Laptop vs. Desktop Computing

[EV Wonder]

I'm thinking of changing from PC to Mac and now that I'm in the market for a new computer I wondered what the advantages/disadvantages are between laptop and desktop computing. Can I get the best of both worlds (portability & usability) from a laptop with an added monitor?

Your advice and the sharing of your past experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, and I look forward to your responses!!

p.s. I owe this change of platforms to Rudi....thanks buddy!! You're a hard sell kinda guy!! :biggrin: Not really....but he can be pretty convincing!! :biggrin:

[Rudi]

Thanks a lot! Nothing like being put under the spotlight! :D

Funny you should ask! At the moment, I am living just with the one computer - a MacBook notebook, which is hooked up to my 24" Dell LCD. The reason? I recently sold my PowerMac, and am now considering my options. I am actually leaning toward doing what I have been doing so far - using a laptop as my primary computer.

Here are my reasons: I travel quite a bit for my job, and in the past had to make sure I had the files that I needed on my laptop before leaving for a job. Then when I got back, there were times when I had some files on the laptop, some on the desktop, and unless you are REALLY well organized, it's easy to forget to synchronize something that you will REALLY need when you're away on a job! Trust me on that! :D

So that is one advantage. The other, for me, is that I can unhook the laptop and just have it on my lap while I have a coffee on the lounge, or take it out in the backyard if it's a nice day and I need to do some work - with wireless, I can access the Net from anywhere around my house. I like that! And, the one really cool thing that I like about my MacBook, is that it automatically recognizes whether it's connected to my 24" LCD or not, and changes the colour profile automatically (I have both colour-calibrated). That is another thing on the Mac, BTW, and I'm not sure if Windows Vista will do that, but XP couldn't - if your computer supports multiple monitors, you can calibrate them ALL on the Mac, not just your primary monitor! (I'm talking about a computer with two or three monitors running at the same time, with dual or triple-head video card).

Now, there are disadvantages to laptop computing. The HDD will be smaller than you would get in a desktop, and most probably slower. The "slower" part doesn't worry me as much as the "smaller" part. The MacBook is plenty fast for me. But, given the size of today's RAW files, you will likely need some external HDD's. No problem, just one more thing you have to remember to bring with you if you store your photos on an external drive. I prefer firewire drives, since I can daisy-chain them and not tie up the USB ports (plus firewire is faster in real life than USB 2.0). You will also need a separate keyboard and mouse if you want to use the laptop as a desktop, and you want to do it comfortably (I use bluetooth keyboard and mouse).

One thing you might hear is that a laptop is not as upgradeable as a desktop. True, but I rarely upgrade my computers, I usually just buy another one a few years down the road. My MacBook is as upgradeable as I want it to be - I can add RAM or put in another HDD, and that is about as much as I would do with a desktop anyway. I have already maxed out the RAM in it (2GB), and might buy a larger HDD (although I think I will get a MacBook Pro instead :D).

So there you have it - I am living proof that it can be done! :)

[Jeff JTPhoto]

I agree with Rudi... I do 99%of my work on my laptop, have a 22 wide screen at home and a couple of external HDDs for storage... Trying to run a home base and a laptop is a real pain unless you keep all pertenant files on portable HDDs and connect that to the computer you are working with at the time.
I prefer the laptop as the main computer...

[EV Wonder]

Rudi: I'm not sure that I would have the same concerns as you when it comes to duplicating/transferring files between the two systems. I can see that when traveling you wouldn't want to be caught without necessary files, especially when it comes to business. ;(

However, my primary use would be photo editing, email & web. I do like the idea of portability, both within the house and elsewhere. As you point out, the speed is probably more than adequate and external hard-drives are easily obtained and carried should storage become an issue while traveling.

I also like the idea that the laptop can distinguish between monitors and their color profiles. Very cool! :coo3l: As for updating a computer...I agree, it's easier to replace them every couple of years. It's much easier in the long run and a lot less hassle!


Jeff: It seems to me that the laptop is serving both you and Rudi well. No real downside, at least it wasn't expressed, other than perhaps speed, and for me this isn't a real concern. For years now I have worked on an older (translate: slower) machine without suffering to seriously. :biggrin: BTW, you didn't mention if you were using Mac or PC. If Mac which did you decide on?

