, and does more of what the average user wants, in a much simpler way.