I've gone Windows...

[Johnf1285]

Update for those who are interested:

I am now completely up and running and have Windows tweaked the way I want it.

I will start off by saying for someone who has not used a Windows setup as my main computer for over 10 years, the transition has not been entirely easy (but that was expected), but also nowhere near as bad as I thought.

Building the computer was possibly the best thing of the whole experience so far. I learned tons of stuff about things I never really needed to know using Macs. I am fairly informed as to how things work when it comes to personal computing, but messing around with switches and the motherboard and the general setup, I now have a broadened and greater understanding of them - and that is a definite plus.

Some things were obviously confusing. But just going over my steps very carefully, I figured everything out and powered up the PC without any issue on the first try. I used Newegg TV's how to build a PC tutorial. Informative and precise. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPIXAtNGGCw

My only real issues are the little things that set them apart. Different ways to do the same task. Different keyboard shortcuts, etc.

Pros:
This thing is POWERFUL. As stated before, for about the same price as the current iMac, I have something that is literally almost 3 times as fast. It can run ANY game on ultra settings, it blazes with Photoshop using large files, etc etc. I know speed and power are not huge factors for a lot of Mac users, but for the ones that need it, this is the only real option right now.

Hardware customization is SIMPLE. Of course I am comparing a box pc to an AIO and that isn't fair. But I am going from the AIO to this so it is new to me. Anything I need to add or extract is as easy popping the side open and popping something in or out. No more removal of the glass, carefully detaching cables, etc. It is nice now, it will be even nicer in the future come upgrade time.

Software customization is not so simple, but it is there. EVERYTHING can be tweaked in Windows. Nothing is really hidden from you. For a novice or casual user, not so much of a big deal, but it is still there if you need it. I am aware it can be done with OSX as well, but they like to hide a lot of that from you. This is mostly all in the open.

The new Windows Libraries feature. I will plead ignorant when it comes to a similar feature in OSX because I have never had a multi-drive setup like I do now... but libraries are basically folders that hold other folders from any drive and in any amount - so when you click on the library folder, it brings them all under one place instead of jumping around to different drives and such. It makes it really easy to have a pictures folder on my main drive and also on the secondary and pull them all up with one folder, for instance.

Zune software. I wasn't sure what I would be using for music, but I knew I wouldn't be using iTunes (as I hate it even on OSX). I tried the Zune software and absolutely love it.

Cons:
Fonts and image smoothness are nowhere near on par with OSX almost to jarring levels. Even with tweaking and calibrating every last thing, reading documents and webpages just do not have the same "pop" as they do on a Mac.

Having to install tons of anti-virus/malware/security software. Honestly, I should have been installing them on my Mac anyway. It is only a matter of time when people start maliciously attacking them, especially as they become more and more popular. But it is still a pain to setup. Once you do though, you never really have to mess around with them. That being said, it has already forced me to become a more safe web surfer. Again, something I should have been doing from the start.

I can't really think of many more cons at this point. Everything has ran and gone pleasantly smooth. For now. I am sure I will run into those little annoyances that I just can't understand why they're done the way they are. But that is inevitable with any OS, I guess.

I am not going to lie. I already miss a few things about OSX. The font thing is a pretty HUGE con for me. But in the end, I got a box that can do anything the iMac can do, and so much more, at half the price. I used to think "OSX is still worth the price difference" but not so much anymore. Especially since one of the reasons that helped me make the jump was when I realized I was using so many third party apps instead of stock OSX stuff... I figured 'what was I holding on to?'.

To anyone on the fence... I don't know what to say exactly. It is so far working for me, but your mileage may vary.

Now if Apple want to match this box somehow in spec and price somewhere down the line, my allegiances may shift once again

This is my build:
CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" SSD
GPU: MSI GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB
Case: Cooler Master HAF 922 Mid Tower Computer Case with USB 3.0
Power Supply: Cooler Master Silent Pro Gold (SPG) 800 Watts Modular
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer
Monitor: Acer S271HLbid 27.0"
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit)

I switched back and forth a few times. Once in 2009 and again in 2011.

