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Started By
Message
Lifetime PC user thinking about buying an iMac
Posted on 3/10/16 at 1:45 pm
Posted on 3/10/16 at 1:45 pm
I am need of a new home computer, and I have been considering an iMac. I am 34 years old and have used nothing but PC's my entire life. I consider myself above average on everyday computer knowledge, but by no means an expert. The Windows framework is ingrained in me and I can locate files/programs/shortcuts in my sleep.
I have talked to a few people, mostly Apple fanbois, and they all say its nothing to learn how to operate a Mac. I am just wondering how big of a deal it really is. I use a PC at work, and the home computer would be for browsing, printing pictures/invitations, etc. (wife) and music/movies. I am afraid to pull the trigger on an iMac for $2500 then hate it a month later. I think I could adjust but I am worried that my wife won't be able to master it. She uses it quite a bit for home use as well.
Any serious feedback is appreciated. FYI we have iPhones, iPads, etc as well that we love.
I have talked to a few people, mostly Apple fanbois, and they all say its nothing to learn how to operate a Mac. I am just wondering how big of a deal it really is. I use a PC at work, and the home computer would be for browsing, printing pictures/invitations, etc. (wife) and music/movies. I am afraid to pull the trigger on an iMac for $2500 then hate it a month later. I think I could adjust but I am worried that my wife won't be able to master it. She uses it quite a bit for home use as well.
Any serious feedback is appreciated. FYI we have iPhones, iPads, etc as well that we love.
14
Posted on 3/10/16 at 1:50 pm to slinger1317
quote:
Any serious feedback is appreciated. FYI we have iPhones, iPads, etc as well that we love.
I would never do it - I'm Droid/Windows, mostly. But, if it makes a difference, you can drop the money on an iMac and still have Parallels and get a Windows environment both for compatibility and to give you a security blanket - just in case the learning curve is steep.
It likely won't be as you're iPhone/iPad already. If I were totally into Apple devices, I would make the switch and use Parallels without hesitation.
Posted on 3/10/16 at 1:53 pm to slinger1317
I'll just give my 2 pennies
I bought a 21.5" 2009 iMac for $300 off of craigslist. It is very fast and nothing ever crashes, I can edit videos from my GoPro, use Lightroom etc on it no problem. It is my "home base" computer.
Only downsides to it are that it isn't super sharp and sometimes runs hot. I put a little fan behind it and it runs fine all day
Maybe go with a 2011 or so iMac (better screen resolution for video/photo editing if you're into that) around the $500-$700 range on Craigslist or try to talk someone down. I can promise you even the 09 MacBook does everything the 2015 version does. Mine has a 3.06 Ghz processor that is very zippy
I bought a 21.5" 2009 iMac for $300 off of craigslist. It is very fast and nothing ever crashes, I can edit videos from my GoPro, use Lightroom etc on it no problem. It is my "home base" computer.
Only downsides to it are that it isn't super sharp and sometimes runs hot. I put a little fan behind it and it runs fine all day
Maybe go with a 2011 or so iMac (better screen resolution for video/photo editing if you're into that) around the $500-$700 range on Craigslist or try to talk someone down. I can promise you even the 09 MacBook does everything the 2015 version does. Mine has a 3.06 Ghz processor that is very zippy
Posted on 3/10/16 at 1:53 pm to slinger1317
Don't do it. OSX blows compared to Windows 10. You will feel like you are computer illiterate the first few months.
Posted on 3/10/16 at 1:55 pm to slinger1317
In the long run it is totally worth it. Short run there will be some growing pains/learning curve. I will say it is much easier going from windows to a mac than the other way around.
There are plenty (TONS) of resources online for switchers. Many of the keystrokes are the same. I say go for it.
There are plenty (TONS) of resources online for switchers. Many of the keystrokes are the same. I say go for it.
Posted on 3/10/16 at 1:55 pm to ColdDuck
I disagree
OS X is very user friendly and easy to navigate. So if you're a longtime Windows user, it is extremely easy to catch onto, especially if you start memorizing the keyboard shortcuts
OS X is very user friendly and easy to navigate. So if you're a longtime Windows user, it is extremely easy to catch onto, especially if you start memorizing the keyboard shortcuts
Posted on 3/10/16 at 1:58 pm to Tony The Tiger
quote:
In the long run it is totally worth it.
I'm trying but can't come up with a good reason for this to be the case? Can you explain?
This post was edited on 3/10/16 at 1:59 pm
Posted on 3/10/16 at 2:07 pm to slinger1317
I made the switch in 2011 after only using Windows for 20 years and haven't looked back. On the other hand, I did get a free 27" 2011 iMac a few weeks ago from a heavy Windows user that bought it new and never learned how to use it. So it falls both ways.
