I really want a Falcon Northwest system, but they are too damn expensive. I have read nothing but good reviews about Falcon.
[quote]Big_Boss wrote:
Testy1 wrote:
Try running ANY major CAD package on a Mac, not gonna happen. They are great for graphic artist though.
That reminded me of another reason I shy away from Macbook Pro: I’ve heard about issues running AutoCAD even in Windows mode on a Mac (side note: “AutoCAD sucks” is a constant thing I hear…but I need it for school purposes). Doesn’t do me any good to have a $1800-$2500 machine that can’t run CAD programs efficiently. What other CAD programs have issues on a Mac?
[/quote]
My condolences on having to use Autocrap, it’s ponderous for anything but schematics and fluid diagrams.
As far as I know none of the big boys ie, Catia, i-Deas, Pro-E etc… or even mid level packages such as Solidworks or Inventor will run on Macs.
[quote]Testy1 wrote:
Big_Boss wrote:
Testy1 wrote:
Try running ANY major CAD package on a Mac, not gonna happen. They are great for graphic artist though.
That reminded me of another reason I shy away from Macbook Pro: I’ve heard about issues running AutoCAD even in Windows mode on a Mac (side note: “AutoCAD sucks” is a constant thing I hear…but I need it for school purposes). Doesn’t do me any good to have a $1800-$2500 machine that can’t run CAD programs efficiently. What other CAD programs have issues on a Mac?
My condolences on having to use Autocrap, it’s ponderous for anything but schematics and fluid diagrams.
As far as I know none of the big boys ie, Catia, i-Deas, Pro-E etc… or even mid level packages such as Solidworks or Inventor will run on Macs. [/quote]
Thanks for the condolences…lol. Well,I know some people do run those programs on a Macbook Pro and claim no problems. BUT I hear more of the opposite. I guess those few that have no issues are “lucky” or just know something the rest don’t.
[quote]Big_Boss wrote:
Testy1 wrote:
Big_Boss wrote:
Testy1 wrote:
Try running ANY major CAD package on a Mac, not gonna happen. They are great for graphic artist though.
That reminded me of another reason I shy away from Macbook Pro: I’ve heard about issues running AutoCAD even in Windows mode on a Mac (side note: “AutoCAD sucks” is a constant thing I hear…but I need it for school purposes). Doesn’t do me any good to have a $1800-$2500 machine that can’t run CAD programs efficiently. What other CAD programs have issues on a Mac?
My condolences on having to use Autocrap, it’s ponderous for anything but schematics and fluid diagrams.
As far as I know none of the big boys ie, Catia, i-Deas, Pro-E etc… or even mid level packages such as Solidworks or Inventor will run on Macs.
Thanks for the condolences…lol. Well,I know some people do run those programs on a Macbook Pro and claim no problems. BUT I hear more of the opposite. I guess those few that have no issues are “lucky” or just know something the rest don’t. [/quote]
Really? I stand corrected.
Are they running under the OSX operating system or windows on a Macbook? I’m pretty sure the CAD system I use (Solidworks) is unsupported under Apple. If running under windows, that kind of makes the use of the macbook a moot point doesn’t it?
[quote]RSGZ wrote:
buffalokilla wrote:
What are you going to use the machine for? If you want to play any games, that machine is pretty weak graphically (the best graphics card you can get is a lower end card from two hardware generations ago). If you just want to play movies, browse the internet, and fire up your office program of choice, then it’ll suit your needs fine.
Of course, the Dell consumer line has pretty shitty support and hardware failure rates. Go for the business line if you’re going to buy Dell (you don’t have to be a business to buy those).
Personally I build my own, because where some of the major manufacturers tend to skimp is on motherboards and power supplies, the two most important points of failure. For laptops, I really like Asus. Price and build quality are very good.
-Dan
This.
Dell generally sucks. Building a desktop is easy (relatively) and, as mentioned, you can pick some better quality core components - a weak motherboard can make rather good components suck performance-wise, and even damage them.
Laptops - HP, Asus and Acer all get my vote.[/quote]
I have to echo the above again!!
