Why would anyone buy an iMac instead of a Windows desktop?

[joema2]

Just reformat it to extended fat and you can use it on anything with file sizes up to 32gb (if I remember rightly).

The exFAT max file size is 128 petabytes (128,000 terabytes).

There is no problem using exFAT as a common interchange file format between OS X, Windows and all the electronic devices (newer camcorders, etc) which support exFAT. This includes USB thumb drives and bus-powered hard drives.

In a 100% Mac environment using HFS+ is probably best. However for removable storage devices in a mixed environment, exFAT has good performance and data integrity, avoids file size limits, and is fully supported by OS X 10.6.5 and later.

 

[randalf72]

I think too many people on here are equating faster to better.

Sometimes that is the case but often isn't.

If I were to build a windows PC I could easily get better speed performance for the same price or the same performance for less money.

Looking at the whole package I think that apple offers a more compelling argument than the plethora of Wintel boxes out there.

We are all different and my computer usage, other than the basics such as office, surfing, etc, is likely different to others. What works for me may not work for others.

As someone who has owned and built many pcs I can say that a PC may offer a faster or cheaper experience, overall Apple offers a better experience.

 

[gnasher729]

Sorry, but you are partially incorrect.

Does it violate Apple's TOS? Yes. Is it unethical? NO. Is it illegal? NO.

Apple will not support a Hackintosh, but it certainly is not illegal or unethical to install it on non-Apple hardware.

BL.

It is unethical, because Apple developed MacOS X to deliver value to their Macintosh customers, and not to random leeches. It is illegal because (a) copyright law says so, and (b) the DMCA act says so. In the only court case about this, Psystar was ordered to pay a $30,000 fine for making about 700 copies of MacOS X for copyright infringement, plus $2,500 for each copy for DMCA violation.

As a common sense argument, if it were legal, don't you think Dell would offer PCs with MacOS X pre-installed?

----------

I think too many people on here are equating faster to better.

Faster is faster. But better isn't just one measurement, better takes into account everything. Like being able to hold a conversation near the running computer without having to shout makes a computer "better".

A Formula 1 car is faster than my car. Obviously I bought the best car that I could find. So why don't I drive to work in a Formula 1 car? Because my car is better in almost every respect that counts to me. (I think an F1 car beats mine in "safety in a crash", but that's about it).

 

[0000111]

For you. Your emotions and use case are valid—for you. Clearly not everyone is you. Some people are other people. And they may or may not benefit from Apple's value disciplines.

I read this in Bane's voice. 10/10 would recommend.

Now, to go back and read the thread as a dialogue between Bane, Batman, The Joker, and maybe some Alfred!

Really? You're not seriously clueless on the subject of a strong eco-system, are you? It has always been one of Apple's strongest suites when it comes to any of their products. OS X, iCloud, iTunes, and tight integration with iOS is what will keep me from ever buying anything other than an iMac for my desktop needs.

And I am even more stoked about iOS 8 coming out this fall to tie the knot even tighter with Yosemite. I can't wait for features like iCloud Photos, Hand-off, Continuity, iTunes extras support, and family sharing. All of which, will play beautifully with my iMac, and not a Windows PC desktop.

I totally agree. I think the ecosystem of Mac back in the mid and late 00s was ahead of its time, esp. iTunes for iPod, then Contacts and Safari with iPhone; it took perhaps until 2011-2012 for similar convenience to arrive on Windows machines, utilizing syncing via Google Chrome, etc. I would also make the same argument of recently becoming a more level "ecosystem" for Windows or Android phones. And now, in the era of cloud-based everything, Google Drive/Play and OneDrive are on par and even outdo some of Apple's services (especially in file transfer/management).

That being said, I'm right there with you on iOS 8+Yosemite. I've never been more excited to be an Apple user, and I daresay the new Messaging, Photos and Continuity make the Apple experience ahead of its rivals once again, and perhaps more meaningfully.

 

[alphaod]

Because your desktop computer takes up part of the floor and I still need a monitor to take over my desk, whereas the iMac is just wall mounted and there is basically nothing else except a keyboard and mouse I keep to the side.

Also the iMac runs OS X.

 

[joema2]

Because your desktop computer takes up part of the floor and I still need a monitor to take over my desk, whereas the iMac is just wall mounted and there is basically nothing else except a keyboard and mouse I keep to the side...

Yes, this is often overlooked. Size, weight and acoustic noise are part of overall product performance. What good is a quick car that's 23 feet long? What good is the fastest smartphone if it's 3/4 inch thick and weighs 16 ounces? What good is an air conditioner if it's so loud you can't talk?

