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Thinking of ditching my PC for an Mac mini..... ?

76.178.31.161

Posted on April 16, 2014 at 10:32:32
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7954
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
I build PC's. I used to fix PC's. I'M SICK OF PC'S. I'm sick of the windows crashes and problems, programs running slow, the constant looking for malware, I'm FREAKING SICK OF IT.

So. Mac mini with a 1 terrabyte drive? Get an adaptor for my monitor, plug in a keyboard and mouse (do Mac's use the same mice as PC's?) and I'm all set.

I'll keep the PC for gaming only. I'll use the MAC for email, web, spreadsheets, banking, etc.

So is this a crazy idea or would I like being a MAC guy?

Let's hear from anyone who has made the jump....

PS: Show stopper - the Logitech Media server for my Touch will work on a MAC, yes?


'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

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    ...
You will probably like it, posted on April 16, 2014 at 10:47:21
G Squared
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Posts: 8435
Location: Washington, DC Metro Area
Joined: November 16, 2004
Contributor
  Since:
May 23, 2023
Low maintenance

It takes a little getting used to no delete button and the way IOS manages downloads

Office for MAC is good

Pure Music works great and sounds great on my MacBook

I recommend not getting a giant built in hard drive, but getting two externals. One for music files and one to back them up - stored in a different place.


Gsquared

 

thanks and a question...., posted on April 16, 2014 at 11:08:08
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7954
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
About the external hard drives.... don't they run a LOT slower over usb than an internal drive?






'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

Left the PC World a couple years ago and never looked back..., posted on April 16, 2014 at 13:19:49
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
That said, the Mac Mini is WAY overdue for an update, so I would wait. Current models have very slow Intel integrated graphics technology that doesn't come close to keeping up with the cheapest of the current iMacs.

I'm happy with my MacBook Air for a portable laptop and will wait for an updated Mac Mini or if none comes around will go with the new Mac Pro.


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

I have not noticed any impact on playback, posted on April 16, 2014 at 14:04:37
G Squared
Audiophile

Posts: 8435
Location: Washington, DC Metro Area
Joined: November 16, 2004
Contributor
  Since:
May 23, 2023
even with Hi Rez files. I do not think audio playback is really taxing on the system capabilities.
Gsquared

 

RE: You will never look back, posted on April 16, 2014 at 14:53:14
navman
Audiophile

Posts: 1264
Location: U.S.A.
Joined: January 26, 2009
Always built my own rigs for gaming. PC was the way....

Then switched to Mac after my kids started using them for school.

A bit of a learning curve, but I cant go back. Macs work and work well.

Since I don't do much gaming anymore, I don't miss much.
navman

 

do it, posted on April 16, 2014 at 15:36:03
I bought a Mac 10 years ago and it is still kicking, one of the most beautiful operating systems is MacOSX. You won't be sorry.

 

agree, posted on April 16, 2014 at 15:42:11
I agree.. I say he go ahead and do it, see what it is about.

 

RE: Left the PC World a couple years ago and never looked back..., posted on April 16, 2014 at 15:43:11
If you wait for every upgrade cycle you'll be buying a new mac every 6 months or so, LOL! shiny!

 

updates to the Mini, posted on April 16, 2014 at 15:43:59
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7954
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
Rumor is September and that's just a rumor - could be next year.

I'd like to wait but not sure I can. I might pick one up Thursday.

This will be zero gaming or video, just server, email, banking, etc.






'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

you are good, posted on April 16, 2014 at 15:49:50
I think I paid $4K for my Macbook Pro, it was a thing I just had to experience.

I went the Chrome OS route, I use everything google nowadays with my Chromebook.

I'm trying to simplify, I found as I get older and more tech savvy I just like to go with what works. Macintosh is like a hammer, it just works. Like you have a nail you need in the wall, you hammer it. Same thing.

 

I don't have any issues with Win7., posted on April 16, 2014 at 15:51:47
Nor did I with XP for that matter. Solid, stable, reliable and fast. Sure, download shareware junk and those handy utilities and watch it slow to a crawl.

Keep it clean and mean and it performs. Of course, there is a learning curve and some effort required, but isn't that true of everything?

Don't forget, the Mac is still a computer, there's nothing magical about it. You pay a premium, but supposedly get a set and forget interface that has a strong appeal for many people.

I use too much industrial and commercial programs that I need to support machine control systems, all run on XP and maybe Win7, going to a Mac just isn't an option.