Thanks to both of you for your valued insight. I'll be sure to let you know how I make out in the days/weeks to come. My next decision will concern the purchase of a suitable monitor to pair with the laptop. Any thoughts?? :confused_1:

[Rudi]

As for updating a computer...I agree, it's easier to replace them every couple of years. It's much easier in the long run and a lot less hassle!
Not to mention no more expensive these days. And even if it did cost a couple of bucks more, the time and anguish you save yourself is well worth it, IMO. :)

My next decision will concern the purchase of a suitable monitor to pair with the laptop. Any thoughts?? :confused_1:
No question: The Dell 24" LCD is the best value for the buck these days! While there are now cheaper alternatives, they do not have the specs of the Dell (which is the same specs as the Apple Cinema Displays and Samsung panels). If I was setting up another computer, I'd buy another 24" Dell, I am that happy with mine! :)

[Jeff JTPhoto]

I have a DELL Inspiron Blayne and will soon will be replacing my old slow DELL desktop with another DELL laptop. Not sure about the switch to MAC just yet..

[Rudi]

I have a DELL Inspiron Blayne and will soon will be replacing my old slow DELL desktop with another DELL laptop. Not sure about the switch to MAC just yet..

While I think that Dell make the best PC gear out there at a reasonable price, I have to say Jeff - NOW might be the time to try a Mac especially if you're not sure whether you want to switch or not. The new Intel Macs will run Windows natively or in emulation (in a window inside OS X, which is really cool :)). So, if the unthinkable happens and you don't like OS X, you can always just run Windows natively on the Mac... and you'll have the bonus of having some really cool hardware to run it on! :D

[Ron Lacey]

While I think that Dell make the best PC gear out there at a reasonable price, I have to say Jeff - NOW might be the time to try a Mac especially if you're not sure whether you want to switch or not. The new Intel Macs will run Windows natively or in emulation (in a window inside OS X, which is really cool :)). So, if the unthinkable happens and you don't like OS X, you can always just run Windows natively on the Mac... and you'll have the bonus of having some really cool hardware to run it on! :D

I've been looking at Macs lately though I don't have any desire to run Windows on one, kinda defeating the purpose :). My big problem with Macs is the initial price of the computer, the IMacs and Macbooks seem to run at twice the price for half the hardware compared to PCs and add to that the fact that my Windows Photoshop can't be exchanged for a Mac version I'd be out another $700, not to mention other software I'd have to buy.

Future Shop is selling a MacBook Core 2 Pentium M, 512mb RAM and a 80gig drive, 13 inch screen for $1169 Cdn and for about the same price a Toshiba Core 2 with 2gigs RAM, 15.4 inch WXGA and a 160gig drive.

Ron

[ahockenberry]

I have been an extensive user of both - laptops mostly through work and desktops at home. This is my somewhat biased view, so please take it that way, it is an opinion only, but based on experience...

A couple of thoughts....laptops' Hard Disks are particularly susceptible to crashes, destablization and losing data. Add to that the beating that they sometimes take when in transit or when dropped, etc and you can have a recipe for some unpleasant experiences, especially where data (image files) is concerned.

Yes, you can always reinstall applicaitions, but this is a hassle.
Yes, you should always back up data to an independent External Hard Disk.
Yes, you should keep very few images on you local Hard Disk.

However, even the best of us do not always follow these rules as closely as we should and that is exactly when problems arise. Laptops are also problematic when it comes to power supplies and Windows Operating Systems can be finicky (and time-consuming) even for me and I am Microsoft certified.

Most IT desktop Support people who deal with supporting a population of hundreds of users will bear this out and keep lots of spares on hand to keep everyone up and running. Admin staff and stationary personnel do not need as much maintenance and support as they are on desktop PCs.

As for MAC, I would say it was superior in some regards from the very beginning, is infinitely less vulnerable to viruses, worms, trojans,etc. Apple has been way ahead in the graphics department since forever, and they boast very reliable laptops.

No, I don't want to spark a religious debate on the subject...just offering my opinion. Perhaps to have the best of both worlds would be ideal, use a laptop and destop when appropriate, just keep in mind the aforementioned.

Hope this helps

Ashley

[Jeff JTPhoto]

Well, I just don't know much about MACs and the price for a Mac Book Pro w/ 17" screen is chasing me away.. $3000. cdn. WOW! I can get a comparable DELL for around $1700. and still have enough left over to buy a new desktop for the wife..