If you want a desk top build your own!! its easy as hell, cheap, and you end up with the best PC for the money…
For laptops, I love Asus… my Eee PC is crazy (after a 2 gig ram chip for 28 bucks) and does everything I want and only weights 2.2 pounds…
I hope you guys spouting alien ware realize they are owned by dell and have the same components as a dell XPS (which would cost less) they just have pretty cases…
Macs are full of fail… I still to this day to NOT get it… look at me !! I paid 3 times what you did for a white case on my laptop that I cant upgrade without refinancing my house!! but the apple logo glows !!
OK, a bit dramatic there, but really, I dont get it… Then again, I am an engineer and play computer games that require good graphics or for some engineering software require real horsepower… At any rate, unless your into movie editing and art stuff I just dont get it… My sister has a macbook that cant do anything more than my Eee pc, which only cost me 300 bucks (with a case and usb drive)…
On a side note: if your thinking tablet wait for the next generation E-readers… they will have full page tablet operations, with microsoft office… for 400-550 bucks (half the price of a tablet pc)…
just my 0.02… oh, and suck it mac fans !! j/k… kinda…
[quote]RSGZ wrote:
buffalokilla wrote:
What are you going to use the machine for? If you want to play any games, that machine is pretty weak graphically (the best graphics card you can get is a lower end card from two hardware generations ago). If you just want to play movies, browse the internet, and fire up your office program of choice, then it’ll suit your needs fine.
Of course, the Dell consumer line has pretty shitty support and hardware failure rates. Go for the business line if you’re going to buy Dell (you don’t have to be a business to buy those).
Personally I build my own, because where some of the major manufacturers tend to skimp is on motherboards and power supplies, the two most important points of failure. For laptops, I really like Asus. Price and build quality are very good.
-Dan
This.
Dell generally sucks. Building a desktop is easy (relatively) and, as mentioned, you can pick some better quality core components - a weak motherboard can make rather good components suck performance-wise, and even damage them.
Laptops - HP, Asus and Acer all get my vote.[/quote]
[quote]Testy1 wrote:
Big_Boss wrote:
Testy1 wrote:
Big_Boss wrote:
Testy1 wrote:
Try running ANY major CAD package on a Mac, not gonna happen. They are great for graphic artist though.
That reminded me of another reason I shy away from Macbook Pro: I’ve heard about issues running AutoCAD even in Windows mode on a Mac (side note: “AutoCAD sucks” is a constant thing I hear…but I need it for school purposes). Doesn’t do me any good to have a $1800-$2500 machine that can’t run CAD programs efficiently. What other CAD programs have issues on a Mac?
My condolences on having to use Autocrap, it’s ponderous for anything but schematics and fluid diagrams.
As far as I know none of the big boys ie, Catia, i-Deas, Pro-E etc… or even mid level packages such as Solidworks or Inventor will run on Macs.
Thanks for the condolences…lol. Well,I know some people do run those programs on a Macbook Pro and claim no problems. BUT I hear more of the opposite. I guess those few that have no issues are “lucky” or just know something the rest don’t.
Really? I stand corrected.
Are they running under the OSX operating system or windows on a Macbook? I’m pretty sure the CAD system I use (Solidworks) is unsupported under Apple. If running under windows, that kind of makes the use of the macbook a moot point doesn’t it?[/quote]
They’re using either Bootcamp,Parallels,or VmWare software to run in Windows. I’m just now venturing into Solidworks and Inventor…so I really don’t know what is considered optimal when running those programs. But it all sounds very hit-or-miss trying to run that stuff on a Mac.
[quote]twilson13 wrote:
For those that think macs are way overpriced, go to dell.com and customize a dell xps, or whatever their highest model is now, and put the EXACT same parts in it as a macbook pro(choose any model) and see how the price compares. I think you will find that when you put the same equipment in the dell as the mac, that the price gets pretty darn comparable.
[/quote]
My real question is if you need that high end of a computer why are you not building it yourself?
[quote]Big_Boss wrote:
Testy1 wrote:
Try running ANY major CAD package on a Mac, not gonna happen. They are great for graphic artist though.
That reminded me of another reason I shy away from Macbook Pro: I’ve heard about issues running AutoCAD even in Windows mode on a Mac (side note: “AutoCAD sucks” is a constant thing I hear…but I need it for school purposes). Doesn’t do me any good to have a $1800-$2500 machine that can’t run CAD programs efficiently. What other CAD programs have issues on a Mac?