For some people great size, weight, and noise are acceptable tradeoffs for increased speed, but for others it's not.

It's not like iMac users don't accept a dedicated hobbyist can build a PC that's faster in some respects. However they cannot build a PC which equals the iMac's balance of size performance, weight performance, acoustic noise performance, and computational performance. If anyone thinks they can build a PC which is thinner, lighter, quieter at the same computational performance and price point, let me know.

 

[kupkakez]

IF I was not a PC gamer I would have ditched Windows for good YEARS ago. I don't like Windows, I much prefer OS X. Unfortunately it's significantly cheaper for me to build my own computer and can run games maxed out. My current devils canyon build was around $1300.

Yes I could get an iMac and bootcamp Windows but what's the point if I still have to run Winblows 95% of the time.

 

[6749974]

Why do people get so defensive with Apple? Maybe it's because Apple fans say that their computers are superior and try and justify the higher price? Maybe it's because Apple people say it's because you can't build a better machine? Maybe it's because Apple people make excuses that "it doesn't matter if you can build it faster for cheaper, you're not supposed to run OS X on it?

I think we have to have a mature perspective and so understand that if we're looking into the "pool" of Apple users there is a variety of use cases and needs, and trust that everyone is making good buying decisions. It shouldn't even be a big deal, because chances are the computer you own (old or new, Apple or PC) is fulfilling the core need.

That being said, the problem is with the OP—who was getting defensive about the PC. He "asked" why iMac was our preference, and when we answered him with plenty, he refused satisfaction—so it never was about getting our perspective, it was always about pushing his.

People buy according to their preference. It ends there.

 

[FreemanW]

This has been spoken of several or more times in this thread . . . price performance.

Its always been my accepted perspective that until the $1,000.00 threshold is breached, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible to compete with the OEM products.

When you add up the cost of all components including monitor & software OEM price points are impossible to meet/beat. If labor (assembling, testing, installing software, support) is introduced into the cost factoring (i.e. you're building for a client) there is no contest, the OEM's win every time.

For personal builds, ymmv and clearly, other considerations and factors enter the equation.

Either way, in the end, this is a Apple vs Microsoft comparison . . . . pun intended.

Being a Microsoft/Windows computer technician for hire . . . . . I prefer using my iMac for ALL of my personal computing needs; again, with great appreciation to Microsoft for their continuing support for my acquisition of over-priced Apple hardware.

 

[6749974]

I think too many people on here are equating faster to better.

Exactly. OP kept bringing up his CPU speed, claiming that we're making compromises for an all-in-one. Obviously, if we needed the fastest CPU/GPU and upgradability we would make a different purchase. Most consumers don't need the fastest anything, and don't want to tinker with components. But they wan't a pleasurable experience because they use the computer daily and live lives outside of a computer. OP refused that potential reality. It was his way or it didn't make sense. He didn't know how to perceive the multiple features and benefits an iMac has. Listing them was no help to his conscious.

 

[AppleFanatic10]

Because it just works.

 

[JohnPi314]

I honestly don't know, really. PC's offer more flexibility and a DIY'er can save $.

iMacs offer a)absolutely brilliant industrial design b) the joy of OSX c) having iOS and OSX devices working together d) AirPrint, Airdrop, Airplay, etc.

I think any self-proclaimed "extreme gamer" would go the "DIY PC" route. After all, they enjoy looking for tweaks to eek out that one extra second in clock cycles; don't mind calculating price/performance ratios; chasing down registry edits; running antivirus scans, reading hardware reviews ad nauseum...

....for the "rest of us" theres Apple.

 

[Ed Miliband]

Because the iMac is better

 

[yjchua95]

Because the iMac is better

Nice username, the BBC bungled it up before and referred you as 'Ed Miller Band'

 

[MacBH928]

1- OS X

Really I hate how Windows operates and OS X makes using a computer a joyful experience. No headaches. Of course, Windows has its advantages in things like Games and some IT stuff that I probably do not understand but as far as personal use goes... OS X.

2-It just looks better, and you don't have to deal with the wires and separate components. I know there are Windows machines that work that way too.

Some creative professionals specifically want to use an iMac so we have that too.

If you subtracted an iMac resell price from its original price, the gap should be much smaller.

 

[Choctaw]

Haylight Banned

I noticed this new member has been banned. It did not surprise me, when they are that new, and the OP is worded in a manner trying to get argumentation from forum members concerning the question is X better than O it seems we could spend time on things more helpful.

I am glad this forum is being monitored by persons keeping watch. All the bickering and tooting of horns helps very little to further knowledge about Apple products and their uses. We all should be here as Apple fans, not as Apple bashers. Nothing is produced that does not have a few clichés occasionally and that is expected.

