iMac or not???

[huskertko]

I have finally reached the point of total frustration with my Windows PCs.  I am trying to edit video and burn DVD's and the *@#$ing things keep locking up.  Everytime I try to do anything the program quits responding and I have to start over.  I am using Roxio now, but I have used Nero, Pinnacle, Sony, Adobe, they all do they same thing.  The computer should have plenty of power to do what I want, it is a Intel 2.2 Ghz dual core processor, 256 MB video card, 3 GB of Ram, and a 7200 RPM HD, and still locks up.

I have restored to factory settings 8 times in the last year because of some type of file corruption, and I have reached my limit.

Does anyone have any input on iMacs?  I am looking at the 20" with 2.66 Ghz dual core processor.

[BrianinMD]

You can load any version of Linus on there and be good to go.

[CFFF 1.5]

? if the computer only locks up while using the video editing software I can't help you, but if it is locking up while using other programs you might want to check your hard drive and ram. You could have a faulty hard drive or faulty ram. I am replacing a hard drive today that has been giving the user problems for like 4 months and finally died this morning. Make sure you check the event viewer to see if there are any errors. This can clear up a lot. To check the event viewer go to start > control panel > administrative tools > event viewer. Check the system and application logs for any errors. If you want you can send the logs to me via email and I can look them over. my email address is ssanders@stetson.edu.

[BUCKEYEone]

I'm in the same boat!  Sick of PCs, cannot wait for that tax return to buy a mac!

[huskertko]

? if the computer only locks up while using the video editing software I can't help you, but if it is locking up while using other programs you might want to check your hard drive and ram. You could have a faulty hard drive or faulty ram. I am replacing a hard drive today that has been giving the user problems for like 4 months and finally died this morning. Make sure you check the event viewer to see if there are any errors. This can clear up a lot. To check the event viewer go to start > control panel > administrative tools > event viewer. Check the system and application logs for any errors. If you want you can send the logs to me via email and I can look them over. my email address is ssanders@stetson.edu.

No, Windows explorer, outlook, word, Adobe, all lock up all the time.  In addition to restoring the laptop 8 times, the RAM and the HD have been replaced.  There are a lot of application errors, cdrom errors, as well as application hangs.  

I am just sick of M$ and want to give something else a try.  The problems I am having are both on a XP machine as well as a Vista machine.  

[=Matt 5.0=]

I took the Mac plunge over 2 years ago. NOT A SINGLE PROBLEM! Tossed my Dell off the roof, that thing was the biggest headache.

You won't be disappointed.

[huskertko]

I took the Mac plunge over 2 years ago. NOT A SINGLE PROBLEM! Tossed my Dell off the roof, that thing was the biggest headache.

You won't be disappointed.

That is the resounding answer I have gotten from a lot of other people as well.  People have told me they have had a Mac for years and never had a HD failure, very rarely, if ever had a program stop responding, and so much more secure internet surfing.  Both my computers are Dell, and I can't explain how badly I want to take a baseball bat to both of them.

Matt, do you find that the software included with the Mac, like iLife, is sufficient to do most things?  I am just wondering if I would want or need to get Final Cut or Aperture for photo and video stuff.

[CFFF 1.5]

? if the computer only locks up while using the video editing software I can't help you, but if it is locking up while using other programs you might want to check your hard drive and ram. You could have a faulty hard drive or faulty ram. I am replacing a hard drive today that has been giving the user problems for like 4 months and finally died this morning. Make sure you check the event viewer to see if there are any errors. This can clear up a lot. To check the event viewer go to start > control panel > administrative tools > event viewer. Check the system and application logs for any errors. If you want you can send the logs to me via email and I can look them over. my email address is ssanders@stetson.edu.

No, Windows explorer, outlook, word, Adobe, all lock up all the time. In addition to restoring the laptop 8 times, the RAM and the HD have been replaced. There are a lot of application errors, cdrom errors, as well as application hangs.

