Mac Vs PC - Laptop

[Venga]

Heyas guys, i already posted this in the laptop advice sticky topic but it's been a few days no with no reply so decided to make a new thread.

Basically im goin to Uni (college) in a month or so, so am looking to get a laptop.

Im doing graphic design and am pretty set on a 17" screen. Im willing to spend around £1000 - £1500 (not sure how much this is in $)

Im not really familar with decent laptop sites so was looking for some guidance.

Seeing as im going to uni i dont feel i need an amazing graphics card, but on the other hand doing graphics, it could be important. However, i am pretty fussy about how it looks. I do want it to look pretty stylish and sleek.

[SamanosukeShiva]

well since you're gonna be using it for graphic design and not gaming. I say mac.

with that much on your budget you can get a really nice mac book pro.

[Howard Roark]

I thought graphic design automatically meant mac

I don't know about the finer specs etc but I thought this was common knowledge

[The Stig]

I thought graphic design automatically meant mac

I don't know about the finer specs etc but I thought this was common knowledge

Didn't that apply only years ago?

Nowadays it's pretty much freeforall. Back then it's true that macs had the proper software and such, but I'm sure it's all "anything to go" nowadays.

Macs if you wanna look like a rich boi and attach all your iGadgets to it

Plus you're going to uni, and if it's a 17incher you're NOT going to carry that to your lectures after 2 weeks and it'll just sit at home. Also it might get nicked/damaged.

If by graphic design you just mean graphics purely, then correct any laptop will do more or less, it's just the software. Unless you're planning to do 3D stuff and shiz

I still cannot see/understand why a mac is needed for graphics design anymore. And you should rename topic to "Mac vs Windows"

[Linliel]

I highly recommend a Mac, but I'm a big Mac fangirl. Sexy, great OS, and lots of great apps for designers and things. The indy software scene is pretty big on Mac and lots of innovative and interesting things keep coming out

[donnie]

I would wait till I enroll in college and get an ID before heading and buy a laptop because most of shops gives 10% discount for students, I know Apple store in UK does 100%

[Jefe]

As a CE (previously CS) major, I can tell you apple's graphical superiority is now nothing more than a myth. I have yet to stumble upon a fellow classmate and even friends claiming how apple is superior. In fact, the majority of people who make such claims know nothing about the actual hardware. It all comes down to your OS preferences, ease of use, hardware nuisances (read: parts and pricing).

I have friends that like OSX, but I seriously LOVE XP. I can't wait for 7.

[Venga]

Realisticly im only goin to be using the adobe programs so either operating system will do. With macs its pretty straight forward mac book or mac book pro. However with windows it's alot more open and with a bigger variety. Im confused on the windows side as to what models are good so any reccomendations would be great.

And is it worth looking more at a 15" or 13" rather than a 17" then? Not just because of the money saving but because its easier to move?

Also wouldn't mind the chance to play games, seeing as my current pc is my gaming console. I was under the impression that macs are pretty useless for gaming, but this could just be a myth?

Lastly, im technically already a student so i get the discount already, but thanks for the heads up.

Thanks for the help guys.

[donnie]

macs can play games really well, especially the intel based ones. you just need to use boot camp.

[The Stig]

You can play games on MAC, you just need to "invest" (time and money; time to configure it all up and money to buy..) a bit more into it.

And is it your first year of uni. Otherwise I wouldn't even bother, you might drop out in 2 months. Plus the labs should have everything you want/need.

17 is large, yes. And so is 15, but if you buy a 13 one consider an external monitor. And moving wise, 17 is not for "bring it to lectures" everyday. I had a 12inch Dell and even then I was too lazy to move it.

As Meteora said, it's all preference. If you've never used a Mac before for real (playing on it at a friend's does not count) you might just get frustrated.

[Blabj]

Most graphic design is done using a mac. It's VERY likely you'll be using macs at uni for working on anyway, and you'll DEFINATELY be using them when you get a job in the field. It's up to you if you wanna get some practice in at using them before hand.

I have a 15" MBP and I don't want to take it to lectures every day, because once you throw the power adapter and mouse together inside a padded laptop bag (you're gonna want one of those too - something to consider) it starts getting very heavy on your shoulders.

