Alienware M15x

[clyzm]

(It's just expensive lego)

lego with wires

[Tantalus]

Had that, traffic light set that was setup through computer software....really dull.

[Dae]

Why not just torrent windows 7 and reformat the hard drive to install it?

That's the problem, there is no hard drive. I bought Eee with SSD/Xandros Linux, because I thought it would be lighter and more energy efficient. But there were two problems I didn't think about:
— it consists of 8 GB fast SSD and 30 GB slower SSD. On Unix systems I can use both drives all together, i.e. mount some system directories to one drive and other to the second. On Windows I would have to install the system on 8 GB drive and constantly run out of space and use 30 GB as some D: drive, or install it on 30 GB SSD and "enjoy" 5 minute loading time since it's much slower
— those SSDs are cheap SSDs, nothing like in MacBooks, and there is a risk of "wearing" them out — there's a limited number of writes you can do on it. Windows is not very optimized for that, so it might wear them much faster than Linux.
(Sorry for going too much into details, but it might come in handy for some people).

So I've read everything you've all had to say. Alright, so no macs. We've established that now.

Most shit about Macs comes from people who've never used it or just angry that it's too pricy. (They're not angry, however, about BMW or Mercedes being more expensive than Skoda or Ford, isn't it paradoxal?) Expensiveness doesn't make it "shit", Apple surely knows what they're doing.

If you're planning to

produce trance music

Apple Logic Studio for Mac is a very good program for music composition, my friend DJs say.

[Aidan]

those SSDs are cheap SSDs, nothing like in MacBooks, and there is a risk of "wearing" them out

So the Eee uses cheap SSD's while the macbook uses better ones?

Most shit about Macs comes from people who've never used it or just angry that it's too pricy. (They're not angry, however, about BMW or Mercedes being more expensive than Skoda or Ford, isn't it paradoxal?) Expensiveness doesn't make it "shit", Apple surely knows what they're doing.

True enough. I was looking at Macbook Pro's as I could run both OS's on it (not a big fan of linux unless I'm programming). Windows 7 and OSX Snow Leopard. One for doing basic things such as itunes, msn, web browsing, photoshop etc. as well as taking advantage of the many music producing programs available to OSX (Logic Pro, Reason, Reaktor, Spectrasonics, etc.). While the other OS (windows 7), I'll use for programming, gaming (steam and such), web design.

Thanks very much though, this clears a lot up. I think I'll go with a Macbook Pro.

[Mr. Tastix]

Most shit about Macs comes from people who've never used it or just angry that it's too pricy. (They're not angry, however, about BMW or Mercedes being more expensive than Skoda or Ford, isn't it paradoxal?) Expensiveness doesn't make it "shit", Apple surely knows what they're doing.

I beg to differ. BMW's and Mercedes' are overrated. I also dislike Macs simply because of this bullshit I hear about how they're better for design purposes. I also wouldn't game on them. But this is all subjective, it's only my opinion.

Maybe for YOU they are, but as far I'm concerned it's subjective and what may be fine for you is absolutely pure shite for others.

Also, Mac's are pricey.

[Dae]

bullshit I hear about how they're better for design purposes

Have you seen how is font management, special symbols, color management, color profiles organized in Mac OS X? It's just fresh air after Windows It's also much simpler to design when your instrument is well-designed: all the programs follow the same interface guidelines, share the same hotkey mappings (e.g. Cmd + , opens Settings of any program), drag-n-drop is a "holy cow" of Mac and routine tasks in almost any program can be done using Automator and AppleScript.

I was looking at Macbook Pro's as I could run both OS's on it (not a big fan of linux unless I'm programming).

Of course they can, moreover Apple provides all the drivers for Windows and keeps them up to date automatically. You can also run Windows in windowed mode under Mac OS X using Parallels or VMWare.

'll use for programming, gaming (steam and such), web design.

Programming under Mac is also cool. Programming tool comes with the OS for free, it's pretty good and works natively with several popular programming languages (Objective C, Ruby, Python, Java). Or you can first learn AppleScript within half an hour and compile your own first program with a real GUI in a less than half a day.

But what I personally like most, there is a space for new programs on the Mac market.

So the Eee uses cheap SSD's while the macbook uses better ones?

exactly

[MrBlackDX]

In the industry, the only use for Mac's are for art, graphic design, sound editing and video (not film) editing.

Saying that my girlfriend works in a graphic design company, where all the utilities used are multi-system programs (Photoshop, Illustration, In-Design and Microsoft Word).

Everything else is done on a PC

My problem with Macs, and the logic behind this does apply to windows in a lot of cases, is that they are completely pretentious.

The advertising is awful, it caters towards idiots and people who "want to be original" (there's only enough vomit in the world).