I am just sick of M$ and want to give something else a try. The problems I am having are both on a XP machine as well as a Vista machine.

sounds to me like you got a lemon. I have 3 different computer at my house and work with over 100 computers on a daily basis at work. I think you need to get your mother board replaced. If you have replaced the hard drive and ram an dit is still locking up there are other problems with that computer besides MICROSOFT. If it was possible to load mac osx10.5 on that computer it would still suck just as bad.  

[huskertko]

? if the computer only locks up while using the video editing software I can't help you, but if it is locking up while using other programs you might want to check your hard drive and ram. You could have a faulty hard drive or faulty ram. I am replacing a hard drive today that has been giving the user problems for like 4 months and finally died this morning. Make sure you check the event viewer to see if there are any errors. This can clear up a lot. To check the event viewer go to start > control panel > administrative tools > event viewer. Check the system and application logs for any errors. If you want you can send the logs to me via email and I can look them over. my email address is ssanders@stetson.edu.

No, Windows explorer, outlook, word, Adobe, all lock up all the time. In addition to restoring the laptop 8 times, the RAM and the HD have been replaced. There are a lot of application errors, cdrom errors, as well as application hangs.

I am just sick of M$ and want to give something else a try. The problems I am having are both on a XP machine as well as a Vista machine.

sounds to me like you got a lemon. I have 3 different computer at my house and work with over 100 computers on a daily basis at work. I think you need to get your mother board replaced. If you have replaced the hard drive and ram an dit is still locking up there are other problems with that computer besides MICROSOFT. If it was possible to load mac osx10.5 on that computer it would still suck just as bad.

I think that is the main problem I am having, have two computers in the house, both MS computers, and both have similar problems, as well as individual problems.  I am just sick of having computers that have hardware and software problems, and from the numerous people, the problems I am having, don't exist with macs, or at least exist in dramatically smaller occurences.

[key chain bass guy]

I took the Mac plunge over 2 years ago. NOT A SINGLE PROBLEM! Tossed my Dell off the roof, that thing was the biggest headache.

You won't be disappointed.

That is the resounding answer I have gotten from a lot of other people as well. People have told me they have had a Mac for years and never had a HD failure, very rarely, if ever had a program stop responding, and so much more secure internet surfing. Both my computers are Dell, and I can't explain how badly I want to take a baseball bat to both of them.

Matt, do you find that the software included with the Mac, like iLife, is sufficient to do most things? I am just wondering if I would want or need to get Final Cut or Aperture for photo and video stuff.

I have always found the included software to be sufficient.  I am only using it for personal stuff so I guess it is not that technical, I don't know if you would need more for business or bigger projects.  The thing I like about the Mac is that everything is integrated.  If you are making a video you have access to all of your pictures, music, and video without having to switch applications.

[CFFF 1.5]

? if the computer only locks up while using the video editing software I can't help you, but if it is locking up while using other programs you might want to check your hard drive and ram. You could have a faulty hard drive or faulty ram. I am replacing a hard drive today that has been giving the user problems for like 4 months and finally died this morning. Make sure you check the event viewer to see if there are any errors. This can clear up a lot. To check the event viewer go to start > control panel > administrative tools > event viewer. Check the system and application logs for any errors. If you want you can send the logs to me via email and I can look them over. my email address is ssanders@stetson.edu.

No, Windows explorer, outlook, word, Adobe, all lock up all the time. In addition to restoring the laptop 8 times, the RAM and the HD have been replaced. There are a lot of application errors, cdrom errors, as well as application hangs.

I am just sick of M$ and want to give something else a try. The problems I am having are both on a XP machine as well as a Vista machine.

sounds to me like you got a lemon. I have 3 different computer at my house and work with over 100 computers on a daily basis at work. I think you need to get your mother board replaced. If you have replaced the hard drive and ram an dit is still locking up there are other problems with that computer besides MICROSOFT. If it was possible to load mac osx10.5 on that computer it would still suck just as bad.

I think that is the main problem I am having, have two computers in the house, both MS computers, and both have similar problems, as well as individual problems. I am just sick of having computers that have hardware and software problems, and from the numerous people, the problems I am having, don't exist with macs, or at least exist in dramatically smaller occurences.

