Sep 10 2008
Choosing a computer for your industry: PC or Mac?
Don’t worry, I’m not about to invoke an Apple commercial by emerging from a pizza box to get people to buy PCs. I do love PCs though.
My company is a mix of PC and Mac users: designers and layout artists use Macs and the rest of us (editorial, marketing, publicity, sales, etc.) use PCs. But the company has begun to move more toward Macs. The editorial group is beginning to transition and I’m one of the first chosen to receive a Mac (this week or next).
Now for a very broad generalization: I kind of figure that it takes a creative mind to work well on a Mac; I tend to the more logical side, which is why I like PCs. I mean, sure I’m creative, but I’m no designer either. I used Macs in high school but haven’t used them since and the whole operating system is puzzling to me. I’m fairly adept with computers so I think I should be able to transition fairly smoothly, but it is kind of a scary prospect! Luckily I will be using the Windows operating system I am used to via the Mac in order to access certain programs that only work in “PC mode,” although they will probably phase out those programs eventually.
Macs are much easier to use for my work for a multitude of reasons, including that they have larger, clearer screens that make it easier to read a lot of text and they are better for viewing and manipulating graphics. Eventually, I believe, this will give editors greater power over the layout and design of their books, which I think is excellent.
What type of computer do you prefer to use at work? Have you been forced to switch? What did you find easier or more difficult? Please, just tell me it’s all going to be okay!!
I used to have to work on both, back before they were anywhere near as compatible with each other as they are now… it was a pain, and I much preferred my PC although the Mac did have this one game….
Haven’t used a Mac hardly at all lately though. My oldest kid has one; that’s what she had to use for school - she does okay with it. The lack of right click menu would irritate me though, I think.
Anyway …I’m SURE it will all be okay
I’m a PC user but I’ve found that some software I’d like to try out doesn’t work on anything but a Mac - which is a bit strange because many Mac users complain that most software is PC based! Grass is always greener and all that …!