posted
After seeing the work Dan Antonelli does on a regular basis I'm finally ready to switch totally to a Mac system in our studio. I figure to do that kind of work it must be the computer!
Just kidding. But not about the Mac.
We got a Mac Book Pro almost 2 years ago with the idea that we might make the switch to a Mac based operation if I liked the laptop. With the slight challenges of switching I certainly wasn't in a hurry. But now it's time to upgrade my desktop.
I looked at the various computers, counted in all the upgrades I need to do for software and decided it was time to either go back to PC or do the switch. In the last month I tried to do most of my work on the laptop, forcing myself to finally learn how to run a Mac efficiently. I decided I prefer it over a PC - after 11 years of running a computer. Wiggly lines are even easier to do on a Mac.
So in the next couple of weeks we'll do the switch with the latest versions of Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator and related programs. I'll continue to run boot camp or Parallels so I can run windows for EnRoute - the only PC based program we'll continue with.
I considered a very nice Mac tower with powerful multi-drive raid system with all the do-dads but in the end decided on an 24" IMac. Clean and simple, loaded with ram, its plenty fast for what I need at half the price (or less) than a fancy tower - and it doesn't come with a screen. My logic is that we'll run it for 2-3 years before we upgrade, getting the latest and greatest IMac (or equivelent) then for less money for today's computer and the replacement down the road than a single hot rod computer now. In my experience multiple raid drives are complex machines that need constant maintenance and tweaking - not something I do or don't want to learn. I just want to do art stuff - not fiddle with computers.
I'm almost in nirvana in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
[ October 08, 2009, 08:18 PM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Dan, read your post quickly...did you buy one? The brand new iMacs are coming in a matter of days or weeks. Even if you did buy it, I've read about people taking back their purchase to get the newest with little or no consequences. Welcome to the Mac world, and no I'm not an elitist, snobby, Mac user. It just works for me. Best tips I can give you, subscribe to the free podcasts on iTunes entiled "Macbreak Weekly", and "Leo Laporte - the Tech Guy". Plus, bookmark Appleinsider.com. Excellent sources of Mac info and ongoing information to work easier, better, faster on your Mac. Enjoy!
Mick Samsel
-------------------- Mick Samsel Creative Services Cherokee, IA Posts: 498 | From: Cherokee, Ia USA | Registered: Jan 1999
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Just curious though... why you find a mac easier to run illustrator and Photoshop than a pc?
I too got a Macbook Pro about 2 years ago, and granted I don't use it nearly as much as my desktop...but after the initial excitement of *owning a Mac*... I found that using Illustrator and Photoshop was identical in either platform... and didn't find any benefit of running the staple programs on one OS over the other.
The laptop I bought my son for college is loaded...and compares very closely to my Macbook Pro...at about $1000 cheaper. But I do like the Mac case better - more durable....but not $1000 more durable.
I keep thinking that my Mac MUST be better than my PC, because the commercials keep telling me so, yet I'm not sure why.
Maybe I need to spend more time with my Mac, I could be suffering from a 'cats in the cradle' relationship with it.
But seriously - how can you draw wiggle-y lines better on your Mac? I'd like to give that one a try I guess.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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Todd, check out the podcast I mentioned. Leo Laporte - THE Tech Guy. It's on iTunes (usable by Mac or PC users). He gets this question show in and show out. He has a a variety of reasons to use and decide from. In a nut shell, I've always had great service from the authorized reseller I've done business with. I've NEVER had any virus or bug problems. (That could change as Mac gains incremental market share.) It truly just works. I'm on Mac OS 10.4.11. The most recent is 10.6.X. I'll eventually go there. The point is that from OS version 9 to mine now, a world of difference. VERY solid, it was a GREAT OS improvement, and I've been on a Mac for 15 plus years. My boys both have PC's, and they have there challenges that I don't. Now that's just my experience. We all make decisions on what works best for us. Macs cost more because it is basically a closed loop system. Apple controls all the hardware and has stringent coding requirements. And they have SERVICE. Do yourself a favor and go to an Apple company store. Take a couple of hours, research, try, pluck away. I've been very impressed with the informed clerks at the Apple stores. And again, subscribe to the FREE podcasts of Leo Laporte - THE Tech Guy, He reviews, uses, and reports on PC's and Macs. It will be helpful to you. I learn something every time I listen to his podcast.
