iMac Owners

[paulk68]

well i am thinking of changing from a PC to a Mac. So i am looking for people who own an iMAC that might be able to tell me if you are happy with the machine or not and if it is worht the extra money? not looking for a shouting match between pc and mac users just looking for some info on the imac thank you

[subtlez28]

I'm no computer guy. I purchased my I-mac in June 08 just to simplify things. I was tired of having my brother in law fix crap w my PC.

I'm really happy. If you are a car guy you will dig the engineering. All aluminum body, built right here in the good old USA!!
What more do you need to know!

[Young Gun]

I have been a pc guy (kid) since we got our first pc years ago (windows 95 baby!!), over the past few years I have started learning how to use macs becase they are becoming more popular. Being on a college campus I can tell you about 75% of the students I see have macs.

I was talking with one of my professors about this and have to agree with her that this trend is very likely translate into the business world over the next few years, so being saavy on both platforms would definitely be a good idea.

The hardest thing fo me to get used to was having no right click on my mouse, but that is an easy fix with just a right click mouse you plug in. I am also a nerd so I rely heavily on hot keys so it took me a little bit to get used to and learn the mac hot keys, but most of them are fundamentally the same, I think.

The programs really are not that different and now with office on macs sharing files is ridiculously easy, there is no reason to not get offic on macs. As much as my pc irritates me, I love office 2007 and think they did a great job with the interface and functions, so if getting a mac definitely get that software bundle. I also had to get used to the way things looked initially, because staring at a pc for 14 years I know where things are! I cant really use my old excuse of not liking the way macs work anymore though!

I stand corrected, Thanks JP!

As far as viruses go, Macs are unix-based, and as such are not vulnerable to the run of the mill PC virus. It goes to the heart of the operating system and how address spaces are managed. So the idea the Macs aren't vulnerable because hackers don't try is wrong. Macs and all unix machines have much much much better underlying system architectures that makes them immune to OS-based viruses. Macro-based application viruses are a possibility on Macs, but if you use Pages, Numbers, and Keynote (rather than the Office suite), you're protected there too. Imagine a computer with no virus checker getting in your way. I've got 4 of them.

What really attracted me to macs is their sweet styling, they look so space age-ish and clean, and something about cnc'd aluminum is just cool!!! I have had my pc blue-screen on me 3 times in the past 2 months and the compute is a year and a half old. As much as I love my pc, I am pretty sure my next computer will be a mac. I have had great customer sevice with my iphone as well as ipod, and have been told to expect the same with a computer.

Thinking about what I just wrote makes me sound like a mac salesman, I know Im sorry! But really I have been a PC guy for almost 15 years and feel pretty comfortable saying I know them, at least somewhat, well. I am gonna have to throw down my vote for a "yes" on the iMac. Great machine, well worth the money, great customer service, and a computer that will be able to handle what you throw at it hands down.

Good luck with the purchase!

[ajjones44]

I love my MAC. I switched over before my last deployment in 07. Yes, it is move expensive then a PC but I say it is well worth it. MACs tend to simplify operations to make things easier for the end user. They wont get bogged down with spyware and viruses. My MAC Book Pro is 2 years old and it is still faster than my wife's brand new dell. If you need to you can also run the Windows OS from your MAC with the program Boot Camp.
I bought a iMAC for my daughter and she loves it.....now if I could just convince my wife (she hates change). Good luck!

[parsonsj]

I own 4 Macs (one iMac, 2 Mac minis, 1 MacBook Pro), and 3 PCs. (I'm a computer engineer).

I'll never buy another PC. Too many problems, too much effort to keep them virus free, too much effort with upgrades, etc.

As far as viruses go, Macs are unix-based, and as such are not vulnerable to the run of the mill PC virus. It goes to the heart of the operating system and how address spaces are managed. So the idea the Macs aren't vulnerable because hackers don't try is wrong. Macs and all unix machines have much much much better underlying system architectures that makes them immune to OS-based viruses. Macro-based application viruses are a possibility on Macs, but if you use Pages, Numbers, and Keynote (rather than the Office suite), you're protected there too. Imagine a computer with no virus checker getting in your way. I've got 4 of them.



They are more expensive, can be hard to get software for, and may require a Windows VM (virtual machine) so you can Windows programs for which there aren't Mac equivalents (like CAD, EFI tuners, tube bending software, or suspension analysis sw).

But as I said: I've no plans to ever buy another PC.

jp

[mikem]

I have had Macs for about 5 years now. I helped a friend move and he gave me his G4 (he was upgrading to the 1st gen iMac). It took some time getting used to it but I would never go back. When the power unit failed in that one I bought an iMac. That was 2 years ago and I love this machine.

Operations are generally easy and straight forward. Much fewer viruses exist for Macs and they tend not to lock up. My parents computer locked up and I convinced them to get an iMac. They are now a year in and they love it too.

[Tony_SS]

What JP said.

I've been using Mac's since I've learned to use a computer and they have been very, very consistent. The newer OSX is completely stable. Yes, they cost more, but worth it. Their resale value isn't the best, so look on craigslist for some killer deals.

I personally wouldn't bother with an iMac, but would look for a used Quicksilver instead.

[Hartz]

We converted to an iMac about 2 years ago now. If you're just looking for a simple device to surf the internet, do some iTunes, some pictures, stuff like that - it's great. Everything just seems to work. No fiddling with settings, no drivers or whatnot - just plug and play for the most part.

