Posted on 03/23/2009 10:16:23 PM PDT by Swordmaker
A CHANGING VIEW
For a long time, the only places where you would see an Apple Macintosh computer in a station were in the production or on-air studios. Macs had gotten a bad rap in the past for being incompatible with Microsoft networks, many printers, and other peripherals.
For example, ProTools is often considered the “gold standard” in audio production software – and it is designed to run on the Mac operating system. In the studio, the venerable VoxPro system was originally offered only on the Mac platform, though now there is a version available for Windows.
Often it was the users of these machines themselves that did the support. Generally they were the station’s “Mac Gurus,” while the Engineering staff dealt with the Windows machines. Very rarely would you find support for both platforms. Sometimes, an Intel processor emulator allowed Windows to run but it required a lot of memory, it ran relatively slow, and some programs just would not run. The Mac generally remained a mysterious machine only fit for “those creative guys.”
Then, a couple of years ago, Apple made a big change – they moved from the Motorola “PowerPC” processors to an Intel architecture.
CONVERGENCE
What does this mean? Why, the best of all worlds, of course!
It all changed with OS X (pronounced Oh-ess-ten), a complete redesign of the operating system, including compatibility with just about everything out there. This fundamental shift opened the door for much better virtualization – and the potential for a much wider user base. With Intel processors and the addition of “Boot Camp” – which allows a user to boot their Mac into the Mac OS or Windows – Windows can run natively, virtually as fast as on a PC.
Now my Mac connects with any network, any printer, and any computer. Share documents and spreadsheets with a PC? No problem. Want to print to that shared printer? Print away.
ENDING THE SOFTWARE DIVIDE
Another misconception is a perceived lack of software for Macs. While it is true that many specialized programs are still Windows-only, there are plenty of Mac titles that cover the spectrum. What about those special Windows-only programs? Run them on your Mac with a virtual machine.
Even better, with a copy of Parallels (www.parallels.com) or VMWare, (www.vmware.com/products/fusion) you can run Windows right alongside Mac OS X. Both programs include the option to run Windows in the background and integrate running Windows applications into OS X – a window with Safari (Mac’s web browser) and another with Outlook can run next to each other. I do this every day at work, and it really does work well.
PLUSES AND MINUSES
There is a benefit to running Macs in the office as well. Due to the design of the OS (and its still smaller market share) there are yet to be any viruses or spyware written for the Mac platform. No more long nights decontaminating a studio computer.
That said, those considering a mixed environment should run an antivirus on your Mac anyway. It is easy to inadvertently forward a Windows virus to someone through your network. The few Mac antivirus utilities out there do scan for Windows viruses, thus protecting other users on your network. I personally use VirusBarrier X5 (www.intego.com) on my machine.
There are some downsides to Macs, including price; Mac hardware is usually much more expensive than PC hardware.
On the other hand, in an office environment the savings come in maintenance. Since Apple designed the OS and the hardware, there are no problems trying to find drivers – and OS upgrades are never frustrated by hardware incompatibilities.
Another issue is the learning curve. While Macs are easy to use, there are many things that operate differently; it took me several weeks to fully understand how OS X works. However, once you get past the basics, you will find out that OS X is very well thought out and easy to use.
All-in-all, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a well built and cared for Windows machine. They serve me well. So if you are looking at replacing computers, why not take a look at a Mac? You will be surprised at how far they have come.
Chris “Doc” Tarr, CBRE, CBNT, is the Director of Engineering for Entercom in Milwaukee and Madison, WI. You can contact Chris at ctarr@entercom.com
No gun here, but we do have a forklift! :)
FR sometimes make a double post... it was a duplicate of the PING... I asked the admin moderator to pull the duplicate.
Some Mac HDs are solid state... but not the majority. When you compare like level machines with similar equipment, Apple computers are usually competitive or even lower priced than the competition. Apple has chosen NOT to compete in the bargain basement level of computer. Apple's lowest priced computer is the MacMini at $599. Apple also prefers to please its stockholders by making a profit.
Dennis, Psystar does NOT MAKE MACS. Quit claiming that. If you want to push Psystar, then say they make an OS X capable computer. It is not, however, a Mac and never will be.
Rachel, I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with you on this. Apple still has the 20" iMac in its product line for $1199. Apple has also just introduced a basic 17" iMac designed for sale only to educational institutions for $899.