[/quote]
you can’t run Catia (big 3 modeling software), ProE, Flow3D, Magma, or Solidworks…
Basically if your an engineer macs do nothing for you…
Oh, and if you guys really need the computing power, just get an “under the desk” Lynix Cluster…
[quote]skaz05 wrote:
I really want a Falcon Northwest system, but they are too damn expensive. I have read nothing but good reviews about Falcon.
[/quote]
The only decent company anyone has mentioned in this entire thread. IF you are looking for a damn good computer, with amazing technical support and service;
Puget Systems:
Lets compare that to Dell:
HP:
Apple:
Some of the bad reviews may be bullshit, but you get the general idea.
Ratchet, how many people(percentage wise) do you think use their computers for engineering applications and heavy gaming(gaming that a mac can’t handle)? You are looking at your small little niche. The fact is that the majority of people just use computers for music, pictures, email and general surfing. That is the majority. The price of a macbook starts at $999. This is pretty inexpensive, and they are user friendly. Most people aren’t interested, or tech savvy enough to get into the customization that windows offers. They want something that they can pick up and use easily without much thought. There are always going to be the more technical people and nerds, that love the idea of getting into the OS, but for everyone else, there is mac. This is all opinions anyways, and nobody is going to really be swayed to switch because of this thread.
Oh, and having a netbook is great for basic stuff, but they still don’t have all the things that you pay 3 times as much for on a mac(software, build quality, power, battery life, etc.)
[quote]twilson13 wrote:
The price of a macbook starts at $999. This is pretty inexpensive[/quote]
LOL
A decent non-Mac laptop that’s too powerful for the tasks you described runs about 500 or 600.
You’re buying extra software with a Mac; if you’ll use it, great, if not, there’s no value added for your money.
Have you ever used iPhoto, iDvd, iMovie, or Garage band? Those come standard and most people do pictures, make movies, or do some sort of music stuff. Go see how much it would cost to have that stuff on windows. If you haven’t used it and know how it works, then of course you are going to speak against it. I would do the same thing if I were you, but I purchased a mac to see if I liked it, and after using windows for over 10 years, I realize I like OS X better. Also, if you haven’t actually used a macbook(pro) before, then understanding the build quality and overall experience of owning a mac is very difficult.
[quote]twilson13 wrote:
Ratchet, how many people(percentage wise) do you think use their computers for engineering applications and heavy gaming(gaming that a mac can’t handle)? You are looking at your small little niche. The fact is that the majority of people just use computers for music, pictures, email and general surfing. That is the majority. The price of a macbook starts at $999. This is pretty inexpensive, and they are user friendly. Most people aren’t interested, or tech savvy enough to get into the customization that windows offers. They want something that they can pick up and use easily without much thought. There are always going to be the more technical people and nerds, that love the idea of getting into the OS, but for everyone else, there is mac. This is all opinions anyways, and nobody is going to really be swayed to switch because of this thread.
Oh, and having a netbook is great for basic stuff, but they still don’t have all the things that you pay 3 times as much for on a mac(software, build quality, power, battery life, etc.) [/quote]
Actually, being that I went to an engineering school 90 to 95% of my friends are “tech savy” and or play video games… I use engineering software everyday for graduate school… I dont run the simulation software on my Eee Pc but I do solid modeling on it…
Everything you just said normal people do, I can do on my Eee Pc… Unless your in a niche market like video production / graphic arts (justifies macs)… or engineering (justifies PC)… I dont see how any one can justify a mac… especially with the netbooks on the market today…
Then again, people now adays buy an image, and mac did a great job creating an image. However, the truth is my iphone and ipod have just as many issues as any other smart phone or mp3 player I have ever owned…
As far as laptops go, I have a hp 17", only had 1 problem, which was fixed under warranty even when my warranty ran out. Stupid BIOs error with the fan, but whatever. I’d rock a asus laptop though, and as much as I hate mac’s, I’d love to have a macbook air.
Desktop- My alienware area 51 is awesome, liquid cooled core i7, zero problems from day one, and running stable at 4.1 gigs. Was pretty cheap as well as far as they go. Outside alienware, I would only build my own, everything else on the market is too mainstream as far as parts go.
