Discussion
Look in this section (and also in General Gassing) for some of the Mac-PC wars for a few tips.
If you are looking for a top of the range G5, take care right now. It looks like they are about to launch a faster (2G) processor, and Jobs has promised 3GHz by the summer. Apple often release speed bumps suddenly with no price change, which would be irritating if your super 1.8G dual processor arrives a week after they announce a faster machine. Keep an eye on the magazines and web sites.
If you are looking for a top of the range G5, take care right now. It looks like they are about to launch a faster (2G) processor, and Jobs has promised 3GHz by the summer. Apple often release speed bumps suddenly with no price change, which would be irritating if your super 1.8G dual processor arrives a week after they announce a faster machine. Keep an eye on the magazines and web sites.
I've been a Mac owner for over 10 years (still have my first, an LC).
I have found they do pretty much everything a PC does, just better (with maybe the exception of games, but buy a console for that). I'll just point out that I work in IT (but not with macs).
There are alot of Mac owners on here to answer specific questions, so just ask away.
Sparks
I have found they do pretty much everything a PC does, just better (with maybe the exception of games, but buy a console for that). I'll just point out that I work in IT (but not with macs).
There are alot of Mac owners on here to answer specific questions, so just ask away.
Sparks
I got one of the first Dual G5 in the country (via Taiwan, Singapore, Amsterdam, Liege, Heathrow, Liege, Heathrow and finally Liverpool).
All I can tell you is . . . "Jesus, it's quick, big and beautiful".
OS-X (10.3 Panther) is great, all the i-accessories are great, and the thing just works (once you have installed it all of course).
I work all week on PC's and Macs (most Wintel PCs here are changed annually, but the Macs stay for 3 years) and I still can't wait to get home to my beast!
Wintel PC users complain that the Mac has no software available . . . büllshit . . . it's just that the Wintel PC has loads of crap software available and the average Mac user is not willing to accept that crap.
Most 'decent' software is available for both Wintel PC and Mac (including most Microsoft and Adobe software) - they do the same on both platforms, but it just looks better on the Mac (and I use both regularly).
It is a similar position in the games world - most Wintel PC users rave about running their latest game at 300fps or whatever, but then you realise that the game is written to be played at 1024x768 on a 3ghz P4. When a Mac user buys a game they expect to be able to play it at 1600x1440 on a 1ghz G4. Who needs 300fps when the eye can't see anything over 30fps (or 60fps with interlacing). As long as the Mac can deliver 60fps whatever the on-screen action then what's to complain about.
One thing you will need is lots of RAM - but DO NOT buy it with the machine direct from Apple as they charge about triple the going rate for RAM - I got 3gb from Crucial (at £58 per 512mb stick) for the same price (£350) as 1gb from Apple (£200 per 512mb)!
If you don't have a strong work-station then you will need one, or have a trolley so it can go on the floor.
If you can manage it, it would be cheaper to get one from the US as it is £2300 in the UK or $3000 (£1580) in the US. Wth a cheap flight you should get it £500 cheaper than in the UK!
The one or two initial problems seem to be sorted out (dodgy ATI video cards that wouldn't send any video signal at cold starts, and noisy power supplies). Mine had a dodgy video card but was replaced under warranty!
While you are there you could buy a few iPods and sell at a nice profit over here to cover the cost of your flight!
I'll do you a deal . . . I'll sell you mine for £2k when Apple releases the next speed bump
All I can tell you is . . . "Jesus, it's quick, big and beautiful".
OS-X (10.3 Panther) is great, all the i-accessories are great, and the thing just works (once you have installed it all of course).
I work all week on PC's and Macs (most Wintel PCs here are changed annually, but the Macs stay for 3 years) and I still can't wait to get home to my beast!
Wintel PC users complain that the Mac has no software available . . . büllshit . . . it's just that the Wintel PC has loads of crap software available and the average Mac user is not willing to accept that crap.
Most 'decent' software is available for both Wintel PC and Mac (including most Microsoft and Adobe software) - they do the same on both platforms, but it just looks better on the Mac (and I use both regularly).
It is a similar position in the games world - most Wintel PC users rave about running their latest game at 300fps or whatever, but then you realise that the game is written to be played at 1024x768 on a 3ghz P4. When a Mac user buys a game they expect to be able to play it at 1600x1440 on a 1ghz G4. Who needs 300fps when the eye can't see anything over 30fps (or 60fps with interlacing). As long as the Mac can deliver 60fps whatever the on-screen action then what's to complain about.
One thing you will need is lots of RAM - but DO NOT buy it with the machine direct from Apple as they charge about triple the going rate for RAM - I got 3gb from Crucial (at £58 per 512mb stick) for the same price (£350) as 1gb from Apple (£200 per 512mb)!
If you don't have a strong work-station then you will need one, or have a trolley so it can go on the floor.
If you can manage it, it would be cheaper to get one from the US as it is £2300 in the UK or $3000 (£1580) in the US. Wth a cheap flight you should get it £500 cheaper than in the UK!
The one or two initial problems seem to be sorted out (dodgy ATI video cards that wouldn't send any video signal at cold starts, and noisy power supplies). Mine had a dodgy video card but was replaced under warranty!
While you are there you could buy a few iPods and sell at a nice profit over here to cover the cost of your flight!
I'll do you a deal . . . I'll sell you mine for £2k when Apple releases the next speed bump
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