I just googled the question above but didnt find an answer i am happy with. So may u can tell me why so many Webdesigner uses a MAC instead of a PC?
Is it just because a Mac looks better or what? Are there some clear reasons for? And when there are reasons for, what MAC would u prefer for a webdesigner?
As someone who has used a PC their entire life, but been using a Mac for the past year, I can say with some confidence that they are better in almost every way for design. What specific questions do you have? I'll try to answer them for you.
I want to buy a new pc and i am web designing for a couple of months. I learn very well, and i can make some money with my web designs. I know the techniques and just need to farm some skill. Due to my new passion, i want to have the best equipment i can get. I read many articles about this topic but i just want to know why so many Webdesigner, Graphic People and Web Developer are using a Mac? Is it just passion or what? I cant understand that there are no concrete reasons for? xD
Excuse my english, it`s terrible, but i dont want to type everything into google translator :p
I've had my mac for about 2 years now and I don't think I'll be buying a Windows machine in the future (unless something crazy happens...). You have to weigh up your options.
One thing to think about is: Almost every designer has a mac, if you go to meet with a client and pull out a Windows machine they might not think you're all that serious about your work! They might also think you don't value your work enough to buy something as expensive as a Mac. There is a certain image you give to clients when you have a high end computer, it shows you're serious and want the best tools to do your job, no matter the cost :)
Other benefits are that Mac's actually work, all the time. I've never had an issue in almost 2 years. They look amazeballs, they're fast, long battery life (if you're after a laptop) don't need to worry too much about viruses, if you do have an issue, you can speak to a 'genius' whenever you want.
The only real downside is the cost (to me anyway). But for me, I don't mind saving up and spending big on something that's going to outlast the equivalent laptop (by this I mean not get crazily slow after a year and need replacing...)
The only overriding reason I can see (as a PC user) is that there is some design/development software (CodeKit for example) that isn't available for non-Mac users.
Where there is software available on both platforms then there is no effective difference (at least as far as I can tell). Does it LOOK better on a retina mac...sure, but then everything does. :)
As to the question do you NEED a Mac....then the answer is NO.
Do you want a Mac (and getting to relearn how things are just slightly different from the PC worls)...that's up to you.
I've used Windows all my life, started using Ubuntu 2 years ago and I've gotten a Mac about a month ago. I'm /for/ any Unix based operating system because it makes my development life very easy. OSx has got better application support than Linux which is why I did the swap. I was tired of having to run a virtual machine just to get photoshop working.
I have to say the answer is NO. If you like Mac, that's fine. If the programs you like run on Mac, that's fine.
However, I must strongly disagree with comments like "clients won't take you seriously if you have a Windows machine." Many designers use windows and do a great job. The OS does not make the designer. If you "have to have a Mac" to be a good designer, then you're simply not that good a designer.
On the other hand, if you're serious about being a web developer, you need to have something *nix. : )
Totally agree with the last two statements. For some reason, some people seem to believe a Mac will magically give them better design skills. If you have the skills you have the skills and your machine shouldn't make a difference. I would use whatever you're most comfortable and efficient on.
Mac is an a nice looking machine for me. I has surely some good programs here and there but for the same money as their top product i can buy a pc that is twice as fast and better overall pc. Even build it myfelf. Lucas572, you are bs yourself. Overall is your skills that make it happen not you computer. And clients doesn't care is you have a mac or pc as long you do your thing. That is what matter!
@ivovargas - troubleshooting and cross-platform compatibility is a separate issue. In that sense, everyone needs a Mac (and a PC, and a droid, and an iPhone, and a blackberry... Speaking of which, I saw a TI 99/4a at a thrift store last month. OMG I've never tested my websites on a 99!)
@Splendor - if you're looking for fast+inexpensive, go with linux. : )
If you're looking for a basically-familiar GUI experience, Ubuntu is the way to go. If you're unsure, just make a live USB and try it out.