 

crap shoot, posted on April 16, 2014 at 16:02:36
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7954
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
One day you'll wake up and your account profile will be corrupted and you won't be able to login.

One day your programs just won't start anymore.

One day your programs will all start running really slow.

It's windows. If it works now, just be patient.




'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

whatever you do, don't underestimate Microsoft, they are working on a new operating system, posted on April 16, 2014 at 16:10:46
I took part in researching with them on their Singularity Operating system, everything for the most part was using managed code.

They have something up their trillion dollar sleeves. do don't think it stops with Windows, they know...

 

oh yeah, the next version will be great, posted on April 16, 2014 at 16:23:39
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7954
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
I've heard that for twenty years.

Used to believe it, too. But not anymore.




'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

yep, you are right, posted on April 16, 2014 at 16:37:18
like any ancient monopoly they use old technology until it can't be used anymore, and they charge you every year more and more. in case of Microsoft every couple of years windows licenses go up!

who heard of paying for software? what a joke. you pay for support. wow things are really bad for them it seems.

 

RE: Left the PC World a couple years ago and never looked back..., posted on April 16, 2014 at 20:31:28
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
Wha? The latest Mac Mini is less than a year old. Are you kidding me? You have bought into accelerated obsolescence. Congrats to Apple. I'm running a 2010 with no issues, and I have a friend who is running server perfectly with a 2006 model.

 

RE: updates to the Mini, posted on April 16, 2014 at 20:33:45
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
Whaaaa? Horror of horrors! You are going to use your computer for purposes besides music????

The men In the white coats will be at your door in the morning. The computer audio police are all knowing.

 

RE: crap shoot, posted on April 17, 2014 at 03:51:10
Oh, I'm not saying that I don't understand that combinations of software and hardware can fail. I keep multiple redundant backups. I still partition my hard drive and keep the date on the extended drive and the software on the primary partition.

If worse comes to worse, I can smoke the primary, reformat and load from scratch.

I guess my point is that Apple computers are also combinations of hardware and software, also devised by man, and no less prone to the same failures and problems that any other processor can experience.

 

RE: Thinking of ditching my PC for an Mac mini..... ? , posted on April 17, 2014 at 07:12:12
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6580
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
Both Windows and OSX work well. Pick your poison. Some dedicated servers can sound even better.

 

Maybe it's the way you build them, posted on April 17, 2014 at 07:31:50
JeffH
Audiophile

Posts: 4574
Location: Orange County, So Cal
Joined: April 5, 2000
or tinker. Not trying to be an A-hole here, but I have two old PC that just won't die. They gone from original W95 in 2003 to win 7 currently. My music server is Asus W7 laptop that's dedicated and I'm typing on 3 year old W7 desktop thay my wife has totally abused with school crap. Problems with none of them.

Is it true that PC folks tend to tinker more and thus destroy their machines more? you bet! Is it true that Windows is a more open system, that can be abused more easily? Yes. But I'd rather have the freedom to F up than not...

On the otherhand, my best buddy whose family have big Mac's, laptops, ipads have had to have their Mac's rebuilt twice in the past 6 years.

 

Mac Mini is graphics solution is YEARS old..., posted on April 17, 2014 at 07:44:02
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
The Intel integrated graphics solution in the Mac Mini was considered 'old' (for a desktop solution) even when it was new.




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

Careful..., posted on April 17, 2014 at 07:46:02
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
The 'moderator' has been known to put people on vacation for the mere mention of that fact. =:-0




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

The only downside is it may turn you into a mac person, posted on April 17, 2014 at 07:59:16
texanater
Audiophile

Posts: 1513
Location: Houston, TX
Joined: December 16, 2002
I hate mac people and after making the switch a couple years ago I am finding it very hard to not be one myself!

Macs are fine with normal mouse and keyboard although they have a very nice wireless option I highly recommend. I also recommend the solid state hard drive. You may not find one big enough for your music files but you can use an external drive for that. The solid state drive is amazingly fast. I have a macbook air that goes from totally turned off to full operation in 10 seconds. It turns on instantly if it is just asleep. I mean its on before I even fully open the screen.