Their machines are awful, the only thing going for them is style. Working in hardware, we had to have Mac operated training to be specialised and qualified enough to take a Mac apart, costly, time consuming and just plain stupid. The desktop PC is the only optimal machine, as it is flexible and modular. Oh, but if we wanted to, the Ram was quite easy to change... ¬_¬

I just think Mac's are a step towards perfection, NOT to technological advancement.

And that's why Linux get my thumbs up, fully configurable, open sourced and yes, it's free.

[James]

Not going to bother reading all this yet but God Damn I hate idiots who think they need to be different and have to CONFORM.

[Dae]

Oh, but if we wanted to, the Ram was quite easy to change... ¬_¬

On modern unibody MacBooks and Mac Mini you can easily change both HDD and RAM. If you're talking about processor being soldered into a mobo — afaik most laptop manufacturers now do that.

Mac Pro is easily upgradable, except maybe for the processor. There was a problem with overpriced GPUs for Mac, but personally I solved it by flashing a PC 4890 — works like a charm now, and it was as easy to install as it would be with any PC. I also had difficulties with installing Airport wireless card because the built-in antennae cables are really small, but since the card itself is shit, next time I'd rather go for a 3d party PCI-e card such as D-Link DWA-556 or some Ralink ones. Installing RAM and HDD into a Mac Pro is pure pleasure, all "hot swap", no screws.

iMac is not meant to be upgraded, but afaik it's the same for all of the all-in-one PCs.

In the industry, the only use for Mac's are for art, graphic design, sound editing and video (not film) editing.

photography, 3D, web-design (or does it count as graphic design?), web-development

And that's why Linux get my thumbs up, fully configurable, open sourced and yes, it's free.

on Desktop Linux people only code for Desktop Linux

Everything else is done on a PC

[James]

Dae why are you implying there's a problem (that you find funny) with his girlfriend's company? All he said was that he might have implied they use Windows for everything else? I mean he did say "PC"?

[Dae]

You're right.

When I say PC I mean Windows based computer. And that's wrong.

[Tonnochi]

lol, what ever happened to klops beast machine?

[Tantalus]

lol, what ever happened to klops beast machine?

Link please. Let's reminisce...

[Dae]

Link please.

http://www.dxalpha.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10912

[clyzm]

the only use for Mac's are for art, graphic design, sound editing and video (not film) editing.

At work we don't use Macs. This is because we need systems with very powerful processors and much RAM. I asked my hardware technician why this was so and he said that back then, we had Macs but they were weak for our purposes.

I don't know why some design companies or schools use Mac-only. I think it's a "new wave" thing that they want their workspace to look stylish as much as their products. I still prefer some big ugly computer that can do 500 queues in a second rather than Macs which are economic girly computers.

imo^

[Tantalus]

Link please.

http://www.dxalpha.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10912

Alas, 'tis only a legend now: "The topic or post you requested does not exist".

[Allan]

Link please.

http://www.dxalpha.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10912

Alas, 'tis only a legend now: "The topic or post you requested does not exist".

Or so you thought.

Alright, i've been saving up for a good few years for this. And i finally got the chance to buy it, the other pc i sold in aid to get this....


My monsterous PC:

Make: Vadim Custom PCs

Processor: Xeon 6662 Quad Core. Each core processing at 3.00Ghz. (X2)
RAM: 32 Gigabyte
HDD: 8 Terabyte
Graphics: Nvidia Quadro FX 5600 (1500 MB VRAM) PCIe (X2)
Primary OS: Windows Vista Ultimate 32 Bit
Secondary OS: Windows XP Professional


All with exteme water cooling and other components....


Cost
------------

Price ex Vat
£ 10741.02
Price inc Vat
£ 12620.70



A monster of a pc yes?

[Aidan]

Link please.

http://www.dxalpha.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10912

Alas, 'tis only a legend now: "The topic or post you requested does not exist".

Or so you thought.

Alright, i've been saving up for a good few years for this. And i finally got the chance to buy it, the other pc i sold in aid to get this....


My monsterous PC:

Make: Vadim Custom PCs

Processor: Xeon 6662 Quad Core. Each core processing at 3.00Ghz. (X2)
RAM: 32 Gigabyte
HDD: 8 Terabyte
Graphics: Nvidia Quadro FX 5600 (1500 MB VRAM) PCIe (X2)
Primary OS: Windows Vista Ultimate 32 Bit
Secondary OS: Windows XP Professional


All with exteme water cooling and other components....


Cost
------------

Price ex Vat
£ 10741.02
Price inc Vat
£ 12620.70



A monster of a pc yes?

AHAHAHAHHAHAHA. I definitely remember this.

