I'm this close (my index finger and thumb are basically pressed together!) to switching computer systems from PC to Mac. I'm tired of dealing with all the hardware issues / failures of my system. I guess I am looking for a little advice on what to expect when I try to use my peripherals. I have an Epson 2200 and Photoshop CS3. Should it be difficult to find a driver for my 2200 to continue to use? I know I will need to repurchase Photoshop - but I'm pretty sure my new copy of Lightroom includes both versions (MAC and PC). Will there be any issues with my current files being usable with the MAC? I shoot with a Canon 1D mark II still..
Right now I am looking at a basic power MAC - not the 8-core, but will probably look at about 8 gig of RAM, two 1-Terabyte drives, etc. Hopefully I will have a good platform to build from with future upgrades.
Thanks for all advice / "watch for's" you might be able to offer...
According to this pagep, the 2200 should be supported out of the box with OSX 10.5.
Rather than repurchase Photoshop, you can call Adobe and just buy the CS4 upgrade. Tell them you're migrating from PC to Mac and they can transfer your CS3 license which should be eligible. Much cheaper than buying the full version.
There will be a learning curve but once you're comfortable with the different user interface you should be humming along. Personally I don't care for the Apple keyboards and mice so I replaced mine with 3rd party alternatives.
My dad is having a hard time getting his 2200 to work with OSX 10.5, we're looking into how to solve it, but so far it's not working. My 3800 works just fine. I normally advocate switching to a Mac, and still do, but I don't think Epson is supporting the 2200 for the newer OS'.
I recently made the same switch and even though there were a couple of bumps in the road I am very happy with the decision. I had heard as Guy pointed out that you can purchase an upgrade version of CS4 for Mac if you call Adobe and explain the situation. I didn't go this route because my last full version was 7 so I went ahead and purchased the full version of CS4. The one issue I did have was my Spyder2 software wouldn't work on this version of the Mac OS.
Consider that you are going to pay a LOT more then when you build your system as a pc.
for instance i recently build a new pc (i7 core, 12gb ram, 3tb raid 5, nvidia gtx 260, etc) which cost me +- $1500,
for fun i decided to build the equivalent power mac on there website and it came close to $5000.
FWIW - the new OS from Redmond features an XP compatibility mode that allows you to install and run legacy hardware and software, and will "publish" it to Windows 7. Sounds good, but I reserve judgment until I see it in person and play with it. Yes, I do agree with Wim, for comparable processing power, the Intel/AMD path is so much cheaper, allowing you to buy a better display (8 bit) or go to a dual display system, external backup drive, etc. I have been using Windows almost exclusively, and I can say that with the exception of Vista and Windows Me, the systems were fairly robust. For me the biggest issue with migrating to the Apple world is the fact that I would have to give up a number of applications that are just not available for it, unless you run a virtual Windows application, but then performance becomes an issue.
My guess is that if you end up going Apple, it will likely be an addition, not a replacement, at least for a little while.
Given the reliability of 1 TB drives, I would strongly suggest that you set up a RAID 0 array where they are mirrored, and I would do it in hardware, not software. That way you can always be comfortable that if you lose a drive your data will be safe.
...for fun i decided to build the equivalent power mac on there website and it came close to $5000.
I agree on the price of the Macs but the prices will be a lot closer between a PC and Mac if you consider the following two things :
-- Price the PC with components as high end as Apple uses (power supply, cables, case, fans, ports, etc. in addition to the MB, RAM, video card, drives, etc).
-- Assume that you'll add extra drives and RAM yourself - don't buy them from Apple.
Apple tends to charge a LOT for upgrading RAM and drives. And PCs tend to skimp on components that most people don't consider on the spec sheet. All that being said, I've always had a PC, because there is still a decent price difference, and I'm confortable with, and haven't really had problems with, the 4 PCs I've owned.
Ned, If you make the change from Pc to MAC, DO contact Adobe. What they told me was that they would end my PC license and start a MAC license with no charge for issuing the PhotoShop for MAC..
Not only that, you may maintain your current version in PC, but not be allowed to update it.
Mac would now be your Adobe setup and renewal into the future.
