I have been tempted to get an Apple before, but the costs involved have always persuaded me to hold off. While the computers themselves are more expensive than a similarly equipped PC — yes I know that’s an Apples to Oranges comparison (pun intended) — it’s also the cost of getting much of the software I use regularly re-licensed on the Mac: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro, Flash, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Navicat, Suitcase, etc. Of course I would not be able to completely get rid of the PC, while 3D software is available for the Mac, the investment in plug-ins etc. is simply too large to afford to move. In that field I am pretty much tied to the PC. But then that provides the opportunity to move more gradually to the Mac.
Considering all the software costs in addition to the apparent premium for Apple hardware, while I have been tempted, I could not justify switching–at least not without a decent test drive. Not having access to a Mac around here, and not knowing anyone in the local area who has a Mac, I decided to try out PearPC. Loading on the emulator itself and setting the base config file was no big deal. I created a 12 GB system drive for the Mac to use and loaded on a copy of OS X after I copied all three Install disks to ISO files.
The installation took forever! I started it late on Christmas Eve and let it run. It ran all Christmas Day, and into the evening of the 26th before it finally needed the second disk. This afternoon it was finally completely done and “booted” into OS X.
I hope that the 3½ days to get this done are very abnormal. Having said that, after actually playing with OS X for half a day…I want a Mac. My next computer will be a Mac.
After going through the OS X initial log-on process, I was able to check out a couple sites in Safari and IE Mac. I downloaded and installed Firefox, checked out the range of “i” programs and in general explored. The system was sluggish, but not so bad that it was unusable, much better than I anticipated after the 3+ day install. Is it a substitute for a real Mac? Well, that depends.
First off, the host computer will have a big impact. In this case I am using a Toshiba notebook with a 2 GHz P4. A faster processor and more memory will yield better results than I got, but I doubt that even the latest P4, Athlon or Xeon will give you a comfortable photoshop platform. If you want cross-platform, cross-browser checking, then yes. It works excellently for that. Cheaper than a year of BrowserCam (all you need to pay for is OS X) and no limits to how many captures you can do.
If you’re looking to do anything more than occasional cross checking though, it is quickly going to become evident that a real iMac or PowerMac will serve better, at least now. Taking a glance at “About This Mac” this P4 gives us a sizzling 200 MHz G3:
PearPC has served it’s purpose for me — my next PC will be an Apple. Now I just have to figure out which one, and how to finance it. My main use will be Adobe’s CS Suite, Fireworks, Final Cut, DVD Studio and general web development (AMP mostly). A 17″ PowerBook looks nice for transportability, but realistically I don’t do enough of that. Which leaves me looking at the PowerMac.
4 Comments
May your next computer come to you soon. I too have partaken of the no-longer-forbidden fruit. I have been infected by the Apple bug and will only use other operating systems on the desktop for compatibility issues and older games.
Perhaps the recently rumored iCheap will be desirable to you. Check at http://www.applerumors.com
It may not be a G5, but it’s a cheap Apple. I’ll likely be purchasing one just to have one!
Hey thanks fo the link to that one Aaron!
Unfortunately, for most of my stuff the reality is I will be going for a PowerMac. While I have been watching eBay sales and Apple Store sales offers, I think I will end up waiting until after MWSF and look to line up some small-business financing. However…
My wife and son need a computer that they can access anytime (not just when I’m not working or have the computer working) especially as we are beginning to use the computer more in my son’s schooling. That iCheap idea would be perfect for that. I could start with it as I line up my formal business plan and financing then move it to be primarily for them. Now that would be the ticket!
Also thanks for the pointer to the Doctor of Dookie Studies piece. It had me rolling on the floor—partly because it hit close to home.
You’re welcome. Professor Plum’s material is always good, but sometimes it’s outstandingly funny, like the aforementioned post.
Personally, I too would love a PowerMac, but can’t afford one as yet. Perhaps soon.
I too took the plunge back in June. I have never regretted it. I went cheap though, eMac. I do quite a bit on this machine. I bought PhotoshopCS for it and the StudioMX suite. It serves me well. Many of the included apps are killer. I love iMovie, it is easy and good, and I have just scratched the surface. My next big machine is going to be the powerMac, or maybe the powerBook. For $800 (well a bit more since I ramped up RAM and got a swivel stand) it is a very good investment. Go for it. It is soooooooooo darned easy to use. I cannot believe that part especially.
Donna
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