jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

For many years I worked at a computer store that sold both, PC's and Mac's. We carried name brand compters as well as clones that our technicians would build from the motherboard up. I'm a PC guy but have dabbled in Mac. I got to tell you that some things are pretty different about the Mac that I think I'd need a little instruction on how to do some of the simple things that come so easy to me on a PC. That said, I did play with Macs a lot while in our store. One thing I noticed is that they are not perfect like some Mac loyalists would almost have you believe, and they do lock up, slow down, crash, and do all sorts of other things just like PC's. They aren't perfect. But, they do have some very good customer service. My sister has a MacBook that was having an issue. We took it to the Apple Store and they worked on it in our presence, did some upgrades to it and now it works great.

Just like cars. I remember a friend telling me he'd never buy any truck other than a Toyota because they "never break down". I put him straight and said then why do they have a service department?

mainshipper Loc: Hernando, Florida

It is true that I have not owned one but have helped others use theirs. As others have stated it's a lot about what you were trained on and most Mac users got their exposure in school. Apple gave away a lot of their machines to schools as a way of gaining a following.

No matter what you choose you should be able to accomplish your end goal.

RixPix Loc: Miami, Florida

Mind-blowing marketing is the reason. As a retired marketing exec. I can tell you without reservation that if for some reason Apple's advertising changed their market share would drop. Everybody wants to be cool and Apple's marketing department has created their image very carefully. This doesn't mean that their products are any less effective or productive but it does add about 30% to the price as someone has to pay for the advertising and that someone is ALWAYS the customer.

ahanonymous Loc: Queens, NY

You don't say what video editing software you are using. But iMovie which is included with all new MACs does not have any issues like that. Like everything in our MACs they just work and work beautifully.

Phyllis Loc: NE PA

I have been using macs for 12 years. Love em. Will never go back to PCs. Bought a little PC laptop a few years ago, just to have one in case I needed Wndows. It drove me nuts. Between all the pop-ups, virus protection stuff, and difficulty working with Windows, I was so frustrated that I gave it away to someone who was willing to put up with it. I learned my lesson. Mac all the way, for me!

Winchester92367 Loc: Elizabethtown, Pa.

I migrated to from Windows PC to Macbook Pro about a year ago.

Love it! Just seem so much less of a hassle. I bought a base model then just upgraded the ram and hard drive myself (Apple will charge you an arm and leg for this)

Great machines, easier to use and much less maintenance

CAM1017 Loc: Chiloquin, Oregon

Mac's are more reliable and easier to use. Have used them for at least 20 years both in work before I retired. I now have 2 table tops 1 lap top and a i-pad. Any time I have had the
misfortune to use a PC I have been very frustrated. Mac's are noted for better graphic's and great reliability with virtually no crash's. If you plan on doing photography with your computer, Mac's are the best way to go. Bite the bullet and spend the extra money.

Nevada Chuck

If you're buying a computer exclusively for use with media, graphic arts, etc. then buy a Mac. If, on the other hand, you like most other folks have a multitude of uses for a home computer, then the decision becomes a bit more difficult.

I don't know what the figures are today, but when I made the decision to go PC for my home computer, the market share of Mac was 7%, and for PC's it was 93%. Also, there were many more software programs available for PC only, of if there was a Mac version it was more expensive than the PC version.

I'm willing to concede that the Mac is superior as far as handling media, but I can't afford two systems in house, and don't really want to learn another operating system, etc. And for those who say "yes, but you can run Windows and Windows-based program on a Mac", then why not get a machine that was MADE to run Windows'based programs.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

You'll find about as many opinions on this question as you will asking Canon vs. Nikon. I've never operated a MAC so I have no clue about them.

lesdmd Loc: Middleton Wi via N.Y.C. & Cleveland

...and nowhere do I see a comparison of the Operating Systems. Having used both, and still using both, Apple is more stable, virtually virus proof, and far better with memory issues.

hobbss Loc: seneca falls, new york

i switched to mac for my photography,no bugs ,has everything i need,i also have a pc,i use this to view the night sky with my meade telescope,which mac dosent have that software. i've talked to both companies about the astro program, the pc will down load that software where mac doesnt,i still prefer the mac to work on ,and have only been a mac user for three yrs

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

If I were to give Mac a try what would I do with the thousands of dollars worth of software I have? Someone mentioned you can run Windows on a Mac, if that's true can I then run my Office Suite on a Mac? I'm just wondering what's all involved in making the switch should I want to give Mac a go.

PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area

Talk to the folks at an Apple store - even make an appointment. Much can be used, some can't and I can't tell you which. Plug ins available for some. Some re-sell software….but I don't know what I'd think about that.

TwoFilmingos

Holy smokes! Tons of Mac lovers in here. I think most of them are wrong. I've used both and I'd never buy a Mac.

Reasoning behind this is primarily personal. The shortcut keys on the Mac are reversed from the PC and this completely screws up my instincts and slows me down unnecessarily. It does not matter what the processor can do, if your know how is revoked in the switch.

It's mostly a matter of taste. I work with video and I love my PC. Unless I'm doing extremely elaborate edits, I can render in real time or better (a five min vid will render in five min or less). And, I'm now working with CS5.5 and its new engine is sweet. I can open any of its programs in a few seconds, and I can run Premiere, After Effects, and Photoshop simultaniously with no lag at all. Plus, I no longer need to transcode everything. Of course, this applys to both machine flavors.

I wouldn't waste my money on a Mac. The repeated "saves over time" comments seem slightly silly. Do you know how fast technology changes? A three year old machine is no longer saving you money, it's costing you time.

Just my opinions, flame me if you like! :D Good luck!

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

Thanks Pat, even though I've used computers daily for the past 30 years I still know very little about them. I'm really not interested in how they work only in what they will do. If Mac would decrease my frustration level I'd be more than willing to give one a try. I'll take your advice and visit our local Apple outlet. Thanks again