Mac or PC?

[Taylormade]

Perhaps this isn't the right forum for this, but I am having difficult finding an answer to this question. Perhaps it's because their is no clear answer. Most discussion I have found pertain to G5 macs and not the current Intel Macs.

I would like to upgrade a P4 3.0ghz machine and can either build a Windows XP machine or buy a Mac. My budget is around $1500. It also sounds as if there is not a clear winner in the software editing department. If the Apple products were superior, I'd go that route, but it seems that a few of the products for the PC are on par.

I would appreciate some guidance for someone who has never done any editing and it about to buy a HV20.

Thanks!

[Rich]

Taylormade:

You aren't getting a clear answer because there isn't one good answer that suits everyone. Why are you upgrading a P4 3.0 Hz machine? It might work. If you are going to stay with a PC I would just try the software you want on your current machine. There is nothing wrong with Mac's either.

I enjoy editing, some people do not. But you are starting out, I don't think anyone else can really judge what you will be able to do or even what you really want to do.




Rich

[mik]

what's the difference today? it has the same cpu just more expensive 'cause it's white.

[SenorKaffee]

The difference is in the software. Choose the one that suits you best.
I like Macs for their fine design (both hardware and software), but I´d miss the flexibility all my little tools on the PC give me.

[SalaTar]

A Mac is a PC

[Worley]

A Mac is a Personal Computer, yes, and it can run Windows. But it does not have a BIOS. That's (the main reason) why Mac OS X won't run on your standard PC hardware. You can force it to, but performance may not be up to par.

Mac or PC? Personally I would go for PC as the choice of software available greater. I'm not just talking about editing suites, but those little utilities that make fixing problems that much easier. HDVSplit, WinDV, Atmosphere Lite, etc. Which ever get the job done for you with the most satisfactory results - that's the machine to go for.

When I'm chosing, I'll go for the one that is cheapest to upgrade/repair, and the one that offers me most choice. Why would I want to live in China when I can live in Japan?

[Taylormade]

Thanks for the input. I think I will just pursue my original plan of building a new windows xp based computer. It's much cheaper, faster and will be upgradeable piece meal in the future.

Rich, I had already decided to upgrade from the P4 3.0ghz prior to wanting video editing capabilities. I like speed and the P4 just isn't doing it anymore.

[iotatau]

I think I will just pursue my original plan of building a new windows xp based computer. It's much cheaper, faster and will be upgradeable piece meal in the future.

Sounds good. I'd consider a quad-core setup.
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=201200377

[Atak_Snajpera]

If I were you I would buy PC. For about 266euro/dollars you can have Intel Quad Core 2,4ghz and you can overclock it without any problems to at least 3Ghz! On windows you have also more tools to play with. (AviSynth,great x264 codec, FFdshow+MPC for playback so you don't have to use that crap QuickTime)

[Taylormade]

Thanks for the quad core suggestion. I hadn't even considered it previously but for less than $300, the q6600 makes the most sense and I do plan to overclock it as well. :hv20-smilie03:

[Kramerica]

Several people mentioned more software options on the PC, but in reality there are less, because the Mac can run all of those Windows apps, in addition to fantastic Mac-only apps like Final Cut Studio. All simultaneously. Windows machines are now more limited than Macs in regards to OS's and software options.

However it does sound like you are the type of person that gets pleasure from building your own system from the mobo up, piece by piece, so if that is the case, go for it!
I say whatever makes you happy and gets the job done is a good choice.

[skinnyboy]

I'm impressed this thread didn't turn into a flame-war.

For your budget, you have little choice - get a PC. It pains me to say that as a Mac fan, but you haven't got the money to get the Mac you would need.

I personally have yet to find something I cannot do on a Mac that Windows can do, that I need to do. If that made sense. What a great sentence...
Let me try again:
I am able to do everything I need to do on my Mac - I have yet to come across a problem that I needed a Windows-only piece of software to solve.
Much better.

Maybe one of you Windows folks can explain what these little apps/tools do that I might need. I'm curious. My next Mac will be able to run Windows software, and if there's something I can really use it might speed up the purchasing time...

Thanks