One note about macs that are good, is that unless you get a 17" or 18.4" laptop from dell, hp, or anyone else, you don’t even have the option to upgrade video cards to something decent. Macs on the other hand have good video cards throughout the line, starting with the 13" or whatever the hell they have. Macs may not be for everyone, but they are certainly good for anyone who does design work or video editing. Furthermore, in a test of over 20 laptops, windows vista ran the fastest on a macbook pro.
Mac HP Acer. Pick your poison.
[quote]Tyrant wrote:
Outside alienware, I would only build my own, everything else on the market is too mainstream as far as parts go.[/quote]
There are many other boutique PC builders that are better regarded and produce superior products. Puget, Falcon-NW, Maingear, and MaxForce PC are all more reputable than Alienware (Dell).
[quote]Ratchet wrote:
twilson13 wrote:
Ratchet, how many people(percentage wise) do you think use their computers for engineering applications and heavy gaming(gaming that a mac can’t handle)? You are looking at your small little niche. The fact is that the majority of people just use computers for music, pictures, email and general surfing. That is the majority. The price of a macbook starts at $999. This is pretty inexpensive, and they are user friendly. Most people aren’t interested, or tech savvy enough to get into the customization that windows offers. They want something that they can pick up and use easily without much thought. There are always going to be the more technical people and nerds, that love the idea of getting into the OS, but for everyone else, there is mac. This is all opinions anyways, and nobody is going to really be swayed to switch because of this thread.
Oh, and having a netbook is great for basic stuff, but they still don’t have all the things that you pay 3 times as much for on a mac(software, build quality, power, battery life, etc.)
Actually, being that I went to an engineering school 90 to 95% of my friends are “tech savy” and or play video games… I use engineering software everyday for graduate school… I dont run the simulation software on my Eee Pc but I do solid modeling on it…
Everything you just said normal people do, I can do on my Eee Pc… Unless your in a niche market like video production / graphic arts (justifies macs)… or engineering (justifies PC)… I dont see how any one can justify a mac… especially with the netbooks on the market today…
Then again, people now adays buy an image, and mac did a great job creating an image. However, the truth is my iphone and ipod have just as many issues as any other smart phone or mp3 player I have ever owned… [/quote]
Are you at Rolla? I did my undergrad in engineering as well, and if I used ProE, Mech Desktop or other stuff, I would have a powerul windows based computer. You and your friends, as well as me and a lot of my friends, are not the majority. Netbooks can do what most people want, but the added software on macs really sell the whole package. Like you said, apple has made a good image for themselves, which is not completely baseless. They have solid products and fairly comprehensive software built-in.
I have owned windows mobile and symbian based smartphones, and the iphone is way better than them overall, but doesn’t have all the little intricacies that the other mobile OS’s have. Sometimes having the simplicity and overall package is just better than being able to do EVERYTHING at the sacrifice of a lesser UI experience.
My main point still stands; that the majority of people want ease-of-use, simple and useful UI, and a quality build. I think this is why the brand image of apple is so great. Does it have drawbacks? Of course, but most people don’t care about those or don’t even know enough to care. You are more practical(you realize you don’t need the software or extras a mac offers, or want customization) in your approach to computing, but that is just not the norm in society.
[quote]twilson13 wrote:
Have you ever used iPhoto, iDvd, iMovie, or Garage band? Those come standard and most people do pictures, make movies, or do some sort of music stuff. Go see how much it would cost to have that stuff on windows. If you haven’t used it and know how it works, then of course you are going to speak against it. I would do the same thing if I were you, but I purchased a mac to see if I liked it, and after using windows for over 10 years, I realize I like OS X better. Also, if you haven’t actually used a macbook(pro) before, then understanding the build quality and overall experience of owning a mac is very difficult.[/quote]
I have used all those, actually. I’ve used about 15 different types of laptops over the years, including several iterations of the Macbook. The programs you mentioned are decent consumer level software; obviously a professional in any of those areas would need something better, but for a casual user they do just fine. I don’t think anyone is saying Macs are bad, just that they’re often not worth the cost for most users. The best build quality I’ve ever seen in a laptop is actually an MPC, they’re tanks but still light and wieldy. Thinkpads are good too.
Doesn’t matter anyway, the OP wants a desktop.
Commodore 64…the 128 isnt practical. That or the ADAM 1200