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

[jtara]

You are comparing:

- DIY vs. professionally-packaged product.
- Different OS
- Different form factor
- Legally-licensed vs not (in case of Hackintosh)

There's no validity whatsoever to the comparison.

Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?

(I think it is not too soon for that joke...)

 

[tdale]

That's a good way to put it. I have a 2011 MBP, 16 gig of ram, 256 gig SSD and 1 TB HDD in the optibay. All self-installed upgrades.

If I bought Apple's latest new machine, I'd gain USB 3, longer battery life, and a retina screen. I'd lose ram, massive internal storage (0.25 inch thinner computer and a bag full of peripherals FTL), Ethernet (yes, I do use it a few times a month), and my user-replaceable battery. Even if Apple offered me a straight trade to their latest MBP, with 16 gig of ram, it would be a tough choice whether it's worth giving up my internal storage for those modest improvements. Since i'd have to pay over $1k on the trade, Apple is just a joke right now. If my mac died tomorrow, I would have a very tough choice between the old Ivy cMBP or the current Haswell. And I'd very strongly look at switching to a PC.

Meanwhile in windows-world, the change from a Sandy Bridge i7-2600k which was the latest when I bought this laptop to a Haswell i7-4790k, the closest current chip is huge. Since I bought my laptop, the windows side has taken two huge steps forward while Apple has been twiddling its thumbs on the sidelines.

----------



You're very right. I used to be very much into customizing and tweaking my computer, and I am at the point where life and family has caught up and I just don't really care that much anymore exactly what components I get the way I used to.

But...I want a computer with an upper end desktop CPU, midrange desktop GPU, huge internal storage, and plenty of ram. Something I can use for heavy photo work and modest gaming. And my price limit is $2000. With Apple that's an impossible dream. With the rest of the industry, its under $1000.

Hmm. Your talking hardware. Off course Windows can allow you to get whatever hardware you want. Apple is reducing the upgradeability. If you do gaming you should not be using a Mac. If you have a need or desire to upgrade components annually you wont get that from a Mac. The business model you want is not what Apple does, you cannot just complain about it not suiting you. I cannot get an Android iPhone, nor iOS on a Galaxy, so I use Apple and accept no big screen etc or I use Android and accept no real ecosystem and security. I don't expect every company to just give me what I want.

Look at the tickboxes, buy what suits your needs to most

----------

You are comparing:

- DIY vs. professionally-packaged product.
- Different OS
- Different form factor
- Legally-licensed vs not (in case of Hackintosh)

There's no validity whatsoever to the comparison.

Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?

(I think it is not too soon for that joke...)

Exactly. Two different business models. As are Apple and Samsung, and like PC's, very similar in many respects and different in some others

 

[BenTrovato]

For every reason someone has for choosing a Windows machine over an iMac the counter-argument exists for the other side. To suggest that everyone should buy one over the other is so closed-minded.

 

[tdale]

For every reason someone has for choosing a Windows machine over an iMac the counter-argument exists for the other side. To suggest that everyone should buy one over the other is so closed-minded.

And invariably, as the "other side" doesn't change track and agree, name calling turns up, as in fanboys. But at least there are some here that are experienced with both platforms and can have a sensible discussion. As we are aware of the pros and cons of both.

 

[AlexMaximus]

your numbers are right..

The reasons why I buy Apple products are beyond numbers. What I really love about Apple:

- Outstanding hardware design tailored to its intended software.
- Outstanding software solutions that I really like a lot.
- Outstanding service and great stores I love to visit around the world.
- To support the rebel Steve Jobs against Windows.
- I love help fund the unbelievable Campus 2 project in Cupertino (A masterpiece of design & architecture).
- Live style, premium product feeling, premium customer satisfaction, long product live cycles for most products.
- Apple is the American Dream of Live come true. I just love hero stories.
- The people on this forum are one of the coolest bunch ever.
I buy Apple products regardless the price tag. In the computer world its apple or nothing.

