Anyone ever traded in their iMac for a PC?

ember1205 · January 18, 2017

It is definitely the best for tinkering, and next to Apple it's nice to be able to not have to worry about viruses as much as Windows. I like using it for browsing the web, and other things like that, but it wouldn't be good for what the OP is looking for. I'd say to just stay with Apple, but I've never been a fan because of their ridiculous price point.

Look at the value and not the cost. When you spread it out over the entire life of the machine and add in all of the incidental expenses (and wasted time) from a Windows machine, they're cheaper. Additionally, buying Apple products used is exceptionally easy and safe because they can be reset to factory settings so easily.

I bought my iMac 27" 5K that way and saved well over 1/3 of the cost of buying new. That machine is now about 8 months old to me, about 18 months overall, and will be running for YEARS without the need to make any real changes to it.

Daryl Z71 · January 18, 2017

Look at the value and not the cost. When you spread it out over the entire life of the machine and add in all of the incidental expenses (and wasted time) from a Windows machine, they're cheaper. Additionally, buying Apple products used is exceptionally easy and safe because they can be reset to factory settings so easily.

I bought my iMac 27" 5K that way and saved well over 1/3 of the cost of buying new. That machine is now about 8 months old to me, about 18 months overall, and will be running for YEARS without the need to make any real changes to it.

I just don't like how you always have to buy accessories for them to make something work. I've never had a Windows computer completely die on me so I get my money out of them as far as them working. I always end up selling my old one or just buying a new one because I want to upgrade not because I'm having an issue. I like to tinker with them too much to buy an Apple. They are reliable though.

ember1205 · January 18, 2017

What adapters are you buying? I have a couple of add-on cables for my laptop but haven't had to add anything to the desktop at all.

I've sold lots of used Apple gear and got a reasonable amount of my money back. Windows machines have never brought me anything of value in return.

Very high-end (gaming type) systems don't appeal to many and therefore don't hold value. The commodity machines are just that - a dime a dozen and don't hold value.

I have two HP Z800 Workstation machines that were $4000+ new about five years ago. I bought the pair of them, STACKED with RAM and high CPU, for under $1000. I use them to run a virtualization environment in my basement to do demos for my job. So, while I do have a couple of virtual machines running on them that are Windows workstations, that isn't their primary use for me.

Daryl Z71 · January 18, 2017

What adapters are you buying? I have a couple of add-on cables for my laptop but haven't had to add anything to the desktop at all.

I've sold lots of used Apple gear and got a reasonable amount of my money back. Windows machines have never brought me anything of value in return.

Very high-end (gaming type) systems don't appeal to many and therefore don't hold value. The commodity machines are just that - a dime a dozen and don't hold value.

I have two HP Z800 Workstation machines that were $4000+ new about five years ago. I bought the pair of them, STACKED with RAM and high CPU, for under $1000. I use them to run a virtualization environment in my basement to do demos for my job. So, while I do have a couple of virtual machines running on them that are Windows workstations, that isn't their primary use for me.

I'm not sure on the adapters, my one instructor has a Mac laptop, and he had to buy a few different adapters so that's the only reason I know about them. My parents bought an Apple desktop for over $1200, and had to buy a seperate cd drive. I found that a little ridiculous but like I said it is a good computer.

ember1205 · January 18, 2017

Ah. I have a VGA and an HDMI adapter that I use with my laptop. But, they're usable on all of my various computers. The separate DVD drive isn't ideal, but there are so many people that don't actually use them any more that I'm ok with them not being included. In fact, I've never used one on my MacBook Air and have never felt like I was handcuffed in any way.

Daryl Z71 · January 18, 2017

Ah. I have a VGA and an HDMI adapter that I use with my laptop. But, they're usable on all of my various computers. The separate DVD drive isn't ideal, but there are so many people that don't actually use them any more that I'm ok with them not being included. In fact, I've never used one on my MacBook Air and have never felt like I was handcuffed in any way.

Yea it's not a big deal for my parents because they don't really do much with it besides browse the Internet anyway.

kstruckcountry · January 18, 2017

For a Mac I'd need a disc drive, USB hub, card reader, and HDMI adapter just to use it like I already use my laptop.

On 10 the only major upgrade is how well the spying features are embedded. It is literally impossible to turn it all off. It is possible to delay OS updates; however, if you aren't there to tell it no, it'll update even if you have things open. Mine woke itself up from a hibernate once to update, I did figure out how to disable that nonsense. Also, when it encounters an error it trolls you with a blue screen with a ":(" on it. Nothing else makes you want to throw the stupid thing out a window more. [emoji38]

Microsoft won't see me buy another machine until they show they're capable of releasing a finished product instead of something that requires daily updates.

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geswek · January 18, 2017

You asked about the premium--it's possible. I build gaming rigs and this is mine, it's around $6000.

Between the two it's up to preference. I believe they both hold their values in specific areas. My PC is for gaming, and my every day life (including my business) and my wife's is on MacBook Airs. We prefer Apple for our daily lives; MacBook, iPhone, iPad,etc. I can tell you I'll never came on anything but a PC.

If I was you, I would worry about whether or not I could produce the same quality work on PC that I did on Mac. I would probably second guess myself constantly.

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kstruckcountry · January 18, 2017

I guess the big question is what software you use for photos.

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GPGuy · January 19, 2017

Woah! That's some kinda gaming computer!

Thanks for all of the great input guys. It's all been very helpful.

I use Lightroom and Photoshop for editing photos. Don't really do much in the way of video at this point but I wouldn't rule that out.

CANDenali · January 19, 2017

Hey Chevy, do your homework bud, but whatever you do take a look at the Microsoft Studio. If you got the coin it's probably the best on the market for what you do. Fyi...I'm probably the only guy on this forum running a Microsoft Lumia phone so I might be bias but I know a little about the company.

GPGuy · January 20, 2017

Hey Chevy, do your homework bud, but whatever you do take a look at the Microsoft Studio. If you got the coin it's probably the best on the market for what you do. Fyi...I'm probably the only guy on this forum running a Microsoft Lumia phone so I might be bias but I know a little about the company.

Until a few guys had mentioned it on here I'd never actually heard of the Microsoft Studio, probably because I've been using Apple products for quite some time now. But I'll take a look at it. I mean the 27" iMac I've been looking at isn't cheap either so..

GPGuy · January 29, 2017

Thanks for the input guys! Much appreciated. I am now the owner of a 27" iMac! Awesome system so far although I'm still in the process of setting everything up, I'm really liking it thus far.

GPGuy · August 29, 2017

7 months later and still very happy with my choice... It's been getting a real workout this summer!

migizi · January 1, 2018

I’ve been working in computers since CPM

(Pre DOS).

Microsoft lost me long ago, IMacfor me, .

I use virtual box to run a copy of that Windows 10 Garbage for a couple archaic programs I must use for work in till their authors get with the times.

GOD I despise Windows and all the headaches it causes -

tidbit

gates didnt invent dos, he bought the rights to CPM, leased it to IBM, and took it back after they (IBM) tweeked it and made it what it was .