Any Mac users out there?
By pyewacket
@pyewacket (43903)
United States
April 2, 2007 1:52am CST
I was just curious and wondering if there are any Mac computere users out there? I only learned computers--self-taught-- three years ago. So for three years I relied on the computers at libraries or went to a Net place since I just couldn't afford one myself--I was finally able to get my own computer and since I'm a photographer, don't ask how many folks suggested that the way to go was to get a Mac computer because of the superior graphics rather than a regular PC--but I do find Macs have a lot of limitations elsewhere--if you are also a mac computer user, do you seem to find them a bit frustrating at times?
4 people like this
9 responses
@kgwat70 (13387)
• United States
29 Apr 07
I am not a Mac user as of yet but I will be getting one in the very near future. I am planning on getting a Mac Book laptop from Apple pretty soon as I was very impressed with the graphics, software and other functions on there. I also like how safe it is compared to a PC and Windows. It comes with a lot of software and only plan on using it for word processing, wireless internet, photos and music. I will be keeping my games to my PC. I have not heard of anyone having any problems with their Mac. When I get it, I will let you know what I think about it.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Apr 07
Actually I do already own a Mac...and yes, it is safer than a PC--and I've heard a lot of problems now with people who have the Windows Vista--a lot of bugs in it..there are limitations with a Mac though..not as much software available, and it's word processing system doesn't match Microsoft office which is a bummer..but yes the graphics are great as I'm a photographer
2 people like this
@ihsanul_aniq (1118)
• Malaysia
29 Apr 07
Mac computer is good for multimedia and graphic purpose. You will notice the different when you try it on. Well i don't have mac computer, but i always use it which is borrow from my aunty (mac notebook) and my friend (G4 desktop). I don't have a problem so far while using mac computer, and i do think the problem is only rely on individual and environment paradigm. We were being exposed for Microsoft way of products and platform, and we comfortable with it after use it for a long time. So, unknowingly we create the benchmark or indicator on our paradigm on computer usage. I think when you already use it and make comfortable with it, there is no problem my friend. It's like you have nokia phone, and wanna buy new phone, samsung model. It will unleashed different experience...
3 people like this
@badkat83 (1620)
• United States
7 May 07
i have used mac since they first came out. we use them in our printing business. i have had a mac at my house for about 6 years. sad to say it broke so i went out and bought a windows computer. i hate it. i have gotten so many trojans. they are basically the same mac and windows, but i never had to have virus software for my mac. so if the internet was more mac friendly, i would go out and spend the money on one. but they are expensive.
1 person likes this
@unusualsuspect (2601)
• United States
7 May 07
I've been a Mac user for about ten years. I sort of fell into it when I was computerless after leaving my old PC behind when I moved, and my son handed his Mac down to me. I'd never go back, especially when I keep reading about all the problems people have with Windows.
As for software, I'm not a power user, but I'm always thrilled with the quality of the programs I find. Most of the biggies are available in Mac versions, if you want them, but some of the best programs for the Mac are by small companies or by individuals, so you have to hunt for them.
A few of my favorite programs are Notebook, by Circus Ponies, Scrivener, which is an outstanding program for writers (not strictly a word processor, though it has the basics), and Tex-Edit Plus, which is my everyday text editor.
Both my sons use Macs, and if there are any limitations to the Mac platform, they're not talking. One son is a graphic designer, and the other runs a newspaper. The only aggravating limitation I ran across was that so many sites weren't Mac-friendly, but Firefox has pretty much solved that problem.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
7 May 07
Want to hear a funny story--I used to use the library computers before I got mine a few months ago..James was the person who taught computer classes there when I told him I was getting a Mac, he said, "Oh you're joining the snob elite..."Hehehe
I'll have to check those programs you mentioned. Yes, I discovered I was limited with Safari for some sites until I got Firefox too.--and yes, I'm hearing all kinds of problems with Windows Vista...heehhe..tsk tsk..
1 person likes this
@unusualsuspect (2601)
• United States
8 May 07
I never did like Safari because too many sites couldn't handle it. It has non-standard programming, and the site designers just decided it wasn't worth it to try to make the few Mac owners happy. I think I've tried every Mac browser that's ever been made, and always come back to Firefox.
