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Why Mac?

Since you love to tinker with hardware, why not try a Hackintosh?

I use Macs because they allow me to do the same a Windows computer can, but more elegantly, faster, less obnoxious, less loud (colours), less cluttered.
Three years ago I had the task to digitise 100s of tapes (Digi Beta and DV and others) for two production studios. One studio used Windows PC with Avid Media Composer, the other used Macs with Windows Media Composer.
Although the same steps are involved on both systems, it took much longer to get the process running with Windows, and I am proficient enough in Windows to know what I am doing (not so anymore with Windows 6 and 6.1).

In the end it comes down to preference and if Mac OS X is tailored to your thought process. Mac OS X is for me, though the two latest incarnations, Mac OS X 10.7 Lion and OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion are not anymore completely though, as I use Spaces and Exposé.

And why not?
 
MisterSensitive said:
Apple design is much more elegant (hw and sw), but I find Apple to be more restrictive in how you use their stuff. So, my wife and kids loooove their Macs, but I am ambivalent.
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This pretty much sums it up.

Macs are more suited for people that just want to get on with day to day things. (Which is not a bad thing).

Me? I could do with/without OSX - makes no difference as any OS will get you a printed page, a compatible file to exchange between platforms and of course the ability to interact with others. Ironically, it's not OSX that keeps me aligned with Apple. It's their trackpad and build quality - mingled with pretty good customer service.
 
Here are just a few reasons why I like working on a MacBook, in random order:

- OSX, in particular the underlying Unix structure
- can use most linux apps through macports
- easy to install gcc/gfortan, python, etc
- essentially virus free
- Keynote app
- no bloatware
- stable
- touchpad + gestures
- battery life
- thin & light

OSX is really the main reason for me.

Some other features that might be of interest, and can not easily be had on other hardware:
- Thunderbolt
- 16:10 screen
- high quality user interface: screen, touchpad and keyboard - it's hard to find a good combination on a windows laptop, on a desktop it's easy of course
- the laptop charger (compact, safe connection, well designed!)
 
Since you specifically mentioned Music Production as the primary use of your new computer, you maybe interested in this article:

http://blog.dubspot.com/optimize-your-windows-7-pc-for-djing-music-production/

OS X plays a little nicer than Windows right out of the box. That said, it's not that big of a deal to get the latency down in Windows, but at the same time I think that article encapsulates, in a way, why a lot of musicians still default to Apple.

Also, YMMV depending on your DAW of choice. A lot of people believe that Cubase runs better on PC (thanks in part to the DAW Bench site, though be weary of their testing methodology).

I have both a windows laptop and a MBP that I use for production purposes (Ableton Live is my main DAW). Life has been great on the MBP but it is hard to fairly compare it to my Windows laptop as the PC is a good bit older. I think a lot of it comes down to the fact that OS X seems to maintain itself better than Windows. I have a lot of colleagues that are lazy with maintaining their computers so I've seen it first hand. A lot of people contend Windows 7 is better in this regard than past versions and that the previous is quite the unscientific analysis, but that's what I've seen.

Also don't discount Core Audio vs the ASIO alternatives. The limited Mac configurations allow software developers and engineers a more distinct testing path, thus the Mac implementations are often significantly easier to test than their PC counterparts (YMMV depending on software vendor).
 
This is a great thread. Love seeing everybody's opinions and viewpoints. What I have to add to this discussion is this: OP, you seem like a Windows person. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. Just like there are tons of people who love Mac OS, there are just as many who love Windows. If that's what suits you best, go for it. I know that I wouldn't really trust any laptop other than my MBP at my DJ gigs just out of plain fear that it would crash. But I think that that problem is probably rare on a PC anyways, and Windows 7 is a huge step forward in the Windows OS series, I like it quite a bit. If you like Windows, go with it and save yourself a couple hundred dollars, and maybe put it towards a new MIDI keyboard, or even an MPC for Ableton like the Launchpad, or some new headphones. Forget what we said and do what works for you, because you will be happier in the long run that way. Anyway, good luck, and have fun with whatever decision you make. Wish you much luck in your music career and hope all goes well. Cheers!

PS. I would love if you sent me a PM with a link to your SoundCloud!
 
I don't think Mac's are right for everyone. There are people that just care about the latest and best spec, or the biggest bang for your buck. If you are this kind of person then a Mac may not be the right machine for you.

Apple's philosophy is about trying to maximise the user experience and to create hardware and software to let people get on with being creative and reducing distractions along the way. It is the whole experience that is the Apple way, from the fact that Apple will look at every aspect of the product and try to deliver the best experience.

Apple has an entire department just to test out different box ideas for a new product. It's the little details that Apple puts in the products that I think make them so great. Things like the Mag Safe power connector on the Notebooks, or the time and effort that Apple put into the design of the trackpad on the Notebooks with just the right amount of resistance to touch. Or the industry leading Unibody design of the Notebooks.

Some people don't care about these little details and just look for the quickest machine for their $$, in which case a PC is the right choice for them.

For me I can see and understand the great design that goes into the hardware and software in a Mac, and the extra that you pay for it, is worth it.

I should also point out the resale value of a Mac after 3 years is much more in % terms that say a Dell, so in the long term a Mac is not really as expensive that you think.
 
Krazy Bill said:
it's the interwebz kid. You're talking to everyone on the planet. :)



Offended? No, not I. :)

And your question is not legitimate. You're basically telling mac users we're stupid because we paid too much? Really, you come off as someone wanting to agree but counter most every comment with reasons why you shouldn't get a mac. I'm sure you've learned by now it's like choosing between a red car and a blue one. A laptop is pretty much a subjective purchase - especially a mac. You either like it or you don't.
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Well said Krazy Bill, sorry to the OP but you make an easy decision painstaking, I tend to read a lot on this forum and don't post too often as I'm no expert but for some reason you irritated me into writing.

I didn't need convincing or reasons to buy a Mac, i just read up on Apple and played around with them in the stores and bought my first MacBook.

I have gleened from this you don't like OS X or iOS or Apple, I'm not a fanboy and don't get offended when people bag Apple, each to their own, but for god's sake get a PC and go back to your life and off this forum.
 
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