As far as the security software goes, have you checked out Microsoft Security Essentials? It ran really well for me.

I am eying up a similar build that I will pull the trigger on at the end of October if there isn't any good news:

Mini ITX H77
i5 3550 (last build I wasted too many hours overclocking. I don't care for it anymore)
GTX 660 (non TI)
8GB 1600mhz ram
240GB Intel SSD 330 Series
400watt fanless PSU
Lian Li mini ITX case

A 2560x1440 monitor, still debating upon that.

 

[flopticalcube]

I switched back and forth a few times. Once in 2009 and again in 2011.

As far as the security software goes, have you checked out Microsoft Security Essentials? It ran really well for me.

I am eying up a similar build that I will pull the trigger on at the end of October if there isn't any good news:

Mini ITX H77
i5 3550 (last build I wasted too many hours overclocking. I don't care for it anymore)
GTX 660 (non TI)
8GB 1600mhz ram
240GB Intel SSD 330 Series
400watt fanless PSU
Lian Li mini ITX case

A 2560x1440 monitor, still debating upon that.

I second MSE for anti-virus. I have been using it since W7 was introduced and its caught several web-based nasties. Occasionally I sweep with one of those free Norton or Kaspersky offers but they don't turn up anything beyond tracking cookies so it works a treat. IMO, if you are going beyond 1080p, I would opt for a 670 GPU although that would mean getting a slightly bigger PSU probably.

 

[Johnf1285]

I second MSE for anti-virus. I have been using it since W7 was introduced and its caught several web-based nasties. Occasionally I sweep with one of those free Norton or Kaspersky offers but they don't turn up anything beyond tracking cookies so it works a treat. IMO, if you are going beyond 1080p, I would opt for a 670 GPU although that would mean getting a slightly bigger PSU probably.

Ah great call. That slipped my mind. I was originally going to go for 1920x1080 on the monitor. I am still debating a 670. My goal is a fanless PSU. I know Kingwin makes a 600watt unit. I had one actually... in the build I sold in anticipation for an iMac! (i5 2500k, HD 6970, 120gb SSD, etc.)

I just want to meet a certain budget. Thankfully my only gaming is Blizzard titles so it isn't anything super intense.

I feel if I go back to PC after parting out my previous rig (which had decent specs and is comparable to what I am thinking about going to now) is admitting defeat LOL!

I hope there is some good news. With PCs I get that upgrade itch and slap new parts in every 6 months or so. Wasting time and money on a regular basis !

 

[435713]

OP:

Malwarebytes, malwarebytes, and more malwarebytes. Combine that with Security essentials and you get good security for free.

Also if you don't use Java disable that in your browser and also rid Adobe Reader and go with an alternative if you can. I'd disable autorun as well and do a click 2 flash type thing on the browser. I'd run as non-admin as well. Again depends on your needs and usage.

I couldn't see how any malware could really get past that setup.

Maybe even check out stardock cause I think Windows looks like arse personally, but it is easy to modify. Reminds me of a corporate office, yucky.

That's my security setup if I was doing a Windows machine, should be pretty damn tight if you can do that and not have any issues of course.

I would build one or get an XPS 8500 maybe if I could get a decent price on my 2011 MBP, but craigslist is being cheap....go figure.

 

[macvin]

Hi I made a similar switch in about May and the fonts caused me headaches previously they were that bad.

However i use the below software which runs quietly as a service and it is fantastic. You have to exclude some programs like steam but other than that you hardly know its there and the fonts look great.

http://code.google.com/p/gdipp/

 

[shenfrey]

Do you not think may - just maybe - they have something special planned for the new imacs and want to save it for a special event? Like a keynote?

Maybe they will have retina, maybe it will be an all new design, maybe it will be more then that.

Just chill out, the current Imacs are no slouch, your just being a bunch of impatient, power hungry people who want the next best thing everyday.

 

[HurryKayne]

After over 500 days,not everyday.

 

[ihuman:D]

Do you not think may - just maybe - they have something special planned for the new imacs and want to save it for a special event? Like a keynote?