Ashley, do you know where I can get the best price on a Mac in Canada. Even Future Shop prices are high.

[ahockenberry]

You can try the online Apple Store:

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/canadastore/

Apple Dealers in Toronto:

http://www.revolutionaudio.ca/appledealers.html

I know you're out of Toronto, but they should be able to help you...


Ashley

[Jeff JTPhoto]

Thanks .. I'll try them..

[EV Wonder]

A lot of very good thoughts on the subject everyone, all of which are deserving of a response. The hour is now late and I have to retire for the day, so I hope you won't mind waiting until tomorrow before I do so. You've given me lots to think about, that's for sure! :biggrin: Thanks again!

[Sheldon Bowles]

I don't think you can compare build quality of a Mac to a Dell. Dells are the Rebel SLRs in Canon talk. Great value, lots of bells and whistles, great machines for the price, but not 30Ds, or a 1D machine.

I believe the 1D series PC machine is the Thinkpad laptop which was the IBM machine made by Lenovo and is now a Lenovo Thinkpad. They have hard drives that protect themselves against damage when dropped (I have one and have dropped it several times, with no ill effect) they are built like a Sherman tank (mine will be four years old in July and never a problem) and they have a key board that puts my wife's Mac laptop to shame. They are more money than the Dell, and worth every penny as far as I'm concerned.

And, as I've been looking for a new laptop for my wife, (she started with an iMac and is happy with the Mac OS platform) and have also been thinking I might get a new one myself, I'd say that while the Thinkpad is more money than a HP, or a Toshiba, or a Dell, or any PC machine I know of, it is still far better value for the money than a Mac. Like others, I don't want to start a war, or anything. What I know about computers and $1.50 will get a cup of coffee where I usually eat lunch. I just tell you my general impression. I think the Macs and the Thinkpads are the 1D series --- you have to decide if you want full frame, or a rapid fire, rapid focus, 1.3X crop factor.

BTW the best thing about the Thinkpad is the trackpoint mouse you work with your index finger. Once you get the hang of it, it is so much faster and accurate than the touch pad and thumb method found on other machines you'll be thrilled ---- especially if you do anything that requires much mouse work.

P.S. We buy our Thinkpads from Bill at Thinkpads.com He has great service and ships them from the U.S. to us here in Canada at excellent prices --- and no import duty and no warranty problems. Our whole manufacturing company is run with Thinkpads out on the shop floor and in the office. They take a beating and stand up well. And we can use all sorts of softwear and tie in with customers and their softwear --- things we couldn't do if we tried to run the company with Macs. Interestingly, this is especially true for the softwear our creative designers use to design product and do 3D imaging --- you know, the sort of thing where a part up on a screen can be rotated and fit with other parts, or you can zoom in under a skin and see the guts of something as it is rotated in three dimensions. I expect if we were in the movie animation business the softwear there would be Mac, not PC friendly. Although, when I wanted to buy Penny a house design softwear package so she could do a cottage design I found lots for PCs and none for Macs --- go figure! Size of market I was told.

[Rudi]

I think Sheldon hit the nail on the head - Mac laptop and Dell laptops are not in the same league! Sure, you can read the specs, but the Dell laptop will be a large, heavy desktop replacement (at that low price) compared to the MacBook Pro, which is a sleek, streamlined, portable notebook.

The other thing a lot of people don't take into consideration when they price a Mac computer is the value of the software that is included in the purchase price. You get a lot more with a Mac than just the OS.

BTW, if you choose to stay with a PC laptop, I will also recommend the Lenovo ThinkPad series - they really are the best of the PC laptops - they are designed to be portable, and have such niceties as HDD protection (the Mac laptops also have this) when you drop your laptop, etc - stuff that you NEED when your computer is a PORTABLE computer. Of course, the Macs now have the magnetic power cord, which pops off if you trip over it, so you DON'T take your computer with it - all things that make the laptop experience a better one overall.

It's like the difference between driving a Pinto and a BMW! Sure, the Pinto will get you there, but you will enjoy the trip much more if you're driving the BMW! :D

[Rudi]

UPDATE: Just bought and installed a 160GB HDD in my Macbook, so I can hold out a little longer before buying the new Macbook Pro. :D Seriously... with the large HDD, my laptop is now just as good as, and more versatile than, a desktop computer, IMO.

