Mac users, I need your opinion

[Zytek_Fan]

How do you do 5.1 channel sound with a Mac Pro?

[zeppelin]

So essentially from user anecdotes, the Mac's biggest flaws are superficial issues with the notebook finishes. Zytek, if you're getting a Mac Pro (consider me jealous) then there's almost no downside to ownership.

Also, my god yes in agreement with Windows automatic "nanny" BS. With Vista, and even later XP releases I swear I have to click through 3+ "are you sure" alert windows just to install basic programs; sometimes even programs from Windows themselves. They really need to get it together.

[fisetdavid26]

Originally Posted by zeppelin

Also, my god yes in agreement with Windows automatic "nanny" BS. With Vista, and even later XP releases I swear I have to click through 3+ "are you sure" alert windows just to install basic programs; sometimes even programs from Windows themselves. They really need to get it together.

You can turn those annoying warnings off though.

[zeppelin]

Originally Posted by Zytek_Fan

How do you do 5.1 channel sound with a Mac Pro?

You need digital optical speakers. Or you can get converters from your standard 3-plug analog to digital.

Speakers like Logitech's Z-5500 5.1 system would work. You could also just plug in the main audio cable from a 5.1 multimedia system, and providing the speakers have a decent processor they'd play 5.1 fine. I use USB speakers (Bose Companion 5) and I've not really needed anything better, as I have a 5.1 theatre system on my TV. The computer is really used for music, maybe games.

edit. if you're willing to look at a 2.1 system, the Bose Companion 5 system is really great. It is overpriced yes, and many people scoff at Bose, but mine sound brilliant. Obviously it's not truly convincing 5.1 sound from 2.1 speakers (as advertised) but the depth is incredible, and the bass is nice. With two speakers it manages to throw the sound enough to really trick me, and sounds pretty amazing considering it's USB connected with digital processing done in the system as opposed to computer/sound card.

[Zytek_Fan]

Originally Posted by zeppelin

So essentially from user anecdotes, the Mac's biggest flaws are superficial issues with the notebook finishes. Zytek, if you're getting a Mac Pro (consider me jealous) then there's almost no downside to ownership.

Also, my god yes in agreement with Windows automatic "nanny" BS. With Vista, and even later XP releases I swear I have to click through 3+ "are you sure" alert windows just to install basic programs; sometimes even programs from Windows themselves. They really need to get it together.

Won't be for a while, I just want to get any necessary research out of the way

[Jona102190]

I've been very happy happy with my Macbook Pro. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but as with many things, you get what you pay for.

Mac pros are actually (last I checked) very competitively priced, and are a great value for the actual specs of the machine.

However, apple does lack support and warranty, unless you fork over more $$ for applecare.

[Dary]

Originally Posted by zeppelin

I use USB speakers (Bose Companion 5) and I've not really needed anything better.

yeah that BOSE are awesome! its just work fine with my black macbook and the sound are GREAT!

Zytek_Fan, if i were u and i really want to buy a computer right now, ill go for the new macbook pro 15" with full of spec.
or if i have the time, ill wait the WWDC on 9 june

[Jona102190]

Originally Posted by Dary

yeah that BOSE are awesome! its just work fine with my black macbook and the sound are GREAT!

Zytek_Fan, if i were u and i really want to buy a computer right now, ill go for the new macbook pro 15" with full of spec.
or if i have the time, ill wait the WWDC on 9 june

Macbook pros are recently updated, and would be a good buy right about now.

[Spastik_Roach]

I think its not quite worth paying the extra for a mac unless you're gunna use it more for the creative side of things e.g video, picture editing sort of stuff. My intel iMac is great but it takes a bit of adaption for a while getting used to using programs compatible with it and getting used to all the little things that are different. You do pay quite a bit extra.

But I did just read your first post properly and it sounds like what you want to do is perfectly suited to a mac, so power on I say!

[Zytek_Fan]

Originally Posted by Jona102190

I've been very happy happy with my Macbook Pro. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but as with many things, you get what you pay for.

Mac pros are actually (last I checked) very competitively priced, and are a great value for the actual specs of the machine.