 

[tdale]

The reasons why I buy Apple products are beyond numbers. What I really love about Apple:

- Outstanding hardware design tailored to its intended software.
- Outstanding software solutions that I really like a lot.
- Outstanding service and great stores I love to visit around the world.
- To support the rebel Steve Jobs against Windows.
- I love help fund the unbelievable Campus 2 project in Cupertino (A masterpiece of design & architecture).
- Live style, premium product feeling, premium customer satisfaction, long product live cycles for most products.
- Apple is the American Dream of Live come true. I just love hero stories.
- The people on this forum are one of the coolest bunch ever.
I buy Apple products regardless the price tag. In the computer world its apple or nothing.

Cool. I am an Apple fan, your "fan-ness" is quite a lot more then mine, but thats all good.

My main thing is integration. iOS8 builds on that wonderfully. I may even flag an iPhone 6, keep my 5S and buy a retina iPad Mini as my phablet, given that I can soon use that for calls, iMessage and SMS.

 

[mcnallym]

Ah, yet another request for fabled xmac. A PC like tower with expansion slots and user servicable/replaceable parts. The nearest you will get to that I am afraid is the 2009-2012 Mac Pro on the 2nd hand market.

Apple make there computers for target audiences, either you are in there target audience or you aren't. The Custom PC builder's oddly enough aren't in there target audience.

Apple don't want to dominate the entire market, or be all things to all people. Instead they build for there market and are quite happy to have other people provide solutions to outside the target audience. Either the Apple System suits you or it doesn't.

Just look at the Mac Pro forum and look at the number of people on there on about the way the Mac Pro has gone.

This is a rather exclusive attitude. While I don't think Apple can be expected to have a computer model for every single niche, suggesting that Apple couldn't do a better job addressing a wider market is just elitist Apple fanboyism.

The amount of upgradeability versus just buying a new computer is a worthy topic in itself, but that they don't have essentially a headless iMac is a huge dilemma for a lot of folks, and I've known countless people over the years who would have considered switching to a Mac if they could have gotten a high-end CPU and GPU, sans display, without having to spend over $3K on a Mac Pro.

It's not exclusive attitude, or fanboism merely a comment on the way Apple do things.

Apple makes targeted products and focuses on making those products well. Part of the reason that the OS and hardware integrate well is that Apple know what is in that hardware.

People have been talking about Apple producing a tower mac that is upgradeable with consumer level products for years. Apple show no sign of making such a product, despite several years of people saying how many people would swap if they made one.
Instead Apple have gone the opposite way and making the systems less easy to upgrade instead, and closing those systems down further. Laptops and iMacs are less easy to upgrade then ever. Internal Storage and PCI-E slots removed from the Mac Pro.

I currently use a mini as an Elagto DVR system/iTunes, with the lack of a DVB-T2 tuner for OSX then my next DVR/iTunes system will likely be a Windows machine. as I can get a DVB-T2 tuner on Windows. Hardly fanboism, as otherwise would simply put up with no DVB-T2, as there is no solution for me on Apple products.

 

[ixxx69]

A), your assuming comments here that don't fit your opinion to be from fanboys

B), the market for a PC like Mac as the OP started this thread on is very small.

Or I guess I can assume that this post I am replying to is fanboy based? And what is this "general attitude and argument that I see constantly from Apple fanboys, whether it's about Macs or iPhones or whatever Apple product being discussed."

And ixxx69, are these more fanboy attitudes? Nup. Those of us who are well versed in Windows and who are also Mac users can offer a better roundup of pros and cons than Apple fanboys or Windows fanboys. And I do comment back on those that run down Windows.

Really, are you just trolling for an argument?

You’ve somehow made this about you. Someone made a comment: "Apple make there computers for target audiences, either you are in there target audience or you aren't...".

I found that notion exclusionary and I felt that specific sentiment was an expression of Apple fanboyism.

Then you jumped in and stated that everything I said was incorrect.

Then I replied that my previous post was not referring exclusively to the OP’s gaming PC example, but rather addressing a general attitude that is commonly expressed by Apple fanboys, i.e. "Apple make there computers for target audiences, either you are in there target audience or you aren't...", and it’s the same one I hear when discussing any Apple product. I then stated that Apple fanboys who express such opinions don’t have very much perspective.

