Why did you choose to buy an iMac?

[MacBH928]

I'm the opposite - I'm the one that sticks with a Mac Pro.

Positives:

- I do a lot of stuff with DVDs. The Mac Pro takes two 5.25" DVD drives, which are faster than the one laptop-style drive that an iMac has.

- With a Mac Pro, I can have my SSD for a startup drive, along with my 2Tb and 4Tb drives for data and video files.

- I'm currently using an old Dell 24" LCD, but will probably be ordering a 30" Dell U3014 today.

- Love the ports on the front. Easy access.

Negatives:

- The Mac Pro setup takes up more desk space and has more cords.

- No USB 3 or Thunderbolt as standard.

- It's easy to upgrade the processors in a Mac Pro, but I'm going to need to do that to get my Mac Pro up to current speeds.

- Cost - a current/near current iMac 27" goes for around $2,000 refurbished. Bargain.

I can be wrong but the Silver Mac Pros are pretty dated spec wise compared to current iMacs ... am I wrong?

I would imagine the Mac Pro market is very very tiny

also , surprised DVD is still a thing. People just share digital videos now. And I believe current iMacs got no DVD drive

 

[hpucker99]

iMAC vs Mac Pro

I can be wrong but the Silver Mac Pros are pretty dated spec wise compared to current iMacs ... am I wrong?

I would imagine the Mac Pro market is very very tiny

also , surprised DVD is still a thing. People just share digital videos now. And I believe current iMacs got no DVD drive

I was in the market for a Mac Pro or iMAC but it's hard to find new Mac Pros now. I am looking at the late 2013 27" 3.5 model with a 512 PCIext drive and other upgrades. Compared to the new Mac Pro, I'll save money and have a system that will suit my photography interests and enough change to buy another 27" screen if I want.

 

[mrmarts]

I choose a Mac for many reasons they include:

A) No flashing lights

B) No bloatware preinstalled

C) Fast boot and shutdown times

D) Easier to trouble shoot macs

E) it's harder to get a virus on Mac, whilst there is no need to purchase additional security software

F) A culture of good software through the Mac App Store

G) Easy to use OS interface

H) Less wiring to clutter my tiny room

I) The hardware and software work well together unlike windows

J) The iMac has a lovely all in one design

K) Better technical support and service

L) it's an Apple

 

[IA64]

Comments below...

I choose a Mac for many reasons they include:


B) No bloatware preinstalled

I see no bloatware installed on Windows. Can you name few ?

C) Fast boot and shutdown times

You should see Windows 8 Boot and shutdown times


D) Easier to trouble shoot macs

Sorry but it's completely the opposite.


E) it's harder to get a virus on Mac, whilst there is no need to purchase additional security software

Just because no one is interested in infecting a OSX machine doesn't mean it's more secure.

I) The hardware and software work well together unlike windows

The Intel based Macs share the same hardware with Windows desktops/laptops (CPU/RAMs/Disks/Board and Graphics). Moreover, Windows drivers are much better supported. Windows is not an Android machine you know...

L) it's an Apple

Now that explains a lot.

 

[silvetti]

My comments below...

Comments below...


Originally Posted by mrmarts View Post
I choose a Mac for many reasons they include:


B) No bloatware preinstalled

I see no bloatware installed on Windows. Can you name few ?

Buy a computer from ANY brand except Apple and check how many different apps come pre-installed...

D) Easier to trouble shoot macs

Sorry but it's completely the opposite.

I would say the same, let me know why do you think it's easier to troubleshoot windows machines plus registry mess ?

E) it's harder to get a virus on Mac, whilst there is no need to purchase additional security software

Just because no one is interested in infecting a OSX machine doesn't mean it's more secure.

If you understand how UNIX-alike/Windows OS work you wouldn't say that nonsense.

I) The hardware and software work well together unlike windows

The Intel based Macs share the same hardware with Windows desktops/laptops (CPU/RAMs/Disks/Board and Graphics). Moreover, Windows drivers are much better supported. Windows is not an Android machine you know...

The difference is that the OS is crafted for a specific set of hardware, on the contrary Windows needs to have lot's of things pre-loaded in case the user actually has them...