I wrote this a couple months back to a post with a similar question, its kind of a funny story:

I bought my first computer in 1996. I was junior enlisted in the Army at the time and not tech savvy at all. I wanted to get a computer but didn't know a thing about them so I asked around. I didn't really understand what people were saying regarding the technology but I could at least determine there were basically two camps, the macs and the pcs. All I knew is is I did NOT want to be ANYTHING like the people who said "get a mac." Sorry mac people but its true. Macs would probably take over the world if not for "mac people". So I got a PC. I spent the next 15 years hating every computer I owned with a white hot hate. I mean "FROM HELL'S HEART I STAB AT THEE!!!!!" kind of hate. In 2011 I gave in and bought a mac and I will NEVER go back to windows. In fact, last year I deployed to Afghanistan and needed a laptop. Logic and reason suggested I should get a cheap crappy windows computer and throw it away when I return but I just couldn't. I plopped down the cash for a Macbook pro and have no regrets. Afghanistan is the dustiest place on earth. It might as well be covered in moon dust or ultra fine talc powder. Windows pcs get chewed up in that environment because they are so inefficient and run hot requiring constant fan cooling. My mac's fan hardly ever turned on. I cracked open the computer when I returned and there wasn't a spec of dust inside, it looked new. I say in the strongest possible terms get a Mac. If the cost is a factor then save a few hundred bucks and buy one that is a year or two old. It will still probably last you 10 years.
My top reasons for preferring mac over windows:
-It simply works - I don't care if you are just using it for web surfing, you can't web surf with a POS that doesn't work
-It starts up very fast - from a complete shut down to full operations takes about 30 seconds. From sleep mode to full operation takes about 5-10 seconds. If you get the solid state drive you will go from complete shut down to full operation in 5-10 seconds - Also if you get the solid state hard drive files will load instantly
-Battery life is amazing - my laptop will last days-week of moderate use
-It lasts - you save money in the long run because you won't need to replace it ever couple years
-Cost is really not a downside because you really save money in the long run. My uncle had a mac for 16 years and still used it every day! He would probably still be using it but he passed unfortunately 2 years ago
-The app store is very convenient
-Its quiet and runs cool - Mac is obsessive about efficiency and consequently the machine runs very cool rarely needing a fan and the battery lasts forever
-You are less prone to malicious software than windows, but that is less true in recent years
-Very helpful and useful free support from the Mac community
-Very durable - It has an aluminum body rather than some POS plastic one
etc?

Down sides:
-Not as intuitive as people say, it takes some getting used to especially if you are coming from a windows environment - still its intuitive enough just expect a learning curve
-There is not a lot of gaming software out there for mac if you are into that
-You may be limited in other software too, but I have not come across that yet
-You get what you get - if you are a tinkerer and like upgrading parts or adding capability you probably don't want a mac. They button it up so its nearly impossible to tinker with. For example RAM is soldered in. If you want to upgrade RAM you have to take it in somewhere or be reaaaaaly savvy.

I can NOT imagine ever buying another windows machine, EVER!!!

Edit: The line about about not being tech savvy was in reference to 18 years ago. I've since earned a BS in Physics and have a career in Space and Cyber technology development. I don't want that to read that my preference for Macs is due to not being tech savvy. I'm not a PhD engineer but hardly a Noob anymore!

Edit 2: You may have caught there is a discrepancy between the times I said it takes start up. I now have a solid state macbook air. The body of this text was written a few months ago when I had a regular hard drive macbook pro. My 3 year old son murdered the macbook pro with a glass of water so I replaced it with an air. What ever that is worth.

Nate
You can't cheat an honest man, never give a sucker an even break or smarten up a chump -- W.C. Fields

 

Noooooooooo..., posted on April 17, 2014 at 08:57:04
Presto
Audiophile

Posts: 5957
Location: Canada
Joined: November 10, 2004
...oooooooobody would think that is a bad thing.... lol

Cheers,
Presto

 

RE: Thinking of ditching my PC for an Mac mini..... ? , posted on April 17, 2014 at 10:00:03
audioengr
Manufacturer

Posts: 6017
Location: Oregon
Joined: April 12, 2001
Mac is not the panacea that it used to be. There are so many flakey apps that run on it now that crashes and memory leaks are inevitable. Used to be only Apple apps ran on Apple.

That said, I really like the stability and speed, particularly a Mac Mini with SSD. The ONLY way to play music IMO. I was a PC guy also and still use it for workstation for CAD because its a lot cheaper.

 

RE: Thinking of ditching my PC for an Mac mini..... ? , posted on April 17, 2014 at 10:09:57
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
While I agree with you about Macs in general, I can't imagine not having a Windows machine in the office or the house. Way too many things you need it for.

The only way to play music is a Mac Mini with SSD? HARDLY.

