Imac computer

Rick Johnson · Post by **Rick Johnson** » 17 Feb 2014 12:28 pm

I'm considering a new computer purchase.
The Imac looks pricy but interesting.
Any recommendations?

Rick

www.rickjohnsoncabinets.com

Don Poland · Post by **Don Poland** » 17 Feb 2014 1:32 pm

Rick, I have the 27" IMac sighting on my desk right along side the Win7 computer and I find my self using the Mac more frequently than the Win7 unit. I like the Mac better but there are some trade offs with trying to run Windows software on the Mac. There are programs that will only run on Win reliably. That being said, I have never ran into a problem because I was always able to run other Mac programs that had nearly the same features. I guess it would really depend on what you plan on doing with the computer. I have the Win unit for BIAB because it is what I had before buying the Mac. I am unsure if PG Music has a BIAB version for Mac. the Mac also seems to run faster and load from start-up faster than the Win unit. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Mac again, in fact, it would be my first choice. Your mileage may vary.
I am sure that others have opinions contrary to mine, but I guess the only way to know if you like it, is take the plunge or maybe find a friend with a Mac and try it out before you buy. Good luck.

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 18 Feb 2014 4:46 am

I use I Mac, Love it...also have windows 7 & 8 , still prefer mac... I have BIAB on my Mac Book, and a app, for Ipad, that lets you play songs remote ...

robert kramer · Post by **robert kramer** » 20 Feb 2014 10:25 am

No question you should get an iMac. It will run faster and smoother - last longer and be cheaper in the long run. Customer support is unbelievable. Refurbs have a one year warranty. Strongly consider a 27" screen. You'll be happy you got it.

21"

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/s ... ac/imac/21

27"

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/s ... ac/imac/27

Niels Andrews · Post by **Niels Andrews** » 20 Feb 2014 10:49 am

There is no comparison, I use pc's at work and an Imac at home everyday. Imac is the only way to go, no viruses, no spam and I have had it four years and never had the Imac lock up or crash, plus it automatically keeps software up to date. I can't say enough good about my experience's with Apple.

Dave Potter · Post by **Dave Potter** » 20 Feb 2014 5:07 pm

Niels Andrews wrote:There is no comparison, I use pc's at work and an Imac at home everyday. Imac is the only way to go, no viruses, no spam and I have had it four years and never had the Imac lock up or crash, plus it automatically keeps software up to date. I can't say enough good about my experience's with Apple.

Wow! Just, WOW!

That's quite a testimonial. I wonder how Bill Gates managed to get Microsoft off the ground at all, with competition like that!

Niels Andrews · Post by **Niels Andrews** » 20 Feb 2014 5:13 pm

They were not always where they are today. For many years there was a lack of business software and apple had the graphics World . But I am impressed you place such a value on my opinion. I have not compared stock performance the last few years, but I think Apple is doing fair.

Dave Potter · Post by **Dave Potter** » 20 Feb 2014 5:20 pm

Niels Andrews wrote:But I am impressed you place such a value on my opinion.

And I am impressed BY your opinion.

Jim Cooley · Post by **Jim Cooley** » 21 Feb 2014 2:35 pm

A very timely posting for me, since Microsoft is discontinuing Windows XP support soon. I need to replace the operating system on my home PC. The machine is past due for hardware upgrades anyway. I have been considering a Mac. Other than price difference, I have a couple of basic concerns:

1. The learning curve involved with switching from PC to Mac;

2. Software compatibility - It's my impression that most mainstream software is Mac-compatible, but it is a consideration.

Any suggestions for a Mac machine, OS version, etc?

Don Poland · Post by **Don Poland** » 21 Feb 2014 4:25 pm

Jim, prior to purchasing my iMac, I had never even touched a Mac before. The biggest thing I have trouble remembering is that the "x" and "-" and the little box on the top right of your Windows screen is on the top left of the Mac. There are a few minor differences to get used to but overall, the learning curve is not that bad. I would bet that you would be up and running in no time. Also, there is a wealth of knowledge on various forums if you should find yourself in uncharted territory. Apple also has numerous help forums if you need them.

The OS is automatically upgraded when available, if you like and it is FREE!! All of my apps have updated numerous times with no problems or cost involved. Software is readily available from the Apple store, a lot of them free. I have had no problems finding software to replace my windows software.