@whimsystoryteller (1743)
• United States
10 Jun 07
Maybe you can help me since your son is a graphic designer. I'm searching for a color wheel / detector for the Mac. When I had System 9, I downloaded a program that enabled me to roll my cursor over a color and it would give me the html or rgb color code so that I could match the color elsewhere on my page. I tried to find one on the internet but to no avail. Would you ask your son if he knows of anything? It would sure make things much easier when I'm trying to work. Anyway, let me know. Thanks.
@whimsystoryteller (1743)
• United States
10 Jun 07
Hi, pyewacket, I'm a Mac user and a Mac lover for roughly 20 years. I don't find the Mac limiting in any capacity. Of course, I mainly use it for graphic work and for the internet and email and don't do much else. What are you finding limiting? You were a bit vague about that so I can't really tell you how to solve the problem without knowing what specifically you are limited by.
I just posted a question that you may be able to answer. I was trying to find a color wheel/detector to install on my Mac. I used to have one on my iMac that enabled me to roll my mouse over a color to find out what the html code for it is and then I could make sure I had the same color in another spot that would match.
Since you are a photographer and not a graphic artist, it may or may not be an issue for you. I found one for PCs on the internet but so far not for Macs. Anyway, if you know of anything, please let me know.
@whimsystoryteller (1743)
• United States
10 Jun 07
Pyewacket, you can get Word for the Mac. I have it. It comes in Microsoft Office which has Excel, Entourage and Power Point along with it. You may be able to buy it individually as well. Since my brother gave it to me, I didn't have to buy it. I actually have two versions of it because my friend gave me her eMac about a year and a half ago because she prefers PCs. She's in her 60's and is an accountant and is used to certain software that doesn't work with a Mac and she knew I needed a new desktop computer. Since I picked her computer and software out initially, I made sure she had Office for her system so I got her software when I got the computer. My brother gave me the newer version.
I've been fortunate because my sister also gave me a laptop iBook a couple of years ago so I have the best of both worlds (desktop and laptop). I use them both constantly.
Didn't your computer come with Apple Works? That also has a word processor, which is what I use. It's simpler and I don't really need the complexities of Word. I mostly use Word when I have to send a document to someone with a PC or have to access a file created with a PC. I'm a notary and sometimes I do work for out of town mortgage firms and they don't use Macs normally.
Anyway, I hope that helps.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
10 Jun 07
Well my frustration is, is that Macs aren't exactly great in the word processing line....I'm also a writer as well and frankly the iIText kind of sucks...LOL...I do also have Pages but even that doesn't compare to Word...I just find myself limited in many ways--since I do have Intel Duo Core processor with my Mac I can actually get Word...but my one friend, a fellow Mac user is so anti-anything Windows related--
@BarBaraPrz (51811)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
2 May 07
I've always been a Mac user, right from the very first Introduction to Computers course I took (taught on a Mac Plus!). I do have a Pentium 1 running Windows 98SE that kept me connected to the internet when my previous Mac (PowerPC) had a nervous breakdown, but I only use it now to run my Cross Stitch programs.
1 person likes this
@nenyalorien (899)
• Philippines
31 Mar 08
Hmm. I think the main downside to my Mac is that it's so fun to use, that I could not concentrate on work sometimes. These are the moments when I miss good ol' boring windoze. Hehehe!
if you need more software, you could go to http://www.softpedia.com. If you need an Adobe Photoshop replacement, The Gimp is a worthy Open Source alternative, in my opinion. :)
I find the Mac a joy to use, and I am planning to never use any other thing evar agaaaaain!!!
@whimsystoryteller (1743)
• United States
10 Jun 07
P.S. I used to teach both Macs and PCs at Pepperdine University and I'm still proficient with both so I really may be able to help. Just let me know what you are having problems with.
@Archangel31 (192)
• United States
13 May 08
You know it! I would NEVER go back to a Windows PC. NEVER I SAY!
On the note of frustration...
ANY computer can be frustrating at times. If you've used Windoze or Linux most of the time, OSX will have a bit of a learning curve, but you will find it MUCH more stable than Windows in the long run.
I've been a Mac user for about a year now. I have Macbook Pro 2.4GHz, 200GB HDD, GeForce 8600m GT, 15.4" screen.
It's the best computer I've ever had (or used). :D
You will also find that Mac OSX is much better for media (like photography) than any version of Windows.
