Mac or PC??

[ultimatballr]

Simple question really, which one would be more reasonable for me to own?

 

Consider this is all I am really looking to do with the computer:

 

• Web browse (obviously)
  
• Run runescape rather seamlessly on ANY graphical setting.
  
• Video making. (I am looking to record gameplay from my xbox and mess around with it for youtube purposes)
  

 

That is really all I am really needing a computer for.

 

Would I be better off getting a laptop as opposed to a desktop do you think?

 

 

I have never owned a MAC, only a Dell and a Gateway, so my computer knowledge is rather limited. Also, "tech" knowledge is limited as well, RAM and all that stuff, I don't know what it does so if you go into a definition explaining which is better with "tech terms" I will probably not know what the heck you were talking about.

 

Thanks for you time.

[JoeDaStudd]

In truth Macs are a lot more gimmicky then anything.

For video editing get a desktop otherwise your looking at pretty hefty costs.

[Laura]

Depends on how much money you have, haha.

 

Anyway, have you tried OS X? I would say to visit an Apple store if you live near one to see if you like the OS first, as that's primarily the reason people buy Macs. The nVidia Geforce 9400M will play Runescape on high settings (anti-aliasing and all that jazz, although I haven't been able to get particles to work on anything but low). If all you have used is Windows Movie Maker you'll find iMovie is a much better program. I like web browsing on OS X more so than in Windows simply because you don't have to have a program active to scroll through the browser. For instance, I can be playing Runescape (Firefox), without clicking out of the game, and scroll down Safari on my second monitor. You know, simple things like that. Just keep in mind that you could walk into Best Buy and purchase a laptop for $200-300 less with similar specs. I don't buy anything but laptops anymore, but that's a personal choice.

[dsavi]

Linux, of course. The operating system costs less (i.e. no cost at all) and can do everything you listed.

[Fools_Taco]

Linux, of course. The operating system costs less (i.e. no cost at all) and can do everything you listed.

 

 

Im going with a +1 to linux. However if you are a novice computer user dont bother, it can still be a pain in the balls sometimes. But it is worth the effort to learn.

 

From what you said in the OP i would have to say go with a mac, microsoft can dero-lick my nads.

[dsavi]

Ubuntu has become incredibly easy, even for novices. But here's the thing: He has never owned a Mac, and is more than willing to try that out, he's even considering spending money- And the OS X interface is equally, if not more different to Windows than that of Ubuntu. Installing Java and graphics drivers is incredibly trivial on Ubuntu nowadays, and I know that I will put my "money" where my mouth is if he tries it out and runs into problems.

[JoeDaStudd]

Just curious apart from virtuadub and its variants what program would you actually recommend for video editing with Ubuntu?

[Siobhana]

Imo Linux often require you to bugfix stuff yourself. I'd love to run it, but 1: I'm not techie enough atm to be able to and 2: I cba learning the tech stuff :P

 

As for Mac vs PC? Imho Macs are overhyped, overpriced and underspecced. You want to pay extra for "fancy" design, be my guest, but personally I'd go PC every time.

[dsavi]

^ Linux before Ubuntu was indeed like that, but you'd be hard pressed to not call Ubuntu a desktop operating system.

Just curious apart from virtuadub and its variants what program would you actually recommend for video editing with Ubuntu?

PiTiVi for more basic editing (PiTiVi will come with 10.04 this spring, which says something about ease of use I think) and Blender for more advanced editing.

[Shelby_Polo]

I go with mac, OS X; I have a mac and I love it. I also have Windows 7, which in my opinion, is a huge (better) difference from Vista. If you have the money, go for a mac. I like all the little differences from OS X to W7; things like Expose, Quick Look, Spotlight and TONS of other software.

ALSO NOTE: I find RS to run better in Windows; not that I ever have problems when I play it on my mac, I just think RS is built for Windows :blink: . RS will run in HD with everything on high no problem in OS X/any new mac.

[Mil]

Go with Mac and you won't regret it. Great OS, much more user friendly, and just less problems :blink:

 

However, you say you want to capture your Xbox gameplay; you'll need a capture card in a Windows desktop machine for that.

[stevepole]

Go with Mac and you won't regret it. Great OS, much more user friendly, and just less problems :blink:

 

However, you say you want to capture your Xbox gameplay; you'll need a capture card in a Windows desktop machine for that.

 

:thumbup:

 

Almost exactly what I was going to say.

[ultimatballr]

Go with Mac and you won't regret it. Great OS, much more user friendly, and just less problems :blink:

 

However, you say you want to capture your Xbox gameplay; you'll need a capture card in a Windows desktop machine for that.

 

:thumbup:

 

Almost exactly what I was going to say.