 

RE: Thinking of ditching my PC for an Mac mini..... ? , posted on April 17, 2014 at 13:05:27
Bob_C
Audiophile

Posts: 2667
Location: NY
Joined: July 31, 2000
"The ONLY way to play music IMO."

What do you base this opinion on?

 

If October 23, 2012 is less that a year ago, you're right..., posted on April 17, 2014 at 13:49:51
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
Current version of the Mac Mini was introduce in October 2012 and it includes Intel HD Graphics 4000 technology.

"Intel HD Graphics is a series of Intel's integrated graphics processors introduced in 2010 that are manufactured on the same die as the central processor."

Translation of above: SLOW!

OK, HD Graphics 4000 is better than HD Graphics 3000, which was the version used in the 2011 Mac Mini, but seriously...


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: If October 23, 2012 is less that a year ago, you're right..., posted on April 17, 2014 at 14:00:14
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
The computer industry must love you. You help keep Apple executes in their yachts and their kids driving Maseratis to school.

 

Considering how little effort you put into PC setup, and how long ago that was - ..., posted on April 17, 2014 at 14:47:27
carcass93
Audiophile

Posts: 7181
Location: NJ
Joined: September 20, 2006
... I'm afraid that your assertion qualifies as baseless.

 

You sure do jump to unwarranted conclusions.., posted on April 17, 2014 at 14:51:03
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
thereby spending much of your time being wrong.

My current work laptop is a Dell Latitude D610, about 10 years old, upgraded to Windows 7 and still alive only because I still use QuickBooks for the company books. That will be gone by the end of the year.

My wife has an about-to-be-thrown-away, 10 year old Acer Netbook, unfortunately running now-unsupported Windows XP.

So I'm sure you would agree that we need to upgrade. Our goal here is to leave Windows far behind and a Mac Mini would be a logical replacement for the long-dead HP desktop in the office.

As far a putting money in Apple's hands, we have done a bit of that, but to my mind it's been a fair deal.

My current personal computer is a mid 2011 MacBook Air. I use it for both home and work/travel (except for the aforementioned Quickbooks) and I see no need to upgrade at this moment.

Other Apple stuff includes my iPhone 5, my wife's hand-me-down iPhone 4 Plus we fight over the iPad 2.

Are you sure I'm keeping "Apple executes" rich by waiting a bit before I plunk down money on a new Mac Mini?

Also I was completely unaware that Tim Cook's kids drove 'Maseratis to school', or that Tim Cook had any kids, for that matter. ;-)








First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: You sure do jump to unwarranted conclusions.., posted on April 17, 2014 at 14:58:10
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
I just find it interesting you can comment on the performance of the current Mac Mini, and it's supposed shortcomings without owning or using one.

Not everyone is a spec shopper.

 

RE: Thinking of ditching my PC for an Mac mini..... ? , posted on April 17, 2014 at 15:31:04
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6580
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
I would first like to thank Steve for providing me his Overdrive SE DAC with the Final Drive and Short Block. These were recently reviewed by me at AudioStream.

I just don't agree with his view that a Mac Mini is the only way to play music. As fmac has previously pointed out, a MacBook pro and a Mac Mini are not all that different given that they use very compact architecture. The MacBook Pro has the advantage of being faster; the faster Mac generally sounds better-at least to me. Also, the MacBook Pro can be run off its battery; a mode that sounds better than plugged into its AC adapter.

But the sad fact is, what sounds best to you will often be the result of synergism with your complete system. I find it very difficult to make a general pronouncement because even though I listen to many different DACs, I don't change my speakers, amps, etc.

Since last year, I have found Windows 8.1 64 Pro with Jriver/JPlay to be more satisfying than my Mac software programs in terms of sound in the context of my system. I will eventually try the Windows server that our friends Bob and fmac prefer.

 

RE: Thinking of ditching my PC for an Mac mini..... ? , posted on April 17, 2014 at 16:54:14
Bob_C
Audiophile

Posts: 2667
Location: NY
Joined: July 31, 2000

I guess in your opinion the best car is a VW BUG...

 

RE: Thinking of ditching my PC for an Mac mini..... ? , posted on April 17, 2014 at 18:31:35
audioengr
Manufacturer

Posts: 6017
Location: Oregon
Joined: April 12, 2001
Mercman - Thanks again for the review. I think a PC can be a decent platform for music playback if it has Linux OS and minimizes extraneous apps etc.. The Antipodes is a case in point. Sounds every bit as good as my Mini. Lots of optimizations were done on both the Mini and the Antipodes server. The problem is Windows IMO.