3D rendering (I use Kerkythea) is amazingly fast compared to the same machine running windows ...everything is, really. I'm not sure what's available for vfx editing; not something I'm into.
oki, a guy told about me about feodora system was good for vfx and 3d rendering..but i haven't tested that yet. But Kerkythea doesn't sounds familiar at all, but i'll check on that :)
to clarify, Kerkythea is a rendering program -available for Linux, Mac, and Windows- not a linux distro (wasn't sure if that was clear in my earlier post).
Fedora is good too. You might look at centOS. For most people, I still think Ubuntu is a great place to start.
It's funny, I've been using a Mac for more than a decade now but I still think it comes down to personal preference. I actually quite enjoy Windows 7 and I'm hoping Windows 8 will close the gap between my enjoyment of both OSs.
While I do all of my work (web development) and a Mac, I do bootcamp into Windows 7 to play games. I think that's the best part about owning a mac, the fact that you can run both operating systems is fantastic.
There are some apps that are only available on OS X, but I think they are more 'nice-to-haves' rather than 'essentials-for-design'.
I'm pretty familiar on both platforms. Currently I run both (Mac at home/mobile and PC at my office).
I'm waiting to see the dust settle on Win8 before I take the last step, but as it stands I am planning on moving my final office PC into the Mac platform and then use Bootcamp when necessary. I don't like what I see thus far (the Metro app direction is kinda scary).
My opinion is that the Mac has a much higher number of apps specific to making a designers job easier. This isn't true in every genre, but in web design specifically I think this is unarguably the truth. It comes down to I can certainly do my job on both platforms, doing it on my Mac is easier, more fun, and faster.
I will definitely comment on the Windows versus PC perception issue. I can without a doubt say that a client's perception is affected by what kind of laptop you pull out. When I switched my old Dell with a MBP, it wasn't a subtle difference in how clients reacted, it was ridiculously obvious. As stupid as it actually is, and regardless of how well you can do the job on either platform, there IS a tangible difference in perception. You could say my MBP has paid for itself a few times over :P
@JoshWhite I agree, a Dell and a Macbook Pro will result in obviously different reactions. But then, (most) Dell's are kinda low-end....and definitely look like it.
I'm sure that if you would have pulled out a super fancy shiny Acer notebook (like this one) would have also resulted in a clearly different reaction over the Dell.
So when it comes to client perception, I'd say it's best to just come up with a good looking machine - but not necessarily a Mac. :)
Just don't buy a laptop to work, if you need to show your work to your customers, buy some nice looking PC with a big screen.
Start looking for a good Factory Calibrated Monitor(One reason to go MAC is their good monitors), then you must know if you need a very powerfull PC(Like to do 3D rendering), and go for a Workstation type PC, or if you not need anything of that, just go with a normal pc.
The software is your last concern when you are buying a machine, unless you allready have software(Legal).
The only thing that will make you a better web developer is to Master the tools you have, and not to buy the tools to make the work for you.
Yes I definitely see what you mean, but I'm just wondering if at the point you are ready to drop $1700 on a laptop, why not just go for a MBP and a Mac Mini for the same price.
I would buy whatever you are most comfortable using and most efficient on. I am most efficient and more comfortable with my Mac having bought it in March after using Windows for development for years.
The reason I did so is purely efficiency and for the software, especially the likes of Git Tower and Codekit which don't really have Windows alternatives.
Was totally worth the money and I've basically halved my development time so am delivering more work and earning more cash. However, if someone loves Windows and has all the software they need it's best to stick with what you know and are good at.
I just googled the question above but didnt find an answer i am happy with. So may u can tell me why so many Webdesigner uses a MAC instead of a PC? Is it just because a Mac looks better or what? Are there some clear reasons for? And when there are reasons for, what MAC would u prefer for a webdesigner?
i hope u can help me.
Thanks for it..
David
As someone who has used a PC their entire life, but been using a Mac for the past year, I can say with some confidence that they are better in almost every way for design. What specific questions do you have? I'll try to answer them for you.
