MAC learning curve vs. Windows 7

Help me to decide, PLEASE. I am debating going Mac as opposed to Windows 7 on my new computer. I am using XP right now, computer is 6 years old and on life support so now is the time if I am going to make a switch to Mac. My concerns are that while I will have a learning curve with either system, I can't afford to have my photo business down while I learn a new operating system. For those of you who may have already gone through this I would appreciate any input that you may have. (Please, no Mac vs. Windows AKA. Nikon vs. Canon debates.)I am using CS4 and LR3 and understand through Adobe I can transfer the license (thank God!$$$)so that is a non issue. Is there anything else I should consider? Thanks in advance for the help!

I recently switched to an iMac from Windows Vista and while it took about a week to get myself back in the game (using it for a few hours at a time) it's second nature now and I find it really is easier to use. The search function on the Mac is far superior to anything I've used on windows (so if you are looking for a picture just type in any part of the filename and the search function finds it almost immediately, very impressive and easy to use). The file system to me is better as well, and the Mac has such an easy UI. As for switching to mac on Photoshop - there really is very little difference and it should not impede you whatsoever. I think in the long run, the limited number of headaches you will get from a Mac compared to a PC when looking at it from a business perspective will far outway any increased cost in up-front purchase.

- Luke

I made the switch from Windows 2000 to OSX a couple of years ago. I found the transition quite smooth. There are a couple of things that will take some getting used to.

In OSX the menus are always at the top of the screen rather than the top of the window. If there is a way to change that, I haven't found it.

The Finder's behavior is not the same as Windows Explorer. For example, the back button takes you back to the last folder you were viewing instead of up one level. This drove me crazy for a while.

In OSX, a window is a document not a program. You can close all of an application's open documents and the application will still be running. This can be a mixed blessing. On one hand, the next time you open a document the application seems to start very quickly. On the other hand, you can easily end up with a lot of unused applications running.

I doubt you'll have any trouble with the learning curve on either system.

MacMacMacMacMac. I'm a very novice computer person and the change was a breeze. We have 20 PCs at my office so I have a lot of experience with both systems. I'd be surprised if you couldn't master the change in 72 hours. And there is a lot of support at your local Apple store.

I have Windows 7 and I love it so far. But one question is do you have a windows laptop with PS? Adobe allows you to have 2 licenses and both have to be Windows or Mac. You want to check that out, since I am not sure if they changed that or not.
John

Jeffrey, you know you can't ask that question and not start The Debate...

Seriously, if I may be so bold, either one is the right choice. The battle is over and the line is the sand has been erased. The user interface in either OS does the same thing: folders, files. mouse clicks, drags, etc.

I love Macs, had my first one 20 years ago. Having said that, my entire editing system is Windows 7, and my day job is programming Microsoft technologies. Both ships float, both float great. I think the answer lies in your circumstances: you don't want to put a dent in your business. Well, Mac OSX and Windows 7 are, to me, both a small but equal (and easy) learning curve. No issue there. All that remains is your software: sure, you can switch your Adobe License, but be prepared for LONG calls amd several of them, and 2-4 weeks for action to take. How about the rest of your software? Quickbooks, Office, etc? If you're prepared for that, then sure, go Mac. Otherwise, you won't hate Windows 7, Microsoft finally got it right. I'm stressing this fact: Ferrari or Porsche, pick it!

In closing, the Mac has one huge plus: The Mac is a royal pain to program against so there are a lot less viruses written that will run on Macs. It's GREAT reading my corporate mail on my iPhone, knowing an evil attachment can't run in a Mac environment. Big huge plus there. And yes, an iPhone is a Mac. It just happens to have a built-in phone, lol!

But, as much as I love Macs, here is one that's clearly in the books for the Windows road: Hardware cost. Hate to admit it, Windows wipes that one up. Just an example: I built my rig over the last year for $2500, typical video editing rig with 12GB of ram and 7 hard drives, Blu-Ray burner, lettuce, pickles and ketchup. The same rig on the Apple web site (as close as I could work it up) was nearly $5000 with less hard drives. So, PC and a 5D Mark II, or a Mac for the same price. At the lower end it's the same, BUT great stuff does cost more.

I've got you TOTALLY confused now, don't I...

Learning curve? There's not one worth mentioning. Mail is a lot like outlook. Safari is a lot like IE. Photoshop and Lightroom will work just the same. I have a network full of Macs and apple hardware. What makes the price difference reasonable for me is that whatever you add to the network just works out of the box. You don't have to go hunt the latest driver, hold your tongue just right and pray that PNP recognizes it. I made the transition from XP Pro to OSX in 2004 and have no regrets. Well, one. At the time I switched I administered several Oracle and SQL Server database installations and the tools to do that on OSX were not very robust.

I agree with most ppl. I switched from Vista to Mac about 9months ago. More often than not, I had no problems, but there are a few minor things, that when you encounter, you might feel @loss. That said, I do think the functionality of Photoshop is going to be by and large same. Except in places where you Ctrl+ "something" in Windows, its Command+ "mostly same key" in Mac.

I do have to say my wife uses Windows 7 and for some reason, my photos appear flat and lifeless in her laptop, while it renders beautifully in my Mac. It could though most likely be a calibration issue.

Bottom line- Go with Mac, you wont regret one bit. Best of all, very minimal virus (if any) worries :D

While the learning curve will not be terribly steep, I am noticing your comment about bringing your business down while you learn. It IS going to take some adjustment so make sure you plan on things taking longer, and being hard to learn at first. Perhaps the biggest help to you would be having other Mac people to help you out the first few days / weeks. Switching to Mac is a breeze when there are others in an office environment that you can call on when you're stuck. It's harder if you're all alone in the studio and have to google every question you have.

Patrick Herold
Tech Support
www.chromix.com

Sorry I'm a little late, but I would like to give you my experience for what it's worth.
I switched from PC to Mac and I should have done it long ago. I was all on my own. It was easy. If you need help the people at apple all speak English. The only time I needed help is because I caused the problem.
I switched in 2007 and have a Mac Pro and a MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro is the latest one as my son some how acquired my 2008 MacBook Pro. The monitors are sharp and clear.
My wife just bought a new PC laptop & there is always something out of the ordinary going on.
They do cost more but you get every pennies worth. They are enjoyable to use. You will not be sorry. Good Luck, Conrad PS If you need any suggestions or advice, e-mail me.

Thanks to all of you for your insight and advise. After much deliberation (and years of procrastination), I am happy to say we have acquired the new iMac 21" w/16GB Ram and a
1 TB hard drive. Now I just need to have Adobe change over my CS4 and LR3 licenses and I will be good to go. Oh yeah, and learn how to use the Mac,too!

Jeffrey, Glad to here you purchased a Mac. So far how are things going? Which processor did you get with your IMac?
That's great you got 16GB of memory. After you have used it for awhile, you should really like it. Conrad