However, apple does lack support and warranty, unless you fork over more $$ for applecare.

If I went with a Mac Pro, I could take care of most of it myself. If anything hardware wise goes wrong I know where and how to get parts (Mac Pros are Intel 5400 workstation based)

I like the MacBook Pro as well. I have never owned a laptop, and the mobility is nice. Powerful enough for WoW too

Originally Posted by zeppelin

You need digital optical speakers. Or you can get converters from your standard 3-plug analog to digital.

Speakers like Logitech's Z-5500 5.1 system would work. You could also just plug in the main audio cable from a 5.1 multimedia system, and providing the speakers have a decent processor they'd play 5.1 fine. I use USB speakers (Bose Companion 5) and I've not really needed anything better, as I have a 5.1 theatre system on my TV. The computer is really used for music, maybe games.

edit. if you're willing to look at a 2.1 system, the Bose Companion 5 system is really great. It is overpriced yes, and many people scoff at Bose, but mine sound brilliant. Obviously it's not truly convincing 5.1 sound from 2.1 speakers (as advertised) but the depth is incredible, and the bass is nice. With two speakers it manages to throw the sound enough to really trick me, and sounds pretty amazing considering it's USB connected with digital processing done in the system as opposed to computer/sound card.

The Z-5500 is an attractive set. Plenty of power, awesome sounding at all levels, etc.

Originally Posted by Dary

yeah that BOSE are awesome! its just work fine with my black macbook and the sound are GREAT!

Zytek_Fan, if i were u and i really want to buy a computer right now, ill go for the new macbook pro 15" with full of spec.
or if i have the time, ill wait the WWDC on 9 june

I'm debating that if I went with a MacBook Pro, whether to get the 15.4" or 17"...


edit: PC side, here's an attractive option
Newegg.com - TOSHIBA Satellite X205-S9800 NoteBook Intel Core 2 Duo T5550(1.83GHz) 17.0" Wide XGA+ 2GB Memory DDR2 667 250GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi NVIDIA GeForce 8700M GT - Retail

[fisetdavid26]

Originally Posted by Zytek_Fan

The Z-5500 is an attractive set. Plenty of power, awesome sounding at all levels, etc.

http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum...-post2886.html

Got it about a month ago, very, very satisfied with it. I connected my PS2 via optical to it, games in Pro Logic II and movies in Surround sound just awesome. *Plenty* of bass. Very powerful system. I definitely recommend it

[Zytek_Fan]

Question;
Uber powerful desktop slaughterhouse aka Mac Pro

Or powerful notebook media creation machine aka MacBook Pro?

edit: I'll have to remember to get Logic so I can mix music

[zeppelin]

Dollar to dollar you'll get a lot more power out of the desktop. You really have to sit down and ask yourself if you need the mobility. I know some days I wish I had a Macbook over my iMac, but ultimately it's because I feel like sitting on my computer downstairs vs upstairs. Never because I actually need to use my computer away from home.

Also, even with the largest screen you'll definitely want a second monitor for the laptop. My 17" iMac isn't nearly sufficient, and I went out and bought a 20" LCD anyway. So unless you really need to compute on the go, or travel a lot, desktops are the best bet.

[Zytek_Fan]

Originally Posted by zeppelin

Dollar to dollar you'll get a lot more power out of the desktop. You really have to sit down and ask yourself if you need the mobility. I know some days I wish I had a Macbook over my iMac, but ultimately it's because I feel like sitting on my computer downstairs vs upstairs. Never because I actually need to use my computer away from home.

Also, even with the largest screen you'll definitely want a second monitor for the laptop. My 17" iMac isn't nearly sufficient, and I went out and bought a 20" LCD anyway. So unless you really need to compute on the go, or travel a lot, desktops are the best bet.

Yeah. The mobility is nice, but I don't REALLY need it at all.
And I hate small screens, so :/

I'll try to get a Mac Pro. It's such a nice, powerful system.

[Zytek_Fan]

Dammit, this sucks.

I'm starting to think that the mobility of the MacBook Pro would be nice, which it would be. I could use it all over the house, take it to friends' houses, etc.

...and I really don't need the power in a Mac Pro...