While I prefer Windows computers over macs I have heard they are good computers. Macs are good computers because they are targeted less for virus/spyware/adware which can cause lots of problems with windows computers. The thing I don't like about mac's are apple. You are tied to their brand for everything. While you can get a windows computer from many different manufacturers you can only get a mac from apple. They are too restricting for me. Also I know I can get parts from anywhere for my computer. YOu are also going to pay an extra $1000 for a brand new mac.

[CFFF 1.5]

I have finally reached the point of total frustration with my Windows PCs. I am trying to edit video and burn DVD's and the *@#$ing things keep locking up. Everytime I try to do anything the program quits responding and I have to start over. I am using Roxio now, but I have used Nero, Pinnacle, Sony, Adobe, they all do they same thing. The computer should have plenty of power to do what I want, it is a Intel 2.2 Ghz dual core processor, 256 MB video card, 3 GB of Ram, and a 7200 RPM HD, and still locks up.

I have restored to factory settings 8 times in the last year because of some type of file corruption, and I have reached my limit.

Does anyone have any input on iMacs? I am looking at the 20" with 2.66 Ghz dual core processor.

How much do you want to sell your old windows computer for?

[huskertko]

I have finally reached the point of total frustration with my Windows PCs. I am trying to edit video and burn DVD's and the *@#$ing things keep locking up. Everytime I try to do anything the program quits responding and I have to start over. I am using Roxio now, but I have used Nero, Pinnacle, Sony, Adobe, they all do they same thing. The computer should have plenty of power to do what I want, it is a Intel 2.2 Ghz dual core processor, 256 MB video card, 3 GB of Ram, and a 7200 RPM HD, and still locks up.

I have restored to factory settings 8 times in the last year because of some type of file corruption, and I have reached my limit.

Does anyone have any input on iMacs? I am looking at the 20" with 2.66 Ghz dual core processor.

How much do you want to sell your old windows computer for?

Hadn't really thought about it.  The desktop will get wiped clean, and then my son will get it for playing games and such.  It will depend on if i get a iMac or a MacBook, whether I will get rid of my laptop.  

[Tokyo Tony]

I'm another one on the Mac boat. Got one in 2004 after my PC died from 2 years of use. Haven't had to take the Mac to the shop once, never had a single problem, and I'll never look back. Apple is simply one of the very best companies out there. All of their products are absolutely top-notch. Can't go wrong. Good luck  

[Hookemdown.]

I'm used several Mac's and I'd take one any day over a PC.  I'm currently running Linux.  It' not great, but I like it better than Windows.

[=Matt 5.0=]

I took the Mac plunge over 2 years ago. NOT A SINGLE PROBLEM! Tossed my Dell off the roof, that thing was the biggest headache.

You won't be disappointed.

That is the resounding answer I have gotten from a lot of other people as well. People have told me they have had a Mac for years and never had a HD failure, very rarely, if ever had a program stop responding, and so much more secure internet surfing. Both my computers are Dell, and I can't explain how badly I want to take a baseball bat to both of them.

Matt, do you find that the software included with the Mac, like iLife, is sufficient to do most things? I am just wondering if I would want or need to get Final Cut or Aperture for photo and video stuff.

Yes. My favorite program by far is Comic Life. It is absolutely awesome. iPhoto is sufficient, but lacks some of the features I liked in Photoshop. I just don't have the extra money to buy a new copy. Another favorite is Photobooth. I have over 400 pictures of my son and I, going back to when he was born.

Another mind blower is that peripherals just "work". Got a new printer? Just plug it in and start printing. No software to install, no drivers to install etc etc.

[hjerk24]

IMAC's rule!!!!!!

Great for photos and the Time Machine Back up System is beyond AWESOME!!! Get an external HD (Got mine at Walmart for about $100)for the back-up, and you are gold! Apple is awesome as well for customer service.

Good Luck!

