I've found its not that different to using a PC. The keyboard commands take a 'bit' of getting used to, but really, you just need to be familiar with the applications. They're generally very similar across the two OS's, but there's no real difference as far as I'm concerned. I myself prefer PC's just because they're cheaper. :P

And as for which is better, thats really a matter of preference - they both do the job well.

They both do the job, but a Mac is more fun and reliable to use. It's very uncommon that Mac users would switch to PC, but you can see plenty of people switching the other way around. If you read the blogs of recent switchers you can feel the excitement of discovering what the Mac hardware and software has to offer. I would say try a Mac next time you buy a computer and see for yourself. I bet you will not regret it. But don't change your existing setup to switch.

Actually, if you know and understand both it makes troubleshooting a lot easier!

I actually want a Mac Powerbook, but the prices are just too high. One day hopefully!

If your intent is to find placement in the graphic design field, Mac knowledge is essential. If your plan is for freelance only or self employment, there aren't many reasons you can't stick with Windows.

But almost everyone who switches is glad they did.

I just switched to OSX for primary work, and once you get the shortcuts down and feel comfortable, I find it just as fast as a PC, and plenty faster for some tasks.

At work we're noticing that I'm catching weird colors and pixelations the other designers can't see on their PC screens...so I think this has to be one of the biggest pluses, I really feel like I get the best view of everything with my Powerbook screen.

just switch to the PC gamma 1.8 and you will stop seeing all those things. It's recommended for all Mac users even though the default is 2.2. :)

Mac programs seem to flow better in comparison to their PC counterparts. They just seem to be layed out better and more flexible. The only program I can say that I like better on PC vs on a Mac is flash. I can never get the palettes to setup as nicely as on the pc.

I've been reading up on the new G5 lately, and it looks super! Just recently, there was an ad. in the paper for a junior designer to work as part of a team and on top of the list of requirements was: "Must know how to use a Macintosh." - something along those lines anyway. Thereafter came knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator and a few tad bits. I kind of got worried, thinking I must learn how to use the Mac.

We got quite a few in the huge studio and print room down at school, but I've never sat at one and used it. I think I'm going to need to hold my balls tight one day and try to use one sometime - once this Easter breaks over of course.

(Sorry about the profanity!)

I hope that's more figurative than literal. Otherwise, it might be difficult to use the computer. :)

Abdul,

I think you'll find the Mac isn't that much different to use than a Windows based PC. If you have someone handy to aid in learning the basic navigation, you'll do fine.

What! :oops:

I was referring to my porcupine stress ball. :wink: What was you thinking?

Let's hope so Mississauga.

Good luck! I don't know if they offer it for England as well, but I know that in the states if you buy your mac from mac.com, you can get a pretty nice educational discount. ;)

you mean apple.com ;P

Oh no, looks like it's just for those in the states. The cheapest iBook I can get hold of is £900 brand new over here - but with a not so good spec. I want a PowerBook though. My current laptop only cost me £600 and I got a super spec. for it - this was last summer when I bought it.

Don't worry, I'm going to try them at school. Last time I couldn't even find the left hand mouse button. :? There was just the right, I think. :lol:

This can definitely be a problem.

Often I'll see images where somebody on a Windows system has used a black that is not quite fully black to mask something away, blending into a black background that was there previously. But because of the generally brighter displays on the Mac it becomes glaringly obvious where the brushstrokes are.

Just be VERY careful.

I used a Mac yesterday, my tutors iBook. :)

For some reason the damn projector wouldn't pick up my laptops (PC, yeah) graphic card or output or something (can't remember what) and so I had to burn it onto a CD very quickly and use his Mac. God, it ran like a bengal tiger on the iBook, in all it's glory.