[Rudi]

I've been looking at Macs lately though I don't have any desire to run Windows on one, kinda defeating the purpose :). My big problem with Macs is the initial price of the computer, the IMacs and Macbooks seem to run at twice the price for half the hardware compared to PCs and add to that the fact that my Windows Photoshop can't be exchanged for a Mac version I'd be out another $700, not to mention other software I'd have to buy.

Actually, Ron, Adobe will let you crossgrade for a nominal fee, as long as you can prove that you have destroyed your Windows disk (or send it back or something like that).

[Ron Lacey]

Thanks Rudi, I did not know that, now if I could only build my own Mac like I do my PCs :).

Ron

[Rudi]

You can. Just log on to Apple.com. and configure your Mac... :D

Honestly I'm past building my own. It turns out that for the little amount of customization that I might (emphasis on MIGHT) think that I need, the choices provided by Apple are more than enough. I have long ago stopped thinking of computers as computers, and started using them as APPLIANCES, which is the way it should be...

[Sn2]

Good posts Rudi, thanks for the insight

One other thing I have to ask is, if I created a movie project in say iMovie on the Mac, can I save the project in a certain format so that I can transfer it to my main Windows PC and then burn it on there to a DVD.

Because the base Macbook does not have DVD burning, so if I could just transfer the files from Mac to PC, it would save me quite a bit of dosh. Would I need any extra programs?

[Rudi]

Hi Sn2,

welcome; to Pixel-Shooter! :)

iMovie lets you save the finished project in several formats, none of which I can remember right now (haven't got an iMovie project ready to check for you, but it should save to any file format that Quicktime Pro will work with,and there are several). But... once it's saved, it's like any other digital file, you transfer it to wherever you like, and burn to any media - CD or DVD.

Hope this helps. :)

[Schucz]

I don't understand why you wouldn't be able to transfer it to your pc anyways? you should be able to transfer any type of file from mac or pc, it doesn't matter. Um.. I have not seen a macbook without a burner ? Maybe you just meant ibook? :|*shrugs*

[Rudi]

I think he/she means a Macbook without a DVD burner, only CD burner + DVD player combo. :)

[Schucz]

Well Sn2, in that case you can use smb to transfer files from mac to MS.

Good luck! :)

[JaredB]

I think that Mac's (or any product from Apple for that matter) are priced noticeably higher than most of their PC counterparts. So your initial investment is going to be larger - again - in most cases.

I think that something that has always kept Apple's market share in the single digits has been proprietary hardware......something breaks or goes wrong and you have to go back to Apple. With PC's - you can find one of any thousands of local computer shops for parts or the local COMPUSA.

I like machines that are more "user serviceable"............and for the moment - that means Windows based systems.

[Rudi]

That's exactly what I used to think, too, Jared. :)

[JaredB]

That's exactly what I used to think, too, Jared. :)

Maybe I just need to get a Mac then if you are now "converted" and see how it goes...

I work a lot at home and would need Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, Project and Visio to work properly in the Mac environment. I have heard that each of them do - you have any experience using Microsoft Office products on a Mac?

[Rudi]

Just for the record, I'm not trying to convert you, Jared. :)

That said, Microsoft Office works perfectly on the Mac. That is what I use for my business correspondence needs. Also, if there is a Windows program that you just can't get by without, it should be noted that you can now run Windows on the Mac, either natively or in emulation (Parallels). Why you'd want to is beyond me, but I guess if you NEED to, then you have an excuse! :D

[JaredB]

Just for the record, I'm not trying to convert you, Jared. :)

That said, Microsoft Office works perfectly on the Mac. That is what I use for my business correspondence needs. Also, if there is a Windows program that you just can't get by without, it should be noted that you can now run Windows on the Mac, either natively or in emulation (Parallels). Why you'd want to is beyond me, but I guess if you NEED to, then you have an excuse! :D

I did not mean to imply that you were trying to convert me - only commenting on the fact that you had been 'converted'. (Maybe that is just a bad term to use... :))

I would like to sit down at some point and take a look at Office products being run the Mac environment. Everyone I know that has a Mac does not use Office. I work for a company that is completely Windows and PC based - I could be the trend setter in this respect! :biggrin:

[Rudi]

The reason that they probably do not use Office, Jared, is... well... it sucks! As well as Microsoft Office runs on the Mac (and it does), it's still the weakest link in the chain, and has some completely annoying and very typical Microsoft traits. But... it works. The ONLY reason I use it because I want to be completely compatible with others using Office docs. If that was not so important to me (I use some pretty intricately formatted Word docs for some clients - their choice BTW :)), I would just use iWork, the Apple version of Office, or Open Office (free).