The idea of getting a 13" and an external monitor isn't a bad one actually. The screen space on the laptops isn't great (1440x900 on the 15" model) and although there are a few usability features to compensate for this (spaces and exposé) you'll probably want another screen sooner or later anyway. There are many display port compatible desktop monitors floating around already, particularly from NEC ( NEC Display Solutions - MultiSync^® EA231WMi for example)

[Cephius]

Not going to get into the Mac v PC argument, because I feel it is completely a "do I feel cooler using a Mac or a PC" kind of thing. Anything you can do on Macs you can do on PCs, and most things you can do on PCs, you can do on Macs. The differences are very subtle.

A piece of advice, though. No one I know ended up with the same major they entered college with. I wouldn't drop 1500 pounds on a laptop that you may or may not end up using or needing. Borrow a family laptop or something if you really need it, and attend classes for a month to see exactly what you need (and if you like your major). After that, contact the school to see what kind of deals you can get on laptops. You'll almost always get them (and the software) much cheaper than retail.

[Isiolia]

There are always pros and cons back and forth with the platforms. One nice thing about Macs is that you can run Windows on them as well, legally, and with a minimum of fuss. If there's a Windows only app you want to run, use a VM or Boot Camp. If there's a Mac only app you want to run, and you have a PC, you can try to get OS X to boot on it (which isn't as far fetched as it sounds)...but you risk breaking the install with system updates and so on.

A real downside (potentially) for Mac laptops is that they don't offer accidental damage coverage yet (at least in the U.S.). I work in I.T. for college athletics. We given scholarship athletes computers and all that. If, say, one closes their laptop on an earbud and cracks the screen (which I've seen happen several times) - Dell, I can get a replacement screen under warranty, HP, same deal, Apple...$700 repair.
Now, granted, that kind of coverage isn't free or even cheap, but it's an option for other brands.

Hardware-wise, Macbooks/Pros are pretty slick machines. Getting that kind of industrial design from a PC will tend to cost a bit too, and they're quite functional. Question more becomes whether you really need all that to begin with.

Personally, I have a graphic design degree. I bought a Powerbook G4 (at the time) because my school requires a Mac laptop current to when you entered. I think they actually require the 17" now. If I could have done differently, I would have.

My opinion is that the better solution for college is to have a desktop + a laptop (these days, possibly a netbook). You have a nice fast machine for working long hours on, you have a small, portable machine to bring to classes if you want. If one breaks, gets malware, whatever, you have a fallback (other than labs, if your school/major even has labs). Unless your space is very, very limited, putting all your eggs in one basket with a higher end laptop is kinda iffy.

I wouldn't go with a 17". I'd go with the 13", which is what, a little under half the cost? Leaving more than enough money for a PC desktop (or an iMac) as well. Want a big monitor? Buy a 24" screen. Buy two. You could do that and -still- have money for a decent PC tower.
If you already have a serviceable machine, just go with that for now and see. Obviously, sure, getting a new machine is fun n' all, but you shouldn't plan on buying a machine for all 4-5 years or whatever. Do you want to be doing Senior level projects on a 4+ year old laptop? Likely not. Plan on upgrading while you're there, and if you have something decent to start with, there's no sense replacing it prematurely.

[Octavious]

What to say that hasn't been said already, hmm. I want to reiterate the size of the laptop and how you plan on using it. I purchased a DELL 15'' E1505 my Freshmen Year at OSU and I've used it quite often. I formatted it the day I got it and reloaded XP Media Center + Ubuntu, and its run smooth ever since. It's not necessary to format DELLs but it was easier than spending time removing the software on it that I didn't want, plus I wanted XP Media Center (had the disc already) on it and not XP Pro.


If you snag a good laptop backpack it shouldn't be an issue (over the shoulder slings didn't look like they would treat my back well after a few months). If you're getting a 17'' there is absolutely no way you'll be carrying it around. I've never seen anyone do it after the first week.