Mick Samsel
-------------------- Mick Samsel Creative Services Cherokee, IA Posts: 498 | From: Cherokee, Ia USA | Registered: Jan 1999
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Todd... notice the smiley face beside the wiggly line comment.
There isn't a huge difference between Macs and PC. Mostly it's the simplicity of the system that appeals to me. I've been doing my presentations in my workshops on my Mac since we started. Setting them up and editing them has proven to be real easy for me. The Macs are better at plug and play - the programs seem easier to learn and much more streamlined.
The truth is that I am NOT a computer type guy although I use them every day. I'm looking for as stable and bulletproof a system as I can get... something I am hoping to get closer to with a Mac based system. I'm not into all the endless apps - nor do I even read my manuals. Having everything tucked into my monitor seems like a logical solution to get rid of a little clutter both on and under my desk.
Mac's seem to be a little more intuitive and simpler to use for me... and that's what I based my decision on... period.
I have made up my mind but not yet laid the money down. I'll ask my dealer when the new ones arrive here. In the Canadian online Mac store they are already available.
I'm still learning but I'll be doing it in grand style soon in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
[ October 08, 2009, 10:24 PM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Yeah, I think I need to learn the intricacies a little better on my Mac....which I'm sure I would have by now if it were a Mac desktop...because I use my desktop most of the time.
Let me know how you like the iMac. I've looked at them on several occasions...and do like the setup...
I like computers in general, so I should become more familiar with the "dance" of the Mac besides using Illy and PS.
I have made a few Vacation Books from the Mac's built-in software - that is pretty cool! Have you ever made one of those Dan? If not, that is one thing you'd have fun with...especially if you wanted to put together a quick and neat 'memory' photo book of your grand-daughter for your kids.
I do like iPhoto too....
Question for the hard-core Mac'ers....
On my Mac (going from memory because I don't have it on right now)... there is a Red dot/yellow dot/and green dot in the upper left corner. Basically, as you know, the red dot shuts the app down, the yellow one- I think - minimizes the app, but when I click on the green dot with the + sign...the app usually does nothing, or it may grow the app a little bit - but it doesn't fully fill my screen like I think it should and like Windows would. What's up with that? Am I doing something wrong? I always have to grab a corner and physically pull my app to fill the screen.
Educate me on that.... and thanks for the links too... and have fun with your upcoming purchase Dan...whatever works is what's exciting.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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Whatever Dan does will be amazing.. whether on a PC or a Mac. The same applies to what Todd does. I am a fan of both guy's work.
I'm just old and set in my ways so I feel comfortable with what I know.
Currently working on a freebie for a cathederal here in Merida using a PC laptop. Shirley is watching Bell ExpressVu from Canada via Slingbox, hooked up to the TV from her PC laptop.
PC is working for us REALLY WELL.
I am sure that macs would work just as well...but we have no need to switch.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
posted
Hey Grampa Dan ....and other Mac users out there
I wonder if you guys have used the Keynote presentation software included in the iWork suite very much?
I recently did a slide show for my daughters wedding and had some interesting "issues" pop up? The transitions and text are far superior to any PowerPoint presentation I've seen. Building the show is pretty easy because it is all hooked up to use iTunes, iPhoto, and iMovie media. But I had some troubles running the shows. At random points the program itself would freeze up and shut down, not the computer just Keynote? I wasn't using any real crazy transitions and I cut the photo file size down as much as possible.
One of the only times the show ran well was during the reception, so that was a bonus...but I was sweating bullets up till the last slide ran. I actually ending up splitting up the show in two and running it on two laptops.
I am running a pre-intel iBook G4 and wonder if it just too much for the little beast? Perhaps it's time for me to slide an iMac onto my desktop?
Just wondering if anyone else has done much work in Keynote?
posted
I have one of the first generation 24" iMacs, the white one, which has worked flawlessly for me for the past couple of years- not even a hiccup... and this past year, I worked at a place that allowed me to have one custom built from Apple- it was the newer aluminum model with all the best features- no question about it, it was an incredible machine! Plus, It was still cheaper than an equivalent custom built Dell. (I was hoping to get that as part of the severance package, but it didn't work out.) I am currently phasing out all our old PCs, but it will take awhile. My plan is to upgrade my main design computer in the next year or so, and move my white iMac to my wife/son's office- they are excited!
I tend to use computers until they are way past obsolete, so I try to buy one that is big enough and fast enough to last me at least 5 years... pretty high goals in this throw away society.