Hi Ned: As noted if you contact Adobe you should be able to switch your license for Photoshop from the PC to the Mac for either no, or a minimal charge. I made the switch last year from the PC to the Mac. I have an Epson 2200. Worked just fine with no fuss at all. I'm running 10.5.x. The driver for the 2200 is already included with the operating system. After 25+ years of running a PC, the only thing I did wrong in switching to the Mac was not doing it sooner. I'm not one of those die hard Mac fans that hate the PC. I simply enjoy the experience of the Mac much better than the PC. For my photography work, the Mac has been a wonderful switch. If you are comfortable with the PC, spend a little time reading about the switch from the PC to the Mac and you'll find it is a trivial exercise. Visit your local Apple store (if you have one or are near one) and they'll help with any issues you may run into on how to do something on the Mac that you do on the PC.
If you're making the switch for the hardware issues, well, that's probably the wrong reason. See, a PC is a PC, not a Mac and a PC as folks like to note. The real difference and about the only difference is the OS. Both use intel processors, both can use the same HDDs, in fact they can interchange about everything. As for hardware issues, just talk to our EIC Richard "Bern" Bernabe. He's on his 3nd logic board, 2nd battery, 2nd keyboard, 2nd DVD drive and maybe something else but I can't think of it. This was all in the 1st 15 months of buying his MacBook Pro. I bought my Dell Precision M4300 mobile workstation just a month or two after him (and spec'ed it out almost exactly (I added a faster processor and HDD and built it with XP Pro). Mine has had no problems!
Just remember, the only thing that is different is the OS and the looks. Oh, and maybe the cool factor. But they are both PC's, one with Apple's OS and one with Microsoft's OS. All the components are near exact!
And here I thought in reading the title this was going to be talking about switching from Canon to Nikon.
Ned, your 1D Mk2 files already processed on PC should work just fine on a Mac. I can't address your hardware concerns, though I'd be surprised if your 2200 will have any trouble with OS 10.5 if you download the right driver software from Epson. It's possible your hardware/failure issues really are Vista issues, and from what I've read about the new Windows OS coming out, things will be much better.
Anyway, I made the switch to Mac from PC 12 years ago and have never looked back, even though I've since been in several PC office environments. It's sure nice not to have as many concerns about viruses and worms and such, although it is still a good idea to use software -- just in case -- to keep the Mac clean of that stuff. Heretofore it's been pretty much completely a PC problem, but I don't believe it'll stay that way.
There are some clear differences in the way the Mac and PC OSes guide you through your working day, and it'll be interesting to see which you like best after you make the switch and compare. When I made the switch, a week later it felt like I'd come home because it was so comfortable and intuitive for the way I work. It was such a difference I just slapped my head, said Doh! and wondered why I'd waited so long. That's not true of everyone, though.
As David said, buy your additional RAM from an aftermarket company rather than Apple and you'll save a chunk of money and should have no compatibility issues. In fact, I use Mac systems refurbished and rebuilt by http://stn2.headgap.com/resale/FMPro?-db=OrdersC.fp3&-format=products.htm&-new. They never have the brand spankingest new systems because the newest models have to be around for a little while before they can be rebuilt, but this outfit (they are small in numbers and small in price but they are big in knowledge) is excellent. They have older systems for sale but some very muscular G5s as well that they will customize for you, and they sell aftermarket RAM and other additional stuff. Before you buy Mac new, you should check these guys out. One final note on Headgap. They support the hell out of their stuff, and when you dial the phone, a human being always answers. And no, for the cynics among you, I'm not getting any promotional considerations for talking them up. I just like their prices, they way they work and how they support their stuff. I'm still using G4 I bought from them 5 years ago as my main work machine (beefed up with additional RAM I bought from Headgap and installed myself) and it's had no hardware failures whatsoever.
Both use intel processors, both can use the same HDDs, in fact they can interchange about everything.
Good point Jerry. The problem is when people buy bargain basement slapped together PCs - and run into all kinds of compatibility and failure issues. These can happen on Macs or higher end machines, but not as typically. I think you only buy higher-end PCs, right? That's good advice, and what I try to do myself. That'll get you better spec'ed out, more compatible, less prone to fail systems.
