Should I buy a PC or Mac for film making?

Question

1. Is the i7 processor for the PC way faster for editing then Mac Pro's desktop 8 quad processor? Also in light of Mac's OS efficiency?

2. Is the Mac Pro's desktop outdated? Will they be coming out with a new one soon that I should wait for? Or have they recently come out with it?

3. Is Mac's OS way better then PC's OS for video editing?

4. How powerful of a PC or Mac will I need to edit HD video at a good speed? Or can I just get a cheaper computer that will run just fine or even an IMac desktop?

5. Is Final Cut Pro way better then Adobe/Sony/Avid pro and why?

6. Is Final Cut Pro outdated and is a new one supposed to come out soon that I should wait for?

7. I've been told that with Mac's they often come out with all new stuff beyond just upgrades and so you just have to get all new stuff. I would not want to buy a Mac Pro and Final Cut Pro to find out all new stuff is coming out. Is this going to happen any time soon?

Answer 1

1.ur comparing the i7 to the macpro 8 quad processor? its true that each

processor has different performance but its also true that each processor is used for a certain reason for example the intel core 2 duo is used for games and multimedia and the intel "celron" is used for notebooks and the i7 is going to be used for gaming and it is only 15% faster than the intel core 2 duo, the macpro 8 quad processor is used for servers!!



2. no the macpro is not outdate although apple doesn't announce the changes in WWDC they still do change for example only recently they started using Intel Xeon “Nehalem” processor on the mac pro



3.mac os is over 20 times better for video editing but that depends on what kind of video editing are u going to do, are u going to do home movies if so then u should buy a PC but are u going to make professional video for work then mac is ur machine



4.the standard macbooks and imac should do the trick but if u are going to a cheap pc, then u are going to have to upgrade it with extra cash for example most pc nows have either 512MB ram to 1GB ram but for video editing u are going to need at least 2GB the extra ram is gona cost u, and the processor speed standard pcs have 2.1GHz intel core duo u are going to have up upgrade to at least 2.4GHz intel core 2 duo, an upgraded pc has a higher chance of breaking down than a normal pc and the only way to get a good pc performance is by an upgrade if u want to take the risk then go ahead or u can just buy a standard mac and not go into any trouble. the mac pro doesnt have 2GB it has 4 GB of ram and u can expand the mac ram to 32GB but the windows is limited to 8GB and the processor speed of a mac is 2.6GHz and thats the quad so it is almost equivalent to 3.3GHz.





5.final cut pro and sony vegas pro they do the exact same thing but because of how powerful the macs graphics u might get a better quality with a mac



6.final cut pro is not outdated , u can check it out here



http://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/



7.WWDC is already over so whatever new things they have is already out,but apple is going to release a new OS in september called "snow leopard" but i do recommend that it is ok to buy a mac now cuz apple said if u buy a mac after june 2009 u can get snow leopard for almost 10$





Note:even if u are unfamiliar with a mac their is something called boot camp where u can install windows on a mac



http://www.apple.com/findouthow/mac/#tutorial=windows

Answer 2

From what I understand, Macs have always been ahead of PCs in terms of video editing/processing. However it also depends on how much money you are willing to lay down for it.



If money is no object, then opt for the Mac Pro, with a fast processor and a good amount of RAM. If you are on a budget I would recommend a PC, due to the nearly unlimited configurations possible and its a bit cheaper to custom build your own PC.



Generally speaking, the more cores/higher clock speed, the faster it will edit your HD video. You would also need a good amount of RAM, I'd recommend at least 4GB for video editing. Also, I'd recommend a massive amount of hard drive space, due to you editing HD video.



As for software, I don't have too much experience in the area of video editing. But if worse comes to worst, you can always dual boot a Mac into windows utilizing Boot Camp, and use the Windows based programs. You can't dual boot into OS X with a Windows PC.



As far as major updates for the Macs go, Snow Leopard (The latest and greatest version of OS X) is due out later this year. Other than that, just your periodic application/system updates.

Answer 3

You really should get a MAC. Because Mac's were born film making! iMovie and Final Cut Pro, Fox and popular Movies and TV show's use Final Cut Pro. And PC's are a VERY BAD choice, because they could crash and you could loose all of your info and movies you ever made! But Mac's use Time Machine which back's up your Mac every hour, so your always protected. And PC's are also a bad choice because they are VERY open to viruses and worms and spyware, and those deadly things can DESTROY all of your files and Movies. But Mac's don't get viruses, it's rare to get a virus on a Mac. But you should protect your Mac with Norton just in case. And I hope this help. If you need more info just let me! And look up Snow Leopard, because that is going to be the best OS yet!

