Larry,

I can't agree with you more. The same can be said about different brands of cameras.

Frans Waterlander
pixographer

Larry,

Are you sure it is not THE answer. Do you have the experience of using both systems? Maybe someone reading the forum is about to get a computer for doing digital photography, so would you deny their being aware there is maybe a better choice. Apple Macs are just 7-8% of the market, so why not a little cheering for the little guy?

Macs really are wonderful machines David, and I'd recommend one to anyone who's looking to purchase a new machine dedicated to photography or any other sort of graphics work.

But as you pointed out yourself, 92-93 percent of the folks out there are using Windows boxes. If they're anything like me, they use them for a lot more than photography. Apple provides a few superb solutions for photo issues, but there are myriads of excellent solutions for those working on Windows machines also. What's more, once you get outside of the world of Imaging, Windows is the defacto standard for pretty much everything.

I'd certainly encourage anyone to look seriously at a Mac if they're considering a new system, but most folks are looking for solutions on the machines they already own.

Because I deal with digital photography every day, almost all day, and have been doing so for quite a long time, many ask my advise about a lot of things, like scanners, software, whatever. And if it is something I have used and tested, I offer my unvarnished experience for what it is worth, and usually if my advise is taken, rarely, almost vever do I find users dissatisfied in their feedback.

However when it comes to computers, which I believe are fundamental to the quality of the digital photo experience, most seem so committed, closed and defensive, I think they will put up with anything so they can keep old habits and follow the herd. Sorry if that sounds a bit derisive and harsh, but it is how it looks to me. If I had not had 10 year of PC and Windows experience before using the Mac, I would probably not feel as strongly or advocate so boldly.

Not too long after getting my first Mac, which I used only for digital photography, I got another Mac and began doing all my communications, writing, business, accounting and taxes, as well as porting all of my contact information files over to the Mac. Everything I have needed to do computer-wise, I have been able to do on the Mac easier and better than with Windows. I even use Microsoft mice and they have ported their IntelliMouse application to Mac OS-X.

Except for Microsoft every software vendor who supports both platforms has provided Mac software on the basis of having a licensed copy of their Windows program(s) at a nominal fee just for replacing the CD discs. I had to buy the full version of Microsoft Office for the Mac from Microsoft at full price.

I have had a so much better computer experience, and I am using mine most all day every day, I would like others to share the advantage. So, I speak out whenever I am reminded by hearing people experiencing problems I left behind. Am I wrong in doing so, is it "bashing", I don't thinks so. When you see someone entering a freeway the wrong way don't you honk your horn and do all you can to turn them around?

And what about Linux?

What about it. Although Linux has a devoted following it is apparently no composed of many serious about digital photography. Other than GIMP I've not seen much support for graphics and photo editing.

I'm really not sure what you guy's are talking about but sounds like some opinions have been given about one computer over another that were negative. I know very little about these things except that if you ask a guy selling computers to show you one to do photos with, they start at about $3500. I put off getting a digital camera and a computer for several years because I just couldn't afford it. Then someone told me I could do it with an inexpensive laptop. Imagine that, all I needed was a straight answer!

If this is about McIntosh vrs Microsoft, what it sounds like, dislikes are as good to hear as likes. Maybe then if one needs to do some catching up, have at it.

Of course if I'm way off base here, just tell me to "shut-up".

Don,

The fact you obtained two extremes of opinion about computers for digital photography, neither of which if followed would do you much good, is the reason I say as much as I do about the subject. As far as I am concerned it is not so much a matter of like and dislikes as what are the precise realities objectively, and what works best at a level of cost an individual wants to afford.

Even though this is an older thread...

One of the nicer things about the new Macs, is you can run windows on them too. The intel based Macs come with software called bootcamp that allows you to boot windows on the computer if you so desire. So you have the best of both worlds - access to OS X (the better operating system in my not so humble opinion) and Windows.

My solution is pre-intel based Macs and involves owning several computers - the majority of which are Macs.

Tim

Tim,

Fortunately the now old PC vs Mac war seems to have worn itself out. And also there is much less of a cost differential between Apple and and PC systems which added a bit of an elite vs common aspect to the conflict and debate.

Relative to your specific remarks I just did an article about an Apple Mac system I put together that will be in Shutterbug a few months from now. I did purchase a new Mac Mini Intel Duo Core computer (base price $599) and added an LG Flatron L2000C 20.1 inch LCD display to make both an affordable and effective performing digital photography computer with some unusual benefits like only taking minimal space on a desk. And for those who need dual use to do business computing or the like Apple Boot Camp can be used to install Windows XP to make it a dual boot/purpose system.

But even though this new Apple Mac has a lot of advantages I think for many already committed to Windows the idea of a change to Apple even though it is a distinct advantage to doing digital photography is not in the cards. A large part of the population is resistant to change, especially when it involves familiar habits and would involve having to learn something new.

For instance, even if gas , which is $3.50 a gallon where I live, goes up to twice that $7.00 a gallon, there are some who will never give up their gas guzzling monster SUV or pickup, it has to do more with their own personal identity than anything "practical".

I agree - though I made the leap to the Mac platform about 2 years ago and have not regretted it one bit. (I still do quite a bit of work using windows)

Too often the OS debate becomes a religious issue - which is a shame. A computer and an Operating system are nothing more than tools. Some times each has an advantage over the other.

My point was more of the: "with the newer Macs, you can run all three major operating systems: OS X, Windows, and Linux" that's something that most other platforms cannot do.

But I appreciate your feedback - this is just one of those areas that I do have some expertise in.

as in all things, YMMV