Mac for Graphics Design

[Fliko]

I've been constantly trying to get into graphics design, but have been constantly thrown off by the interface of Windows Applications.

I've been looking at Macs and been thinking of purchasing a powerbook to be used just for Graphics Design, but my question is:

Is it worth it? Are there mods I can get to change the interface and controls to react more like the Mac interfaces, or am I just plain wrong in the first place and do Mac interfaces just plain suck?
Is a Mac just overall better to use for Graphics design?

 

[kacation_man]

as far is i know, every one that Ive ever talked to that has been in graphic design (professionally) has a Mac for things such as animation, video editing, photo editing, etc... and a PC for the business and casual things, if they are better, I guess its all ones opinion. Ive used a PC for just about all these things and have had no problems, matter of fact I edited a video using a crappy 1.2Ghz cpu, on-board video, and 256MbRam, 40gig drive... not sure how i managed... but i did it. I personally dont care for Mac because im unfamiliar with there OS and the whole interface, but they sure do look snazzy!

 

[Revisedsoul]

right now, if your planning on using an intel based mac for graphics design, alot of the programs still are not universal(mainly adobe), so wont run smoothly.

and adobe is stating that it will not be releaseing a universal product unti cs3 comes out.

 

[CptStern]

the programs you use for graphic design: photoshop, illustrator, quarkXpress, indesign etc all look the same regardless of platform. If you're just starting out and trying to learn it wont matter which platform you use ..stick with the cheapest ..the "look" of the os is unimportant it's how well you know the apps themselves that are important: most studios have macs and pcs and you'll be expected to know both. As a long time mac user/graphic designer who's switch ed to pcs I can say that it doesnt matter which pc you use ..at least not in graphic design

that said, you dont design on a laptop, If you want a mac for work purposes get a newer core duo with at least 4g of ram and a 21" monitor ..anything elese you're just better getting off getting a much cheaper but just as powerful pc

 

[kacation_man]

nuff said.

 

[StardogChampion]

As Stern said, the programs are all exactly the same.

I hate the whole "Mac's are better for design" nonsense. Photoshop CS2 on Mac is exactly the same as on PC.

Beware of laptops though, sometimes the screens are a little off-colour.

 

[Fliko]

Beware of laptops though, sometimes the screens are a little off-colour.

I'll take note of that if I buy one

So, it seems Mac and PC are pratically the same despite what some people do say, okay then...

Would I be better of to buy a tablet then?

BTW, I have been doing Graphics Design for a while, but I'm just trying to extend my skill set from Photoshop

 

[hungryduck]

I'll take note of that if I buy one

So, it seems Mac and PC are pratically the same despite what some people do say, okay then...

Would I be better of to buy a tablet then?

BTW, I have been doing Graphics Design for a while, but I'm just trying to extend my skill set from Photoshop

some designers buy a mac because they dont want to deal with viruses/spyware or have to mess with configuring/building etc their computer, they just need something that works, so they get a mac.

 

[destrukt]

The Mac are 'better' for any type of creative work is a myth, and a stupid one at that.

Most of the most popular programs are on both platforms and both have their own 'exlusive' ones but there is always a comparable product on the other platform.

The GUI isn't going to magically change goine from one platform to the other, either.

hungryduck, I really don't think that's the reason why and out of all the people I've worked with etc it's not.

 

[Asus]

Final Cut Pro is one of the few true arguments for owning a Mac.

 

[hungryduck]

Final Cut Pro is one of the few true arguments for owning a Mac.

logic pro is a pretty good excuse too.

I found that when using my mac for audio, I just had an easier time installing software and audio hardware.....just plug in, set your levels, and go. Now, I'm not saying windows computers CAN'T do this (they can!), buy when I did audio on my gaming XP computer, I spent a day installing different drivers and trying to get everything set up.....I'm not saying this is always the case, but from my experience, installing Firewire and usb interfaces and midi keyboards and linking them all up to audio software and then getting two audio programs to sync their transports was ALOT easier on a mac. In the end, its all up to personal preference.
Also, people see mac os X as a "beginners operating system" where everything is dumbed down and simple, but not tweakeable or customizeable. Mac OS X runs over UNIX....so if being able to open a Unix console and muck around with anything you want isn't tweaking, then I don't know what is. Mac's also ship with Xcode - you don't have to buy or steal $400 or whatever Visual Studio package to make and distribute programs on OS X. Anyone can. Thus, there is a shitload of good free software and utilities and widgets to play around with.
I know a lot of you say "windows can do everything mac does" and I fully agree with that sentiment. BUT, not having to deal with spyware and viruses on a daily basis does wonders for the fun in using a computer. The time I wasted virus scanning and updating and firewalling and patching my windows computer translates into time I spend creating or doing something fun on my mac. And its a cool thing when your computer comes with enough software to make films with full music scores, a band recording, or a fully featured website.
And I'm sorry if I sound like the asshole mac!!!! stereotypes that all of you are tired of hearing from these days....but this is what I have found after using PC's since learning MSDOS in the 3rd grade.
Anyway, sorry for the mac mongering, I had to get that out of my system.

 

[Space Farm]

Using a Mac for design work is one of the biggest computing myths ever.

However if a mac is what you want go for it.

Edit:

The Mac are 'better' for any type of creative work is a myth, and a stupid one at that.

Just saw your post after I posted mine. Totally agree, destrukt.

 

[-Psy-]

When I went to work experience (which was graphics design) we just used PC's in dual-monitor mode...

I remember my Arts Teacher saying that Macs are used by all professionals in the industry. I knew she was talking a load of bollocks

 

[CyberPitz]

I found it easier for me to edit videos and such on the mac, but I dunno, I guess I just couldn't find a decent proggy to do it on the PC.

I wish I could get good with Photoshop. I used to be ok with it *I could do some redementry stuff* but now, man, it's bad. I have problems doing anything on it. I just can't wrap my head around it....

 

[Revisedsoul]

macs are better suited to do creative work out of the box. you'll be hard pressed to find a good beginers set of programs for audio/picture/video editing that come with a pc, right out of the box.

 

[shortsite]

I've been doing graphic design for 6 years now. If your heavily into design get yourself the new duol core macs dont bother with the laptops (unless your going to your client for client consultation).

I havent noticed much deffierence in terms of interface but one thing I would advice you about is get more memory for what you will end up using, 2 gig should do it but if you feel its not good enough get more.
I have a pc at home but I prefer to use macs just because my pc isnt powerful enough to use certain software (photoshop cs2 rapes my pc bloody memory cache)

So be careful be professional and use a Mac, if you dont have enough money get a pc with a lot of memoryy and you cant go wrong.
I'm expecting to get myself a new mac early next year.

just a thought

 

[-Psy-]

I got 1 gb of DDR2 memory and I can run Photoshop fine AND can do video editing with no problems.

Laptops are a no-no obviously...but there really isn't any difference from the Mac and PC for design.