I would recommend getting a 13'' or 15'' laptop and fixing up your existing desktop (if you have one) or purchasing a desktop. I love my laptop to death and after 4 years it's still running great. However, when I'm doing my longer projects nothing beats a good ol dual monitor setup on a desktop.

As far as graphic design goes, OSU has a Design Lab filled with tons of Mac Workstations and Windows Workstation PCs. Both of which run Photoshop etc, the only difference is mainly that the Macs are loaded with Final Cut Pro and the Windows Machines run Adobe After Effects. If you're unsure that you'll stick with your major at all, I would suggest what Ceph said and use the uni materials before purchasing your own.



slightly off topic:

I went into OSU wanting to do Computer Engineering and I've stayed on that path for 4 years now. I know it's unusual since the majority of my friends have changed majors as they found things they enjoy. Don't feel bad if you change what you want to do, but also don't use that as a cop out. Most entry level courses are designed to weed out the kids who can't put in the time and effort on juvenile project work (albeit they ARE useful, some more experienced people see the work as juvenile). Whatever you want to do, give it a fair shake before you completely change your mind. I've seen people turn away from CS&E simply because they got bored with the entry level lab work.

Added piece of advice; It's ok to change your major, just make sure you're doing it for the right reason.

[sephir]

I bought the 13.3'' Mac (not the pro! my version got phased out so if mine craps out I get an upgrade to pro) back in October and Ive been loving it ever since. Until I see personally what 7 does I will keep the majority of my time in OSX. My experiences with Vista is nothing but problems whereas OSX seems to be a little more stable.

If you have your student ID you can get a discount with the Apple store (usually) and I think that right now they have an offer that if you buy a macbook you can get an IPod touch free. However if you are going to get a Mac UPGRADE TO A LARGER HARD DRIVE. Bootcamp is a great program but because your hard drive will have to be partitioned it will seriously make you feel cramped (80GB windows partition when Vista takes up nearly 20 itself is absurd). I upgraded to a 500GB one recently and its made a world of difference.

Best of Luck.

[Korietsu]

Computing and compling times are better on mac. If you're dealing with RAW files, mac is gonna be the way to go.

[Mayareira]

For graphics design, go with Mac. Its a wise investment. My friend's 4~ year old powerbook never ceases to amaze me with its performance and I believe I'll be using mine for a long time as well.

As far as I know with your student ID you can get a good discount as well, along with a free iPod touch(you can use it, or ebay it for more cash). I bought mine with that discount and ipod touch before.

Its not meant for gaming but with bootcamp, there are no limits for that. I have XP installed mainly for FFXI(the only reason I bother with Windows partition) and using OSX for everything else. The only games I really play on computer are Europa Universalis and Football Manager 2009 in the background while I work and luckily they all have OSX versions along with future Blizzard games that I may be interested in.

[Venga]

Seems im pretty set now. Im gonna be looking at a 13" mac book pro and then buying a larger monitor to hook it up to when not on the move, going lectures etc. On this, can any monitor be linked up to a mac or is it specfic? Any links would be seriously appreciated.

Also im certainly going to try and get the student discount + free ipod, sounds like a good deal. Seems this has to be done before the 9th of september so better get going.

As for my major, it would be very strange if i changed now. Im the uk (not sure how it works in usa) we have to do a foundation course, for 1 year, which gives use a taster of all the areas of art and design. After this i was already pretty set on doing graphics.

Theres little chance of my upgrading my current system since its single core, already upgraded the graphics card and ram so ive kinda hit a brick wall. Id need to buy a completly new one.

[Blabj]

All current Macbook models use a DisplayPort adapter instead of the usual VGA/DVI affair. This means you'll have to either buy an adapter (usually £10-£20) or get a DisplayPort compatible monitor (I linked the NEC display in my previous post which would fit the bill). I'll have a look in a bit for something which might suit your needs if you want, right now I have stuff to do

[Linliel]

Yeah you can use pretty much any monitor that has a DVI/VGA in. I'd recommend a DVI one, grab the adapter, and off you go. I suspect monitors that have native mac stuff will be more expensive than others. I have a 23" HP monitor working happily with mine, and a 24" LG one I used to have back in Australia was also really good.

Good luck at uni!