 

RE: Thinking of ditching my PC for an Mac mini..... ? , posted on April 17, 2014 at 19:41:27
Bob_C
Audiophile

Posts: 2667
Location: NY
Joined: July 31, 2000
"Mercman - Thanks again for the review. I think a PC can be a decent platform for music playback if it has Linux OS and minimizes extraneous apps etc.. The Antipodes is a case in point. Sounds every bit as good as my Mini. Lots of optimizations were done on both the Mini and the Antipodes server. The problem is Windows IMO."



It is nice that you think that, but have you actually done any researcher into what can be done with the MS operating system? What windows are you talking about? Is every MS OS the same IYO?

 

If Antipodes server sounds every bit as good as MacMini - Antipodes has a lot of work to do. N/T, posted on April 18, 2014 at 08:39:51
carcass93
Audiophile

Posts: 7181
Location: NJ
Joined: September 20, 2006
N/T

 

you are dead wrong, posted on April 18, 2014 at 09:08:53
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7954
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
'I guess my point is that Apple computers are also combinations of hardware and software, also devised by man, and no less prone to the same failures and problems that any other processor can experience.'

Seriously?

Windows Software fails for no identifiable reason.

Programs lock up. They won't launch. Everything just gets slower. The 'reload from scratch' option is not something people with Macs do with ANYWHERE near the frequency that Windows users do.

That's just how it is with Windows and everyone knows it. Google 'Win7 user profile corrupted' and tell me that happens in Apple computers.

I used to fix PC's for a living so don't give me any of that 'Oh, the users caused this'. Sh*t just happens on Windows.




'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

RE: you are dead wrong, posted on April 18, 2014 at 09:54:39
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
That might be a little extreme. I have been using two Win 7 machines for work for years now without a single lock up, failure, or issue. Same for my wife's two work computers.

 

I'm not going to argue the point., posted on April 18, 2014 at 09:59:36
It seems, however that you want to. Sorry, can't accommodate you. Have a great holiday.

 

RE: If Antipodes server sounds every bit as good as MacMini - Antipodes has a lot of work to do. N/T, posted on April 18, 2014 at 10:25:36
audioengr
Manufacturer

Posts: 6017
Location: Oregon
Joined: April 12, 2001
If it sounds so bad, how did it get best sound of show from one reviewer and 2nd place from another at last RMAF?

 

RE: Thinking of ditching my PC for an Mac mini..... ? , posted on April 18, 2014 at 10:29:01
audioengr
Manufacturer

Posts: 6017
Location: Oregon
Joined: April 12, 2001
Some newer Windows systems can approach this kind of sound quality, but I have yet to hear anything as good based on Windows. Part of the problem is software apps, not OS. Nothing seems to match the best version of Amarra. I think Jriver and Jplay come close though.

 

RE: Thinking of ditching my PC for an Mac mini..... ? , posted on April 18, 2014 at 11:07:43
Bob_C
Audiophile

Posts: 2667
Location: NY
Joined: July 31, 2000
"Some newer Windows systems can approach this kind of sound quality, but I have yet to hear anything as good based on Windows. Part of the problem is software apps, not OS. Nothing seems to match the best version of Amarra. I think Jriver and Jplay come close though."

But you have not heard server 2012 and the AO. With this OS running in core mode + JPlay it is clearly superior to any MAC system. This is from first hand experience, and other trusted opinions. You really should try it. The AO has been a revelation to me, it vastly improves an already good OS.

 

RE: Thinking of ditching my PC for an Mac mini..... ? , posted on April 18, 2014 at 11:11:19
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
Stop trying to change set in stone belief systems!!

Next thing you know you might ask others on this board to have an open mind...c'mon now! :)

 

RE: If Antipodes server sounds every bit as good as MacMini - Antipodes has a lot of work to do. N/T, posted on April 18, 2014 at 14:52:23
Bob_C
Audiophile

Posts: 2667
Location: NY
Joined: July 31, 2000
"If it sounds so bad, how did it get best sound of show from one reviewer and 2nd place from another at last RMAF?"

The MAC OS does not necessary sound bad, it is just that some things now sound better. Doctors used leaches, now they use antibiotics. Nothing wrong with progress and keeping an open mind...

 

RE: Thinking of ditching my PC for an Mac mini..... ? , posted on April 18, 2014 at 15:01:36
Bob_C
Audiophile

Posts: 2667
Location: NY
Joined: July 31, 2000
Stop trying to change set in stone belief systems!!

