|
|
Post by garbulky on May 11, 2020 21:08:49 GMT -5
Hi guys, so I'm usually a Windows person. But we do have a lot of iphone, ipad use. My interest in a mac laptop or desktop is how integrated is it with the mobile eco system? Like can you facetime from it, run phone apps, do better video editing?
|
|
cawgijoe
Emo VIPs 
"When you come to a fork in the road, take it." - Yogi Berra
Posts: 5,033
|
Post by cawgijoe on May 11, 2020 21:36:05 GMT -5
I just bought a new MacBook Air, 2020. i5/16/512.
I’ve never owned a Mac before but we have iPhones, Apple TV’s, Apple Watches, a HomePod, the list goes on.
I love this thing. I’ve only had it for a week. It’s beautifully built. Aluminum chassis. High end feel to it. Extremely easy to set up. Very fast. I’ve had to get used to the difference between it and a PC, but it hasn’t been too bad. There are a lot of similarities.
Right now I’m very happy with it. I just got tired of the crappy, cheap plastic Dells and HPs I was buying that never seemed to last long.
I’m not sure if this helps at all as I’m not a longtime user.
It does integrate very well with the other Apple products.
|
|
Lsc
Emo VIPs
Posts: 3,435
|
Post by Lsc on May 11, 2020 21:41:50 GMT -5
Hi guys, so I'm usually a Windows person. But we do have a lot of iphone, ipad use. My interest in a mac laptop or desktop is how integrated is it with the mobile eco system? Like can you facetime from it, run phone apps, do better video editing? Unless you are willing to move 50% slower navigating the Mac controls, I’d highly caution getting a Mac. I bought an iMac in 2013 for my kids. It’s the single biggest waste of money. I hate the Mac controls bc I’m so used to Windows controls. Never got used to it and now I use it for streaming Tidal. That’s it. |
|
|
|
Post by scubadiver on May 11, 2020 21:52:33 GMT -5
Hi guys, so I'm usually a Windows person. But we do have a lot of iphone, ipad use. My interest in a mac laptop or desktop is how integrated is it with the mobile eco system? Like can you facetime from it, run phone apps, do better video editing? Unless you are willing to move 50% slower navigating the Mac controls, I’d highly caution getting a Mac. I bought an iMac in 2013 for my kids. It’s the single biggest waste of money. I hate the Mac controls bc I’m so used to Windows controls. Never got used to it and now I use it for streaming Tidal. That’s it. I couldn’t agree more.... I bought a Mac for photo editing of thousands of pictures. I paid 2x for the Mac as I would have for an even faster PC - only to run the same Adobe software. I assumed it would be a better experience, but I was wrong, because I’m 100x more proficient on Windows with Windows controls. I’d only buy a Mac if the software you want/need to use doesn’t exist for Windows. that being said, it is a beautiful piece of hardware..... I can not deny that! |
|
|
|
Post by Boomzilla on May 11, 2020 22:16:39 GMT -5
Yes, there IS a big adjustment while you lose your Windoze habits and develop Mac ones. Some just can't deal with the learning curve. I call it "the mirror world" - everything's backwards from what it was in Windows. Additionally, there is some hardware adjustment. Things you can do (and know how to) in Windows just don't work with a Mac. You can't insert video cards, bluetooth cards, audio cards, or specialty cards. With Apple desktops or laptops, they just don't work that way (the sole exception is the Mac Pro - NOT the MacBook Pro - that is specifically designed for video editing). With an Apple, you buy what you want when you get the machine, use it as is for about six to eight years until it becomes functionally obsolete, and then replace it. Also, be aware that both Microsoft and Apple are trying to gather market share and lock out the competition by making their machines less and less compatible. If you format a HDD or even a USB stick on one platform, don't expect it to work reliably on the other. This limits data transfer to email attachments or online sites such as Dropbox or Google Drive. As to software, it is still a Microsoft-centric world. Most software companies update their programs for Windows first (due to the greater installed base) and then update their OS-X product, almost as an afterthought. This means that for "mission critical" software that HAS to be running AND up-to-date, Windows is still the better platform. However, and this is important - There is no reason to limit