Mac user hangout - no mac/pc debates

[QwikSand]

I just got my first Macbook today, one of the new white 13.3" ones and after only a few minutes with it, I am sooooo glad I got it. I love the interface, ease of setup, the sleekness and the fact that it comes bundled with so much stuff. So what are some of the favorite programs you have, either that come bundled or not? I wanna learn as much as I can and the best way is to talk to people who already use Macs.

[mikejet]

I used to love Mac's, then I realized how overpriced they are and have no resell value whatsoever.

Also, Mac's aren't very torrent friendly.

[QwikSand]

Let's keep this free of pc vs Mac rants. I'm asking specifically Mac users what they like about it. I don't care about anything else. I still use pc obviously, I just got this today. Everyone has their preference of computer, this thread isn't for debating that.

Anyways, I tried to buy a Mac on ebay for the past few weeks and they certainly sold pretty high so I just decided to go new for a little more. I really like that it comes with video and audio editing software included as I am a musician and that's important to me.

[phlydude]

each has their own place...Mac is for the artistic type, PC for the gamer/internet/general user types

I personally don't like only having 1 button on a mouse interface (whether it is a mouse or a touchpad).

The displays on those $2000+ mac book pros are beautiful but for what I want or need, the PC that is somewhat scalable is a better option for me.

[pacificvibes]

I love Macs....they are really easy to use IMO...I have a MacPro and a 30'' Apple display and I could be any happier.

[mikejet]

For music production and graphic design you can't go wrong.

Every DJ I know has a Mac. What do you plan on doing with yours Qwik?

[Moefiz]

I am still in the looking stages right now.I need to get a new desktop and I am looking at and Imac just haven't decided to pull the trigger on it as yet.

[pacificvibes]

Hey Quik....have a look at Logic Studio if you haven't already...

[QwikSand]

I got it mainly for video editing and creating and editing music that I write. I may eventually solely use it for an everyday machine but I don't know yet. I still love my HP laptop so migrating will take some time but the shiny newness is hypnotizing.

[xtop]

Originally Posted by mikejet

Also, Mac's aren't very torrent friendly.

lies

i want a macbook pro so bad. my ibook is weaksauce now.

btw..go ahead and download the safari beta that just released (also a thread about it here). if you use a chat program..aim, msn, whatever. get adium

[pacificvibes]

I love how people still come in the thread and like to start PC vs Mac drama

[mikejet]

Ableton Live 7 is great as is Fruity Loops but it depends on how much you're willing to spend.

I'm probably going to get a Mac when I eventually buy a Vestax VCI-300 as a midi controller for Serato.

Editing movies and video is easy, a friend of mine who went to school for broadcasting did all of his projects in iMovie.

[QwikSand]

Originally Posted by pacificvibes

I love how people still come in the thread and like to start PC vs Mac drama

Hopefully that ends or I'll be starting the thread over again.

I was looking at all of the products and videos briefly on apple.com and Logic Studio looked very cool. I can't spend that kind of money right now but it's certainly something to consider when I eventually build my home studio when I get a house. I don't really know much about the high end equipment for recording so this is a start. I'm going to max the 4gb of Ram soon to squeeze out all the power I can. It's only like $100 at Newegg for two 2gb sticks.

[pacificvibes]

Originally Posted by QwikSand

Hopefully that ends or I'll be starting the thread over again.

I was looking at all of the products and videos briefly on apple.com and Logic Studio looked very cool. I can't spend that kind of money right now but it's certainly something to consider when I eventually build my home studio when I get a house. I'm going to max the 4gb of Ram soon to squeeze out all the power I can. It's only like $100 at Newegg for two 2gb sticks.

Yeah I know the software is pricy but its good stuff...I would defiantly upgrade the RAM...and whats nice about MACs is its so easy to do yourself...also check out academicsuperstore.com for the software...great prices...

[brettallica]

I love each Mac that I use regularly, which is about three or four of them. I use my iBook G4 and a first-gen iMac G5 (the first of the flat panel types) the most, though. I use my laptop at home a lot for side jobs and for artsy stuff, like web design and just in general (for example, I made this on it). I have it loaded with Adobe Creative Suite and all kinds of other goodies, and I love the intuitiveness of just about all the Mac software.

My one hangup on Mac is their lack of any good torrent software (mentioned before by mikejet), but it doesn't bother me that much because I have several PCs that perform that task for me. Of course I only download things legally that I either already own on other media...or I download television shows. I really do not download any hot new movies or anything like that. Anyway...

When I first switched my music library from Windows Media Player to iTunes, I really didn't like the way iTunes "organized" my music. I ended up going a totally different route with regard to music organization on my Mac, and now I'm good to go.

I am thinking about selling my current iBook and going with a new MacBook Pro with a hot processor and RAM, as my needs have grown since I purchased my iBook almost three years ago now. Plus, your dollar goes a lot further -- even for Macs -- now than it did then.

[mikejet]

What type of music will you be working on?

[Monkey]

I've got a 24" iMac with the upgrade to 4GB Ram.

Basically I just want to be able to make some Midi music, though I did buy a mic that I haven't used yet. I'm starting to learn how to use Pro Tools (MBox 2).. Maybe it is just being bad with PC's in general but it has quite the learning curve for me. I've got an Axiom 61 keyboard as well as Native Instruments for the software (Absynth 4, Massive, etc.. which I'm learning how to use as well.. I wish everything ran smoothly out of the box but it does seem to need tweaking. Still trying to figure out how to lower latency to the best settings as well, etc. I hate latency.. Well youtube seems to have some good info out there.. Just forcing myself to put in the grunt work to learn the software.

Also not a fan of the 1 button mouse. Miss being able to right click and open a new window, see properties and copy it, etc.

Perhaps I should do what some do and have a dual start up option, though have no clue how to do it.

[brettallica]

Originally Posted by Monkey

Also not a fan of the 1 button mouse. Miss being able to right click and open a new window, see properties and copy it, etc.

Either get yourself a wireless Mighty Mouse (that's what I use), or simply take your Windows-compatible USB mouse that has left- and right-click capabilities and plug it into your Mac. It'll still work.

[QwikSand]

I was worried about one button too and having to hit a key for the menus but I'll be getting a Mighty Mouse eventually. Is that what you recommend for the best two button option or are there better Mac two button mice out there?

[xtop]

intellimouse 3.0 > *