Macs vs PCs
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Posted on Apr 10, 2006 08:48 pm
Aenima7988
Member Since: Apr 10, 2006
Alright, my friend and I have been arguing forever. I am in dire need of a new computer so I can start recording songs. I've recorded songs myself and with other people and it hurts to think about what I could do if I had my own setup. I've been trying to get a G5 iMac on ebay for less than 1200 and he's telling me if I don't have that much money to spend I should be going with a PC so that I can still afford a sound card and mics. "Macs are overpriced and PCs are just as good." I CAN'T trust windows after the **** they've put me through. The computer I'm using now is a piece of dirt. 64MB of ram so I can't expect much from it now, but you know you had a computer with 64MB once and it didn't screw you up when you first bought it. We also have an HP with 512 MB and XP but it won't even let you open more than three internet windows or all of your windows will lock up. What do you guys think? Can I trust Windows now that they've "straightened their sh*t out" and if so which brand? Or are they just as unstable as ever and I should tighten my wallet and go for the iMac?
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Apr 10, 2006 09:27 pm Windows XP and Windows 2000 are very stable and have been for a long time. If you have a PC with 512 MB and can only open tyhree windows and it locks up,m it isn't windows thats wrong, you have other issues...viruses, spyware, malware, conflicting hardware something, don't automatically blame Windows.
GregorMember
Since: Jan 08, 2004
Apr 11, 2006 12:13 am yeah you have everyone and their dog trying to make software for windows (good and bad) but only one guy controls apple.....Steve jobs!
RigsbyUltra MagnusMember
Since: Nov 13, 2004
Apr 11, 2006 02:37 am That works two ways though eh? Too many cooks etc.
You can't really compare specs between macs and pcs, they work in different ways. For instance the G3 i used to record on would allow me 16 tracks 24/44.1 with some effects and only had 32mb ram, with a PC that's obviously unheard of.
We have both macs and pcs and for my applications (mostly recording) the macs have always outshone the pcs.
That said, it's easier to physically upgrade a PC for the most part. Mac will eventually leave you behind and you'll struggle to get parts etc, but for me i'd rather have a few years trouble free recording and have to buy a new machine every so often than have the struggle and issues i had with pcs.
I just bought a mac mini, the intel duo core one, haven't done any recording with it yet, just mixing, but it's quiet and running trouble-free with the 46 tracks i'm mixing right now. If you already have a monitor it might be the way to go. The mini, wireless keyboard and mouse cost me £679, a price i'm very pleased with.
I agree with dB though, sounds like you have a problem with your PC, windows XP isn't that hard on your machine.
Apr 11, 2006 11:08 am So would/should I get away with getting a PC for internet and recording? It's the money and stability issue for me. I'd rather get a mac and not have to worry, but it seems like I won't have any $ leftover for a soundcard, programs if I can't find a copy from a friend, mics/monitors if I really need them. But if I get a PC, am I going to be spending just as much money upgrading it and stuff? Even if I could trust windows, how do I know I could trust myself to keep viruses out and maintain it? It's beyond me how other people have PCs without viruses/spyware/bugs. The money worry does a good job arguing against getting a mac, but I'm still not sure. What kind of PC should I even look into?
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Apr 11, 2006 01:07 pm Quote:
programs if I can't find a copy from a friend
You're not talking piracy I hope.
Quote:
It's beyond me how other people have PCs without viruses/spyware/bugs
Keep your PC updated with the latest virus/spyware definitions and keep it patched with the latest service packs. Only connect it to the web if you have to. If you do have to use it on the web make sure you are behind a firewall (whether PC or Mac). Otherwise use your old PC for the web and the new one just for music.
Apr 11, 2006 01:14 pm Quote:
It's beyond me how other people have PCs without viruses/spyware/bugs.
It's beyond me how people GET viruses and spyware, I have been running PC's (many at once) on a small home network for years, all Windows driven from Windows 95 back in the day, now all Windows XP with one Windows 98 for the kids and their games...all on the internet, and in all that time I have had maybe two or three incidents...none of which was serious.
XP is stable, if you use common sense protection and common sense surfing habits, you won't get viruses and crap...
Windows is only as unsafe as the user is stupid/ignorant of technology, it's a direct ratio...
When you look at how many companies all make hardware for Windows, it's easy to see that there will be compatbility problems now and then, thats the nature of an open, free market with lots of players, but on the whole, Windows is given a bad rap by people with opinions that were formed year ago...
zekthedeadcowEat Spam before it eats YOU!!!Member
Since: May 11, 2002
Apr 11, 2006 01:22 pm I suppose this falls into the catagory of:
"Good, Cheap, Fast... pick two."
The fact of the matter is that everything works... even linux records audio and my DAW is the least expensive Compaq Presario I could find at Staples... If you don't like windows then it's either Mac, Linux, or hardware... if you don't know linux then it's Mac or hardware... if you can't afford Mac then it's hardware... if hardware doesn't have the options you need then you need to find a way to afford Mac.
Don't talk youself into a solution that isn't going to work for you.
Apr 11, 2006 01:42 pm I've never gotten a virus, had any spyware, or found any bugs while using my PC's. Just use common sense like dB said, if you get an email with fubar text in it by an email address you do or don't know, don't open the attachment. Don't download stupid programs or games from free web sites. If it's a freeware program then there is a good chance it will come with spyware. Quit downloading music through limewire and programs like that, you're going to probably download a virus that way. If this is a computer for recording don't even hook it up to the internet. If you aren't connected to the internet nothing can happen.
As for price, build a pc, go buy how to build a pc for dummies book, go to web sites like pricewatch.com and tigerdirect.com, if you order part by part you'll save money, and all you have to do is put it together and plug wires in.
Apr 11, 2006 09:29 pm My two cents worth...
I'd stay with the Windows machine. There's so much more available to you in the way of free and/or reasonably-priced software. If you set your machine up properly, you'll have very few issues with viruses, etc. Plus, as has been pointed out, you can buy more gear with the money you save.
I used a Windows machine for many years, and have since switched to a Mac for reasons not related to recording. While I do love my Mac, and I think GarageBand is a kick-a$$ music creation application, if I were using my computer for just Internet and music, I would have stuck with the Windows environment.
When Har-Bal comes out with a Mac version, I may feel differently. :-)
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Apr 11, 2006 09:58 pm Its windows for me as well. Having worked in a Mac environment many times, I agree that the availability of software and hardware is much better on the PC side of things.
Apr 12, 2006 01:37 am My mac just crashed while loading HRC
Apr 12, 2006 01:44 am we all know how the site itself feels now colonel
Apr 12, 2006 08:19 am Quote:
My mac just crashed while loading HRC
Cool, that new javascript crashOnLoad("Mac") function works...sweet!
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Apr 12, 2006 09:49 pm SWEET!