 

[Keebler]

For people who buy apple devices, it's not about the power behind the machine but the experience that comes with the machine. People who buy iMacs aren't interested in building their own machines. A) Either they simply don't want to or B) Time consuming/Hassle. You're also comparing an AIO (All in one) to a tower computer.

4 Reasons why people buy iMacs

1) Consumes less space
2) OS X
3) AppleCare (If your machine fails, you will have to diagnosis or replace any components yourself)
4) Built with premium materials

While all of the above are absolutely true, let's not forget

5) a fantastic monitor is included with that price too!

6) out-of-the-box go - sure, there will be folks like the OP who have the patience and knowledge to build their own machine and kudos to them, but there is massive value to those who don't want to take the necessary time.
They want to take it out of the box, plug in some cables and be up n' running. Period. Sure, you can chastise those folks who want that ease of use, but if they have the money to pay for it, who cares?

7) (usually) easy to find tech support - instead of going to companies XYZ and ABC to find a solution for something going wrong on your Windows machine ie. is it the video card? or the monitor? wait...maybe it's bad ram? Yes, I'm stretching a bit, but the point is when (if) something goes wrong with any Mac, having 1 machine built with the same parts is far easier to diagnose due to Apple's tech support b/c they know what goes into the machine so they have in-depth knowledge of how it all works and/or the user community is fantastic at helping figure it all out. It may not happen all the time, but it's ability to find a solution is closer than a Windows-built-from-all-different-possibilities is there

 

[Ak907Freerider]

Here is my take on iMac vs any windows computer. The iMac offers a sleek simple set up, literally one cable to be up and running. Yes there are better monitors, processors, video cards available. But you also get the headache of dealing with updating firmware etc with those parts. Since apple only builds 5 options (mac pro, macbook pro, macbook air, iMac, and mac mini) for its computers it is much easier to nail down any bugs that may come up after purchase. On a windows machine there are millions of combinations of builds and each piece could not play nice at any moment. Then you are stuck on a endless hunt for why something isn't working, been there done that and it stinks. With apple a problem comes up and it is addressed most the time before you even realize a problem, you just set auto update and it is a smooth set up.

Now even if any of that hasn't you convinced try selling your custom desktop for what a iMac will sell for. I would rather buy a used computer from a well known computer company than some guy who says he knows what he was doing when he built it. This is why you will see even rather old iMacs and MacBooks going for a good chunk of money. You get a quality build and you get to buy into the entire Mac eco system. Now if you run a iPhone, iPads etc having a mac computer makes it all that much more enjoyable. With airplay, Apple TV for wireless streaming your movies from your iMac without internet is pretty slick. Yes you could get a hdmi port on your windows and actually plug in your computer. But sorry I hate cables and hate turning my tv around anytime I want to watch a youtube video or show off new pics I got over the weekend and would much rather just turn on my airplay and be done. No cables, no trying to find some funky setting in windows 8 to get my pics on my tv.

So all in all its personal preference. Some people enjoy the challenge of trying to make something work. I prefer to use my time creating with my computer, not trying to figure out why my computer won't create. I don't want driver issues, I don't want to look at cables let alone plug them in. Yes there are faster components available but if the operating system is not faster then what is the point? If you just want to play games then great still think a PS4 or XBOX One is better, bigger online community and waaaaay more games.So if your claiming PC for gaming your kinda looking silly cause the boat left the harbor with console gaming and your stuck on land with the others who missed the boat all 6 of you.

 

[tdale]

Here is my take on iMac vs any windows computer. The iMac offers a sleek simple set up, literally one cable to be up and running. Yes there are better monitors, processors, video cards available. But you also get the headache of dealing with updating firmware etc with those parts. Since apple only builds 5 options (mac pro, macbook pro, macbook air, iMac, and mac mini) for its computers it is much easier to nail down any bugs that may come up after purchase. On a windows machine there are millions of combinations of builds and each piece could not play nice at any moment. Then you are stuck on a endless hunt for why something isn't working, been there done that and it stinks. With apple a problem comes up and it is addressed most the time before you even realize a problem, you just set auto update and it is a smooth set up.

Now even if any of that hasn't you convinced try selling your custom desktop for what a iMac will sell for. I would rather buy a used computer from a well known computer company than some guy who says he knows what he was doing when he built it. This is why you will see even rather old iMacs and MacBooks going for a good chunk of money. You get a quality build and you get to buy into the entire Mac eco system. Now if you run a iPhone, iPads etc having a mac computer makes it all that much more enjoyable. With airplay, Apple TV for wireless streaming your movies from your iMac without internet is pretty slick. Yes you could get a hdmi port on your windows and actually plug in your computer. But sorry I hate cables and hate turning my tv around anytime I want to watch a youtube video or show off new pics I got over the weekend and would much rather just turn on my airplay and be done. No cables, no trying to find some funky setting in windows 8 to get my pics on my tv.

