25 replies to this topic

[duplu]

you should all try Mac OS X v10.6.1, i've had it for about a month, no problems what so ever, works smoothly, quickly, efficiently. THE best laptops and desktops on the market

Couldn't agree more. I made the switch to an iMac just over 1 year ago and I'm more than happy. OSX just runs constantly and without any glitches. I only reboot my iMac about once a month. It handles large video files without disk thrashing unlike any version of Windows and any kind of image manipulation is a dream.

I run Parallels which allows you to run Windows on an iMac at the same time as OSX. It's totally seamless in that you can hide the windows task bar in coherence mode and the whole system is still a Mac in essence but you can run Windows apps too. If you don't want to run Parallels then most applications are available for Mac so that's not a problem. Games IMHO are best left for consoles, I have a PS3 and Wi in the lounge which are fine for my gaming needs.

[Daryl]

Couldn't agree more. I made the switch to an iMac just over 1 year ago and I'm more than happy. OSX just runs constantly and without any glitches. I only reboot my iMac about once a month. It handles large video files without disk thrashing unlike any version of Windows and any kind of image manipulation is a dream.

I run Parallels which allows you to run Windows on an iMac at the same time as OSX. It's totally seamless in that you can hide the windows task bar in coherence mode and the whole system is still a Mac in essence but you can run Windows apps too. If you don't want to run Parallels then most applications are available for Mac so that's not a problem. Games IMHO are best left for consoles, I have a PS3 and Wi in the lounge which are fine for my gaming needs.

That Parallels sounds quite promising... does it allow you to play FME on the Windows Parallels? Also, do you need to install a copy of Windows through the Parallels program, or does Parallels come with a built in copy of a Windows OS? Also too, would I be ale to play my MS Train Simulator in Parallels? If you can answer 'Yes' to those three questions, then my next laptop (which I am saving for) might be an iMac!

[Magz]

It's not bad actually, but it’s really designed for standard applications rather than gaming. I have not looked for a while, but well into 2008 it didn't support directx9 so a lot of games didn't run. Don't want to get into a boring Mac vs PC conversation but I'd make very sure that all apps you want to use will run on a Mac before you buy as if not it could be a very expensive disappointment.

edit: Oh, and to answer your questions:

Yes, you'll need to Install Windows and it doesn't come with a free copy AFAIK. Having looked it DOES now support Directx9 and Shader model3 but nothing past that (presumably it will in later releases).

[Matty.N]

It's not bad actually, but it’s really designed for standard applications rather than gaming. I have not looked for a while, but well into 2008 it didn't support directx9 so a lot of games didn't run. Don't want to get into a boring Mac vs PC conversation but I'd make very sure that all apps you want to use will run on a Mac before you buy as if not it could be a very expensive disappointment.

edit: Oh, and to answer your questions:

Yes, you'll need to Install Windows and it doesn't come with a free copy AFAIK. Having looked it DOES now support Directx9 and Shader model3 but nothing past that (presumably it will in later releases).

im sure 7 comes with Direct x 11

or has the option to use it

[Magz]

Ah, you might be correct there - didn't find v7 it was v5. Even so, I'm not sure that it'd emulate a high FPS game too well but Train Tycoon might be ok ...

[Daryl]

Well the upgrade has come for my PC today. I purchased a new computer with Windows Vista Home Premium installed, and because I brought the computer in the official date (it's an Acer) I have had to pay just £12.78 postage and packaging and they have sent me the free upgrade disk for Windows 7 Home Premium. I have however had to do a dual-boot because Windows 7 isn't compatible with some of my applications, but I have noticed a massive difference between the two Windows.

It seems that more care and time has been put into assembling Windows 7 - Vista just seemed a rush-job from it's birth - they (Microsoft) seemed just more interested in the Aero effect of Vista than any actual improvements to Windows XP, but the upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7 has seemed to have a smoother transition - and I can tell the difference straightaway!

Windows 7 gets the 'thumbs-up' from me!