yourself to one or the other. If you have a Mac, you can dual-boot with a free program already on every Mac called "Boot Camp." You can have the Windows install of your choice on the Windows partition and the Mac OS when you want it. If you don't want to reboot to switch operating systems, there is software for the Mac that will allow you to simultaneously run Windows and Mac programs. This is called VM-Ware Fusion. There are other competitive products on the market too. Unfortunately, to the best of my knowledge, Fusion won't let you run Apple OS-X on a PC. I use Fusion on my business Macs. It allows me to run the Windows-Only software that clients require of me, and still have the more stable and virus-resistant OS-X when I'm in my hotel room. If you'd like to try the Apple platform before you decide, I've got an older iMac sitting around that you're welcome to borrow, garbulky. It won't run the latest OS-X because the video hardware is too old, but otherwise, it'd interface just fine with all your iPhones, iPads, iPods, etc. There's also a local Mac club that you'd be able to join for free and they're good about providing technical support. Boomzilla |
|
|
|
Post by AudioHTIT on May 11, 2020 22:23:28 GMT -5
I’ve had Macs for a long time, they do (almost) everything I need. You’re asking the right questions, they’re great for video editing with the included iMovie, also great for multitrack recording with the included GarageBand. They can do FaceTime, though some models (like the mini) don’t include a camera. They don’t actually run iOS apps, but they run many of the same apps and you can ‘handoff’ from iOS to macOS and visa versa. They include all of the software most people need — macOS, Pages (Word), Numbers (Excel), Safari (browser), email client, iMovie, GarageBand, lots of stuff, many third party apps run on macOS as well as Windows. The one exception for me is Microsoft Visio, I’ve been using it since before Microsoft owned it and have many, many drawings and designs in it, including my house. I run Visio in a Windows 10 Virtual Machine under Parallels (an extra cost VM hypervisor). If there’s a ‘must have’ app that doesn’t run on macOS, you need to consider how you’ll handle that. Mac hardware is more expensive and difficult to upgrade, but depending on the model you may be able to add memory or increase HD size (though now a days external SSD’s are very big and fast). I like the Mac mini as they’re small and powerful and can be used in a variety of ways with your own monitors and accessories, I’m currently using the 2018 for my desktop and my older 2012 as a music server. As cawgijoe mentioned MacBooks are popular too (I have an older one I use at my winter home) I like Macs, maybe you will too. |
|
|
|
Post by martindktm on May 11, 2020 22:27:38 GMT -5
I run Dell stuff since 2006. In fact I'm only at my third one since 2006. I still have the 3 and the first one I bought that was my main machine for 10 years still runs like a new. Most speed issue are with windows. I threw windows out that first machine after 5 years and installed Ubuntu on it. It did speed up the old girl quite a bit. My second one was transferred to the business duty and my third one is only a few months old. The third one still runs with Windows in it. But as soon as it will act up or make me loose time Ubuntu will be on it.
And for Mac... I don't have an Iphone... Still running a old Blackberry that still fulfill all my need and that is much tougher than an Iphone. And every time I tried do do something on my wife's Iphone I get angry as hell...can't make it work. So just this has kept me away from Mac stuff...
|
|
cawgijoe
Emo VIPs
"When you come to a fork in the road, take it." - Yogi Berra
Posts: 5,033
|
Post by cawgijoe on May 11, 2020 22:35:46 GMT -5
One thing you will notice with the MacBooks as well as other laptops these days is the elimination of inputs/outputs, connectors. This is being done to make them as thin as possible.
My MacBook Air has two USB-C connectors. To solve that issue, I bought a dongle that contains an Ethernet port, a USB-A port, Two more USB-C ports, and HDMI, and memory card reader slots.
It’s from a company called Vava, and there are others on Amazon.
I also bought an Apple mouse, but a regular mouse will also work.
The hard drive is 512GB, and I plan to add an external 1TB portable SSD to store files, pictures, etc. Just need to figure out which one.
