[quote name='joachim' timestamp='1284275087' post='2660']
So I am wondering whether there are hidden flaws in the screen.[/quote]
There were reports for earlier models that the brightness could not be adjusted down to an appropriate level for rather dark environments. I don't know if this is still the case with the current models, haven't heard anything along these lines for a while (but haven't searched for it, either).
The biggest issue for me is glare. These aren't just glossy screens, they have a real glass cover. You should carefully check if you can stand the reflections. It's a personal thing, some can blend out the reflections in the image, some can't (that would be me).
Best thing to check this is with a low key b/w photo.
[quote name='joachim' timestamp='1284275087' post='2660']
Concerning the mini-mac, not many seem to like it. One sees many comments a long the line of old technology and expensive. But someone needs to buy them?
[/quote]
Well, the mini is a beatuiful machine. It was my first mac and it still serves well as a media center. The current one is certainly all you need regarding performance (for everyday tasks, inclusing photoshopping), but yes, the prices have gone through the roof with the latest update. IMO, the latest generation is definitely overpriced (in Europe).
In addition, the current model is a lot more difficult to upgrade (RAM excluded) than the earlier models. However, this is also true for the iMac.
Regarding OS X: after years with Windows, it takes a while to get the hang of the slightly different Apple OS. If you're fed up with Windows and on the other hand enjoy the beauty and aesthetics of well written and designed software, the switch will be easy and fun. Lots of new stuff to explore. However, if you don't have any serious issues with Windows or don't feel a strong urge towards OS X because of it's design or elegance, so if you're more the kind of guy that just wants to get things done (and can do so with current machine and OS), switching to the Mac will probably be a bit more of a hassle. Maybe even rather frustrating.
It's a bit like switching from an SLR to a rangefinder <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':blink:' />
Not everything is better on the Mac, for sure. Finder, as Lars already mentioned, is a good example of this. I can get along with its functionality for basic tasks, but anyone I know using a Mac sooner or later looks for alternatives. Some prefer direct replacements (like Pathfinder), others (me included) look for alternative ways to launch programs or files (I use the built-in Spotlight, other options would be Launchbar or Quicksilver).
In any case, with an Intel Mac you could fall back to Windows at any time. However, you'd end up with a rather expensive PC, yes.
-- Markus
So I am wondering whether there are hidden flaws in the screen.[/quote]
There were reports for earlier models that the brightness could not be adjusted down to an appropriate level for rather dark environments. I don't know if this is still the case with the current models, haven't heard anything along these lines for a while (but haven't searched for it, either).
The biggest issue for me is glare. These aren't just glossy screens, they have a real glass cover. You should carefully check if you can stand the reflections. It's a personal thing, some can blend out the reflections in the image, some can't (that would be me).
Best thing to check this is with a low key b/w photo.
[quote name='joachim' timestamp='1284275087' post='2660']
Concerning the mini-mac, not many seem to like it. One sees many comments a long the line of old technology and expensive. But someone needs to buy them?
[/quote]
Well, the mini is a beatuiful machine. It was my first mac and it still serves well as a media center. The current one is certainly all you need regarding performance (for everyday tasks, inclusing photoshopping), but yes, the prices have gone through the roof with the latest update. IMO, the latest generation is definitely overpriced (in Europe).
In addition, the current model is a lot more difficult to upgrade (RAM excluded) than the earlier models. However, this is also true for the iMac.
Regarding OS X: after years with Windows, it takes a while to get the hang of the slightly different Apple OS. If you're fed up with Windows and on the other hand enjoy the beauty and aesthetics of well written and designed software, the switch will be easy and fun. Lots of new stuff to explore. However, if you don't have any serious issues with Windows or don't feel a strong urge towards OS X because of it's design or elegance, so if you're more the kind of guy that just wants to get things done (and can do so with current machine and OS), switching to the Mac will probably be a bit more of a hassle. Maybe even rather frustrating.
It's a bit like switching from an SLR to a rangefinder <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':blink:' />
Not everything is better on the Mac, for sure. Finder, as Lars already mentioned, is a good example of this. I can get along with its functionality for basic tasks, but anyone I know using a Mac sooner or later looks for alternatives. Some prefer direct replacements (like Pathfinder), others (me included) look for alternative ways to launch programs or files (I use the built-in Spotlight, other options would be Launchbar or Quicksilver).
In any case, with an Intel Mac you could fall back to Windows at any time. However, you'd end up with a rather expensive PC, yes.
-- Markus
Editor
opticallimits.com
opticallimits.com