This is all about being able to have a different perspective. If you view the statement:
"Apple make there computers for target audiences, either you are in there target audience or you aren't..."
as a true/false statement, then I understand the "confusion" over my previous posts. You'd be looking at the statement as a "universal truth", and therefor, can't be wrong, and you wouldn't be able to understand why I would argue differently.

However, I don't see if as a universal truth. I see it as something fanboys say when they think they're speaking on behalf of Apple when they're really just regurgitating endless analysis and speculation of MacRumors posts, Apple Keynotes and marketing materials.

Man this gets tiring.

 

[tdale]

Really, are you just trolling for an argument?

You’ve somehow made this about you. Someone made a comment: "Apple make there computers for target audiences, either you are in there target audience or you aren't...".

I found that notion exclusionary and I felt that specific sentiment was an expression of Apple fanboyism.

Then you jumped in and stated that everything I said was incorrect.

Then I replied that my previous post was not referring exclusively to the OP’s gaming PC example, but rather addressing a general attitude that is commonly expressed by Apple fanboys, i.e. "Apple make there computers for target audiences, either you are in there target audience or you aren't...", and it’s the same one I hear when discussing any Apple product. I then stated that Apple fanboys who express such opinions don’t have very much perspective.

This is all about being able to have a different perspective. If you view the statement:
"Apple make there computers for target audiences, either you are in there target audience or you aren't..."
as a true/false statement, then I understand the "confusion" over my previous posts. You'd be looking at the statement as a "universal truth", and therefor, can't be wrong, and you wouldn't be able to understand why I would argue differently.

However, I don't see if as a universal truth. I see it as something fanboys say when they think they're speaking on behalf of Apple when they're really just regurgitating endless analysis and speculation of MacRumors posts, Apple Keynotes and marketing materials.

Man this gets tiring.

Yes it does get tiring, and no I wasnt trolling. Who used the word fanboys in response to my post? Who assumed this and that???

Assuming we both are not trolling or senselessley arguing, perhaps the confusion is the target audience phrase. I see the target audience, as in those that wish to have a nicely upgradeable PC like Mac to be very very small. You perhaps see it as sizeable?

And thus, if the market is very small, thats not exclusionary IMHO, its just not catering to a very small market.

 

[fa8362]

This thread is silly. I wouldn't even consider a PC, and neither would most of the people who buy Macs. Why? I don't want one. End of discussion. There's no point in debating the long list of reasons. They should be obvious.

 

[haylight]

This thread is silly. I wouldn't even consider a PC, and neither would most of the people who buy Macs. Why? I don't want one. End of discussion. There's no point in debating the long list of reasons. They should be obvious.

Thank you for your contribution.

 

[tdale]

This thread is silly. I wouldn't even consider a PC, and neither would most of the people who buy Macs. Why? I don't want one. End of discussion. There's no point in debating the long list of reasons. They should be obvious.

Actually its not that silly. If your Apple mad, yet your a gamer, a PC is the way to go, or a console. If your Windows mad, and you've heard about OSX or bought Apple devices, you might consider a Mac. Not every buyer buys on fan-ism, not all the time anyway

 

[GovtLawyer]

My Experience With Both

I started computing around 1987 or so with a Commodore 128. I bought my first Windows machine somewhere around 1990. Here is my experience with Windows!

Every two years until I switched 5 years ago I had a choice to make.

1) THROW THE DAMN WINDOWS MACHINE OUT OF THE WINDOW OR SMASH IT AGAINST A WALL! or

2) Upgrade to a new Windows model. (I really thought Macs were only for graphics or music production.)

The reason I had the miserable choice was that Windows kept breaking down and/or the peripherals didn't work, and/or the software became buggy. I spent hundreds of hours online at various help lines. The usual suggestions was to reinstall the whole operating system and in the process quite possibly lose my work. I spent hours online with software manufacturers and invariably they blamed Windows for whatever problem I was having. I hardly ever had a decent length of time where I considered my computer reliable.