Next thing you know you might ask others on this board to have an open mind...c'mon now! :)"

It would be nice sometimes.

I still enjoy this hobby,it should be fun. I don't get what people are thinking sometimes.

 

RE: you are dead wrong, posted on April 18, 2014 at 20:56:34
Bob_C
Audiophile

Posts: 2667
Location: NY
Joined: July 31, 2000
"That might be a little extreme. I have been using two Win 7 machines for work for years now without a single lock up, failure, or issue. Same for my wife's two work computers."

Actually more than a little extreme IMO. Out of hundreds and hundreds of users that I am personally aware of, problems are extremely rare, and often traced to virus, spyware or operator error. People will believe what they want...

 

RE: Thinking of ditching my PC for an Mac mini..... ? , posted on April 19, 2014 at 09:36:23
audioengr
Manufacturer

Posts: 6017
Location: Oregon
Joined: April 12, 2001
You are correct, I have not tried everything, including this. I hope to hear some of these Windows systems at Newport or RMAF.

 

I like Mac's ability to migrate to new Operating Systems, posted on April 21, 2014 at 11:12:10
Recorder
Audiophile

Posts: 311
Location: Washington DC
Joined: November 1, 2007
I have used Macs at home since the second model came out, while I used Windows machines at work. One of the things that I like about Mac is that you can generally upgrade the operating system multiple times and it still works well. So it isn't just that Macs generally run for a long time, but that they run for a long time on current operating systems. I am currently running a 2009 iMac as my main system (my music server is a 2009 Mac Mini). It originally came with Snow Leopard, but I have migrated to Lion and Mountain Lion and am only waiting for an updated hardware driver to become available before I migrate to Mavericks.

Where I worked, they never upgraded Windows except when upgrading the computers, too. The systems were fairly stable, but that stability came at the cost of flexibility. The IT people did not allow any additional software to be installed until extensive testing with the other software on the system, to prevent untoward interactions. if the software you needed was not on the approved list, you were out of luck or had to jump through extensive justification hoops as to why you really, really, REALLY needed it. One time they missed a problem. I had an "approved" new software program installed and the installation replaced a DLL that was also used by one of the more advanced Excel analytical functions, not used by most people. As a result, the Excel function that I needed stopped working. Fortunately, one of our IT people figured out the problem and restoring the older version of the DLL restored the Excel functionality.

One nice thing about being a Mac early adapter is that I got to help my PC-only colleagues learn how to use Windows when it came out, as it copied so many elements of the Mac OS. The same happened when Microsoft ported the Mac versions of Word and Excel to the Windows platform. There was hardly any learning curve at all in going from Mac Word and Excel to the Windows versions, when they were finally released.

Cheers,
Bill

 

RE: Thinking of ditching my PC for an Mac mini..... ? , posted on April 22, 2014 at 16:13:54
DeeCee
Audiophile

Posts: 769
Joined: July 6, 2001
Sorry. I just made the leap a few weeks ago.

Actually I am a "platform agnostic" and have worked with a variety of systems from mainframes to PCs to *ix systems and some relatively bizarre operating systems, etc.

For my personal use I've had linux, various windows, even an amiga and Tandy system form "back in the day."

I switched to a mac (a mac mini actually) from a Windows system for the following reasons:

1. My old platform was archaic and literally falling apart.
2. I was really sick of the barrage of viruses, malware, etc. that I was constantly fighting.
3. System stability and lack of pre-installed "crapware".
4. Fun to try something new!

Yes, there are some operational differences however the curve is not that bad... there is a lot of help out on the web and getting the system up and running (including useful software from the start) was really nice. It practically set itself up.

My major issues was migration: I ended up doing it manually for the most part (still a work in progress).

Finding equivalent software (so far) hasn't been an issue and my upcoming project is setting myself up an AV server system (I'm still somewhat old school audio wise; the big rig is fairly isolated.)

So far it's been a minimum of problems and fun to learn something new! (ignoring muscle memory is an issue though...)

Good luck on your endeavor if you choose to go for it!

EDIT: lastly a major issue is trying to get my wife to switch... currently running simultaneous systems now.

-DeeCee

PS: Oops! Forgot to mention what I got: Mac mini / 16GB / 256GB SSD. Will add storage later as needed.

PPS: Buy stuff like memory, storage, etc., 3rd party or you'll pay the famous "Mac Tax"

 

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