rickp13 Posted March 23, 2012 Share #1 Posted March 23, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) I am tempted to install and use Lightroom 4, but understand that Windows XP is no longer accepted. The rest of my PC, monitor, printer, etc. would work with a custom installation of Windows 7. Photography is my hobby, not a high-speed business. Which way to jump? The low cost alternative - live without Lightroom 4 until a future generation of Photoshop also requires Windows 7 or higher? The safe alternative - change to Windows 7 & Lightroom 4 etc The interesting alternative (in view of the work and € changing to Win7) - change to the Mac environment. Thankfully, there are enough LUF threads to guide me through the hardware choices if I go this way I know discussions about Windows vs. Mac have practical and emotional levels, but I'm hoping that some of you have been at the same crossroads and are happy with your decisions. Thanks Rick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 23, 2012 Posted March 23, 2012 Hi rickp13, Take a look here Which way to jump from XP? Win7 or Mac??. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
andybarton Posted March 23, 2012 Share #2 Posted March 23, 2012 I will take a virtual bet as to what the concensus will be. Move to the Mac environment - you won't regret it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdriceman Posted March 23, 2012 Share #3 Posted March 23, 2012 I made the switch from Windows to Mac a few years ago and have been very happy with it. Get a Mac Mini. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaybob Posted March 23, 2012 Share #4 Posted March 23, 2012 Windows 7 surely isn't Windows 98. You could reconfigure the perfectly good machine you have for ALOT less, or buy a brand new and completely overpowered workstation (compared to PC's from just 5 years ago) with Win7 preinstalled for ALOT less, and not notice a shred of practical difference running LR4 by going the Apple route. Just more money in your pocket. Or not. My opinion... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted March 23, 2012 Share #5 Posted March 23, 2012 Windows 7, for all the reasons Jay has given and more. 8 is also looking seriously interesting. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted March 23, 2012 Share #6 Posted March 23, 2012 Which ever you chose, the Lightroom licence code is cross platform, so you won't have any extra outlay if you switch to Mac. For what it's worth I switched from XP to Mac a few years ago and have never regretted it. It may be unfashionable to say it but I'm happy to pay a premium for good design. It isn't an issue for people where clothes, cars and furniture are concerned, I don't see it as a problem with computers either. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted March 23, 2012 Share #7 Posted March 23, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) It may be unfashionable to say it but I'm happy to pay a premium for good design. So am I. But I am happy to note that I am not restricted to a single brand or OS to do so. However, whether I want or need to pay for carbon fibre or aluminium, gorilla glass etc is a buying choice on what is essentially a commodity purchase. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted March 23, 2012 Share #8 Posted March 23, 2012 I'm not going to get dragged into a Mac v Windows debate. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted March 23, 2012 Share #9 Posted March 23, 2012 Me neither, but it should be noted that you can run Windows on a Mac at least as well as you can on PC hardware, these days. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted March 23, 2012 Share #10 Posted March 23, 2012 I used VMWare Fusion to run Windows programs alongside the Mac ones and it worked fine. The free alternative is to use Bootcamp and boot into Windows directly. However for either you need a copy of Windows. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted March 23, 2012 Share #11 Posted March 23, 2012 Again, it's horses for courses. Apple does not have a premium on good design (or laptop density...) I believe a balanced view should be presented. In other words, apples are not the only fruit Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
algrove Posted March 23, 2012 Share #12 Posted March 23, 2012 Well said, but nevertheless I prefer Apples over oranges ever since I had eaten enough sour oranges to last a lifetime. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted March 23, 2012 Share #13 Posted March 23, 2012 And we know what's happened to blackberrys. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