|
|
|
|
Post by AudioHTIT on May 11, 2020 22:49:53 GMT -5
One thing you will notice with the MacBooks as well as other laptops these days is the elimination of inputs/outputs, connectors. This is being done to make them as thin as possible. My MacBook Air has two USB-C connectors. To solve that issue, I bought a dongle that contains an Ethernet port, a USB-A port, Two more USB-C ports, and HDMI, and memory card reader slots. It’s from a company called Vava, and there are others on Amazon. I also bought an Apple mouse, but a regular mouse will also work. The hard drive is 512GB, and I plan to add an external 1TB portable SSD to store files, pictures, etc. Just need to figure out which one. Great point about USB-C, the one connector to rule them all, runs multiple protocols and is screaming fast. I also did a small OS / boot disk and use an external USB-C SSD, It does 1 GB/s (yes, big B), very fast. I got this 2TB model, price went up since last summer but still a great drive. With the right cables all of my accessories now hook up USB-C. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X5FG22B/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 |
|
|
|
Post by creimes on May 12, 2020 0:23:41 GMT -5
One thing I really like is Time Machine on the Mac is easy, I have an external case containing two hard drives that are mirrored and plugs in via USB to my Mini and you just choose the drive and it backs up, I had to replace to HD in my Mini a number of years back so i went with a SSD and Time Machine will restore the image back onto the new drive which was very handy, I like both Mac and PC for different things but it is very true you pay a premium for Apple products, just to upgrade the new Mac Mini ram from 8gb to 16gb is $235 CAD which is insane since I can literally buy 16gb of ram for my PC for like $130, so the Mac upgrade is like 4 times the price almost ?? doesn't make much sense other than a money grab.
Chad
|
|
|
|
Post by sahmen on May 12, 2020 2:13:09 GMT -5
Best approach is to try it... You might like it, or you might not, and either will be okay...Sometimes too, you would find that one platform serves you better for specific tasks than the other... In the best of scenarios, I'd say it is necessary to have both, and refuse to close any doors, where this technology is concerned.
Personally, I have gone back and forth between both Apple and PC platforms, several times over the past 3 decades. I have had my Mac seasons, and PC seasons, and I have always tried to avoid seeing them (Mac World and PC world) as two warring, hostile, or opposing tribal camps, which they are really not, unless you're the kind of dude who must always see some "war" somewhere (which is what the machine of capitalist competition is always priming folks to do, any way, so no surprise there)...
For the past 10 years, and starting with the purchase of my first ipad in 2010, I have become mostly a MAC guy, although I always used ipods before then, even during the previous phase, which was a mostly PC phase. Right now, even while in an apple/mac phase, I always have two windows pcs on standby for windows exclusive duties. On the one hand, I have become an apple eco-system person, (okay, sorta) with my cyber and tech life spread between an iphone, 2 MBPs, several ipads, mac minis at home and at work, some apple tvs (3, 4, and 4k Uhd), and even an apple watch, which I have never used before (I refuse to be an Inspector Apple gadgets, for reasons of sanity. A guy must draw a line somewhere). On the other hand, although there are certain conveniences that come with being in that eco-system, why limit myself to that, as if it represents some kind of self-sufficient bubble, which it is not (No eco-system can be that self-sufficient, in my view)? I also use Rokus, amazon fire tv units, and an Nvidia shield tv (which I love very much) in places around the house, whenever that is convenient.. Oh, and all my macminis are hooked up to 4k monitors from LG and Dell, the simple reason being that they are much more reasonably priced, and sometimes even more versatile for my purposes than anything I can find from Apple at comparable price points.
Bottomline, you do not need to be exclusive to any particular "eco-system" as if one naturally excludes the other. The siris and the Alexas and Google-whatevers can all work together at your beck and call (personally, I happen to hate all the voice assisting gimmicks, wherever they come from, but I know that mileages do vary in this matter, as they almost always do).
Hell I do not even feel too inspired to sell you the apple eco-system or any other one for that matter. My latest phase of Apple and Macness crept up upon me, so to speak, when conditions at my job, and the requirements of my teaching started making necessary a lot of video editing jobs for developing and delivering multimedia content for pedagogical purposes, particularly in online learning. Ironically, I started working on this material with PCs and microsoft related software and technology, but I soon discovered that the apple world had relatively better tools for doing the things I needed, and that is when I shifted.
One reason for not feeling inspired to sell you this or that eco-system is that I think it is better to allow the choices to come to you, as they're dictated by the specific tasks you need the technology for. Some tasks perform best on a PC platform, and others on an Apple platform. In many cases, the approach you take makes no difference at all. I say let your needs guide you and lead the way, and get whatever you need from whichever world offers the best options at any given time. Don't exclude anything, if you do not have to...
Hey, I'd do the same in the Audio world as well... I love my Emo amps, but that won't prevent me from checking out a Parasound Halo or McCintosh should I ever get the opportunity... You see where I am going with that...