"Windows can't find - - - There is an error in . . . The registry is . . . Call this . . . Call that . . . ETC."

It was impossible to keep a Windows computer for more than two years before it was unable to handle anything new or got bogged down by each and every piece of software I installed.

OH, DID I MENTION VIRUSES AND VIRUS CHECKERS?

It took 5 minutes to even open the damn thing as it had to check the whole computer for viruses each time.

I HATED IT WITH A PASSION.

In 2009 I bought a late model 2008 iMac from the refurbished store, at a good price. I instantly fell in love with Apple. I own an iPhone, iPod, and iPad. Each works with the iMac as if it were one computer. The operating system is elegant and easy to use. Everything I ever installed worked perfectly from day one. I think I may have had a problem with Airport. I brought it to the Apple store and took it home two days later as good as new.

Earlier this year I bought a late 2013 21" iMac as I wanted to upgrade and get a smaller screen for a smaller desk. Apple sent me a refurbed computer around $400 more upgraded than I asked for or paid for.

EVERYTHING WORKS FLAWLESSLY!

I gladly pay a bit more for an Apple computer than I would for a Windows one. Peace of mind is invaluable. I have it with the Apple. If I ever have a problem, and I have had a few minor ones, a call to Apple and a walk-through of the problem by the customer service rep fixes it immediately. I have never had to reinstall anything or risk losing my work.

So, for the original poster who wanted to know why anyone would buy an Apple - see above!

 

[mcnallym]

Someone made a comment: "Apple make there computers for target audiences, either you are in there target audience or you aren't...".

I found that notion exclusionary and I felt that specific sentiment was an expression of Apple fanboyism.

Then I replied that my previous post was not referring exclusively to the OP’s gaming PC example, but rather addressing a general attitude that is commonly expressed by Apple fanboys, i.e. "Apple make there computers for target audiences, either you are in there target audience or you aren't...", and it’s the same one I hear when discussing any Apple product. I then stated that Apple fanboys who express such opinions don’t have very much perspective.

It was me that made that comment. Not looking to troll or argument.

All companies make targeted products for targeted market. Really failing to see how acknowledging that makes a person a fanboy or lack perspective.

Ford don't make cars for the market that the Mercedes-Benz S-class is aimed at. Mercedes-Benz don't make a Ford Fiesta/Ka market car. ( I know everyone here loves a good car analogy ) Does this make Ford exclusionary?

Perhaps you prefer this phrasing that I could have used instead.

Company X make products that may or may not meet your specific requirements. Before purchasing Company X products you should carefully determine what your requirements are, and if Company X produce a product that meets your specific requirements. If a Company X product does not meet your specific requirements then you may need to look at alternative companies products.

It may be phrased differently but still points to the same end result. You get the product that meets your requirements, and Apple may not be be product that meets your requirements.

As I said in my previous post, I currently use a mini as my DVR/iTunes Server however I cannot find a DVB-T2 tuner that works with Apple products. Instead of feeling excluded and saying Why don't Apple make this product, I am looking at a non-Apple solution. Like I said hardly the sign of a fanboy.

You may guess that I intensely dislike being called an Apple fanboy.

 

[tdale]

I started computing around 1987 or so with a Commodore 128. I bought my first Windows machine somewhere around 1990. Here is my experience with Windows!

Every two years until I switched 5 years ago I had a choice to make.

1) THROW THE DAMN WINDOWS MACHINE OUT OF THE WINDOW OR SMASH IT AGAINST A WALL! or

2) Upgrade to a new Windows model. (I really thought Macs were only for graphics or music production.)

The reason I had the miserable choice was that Windows kept breaking down and/or the peripherals didn't work, and/or the software became buggy. I spent hundreds of hours online at various help lines. The usual suggestions was to reinstall the whole operating system and in the process quite possibly lose my work. I spent hours online with software manufacturers and invariably they blamed Windows for whatever problem I was having. I hardly ever had a decent length of time where I considered my computer reliable.

"Windows can't find - - - There is an error in . . . The registry is . . . Call this . . . Call that . . . ETC."

It was impossible to keep a Windows computer for more than two years before it was unable to handle anything new or got bogged down by each and every piece of software I installed.

