van_sant

Hey everyone,

Ive been through all the "guides", but honestly, all this computer stuff is making my head hurt . so i turn my question to the experts: i plan on studying business and media art next year- thus, i have to get windows (according to these threads?) but also want the mac platform for design programs, final cut pro, etc. i know its possible to run windows on a mac, but then i dont really get the advantages of the mac platform then...i dont know. i also would prefer not to get an apple computer if i can find an equally attractive non-apple...help?

chsowlflax17

There's no reason you'd need a PC instead of a mac. You should be able to run pretty much anything you need on your mac for business, and media art, from what I've heard (friend who's at Tisch for film), macs are much more friendly for film, or music, or generally creative programs. And they come with most the programs pre-installed, so you end up saving money, as you don't have to buy Photoshop, or final cut (or the pc equivalent), etc. And media programs like this aren't cheap for PC. Plus, if you ever really do need to run a program on windows, it's possible to. Just get a mac.

Lergnom

I have no idea what a "business program" is. You'll probably need a spreadsheet and a presentation program. The standards are Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint and both are available on the Mac.* If you need statistics programs - which it doesn't sound like you do - most are opensource (like r, which is the actual name).

Most media related programs are also available for Windows. I don't know what you'll actually be doing but some of Apple's stuff is specialized. If you're doing much actual film editing, odds are you'll be doing that on dedicated workstations, though of course FC is really good.

You don't need a super-powerful laptop or one with a really big screen. If you're doing photo work, you should consider getting a separate screen - and if you're really, really doing photo and artistic work, then you get an input tablet (Wacom). But that can wait. Speaking only of Macs, any of the aluminum case MacBooks would work fine.

You can then run any other OS on that if you really need it. Let's assume that happens. You should understand that running Windows or Linux or whatever on a Mac allows for file sharing and other connections so it's not like you have two completely separate computers.

*Excel actually started on the Mac and I remember the early days when Bill Gates would sit on the edge of the stage and take notes as the audience critiqued it.

van_sant

yeah, i thought id be fine getting one of the higher end macbooks but i keep on reading that business majors need windows...good thats cleared up

Lergnom

The issue with business majors or business schools is more peer pressure than actual need. If you're far more likely to see Macs in some areas, you're far more likely to see Windows in others. Doesn't mean you can't choose what you want in either case.

OperaDad

In terms of computing power, your Media needs will drive the decision. Business is not demanding on the computer, but they do tend to like Microsoft Office.

In terms of Media needs, the two premier programs are: Final Cut for the Mac, and Adobe Premier for Windows. Find out which one, if any, your program prefers. If everyone is using Final Cut, then you would be better off to use it to. Final Cut is a little easier to use, but it has problems dealing with various file formats. Adobe seems to do a better job handling the various file formats.

If you do end up with a Mac, then you will have to live with running Windows Programs in Windows mode.

Feature for Feature (including the cost of software), the Mac will cost more. It is possible to build a Mac Clone, and a (relatively) easy way to do it is with www.efi-x.com. That will allow you to run Windows and MAC OS on the same machine (dual boot), without having to use an emulation (virtual machine) mode. You will not be 100% compatible, but it should work for your purposes.

When you are running windows on a Mac, the advantage is the Apple Logo on your computer case. The advantage of using a MAC in MAC Mode are:

1) The system is more stable because it is designed for limited choices in equipement.
2) Some software is better (like Final Cut) on the Mac.

I haven't seen any complaining about running Windows on a Mac (being worse than running Windows on a pure Windows machine).

BTW: If you need it to run Final Cut, buy one of the higher end macs. The lower end macs, don't have enough processing power.