 

[imanidiot]

In a world where people would buy an iPad mini because they feel the iPad Air is too big , I was wondering why did any of you choose to get the iMac?

I am an iMac guy myself, but carrying a laptop around is so much more convenient . I no longer need a desktop setup because I do not work on video, images, or web publishing. I used to look for the extra screen size for such matter. I also understand that Macs in general are more expensive than PCs, yet on the gaming side they under deliver aka you can build a much better spec PC with less money than an iMac (My '08 macbook has difficulty playing Left4Dead which was released same year) .

As more people moved from desktop to laptop , and from laptop to iPads, and for some their smartphone satisfies their internet needs I am worried the desktop market might be dying.

If you don't want a desktop and don't need a desktop and prefer laptops because they so much more convenient and you don't understand why anyone would choose to get a desktop, why are you worried that the desktop market might be dying?

 

[iMacFarlane]

Comments below...

Originally Posted by mrmarts
I choose a Mac for many reasons they include:


B) No bloatware preinstalled

I see no bloatware installed on Windows. Can you name few ?

C) Fast boot and shutdown times

You should see Windows 8 Boot and shutdown times


D) Easier to trouble shoot macs

Sorry but it's completely the opposite.


E) it's harder to get a virus on Mac, whilst there is no need to purchase additional security software

Just because no one is interested in infecting a OSX machine doesn't mean it's more secure.

I) The hardware and software work well together unlike windows

The Intel based Macs share the same hardware with Windows desktops/laptops (CPU/RAMs/Disks/Board and Graphics). Moreover, Windows drivers are much better supported. Windows is not an Android machine you know...

L) it's an Apple

Now that explains a lot

What explains a lot is the guys signature. He dropped over $6000 on Apple products within the last three months. I would imagine he's fairly satisfied and somewhat biased towards the company after that investment.

 

[IA64]

You're missing a very important point. When I'm asked" Why iMac " I automatically assume that the other alternative system is a custom desktop PC not another branded laptop or computer.

My comments below...

B) No bloatware preinstalled

"Buy a computer from ANY brand except Apple and check how many different apps come pre-installed..."

Ah ok so you pay an extra $500 for an iMac just because the uninstall button is to completed for you on Windows machine.

D) Easier to trouble shoot macs

"I would say the same, let me know why do you think it's easier to troubleshoot windows machines plus registry mess ?"

Because I have access to every HW part in the machine in case it fails ? And seriously what about the registry mess ? that was maybe15 years ago. Last time I reinstalled my 3 years old Windows7 on Bootcamp was.... never ? And I use it day and night.


E) it's harder to get a virus on Mac, whilst there is no need to purchase additional security software

"If you understand how UNIX-alike/Windows OS work you wouldn't say that nonsense"

I spent more than 20 years in the IT/Telecom domain, mind you but you should stop kidding yourself and read the basics ? Googe and... https://www.linux.com/learn/tutorials/284124-myth-busting-is-linux-immune-to-viruses

Microsoft OS market share is above 80%. All those botnet and scriptkiddy stuff around aren't interested in infecting the minority. Linux is also open source, got the hint ? I don't want to talk about linux servers rootkits etc.. you go update your info maybe before calling someone else opinion " nonsense"


I) The hardware and software work well together unlike windows


"The difference is that the OS is crafted for a specific set of hardware, on the contrary Windows needs to have lot's of things pre-loaded in case the user actually has them..."

Dude, what are you smoking ? Go build any modern PC and fire a Windows installation, 30 minutes and you're ready to go.

I'm out of this pointless discussion anyway but trust me I am not a fanboy.

 

[BornAgainMac]

Desktop is better for your neck. Laptop will make you have Bill Gates neck by the time you turn 50.

 

[Works4Me]

I've purchased a 27" i7 iMac and an 11 inch MacBook Air. I got the Air because I do have to work away from my desk quite a bit and needed to be able to run a full desktop OS and (occasionally) Parallels when I'm way from a desk. My iPad just doesn't cut it for my mobile computing needs. I also chose the 11" Air because its the lightest device available fro that purpose.

The iMac I chose because its more powerful than even the 15" rMBP, the screen, and the fact that I run a 30" display in addition to the 27" (if I keep my Dell - if not, I have a 23" Samsung display I'll use).