So all in all its personal preference. Some people enjoy the challenge of trying to make something work. I prefer to use my time creating with my computer, not trying to figure out why my computer won't create. I don't want driver issues, I don't want to look at cables let alone plug them in. Yes there are faster components available but if the operating system is not faster then what is the point? If you just want to play games then great still think a PS4 or XBOX One is better, bigger online community and waaaaay more games.So if your claiming PC for gaming your kinda looking silly cause the boat left the harbor with console gaming and your stuck on land with the others who missed the boat all 6 of you.

I agree on most of your points, well written.

BUT, the oft quoted firmware issues, driver issues, that is WAYYYY exaggerated. I came across stuff like that back in the day, solved it. i didnt need to be solving this weekly or monthly back then. These days its not an issue

BUT, PC gaming is better. I am not a gamer anymore,. but I know a few, and if you want the best looking games, the smoothest, the most settings, both tech and gaming, and more flexible online options, PC gaming rules. Off course a console is cheap as chips, so a console is best bang for buck, but not the best bang.

 

[Ak907Freerider]

I agree on most of your points, well written.

BUT, the oft quoted firmware issues, driver issues, that is WAYYYY exaggerated. I came across stuff like that back in the day, solved it. i didnt need to be solving this weekly or monthly back then. These days its not an issue

BUT, PC gaming is better. I am not a gamer anymore,. but I know a few, and if you want the best looking games, the smoothest, the most settings, both tech and gaming, and more flexible online options, PC gaming rules. Off course a console is cheap as chips, so a console is best bang for buck, but not the best bang.

Not the best? I suppose if you enjoy playing with a small crowd of people then yes it works. But I enjoy playing with millions, on a platform 100% built around games. Yes games, not the port that comes out way later after everyone and their grandma has played it and it is a washed out has been of a game. I want new fresh stuff not washed up ports that you get to use your $2000 gaming rig to get more FPS then a console. Hey NHL 15 comes out tomorrow btw oh wait its not on PC, bummer. You try the new Destiny game they had over 10,000,000 playing on launch day, oh wait you missed that to. Hows the Sims and WOW working out for you btw?

 

[tdale]

Not the best? I suppose if you enjoy playing with a small crowd of people then yes it works. But I enjoy playing with millions, on a platform 100% built around games. Yes games, not the port that comes out way later after everyone and their grandma has played it and it is a washed out has been of a game. I want new fresh stuff not washed up ports that you get to use your $2000 gaming rig to get more FPS then a console. Hey NHL 15 comes out tomorrow btw oh wait its not on PC, bummer. You try the new Destiny game they had over 10,000,000 playing on launch day, oh wait you missed that to. Hows the Sims and WOW working out for you btw?

Dont be a dick, mate. Do you play with millions? My mates play with their groups, international, but their groups. They are everywhere. If you see gaming as bound by how million are on the platform that you are forced to play on, and its not about gameplay, graphics, smoothness, features, thats fine.

 

[Ak907Freerider]

Dont be a dick, mate. Do you play with millions? My mates play with their groups, international, but their groups. They are everywhere. If you see gaming as bound by how million are on the platform that you are forced to play on, and its not about gameplay, graphics, smoothness, features, thats fine.

No it's about the experience of playing against others. So the more people you have involved everyone plays different so it creates a ever changing online environment. Which in return makes for better game play. Not trying to come off rude but consoles are for gaming and computers are for creating. That is why every big tittle comes out on consoles long before PC ports come out.

 

[tdale]

No it's about the experience of playing against others. So the more people you have involved everyone plays different so it creates a ever changing online environment. Which in return makes for better game play. Not trying to come off rude but consoles are for gaming and computers are for creating. That is why every big tittle comes out on consoles long before PC ports come out.

Ok. No doubt consoles are the money makers these days, but in terms of users, if being on a platform that has millions of users is a good thing, thats great. General gaming, thats fine. My mates are hardcore, perhaps there are hardcore groups out there that shut out casuals, i dunno. But gaming involves the game, the graphics, the gameplay, the people you choose to play with and that could be the ones you know from hours and hours of not months of gaming, and the features of the game and network options. Thats the difference. But thats at a cost. Concoiles are fine, I use one, for one reason only, F1. Only cos he moved to Melbourne, his PC is crap, so we got a PS3.