The only downside I've found is that Quicken for the Mac SUCKS! If you're a power-Quicken user like my wife, you will be sorely disappointed.

But for just standard, everyday usage, it's really nice.

[monza]

I switched about two yrs. ago from a life of PC's to a Mac Book Pro. I've been happy, looking to upgrade to the newest MacBook Pro right now.
The transition was easy, a few minor frustrations making simple things just different and had to learn the Mac way.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

im on a Mac right now..

[rjp71]

I bought my first mac in 2004 (G5 tower). Since then I have bought a mac mini, a macbook for myself, then one for my and then a new iMac last year. The mac from 2004 works as well as it did 5 years ago.

At first the change was difficult to navigate the OS but after a short time it became second nature. I am not very tech savvy but I found it very easy to do things like share files and printers among the computers in my house. This may not sound like much to some but it is something I was never able to do with a pc.

The included ilife suite of products for organizing and working with your media (photos, video and music) is the best.

[SPCHIV]

I've had both MACs and PCs. I prefer the MACs by far.

[youthpastor]

I've had both MACs and PCs. I prefer the MACs by far.

we jsut switched- man what a difference- page loading- everything is soo quick

[Radlark]

I swear by Macs!!

[JamesJ]

just have someone that you can call when you have a question, and if you have a mouse you can make one of the button do the right.... Thats my biggest gripe as well...

[street3285]

I have been using Macs since college. I got switched over originally because I am a graphic designer, but I will never get another PC. I just recently got the 24" iMac and it performs great with no problems.

No worries of viruses or those blue screens. Rarely crashes or hangs up. Easy to use and programs seem to all work together.

[claytonisbob]

How I feel about all of Apples "new" products:

http://www.theonion.com/content/vide..._revolutionary

I personally cannot justify the extra cost for a Mac vs PC... If all you want to do is surf the net, take notes in class, sync your ipod to something, and maybe "do graphics", sure a Mac will do the job fine. If you want to play any real games, map/program a megasquirt (you'd have less options; I'm sure you CAN do it on a Mac), not be trendy, be able to add some ram to your computer in a coupe of years... or take the freaking battery out and get a new one! (its hard installed in the new macbooks from what I've heard) Oh and you can still do the net surfing thing; save yourself the 2x multiplier of money and get a PC.

Other points to be noted:
There are ways of putting Apple OSX on a normal computer being all the hardware nowadays is the same.
If you like OSX because it's pretty, fast, and less prone to security hacks, try some of the different flavors of Linux. It's not as hard to install as it used to. And yeah, it's free and not controlled by Apple.
I too like the sexy stainless shell of the new macbooks, but some newer PC laptops look pretty darn good (for plastic). Nobody but me will see it anyway as I'm not a student anymore, so it really isn't worth too much to me. When considering the new Mac Pro... holy cow they are expensive for what they are. $2500 for: 2.66GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon, 3GB ram, 640GB HD, moderate NVIDIA video card, no Blueray.
Want to add a regular (segate 7200rpm) 1TB harddrive on their site? that will be $300!! It's a freaking $100 HD!
Performance wise I really have no problems with XP. But then I keep the computer clean of spyware, virus' and useless apps that don't do anything. I rarely have problems with PC's that other people report, but I do build my computers so the hardware isn't as cheap as many production computers and I do have an eye for preventing problems. I don't feel I spend a lot of time keeping it clean, but this may be something people less experianced with computers would be at an advantage with a Mac.

</rant> ... but it's your decision to make.

[MonzaRacer]

ya know too bad your getting a $2000 pc with a mac os and if you ever get a virus, stand back and get ready to loose everthing.
Cheapest Mac I found for a Lap top was, $999 and Mac Book Pro to match my current laptop $1999. With no up grades less memory, slower processing ability(same MHZ as my AMD powered toshiba I got for $529.99)
As for bragging about Mac OSX try a pc lap top with ram maxed out and Ubuntu (free Linux also available in 64 bit too) and you have a similar virus resistant unit, but then I am online with this laptop a lot, going everywhere within reason (ie no porn) standard firewalls, pop up blockers and a freeware antivirus and so far only on e virus has tried to enter with any issue and a simple download wiped it out.
Oh and all the big hoopla about Vista, sorry but no joy both Vist home Premium and Windows 7 Beta are running along fine, except of a webcam driver failure in 7.
and actually I love 7s ability to network almost seamlessly with any os, cant wait for RC and full release.

[street3285]

I don't think you can compare apples to apples regarding speed. I know the Mac x.xx Ghz, is going to be faster that a PC x.xx Ghz.... Maybe someone else will know more, I just know it is not an even comparison. The Mac 2.66 for example, will not be comparable to a PC 2.66, the Mac will be faster. Don't let those numbers fool you.

Anyways, I would say go for what works best for you.
I am just saying you can't go wrong with a Mac.

Also, you can add RAM to an iMac, which he is considering buying. For the rest of the parts being exchangeable, maybe not. But Hey..... you bought a Mac, no need to!

[Randy67]

If you do get a Mac, get the newer ones with the Intel chip. That way you have the option of running both OS X and Windows if desired. Plus, most of the newest software is for the Intel chip, unless listed as Universal. I first used an Apple IIe back in 83 and have been on Mac ever since. I have worked quite a bit with PC's as well. Both have their good points, but the Mac suits me more (graphic designer). Having the ability to run Windows makes it that much better (best of both worlds?). Even on the iMac you can upgrade the memory, hard drive and disc drive if you want.