I guess I went for extreme portability and more power at the desk (and yes, I know, I could have gotten more power more cheaply with a Hackintosh).

 

[wrz0170]

We have a pretty solid ecosystem in our house. That includes two 2010 Macbook and MBP that are starting to show signs of age. I use my iPad about 90% of the time. I use the MBP mainly for iTunes management and to print something.

We are looking at getting rid of both MacBooks and getting the 21.5" iMac. With 1tB of space, it could easily support both our iTunes libraries. Plus we have an external 2tb drive that has all our pictures. Which leads us to a bigger screen for viewing/editing pics. Also can double as a movie screen for when we want to watch separate shows. No downsides that we see. Now just have to figure what specs we would want to help future proof it a bit.

 

[MacBH928]

If you don't want a desktop and don't need a desktop and prefer laptops because they so much more convenient and you don't understand why anyone would choose to get a desktop, why are you worried that the desktop market might be dying?

Just like I do not have money or reason to get a ferrari but I do not want to see them going away

Looks to me that most desktop buyers are not casual users, most people who said they used iMacs are some how professionals working with media or pro software. Looks like the iMac turned from a consumer product like when it was in its bondi blue days , into a pro product. Maybe its the new undeclared Mac Pro .


People who are saying that Windows is more reliable than Macs . I am starting to get a feeling that there is some where in the world where Windows OS is pretty different from what is sold for all other parts of the world because many are denying the annoying facts we have been living with using Windows machines.

 

[MacOG728893]

- I prefer OSX to Windows (Although Windows 8.1 Pro with Start8 on my windows partition is blazing fast and really quite efficient)

- I prefer sitting at my desk for computer use. Why not have a desktop then?

- More power vs a MacBook / laptop

 

[mrmarts]

What explains a lot is the guys signature. He dropped over $6000 on Apple products within the last three months. I would imagine he's fairly satisfied and somewhat biased towards the company after that investment.

Yeah I got too much Apple products, but let me assure i will not be buying into iwatch or itv craze. My bias is for PC manufactures like HP and Toshiba. I previously owned a HP pavilion back in vista days it came with a ton of crap ware trial games pop-cap, security Norton's and media software which I cannot remember which hanged the system constantly. I am happy with Apple never experienced as many freezes or viruses since I migrated over, besides all their software OSX, iLife and iWork are now free. But not to sound biased Let me say to each is his own Apple works for me if windows works for you than take that path.

 

[mrmarts]

You're missing a very important point. When I'm asked" Why iMac " I automatically assume that the other alternative system is a custom desktop PC not another branded laptop or computer.




B) No bloatware preinstalled

"Buy a computer from ANY brand except Apple and check how many different apps come pre-installed..."

Ah ok so you pay an extra $500 for an iMac just because the uninstall button is to completed for you on Windows machine.

D) Easier to trouble shoot macs

"I would say the same, let me know why do you think it's easier to troubleshoot windows machines plus registry mess ?"

Because I have access to every HW part in the machine in case it fails ? And seriously what about the registry mess ? that was maybe15 years ago. Last time I reinstalled my 3 years old Windows7 on Bootcamp was.... never ? And I use it day and night.


E) it's harder to get a virus on Mac, whilst there is no need to purchase additional security software

"If you understand how UNIX-alike/Windows OS work you wouldn't say that nonsense"

I spent more than 20 years in the IT/Telecom domain, mind you but you should stop kidding yourself and read the basics ? Googe and... https://www.linux.com/learn/tutorials/284124-myth-busting-is-linux-immune-to-viruses

Microsoft OS market share is above 80%. All those botnet and scriptkiddy stuff around aren't interested in infecting the minority. Linux is also open source, got the hint ? I don't want to talk about linux servers rootkits etc.. you go update your info maybe before calling someone else opinion " nonsense"


I) The hardware and software work well together unlike windows


"The difference is that the OS is crafted for a specific set of hardware, on the contrary Windows needs to have lot's of things pre-loaded in case the user actually has them..."

Dude, what are you smoking ? Go build any modern PC and fire a Windows installation, 30 minutes and you're ready to go.