Maybe they will have retina, maybe it will be an all new design, maybe it will be more then that.

Just chill out, the current Imacs are no slouch, your just being a bunch of impatient, power hungry people who want the next best thing everyday.

Yes, we have waited since May/June and it's now over 500 days since the last refresh, we're just soooo impatient !

 

[shenfrey]

Yes, we have waited since May/June and it's now over 500 days since the last refresh, we're just soooo impatient !

What do you want with the new imacs that your current ones don't do? And if you say more speed you'd have just proven my point : )

 

[HurryKayne]

There's nothing to be proved here,with your money you can do what you want,
nobody can tell you or judge you doing it,
you can wait,you can buy and one decision isn't just better than another one,
this doesn't make you a better person,maybe makes an happier one
and its not a step to be made if someone think his one its the one,
your needs/desires are ruling.
Thats why i cannot tell anyone its wrong to buy a 2011 Imac
and at the same time its wrong to wait,my wishlist is written by me
and yours by you.
Do you want to write my wishlist?
I agree,with you money you can be as generous
as you desire

 

[bugbear99]

i don't like what Apple do today, how they treats their PRO & PC customers.
I would like to see Apple fall again although my current job is relying on Apple (the app developer).

If i don't need the iMac for the app development, i would go for window without hesitation.

 

[ihuman:D]

What do you want with the new imacs that your current ones don't do? And if you say more speed you'd have just proven my point : )

Better GPU, USB 3.0, possible redesign, longer Apple Care, more OS upgrades and something that isn't over priced(2011 iMac) .

 

[odnarbssagib]

What do you want with the new imacs that your current ones don't do? And if you say more speed you'd have just proven my point : )

You have no legitimate point. People have a right to expect a computer company to release new computers. You're being a ridiculous fanboy.

 

[Aslak3]

Same view here with regard Lion and Mountain Lion. Since Snow Leopard quite effectively recked the Expose feature - which was for me a killer feature in Tiger - its clear that OS X will be dumbed down till its no longer useful for general purpose computing. iJunk indeed. Not on a computer I'll be using.

iPads are great. I'm typing this on one. But it's obvious to me that apple will abandon the professional and creative users who made up the core OS X base in order to attempt to grab the Facebook loving masses. At that point I'll be off. All a bit sad really as OS X was once clearly the most powerful, whilst remaining amazingly useable, Operating System around.

Lawrence

 

[shenfrey]

You have no legitimate point. People have a right to expect a computer company to release new computers. You're being a ridiculous fanboy.

lol oh I'm being the ridiculous fanboy? Someone who has a 2009 iMac and isn't bothered about getting a new one? As oppose to someone who consistently asks for new ones? Every year? THATS how you define a fanboy?

Thats a new one on me I can tell you that with certainty.

 

[pcmxa]

I have 3 kids at home and a wife. Each has their own iMac. This is after I would come home and deal with ever growing registry, root kits, viruses and other BS. Some of it their fault, some OS. Ever since I have the macs at home, I have 0 issues. Worse thing is that they get behind on their updates. Windows has it's place, but I have better things to do with my life than spend 1 hour a day fixing things.

It's funny. I think yours is the more common experience, but I have had more problems with OSX on my Mac pro than my wife has in her two Windows seven machines. Constant crashes from the window server logging me out in the middle if working. Mail stopping working. Keychain issues. The notification center not working right. Permissions resetting so I can't modify my own files or folders. The log in screen disappearing. Wallpaper constantly resetting to the default. Apps crashing with fair frequency. And this is on a clean install.

 

[phychi]

I'm loosing patience as well. I have that old white 24" iMac from late 2006 and it's getting slower and slower (or I need faster ? Anyway...).. I need a new iMac and I'm not gonna pay full price for an "old" 2011 model at the same price as in 2011 !! Apple take us for idiots !!
In the meantime, I am transforming my 2010 old PC (i5 3,2 GHz overclocked with 16 Gb Ram, 5,5 TB HD and Radeon 5770) in a good Hackintosh wich will fill my needs for the moments...and perhaps I won't by any iMacs anymore after that.. I hate being taken for an idiot from M. Cook and his fruit company with the silly "secret" behavior !!
If at least they would be honest and say : "we will make no more desktop computers !" ....well, in the meantime, I keep my money and stick with an androïd phone ! I hate iToys ! I work with computers, I don't "play' with them !!!

