Windows 7 vs Mac OS Lion

Didn't know where to post this thread, but I wanted to know some opinions from members here. Which OS, in your opinion, is better overall? Windows 7, or Lion?

I'm a Graphic Design student, but I also game from time to time. As far as people saying "Graphic Designers NEED a Mac, its obvious that it is complete bull, as there is no difference with Photoshop on a Mac, and Photoshop on the PC.

Just want some thoughts from members here @ NBR about which OS is better, and more stable overall.

 

Windows 7 is a solid, fast, stable and good looking OS. A PC is a PC so if the software is made for both platforms, the Windows version on average tends to be lower in price.

These types of threads usually get locked as it turns into fanbois tennis.

 

Is there some software you want that's only available on one platform?

How important is price?

Do you like the look or feel of some Mac or PC model?

+1 on "These types of threads usually get locked as it turns into fanbois tennis."

 

Well the main thing is that veterans of the program will instinctively use shortcuts to navigate their way round quickly and they're slightly different between the two. Being a long time Windows user I found it slow and frustrating using Photoshop on a Mac, but likewise it probably be the same vice-versa too.

Performance wise there isn't much difference between the two so its a matter a preference. If you're new to either platform then there will be a learning curve, but since I don't have much time relearning the commands again using the Mac keyboard I just stick by the Windows version. Generally at the end of the day the quality of your graphics works is down to your personal skill level, not down to which platform your Photoshop is on.

 

Yes they do, if you want to be able to continue this discussion, keep things civil.

@OP, what is the OS used by your college? I would go with what is the most in use at your learning establishment, it'll prevent you from having to cope with two OS'es.

 

I'd like to add that if the OP likes to do gaming then another plus for Windows 7 on a PC designed and built to run Windows 7.

 

My college uses Mac heavily, hence I go to an art school.

 

Tread lightly with these threads

Ultimately, I'd say that both are quite equally matched: a user proficient at using either OS would be able to do everything on W7 equally well on OSX, and vice versa. Yes, there are differences that come down to personal preference, so for that, you'll just have to see what system you prefer. For example, gaming is usually much easier on a PC than a Mac, simply due to compatibility.

In disciplines such as industrial design, you'll find that the stereotype of "all Macs" is not entirely true. At IDEO, actually, you'll find that at least a third, if not a half, of the designers use Thinkpads.

 

I'm not a loyalist to either side; here's a thread I made a couple months back about the advantages and disadvantages I saw to each:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/apple-mac-os-x/629907-osx-win-7-thread-mutual-respect.html

 

Thats the problem, I love both haha. I just wish I could dual boot Lion on my Alienware :\

 

Apple should reconsider selling OSX for Win platforms for those that would like to run it on their Win PC's.

 

That'll be the day haha. That will never happen :\

 

Try Hackintosh .
No, better don't do it, it's illegal .

 

Mac clones came and went.

 

Both platforms share a lot of the similar traits and qualities and only a fool could say one is superior to the other thus it comes down to personal preference and not "Windows is better than OSX or OSX is better than Windows." Gamers tend to stick with Windows however and virtual creators/artists tend to stick with Mac OSX from my observations.

 

You mean more liked killed off by Apple. There is still interest in Mac clones but unless a company wants to face the wrath of Apple atty's, there's no sense in even starting up a project.

Clone Mac maker Psystar loses to Apple in attempted court appeal - AppleInsider

Exactly, neither OS is better than the other.

 

Why would Apple allow Mac OS X to be licensed to other hardware companies?

Apple is a hardware company that sells it's hardware through it's software. The catch is while Apple doesn't allow a lot of options with it's hardware, this allows Apple to specialize it's drivers a lot more easily, hence why similar hardware on Mac OS X usually gets slightly better battery life, the trackpad works better under Mac OS X, etc.

I am an industrial design major and while my school didn't say Macs were required, they were recommended because that is what the professors use.

To the OP, if you have never used a Mac before, just go PC. Windows 7 is great and while 90% of Windows PC hardware and designs are cheap garbage, there are some REALLY good laptops out there, notably Thinkpad (not Edge), Sony's higher end models, and HP Business models.

If you want to give it a try, or maybe think the Mac feel is right for you, try it out. Macs definitely have a unique feel to them, and the current models are definitely competitive compared to Windows PCs of the same class.

 

It would be nice, but doing that would open up a whole can of worms in terms of having to write code and provide support for billions of additional hardware combinations.

 

As an idea, if you get a iMac, you can run Windows and OSX. Simultaneously(via VM) or individually(via bootcamp).

And it runs Windows via Bootcamp, perfectly.

 

Its really personal preference and if you're willing to spend the extra money use OSX and have probably one of the best designed computers in a while.

Although I tell people "If you're asking why you should use a Mac, you don't need to own one." all the time. If you don't have a really specific reason to use/get one, you're better off with just a standard Windows laptop.

 

I tried REALLY hard to like using a Mac since I very much like the MacBook Air and would love to buy one. But I can't get past the different keyboard and different keyboard shortcuts -- let alone all the other differences I'd have to learn about and get used to. So since I have zero problems with Windows, I'm sticking with it.

But if the MBA comes out with an option to have a Windows keyboard, I'm in!

 

Good luck with that!

 

I have a MacBook Pro and an Alienware M18x. Of course one runs Windows 7, the other, Lion. I'm currently selling both, and just picking up either an HP or an iMac or a MBA. I need the cash haha, plus no need for 2 laptops.

 

Just a reminder that discussing OS X on non Apple is forbidden by the forum rules so let's avoid going in that particular direction. It was briefly mentioned and dismissed as not being allowed by Apple. I'm giving this reminder just in case.

Now back on to business, if your college is mostly mac, i'd say go for mac, it'll give some consistency between your machine and what you use at college. I can't say i'm too fond of Apple from an engineering perspective (thermal design of the MBPs, etc.), bt they do have some quite decent products.

Good job so far on not turning this into a fanboy tennis match .

 

Hey ! That's my line..... "line taker"

 

No respects to Windows or Mac.
Linux beats both. Something you truly own and control.

 

I've come to like the direction that Win 7 was heading and have been unhappy with the price premium of Macs and the progression of OSX. As a tech junkie, I dislike Apples lock down approach, but I can't dent that they provide the best inclusive experience. I'm going to re-evaluate Linux after Windows 7 is phased out.

Sent from my SGH-i917 using Board Express

 

IMO the only thing mac has against windows is the OS and stability. I'd might as well install rainmeter andjust modify my windows7 theme if i ever miss mac lol.

 

I have never ever encountered any stability issues with Windows 7 and it's on 12 of my computers. It's been a rock solid OS for me.