Help Needed: Windows Vs Mac

[WEABOO]

***I apologize if this post has writing errors. Its 5 in the morning for me***


As you all know, Windows Vista just recently came out.

As you all probably figured by now, I basically am being forced to buy another computer.

Its not THAT bad, since I've needed to buy an actual desktop anyway. I've been doing all my music and film production through my laptop and the poor thing is literally frying from all the cables in it.

Basically, I'm looking for the ultimate music and film production machine. I'm thinking, at least 2 gigs of RAM and at least a 2 GHZ processor. Now, I'm looking at the options I have:

Vista looks gorgeous, but from what I see, its really straining on a computer. Idle RAM is 512 mb. My laptop has 512mb, period. But I mean, powerful OS needs a powerful computer right? Well the only reason why I didnt just go with Vista, is its contracts with DRM. I've heard horror stories of people not being able to play not just videos, but music files as well. Considering while as much I love making my mainstream music, some of you already know I produce experimental turntablism, and as a result I use and cut a lot of samples. The idea that I wont be able to use samples horrifies me. Should I worry about this? Does anyone have more information?

My second choice, is the iMac. It looks like a powerful machine. I can fit up to 3 gigs of RAM, 2.2 GHZ processor, a 160 gig hard drive, several usb ports, firewire, and a gorgeous screen. Basically, whenever I imagine working on my videos or music on that display, its all VERY happy thoughts. One thing Im iffy about, is that I dont like the fact that almost everything about it is integrated. No upgrading. That KINDA scares me but...will I really need anything beyond that? Another thing that bothers me, is Im worried I wont be able to use all my plug-ins and programs on a mac. I know premiere and photoshop are on mac, but what about Fruity Loops? Acid? Hell, Nexus? To add to my problem, I kinda didnt pay for any of my programs, so now I have to "acquire" the mac versions. Am I going to have trouble doing that? I've downloaded a lot of things and I cant say I've ever seen something that says "mac version".

So in a nutshell, I'm asking this:

Being a musician and photo/film maker, would I benefit from buying a iMac? Or should I risk the DRM business that Vista is full of? Price doesnt matter so long as Im getting my money's worth.

Serious answers are appreciated, since I'm planning on buying a computer this week.

[kannazuki]

I reccomend going with an iMac. My uncle works in the best production studio in the country and it's a full on Macintosh based studio. Logic Pro for Mac is a powerful music program and it's the one my music class uses to record our stuff. I'm not sure about film, but the film people in our class do use Macs as well. So yeah, go for the Mac.

[jihnsius]

Macs are, hands down, the best system for any type of audio or visual production. The only reason I don't own one is I value the software I enjoy over the boost in speed and flexibility of the system. What's the point of having a computer that can handle everything three times better if you don't have the software to begin with?

No, there's no FruityLoops for Mac. But why do you have to upgrade to Vista?

If you look at the theory behind how systems work and how Vista is trying to protect against piracy, I'm sure there are tons of ways to get around this "MP3" error. It might even be that the sound drivers aren't compatible with certain common playing programs, such as WinAMP or FruityLoops.

Instead of spending your money on a PC with a preloaded HDD of Vista, just buy the barebones, save your money, and probably get extra power out of it.

Pricewatch | Lower prices on computers, laptops, mp3 players, motherboards, computer parts and electronics

[helix eternal]

Or just buy the mac and a copy of Windows XP since you can install windows on a Mac system and switch between OS's almost seemlessly

[tomokosasaki]

100%, go for the mac, much better systems, especially what you need it for.
And as Helix said, you can switch to Windows XP (I dont know about vista..?) almost seemlessly if you ever need to (Fruity loops), with no slow down at all!! Since you can switch to windows, running Fruity Loops is no problem.

[red shoe paul]

Hahaha, I don't know ANYTHING about music making or producing, but I do know the macintosh will do everything you want it too do, and better. No need to worry about slow starting, long savings of music files. Everything will be quicker.

[WEABOO]

Thanks guys =)

I think I'll be going with a nice iMac then

But if any of you still have two cents to say to convince me otherwise, dont hesitate in posting since I probably wont buy it till Friday!

Thanks everyone!

[aether]

It's a small point, but can you get used to one mouse button? Of course, you can always plug in a regular mouse these days. But just pointing that out.

Beyond that, go with a Mac.

[ ]

Originally Posted by etherstyle

It's a small point, but can you get used to one mouse button? Of course, you can always plug in a regular mouse these days. But just pointing that out.

The new mice are two-button.

Get a Mac, and get a copy of Ableton if you need good music production software.

[tomokosasaki]

yeah, the mouse looks like 1 button, and works like 1 button, but you can change it in the mac settings. all is fine!

[Blackraven]

Use Windows for your Games and MS Office, Linux for your PS3 and probably Opera for your Nintendo Wii (which is built-in already).......

BUT for music production, always goes for Apple Computer.