Make the switch?

[gregnash]

So originally in my life with computers I started learning on Macs back in the Apple IIe days. Once I hit college, like most people, I could not afford to stick with Apple products and ended up switching to PCs. My life with PCs has been great but I find myself wondering if I should make the jump to Macs now that they have become a bit more "mainstream."

The PC (in my sig) I have now is due for an upgrade. Originally it was built back in the day for gaming but I have moved from PC gaming over to console and that is WHEN I have time to actually game. Mostly now the PC sits and is used for photo editing, web browsing, papers, graphics stuff but it has gotten a bit long of the tooth and needs a serious upgrade. As my preferences have steered away from gaming and more to graphics and photo editing I am wondering if I should change over to a Mac?

Now I am not a hardcore editor, and I do not do this for a living it is more of a hobby. So with that said, Should I worry more about the upgrade for my PC or should I start l looking at an iMac (probably 21.5") and will that have enough power for what I am wanting to do?

 

[Dan_D]

Honestly for what you are using it for you can't go wrong with either option. Both platforms are capable of meeting your needs quite easily.

 

[1000]

If you do photo work / graphics work the 27" iMac would be a far superior option, the difference in screen real estate is astounding. With the new 27" models out you should be able to get a very good deal on one of the run out models.

In terms of Mac vs PC as long as you don't play intensive 3D games the Mac is a great, compact machine which will give you very little to maintain. Also factor in the fact that you don't have the virus, spyware woes etc and OSX is very good at taking care of itself these days in terms updates, drivers, backups via time machine etc.

1000

 

[ryken]

Honestly for what you are using it for you can't go wrong with either option. Both platforms are capable of meeting your needs quite easily.

this is right on. If you are interested in OSX and don't mind paying a premium to have the all-in-one form factor of the iMac, then it is a really solid option. That being said, you do pay a premium for that form, and you can get the same specs for cheaper by building a budget tower.

Having used OSX for a year now, I find that it is very similar to windows in most ways. The biggest difference for me is expose/spaces. Go play with an iMac at a bestbuy and price out upgrades to your current rig, and then just go with your gut.