Mac vs PC for graphic design

[agreen]

I've been working in a graphics department of my architecture firm for 7 years. We've been using PCs all of that time, but I can't help thinking my graphics team might be better off using Macs. Our workflow involves many other users in the office who aren't graphics staff. They all use AutoCAD, Sketchup, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, 3d Studio etc. (I'm happy with them having PCs). They all have Adobe CS3 installed on their PCs, and make modifications to images, layout, text, plans, sections and elevations. We all contribute to the finished product, usually a PDF, over a Windows server during the production period.

I find myself wondering why most of the graphics studios that surround me in London's Noho use Macs. What are the real world benefits over PCs?

I can think of these few, but my design world use of Macs has ground to a halt these past seven years:

- Macs are design industry standard. I've always heard this mentioned, but why? What is it about them that have made them a design industry standard?
- Switching files from Mac to PC is a non-issue, even over a server, they integrate well
- Macs are more reliable. OS X uses less RAM freeing the machine up to drive software
- Macs offer better colour accuracy, especially for print

My IT team here are extremely reluctant to even let us try a Mac in our workflow. They say, and I quote: "...someone needs to demonstrate a rock-solid, obvious-to-everyone reason to start bringing them in. So… give me something obvious. Give me something to offset the cost, etc, penalty of bringing Macs in."

It's a battle. Can anyone out there offer any thoughts?

Cheers. Ashley

Ashley Green | Graphics Manager
WATG | designing destinations

[PrintDriver]

Firstly, you need to do a forum search. This topic has come up very recently as well as very often.

There is currently no real difference between using a Mac or a PC in the design world, as long as your printers are ok with your file hand off.

There is no convincing argument that we can give you that will make your bosses turn over. Your company is very invested in PC hardware AND software. They would have to shell out for all new software seats for your Macs. You would also find you may have font issues if people on PC are editing design files. Everyone would have to watch for word wrap and kerning issues. Bad for an already working work flow. The design studios 'around you' in London probably don't have the investment or the need to deal with Autocad as much as an architecture firm does.

The only reason I could possibly give is if your design team hands off files to fabricators who use Macs for large format work. But there are workarounds for that even.

[captain spanky]

*spanky rummages about in a box for his metal army helmet and takes cover under the nearest desk... with his fingers in his ears and his eyes shut*

.... lol :D

[CkretAjint]

FIRE IN THE HOLE!

*runs for cover*

[ZippyTheWonderMonkey]

They say, and I quote: "...someone needs to demonstrate a rock-solid, obvious-to-everyone reason to start bringing them in. So… give me something obvious. Give me something to offset the cost, etc, penalty of bringing Macs in."

It's a battle. Can anyone out there offer any thoughts?

Cheers. Ashley




They look cooler than pc's.......


um, that's all I got.

[morea]

here's the short answer from our New User FAQ:


Question: Which is better, mac or pc?

Answer: Both have their uses in graphic design. While Macs have traditionally been considered "THE" tool for graphic design, either system is acceptable in the industry these days. It’s not which system you use, so much as how you use it. The quality of our work is NOT defined by our hardware. Mac vs. PC debates have really been done to death and are not well received.

For more information, please try a forum search, or check out our "frequently discussed topics thread" which you will find here (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33048)