New Computer Help

my computer hates me and everybody. it's slow.. takes forever to do anything.. and.. i have a lot of things to do on it. so. yeah. i've been thinking of a new computer. i consulted with parents and they have a split decision on these two:

1. Mac OS-X
2. Windows XPS

i'm looking for a more "media" based computer. not really games.. but for photos, videos, music, the works. i'm leaning towards Mac.

so.. any input on any other computers i should think about getting or which to choose?

I think you should go with the Mac. They are much more reliable, and the new Macs run windows and OS-X

Wait for 4 moths, and then buy a new computer with Windows Vista [;)]

Vista sucks, period. I am one of the Beta testers for our organization -- My advice? Stay away at all costs until at least SP1 is released.

If that is your primary use Z00, you should just go with a Mac. The useage you get out of it will far outweigh an IBM product.

Tconwell, you don't need to be a tester to download it. You can download it off their site without any beta tester tag. Yes it has bugs, mostly driver bugs which nvidia and ati have not updated yet.

It was the same situation for Windows XP too.

I would also go for a Mac there Z00. Mainly because there mainly built for the media trade.

The new macs don't come with windows, so you still have to manually put it on and set it up, but there is plenty out there on the web to tell you how to do this.

and generally speaking Macs are slightly more expensive than Windows based comps.

[Brtnboarder495]

Vista is dissapointing, stay away from it unless you have a top fo the line computer and severe bugs don't annoy you.

Go with one of the Macbooks if your not gaming, or the Macbook Pros if gaming for laptops. For desktops, look at the mac mini if your not gaming, or the iMac series if you will be gaming (Get the 128mb video card if you go with the 17" though) or the Mac Pro.

If you go PC, definitely build your own and go with XP Pro.

Yea I think the Mac is the way to go. There's just no point in waiting for Vista, especially if you're not getting a gaming comp.

If the new macs can run windows (which someone said above) then it might be a good idea to try one. Really, the only use for windows seems to be gaming (well most software is built on windows), I just haven't gone with mac because of that, because I'm unfamiliar with the interface, and because they are typically more expensive.

If you're getting into gaming, a 128mb simply won't do. (unless good memory speed makes up for it) Get at least a decent 256mb card, the extra memory will help with texture resolution, display resolution, etc.

my suggestion is the Windows
Windows actually has better and easier media options if you care to spend an extra ~$20 lol.
Apple ads and subliminal messaging/propoganda make it seem like Macs are soooo much better, but they are not. I have windows XPS edition and it is simply phenominal. The video and photo editing are amazing, and my friends and I have made some pretty amazing videos using windos moviemaker. Macs are better for music editing, and if this is a huge reason for getting a new computer, than go for the Mac. If not, and you want altogether media options, then go for the windows.
point.blank.1 is truthful, new macs do run with windows, but i'm not sure how well they run windows. I use iTunes on my windows, and it works fine. Converting files from windows media center to itunes and back is no walk in the park, but seeing you are intelligent enough to use this website, you could definitely convert files. Its not that hard if you don't know how email me at EyeKanFly@aol.com
My Windows XPS runs much better than my cousin's OS-X. The one thing that I wish windows had that Mac doesn't is the music features.

Well, if don't want to read my full post, this is the part you should read: If you're looking for easy conversion of files, better gaming and graphics, better and faster internet, and better movie and photo editing, go for the XPS.
If your looking for great music editing, better price (I think the mac is cheaper) and altogether more options but porrer quality (for media aspects) then go for the Mac.

I have an XPS, and I love it. The reason I'm suggesting that you get the XPS is not because I am a Mac-buster, but because I truely think the XPS is better, based on my computer and my cousin's.

Mac. Have you seen those funny commercials? The guys in a box fight.... Anyways, Macs ar made for that kinda stuff. The new macs also are good games, but the primary usage is videos and pictures. Thats what you are going for, so go for a Mac.

What do you think of my new banner?[confused]

^wow, I mean, Macs are good for media and such, but if you're paying that much just to edit pictures, you're stupid (and that wasn't directed at you tiepilot, just the idea that you'd buy a mac so you can make use of pictures and video).

the real reason to get a mac is because its windows, but cooler and has hardly any of the problems you'll get hit in the face with on windows.

and tiepilot, advertise your new banner elsewhere.

[Brtnboarder495]

If you're getting into gaming, a 128mb simply won't do. (unless good memory speed makes up for it) Get at least a decent 256mb card, the extra memory will help with texture resolution, display resolution, etc.

Is that why the 6600GT 128mb > 9200 256mb?

Memory has Shiz to do with performance, many manafacturers try to make a card look better by throwing cheaper memory on the card. If a slow card has lots of memory, it won't perform any better than if it has much less, because it can't utilize the bandiwth. With higher performing cards, you will always see more memory because they NEED the bandwith to perform well.

