Mac vs. PC (graphic design)

[DarkMaster]

Ok, so, my current dilemma as I head into the serious feild of graphic design and computer animation is what computer to buy. I've heard countless times that a Mac is a much better choice for the graphic/animation artist than a PC, and I have no idea why that would be.

So, this is essentially a question for the graphic artists of GT. What computer should I go with? Why? Does it matter?

I need to know, so any information would be swell.

[Happydude]

frankly, i don't think it matters on the type of machine...but rather on the hardware in it.


macs and pcs are identical expcept for the CPU and mobos. everything else is identical. i'm not sure about how powerful mac CPUs are compared to AMD or Intel nowadays, so i couldn't tell you which one would be a better choice based on CPU.

and as i've said...everything else is the same.

[Teuthida]

I go to an art school and all they have are macs. Plus they convince all the students to buy macs. I'm pretty much the only person in my class with a PC. I really don't know what programs are mac specific that you might need. Using photoshop on their macs crashed a hell of a lot more times for me than when I use it on Windows. Hardware wise I have no idea. I personally hate macs. And the lack of right clicking baffles me. Always would bring my own mouse to class.

[gekko]

Macs are used with more professional design firms. PowerPC processors are better at processing media than PCs, Mac OS X just runs them better and faster, and the major software is made for Mac, ported to PC.

Macs are the design standard for a reason.

[MuGen]

If you want to pursue this career professional you'll choose Macs. Macs PowerPC runs multimedia smoother and faster. And as Gekko said, it's an industry standard.

Over 80% of employers on Monster.com require Knowledge and Experience with Mac Computers.

I'm in Graphic Design myself, professionally... earning a good amount. And I use an iBook for my graphics and my Gateway notebook for coding and putting everything together.

[DarkMaster]

So essentially I'll just be able to run programs like photoshop, maya, flash, etc. much better? Are there any advantages at all to using a PC instead? Like, would I lose out on a certain aspect by using a Mac solely?

Thanks for the answers thus far, everyone.

[gekko]

I don't see how you would. Aside from games, I couldn't name one thing in general that you would lose out on by using a Mac solely.

[Teuthida]

...your sanity.

[Happydude]

...your sanity.
i concur. :p