OH, DID I MENTION VIRUSES AND VIRUS CHECKERS?

It took 5 minutes to even open the damn thing as it had to check the whole computer for viruses each time.

I HATED IT WITH A PASSION.

In 2009 I bought a late model 2008 iMac from the refurbished store, at a good price. I instantly fell in love with Apple. I own an iPhone, iPod, and iPad. Each works with the iMac as if it were one computer. The operating system is elegant and easy to use. Everything I ever installed worked perfectly from day one. I think I may have had a problem with Airport. I brought it to the Apple store and took it home two days later as good as new.

Earlier this year I bought a late 2013 21" iMac as I wanted to upgrade and get a smaller screen for a smaller desk. Apple sent me a refurbed computer around $400 more upgraded than I asked for or paid for.

EVERYTHING WORKS FLAWLESSLY!

I gladly pay a bit more for an Apple computer than I would for a Windows one. Peace of mind is invaluable. I have it with the Apple. If I ever have a problem, and I have had a few minor ones, a call to Apple and a walk-through of the problem by the customer service rep fixes it immediately. I have never had to reinstall anything or risk losing my work.

So, for the original poster who wanted to know why anyone would buy an Apple - see above!

Funny post (in the nicest possible way). I can relate to many points you raised, and my timeframe was eerily similar. Commodore 64 for me, first PC was an AMD DX/2 80. 40Mhz bus, awesome.

But I can't relate to your Windows experiences. Yes in those days there were some issues, and driver issues were not uncommon when upgrading / installing etc. Certainly not to your extent for me anyway. As I mentioned on this or another thread, Windows to me is very very old, Its legacy, whereas OSX was rewritten. Even my old inherited 2008 iMac 1GB RAM started up quite well. Now it has 4GB and Mavericks.

Its like a new 2014 car compared to a 2004 car, remade in 2014 with a few updates. Its technically new, but based on an old car. OSX is new and stylish but also a modern environment.

Yet to see all this translate to a markjet share increase for OSX, especially with the halo effect of the iPhone/iPad. There has been some gains I am sure but I expected more

 

[tdale]

It was me that made that comment. Not looking to troll or argument.

All companies make targeted products for targeted market. Really failing to see how acknowledging that makes a person a fanboy or lack perspective.

Ford don't make cars for the market that the Mercedes-Benz S-class is aimed at. Mercedes-Benz don't make a Ford Fiesta/Ka market car. ( I know everyone here loves a good car analogy ) Does this make Ford exclusionary?

Perhaps you prefer this phrasing that I could have used instead.

Company X make products that may or may not meet your specific requirements. Before purchasing Company X products you should carefully determine what your requirements are, and if Company X produce a product that meets your specific requirements. If a Company X product does not meet your specific requirements then you may need to look at alternative companies products.

It may be phrased differently but still points to the same end result. You get the product that meets your requirements, and Apple may not be be product that meets your requirements.

As I said in my previous post, I currently use a mini as my DVR/iTunes Server however I cannot find a DVB-T2 tuner that works with Apple products. Instead of feeling excluded and saying Why don't Apple make this product, I am looking at a non-Apple solution. Like I said hardly the sign of a fanboy.

You may guess that I intensely dislike being called an Apple fanboy.

Perhaps the mistake was stating

"addressing a general attitude that is commonly expressed by Apple fanboys,"

and

"All companies make targeted products for targeted market. Really failing to see how acknowledging that makes a person a fanboy or lack perspective."

So, your stating that some users here are fanboys, more to the point, maybe your stating I am a fanboy, or the next guy?

Then you said "Like I said hardly the sign of a fanboy. " I feel its best to avoid that word unless necessary as for some, and probably you, its offensive. Admittedly, word choice on the part of us posters, add in a mix of assumption, can cause a bit of bother

 

[Nunt]

I started computing around 1987 or so with a Commodore 128. I bought my first Windows machine somewhere around 1990. Here is my experience with Windows!

Every two years until I switched 5 years ago I had a choice to make.