Office is the only piece of Microsoft software that I have on my Mac. It is also the only piece of software that can be consistently annoying. No more annoying than on the PC, mind you, but still...

Basically, in a perfect world, I would not use it. It's not a perfect world! rolleyes;

[JaredB]

I think that iWork is the package that I have seen in use. I shudder at the thought of learning a completely new software suite too. I guess that if in the long run it would be a better system - it would be worth the effort.

Microsoft Office at this point is almost ubiquitous. Whether or not we think that is good or the product is top notch - you have to hand it to the boys up in Seattle for getting a product to that point of acceptance and use.

You could not even function within my company without having at least basic Office skills.

[Rudi]

Agreed! I use it because it's just not worth the hassle not to. Doesn't mean that it's the best or easiest to use, it just means that most people use it. Point is, it's as good on the Mac as it is on the PC, so if that is your only concern (and you're already thinking of trying a Mac), then it's not a problem... :)

[JaredB]

Agreed! I use it because it's just not worth the hassle not to. Doesn't mean that it's the best or easiest to use, it just means that most people use it. Point is, it's as good on the Mac as it is on the PC, so if that is your only concern (and you're already thinking of trying a Mac), then it's not a problem... :)

That is good to know - thanks for the information. Office was always something that in my mind would keep me away from Apple - good to know that does not necessarily have to be the case.

[Rudi]

No problem, Jared. It's good to know that this conversation, even though it is a bit of a "religious" subject, can be kept civil and informed! :)

[aries67]

I use a Lenovo Thinkpad laptop at home and Macs with my new job. Recently started in a coffee shop that does digital printing and professional photography services (not me - I just make the coffee!).

I have to say though, that I have more problems with the Macs at work than I do with my pc. They sometimes crash when uploading photos from thumb drives and I've also had a customer bring in their cd which ALL the Macs at work couldn't read but my Lenovo pc could, among other things.

My hubby is a web designer (we were just talking about this last night) and he tests each website on different internet platforms, ie Mozilla, IE7, etc but in his opinion web designers don't test in Safari very much anymore because it doesn't seem to handle some of the more technical coding (sorry this bit is beyond me!). From personal experience I blog a lot and most blogs have an html editable wyziwig program. I have found Safari often doesn't recognise category options and other options in the wyziwig programs that IE7 and Mozilla do.

Just thought I'd mention it in case anyone decides to build their own website or blog with a Mac.

[Rudi]

You can test Safari on Windows now, since it's now available on that platform. I have never had problems with Safari, and in fact, AFAIK it is the ONLY colour-space aware browser out there at the moment, which matters to us (photographers).

[Rudi]

Just an update for those interested - I recently upgraded to a Macbook Pro 2.2 GHz Core 2 Duo with 4 GB RAM. After a bit over a week, I now see absolutely no reason to get chained to a desktop! With 2 GB RAM, some apps, like Lightroom, could be a bit laggy (I have over 67,000 images that Lightroom keeps track of...). With the extra RAM, the problem pretty much went away.

So, while I could have bought a Mac Pro for only a little more, I see no reason to use a desktop for photo applications, unless you convert thousands of RAWs every day, or do intensive video editing or similar. For everyone else, the laptop just has too many advantages over the desktop, IMO.

[MGlennn]

OK....rolleyes; you've almost got me sold on this....but.....two questions...no, three...

1) how do you back up ?

2) I am on a G5 dual 2.0 tower now with 2 gigs of ram (old old system ;()....I do a lot of "painting"....filters.....actions.....etc......Photoshop slows to a crawl sometimes on this system so I am a little worried about the speed of the laptop.....any advice :)

3) have you tried to run an extra monitor with it...???

[beaucamera]

For a lot of computing you can't beat the ergonomics of desktop computing.
http://www.rsiwarrior.com/ergonomics.html

If you have only one computer, that's the best way to go.
If you travel a lot and need to work on the road, then you'll need an additional computer.

And, yes, you'll have to deal with the issues of where your data is and is not, synchronization and how to back up on two systems. :wacko:

I'm new to the Mac.
My 24 inch iMac (2.8 gHz, 4GB RAM, 1000GB HD) is quiet and sleek, but it's not a utopia.