I switched about 8 or 9 years ago and have had no problems with my Macs. A G4 I just upgraded from to a MacPro, and 2 different MacBook Pro's. While PC's and Mac's both use Intel processors as Jerry noted, that is where the similarity ends. I finally dumped my PC (a high-end unit) when it kept crashing and I would call Microsoft Tech Support and they would tell me its a hardware problem, and then call the hardware company and they would tell me it was a software problem. With Mac's you get a single-source product where the OS and hardware are optimized for each other. There is also only one source for any issues and Apple has the best technical support of any company I have run across. For me the time/money I lost every time my PC crashed cost 100 times more than the extra cost for a quality product from Apple. The ease of use is also another positive factor. I have setup wireless networks for my Mac's in less than 15 minutes and then immediately tried to do the same for my girlfriends PC's and it took hours (PC wouldn't recognize hardware, wouldn't accept passwords, on and on).
Scott, I had to laugh. My adult son is a Mac and PC wizard. When we are all gathered at the lake cabin for family reunions and he is asked to set up any kind of wireless or other network stuff on our Macs, it takes him a few minutes. When my Dad asks him to do stuff on Dad's PC, my son rolls his eyes and disappears for about two hours before the deed is done. You can tell he's working on a PC from his bedroom because of all the cursing coming through the door.
Sorry, all, not trying to ramp up the old Ford/Chevy, Canon/Nikon, Mac/PC debate.
You are dead wrong! The only thing that is different is the case and the OS. Everything is pretty much interchangable. Go buy a new HDD, they all note on the box for Windows, Apple and Linux machines. DVD drives are the same internally but mount differenty. They both use the same graphics card components. As for my system, I have just as good of service with Dell Pro support as you have with Apple support. It's a one stop shop for me and that's software included for three years. The deal is buying from a company that offers a Pro support program that is US based and covers hardware and software issues. Apparently you only thought you had a highend machine! When you talk about a highend system it more than just the computer, it includes the company as a whole and the types of service they offer.
Oh, and I have had NO problems getting my mobile workstation connected through any network. The only issue is if you are trying to work with an old windows system on the newer wireless networks.
Won't get into an argument, if your happy and I'm happy then everyone's happy. But the PC I had was the top of the line Dell computer and my PERSONAL experience with Dell is they had the WORST customer service I've ever come across (maybe Gateway was worst), its great if your experience is better. That computer never made it a week without crashing, from the time I got it. There were numerous times it would not boot at all and I would have to take it in for repair, leaving me no way to do my work, costing me thousands of dollars in repair work and lost wages. The G4 in all the years I've had it has crashed maybe 3 times. Each time it rebooted immediately with no lost work, making it worth the few extra dollars up front because the life-cycle cost is half of what my PC's were. I've used both systems for a long period of time and there IS a difference. Maybe it is simply the quality of parts Apple uses versus some of the other companies and I know my personal preference is for the Apple OS, I find it much easier to use.
In the end it is all personal experience. Like with my Jeep Wrangler. Everyone I spoke with who had one would say how unreliable they were, breaking all the time. I drove my Wrangler for 10 years and 190,000 miles and only spent $800 in repairs in that time.
Did you purchase the PRO support? And how long ago was this? There's no way that you had their US based PRO support if you had terrible support. How did you buy it, direct through their site or through a third party? Again, look at the components used on the custom Dell Pro mobile workstations, not the prebuilt ones, they have the SAME basic components. The difference is the OS and the case and that is about it. Hell, Sony makes Apple's laptop batteries just like about everyone else. You can dispute it all you want but the new computers (Intel processors), if you compare apples to apples, they're about the same and close to the same $$$$'s. So, as for Apple computers never breaking, just ask Richard Bernabe. Yeap, his MacBook Pro's been in the shop 4 time with 2 being logic board replacements! All within 16 months!
I sometimes think that you Apple converts that talk so badly about Windows based PC's just do it because you feel the need to somehow justify spending all those extra $$$$$'s when you really didn't have to! It's just a subconscious, Tourette syndrome, type of knee-jerk reaction
I just switched out my MacBook Pro for a new Mac Pro. Amazing machine. I got the single quad core 2.66 ghz and put 16 gb of ram in it. Using an Intel X-25M 80gb solid state drive for my boot drive and 3 x 1 TB Western Digital RE3 drives striped raid 0. The outer partition of the 3 drive stripe is my PS scratch disk, the rest for data. I have an external firewire disk for backup.
It's literally 15x faster than the old MBP using Diglloyd's medium speed test. About 55 seconds. I still use a Windows PC on the job but the Mac OS is just so much more fun !
