Switching from PC to Mac

[Floris]

That's the biggest difference between the two. Windows tries to help you along with everything as if you're an idiot (no s**t the network cable is unplugged, I just unplugged it). Mac OS X just stays out of your way and lets you do whatever it is you're doing, and easily and efficiently.

All my usb stuff for Windows are for windows xp, but they all require updated drivers, or a cd with stuff, or whatever.

All the usb stuff for my windows pc .... i just plug them in to the mac and not even a second later it already works. And I am talking printer, scanner, tablet, wireless mouse/keyboard, ipod, digital camera, etc. And not just 'this is a HP product', no .. the exact correct numbers and everything. No problems, all the options, and integrates just fine with photoshop and everything else.

And on the windows if you change usb port .. you're lucky if you don't loose the connection to the hardware or don't get driver issue reports or requests to install it again.

And what I especially like are the simple ways of doing things.

If you want to change a network setting on the windows, you have to know where to look; you have to find it and walk a path to get there and go through various right clicks or dialog screens and advanced buttons for more popups. On the mac you just go to the system pref icon and click on network, the same window updates, and then change your setting, and you're done. No buttons, no new windows, just clean and simple- and the same result; and instant. No reboot required either.

And yes, it is strange going from windows to mac, but after a few minutes you already go 'oh, it works like that.. so easy'... it's a matter of getting used to. A day later you do everything so much smoother and quicker already. Innovating way of using the GUI .. in my eyes: the right way.

[Zachery]

I disagree.

Now its just a falvor of linux/bsd that costs.

[daemon]

Now its just a falvor of linux/bsd that costs.

Except it has a usable interface that's meant for a desktop environment and home users (though a power user can easily find him- or herself at home). I run FreeBSD as my server OS, but I would not consider it for a desktop.

You're argument is based on the fact that the hardware is what makes a mac, but most mac users will tell you that the software is what sets the computer apart: the hardware just defines the parameters it works in--switching to Intel chips allowed those parameters to be expanded.

[Zachery]

A Mac was a MAc for the longest time, not only because of the software but also the hardware. Now that the hardware is gone, its not what it used to be.

[Kathy]

A Mac was a MAc for the longest time, not only because of the software but also the hardware. Now that the hardware is gone, its not what it used to be.

The hardware is gone?

The mac hardware is still the coolest looking hardware anywhere. It still turns heads when someone pulls out an ibook, a powerbook or a mac mini....

I think you are just looking for reasons to disagree....when there are really none substantial...just a personal preference (which is fine!).

But the new apple commercials are quite entertaining...and charming. Leave it to apple...

[Floris]

The hardware is gone is because it can't handle todays software/requirements. Intel cpu's fix that.. it's still an apple. Just a different cpu. The ability soon to run native .exe files on the mac is just a plus. It doesn't mean it'is not a mac. You can still use it and not know it's an intel powered one..

[Zachery]

The hardware is gone?

The mac hardware is still the coolest looking hardware anywhere. It still turns heads when someone pulls out an ibook, a powerbook or a mac mini....

I think you are just looking for reasons to disagree....when there are really none substantial...just a personal preference (which is fine!).

But the new apple commercials are quite entertaining...and charming. Leave it to apple...

Thats just the outter casing, it no longer runs on the PPC processor type.

[Cromulent]

Eh, what about when they used the 68k chips and then switched to PPC chips did they cease to be macs simply because they used a CPU from IBM and Motorola instead of just a Motorola CPU?

The CPU dosen't make a computer, the OS does. This is shown time and again with the Linux / Windows argument. They can both run on the same hardware but the difference in stability is amazing.

[Zachery]

Eh, what about when they used the 68k chips and then switched to PPC chips did they cease to be macs simply because they used a CPU from IBM and Motorola instead of just a Motorola CPU?

The CPU dosen't make a computer, the OS does. This is shown time and again with the Linux / Windows argument. They can both run on the same hardware but the difference in stability is amazing.

You mean the non exsistant difference in stability?

[chrispadfield]

Why do you think the CPU matters in anything other than questions regarding performance, which dosen't seem to be the point you are making.

Does the brand of RAM used matter?

[Zachery]

Why do you think the CPU matters in anything other than questions regarding performance, which dosen't seem to be the point you are making.

Does the brand of RAM used matter?

To me the definition of a mac computer is one that runs on a PPC processor, as as far back as I can remember they have. A PC is a computer that runs on an x86 based processor.

[filburt1]

A Mac is a computer that dual-boots Windows XP and Mac OS X. If the hardware wasn't triple the cost it should be, my next computer would be a Mac for that very reason.

[Raz Meister]

Macs have never always run on only PPC chips.

This Wikipedia entry may help you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Macintosh

[cirisme]

To me the definition of a mac computer is one that runs on a PPC processor, as as far back as I can remember they have. A PC is a computer that runs on an x86 based processor.

Your definition is silly and irrelevant. They continue to make products that are different and that some people will think are better. The processor switch will only enhance that.

If you want to continue with your quaint little definition, feel free. But it's not representative of few but yourself and has no bearing on the rest of the market or the actual advantages or disadvantages with going with OS X.

[Zachery]

Your definition is silly and irrelevant. They continue to make products that are different and that some people will think are better. The processor switch will only enhance that.

If you want to continue with your quaint little definition, feel free. But it's not representative of few but yourself and has no bearing on the rest of the market or the actual advantages or disadvantages with going with OS X.

You know I do own a mac, and I'm intrested in an intel based one, I just don't believe personally that its quiet the same as it used to be.