Way back when, my computer group had a debate about which could be thrown farther... the basic Apple all in one Mac SE/30 with its convenient shot-putting handle, or an Amiga 500 with its wing shaped case, ideal for skimming over the distances, like a discus. After a while, we decided we just had to test it. The Amiga500 won.
Neither computer survived the test.
Are Macs able to support multiple monitors?
Yes. The Mac Minis are capable of supporting two monitors.
The Mac Mini (2009) "Connects to up to two external displays with digital resolution up to 2560 by 1600 via Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter or 1920x1200 via Mini DisplayPort, Mini-DVI to DVI Adapter, or Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter. Analog resolution (VGA) up to 2048 by 1536 using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter or Mini-DVI to VGA Adapter."—Apple Inc.
The iMacs can support a second external monitor.
The Mac Pros can support up to eight 30" monitors simultaneously.
Psystar’s Mac Clone Still Available For Purchase — Macintosh ...
Apr 15, 2008 ... Priced at $804.99 and now dubbed Open Computer, a similar, Apple-branded Macintosh would cost more than $2000.
www.informationweek.com/news/hardware/mac/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=207200841 - 115k
Macs are called Psystar clones because Psystar is the industry leader in affordable OSX solutions
Only by you, Dennis.
Talk about old information.
Nowdays it comes about within $300 of an iMac 20”, without monitor, with a cheap keyboard/mouse, without OS support, without web cam, without the well-engineered one-piece aluminum case.
The supposed “Pro” version does come up $700 cheaper than the high-end iMac though. And everything you’re missing can be easily bought with that except the OS support and well-engineered one-piece case. Make your value judgment, but do it for yourself and don’t apply it to others.
I do notice you can’t even get OS X with their Core i7 machines, which still don’t have the new Xeon processors to stand up against a Mac Pro (a real “Pro” workstation-class computer). So no desktop-to-desktop comparison here. They do cost around as much as the single-proc quad-core Mac Pros if you add the OS. Of course you have no dual-proc option.
What are you smoking, and where can I get some?
Buyers are very happy with thier Psystar machines
In case you didn't know, Psystar is the leading edge in affordable OSX solutions.
LINK to 18 reviews of this machine
| Rating |
This computer is great. it is sitting next to my monitor and the fan noise is very minimal, alot quieter than most. I did order mine with upgraded processor and 4 gb of ram, it is extremely fast. The GeForce 7200GS 256mb video card is plenty for me. Video quality is great on my 24 inch wide screen, using the dvi port on the video card, watching full screen movies in HD streaming from internet is no problem. The pictures of the computer on here do not do it justice, it looks alot better sitting on my desk. They package it with plenty of protection for shipping and the shipping went smoothly as well. I have installed all my apps on this machine without any problems. Software update works perfectly too. Cant say enough good things. Thank you Psystar (Posted on 3/9/09)
| Rating |
I have this computer running right next to my 8 core, it makes me wonder why I ever spent $3000 on it. The Psystar open computer runs FCP flawlessly. I cant say enough good things about this company, they are nice people and they have a great product for a great price. Thanks for keepin' it real .. (Posted on 3/1/09)
| Rating |
My original intent was to have an inexpensive backup for my Mac Pro G5. Sometime, in the last few months that idea was revised and now my Psystar Open is my primary and the Mac Pro is gathering dust. I have become a real supporter of this company and tell everyone I speak to about Mac that this is the way to go. The only way to go. What people can't seem to understand is that hardware is hardware. It's the operating system that makes the machine. Don't pay too much for the hardware. (Posted on 2/7/09)
I love this one, as if the two machines had even close to the same hardware. Dual nehalem-based quad-core Xeons vs. one Core2Quad.
Apparently one who has no idea what kind of hardware he's running and thinks two Nehalem quad-core Xeons cost and perform the same as a single Core2Quad.
Psystar may make decent computers compared to other PC OEMs, but in the end they're still just a bunch of parts chucked into a case like the other PC OEMs do.
Psystar is nipping at Apple’s heels. The Psystar debacle was the main reason for Steve’s hospitalization which is really from mental breakdown, not pancreatic hormone issues
One day Macs will be called Psystar clones because they are the true OSX innovators
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.