Posted by Scott Fricke on May 12, 2009 at 10:36 PM
Jerry,
I speak from personal experience, that is all. I switched for a reason, not because I set out to do so. It has been a positive switch for me personally. If you love PC's I'm very happy for you. Just wondering why you think you have to resort to insults and insinuations I have some sort of disease or affliction.
Posted by Scott Fricke on May 12, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Jerry,
"There's no way that you had their US based PRO support if you had terrible support." Really? Have you personally monitored every customer service call made to Dell Pro support and received direct customer feedback from every customer of Dell Pro support to back up that statement?
Why do you and the other try to push so hard to convert when it's mostly only under false pretenses? 99.9% of the time the converted push as you and others do, due to the move from a $1000 Windows machine to a $3,000 Apple machine. What the do you expect? I'm not taking anything away from Apple other than they are over-priced. They have a wonderful OS and again this is really the only difference. What I'm trying to say is, if you build 2 machines, one Mac and the other a Windows unit and they are built under the same guidelines, you will have two machines that are basically the same, other than the OS and the case. The performance will also be nearly the same. You will find that the Apple will be a few hundred more and with less warranty, 1 year vers. 3 year with Dell Pro service. If you add the full service with Apple then you're going to be nearly $1000 more for a virtually identically performing machine.
As for insults, dude I'm just playing with you guys!
And again, did you have their most recent Pro Service (the past two years)? It isn't offered on a unit bought at Best Buy or any retailer. It comes from Dell's business site. It's designed for small businesses and the like. They offer a 1 year and a 3 year version with next day hardware replacement for the term. The service includes the installed software! On my system it includes XP Pro. My reasoning for you understanding is that Apple offers, what I would consider, a Pro service on all of its machines. One being a 1 year service and the second being an extended multi-year. But Apple doesn't offer comparable machines at $1000 and lower so they have no need for the low end service. I just feel that when people speak of Apple and Windows machines they are almost always comparing grapes to grapefruit.
"false pretenses"? Are you calling me a liar in regard to my personal experiences?
"As for insults, dude I'm just playing with you guys!" Please review the entire thread and show where I or anyone else insulted you once. You on the other hand have called me a liar twice.
Dude, chill out, no one called you a liar! If I were going to call you or anyone a liar I'd call you just that, a liar. Anyone that personally knows me understands that. See, the way I see it is, if you have the balls to make such a strong negative statement then you should have the balls to back it up if someone calls you on it. You should also have the balls to admit when you overstate a situation.
As for insulted, I didn't insult you, well, unless you're very thin skinned and if so then I'll be the first to apologize. All I did was question you about your service contract and high end Dell machine, which you never even attempted to answer at anytime. Is this the way you do it? Instead of answering a few simple questions you play the "He's insulting me and calling me a liar" card. Come on, you're yanking my chain aren't you? You can't be serious!
Jerry, you are not worth further comment. You obviously can't comprehend someone's experience being different from your own. You need to grow up. I stand by EVERYTHING I wrote, none of which was overstated.
I have to ask, do you have a problem reading posts all the way through? Do you just fixate on specific word or phrase and stop reading after that? This entire thread has been about your inability to understand that most computer manufacturers have two different levels of support. Yes, even Apple has two levels but the great thing is that they didn't outsource to India. But then again, they don't sell computers for under $1,000.
My experience with Dell is at a business level and NOT a consumer level and a wonderful thing is that anyone can purchase at the small business level if you have a photography business! At the business level you can purchase a 1-year or 3-year Pro support package which covers every aspect of your computer and that even include networking and the software! Yes, this includes Windows OS, Vista or XP, just whatever the computer was loaded with when new. No calling Windows support then calling Dell support. This is a US based service, no flow chart reading, hard to understand, out of the country, support system. In fact, if you research this service you will find that Dell's business level IT support surpasses Apples own version of IT support. So really the table is turned when it comes to the support structure from consumer to business support.
Now, read this paragraph completely, I NEVER QUESTIONED YOUR EXPERIENCE! I'll write it again, go back and read the posts, I NEVER QUESTIONED YOUR EXPERIENCE. What I questioned was your level of support service purchased or not with your Dell machine. For some reason you, not one time, offered to answer that question. You only proceeded to lump all support from Dell into one bad experience for yourself and commenced to a barrage of “you called me a liar” etc., etc., etc. blah, blah blah! So Scott, take a deep breath, close your eyes, relax and let out the hate. Let it go, for there are computer companies out there that, now in present time and not years ago, that have a support service and a computer that is comparable to the mighty Apple. And in fact, some of those Apple owners have the same trouble with service and hardware as those that own a Windows machine. Well, why wouldn't they for they are built with almost identical hardware and processors.