I'm out of this pointless discussion anyway but trust me I am not a fanboy.

Your bias for Apple sure in hell sounds like you are windows fanboy. The thread title was why did you choose a mac I gave my reasons, no need to be cynical.

 

[IA64]

Your bias for Apple sure in hell sounds like you are windows fanboy.

Again you don't put any effort into reading. Check post #2 in this thread...

 

[iMacFarlane]

Yeah I got too much Apple products, but let me assure i will not be buying into iwatch or itv craze. My bias is for PC manufactures like HP and Toshiba. I previously owned a HP pavilion back in vista days it came with a ton of crap ware trial games pop-cap, security Norton's and media software which I cannot remember which hanged the system constantly. I am happy with Apple never experienced as many freezes or viruses since I migrated over, besides all their software OSX, iLife and iWork are now free. But not to sound biased Let me say to each is his own Apple works for me if windows works for you than take that path.

Oh, no, I'm definitely in your camp as far as the Apple stuff goes. iMac, MBP, iPad, iPhone (2nd one), the Apple TV, and too many iPods to count. I use Windows on Dell/HP everyday at work, and still feel awed by the rock-solid simplicity of OS X everytime I'm at home with my Macs.
And as far as the shovel-ware? Yes sir, I remember buying those Compaq, HP, Dell, and Packard Bell boxes that came loaded with that stuff. I would do a factory reset from a partition in 10 minutes, then spend over 2 hours uninstalling each and every craptastic demo/crippleware that they saw fit to infest my computer with. Not so with Apple. Apps are useful, reliable, and definitely add to the value of the whole computing experience!

 

[petvas]

At the beginning of the year I decided to sell my Mac mini with Apple Cinema Display and get a retina Macbook Pro 15" as my main machine.
Now, I am back using a desktop, a late 2013 27" iMac, because of the following reasons:

• Love the extra screen estate. Having a laptop with a big monitor isn't the same, since you have to plug it in all the time and the windows get resized all the time. It's not convenient at all.
• The retina Macbook Pro is a great machine, but it's a laptop: I always had to worry about the battery health, or about programs using a lot of energy. Also, when running CPU intensive stuff, it got hot. All these things now belong to the past.
• Using a laptop at home as a desktop replacement means that I had to use Wifi instead of Ethernet. That might be ok for most people. but Ethernet gives my 1Gbps..My Internet connection is 150Mbps download, so using an ethernet connection is much better...
• Using my iMac as a media server for Apple TV also works better, because of the Ethernet connection (more bandwidth)
• Using the Apple keyboard is much better compared to a laptop one...
• I am desktop kind of guy, so I missed not having one
• The iMac looks fantastic!

So now I am using an iMac, an iPad Air and my iPhone 5S. I believe this is the perfect setup for me and I am not going back to using laptops.

 

[MacBH928]

Unfortunately , Apple laptops turn burning hot and I wonder if the Air series will do that too. From my experience, non-Apple laptops are much cooler. Of course, they are also much thicker and heavier...

 

[Hildegerd]

Since the 17 Macbook Pro is gone, I am aiming for the 21" iMac because I need the bigger real estate screen.

 

[kitsunestudios]

1 - It's a Mac. The OS works better for my needs than Windows or Linux.
2 - It's by Apple, so no worrying about hardware incompatibility or bootloaders or kext files.
3 - I want to do 3d video and games (excludes systems without separate GPUs or secondary monitor capabilities)
4 - I want something in the $2000-$3000 range all included.
5 - My portability needs are limited to moving the computer to a new location once or twice year.

The iMac only became viable for me with the Intel models; but I've been very happy with them ever since. Currently, the Nvidia GPUs and bang-for-the-buck make the iMac a little more attractive than the Tube, but that could easily change.

 

[mrmarts]

Oh, no, I'm definitely in your camp as far as the Apple stuff goes. iMac, MBP, iPad, iPhone (2nd one), the Apple TV, and too many iPods to count. I use Windows on Dell/HP everyday at work, and still feel awed by the rock-solid simplicity of OS X everytime I'm at home with my Macs.
And as far as the shovel-ware? Yes sir, I remember buying those Compaq, HP, Dell, and Packard Bell boxes that came loaded with that stuff. I would do a factory reset from a partition in 10 minutes, then spend over 2 hours uninstalling each and every craptastic demo/crippleware that they saw fit to infest my computer with. Not so with Apple. Apps are useful, reliable, and definitely add to the value of the whole computing experience!