I want to buy a new pc and i am web designing for a couple of months. I learn very well, and i can make some money with my web designs. I know the techniques and just need to farm some skill. Due to my new passion, i want to have the best equipment i can get. I read many articles about this topic but i just want to know why so many Webdesigner, Graphic People and Web Developer are using a Mac? Is it just passion or what? I cant understand that there are no concrete reasons for? xD Excuse my english, it`s terrible, but i dont want to type everything into google translator :p
I've had my mac for about 2 years now and I don't think I'll be buying a Windows machine in the future (unless something crazy happens...). You have to weigh up your options.
One thing to think about is: Almost every designer has a mac, if you go to meet with a client and pull out a Windows machine they might not think you're all that serious about your work! They might also think you don't value your work enough to buy something as expensive as a Mac. There is a certain image you give to clients when you have a high end computer, it shows you're serious and want the best tools to do your job, no matter the cost :)
Other benefits are that Mac's actually work, all the time. I've never had an issue in almost 2 years. They look amazeballs, they're fast, long battery life (if you're after a laptop) don't need to worry too much about viruses, if you do have an issue, you can speak to a 'genius' whenever you want.
The only real downside is the cost (to me anyway). But for me, I don't mind saving up and spending big on something that's going to outlast the equivalent laptop (by this I mean not get crazily slow after a year and need replacing...)
Hope this helps!
Also, there are a lot of great web developer software that are only available for Mac. That's a big thing to remember too!
The only overriding reason I can see (as a PC user) is that there is some design/development software (CodeKit for example) that isn't available for non-Mac users.
Where there is software available on both platforms then there is no effective difference (at least as far as I can tell). Does it LOOK better on a retina mac...sure, but then everything does. :)
As to the question do you NEED a Mac....then the answer is NO.
Do you want a Mac (and getting to relearn how things are just slightly different from the PC worls)...that's up to you.
I've used Windows all my life, started using Ubuntu 2 years ago and I've gotten a Mac about a month ago. I'm /for/ any Unix based operating system because it makes my development life very easy. OSx has got better application support than Linux which is why I did the swap. I was tired of having to run a virtual machine just to get photoshop working.
But things are look for Linux, Steam beta for Linux was just released today. http://steamcommunity.com/games/221410
tl;dr I like almost everything but Windows and OSx is well supported.
I have to say the answer is NO. If you like Mac, that's fine. If the programs you like run on Mac, that's fine.
However, I must strongly disagree with comments like "clients won't take you seriously if you have a Windows machine." Many designers use windows and do a great job. The OS does not make the designer. If you "have to have a Mac" to be a good designer, then you're simply not that good a designer.
On the other hand, if you're serious about being a web developer, you need to have something *nix. : )
I second that disagreement. But also know that colors don't render the same on a PC compared to a retina display.
Totally agree with the last two statements. For some reason, some people seem to believe a Mac will magically give them better design skills. If you have the skills you have the skills and your machine shouldn't make a difference. I would use whatever you're most comfortable and efficient on.
I really need one right now... Why.. I think i solved this problem("http://css-tricks.com/forums/discussion/20203/need-help-from-applesafari-users-#Item_2"), if i have one. :(
Mac is an a nice looking machine for me. I has surely some good programs here and there but for the same money as their top product i can buy a pc that is twice as fast and better overall pc. Even build it myfelf. Lucas572, you are bs yourself. Overall is your skills that make it happen not you computer. And clients doesn't care is you have a mac or pc as long you do your thing. That is what matter!
@ivovargas Sounds like you're wanting someone to help you with your problem rather than contributing to the discussion with a valid point.
@ivovargas - troubleshooting and cross-platform compatibility is a separate issue. In that sense, everyone needs a Mac (and a PC, and a droid, and an iPhone, and a blackberry... Speaking of which, I saw a TI 99/4a at a thrift store last month. OMG I've never tested my websites on a 99!)
@Splendor - if you're looking for fast+inexpensive, go with linux. : )
yes, i've been looking at ubuntu for vfx, 3d rendering, do you have any good suggestion of system?
If you're looking for a basically-familiar GUI experience, Ubuntu is the way to go. If you're unsure, just make a live USB and try it out.