1) THROW THE DAMN WINDOWS MACHINE OUT OF THE WINDOW OR SMASH IT AGAINST A WALL! or

2) Upgrade to a new Windows model. (I really thought Macs were only for graphics or music production.)

The reason I had the miserable choice was that Windows kept breaking down and/or the peripherals didn't work, and/or the software became buggy. I spent hundreds of hours online at various help lines. The usual suggestions was to reinstall the whole operating system and in the process quite possibly lose my work. I spent hours online with software manufacturers and invariably they blamed Windows for whatever problem I was having. I hardly ever had a decent length of time where I considered my computer reliable.

"Windows can't find - - - There is an error in . . . The registry is . . . Call this . . . Call that . . . ETC."

It was impossible to keep a Windows computer for more than two years before it was unable to handle anything new or got bogged down by each and every piece of software I installed.

OH, DID I MENTION VIRUSES AND VIRUS CHECKERS?

It took 5 minutes to even open the damn thing as it had to check the whole computer for viruses each time.

I HATED IT WITH A PASSION.

In 2009 I bought a late model 2008 iMac from the refurbished store, at a good price. I instantly fell in love with Apple. I own an iPhone, iPod, and iPad. Each works with the iMac as if it were one computer. The operating system is elegant and easy to use. Everything I ever installed worked perfectly from day one. I think I may have had a problem with Airport. I brought it to the Apple store and took it home two days later as good as new.

Earlier this year I bought a late 2013 21" iMac as I wanted to upgrade and get a smaller screen for a smaller desk. Apple sent me a refurbed computer around $400 more upgraded than I asked for or paid for.

EVERYTHING WORKS FLAWLESSLY!

I gladly pay a bit more for an Apple computer than I would for a Windows one. Peace of mind is invaluable. I have it with the Apple. If I ever have a problem, and I have had a few minor ones, a call to Apple and a walk-through of the problem by the customer service rep fixes it immediately. I have never had to reinstall anything or risk losing my work.

So, for the original poster who wanted to know why anyone would buy an Apple - see above!

Been using a windows 7 pc since 2010 and it works great. I can't even remeber the last time I had a blue screen or something.

What is a problem for windows pc's is that you really need to do your research on the components that go into the pc. For windows there are tons of manufacturers who often don't really care about finding good components for their computers. They are just a small part of the ecosystem, so they don't care if they damage it.

This is different for Apple. If they make a crappy product, this reflects badly on their whole ecosystem. So Apple consumers pay for and receive a certain standard of quality.

This doesn't mean that if you want a quality computer, that your only way is to go Apple. Apple just uses cpu's from intell, gpu's from nvidea, etc. There's nothing stopping the consumer to research those components and to select those quality components that suit your needs. If you do that, then you will have fluently working computer that will last you for years. Especially now that you have cheap and very fasts SSD available. Any inefficiency of windows will just be blown away by the sheer speed of an all-ssd pc.

But if you just by any old OEM pc, you may just get very inferior quality.

 

[Chippy99]

I'm no Apple hater, I own an ipad and am planning on getting a macbook air soon, but for desktop computers windows is still the way to go- so much so I don't understand why you would get an imac ? If you build your own computer you can customize every single part and swap one out if you want a newer video card or get more RAM or whatever;

-Windows 8.1 pro 64-bit (Windows 8.1 is just so open, and the flaws of Windows 8 are over-emphasized, I can install anything on it, no restrictions, and having a non-crippled Office 365 2013 version is great) If you absolutely can't stand Windows there's always Hackintosh. I got 8.1 pro $70 student version
-NZXT Phantom 410 case (massive but aesthetically pleasing and good airflow) $50 with rebate, has tons of USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, all display options you want
-Intel core i7 4790k processor (4.0 Ghz quad core) $270
-EVGA nvidia 770 Gtx GPU (Can run basically any modern game at 60 FPS 1080p) $320
-8 Gb hyperjaw RAM (Plan on upgrading to 16gb RAM when I can afford it) $70
-Seasonic 750 Watt EVO power supply (Runs beautifully quiet, can handle any editing, gaming, etc.) $100
-Samsung 250 GB SSD (Everything is blazing fast, windows startup is 3 seconds, programs open instantly) $110 on sale
-Gigabyte Z97 G1 Gaming Motherboard (Excellent overclocking options, gigabyte Bios is very intuitive, has a built in sound card and amp, good for sound quality and gaming capabilities) $140