I had a Dell XPS 700 desktop which also ran vista, I had no gripes with Dell at the time as it did not have any bloatware preinstalled but HP and Toshiba laptops are like lemons they do not work with the amount of junk that is preinstalled in them like the trail versions of Norton's or Mc Afee preinstalled on every new machine, which always slave the machine as they work in the background doing virtually nada. I am not sorry i left windows and i will never go back (in fact I bet my money that windows 8 still freezes in some given fashion till this day). Does the blue screen of death still exist? or what about alt ctrl del.

My reason not to go to Apple sooner was a lack of software, but now software and even games seem to be thriving with the introduction of the Mac App store. Moreover Apple has the best design especially for their iMacs and MacBooks (which are sleek and sturdy thanks to their all aluminium build). PCs designs particularly clones when they age are just dead paperweights, with wiring from here to there, blinking lights like the fourth of july, fancy light up cases and do not forget those stickers. There is just too much happening on the outside, but little happening on the inside with various hardware from different third party vendors not getting along with the software, especially when hardware vendors stop making drivers.

Troubleshooting is easier on a Mac in spite of what IA64 believes just a few weeks I sold my 15" macbook for better mobility. When installing the Mavericks software on my older Macbook the internet connection was too slow and i cancelled the setup, i rebooted the machine and to my dismay the OS was gone. Than guess what internet recovery kicked in and re downloaded the OS for me. If this where a HP I would have been in some serious trouble given the company does not supply you with a recovery disk and asks you make a copy when restoring the machine.

Then there is cost of purchasing a new operating system Apple has always been cheaper than Microsoft in the past, and better yet now its for free. Whist Microsoft continues to charge for their OS, with many buggy and virus ridden pirated versions emerging on the web. Microsoft even splurges on productivity software like MS Office with a subscription to Office 360, whereas Apple is giving iWork away and are listening to their customers with promised improved updates in the near future.

Coming from both worlds for me Apple wins at present in the future it is hard to say with google Chrome Book setting its sights at Apple, it would increase the competition. It will also leave the leave the question how popular will Microsoft be in the future as more companies emerge?.

 

[Kayan]

@Solomani

Those are very nice machines you posted but I believe you are misunderstood me. I am not against the desktop market, I was just looking at who is still buying the iMacs that is all. I realise there are those who need them for work , but I was merely stating that in comparison to say like '99 when ever computer user had a desktop , today we see people who are fine with just an iPad. I am not saying a laptop or an iPad is replacing the desktop's work , but many have made the switch to a product that fits their needs better. I am just looking at who and why people are still getting the desktops and I am happy that the market still lives. To be honest, I opened this thread because I was afraid the desktop market was dying...

I would love to hear from more people about why they chose the iMac (and maybe did not choose Mac Pro)

Let's rethink the definition of portability: I am a graduate student and use a computer at school and at home. Years ago I bought the nicest 17" MacBook Pro, and still use it today. This was a mistake however. This laptop 99% of time sits on my desk at home. So now I have the worst of both worlds: I don't take it anywhere and it's not as big/powerful as an iMac (and it's more expensive). I wish I would have just got an iMac. Back to rethinking portability: I would infinitely rather have a nice powerful iMac at home and work computer that I leave there rather than having one pricier and less powerful laptop that I need to lug around back and forth. How can you get more portable than carrying nothing? True, it is not always this easy for people traveling more, but I like this setup and would rather carry nothing than even the lightest laptop.

 

[iMacUnsure]

You're missing a very important point. When I'm asked" Why iMac " I automatically assume that the other alternative system is a custom desktop PC not another branded laptop or computer.




B) No bloatware preinstalled

"Buy a computer from ANY brand except Apple and check how many different apps come pre-installed..."

Ah ok so you pay an extra $500 for an iMac just because the uninstall button is to completed for you on Windows machine.

D) Easier to trouble shoot macs

"I would say the same, let me know why do you think it's easier to troubleshoot windows machines plus registry mess ?"

