Digital BW, The Print

I've used them both for many years and for graphics applications I find Mac 
clearly superior, though significantly more expensive (obviously).   The 30" 
lcd monitor was $3600 when I purchased it, and that didn't include the $600 
video card needed to drive it.   (The monitor has dropped to around $3000, and the 
new G5's include the necessary video card, but this is still an expensive 
set-up.)   Then   again, Ferraris cost more than Fords.   Windows has improved 
greatly in its many iterations, but the Mac OS is more stable   (I have been 
unable to get OS X to crash) and, I think, much easier to use.   I like not have 
to worry about viruses with the Mac, and I've had wonderful experiences with 
Apple support when needed.   There are some RIPs that aren't supported for Mac, 
and a few other relevant programs, but I've not been at all limited in 
finding appropriate software for the Mac.   

In informal speed comparisons running Photoshop, the Mac G5 2.5ghz is 
noticeably speedier than any Windows machine I've encountered.

Apple's chip change shouldn't affect much at all in terms of what users will 
see on the screen---the differences between the Mac OS and Windows aren't 
primarily chip-dependent.

I think that the platform differences are becoming less significant as 
Windows catches up, though Mac still has an edge when it comes to graphics 
applications.   And, according to Consumer Reports, the hardware reliability of Macs is 
better than PCs.

2 cents worth.

David Ward
David V. Ward Fine Art Photography
www.dvward.com



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