Discussion
30 repliesRight now I am looking at a basic power MAC - not the 8-core, but will probably look at about 8 gig of RAM, two 1-Terabyte drives, etc. Hopefully I will have a good platform to build from with future upgrades.
Thanks for all advice / "watch for's" you might be able to offer...
http://macperformanceguide.com/index.html
Rather than repurchase Photoshop, you can call Adobe and just buy the CS4 upgrade. Tell them you're migrating from PC to Mac and they can transfer your CS3 license which should be eligible. Much cheaper than buying the full version.
There will be a learning curve but once you're comfortable with the different user interface you should be humming along. Personally I don't care for the Apple keyboards and mice so I replaced mine with 3rd party alternatives.
Guy
for instance i recently build a new pc (i7 core, 12gb ram, 3tb raid 5, nvidia gtx 260, etc) which cost me +- $1500,
for fun i decided to build the equivalent power mac on there website and it came close to $5000.
Wim.
My guess is that if you end up going Apple, it will likely be an addition, not a replacement, at least for a little while.
Given the reliability of 1 TB drives, I would strongly suggest that you set up a RAID 0 array where they are mirrored, and I would do it in hardware, not software. That way you can always be comfortable that if you lose a drive your data will be safe.
I agree on the price of the Macs but the prices will be a lot closer between a PC and Mac if you consider the following two things :
-- Price the PC with components as high end as Apple uses (power supply, cables, case, fans, ports, etc. in addition to the MB, RAM, video card, drives, etc).
-- Assume that you'll add extra drives and RAM yourself - don't buy them from Apple.
Apple tends to charge a LOT for upgrading RAM and drives. And PCs tend to skimp on components that most people don't consider on the spec sheet. All that being said, I've always had a PC, because there is still a decent price difference, and I'm confortable with, and haven't really had problems with, the 4 PCs I've owned.
Not only that, you may maintain your current version in PC, but not be allowed to update it.
Mac would now be your Adobe setup and renewal into the future.
If you're making the switch for the hardware issues, well, that's probably the wrong reason. See, a PC is a PC, not a Mac and a PC as folks like to note. The real difference and about the only difference is the OS. Both use intel processors, both can use the same HDDs, in fact they can interchange about everything. As for hardware issues, just talk to our EIC Richard "Bern" Bernabe. He's on his 3nd logic board, 2nd battery, 2nd keyboard, 2nd DVD drive and maybe something else but I can't think of it. This was all in the 1st 15 months of buying his MacBook Pro. I bought my Dell Precision M4300 mobile workstation just a month or two after him (and spec'ed it out almost exactly (I added a faster processor and HDD and built it with XP Pro). Mine has had no problems!
Just remember, the only thing that is different is the OS and the looks. Oh, and maybe the cool factor. But they are both PC's, one with Apple's OS and one with Microsoft's OS. All the components are near exact!
Ned, your 1D Mk2 files already processed on PC should work just fine on a Mac. I can't address your hardware concerns, though I'd be surprised if your 2200 will have any trouble with OS 10.5 if you download the right driver software from Epson. It's possible your hardware/failure issues really are Vista issues, and from what I've read about the new Windows OS coming out, things will be much better.
Anyway, I made the switch to Mac from PC 12 years ago and have never looked back, even though I've since been in several PC office environments. It's sure nice not to have as many concerns about viruses and worms and such, although it is still a good idea to use software -- just in case -- to keep the Mac clean of that stuff. Heretofore it's been pretty much completely a PC problem, but I don't believe it'll stay that way.
There are some clear differences in the way the Mac and PC OSes guide you through your working day, and it'll be interesting to see which you like best after you make the switch and compare. When I made the switch, a week later it felt like I'd come home because it was so comfortable and intuitive for the way I work. It was such a difference I just slapped my head, said Doh! and wondered why I'd waited so long. That's not true of everyone, though.
