New computer...for my son

[5Stars]

http://www.apple.com/imac/

Well, this just arrived today and I have to tell you, it is freaking amazing!

I don't use apple except for my phone (which was free - iphone 4s), but since he graduated from College with a degree in Computer Graphics and Web Design, he can use this. I got him the 21.5 inch.

He will also use this for his band 'Any Other Way" while they write music.

Yeah, it cost me some big frogs, like $1600.00. But the thing is a thing of beauty.

Now, I want one, but cannot justify it for what I need.


I'm still trying to find Windows 7 updates and I can't! :bang2:

Then, my son sends me an email pic of Arnold Schwarzenegger with the caption;

"I still love Vista" (you have to see the pic to understand)

 

[a_minimalist]

I'll never get another computer other than an iMac. They're amazing computers.

 

[TheCount]

Only thing that bothers me about the imac is how closed up it is, pretty much impossible to upgrade. That being said, I've had mine since 2009 and no complaints.

There are times when I'd like to be able to play some of the newer games on it, but my PS3 and Xbox keep me occupied otherwise.

 

[jobberone]

I love my iMac(s). Mine and hers. Only problem I had was I somehow managed to knock mine off on the floor. Still scratching my head on that one. Had to replace the HD.

 

[Kilyin]

Apple has tried to fall more in line recently, but bottom line it's all the same hardware, made in the same chinese/korean/japanese factories. So why should I pay more for a mac branded machine? I have this discussion a lot with Apple fanboys, and they can never present a good argument.

https://dl.***NOT-ALLOWED***/u/66291495/dontbuyanapple.png

 

[jobberone]

I find my Mac much more stable than any Windows based computers. If I gamed or worked a computer hard I'd build a desktop unit based on Windows because they're so much cheaper.

 

[Kilyin]

I find my Mac much more stable than any Windows based computers. If I gamed or worked a computer hard I'd build a desktop unit based on Windows because they're so much cheaper.

That's strange. I've had the same Windows installation now for 4-5 years (Whenever 7 came out). Prior to that I had the same XP installation for probably 5-6. Of course the qualifier is I'm a sys admin, primarily Windows/VMware. Windows is pretty stable if you know how to maintain it.

OSX being a linux/BSD derivative is an easier OS to maintain and much more idiot proof, I will admit.

I like being able to upgrade parts without doing a complete rebuild, although I enjoy a brand new computer too.

Those iMacs especially are bad news imo. Packing all that hardware inside a monitor shell is not a good idea, even if it looks tidy. I've had to support them and most of the time the problems came from overheating.

 

[jobberone]

That's strange. I've had the same Windows installation now for 4-5 years (Whenever 7 came out). Prior to that I had the same XP installation for probably 5-6. Of course the qualifier is I'm a sys admin, primarily Windows/VMware. Windows is pretty stable if you know how to maintain it.

OSX being a linux/BSD derivative is an easier OS to maintain and much more idiot proof, I will admit.

I like being able to upgrade parts without doing a complete rebuild, although I enjoy a brand new computer too.

Those iMacs especially are bad news imo. Packing all that hardware inside a monitor shell is not a good idea, even if it looks tidy. I've had to support them and most of the time the problems came from overheating.

Our perspectives are totally different. I'm a computer idiot so the Mac serves me well. Plus my kids steal my Windows based laptops and put viruses on them. I find it easier to keep the iMacs running well. For you my problem is non-existant.

 

[Kilyin]

Our perspectives are totally different. I'm a computer idiot so the Mac serves me well. Plus my kids steal my Windows based laptops and put viruses on them. I find it easier to keep the iMacs running well. For you my problem is non-existant.

Your kids need a hardened copy of Windows 7 (max UAC settings and a limited account) or a server 2008 install with the same settings. And they need an education on how to use Windows

I think if Apple continues to grow in popularity (and I really question if their stuff will ever really have a solid share of the enterprise market) you're going to see more of the malicious software (malware) targetting that OS.

 

[theogt]

Macbook pro 15" retina is a thing of beauty. Perfection in a laptop.

 

[MapleLeaf]

...the market place is an extremely beautiful display with a simplistic interface all bundled in a very neat package.