Answer 4

It depends on how much you are willing to spend and what you will be using the computer for. If it's only ordinary everyday use, Internet, word processing etc. then go for the Windows, it will cost less and Windows 7 is showing to be a much better system than Vista. Faster and better performance too. If you are heavy into graphics, get the Mac. It is pricier, but will pay off in the long run, especially if you get one with the new OS 10.6. Also upgraded, better performing and faster than the previous OS. I guess the bottom line is, how much are you willing to pay, and how comfortable are you with each OS

Answer 5

MAC all the wayy

its great way to make films

its wonderful

MAC makes u feel like ur in heaven

Answer 6

You will get more bang for your buck with a Windows PC...

Answer 7

1. The I7 is better than the 2 quad cpus (8 core) http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/255349-28-core-quad

2. Neither Mac or PC will be outdated quickly

3. Mac and PCs are equal in video editing (read below)

4. More power the better.. But doable on even cheaper computers

5. Final Cut Pro is not better (although Mac fans will have you believe this to get you)

Overall, you pay less for windows upgrades vs mac os upgrades.



PC=Variety of specs, options, quality, prices, vendors, support

Mac=One vendor, limited options, still more expensive. Look below for more information..



Today, Macs use a subset of PC hardware. Why spend extra to get the same CPU chips, graphics cards and OS X isn't as secure as you think..



Don't believe the lies that Macs are better than PCs at graphics/animation.. Dreamworks Animation http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/ under studio click on Technology of Animation, an independent film maker I know uses PCs, a graphic artist I used to know uses PCs also.



A number of PCs can also run OS X (Mac OS) http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=os+x+on+pc&btnG=Google+Search&aq=0&oq=os+x+on+ as well just that Apple makes it illegal in order to get Market share.. The reason why Mac can run native Windows is because it is using a subset of PC hardware,



If you decide to buy a Mac for running Windows, you will still have to get the same virus/spyware protection, and run into the same issues as a regular PC.



Now is a Mac worth buying for OS X?



I say: NO... for the following reasons...



ADVANTAGES WINDOWS :

Aprox 90% of the market is Windows and most PCs have windows already pre-installed.

1) Some websites require Internet Explorer, to run IE on Mac you really get ies4osx which is the Windows version of IE running really buggy and illegal if you don't have a legitimate copy of Windows.

2) Supports more devices (printers and other things you hook into the computer).

3) More business software/games

4) Want the dock on OS X (Mac)? google/yahoo rocketdock, objectdoc.

5) Used by businesses.



ADVANTAGES LINUX :

1) FREE (most versions are)

2) Install software by either 1) Synaptic Package Manager, 2) Add/Remove 3) Opening a .deb or .rpm file (depending on distribution)

2) Like the Mac OS X effects? go yahoo/google COMPIZ FUSION which can do any cool effect a Mac can do and many ore....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Fbk52Mk1w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3gkX9HDfEE (there is no flickering when you use it like on the video, not sure why the person has the flicker)

3) Mac OS X Doc? google/yahoo Avant Window Navigator.Cairo Dock, http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3rf5q_cairo-dock-mac-os-x-leopard-dock-on_tech

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0hzi22g2DE

4) It is FASTER/MORE SECURE to surf on the internet

5) Some Windows programs work with Wnehq/Crossover (also avail on Mac, but why pay $$$)



Instructions how to download, burn and boot http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/

Dual Boot Instructions http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_linux_xp_installed_first.htm



SECURITY

Mac OS X was hacked in 2006 less than 30 minutes, and within 2 minutes in a contest in 2008, and within 10 seconds in 2009. In 2008, Linux and Vista were not hacked until another day when restrictions were lowered. Vista was next, and then Linux. In 2009 Windows 7 fell shortly after the Mac but Linux was unscathed.

Macs are standardized with Cameras, if your Mac gets hacked, the hacker can turn on your camera with more ease.

Please Note: All OS's have vulnerabilities.

http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/security/soa/Mac-OS-X-hacked-under-30-minutes/0,130061744,139241748,00.htm

http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/03/27/Gone-in-2-minutes-Mac-gets-hacked-first-in-contest_1.html

http://www.infoworld.com/article/09/03/19/Researcher_cracks_Mac_in_10_seconds_1.html

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Finds-Irony-in-Mac-OS-X-Getting-Hacked-Before-Vista-SP1-82135.shtml





VIRUSES

Mac OS X has viruses (and significantly on the rise), a friend of mine has a virused Mac. As more users use Macs, more viruses will come out for it. Especially when users think "they are safe".

http://infosecurity.us/?p=4005

http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2008/07/malware_authors_take_aim_at_growing_number_of_1.html

http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/poll_have_you_noticed_an_increase_in_malware_viruses_etc_on_your_mac/



QUALITY/PROBLEMS

Contrary to belief, Macs are not better quality. Apple also has been changing suppliers to try to "lower the price" and thus lowering quality. Even with the lower prices, Macs still cost more, they spend a higher percent of budget trying to make it look pretty, and marketing.