As David said, buy your additional RAM from an aftermarket company rather than Apple and you'll save a chunk of money and should have no compatibility issues. In fact, I use Mac systems refurbished and rebuilt by http://stn2.headgap.com/resale/FMPro?-db=OrdersC.fp3&-format=products.htm&-new. They never have the brand spankingest new systems because the newest models have to be around for a little while before they can be rebuilt, but this outfit (they are small in numbers and small in price but they are big in knowledge) is excellent. They have older systems for sale but some very muscular G5s as well that they will customize for you, and they sell aftermarket RAM and other additional stuff. Before you buy Mac new, you should check these guys out. One final note on Headgap. They support the hell out of their stuff, and when you dial the phone, a human being always answers. And no, for the cynics among you, I'm not getting any promotional considerations for talking them up. I just like their prices, they way they work and how they support their stuff. I'm still using G4 I bought from them 5 years ago as my main work machine (beefed up with additional RAM I bought from Headgap and installed myself) and it's had no hardware failures whatsoever.
Good luck, and have fun with it!
Good point Jerry. The problem is when people buy bargain basement slapped together PCs - and run into all kinds of compatibility and failure issues. These can happen on Macs or higher end machines, but not as typically. I think you only buy higher-end PCs, right? That's good advice, and what I try to do myself. That'll get you better spec'ed out, more compatible, less prone to fail systems.
Sorry, all, not trying to ramp up the old Ford/Chevy, Canon/Nikon, Mac/PC debate.
You are dead wrong! The only thing that is different is the case and the OS. Everything is pretty much interchangable. Go buy a new HDD, they all note on the box for Windows, Apple and Linux machines. DVD drives are the same internally but mount differenty. They both use the same graphics card components. As for my system, I have just as good of service with Dell Pro support as you have with Apple support. It's a one stop shop for me and that's software included for three years. The deal is buying from a company that offers a Pro support program that is US based and covers hardware and software issues. Apparently you only thought you had a highend machine! When you talk about a highend system it more than just the computer, it includes the company as a whole and the types of service they offer.
Oh, and I have had NO problems getting my mobile workstation connected through any network. The only issue is if you are trying to work with an old windows system on the newer wireless networks.
Won't get into an argument, if your happy and I'm happy then everyone's happy. But the PC I had was the top of the line Dell computer and my PERSONAL experience with Dell is they had the WORST customer service I've ever come across (maybe Gateway was worst), its great if your experience is better. That computer never made it a week without crashing, from the time I got it. There were numerous times it would not boot at all and I would have to take it in for repair, leaving me no way to do my work, costing me thousands of dollars in repair work and lost wages. The G4 in all the years I've had it has crashed maybe 3 times. Each time it rebooted immediately with no lost work, making it worth the few extra dollars up front because the life-cycle cost is half of what my PC's were. I've used both systems for a long period of time and there IS a difference. Maybe it is simply the quality of parts Apple uses versus some of the other companies and I know my personal preference is for the Apple OS, I find it much easier to use.
In the end it is all personal experience. Like with my Jeep Wrangler. Everyone I spoke with who had one would say how unreliable they were, breaking all the time. I drove my Wrangler for 10 years and 190,000 miles and only spent $800 in repairs in that time.
Did you purchase the PRO support? And how long ago was this? There's no way that you had their US based PRO support if you had terrible support. How did you buy it, direct through their site or through a third party? Again, look at the components used on the custom Dell Pro mobile workstations, not the prebuilt ones, they have the SAME basic components. The difference is the OS and the case and that is about it. Hell, Sony makes Apple's laptop batteries just like about everyone else. You can dispute it all you want but the new computers (Intel processors), if you compare apples to apples, they're about the same and close to the same $$$$'s. So, as for Apple computers never breaking, just ask Richard Bernabe. Yeap, his MacBook Pro's been in the shop 4 time with 2 being logic board replacements! All within 16 months!
I sometimes think that you Apple converts that talk so badly about Windows based PC's just do it because you feel the need to somehow justify spending all those extra $$$$$'s when you really didn't have to! It's just a subconscious, Tourette syndrome, type of knee-jerk reaction
It's literally 15x faster than the old MBP using Diglloyd's medium speed test. About 55 seconds. I still use a Windows PC on the job but the Mac OS is just so much more fun !
I speak from personal experience, that is all. I switched for a reason, not because I set out to do so. It has been a positive switch for me personally. If you love PC's I'm very happy for you. Just wondering why you think you have to resort to insults and insinuations I have some sort of disease or affliction.