3D rendering (I use Kerkythea) is amazingly fast compared to the same machine running windows ...everything is, really. I'm not sure what's available for vfx editing; not something I'm into.
oki, a guy told about me about feodora system was good for vfx and 3d rendering..but i haven't tested that yet. But Kerkythea doesn't sounds familiar at all, but i'll check on that :)
to clarify, Kerkythea is a rendering program -available for Linux, Mac, and Windows- not a linux distro (wasn't sure if that was clear in my earlier post).
Fedora is good too. You might look at centOS. For most people, I still think Ubuntu is a great place to start.
It's funny, I've been using a Mac for more than a decade now but I still think it comes down to personal preference. I actually quite enjoy Windows 7 and I'm hoping Windows 8 will close the gap between my enjoyment of both OSs.
While I do all of my work (web development) and a Mac, I do bootcamp into Windows 7 to play games. I think that's the best part about owning a mac, the fact that you can run both operating systems is fantastic.
There are some apps that are only available on OS X, but I think they are more 'nice-to-haves' rather than 'essentials-for-design'.
My 2 cents:
I'm pretty familiar on both platforms. Currently I run both (Mac at home/mobile and PC at my office).
I'm waiting to see the dust settle on Win8 before I take the last step, but as it stands I am planning on moving my final office PC into the Mac platform and then use Bootcamp when necessary. I don't like what I see thus far (the Metro app direction is kinda scary).
My opinion is that the Mac has a much higher number of apps specific to making a designers job easier. This isn't true in every genre, but in web design specifically I think this is unarguably the truth. It comes down to I can certainly do my job on both platforms, doing it on my Mac is easier, more fun, and faster.
I will definitely comment on the Windows versus PC perception issue. I can without a doubt say that a client's perception is affected by what kind of laptop you pull out. When I switched my old Dell with a MBP, it wasn't a subtle difference in how clients reacted, it was ridiculously obvious. As stupid as it actually is, and regardless of how well you can do the job on either platform, there IS a tangible difference in perception. You could say my MBP has paid for itself a few times over :P
Agreed, it definitely would have an effect on clients. You could compare it to a client being impress by your fancy car.
I don't ever interact with clients (luckily) so this wouldn't affect me :p
What about if you want to download all of your development software for free and pirate it, is it harder on a mac? lol.
@JoshWhite I agree, a Dell and a Macbook Pro will result in obviously different reactions. But then, (most) Dell's are kinda low-end....and definitely look like it.
I'm sure that if you would have pulled out a super fancy shiny Acer notebook (like this one) would have also resulted in a clearly different reaction over the Dell.
So when it comes to client perception, I'd say it's best to just come up with a good looking machine - but not necessarily a Mac. :)
Just don't buy a laptop to work, if you need to show your work to your customers, buy some nice looking PC with a big screen.
Start looking for a good Factory Calibrated Monitor(One reason to go MAC is their good monitors), then you must know if you need a very powerfull PC(Like to do 3D rendering), and go for a Workstation type PC, or if you not need anything of that, just go with a normal pc.
The software is your last concern when you are buying a machine, unless you allready have software(Legal).
The only thing that will make you a better web developer is to Master the tools you have, and not to buy the tools to make the work for you.
Good Luck ;)
Yes I definitely see what you mean, but I'm just wondering if at the point you are ready to drop $1700 on a laptop, why not just go for a MBP and a Mac Mini for the same price.
Well, there are people (such as myself) who actually prefer working with Windows over OS X. ;)
Not that I would ever slap down $1700 for a PC laptop if I can get a really good one for half the price already (just not as shiny).
Anyways, all in all I would buy a computer for myself, and not to impress any clients in the first place.
Personal preference is what it keeps coming down to, innit! Heh
I would buy whatever you are most comfortable using and most efficient on. I am most efficient and more comfortable with my Mac having bought it in March after using Windows for development for years.
The reason I did so is purely efficiency and for the software, especially the likes of Git Tower and Codekit which don't really have Windows alternatives.
Was totally worth the money and I've basically halved my development time so am delivering more work and earning more cash. However, if someone loves Windows and has all the software they need it's best to stick with what you know and are good at.