Jim Cooley · Post by **Jim Cooley** » 21 Feb 2014 5:23 pm

Thanks for the informative reply, Don. It helps.

One example: If I get an email or document in Word format, will a Mac program automatically convert it so it's usable? Does email depend on the ISP server configuration? Probably dumb questions. I've worked with nothing but PCs for years.

b0b · Post by **b0b** » 21 Feb 2014 5:28 pm

I use Apache OpenOffice on my Mac (and on my PC). It's free, works a lot like MS Office, and it has handled every MS Office file I've tossed at it. I'm not saying it handles everything, but the MS Word docs and MS Excel spreadsheets that I've tried had no problems at all.

I use a Mac Mini, by the way.

Don Poland · Post by **Don Poland** » 22 Feb 2014 7:42 am

What b0b said! I have had no problems opening any MS word files so far. I have Word, Excel, Office files that open fine using the same software b0b has discussed in previous thread. BTW, it is also free like a lot of mac software.

Jim Cooley · Post by **Jim Cooley** » 22 Feb 2014 9:30 am

I use Apache OpenOffice on my Windows tablet; good to know it's Mac compatible. Does Apple have its own email handler, or do you use another program?

I feel like I hijacked your thread, Rick. Sorry about that. Even though this info is available via Internet search, it's great to have opinions from people you
are familiar with. I'll try to bow out now. If it helps, I still like the speaker cabinet you built for me.

Don Poland · Post by **Don Poland** » 22 Feb 2014 10:05 am

Jim, I use the standard mail app that came with the computer which works fine and is a nice setup. I have multiple accounts set up via Gmail, Hotmail, ISP mail, etc and it works flawlessly. That being said, I just opened the app store and did a search for email apps and there is pages of them. Most are free or very cheap(0.99 to couple bucks) for your viewing pleasure. Nice thing is, if you find one and buy it for a couple bucks, your are not out a lot of $$$ if you don't like it.

b0b · Post by **b0b** » 22 Feb 2014 11:50 am

Jim Cooley wrote:I use Apache OpenOffice on my Windows tablet; good to know it's Mac compatible. Does Apple have its own email handler, or do you use another program?

Apple has a very good email program bundled as part of the OS. I don't use it because I access my mail from several different systems. I use Google's Gmail because it works on my Mac, PC, Android tablet and ChromeBook.

John Billings · Post by **John Billings** » 24 Feb 2014 11:54 am

I just got a new iMac. The electric company finally blew up the power supply in my old, really old, Quicksilver G-4. You Mac guys gotta now how old that thing was! Says something about their quality and durability.
The new one is blazingly fast. Everything loads in the blink of an eye! Everything except the SGF, which frequently loads painfully slowly. Don't know why.

John Billings · Post by **John Billings** » 24 Feb 2014 11:55 am

My above post took almost a minute to open on the Forum. But this one may load instantly!

b0b · Post by **b0b** » 24 Feb 2014 1:22 pm

The Steel Guitar Forum isn't a major web site with load distribution across multiple servers. It's just one little Linux server in Santa Rosa, CA. Sometimes page requests pile up, especially around midday, and it takes a while to sort through the database to get everyone what they asked for. That's why it seems slow sometimes. The speed usually has nothing to do with your computer.

John Billings · Post by **John Billings** » 24 Feb 2014 1:27 pm

Thanks b0b! Understood.

Ken Metcalf · Post by **Ken Metcalf** » 9 Mar 2014 7:30 am

After struggling with my PC and being new to computer recording. I broke down and found a 2010 Imac that is a factory refurbished at Discount electronics for $650.
What a difference like night and day as far as ease of use and music software just loads up and works.

b0b · Post by **b0b** » 9 Mar 2014 2:49 pm

Need RAM? http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=261841

Daryl Thisdelle · Post by **Daryl Thisdelle** » 12 Apr 2014 8:28 pm

I have used iMacs in my home recording studio now for over 10 years. Nothing runs like a Mac. Never have any problems with it. I use it with the Apogee Symphony i/o and these two systems work flawlessly. I have the iMac with the solid state hard drive and the usual hard drive that come with the iMac. Will always run my studio with an iMac.
Daryl