Well... see. The majority of your opinions are based upon your needs and preferences. What I need, is a Laptop. One that runs OSX Snow Leopard. The majority of the reason is so I can produce my music on several programs, as well as do simple tasks such as msn, itunes, web browsing, etc. It has fantastic battery life, a good CPU (not the best, but good), good ram, etc. If I want to game, or program (as dae had also mentioned, I can do this on OSX :S but not C++?), I can always boot up windows 7 and do so with no hassle. Everything runs smooth, and the Win7 Dual boot can play L4D smoothly on max settings.

I don't care about the price. I'll get the 13" Macbook pro (with some extra ram).

[Dae]

C++

of course you can do C++
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xcode

But I don't think you can run L4D smoothly on max settings on 9600M of MacBook Pro, really. Macs aren't gaming computers (read: they usually suck when it comes to GPU), so think twice <s>and don't blame me later</s>

Edit: first link in google, you might be interested:
http://www.aibal.com/left4dead-macbookpro-9600mgt

[-TheSpecialist-]

If I actually had some extra cash on hand, I would go about getting a Gateway FX P series laptop.

Not sure what the latest one is, but they do have gaming grade components at budget prices. They tend to cut some corners here and there, but you aren't in University/College to have everyone look at what you're using; rather its just to serve a purpose.

The price/performance ratio is the redeemable factor which makes it noteworthy. If you can look past the aesthetics, it would be a highly decent purchase.

[Aidan]

of course you can do C++
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xcode

Hail Mary

But I don't think you can run L4D smoothly on max settings on 9600M of MacBook Pro, really. Macs aren't gaming computers (read: they usually suck when it comes to GPU), so think twice and don't blame me later

Edit: first link in google, you might be interested:
http://www.aibal.com/left4dead-macbookpro-9600mgt

Even medium to high I'm fine with =D Just for some casual gaming. I also wouild like to get back to mapping for Deus Ex as well as other games.

You have a point to. Makes me wonder. The main use for their OS is graphic editing, yet their graphics card varieties lack.

[Kaiden]

I'll just add don't bother with

Norton 2009 3 year plan

It sux, and is probably over-priced too :< Just go with something like Kaspersky or Zonealarm I would.

[Aidan]

Yeah, well the Norton was for the alienware, that I'm probably not going to get now lol. I think I might go with the macbook pro. If I do go with a PC however, I'll probably be a cheap ass and torrent AV software

Norton 2009 is actually quite amazing. But yes, Kaspersky it great. I've never used zone alarm though..

[clyzm]

One that runs OSX Snow Leopard. The majority of the reason is so I can produce my music on several programs, as well as do simple tasks such as msn, itunes, web browsing, etc

So what you're saying is, only OSX Snow Banta runs this, and Windows is incapable of "producing music on several programs as well as doing simple tasks such as msn, itunes and web browsing?"

[Aidan]

So what you're saying is, only OSX Snow Banta runs this, and Windows is incapable of "producing music

Yes, that is what I mean. The majority of masterclass sound production software is unfortunately only for OSX. What I do like about it only being only for OSX, is that there's no errors or minor problems that would fuck parts, portions, or my whole song I would happen to be working on. What I'm trying to say with that is I don't mind working on the few good windows programs. I've just had bad experiences producing music on windows :/

By the rest of what I said. It's convenient to make my music and web browse, and msn all at once instead of switching back and forth for different tasks.

[clyzm]

Cus Protools, FL Studio and Reason is only for Macs, boy gee howdy you sure are right.

[Mr. Tastix]

This whole Mac vs Windows thing is fucking pointless. It's a stupid debate based off very little. Mac is good for some things, Windows is good for others. Your opinion is subjective and just that, an opinion.

I dislike Macs, but I can't say I have ever used one fully so my dislike is rather unwarranted. I however, don't feel it at all necessary to try them. I do not mind Linux but it takes so fucking long to set up that I find it hardly worth the effort.

That is my opinion, it may not be yours, but it is mine. That is all it comes down to. And ultimately, this petty debate over the two operating systems doesn't help Achéro get a better PC. My suggestion on the topic at hand is to look up what you want from a PC and the hardware needed to run it.

Protocol seems to know far more about this stuff than I do (and his input has helped me in the past) so if anyone, I would advise going to him for help. Whether he'll help you or not is a completely different story, but that's beside the point.

[Aidan]

I like them both for conveniences of different things.

Cus Protools, FL Studio and Reason is only for Macs, boy gee howdy you sure are right.

FL Studio and Reason are the only win/mac based music producing programs I like. Each of these programs have their own specialties, which is why multiple programs are used in the production of even one good electronica song. FL Studio can make great loops. Reason can make great soft pad sounds and is great for adjusting Hertz levels, whilst Logic Pro is great at piecing your sound together, and Ableton is great for mastering.

[Dae]

FL Studio is a Windows-only app.

[Aidan]

FL Studio is a Windows-only app.

My mistake lol. I knew that, but Derek listed win and win/mac programs.