Why Mac

[monsterpak]

I am thinking about a new system and I have always wondered why "graphics professionals" choose Apple. I can recall 20 years ago it seemed they had an advantage in the software sector, but why is the reputation still around. Thanks for any thoughts....

 

[MercenaryForHire]

In before the flames.

/kicks back with a lawnchair and :beer:

- M4H

 

[DaveSimmons]

search "apple" and "mac" in recent and archived threads. Love of search is not the root of all evil.

 

[daniel1113]

well... I guess I'll kick off the flame-fest...

MACS SUCK! :beer:

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: monsterpak
I am thinking about a new system and I have always wondered why "graphics professionals" choose Apple. I can recall 20 years ago it seemed they had an advantage in the software sector, but why is the reputation still around. Thanks for any thoughts....

Wow, there's a killer first post.

As for reasons why they might still enjoy a good rep with graphics folks:

1) Early on, they DID have advantages in terms of how their OS and applications handled graphics and sound. Decent add-on graphics cards for the PC, and improvements to Windows, have largely eliminated this gap.

2) Adobe generally puts out newer versions of its programs on the Mac first, and always has. When the newest versions of the most popular graphics software are out on a specific platform, that platform will tend to be more popular for users of those applications.

3) Apple's systems used to be far more friendly to non-technical art types than DOS/Windows machines. Windows is a LOT more user-friendly than it used to be, but PC systems are still more complex than Macs. This means that, while Macs tend to be more expensive and slower, they're also simpler, and shopping for one is far less confusing than shopping for a new PC. They also *look* nicer (or at least more like graphics designers think they should look), although PCs are starting to get slightly more ergonomic than just a box (or a box with a bunch of neon lights strapped to it).

4) Inertia. People are less likely to switch away from a product they've been using for a long time, especially if it still suits their needs. This is true even if the alternative is better and/or cheaper (see also: Intel versus AMD, Windows versus Linux, QWERTY versus DVORAK keyboards).

 

[Tab]

If they were cheap and could play games

 

[Budman]

Here's a quick link for you. Link

 

[DrumBum]

haha

 

[addragyn]

MACS SUCK! :beer:

You forgot GH3Y.

 

[CraigRT]

overpriced, single button on mouse is offensive, pointless if you already own a PC (can't share software, etc)

i would just never own one.

 

[NFactor]

I think it is actually funny that reputation is around because Quark was only recently ported to OS X and most high end video editing systems used by hollywood (think Lord of the Rings) are not mac anymore, in fact those were based on Avid. The IBM based macs have good processors but for that money I could go and get a couple of Opterons or Zeons that would show the Macs the true meaning of speed. And the fact that Macintosh rarely allows any site to have a side by side PC/Mac comparison only makes the matter worse.

 

[Corporate Thug]

people dont like macs cuz they are too poor to buy one

/just adding to the flame fest

 

[GonzoDaGr8]

I have always wondered why "graphics professionals" choose Apple.

I was going to put in a short-winded post about this, But it looks like Matthias99 allready covered it. Don't listen to the ones that just flat out say "Macs Suck", Because they don't. While I have/use mainly PC's at home since I am an enthusiast of "hardware tinkering", We exclusively use Macs at work for CNC programming. And I'll tell you what, Those damn things start every day, run all day, No problems. If you want a turn-key-have-at-it experience, Buy a Mac. You want a box to tinker with, Get a PC.

 

[GonzoDaGr8]

Originally posted by: shady06
people dont like macs cuz they are too poor to buy one

/just adding to the flame fest

I like Macs, Just can't afford one.

 

[NerdOfTheNorth]

Actually, last time I tried to use a mac for a fairly simplistic task, it froze on me.

Point being: "Your milage may very."

 

[Shogun]

Yikes! This one makes me think of handling a live grenade.

In the past, the Mac was definately the preferred machine of graphics professionals. I would guess that this was due to the facts:
1. software was available to do the job on the Mac
2. said software took advantage of the Mac's "common interface tools"

The Mac has remained the first choice due to the fact that is what the people are comfortable using. If you give a tool to a person that they feel comfortable with, they will be more productive and enjoy their work more. I think that is a large reason the Mac is still in high use in the graphics industry.

Speaking as a person that uses many different machines ranging from PCs, Macs, Sun boxes, SGI, IBM server, etc, I don't really have a favourite per say. The above machines are all just tools that allow you to get a certain job done. But I certainly see a huge difference in the design and implementation of complete "systems" such as the Mac, Sun boxes, etc. It is nice that there is one entity that does both the hardware and software. When you have this, it is more like a true system to me.

Flame away all you evanglists...

 

[Excelsior]

*sigh*

If I had the money, Id definitely have an OS X machine to use for everything BUT gaming, but since I game on my computer, using this Windows machine is really my only option (or the best one I should say).

That being said, OS X really does kick ass.