 

Well I was just going to go all out and get a Hoppog (yea its a longer name than that I know :razz: ) HD PVR.

 

You are saying I will need a Desktop to use this effectively??

 

Also, the MAC book pro, is pretty much a mac laptop right?

 

I really have no clue about anything when it comes to MAC but I have always been interested in trying.

 

Check out this video, this is kind of the set up I was looking for:

 

 

Can you explain the setup he has a bit more in depth? lol

 

Is the wireless net thing needed for a MAC's?

[Nadril]

PC. Unless you're absolutely stunned by the mac OS or mac only software (read: final cut pro) there is no need to spend the extra money. Get a cheaper desktop or laptop with windows 7 on it.

 

For video editing some of the best programs are available on both platforms (Sony Vegas, Adobe Premiere). There is no need to relearn an OS unless it somehow has a bunch of features you enjoy on it.

[Hawks]

Imo, buying a Mac just means paying more to have a light-up logo on the back of it, which is beyond stupid.

 

Go with Linux or Windows if you don't want to mess with it.

[Sbrideau]

Asking that advice on a biased tech and computers forum is not such a good idea, you should find somewhere better.

 

Still, in the end it comes to choice, but I'm going to say what I think. Don't go with mac, it costs more for the same thing you have with other operating systems, plus the recording software that would come with the capture card might only have been made for Windows, while in Linux there will probably be a program to catch your recording hardware. I would find easier for you to have a Windows based computer, since that's probably what you're used to, with Windows 7 and a core 3 quad, and an Nvidia 9600GT, that card is strong enough for what you seem to want to do. Most computers you buy nowadays have 4GB RAM, so you should be good enough with it too.

[Laura]

Go with Mac and you won't regret it. Great OS, much more user friendly, and just less problems :blink:

 

However, you say you want to capture your Xbox gameplay; you'll need a capture card in a Windows desktop machine for that.

 

:thumbup:

 

Almost exactly what I was going to say.

 

Well I was just going to go all out and get a Hoppog (yea its a longer name than that I know :razz: ) HD PVR.

 

You are saying I will need a Desktop to use this effectively??

 

Also, the MAC book pro, is pretty much a mac laptop right?

 

I really have no clue about anything when it comes to MAC but I have always been interested in trying.

 

Check out this video, this is kind of the set up I was looking for:

 

 

Can you explain the setup he has a bit more in depth? lol

 

Is the wireless net thing needed for a MAC's?

It's a router that Apple gives a fancy name; you don't need it.

[stevepole]

Go with Mac and you won't regret it. Great OS, much more user friendly, and just less problems :blink:

 

However, you say you want to capture your Xbox gameplay; you'll need a capture card in a Windows desktop machine for that.

 

:thumbup:

 

Almost exactly what I was going to say.

 

Well I was just going to go all out and get a Hoppog (yea its a longer name than that I know :razz: ) HD PVR.

 

You are saying I will need a Desktop to use this effectively??

 

Also, the MAC book pro, is pretty much a mac laptop right?

 

I really have no clue about anything when it comes to MAC but I have always been interested in trying.

 

Check out this video, this is kind of the set up I was looking for:

 

 

Can you explain the setup he has a bit more in depth? lol

 

Is the wireless net thing needed for a MAC's?

 

A MacBook Pro is basically Apples higher end laptop but with the recent line of MacBooks and MBP they all look the same so the only real difference is the specs. You should be ok with any Mac though. For the video record, I guess if you follow this guys instructions http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMR9uv_vD0I you'll be able to record your xbox on a Mac. Like Laura said the Apple Airport is just Apples fancy wireless router, which you don't need. Other then that his setup was basically TV, HD PVR thing, macbook and a router.

[NoFuns]

In general, price wise:

 

windows desktop < windows laptop < mac anything

 

sure, macs typically run smoother, have fewer bugs...

but cost. a. lot.

most people who get laptops are those that use theirs for work. every paid graphic artist i know in real life owns a mac, for the simple fact that if you're looking for something that you NEED to run perfectly (and you have to be willing to spend a lot more money for it) then get a mac.

 

I am a windows user, and probably will be for some time. the hardware in my $550 windows compares with that of a $1199 mac. Mine doesnt run as smooth, but its nothing i'd pay $600 to rid myself of.

 

For you - the things you've listed would all be childs play for any windows computer. Take my advice and don't spend the money unless you really can afford to spend that money out of pocket.

I can play runescape on my laptop perfectly on high detail at my friends house, but i lag [wagon] at mine. its really more about your internet than your computer (although both do influence it)

 

 

PS - if you don't care whether its a laptop or a desktop, you can get a KILLER windows desktop for a lot less money.

But if you're like me, its gotta be a lappy.