In addition to the latest version of Leopard, I've installed the 2008 student/home version of MS Office only to learn, before I've really given it use, that there are problems.
http://www.macworld.com/article/131822/2008/01/office2008issues.html

I thought I'd enjoy using iPhoto, but then to my dismay learned it doesn't support my Nikon D300 RAW files.

I've struggled trying to understand the MAC OS and file structure so yesterday I broke down and bought Pogue's book, "Mac OS X (Leopard Edition) , The Missing Manual, a good move on my part.

I also have Windows XP Pro running under Fusion. This is where I installed Acrobat Pro and Photoshop CS3. Ah, I thought, I'll do my RAW conversions in PS. I should be so lucky!

My firewire Lexar High Speed card reader can't be seen in Fusion (or Parallels) as far as I know. Yes, that means I can't read my Nikon D300 RAW files and, should I get the Mac Version, there are lots of issue of PS3 running under Leopard (some tools don't work).
http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.3c054baf/2
I haven't tried to see if a USB device will work yet.

I've also had trouble setting up my LAN in the XP Pro. It doesn't see all the computers in my workgroup. I wish I were a network guru! (I'm using the NAT connection.) The networking on the Mac side (both wired and wireless, I use an inexpensive Linksys wireless access point that connects to my hardwired router and LAN), worked like a charm.

I've only had my Mac 5 days and, one one of them, I was so disheartened I didn't even turn it on.

Obviously I have a lot to learn.:arghh::arghh::arghh:

Virginia
aka beaucamera

P.S. I highly recommend the VM Communities for support. They're absolutely terrific.
http://communities.vmware.com/community/vmtn/desktop/fusion

[Rudi]

OK....rolleyes; you've almost got me sold on this....but.....two questions...no, three...

1) how do you back up ?

Several external HDDs, both USB and Firewire, both 3.5" and USB-powered 2.5" laptop drives, depending on what I'm backing up. My entire Lightroom catalogue (all my digital images) are on several 500 GB and 320 GB external HDDs that are being rotated, and some are stored offsite.


2) I am on a G5 dual 2.0 tower now with 2 gigs of ram (old old system ;()....I do a lot of "painting"....filters.....actions.....etc......Photoshop slows to a crawl sometimes on this system so I am a little worried about the speed of the laptop.....any advice :)

Which version of Photoshop do you run, Mike? I use CS3, and it screams on the Intel Macs... I have now enabled CS3 to use all 3 GB of RAM that it will see (Photoshop will only use 3 GB of RAM), and things are even better. To be honest, I haven't used that configuration long enough to be able to tell you just how much better things are... but they are better! :)

If you have any other questions, don't be shy, Mike. Ask!


3) have you tried to run an extra monitor with it...???

I frequently run with the laptop plugged into my 24" LCD. That is what I use for serious work - easier on the eyes, and more accurate for photo work. (And a lot safer that running with scissors! ;) :D).

[Rudi]

For a lot of computing you can't beat the ergonomics of desktop computing.
http://www.rsiwarrior.com/ergonomics.html


Using the laptop with an external monitor and Bluetooth keyboard and mouse (as I do), you can still maintain proper posture and avoid injury. You also have the option to take it with you, which you just cannot do easily with a desktop - best of both worlds! :)


I'm new to the Mac.
My 24 inch iMac (2.8 gHz, 4GB RAM, 1000GB HD) is quiet and sleek, but it's not a utopia.


Give it time. It took me over 2 years, learning at least one cool thing about the Mac OS X every week or so, until I was using the Mac to what I consider to be almost full advantage (not quite - I still learn cool things about it :) ).


In addition to the latest version of Leopard, I've installed the 2008 student/home version of MS Office only to learn, before I've really given it use, that there are problems.
http://www.macworld.com/article/131822/2008/01/office2008issues.html


MS Office was always the weak link, IMO, and I have recently changed to iWork '08, which I love to death! I tried to like Office Mac, but it was typical Microsoft effort - unnecessarily annoying and bloated, and the only piece of software that played up regularly on my Macs,so I wasn't sorry to see it go...


I thought I'd enjoy using iPhoto, but then to my dismay learned it doesn't support my Nikon D300 RAW files.


It will be updated shortly. The D300 is a new release, and they will have to catch up. It;s the same whenever a new DSLR comes out, and does not only affect OS X, but Windows and Adobe products, as well as others.