I'm like you- I just want a machine that does what it is supposed to do without having to fiddle with it every 5 minutes.
-------------------- Michael Clanton Clanton Graphics/ Blackberry 19 Studio 1933 Blackberry Conway AR 72034 501-505-6794 clantongraphics@yahoo.com Posts: 1736 | From: Conway Arkansas | Registered: Oct 2001
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But I just had a custom machine built (my cuz is a computer genius)...
i7 Intel quad core processor 15K rpm SAS boot drive 2 - 1tb storage drives 12 gb of ram dual monitor cross-fire vid card Real Nice Asus mobo Windows XP Pro 64 bit
This thing runs like a raped ape!
And I haven't had a lick of trouble with it.
I think the Mac OS is probably better...but at this stage, better than 'really-good' isn't very significant to me.
I'm actually kinda excited to give Windows 7 a try...
posted
Dale, your machine is a PC processor chip compared to the Intel Apple now uses. Are you using iWork '08 or '09? I believe '09 only "works" on Intel machines. I haven't used Keynote at all. Still have that custom built iPod speaker system when I last saw you up to Mikes in Mazeppa? Todd, once again, Leo Laporte has had Windows 7 for review, and use for weeks, and he says it is a significant improvement.
posted
I bought a 24" imac about six months ago, and Im very pleased with it. I actually learned computing on an old mac classic, little ol bitty thing it was, and have missed them since. Still using pc at the shop though.
-------------------- Maker of fine signs and other creative stuff. Located at 109 N. Cumberland ave. Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-837-0242 Posts: 4172 | From: Ages-Brookside, Ky. Up the Holler... | Registered: Jul 1999
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welcome to the mac dan... i've always heard the debate from both sides and i understand that peoples opinions and preferences may never change, but i have put my finger on why quite simply the mac works for me....i dont like being told that i have a c drive, a d drive, an e drive etc. i dont like to think like a computer. i want to organize my own way. aside from the fact that there may be some differences in gui within programs, they behave the same (in most cases) on both platforms. so superiority in the realm is a bogus claim.
having said that dan, we do use an older white intel imac to run enroute through parllels. we currently have 3 mac design stations, and 1 pc. we still have a pc connected to the router which will probably never change,... but.....now that we have you on our side, perhaps you could do some lobbying to get some enroute development on the mac side. aside from some homebrew entusiasts, there has been little cnc operation on the mac platform...until now... if carvewright can do it, why cant enroute?
-------------------- joel cuminale creative rage inc 3 railroad street fairport, ny 14450 info@tpsigns.com Posts: 14 | From: fairport ny | Registered: Jul 2002
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I've had a big Mac before and wasn't that particularly impressed. Basically it did the same thing for me as all the competition.... got the job done.... although it didn't seem as hot. It looked like to me it was made from inferior components, and smelled a little funny too. Seemed put together really sloppy. On second thought, I really didn't like it at all. Won't be going back to it.
/it didn't help that they put pickles on it //when I specifically said 'NO PICKLES' ///sorry, I just read the subject line and scanned the posts.... //oh.... /wait.....
[ October 09, 2009, 12:35 PM: Message edited by: Jon Jantz ]
-------------------- Jon Jantz Snappysign.com jjantz21@gmail.com http://www.allcw.com Posts: 3395 | From: Atmore, AL | Registered: Nov 2005
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Jon and Bill, Your bringing out your antique information now. If you even open the side of a Mac Pro you will be blown away by the integrity of the design. . . and my Mac mouse has two hidden buttons and a scroll ball the size of a pea. Up down, left right with a nudge of a fingertip.
Joel, I feel your desire to have enroute ported over. I've been running my RIP on my Mac Pro>Parallels>windoz XP for three years now and still cringe when I switch OS's. Anyway, my RIP is now in beta on the Mac and as soon as I return from my CO elk hunt I'll be back on one platform!!
Now, it I could just get Gerber to update MacImprint.. . . .
-------------------- Bill Modzel Mod-Zel screen Printing Traverse city, MI modzel@sbcglobal.net Posts: 1357 | From: Traverse City, MI | Registered: Nov 1998
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I talk pretty often with Jeff who created EnRoute with his brother. I know they both use Macs and PC's there in their ofice. Yesterday I asked that question... when will EnRoute come out for the Mac? He answered that routers only work on PC's currently and they would switch when the routers do...
I'll keep on the pressure...
-grampa dan -grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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