"There's no way that you had their US based PRO support if you had terrible support." Really? Have you personally monitored every customer service call made to Dell Pro support and received direct customer feedback from every customer of Dell Pro support to back up that statement?
Why do you and the other try to push so hard to convert when it's mostly only under false pretenses? 99.9% of the time the converted push as you and others do, due to the move from a $1000 Windows machine to a $3,000 Apple machine. What the do you expect? I'm not taking anything away from Apple other than they are over-priced. They have a wonderful OS and again this is really the only difference. What I'm trying to say is, if you build 2 machines, one Mac and the other a Windows unit and they are built under the same guidelines, you will have two machines that are basically the same, other than the OS and the case. The performance will also be nearly the same. You will find that the Apple will be a few hundred more and with less warranty, 1 year vers. 3 year with Dell Pro service. If you add the full service with Apple then you're going to be nearly $1000 more for a virtually identically performing machine.
As for insults, dude I'm just playing with you guys!
And again, did you have their most recent Pro Service (the past two years)? It isn't offered on a unit bought at Best Buy or any retailer. It comes from Dell's business site. It's designed for small businesses and the like. They offer a 1 year and a 3 year version with next day hardware replacement for the term. The service includes the installed software! On my system it includes XP Pro. My reasoning for you understanding is that Apple offers, what I would consider, a Pro service on all of its machines. One being a 1 year service and the second being an extended multi-year. But Apple doesn't offer comparable machines at $1000 and lower so they have no need for the low end service. I just feel that when people speak of Apple and Windows machines they are almost always comparing grapes to grapefruit.
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/services/prosupport/index?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd
"false pretenses"? Are you calling me a liar in regard to my personal experiences?
"As for insults, dude I'm just playing with you guys!" Please review the entire thread and show where I or anyone else insulted you once. You on the other hand have called me a liar twice.
You are a Moderator, please act like one.
Dude, chill out, no one called you a liar! If I were going to call you or anyone a liar I'd call you just that, a liar. Anyone that personally knows me understands that. See, the way I see it is, if you have the balls to make such a strong negative statement then you should have the balls to back it up if someone calls you on it. You should also have the balls to admit when you overstate a situation.
As for insulted, I didn't insult you, well, unless you're very thin skinned and if so then I'll be the first to apologize. All I did was question you about your service contract and high end Dell machine, which you never even attempted to answer at anytime. Is this the way you do it? Instead of answering a few simple questions you play the "He's insulting me and calling me a liar" card. Come on, you're yanking my chain aren't you? You can't be serious!
I have to ask, do you have a problem reading posts all the way through? Do you just fixate on specific word or phrase and stop reading after that? This entire thread has been about your inability to understand that most computer manufacturers have two different levels of support. Yes, even Apple has two levels but the great thing is that they didn't outsource to India. But then again, they don't sell computers for under $1,000.
My experience with Dell is at a business level and NOT a consumer level and a wonderful thing is that anyone can purchase at the small business level if you have a photography business! At the business level you can purchase a 1-year or 3-year Pro support package which covers every aspect of your computer and that even include networking and the software! Yes, this includes Windows OS, Vista or XP, just whatever the computer was loaded with when new. No calling Windows support then calling Dell support. This is a US based service, no flow chart reading, hard to understand, out of the country, support system. In fact, if you research this service you will find that Dell's business level IT support surpasses Apples own version of IT support. So really the table is turned when it comes to the support structure from consumer to business support.
Now, read this paragraph completely, I NEVER QUESTIONED YOUR EXPERIENCE! I'll write it again, go back and read the posts, I NEVER QUESTIONED YOUR EXPERIENCE. What I questioned was your level of support service purchased or not with your Dell machine. For some reason you, not one time, offered to answer that question. You only proceeded to lump all support from Dell into one bad experience for yourself and commenced to a barrage of “you called me a liar” etc., etc., etc. blah, blah blah! So Scott, take a deep breath, close your eyes, relax and let out the hate. Let it go, for there are computer companies out there that, now in present time and not years ago, that have a support service and a computer that is comparable to the mighty Apple. And in fact, some of those Apple owners have the same trouble with service and hardware as those that own a Windows machine. Well, why wouldn't they for they are built with almost identical hardware and processors.