Posted on 3/10/16 at 2:08 pm to junkfunky
Ok which Windows fanbois are downvoting me 
Show yourselves!
Show yourselves!
Posted on 3/10/16 at 2:10 pm to Mullet Flap
quote:
I can promise you even the 09 MacBook does everything the 2015 version does
Well, they both can run the latest version of OS X, but the 09 will not be near as fast, efficient, quiet, or have the battery life as a 2015 model. There are certain features of the OS that will not work on the 09 like hand off and continuity.
quote:
Ok which Windows fanbois are downvoting me
That would be this huge Windows fanboi right here, and I stated my reasons above.
This post was edited on 3/10/16 at 2:11 pm
Posted on 3/10/16 at 2:17 pm to slinger1317
dont
Posted on 3/10/16 at 2:23 pm to slinger1317
quote:
slinger1317
The most important question -- why do you want to buy an iMac? Is it for that 5K screen? Have you been given the impression that Apple hardware is "better"? Or that OS X is better?
There was a suggestion above to buy a used Mac, but as you mentioned the $2500 price tag, it leads me to believe you're possibly enamored by the 5K screen (Although I don't think they cost quite that much anymore). Which is fine. It's beautiful. However, it is worth noting that besides the OS, all other iMacs offer nothing else that a Windows all-in-one PC doesn't offer (I say that only because you use Windows and have concerns about switching to another OS).
Assuming you're not intentionally trying to get away from Windows, it's a lot of money to spend for the basic functions you mentioned, considering there are no hardware advantages outside of the 5K screen. No advantages in longevity or performance. No advantages in functionality or practical design. It's just another all-in-one.
I'm talking about iMacs specifically, by the way. The MacBook Pro, on the other hand, is actually a well-designed laptop that one could more readily make a case for buying regardless of OS preferences (but not 5/6/7-year-old used models). Windows PCs have only recently started to contend with the power/ultra-portability combo.
This post was edited on 3/10/16 at 2:27 pm
Posted on 3/10/16 at 2:30 pm to ILikeLSUToo
quote:
No advantages in functionality
iMessage, but that in itself doesn't justify the price tag.
One can argue that 3rd party apps are better designed, but that's a preference and the Mac App Store is shite.
Posted on 3/10/16 at 2:37 pm to colorchangintiger
Yeah, true about iMessage. Albeit an advantage that comes out of forced exclusiveness. Because otherwise, MightyText and/or hangouts work really well.
Posted on 3/10/16 at 3:38 pm to Ace Midnight
quote:
you can drop the money on an iMac and still have Parallels and get a Windows environment both for compatibility
I will never understand this.
Macs are awesome. Apple is the best!!! Microsft and Windows suck!!! ***buys Mac, runs Windows on it***
Posted on 3/10/16 at 4:11 pm to ILikeLSUToo
I appreciate all of the feedback. You are right that I love the new iMacs. They just look amazing. I need a new computer anyway, and I have been thinking about making the switch and I would think its 50/50 for me on moving to OS because of my devices and just plain liking the look of the machines.
Basically I am still in the same boat, but I appreciate your input about why I want it. I never thought of it like that.
Basically I am still in the same boat, but I appreciate your input about why I want it. I never thought of it like that.
Posted on 3/10/16 at 4:48 pm to slinger1317
The newer Windows All-in-Ones look pretty good, too.
4K ASUS Zen AiO: LINK
Here's a Lenovo Ideacentre AIO. Not as sleek but destroys even the $2300 iMac. LINK
Granted, you can accomplish your usage goals for a third of the price or less. And full disclosure: I hate all-in-ones, regardless of brand.
4K ASUS Zen AiO: LINK
Here's a Lenovo Ideacentre AIO. Not as sleek but destroys even the $2300 iMac. LINK
Granted, you can accomplish your usage goals for a third of the price or less. And full disclosure: I hate all-in-ones, regardless of brand.
This post was edited on 3/10/16 at 4:49 pm
Posted on 3/10/16 at 4:56 pm to ILikeLSUToo
quote:
I hate all-in-ones, regardless of brand.
Any particular reason? I have never had one I just like the idea of a clean setup. I don't have to have an all in one, but I would love to cut down on wires. We recently bought a new house with a dedicated office, and I am finally getting around to setting it up.
Posted on 3/10/16 at 5:12 pm to slinger1317
Go for it! OS X is amazing :)
Posted on 3/10/16 at 6:32 pm to slinger1317
quote:
Any particular reason?
Laptop components with no portability. But I don't care about wires. Dual monitors, wired keyboard, wired mouse, 5.1 speakers, headphones, amp, DAC, desktop, two microphones, mic amp, and USB drive. Wires everywhere.
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