Sample of problems: Overheating Macbooks, OS X- not responding to keyboard, some units with 16bit screens, etc. Apple statistics are misleading since Mac users with problem machines are more likely to go out and buy a new computer than PC users. Apple is lowering prices which means you can expect lower quality than in the past. Apple had switched the manufacturers producing parts. OS X also has problems slowing down.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10020263-17.html

http://www.tuaw.com/2008/08/01/apples-quality-dwindling-my-macbook-pro-sob-story/

http://www.appledefects.com/

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/os-x-operating-system/107748-mac-os-leopard-running-slow.html



Repairs are more expensive than PCs since the IMac, Mac Mini are compact units, and Apple charges a premium for their services. Some repairs can be done by another repair service but the compact design of the computer causes problems.

With an IMac, if the problem is with the monitor, the whole computer would have to be brought in.

IMac and Mac mini lack expansion.



PRICE (snapshot taken 1-2 years ago but still holds true today)

A similar equipped PC is much cheaper to purchase than Mac. Lets use Dell (but you can compare with another PC Brand if you like)



**(LAPTOP)

Dell Inspiron Laptop Starting Price: $500

Ending Price: $500

15" Screen

CPU: 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo [5% slower]

Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD [Not as good/fine for general use[

Memory: 3GB DDR2 SDRAM [75% of ram)

Hard Drive: 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (same)

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dndozm4&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=laptop-inspiron-1545



Cybperpower Notebook Xplorer X5-2900 Starting Price: $755

Ending Price After upgrades (not including 5% rebate): $860

15" Screen

CPU: (upgrade to) 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (+$100) [FASTER]

Graphics: Nvidia GFORCE 9600-GT 512MB [MUCH FASTER/BETTER CARD]

Memory: 4GB DDR2 SDRAM [MORE MEMORY]

Hard Drive: (upgrade to) 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (+$5) [LARGER HARD DRIVE]

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Xplorer_X5-2900_Notebook/detail



Macbook Starting laptop Price: $1000

Ending Price After Upgrades: $1200

13" Screen (SMALLER)

CPU: 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (SLOWER)

Graphics: Nvidia GFORCE 9400 256MB

Memory: (upgrade to) 4GB DDR2 SDRAM (SAME)

Hard Drive (upgrade to) 320B Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (SAME)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MC240LL/A?mco=NjcxMTQ3Ng





**(DESKTOP)



PLEASE NOTE: I compare Apple Mac's vs Dells best deal. If you really want an all-in one the Dell all-in-one has more ram, wireless keyboard and mouse and equivalent to $400 for free making the Imac still more expensive when you matching specs. Personally I don't think the All-in-Ones are a good choice, and consider them overpriced, lack expandability and repairs both more expensive and require the entire computer.



PS: Apple knows that they need to make Macintosh look different than PC so all Macs except the Mac Pro will not have a tower option. Apple's low end lacks expandability but it makes the Mac "look different", if Mac had a tower for low-end, more people would realize the similarities between the two.



Dell: ($700)

CPU: 2.4 GHZ Dell Inspiron QUAD (4 Processor) CORE

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: 4GB Ram

HARD DRIVE: 500 GB hard Drive

OPTICAL DRIVE: 16x DVD/CD Read/Writer

GRAPHICS: ATI Radeon HD 256MB



The Mac Mini since it has no monitor, keyboard, mouse, very skimpy on options and setup and is not the best deal... The IMac is better price than the Mac Mini.



IMac ($1300)

CPU: 2.4 GHZ DUAL (2 Processor) CORE (SLOWER CPU)

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: (upgrade to) 4GB Ram (SAME)

HARD DRIVE: (upgrade to ) 320 GB hard Drive (LESS HARD DRIVE)

OPTICAL DRIVE: 8x DVD Reader/Writer (1/2 speed)

GRAPHICS: Nvidia Geforce 9400M (APPROX SAME BUT LESS MEMORY GAPHICS)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MB417LL/A?mco=NDE4Mzg3Ng



Equivalents to ILife

http://www.jakeludington.com/ask_jake/20070830_ilife_for_windows.html

http://www.xsellize.com/showthread.php?t=20518



LINUX INFO:

http://distrowatch.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.desktoplinux.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.ubuntu.com/



http://www.kubuntu.org/

http://www.freespire.org/

http://www.pclinuxos.com/

http://xwinman.org/gnome.php

http://xwinman.org/kde.php

http://www.linuxalt.com/

http://screencasts.ubuntu.com/

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/FromMacOSX

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindows

http://www.linuxfoundation.org/en/OpenPrinting/