glacierparkmagazine Posted March 23, 2012 Share #14 Posted March 23, 2012 I'm not sure about a mini — depending on your lifestyle, a MacBook Pro is portable and fast, especially if you drop an SSD drive in it, which will make it even faster. I personally use a MacPro which is a big computer, but it flies through those big old M9 files like a breeze. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted March 23, 2012 Share #15 Posted March 23, 2012 I switched to a MAC a few months ago. After the initial 'culture shock' (even as an iphone user the computers are very different) I am quickly getting used to the new system and I much prefer it. The main reason I decided to switch was that every windows PC/laptop I've owned has been fine at first, but becomes slow and buggy after a couple of years use (despite using anti virus software and doing disk maintenance etc). I had always heard that MACs were less prone to such troubles and as I needed to upgrade I decided to make the switch. I chose a MAC Mini as I liked the idea of its versatility as a media centre as well as a PC. The latest version doesn't have a built in CD/DVD drive but you can buy any external drive. You can also use your existinig monitor/keyboard/mouse to save money, although the wireless keyboard and track pad are very nice. For a lower cost route into Apple you can't fault the Mini. Just upgrade the RAM to at least 4GB (don't buy Apple RAM you can save money buying the base model and upgrading it yourself, simple slot in cards). There is a thread in the Bar section (use the search) where some very helpful members have provided their tips and tricks for a new Mac user. So, from someone who was in your position a few months ago I'd say do it, but be prepared for a bit of a learning curve. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdriceman Posted March 23, 2012 Share #16 Posted March 23, 2012 I'm not sure about a mini — depending on your lifestyle, a MacBook Pro is portable and fast, especially if you drop an SSD drive in it, which will make it even faster. I personally use a MacPro which is a big computer, but it flies through those big old M9 files like a breeze. Sure, a Macbook Pro Is great, but it does cost more than a Mac Mini. I have had Macs for 4 years now and haven't spent any money on Anti-virus programs (and have have had no virus issues) I reckon that about covers the difference in price. Maybe Win 7 is better, but I gave up on Windows in the XP era because of continual crashes and bogging. I have had none of these issues with Macs. I'm not an Apple fanboy, I just want my computer to work effectively and seamlessly and I've had better luck with the Macs. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted March 23, 2012 Share #17 Posted March 23, 2012 Interestingly Apple computers also hold their value surprisingly well. Even old Macbooks and Minis sell on ebay for significant sums compared to windows based hardware. Of course you're not buying to sell on, but it does make the prospect of upgrading in a few years more viable, if you stand to recoup a large % of the cost of your new machine today! 1-3 year old Macbooks seem to sell for about 2/3rds of the new price. My old PC on the other hand is only good for the bin. I was considering a Macbook but decided I really need a large screen and desk based computer for my photograpy (of course you can just use an external monitor on the laptop but I figured that I wouldn't actually use a laptop on the move). That said I recently also acquired an ancient Mac Powerbook laptop just to use for internet browsing sitting in front of the TV etc. I'm surprised at how well it works. The only drawback is that the latest version of flash isn't supported, but looking at ebay I should be able to sell it on for approx £150 if I want to upgrade. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted March 23, 2012 Share #18 Posted March 23, 2012 I have had Macs for 4 years now and haven't spent any money on Anti-virus programs (and have have had no virus issues) I reckon that about covers the difference in price. Maybe Win 7 is better, but I gave up on Windows in the XP era because of continual crashes and bogging. I have had none of these issues with Macs. I'm not an Apple fanboy, I just want my computer to work effectively and seamlessly and I've had better luck with the Macs. +1 Three years for me, and I should have done it sooner and saved the headaches, not to mention the ultimate PC crash and loss of hard drive. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 24, 2012 Share #19 Posted March 24, 2012 I changed to mac from pc about 18 months ago and have never for one moment regretted the move. I would reccomend any body who is thinking of changing to book a "free" hour session in the genius bar at your nearest Apple store if in easy reach.in my case a very clever guy went through the workings of a mac covering aperture/ Lightroom and photoshop. Apple policy of demo / help you to choose the right kit/ and then teach you to use it is perfect. Quality and residual value more than make up for the price. Brian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manicouagan1 Posted March 24, 2012 Share #20 Posted March 24, 2012 XP support seems to be ramping down as new products updates and web applications come out, so I am not sure how long an XP option will remain viable. Over the years I went for DOS to Mac to Windows 95 and back to Mac largely driven by my employers IT shifts. I am retired and very happy with Mac but I have found that I still need a Windows (7 in my case) partition on my Mac to run a couple applications only vailable for Windows. I suggest you look carefully at what software you use to see if everything is available for the Mac, if not your Mac option is really a Mac plus Windows option with the associated cost. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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