Got questions on buying a new Mac?

[Jinto]

I have a friend who is always telling me to get a Mac. He doesn't play games. Because they're not on Mac, they suck. All he plays is WoW, which is like drugs in my opinion.

Personally, I don't want a Mac because I don't want to deal with all the peopleware that comes with it. See, a PC has digital crap ramming you at high-speed and effing up your compy...with a Mac, it's like 7 million people always telling you to buy the vaunted new iMac or some shit.

I dunno...I might be jaded.

Well, what really did it for me was bootcamp (not that I've used it yet...).  Since a mac can now be dual booted into windows (or linux if you prefer) or even wiped and install the OS of you choice... it really becomes a matter of hardware.  How flexible do you want your hardware to be?

[ncdhobbes]

OK . . . *cracks knuckles*

Surely someone out there (or multiple someone's) will be able to answer my questions.

I'm thinking about getting a new iMac 24" and I plan on using this machine for graphic design, photo work, minor video editing projects, minor 3D work and multimedia development.  I currently use a PowerMac G5 dual 2.0 at my job, but I'd like to be able to do personal stuff at home, rather than taking it into work and getting questionable glances from my boss.  Here's my concern though - the glossy screen.

I'd like to start doing color management of my photos, so I need to know (from someone in the know) if color accuracy/management is attainable with the iMacs.  Also, how aggravating is the glossy screen in comparison to a matte finish?

Inquiring minds . . .

[OrcishIncubus]

OK . . . *cracks knuckles*

Surely someone out there (or multiple someone's) will be able to answer my questions.

I'm thinking about getting a new iMac 24" and I plan on using this machine for graphic design, photo work, minor video editing projects, minor 3D work and multimedia development.  I currently use a PowerMac G5 dual 2.0 at my job, but I'd like to be able to do personal stuff at home, rather than taking it into work and getting questionable glances from my boss.  Here's my concern though - the glossy screen.

I'd like to start doing color management of my photos, so I need to know (from someone in the know) if color accuracy/management is attainable with the iMacs.  Also, how aggravating is the glossy screen in comparison to a matte finish?

Inquiring minds . . .

This thread might answer some of your questions.

My personal opinion is also in that thread... but I'll say it again... I'll probly never use a glossy screen unless they find a way to make the glare almost unnoticeable no matter what kind of lighted area you're in... matte forever.

[Rob]

I have one and I rarely (read: have never) find it affects colour accuracy or management.

[frankthetank]

I see this post heading towards material already covered by the thread "Glossy or Matte" as OrcishIncubus pointed out, and have made my (long winded) opinion on the matter there. In short Matte = laptops you plan to use multiple loctions / outside, uncontrolled lighting conditions, Glossy = for high performance to be used in controlled settings for better color contrast for serious design.
Note: This is all based on what I notice as a designer, if you can't tell the difference, go matte! Its far more versatile

[ABoerma]

Strange, I actually find my (glossy) MacBook to be more easily readable in direct sunlight than my mate's (matte) HP.

[Pharao]

Only 2 months before I buy my new Mac - it's my first one and I got 2 little questions. I hope this is the right thread (and that it is okay that I didn't start a new one for those 2 - IMHO - easy little questions)

I'll go with a new MacBook Pro and the Cinema-LED-Display.

• is it possible to play a game - lets say World of Warcraft - while running Dual View (extended desktop)? Can I choose on which screen it is running?
• Can I choose which display I want to use as my "first display" displaying my taskbar and stuff?

My intention is to use the 24" screen as my primary screen while I am at my desk, playing some WoW or stuff. After disconnection the monitor I want my notebook screen to be the first one. (well what else should be the first one?)

Thanks in advance
Timo

[zizdodrian]

How a game behaves with multiple monitors depends solely on how the game is written. MacOS can support 3D output to as many monitors as you're able to connect (with displaylink, this could be six or more.)

Mac OS X will also remember custom desktop settings, colour profiles, resolutions, wallpaper, and more, on a per display basis, and automatically recognize the different monitors when you connect them. It also does a really good job of finding the native resolution and refresh rate of monitors, even over analogue interfaces, as soon as you connect them. It's far better then windows in this regard. It can switch display arrangements and resolution settings for all monitors when it detects a particular monitor being connected or disconnected.

[Pharao]

thanks for the answers - sounds like it will work as I expect it to work

>How a game behaves with multiple monitors depends solely on how the game is written.
To be honest I only play WoW - so if someone here runs a setup like this I'd be happy to hear a answer

[rusty]

I'm looking to buy a MacBook in the near future, but my only problem is that I don't want OSX in German as I'm a native English speaker, living in Austria.

My question is; is it possible to change the language used in OSX without a re-install?  Or is OSX released only as localized versions for each country?

[Keizuki]

You can change the language within Mac OS X.

I think the default install already on your MacBook when you get it has all of the languages installed.

IIRC you can select which languages you want installed if you ever need to do a reinstall.

[Shmi]

If you buy it brand new the very first window (even before the OS X intro video) lets you select a system language.

[3vi1_rawr]

I'v been considering buyin a mac cause im leaving for college and i want a shiny fast new computer but I want to know if mac supports FF:XI cause i used to play then sold my account to my brother but now i want to start again so i can keep up with my friends and family that play the game and no one here nows whether it does or not.

Can some on help me?

[Pharao]

if it is not supported on OSX - and it isn't as far as I know - you can install Windows via Bootcamp and play on Windows.
(yes I know - shame on me suggesting this way)

[WiseHacker]

There is no shame in suggesting virtualisation.

I run virtualisation for Linux and DOS all the time.