 

[odnarbssagib]

lol oh I'm being the ridiculous fanboy? Someone who has a 2009 iMac and isn't bothered about getting a new one? As oppose to someone who consistently asks for new ones? Every year? THATS how you define a fanboy?

Thats a new one on me I can tell you that with certainty.

Only a fanboy would think it's unreasonable to criticize a computer company that has not released a desktop computer in over 500 days.

 

[shenfrey]

Only a fanboy would think it's unreasonable to criticize a computer company that has not released a desktop computer in over 500 days.

Microsoft hasn't released a new console in over 5 years, same for Sony. Shell we criticise them?

I understand theres certain features you want to see in an iMac, but coming on here and ranting and raving isn't going to make them think "oo, forgot about that"

Companys don't HAVE to release them on a strict time line, they release them when they want.

 

[odnarbssagib]

Microsoft hasn't released a new console in over 5 years, same for Sony. Shell we criticise them?

I understand theres certain features you want to see in an iMac, but coming on here and ranting and raving isn't going to make them think "oo, forgot about that"

Companys don't HAVE to release them on a strict time line, they release them when they want.

What a stupid retort. Video game systems are not computers. The standard procedure for video game systems is that they have a long shelf-life before a new one comes out. That is not true computers. Computer companies are expected to refresh, update, and lower prices on their old products. Apple, plainly stated, has been derelict when it comes to desktop computing. Is there another computer company that does not sell an ivy-bridge desktop? I think not.

I don't care what impact my criticism of Apple will have. I'm positive it won't have any. But, the point remains; it is pathetic for a computer company to not come out with a desktop in over 500 days. Simply inexcusable.

 

[xkmxkmxlmx]

Microsoft hasn't released a new console in over 5 years, same for Sony. Shell we criticise them?

Irrelevant as they are two completely different types of products.

But if you must... There are many people complaining about the lack of refresh. Go on any forum right after the last E3 and you hear tons of people wondering why there were no new announcements this year.

Game machines, by history, generally update every 5 years or so. Macs, usually every 250 days. So, your point would be more relevant if the ps3 didn't update until 2016 (nearly double the usual update time).

Lastly, both systems have dropped in price significantly since their launch. The iMac has not changed one single dollar for the same exact hardware.

Any other comparisons you want to make?

I don't even know why I bother. It is obvious that you can't see outside of your world where only your needs matter. There are many reasons that people need a new mac. Don't be so closed minded.

Companys don't HAVE to release them on a strict time line, they release them when they want.

And people that do not want to wait, don't. You're pretty much stating the obvious right now. What exactly is your point again?

 

[lapino]

Been waiting for an imac refresh for aged, built pc rig which is very very fast. Sorry Apple.

 

[Tumetsu]

I think I'm going to build Hackintosh with Win7 dual boot to Bitfenix Prodigy case. Should be more powerful and at the same time I'd finally get chance to learn to build a computer. I'll probably wait few days first to see if new iMac is released to do final decision though.

 

[HurryKayne]

I think I'm going to build Hackintosh with Win7 dual boot to Bitfenix Prodigy case. Should be more powerful and at the same time I'd finally get chance to learn to build a computer. I'll probably wait few days first to see if new iMac is released to do final decision though.

Me too except i won't hackintosh it,i mean i have bought 2 days ago a Classic 2012 MacBookPro (650m-1G),Mac for work,Win for Games.

 

[damir00]

But in the end, I got a box that can do anything the iMac can do, and so much more, at half the price.

Thanks for the thorough update. iMac prices are all over the map - are you able to give a rounded-off cost for this build?

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Microsoft hasn't released a new console in over 5 years, same for Sony. Shell we criticise them?

Those are normal upgrade cycles for consoles.

The iMac is well outside a normal update cycle for desktop computers.