So to put it easily:

A high performing card has lots of memory
A card with lots of memory isn't necessarily a high performing card.

And for the record the X1600 128mb is a mobile card that is a very solid gaming card compared to most PC integrated graphic solutions or the weaker ATI X300 line, or so on.

Originally posted by Matt

Tconwell, you don't need to be a tester to download it. You can download it off their site without any beta tester tag. Yes it has bugs, mostly driver bugs which nvidia and ati have not updated yet.

Matt, let me set the record straight. I am a tester for the Air Force. I assure you, what I have at work is NOT what is available on the web to those who wish to "tinker" around with the latest junker from Microcrap Wintendo. [;)]

If you want just a media machine, a Mac might make you happier. Of course, if you really feel like learning something new, could I talk to you about Linux? Ya know, it comes with the source kernel that is modifiable to do what YOU want, and not have to live with what you got in the box. [worship]

Originally posted by EyeKanFly

my suggestion is the Windows
Windows actually has better and easier media options if you care to spend an extra ~$20 lol.
Apple ads and subliminal messaging/propoganda make it seem like Macs are soooo much better, but they are not. I have windows XPS edition and it is simply phenominal. The video and photo editing are amazing, and my friends and I have made some pretty amazing videos using windos moviemaker. Macs are better for music editing, and if this is a huge reason for getting a new computer, than go for the Mac. If not, and you want altogether media options, then go for the windows.
point.blank.1 is truthful, new macs do run with windows, but i'm not sure how well they run windows. I use iTunes on my windows, and it works fine. Converting files from windows media center to itunes and back is no walk in the park, but seeing you are intelligent enough to use this website, you could definitely convert files. Its not that hard if you don't know how email me at EyeKanFly@aol.com
My Windows XPS runs much better than my cousin's OS-X. The one thing that I wish windows had that Mac doesn't is the music features.

Well, if don't want to read my full post, this is the part you should read: If you're looking for easy conversion of files, better gaming and graphics, better and faster internet, and better movie and photo editing, go for the XPS.
If your looking for great music editing, better price (I think the mac is cheaper) and altogether more options but porrer quality (for media aspects) then go for the Mac.

I have an XPS, and I love it. The reason I'm suggesting that you get the XPS is not because I am a Mac-buster, but because I truely think the XPS is better, based on my computer and my cousin's.

You have it all wrong buddy. The apple multimedia stuff works very well and I truly doubt there is any subliminal messaging. There is no way you can call the Mac the worse of the two in software. Multimedia is where Apple has a huge advantage. They do all their own software which ensures everything works together and files can be easily ported.

Now lets talk iTunes. I've seen several problems with the Windows version. The program will hang up while scrolling or the iPod will show the "Do Not Disconnect" message even when it's disconnected. For conversion from DVD it iPod format Mac users have handbreak, and for conversion of other files there's a program called iSquint. Neither of these have Windows versions.

For you Z00Z, if you don't want to spend too much money I'd really go with the Mac Mini. You already have the keyboard, mouse, and monitor. If looking for more performance than definitely the iMac.

And one more note to Eye. Ever read this article: http://www.macworld.com/2006/08/feature ... /index.php ?

Originally posted by TConwell

[If you want just a media machine, a Mac might make you happier. Of course, if you really feel like learning something new, could I talk to you about Linux? Ya know, it comes with the source kernel that is modifiable to do what YOU want, and not have to live with what you got in the box. [worship]

but really, who here has the time to learn how to use linux? there's way more to it if you're coming from just using Windows and Mac and nothing more.

oh noes! not teh ATX connecterzz!!!24pinftwomfg12v500wmodular1x120mmfanzlawldual12+Vrailz.
(sorry, couldn't help it)
Anyways, in terms of media PC's, I've heard good thigns about both macs and pc's. I find macs to be more expensive generally though, normally around $200-300 more than their pc counterparts (of course it does vary), and I do have a couple of friends who experience general mac incompetency on intel powered systems. Of course, I'm not sure if it's just them being idiots or the mac itself. What I'd suggest though is a pc, simply because it's cheaper to build and to upgrade (if you find you need more storage space or what not). If price isn't a cheief concern, then I suppose either system will suit you fine.
Oh, and you can run osx on windows too, just windowed, without any support, and with an unreliable program (if memory serves me correctly). Or you can skin XP rofl....suck up some memory. Unless your pc is retarded like mine, flyakite sped my pc up by around 30% in boot-up time and freed up 50MB of RAM under idle conditions. WTF-status.

Smer, you just got owned. Stop spouting stuff off the top of your head like you have some intelligence about computers. Having one in your room that you can watch spank-o-vision late at night does not make you any kind of Administrator. What I see is that you have the point and click method down, and that is about the extent of your experience. As for me, I am an MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer), CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), and beginning to work on my new OCP (Oracle Certified Professional) certificate. I think I may have a little knowledge to pass on about how to rewrite the Linux kernel that would make life easier. So as far as your question of "who has the time?" Those of us who are professionals in this career field, that's who. Now, shut up.