I've struggled trying to understand the MAC OS and file structure so yesterday I broke down and bought Pogue's book, "Mac OS X (Leopard Edition) , The Missing Manual, a good move on my part.


Yes, a very good book!


I also have Windows XP Pro running under Fusion. This is where I installed Acrobat Pro and Photoshop CS3. Ah, I thought, I'll do my RAW conversions in PS. I should be so lucky!


Adobe will give you a free (or a very cheap, nominal fee kind of stuff) cross-grade to the Mac version of their products. Ring them and ask.


Yes, that means I can't read my Nikon D300 RAW files and, should I get the Mac Version, there are lots of issue of PS3 running under Leopard (some tools don't work).
http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.3c054baf/2
I haven't tried to see if a USB device will work yet.


I'm staying with Tiger until the next Leopard update (due very shortly), because I have that option. My version of Leopard was running smoothly, but since I have the Tiger discs, I'm not taking chances at the moment (I'm also waiting on a couple of other apps to get their act together and provide Leopard support before I move over.

That said, I have several fiends who use Leopard and have no issues. So I wouldn't panic - this is not going to be like Vista, where more than a year later there are still compatibility issues.


I've also had trouble setting up my LAN in the XP Pro. It doesn't see all the computers in my workgroup. I wish I were a network guru! (I'm using the NAT connection.) The networking on the Mac side (both wired and wireless, I use an inexpensive Linksys wireless access point that connects to my hardwired router and LAN), worked like a charm.


Easiest network connection I ever made was when I bought my first Mac. :)


I've only had my Mac 5 days and, one one of them, I was so disheartened I didn't even turn it on.

Obviously I have a lot to learn.:arghh::arghh::arghh:


Sorry that you're having a hard time with it, Virginia, but you're right - you do have a lot to learn, but once you do, you will not regret the Mac purchase. Good luck, keep at it! :)

[MGlennn]

I use CS3 Rudi.....but, as you know, my old tower is a G5...not Intel ...;(

[Rudi]

I used to have the dual 1.8GHz G5 Powermac, Mike. Beautiful machine in its day, but the Intel Macs have been around for a while and it shows! :)

[Rudi]

FYI, I just got myself a base model Mac Mini and put 2 GB of RAM in it (only comes with 1GB standard). I needed a machine which is going to be displaying slideshows at trade shows and at local shows, markets and maybe some shopping centres. I wanted something that cannot be operated accidentally once I take away my (bluetooth) keyboard and mouse (the public can be unpredictable when you turn your back :)), and the Mac Mini fits the bill. What surprised me (and this is for you, Mike :D) is how fast the Mini is! Intel Core 2 Duo really does the trick! It's only 1.83 GHz, but the thing could run rings around your PowerMac, Mike. It might be another way to go, if you're not sure about the laptop idea. Obviously you already have a monitor and accessories. :) Just put a whopping big Firewire drive next to the Mini (make it a boot drive if you like), and you have a very capable desktop machine.

BTW, I'm still using the laptop as my primary computer. This one is just for the purposes described, and for my daughter to use when she visits. I guess I'll also use it for web surfing and stuff when I'm too lazy to get out the laptop, but I'm going to stick by my opinion that if you're only to have one computer, then a laptop is the way to go! :)

[MGlennn]

Cool............:):) If I were down there I would be tempted to sneak up to your display with my own bluetooth keyboard and see what havoc I could create :biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh:

I am waiting on the next generation of MacBookPro with the cool trackpad to come out to make my decision.....:brows: suspect I am just too lazy to carry the laptop around, however. rolleyes;rolleyes;

[Rudi]

Cool............:):) If I were down there I would be tempted to sneak up to your display with my own bluetooth keyboard and see what havoc I could create :biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh:
It's amazing how similar our minds are! I would be tempted to do the same thing... :) (You will notice that I typed "cannot be operated accidentally" :D ).

I am waiting on the next generation of MacBookPro with the cool trackpad to come out to make my decision.....:brows: suspect I am just too lazy to carry the laptop around, however. rolleyes;rolleyes;
If you're not in a hurry, it can't hurt to wait, Mike. There will always be something better over the horizon... it's only a matter of time until you're tempted enough! :D I actually wanted to wait until the Mac Minis were updated, but ran out of time - I need one for next week. rolleyes;