Because I have access to every HW part in the machine in case it fails ? And seriously what about the registry mess ? that was maybe15 years ago. Last time I reinstalled my 3 years old Windows7 on Bootcamp was.... never ? And I use it day and night.


E) it's harder to get a virus on Mac, whilst there is no need to purchase additional security software

"If you understand how UNIX-alike/Windows OS work you wouldn't say that nonsense"

I spent more than 20 years in the IT/Telecom domain, mind you but you should stop kidding yourself and read the basics ? Googe and... https://www.linux.com/learn/tutorials/284124-myth-busting-is-linux-immune-to-viruses

Microsoft OS market share is above 80%. All those botnet and scriptkiddy stuff around aren't interested in infecting the minority. Linux is also open source, got the hint ? I don't want to talk about linux servers rootkits etc.. you go update your info maybe before calling someone else opinion " nonsense"


I) The hardware and software work well together unlike windows


"The difference is that the OS is crafted for a specific set of hardware, on the contrary Windows needs to have lot's of things pre-loaded in case the user actually has them..."

Dude, what are you smoking ? Go build any modern PC and fire a Windows installation, 30 minutes and you're ready to go.

I'm out of this pointless discussion anyway but trust me I am not a fanboy.

I'm out of this pointless discussion anyway but trust me I am not a fanboy.

Then why are you here? Is it just troll?

 

[iMacFarlane]

I had a Dell XPS 700 desktop which also ran vista, I had no gripes with Dell at the time as it did not have any bloatware preinstalled but HP and Toshiba laptops are like lemons they do not work with the amount of junk that is preinstalled in them like the trail versions of Norton's or Mc Afee preinstalled on every new machine, which always slave the machine as they work in the background doing virtually nada. I am not sorry i left windows and i will never go back (in fact I bet my money that windows 8 still freezes in some given fashion till this day). Does the blue screen of death still exist? or what about alt ctrl del.

My reason not to go to Apple sooner was a lack of software, but now software and even games seem to be thriving with the introduction of the Mac App store. Moreover Apple has the best design especially for their iMacs and MacBooks (which are sleek and sturdy thanks to their all aluminium build). PCs designs particularly clones when they age are just dead paperweights, with wiring from here to there, blinking lights like the fourth of july, fancy light up cases and do not forget those stickers. There is just too much happening on the outside, but little happening on the inside with various hardware from different third party vendors not getting along with the software, especially when hardware vendors stop making drivers.

Troubleshooting is easier on a Mac in spite of what IA64 believes just a few weeks I sold my 15" macbook for better mobility. When installing the Mavericks software on my older Macbook the internet connection was too slow and i cancelled the setup, i rebooted the machine and to my dismay the OS was gone. Than guess what internet recovery kicked in and re downloaded the OS for me. If this where a HP I would have been in some serious trouble given the company does not supply you with a recovery disk and asks you make a copy when restoring the machine.

Then there is cost of purchasing a new operating system Apple has always been cheaper than Microsoft in the past, and better yet now its for free. Whist Microsoft continues to charge for their OS, with many buggy and virus ridden pirated versions emerging on the web. Microsoft even splurges on productivity software like MS Office with a subscription to Office 360, whereas Apple is giving iWork away and are listening to their customers with promised improved updates in the near future.

Coming from both worlds for me Apple wins at present in the future it is hard to say with google Chrome Book setting its sights at Apple, it would increase the competition. It will also leave the leave the question how popular will Microsoft be in the future as more companies emerge?.

Totally agree with everything you said and have shared many similiar experiences over the years. I paid premium cash for MS-DOS 6.22 (upgrading from MS-DOS 5.0), Windows 95 (upgrading from Windows 3.1), and Windows XP (upgrading from Windows 98). These upgrades were all between $60 and $179 each. Meanwhile, since coming to the Mac, I have upgraded from Snow Leopard to Lion, Lion to Mountain Lion, and Mountain Lion to Mavericks. For a total sum of $40. It's the best OS out there, and I love the whole hardware/software experience.

If I had to gripe about anything, it would be that god-awful mess they call iOS7. But that's a different story for a different forum . . .