SFF - Isn't it sad that between us we have spent 35 years on this stuff and we are barely mid-30s? Man, we need to get out more ... that reminds me, the tape on my glasses has come loose and I need to refasten it.

i have one of the first intel-based iMacs with the core duo 2 ghz cpu, 1 gig ram, ati x1600 256 mb and it kicks ass in windows or mac (yes, it does work)

i can play counter strike source (not a great benchmark) at 70+fps in windows and mac i dont do that many games but it opens up iMovie and garageBand (they are pretty hungry programs - eat up a lot of processes) and run them at the same time without a hitch

get a mac
listen to the commercials

and they look better

^ Agreed ...

TConwell...i highly doubt you test computers in your training for the airforce, i also doubt taht you're even training for the air force lol. But hey, wtvr lets you sleep at night.

and btw, Mac does not subliminal advertise, i used the wrong phrase. They use propaganda. They make it seem like windows suck, and then the consumer thinks "oh, windows suck, i should by a mac" Don't listen to the mac commercials or advertisements. Research both Mac and Windows and see which one you want. I really think that all these posters here are Mac fanboys who hate Windows similar to how Nintendo Geeks hate Microsoft and Sony (even though Xbox/360 and PS2/3 are better). I am making serious statements. Garage band and the Mac moviemaking programs are good (especially Garage band that thing ROCKS...literaly) but I think that the Windows moviemaker is MUCH better than Mac's. It really depends what you are going for.

lol im on the mailing list for apple (just for itunes updates) and they sent me this completely BS email, about how making movies was so much easier on macs, but really they were comparing the Mac OS-X to windows 95/98/2000 (asteric noted it at the bottom lol). HOW PATHETIC IS THAT???

Seriously Z00Z3R, you should go for the Windows XPS. I wouldn't wait to get Windows Vista 1) because you don't know how good it will be compared to wtvr apple is making at the moment and 2) b/c XPS is cheaper, and probably the same thing but with a different interface lol.

It really depends on what you're into. If you're into music more than anything else, than go for the Mac. If you're into moviemaking and photography, than go for the Windows. This is really the factor that you should decide on. Whichever you get, the secondary features will still be good.

lol Macs do look cooler I'll admit that.

dude, Woodieman...that article compares a newer mac to an older Dell. I have a friend who has the Dell depicted in the article, its from 1998 lol.
Also, I have NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER with Itunes on my PC. My iPod is perfect (its one of the gold minis that they released for a VERY short time before they discontinued the color). I take pride in my iPod, because I am the only person i know who has a gold iPod. The fact that I use itunes with windows has had no affect whatsoever on my ipod, the music, or the quality. My iPod works better than other people's ipods which use macs (although this is probably due to the fact that I am very careful with my ipod, while most people treat it harshly and/or drop it a lot and/or are technologically challenged [lol making up words]). I am truthfully trying to help out Z00Z3R, I am not trying to advertise Windows or PCs. All I am trying to do is help Z00Z3R decide which computer to get.


Sorry for the double post [:(]

Originally posted by SixFlagsFiesta

^ Smer, Out of God knows how many technology post you have responded to I have noticed a trend, only 10% of the time are your comments even remotely correct and the other 90% is just stuff youve ripped from sites that think that they know what there talking about. Between me and Tcon we have about 35 years expirence with computers, I myself have a CCNE, MSCE, & Redhat certification's. So please do as all a favor, open up your computer, see the big muti colored plug that leads into the mother board, give it a firm tug until it pops out.

what the hell are you talking about?? I've used Linux before and I'm saying that (as a person coming from the same background as ZOOZ) Linux isn't something that is necessarily easy the first time you try it. And if you're so damn smart why didn't you tell me I was wrong then and there? Why did you wait until now to make a big spiel about "Oh you're always wrong and I'm so certified blah blah blah"?

Tcon, this is for you too.

and I know you have a lot of experience with computers. One of the things people with so much experience fail to see about 90% of the time is that everything that you just know and probably take for granted is all foreign to the average user. Thus, Linux is not a particularly easy thing to just start using, especially if you're not dedicated to your computer that much as it is. Even though you use it and you know how to do everything with it, just about everyone here cannot and does not have the time or effort to learn how. So take all those certifications and shove em up yur ass.

These days you don't need Chuffin 30 years+ of experience to know a thing or two about computers. Someone as smart as either of you should know that.

Smer: Punk. That is all ...

Oh, and EyeKanFly, this is me -- getting promoted, in the Air Force -- moron.

Edit: Actually, I removed the picture -- I don't need to prove myself to anyone. Can we get a ban on him now? Here's my $5 payment, thanks.

^wow you're funny