My two cents...
|
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on May 12, 2020 6:19:28 GMT -5
Hi everybody I appreciate the good thoughts. I think the main reason I would want to get a mac is simply for the integration with iphone and ipad uses and leveraging the size of a 60 inch screen which I would use as the display. . So that's really what I want to focus my attention on?
So I guess the thoughts I've had are...
What If I can facetime over a 60 inch screen? Can I share my macbooks screen (like internet browser, what I'm watching) with my father's ipad over facetime. Or actually can I share my ipad screen with my father's ipad over facetime?!
My wife does video editing of virtual choir videos using acapella and pic play post on apps. Can she "hand it over" to the mac and edit with the mouse? Can we browse our icloud phootos? on the mac. Or transmit our iphone screen on to the mac like you would do on an apple tv? Can you control your phone from your mac? Can we drag and drop our iphone videos wirelessly on to the mac? If we edit the notes app on the mac will it update on our phones?
|
|
|
|
Post by dsonyay on May 12, 2020 19:28:17 GMT -5
Hi guys, so I'm usually a Windows person. But we do have a lot of iphone, ipad use. My interest in a mac laptop or desktop is how integrated is it with the mobile eco system? Like can you facetime from it, run phone apps, do better video editing? A couple of my friends have bought used refurbished iMacs. One was a late 2012 the other a 2015 They updated the hard drives and RAM. Both spent under 700 ,,, one only spent Bout 500. IMacs are really nice and yes they do Facetime |
|
|
|
Post by AudioHTIT on May 12, 2020 20:19:23 GMT -5
Hi everybody I appreciate the good thoughts. I think the main reason I would want to get a mac is simply for the integration with iphone and ipad uses and leveraging the size of a 60 inch screen which I would use as the display. . So that's really what I want to focus my attention on? So I guess the thoughts I've had are... What If I can facetime over a 60 inch screen? Can I share my macbooks screen (like internet browser, what I'm watching) with my father's ipad over facetime. Or actually can I share my ipad screen with my father's ipad over facetime?! My wife does video editing of virtual choir videos using acapella and pic play post on apps. Can she "hand it over" to the mac and edit with the mouse? Can we browse our icloud phootos? on the mac. Or transmit our iphone screen on to the mac like you would do on an apple tv? Can you control your phone from your mac? Can we drag and drop our iphone videos wirelessly on to the mac? If we edit the notes app on the mac will it update on our phones? Wow, you ask lots of questions, I’ll only answer the ones I’ve done, Q. What If I can facetime over a 60 inch screen? A. Of course, screen size doesn’t matter. But that begs the question, do you want your Mac to be able to do 4K? (not just upscaled by your TV?) That will require a newer model. Q. Can I share my macbooks screen (like internet browser, what I'm watching) with my father's ipad over facetime. Or actually can I share my ipad screen with my father's ipad over facetime? A. Not sure you can do it with FT, but you can do it with Messages Video Chat. If you both have iPads now, try it. Q. My wife does video editing of virtual choir videos using acapella and pic play post on apps. Can she "hand it over" to the mac and edit with the mouse? A. The way I do it is to take the video with my iPhone, then edit them on the Mac. Q. Can we browse our icloud phootos? on the mac. A. Yes, in the Photos app Q. Or transmit our iphone screen on to the mac like you would do on an apple tv? A. That requires a 3rd party App, I use TV so don’t have a recommendation. Q. Can you control your phone from your mac? A. Not that I’m aware of, Google it. Q. Can we drag and drop our iphone videos wirelessly on to the mac? A. Yes, it’s called AirDrop Q. If we edit the notes app on the mac will it update on our phones? A. Yes, and many other apps, like calendar, contacts, reminders, etc. you just need to point that app to iCloud. If you start doing big things with iCloud you may have to pay for more storage. I pay 99 cents a month for 50GB, it works for me. |
|
|
|
Post by creimes on May 12, 2020 20:29:18 GMT -5
I'm a big fan of my Mac Mini for all my media on my main setup plus I have used iphoto for years, my 11 year old Mini recently bit the bullet so I'm in need of a new one, with my setup having a projector I don't like to waste hours on my bulb turning it on just to listen to music on my Mac Mini, what I did is buy Audirvana which runs on the Mini and I paid for the App on my iPad which controls the software on the Mini so I don't need to turn my screen on, really really great for my situation. You can also buy that software for a PC now but not sure about a App remote for it.