The MAC vs. PC ads are awesome to!!!! Check em' out on Youtube!

[CFFF 1.5]

this is my favorite mac commercial

[daviscw]

I am happy with my Dell. Last semester I ran both AutoCad and Revit simultaneously without any problems. The only thing bad about Macs is the small learning curve and the compatibilty problems with transferring stuff from Mac to PC.

[CFFF 1.5]

I am happy with my Dell. Last semester I ran both AutoCad and Revit simultaneously without any problems. The only thing bad about Macs is the small learning curve and the compatibilty problems with transferring stuff from Mac to PC.

or if you like playing games.

[atx_newbie]

I haven't bought into the Mac hype yet.  The g/f has one and refuses to even use my Dell, but I've had this thing for about 5 years now and still love it.  And many times I have run Adobe Premiere, After Effects, and Photoshop simultaneously with no problems.  And for work stuff, I don't have to ever worry about software compatibility issues.

I use her Mac every now and then for convenience (it's a laptop, mine's a desktop) and it drives me crazy.  It always takes me about 3x as long to do the same task, though I'm sure that's just because I don't use it enough to get familiar with all the tasks.  I'll keep my Dell though.

[quant PT]

I use a PC at work and MACs at home.  I have a G5 I bought in December of '03 (using it right now) and I have not had one problem with it.  On the rare occasion that something locks up, you just do a force quit and everything is OK.  I also have a 2 year old mac laptop - no problems there either.  My work PC's are another story.  I am on my third laptop in 5 years.  I also have changed out 3-4 hard drives in that time as well.  My work (PC) laptop rarely leaves its docking station, but my Macs get used daily by my three sons, so I know my Macs are exposed to a tougher environment than my PC.

Like anything new, there is a learning curve, but it is very short.  Once you get used to a Mac, you'll love it.

[WIII-60]

I'm also a mac fan (imac, and iphone)

I had an operating system issue last week with my imac. I took it to the apple store and they wiped the hard drive. About three days ago, the drive bugged out again. I took it back to the apple store. The "genius" at the "genius bar" asked if it was under warranty. It is not. He offered to keep it for 4-6 days and replace whatever needed to be replaced free of charge since I had to return a second time.

I have a buddy who had some issues with his iphone, instead of dealing with troubleshooting issues they just gave him a new-in-the-box phone, twice.

The customer service is outstanding.

[huskertko]

I'm also a mac fan (imac, and iphone)

I had an operating system issue last week with my imac. I took it to the apple store and they wiped the hard drive. About three days ago, the drive bugged out again. I took it back to the apple store. The "genius" at the "genius bar" asked if it was under warranty. It is not. He offered to keep it for 4-6 days and replace whatever needed to be replaced free of charge since I had to return a second time.

I have a buddy who had some issues with his iphone, instead of dealing with troubleshooting issues they just gave him a new-in-the-box phone, twice.

The customer service is outstanding.

I had a similar experience with my iPhone,  I took it to the Genius bar, they read the tech notes from when I called in, and gave me a refrub.  I took it home and it was having worse issues than my old one was.  I took it back the same day, and they gave me a new in the box one, but the best part is, they told me that since they "gave" me the refurb, they couldn't take it back on exchange.  So now my wife has an 8 GB "iTouch".  Everything on the phone worked fine, except the phone part, so I got a new phone and she got a "new" iTouch.  

Great customer and a technical service in my opinion.

[llPa1nll]

I work on Macs a the office and have a Mac at home to surf the web with. However the one thing Macs dont do well is play games and that is the only reason I have a PC box at home is to play video games. TBH my dream machine would be all PC hardware running a Mac osX that was able to play video games. However they arent quite there yet. Mac vs PC make up you own mind this has been going on since about as long as the Red Sox vs Yankees. Mac costs allot more, period. However, if you get a Mac the worry about viruses and spyware is just about non-existant. If you get a third party product to use with a Mac it will work no questions asked, and most of the drivers are already preloaded. Those are the benefits. Also that link that CFF posted is pure a$$hatness.