That's $1130 for a PC that I DARE you to find an imac of equal quality/power at the same price
With the power of my Nvidia 770 GTX I also purchased an Asus 27" 1440p LED PLS display for $480, gaming is astonishingly good on this display. Maybe you could find an equivalent imac for $2,000+, but for desktops deciding on every single part, the experience of building your computer, the bang for the buck raw power, iMacs don't make sense.

Why would ANYONE buy a BMW instead of a Ford? It beggars belief doesn't it.

 

[username:]

Software, aesthetics, ease of use, not having to build a computer myself. But above all software.

 

[joema2]

...But above all software.

Overall I like Mac OS X better than Windows. However I use a few utilities on Windows that don't have an equally-capable equivalent on Mac:

Everything.exe (indexed file search, including wildcards): http://www.voidtools.com/

TreeSize Pro (disk space management):http://www.jam-software.com/treesize/

Fortunately the Beyond Compare file/folder comparison tool is now available in a Mac OS X version: http://www.scootersoftware.com/beta.php

 

[simsaladimbamba]

TreeSize Pro (disk space management):http://www.jam-software.com/treesize/

I like TSP quite a lot, but there are Mac OS X alternatives if you want to take a look at them:

• DiskInventory X
• OmniDiskSweeper
• JDisk Report
• GrandPerspective

 

[ClaytonMcCranor]

Just to add my 2p (2c?) worth.

I brought a 24" iMac in early 2009. It came with 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and 4GB of RAM and I immediately upgraded it to 8GB (max). I think it came with OS X 10.4 Tiger but I may be wrong.

So far it has run every new version of OS X up to and including the Beta of Yosemite 10.10 which is flying.

Last year I tried to upgrade a Windows machine (it was an ASUS black plastic laptop, at the time no more than 3 years old) I was trying to upgrade from XP Home, which it shipped with to Windows 7. The install came to a grinding halt as several of its components were not supported by the new OS.

Not a problem I have seen with my iMac. I know and understand that one day (prob next year?) this will happen but until then I have an excellent machine still running as well, if not better, than the day I took it from its box.

That is why I brought an iMac and in the next couple of years I will buy another.

 

[AppleFan360]

I was like you. I built my PC's as well. They worked great for a while until new software would come out that required me to upgrade components. I figured out that over a 2 year span, I was pouring the same amount of money into the PC than I would have if I had just purchased an iMac in the first place.

But here are the three main reason I went with Apple:

1. The Apple support system. If something breaks, they fix it. Period. I wasted so much time with my self built PC troubleshooting stuff when I could have been sipping martinis. What a waste of precious life.

2. The Apple ecosytem. Everything works well together. A lot of people slam Apple for their "closed garden" but hey, the stuff works!

3. Video editing in Final Cut Pro X is amazing and smooth. Love it!

I can understand your points about the power of a self built PC. When you add up the cost of parts however, the "Apple Tax" really isn't all that much. Maybe about $300 and you get everything I mentioned above plus a darn nice looking machine.

 

[GardnerGarrick]

Just how they like it I guess

As a lover of art and design, my son tells me that Macs are more his thing because of the programs that they have and support. I have seen what he can do with them and he is slowly teaching me some stuff; and whilst I am not sure if you can do all the stuff he is doing on his mac on a normal PC, what he is doing is pretty amazing.

 

[Oracle1729]

As a lover of art and design, my son tells me that Macs are more his thing because of the programs that they have and support.

That was quite true 15 years ago, but at this point I'm not sure there's any hint of it left. Apple has gotten out of the high end software business and design software companies like adobe and autodesk support both platforms (and autodesk at least seems to favor windows a bit if anything).

I actually think this is where Apple is making their biggest mistake, abandoning creators in favor of iToys users.