Since I currently can't afford to buy a new Mac Mini($999 CAD) at the moment unless I sell a few items I have here, saying that I have a SBC Odroid C4 coming tomorrow which I can run Ubuntu or Android on it, I mainly bought it to use as a Plex client, but I know with Kodi and Plex I can incorporate Tidal and use it but I'm not familiar with the SBC platform at all as this is a new venture for me so lots of learning will be happening haha, but like I mentioned the Mac Mini is a nice size to fit on the audio rack and works perfectly for my needs.
Chad
|
|
klinemj
Emo VIPs
Official Emofest Scribe
Posts: 15,093
|
Post by klinemj on May 12, 2020 20:54:38 GMT -5
The best thing about the Apple environment that I have heard is that people spend a lot more money for it, then they complain that certain things that should work well don't.
I have had it in the past, and my daughter is sold on the iPhone. But, every time something is not working right - it's maddening to get help if it requires Apple to help.
I do admit - Windows has had a rocky history, but since the last few versions of Windows - I've found it stable and wonderful for my needs. And, it integrates well with Android/Google.
Mark
|
|
|
|
Post by novisnick on May 12, 2020 22:36:40 GMT -5
Hi, my name is Nick, I own a Mac! LOL
I’ve owned my Mac Min8 for years, it runs continuously and has served me very well. Easy to use and serves me well. Been so long ago that I don’t remember what it cost me. 🤞🤞🤞 Sure hope it keeps going. I’ve looked at the used markets just to see what another would cost. Ery reliable and reasonably price IMO.
I do live in the Apple world, iPads and phones.
|
|
cawgijoe
Emo VIPs
"When you come to a fork in the road, take it." - Yogi Berra
Posts: 5,033
|
Post by cawgijoe on May 13, 2020 6:59:42 GMT -5
The best thing about the Apple environment that I have heard is that people spend a lot more money for it, then they complain that certain things that should work well don't. I have had it in the past, and my daughter is sold on the iPhone. But, every time something is not working right - it's maddening to get help if it requires Apple to help. I do admit - Windows has had a rocky history, but since the last few versions of Windows - I've found it stable and wonderful for my needs. And, it integrates well with Android/Google. Mark I'm not sure about Apple customer service, but my daughter bought a Macbook Pro when she was a Junior in High School....she is now 26, and is still using the machine today!. Granted it's completely dated but has served her well. The only issue she ever had with the thing was a failed power plug. In that period of time, I've been through three PC's. I use Windows machines everyday for work but don't take my work home with me. I never bought a Mac in the past due to two reasons, always used Windows and the cost. I finally broke down and bought the new 2020 Macbook Air....i5/16/512. Had it a couple weeks and am very happy with the operating system and the quality. As a new user, I find there are many similarities with Windows and many differences. Things that I would do on a Windows machine are named differently on a Mac. Anyway, i think it all boils down to what you want to do with your machine....are you using Windows at work and need to seamlessly continue at home? Are you already invested in an Apple centric environment and want your laptop to integrate well? Maybe as an audio/videophile you just lust over that beautiful aluminum chassis!! Lots of reasons to own or not own a Mac or PC....I'll stop mumbling now. |
|
|
|
Post by wilburthegoose on May 13, 2020 7:46:13 GMT -5
I much prefer Windows, and I can integrate with my 2 iPhones and 2 iPads just fine. PS - If you do get a Mac, get anti-malware (anti-virus) software. The bad guys are attacking Macs these days too.
I do information security for a living, and, in 2020, it's just as important to keep Macs patched and protected as a Windows PC.
As for me, I think the huge price premium for "coolness" wears off pretty quickly.
To me, the best price/performance value out there these days is the Chromebook.
|
|
|
|
Post by vcautokid on May 13, 2020 8:24:23 GMT -5
You are asking some good questions. Your best bet is to try one out if you know friends or family that have one. See how you manage some of the conventions. I am not going to sway you one way or the other. Nor do I think you need to be sold. Watch some videos on some of the very things you are curious about. There is no harm getting something new if it does help your life out on your devices,or does the same only differently. Being wise and honest with what your expectations are will help determine a good fit for you. Look at your whole technology ecosystem carefully. Will it do more than just support the devices you mentioned. Will it further your creative vision. And much much more. Everyone who chimes in here may more or less share their preferences and experiences. Way cool. But ultimately the homework comes from what you want, and how. I think Macs for their given audience does well. You may become one too. If all works out, great!
|
|