They have very loyal customers who desire this position. If you fit that roudn hole with a round peg you will have a lot of success with the product.

 

[theogt]

...the market place is an extremely beautiful display with a simplistic interface all bundled in a very neat package.

They have very loyal customers who desire this position. If you fit that roudn hole with a round peg you will have a lot of success with the product.

Simplistic interface is the wrong choice of words. iOS was the most advanced mobile operating system when it first launched. Instead, I would say they are extremely focused on overall user experience and that, to Apple, means everything should work very well. They are willing to give up features if they believe those features compromise the product in some fashion. Sometimes their choices work out and sometimes they do not. I think the "problems" come when they veer off from that goal (e.g., maps and Siri).

 

[TheCount]

Apple has tried to fall more in line recently, but bottom line it's all the same hardware, made in the same chinese/korean/japanese factories. So why should I pay more for a mac branded machine? I have this discussion a lot with Apple fanboys, and they can never present a good argument.

So basically, you think a Mac Pro is too expensive based on a dated chart whose entire argument is "Why is this so expensive"? Noted.

Anyway, moving on! :laugh2:

The simple answer to your question is "Don't."

 

[basstapp]

The issue with macs are that a 1600 computer should be a thing of beauty. If you were to take that same 1600.00 and apply is to building a custom PC you would have the same results.

 

[Future]

The issue with macs are that a 1600 computer should be a thing of beauty. If you were to take that same 1600.00 and apply is to building a custom PC you would have the same results.

I can't stand Apple, so I might be a bit biased here...

but I think that a $1600 custom PC would outperform any mac lap top. The reality is that MacBooks might perform slightly better than other products, but are priced WAY higher. Unless you are a doing a ton of video and music editing, there is really no reason to ever get one.

 

[jobberone]

I don't buy new Apple stuff except for iPhones. My iMac was ordered 'slightly used' and I ended up getting it for free (long story with eBay). My second iMac was from my son who didn't want the non-working iMac anymore. I put a new HD in it and gave it to my wife.

I use an old Apple G4 laptop on occasion because its aluminum and the feel of it beats my new Toshibas running Windows. All the Apples are much more stable than the Toshibas. Some of that may be because they are used differently in that the Apples are never loaned out to young adults or kids.

 

[theogt]

I can't stand Apple, so I might be a bit biased here...

but I think that a $1600 custom PC would outperform any mac lap top. The reality is that MacBooks might perform slightly better than other products, but are priced WAY higher. Unless you are a doing a ton of video and music editing, there is really no reason to ever get one.

Well, I'm not sure why you would compare a PC and a lap top. One issue about laptops is weight/size. Getting power into a small space costs more. But, yes, you can get "comparable" Windows-based laptops for a fair amount cheaper. They'll be lacking in some ways, but they're comparable still. I've said before that MBPs really aren't worth what you pay for them (for most people). But they sure as hell are nice. And to me, the retina display is what convinced me to shell out the extra money.

 

[Future]

Well, I'm not sure why you would compare a PC and a lap top. One issue about laptops is weight/size. Getting power into a small space costs more. But, yes, you can get "comparable" Windows-based laptops for a fair amount cheaper. They'll be lacking in some ways, but they're comparable still. I've said before that MBPs really aren't worth what you pay for them (for most people). But they sure as hell are nice. And to me, the retina display is what convinced me to shell out the extra money.

I know for general day to day use you woulnd't want to compare a pc and lap top.

My point was more geared towards individuals who are going to need that kind of power generally are not going to do that type of work on the go, but rather, at a desk or in an office. So whether they have a PC or lap top is irrelevant.

 

[Kilyin]

So basically, you think a Mac Pro is too expensive based on a dated chart whose entire argument is "Why is this so expensive"? Noted.

Anyway, moving on! :laugh2:

The simple answer to your question is "Don't."

Chart isn't that dated and is still very applicable.

Show me any kind of apple computer - be it a laptop, desktop, or motherboard/CPU stuffed into a monitor... and I guarantee you I can price an equivalent system out for at least 500 dollars less, and that's a conservative estimate.