[NoFuns]

Imo, buying a Mac just means paying more to have a light-up logo on the back of it, which is beyond stupid.

 

Go with Linux or Windows if you don't want to mess with it.

 

 

HA and ironically, AlienWare computers have a light up logo on the back... coincidence?

but i'd take an AW over a mac any day of the week :)

[Sbrideau]

, have fewer bugs...

Proven false, Windows 7 had far fewer bugs than Snow Leopard had when they got out.

 

As for Alienware, don't go for that, it's overpriced computers, you can get the same for much less with Asus.

[tripsis]

, have fewer bugs...

Proven false, Windows 7 had far fewer bugs than Snow Leopard had when they got out.

Yeah WHEN THEY GOT OUT. I haven't used Windows 7 but Snow Leopard now runs flawlessly. So now I'm sure Mac is either back on top or they're at least equal.

[Crimsonsmash]

If you want to be able to play RuneScape in ALL detail levels you have to get a Windows PC; as of Feb. 8th 2010 standard detail is only supported on windows (safe and high detail modes both still run in OS X). There is also a 30-60 second period between when you log in and when you can start to do anything when playing RuneScape on a Mac. (I believe this to be an issue with the OS X Java)

 

That being said iMovie is way better than Windows Live Movie maker although you can probably get a comparable Windows machine+decent video editing software for the price of a Mac. I still say get a Mac, I love mine.

 

Some general advice:

-get at least 4 Gigs of Ram, this is a must for all video editing

-get a computer that has a discrete graphics card

-a bigger screen makes for a nicer editing experience

-if you can afford it, a Solid State Drive (SSD) can really improve editing/rendering time for long video but, you'll be sacrificing storage capacity

-if your thinking of working with full 1080p HD video, STOP, machines that can handle that much video cost thousands of dollars, 540 and 720p still look really good and take a lot less power to work with

[Nadril]

If you want to be able to play RuneScape in ALL detail levels you have to get a Windows PC; as of Feb. 8th 2010 standard detail is only supported on windows (safe and high detail modes both still run in OS X). There is also a 30-60 second period between when you log in and when you can start to do anything when playing RuneScape on a Mac. (I believe this to be an issue with the OS X Java)

 

That being said iMovie is way better than Windows Live Movie maker although you can probably get a comparable Windows machine+decent video editing software for the price of a Mac. I still say get a Mac, I love mine.

 

Some general advice:

-get at least 4 Gigs of Ram, this is a must for all video editing

-get a computer that has a discrete graphics card

-a bigger screen makes for a nicer editing experience

-if you can afford it, a Solid State Drive (SSD) can really improve editing/rendering time for long video but, you'll be sacrificing storage capacity

-if your thinking of working with full 1080p HD video, STOP, machines that can handle that much video cost thousands of dollars, 540 and 720p still look really good and take a lot less power to work with

 

I don't think he's going to be using Windows movie maker if he wants to make videos. The only reason, video editing wise, for a mac is to use Final Cut Pro. I stand by that Adobe Premire and Sony Vegas will do everything this guy wants though and fairly easily too.

 

Also I thought I should say:

 

-if you can afford it, a Solid State Drive (SSD) can really improve editing/rendering time for long video but, you'll be sacrificing storage capacity

 

Not worth the price atm, especially with how large all of your video content can get. You just need a large hard drive period for everything. You could get a SSD and copy over what you're working on to it but it's just a waste of money atm really.

[Laura]

If you want to be able to play RuneScape in ALL detail levels you have to get a Windows PC; as of Feb. 8th 2010 standard detail is only supported on windows (safe and high detail modes both still run in OS X). There is also a 30-60 second period between when you log in and when you can start to do anything when playing RuneScape on a Mac. (I believe this to be an issue with the OS X Java)

 

That being said iMovie is way better than Windows Live Movie maker although you can probably get a comparable Windows machine+decent video editing software for the price of a Mac. I still say get a Mac, I love mine.

 

Some general advice:

-get at least 4 Gigs of Ram, this is a must for all video editing

-get a computer that has a discrete graphics card

-a bigger screen makes for a nicer editing experience

-if you can afford it, a Solid State Drive (SSD) can really improve editing/rendering time for long video but, you'll be sacrificing storage capacity

-if your thinking of working with full 1080p HD video, STOP, machines that can handle that much video cost thousands of dollars, 540 and 720p still look really good and take a lot less power to work with

I don't know what is wrong with your Java, but I log into the game in about five seconds. The nVdia 9400M is an IGP and still provides enough power to play RSHD at maximum settings. I also have an Intel X-25M SSD in my MacBook and I can say that, at the moment, prices are too high to justify spending $200+ on sub 100GB SSDs.