iMac for programming and electronic work - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SuperMiguel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2011, 05:52:42 am
content: So I want to get a new computer and was thinking about getting and iMac, I currently do most of my stuff of a MacBook air and it works fine so far... But I feel like i need a desktop so any reason to stay away from an iMac?...

author: sonicj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2011, 05:59:02 am
content: a lot of the design & simulator software is still pc only. some apps work fine with wine. everything else should work on parallels or bootcamp.-sj

author: SuperMiguel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2011, 06:02:56 am
content: Is that a go for the imac??

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2011, 06:39:00 am
content: Quote from: SuperMiguel on October 21, 2011, 06:02:56 amno! imac is one step behind the evolution, ie open source.is it?

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2011, 07:08:26 am
content: Quote from: SuperMiguel on October 21, 2011, 06:02:56 amYou are not talking about one of the ones with the 27 inch 2560x1440 screens are you?Why would anyone want that?The iMac is a good computer, and it doesn't matter if it is not the fastest computer. We could tell you why it makes much more sense to buy a PC, but I think you will get the iMac, whatever we say.Just budget on the Windows license for running windows-only stuff, and at least 8G of the way-overpriced RAM.Only get the Apple Magic Mouse if you know you want it, otherwise the plain mouse is probably better.Richard

author: PStevenson
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2011, 07:16:34 am
content: I priced it up recently, I got a PC with a hex core cpu, 16Gb RAM, SSD Drive and 2 Tb drives etc. which cost me about £600 then I did the exact same specs as the PC on one of the custom iMacs and it came to £5000, £1000 of that was added when I clicked on "SSD drive"so if you want a good enough reason to stay away from iMacs - it's because it's a complete rip off.

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2011, 07:38:20 am
content: Quote from: PStevenson on October 21, 2011, 07:16:34 amAll absolutely true, but you can configure a good iMac for $2000, and if SuperMiguel got a PC, I think he would use the macbook air all the time, and wish he got an iMac.I do think that there is no great need for a desktop at home any more if you have a good notebook, along with screen, keyboard and mouse for use as a desktop. Syncing, updating, backing up, etc two computers is twice the work, and for what? Trouble is a macbook pro would be better then a macbook air as an only computer.Can you sell the Air to anyone?Richard.

author: Achilles
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2011, 08:17:42 am
content: Hey, I use a MacBook Pro and run Parallels on it if I really need Windows (GIS, Remote Sensing, Manufactureres Programming IDE's)It is true that Mac Software is a step behind, but more because most companies serve for the majority. So if you use a Mac there are just a few companies which support you with software, but you may also have experienced thatYou could run Parallels or Bootcamp and Windows or Linux on it if you like. There are a few OpenSource projects which also support MacOSX, but maybe not as much as there are for Linux...that's sure.In the end it all comes down to a computer with the specs. Mac is more expensive and has (at least in Germany) shorter Warranty, but nice Styling. Windows has more software, is cheaper but mostly a Box on your Desktop. So you have to choose what you prefer. A VW Käfer with four seats or in sportscar lookIf you liked the work on your Air and you are willing to pay for the Imac..OK. If you want just sth. to use and maybe upgrade that buddy in a while....PC. Software can be switched with Bootcamp or Parallels or sth. like that.

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2011, 08:37:29 am
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on October 21, 2011, 06:39:00 amThe hardware is standard intel + pci-e, just like a PC.The software (OS) is based on BSD Unix, which is open source.This window manager (GUI) is Proprietary, as are many of the applications.

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2011, 08:39:45 am
content: You know you can install something like Oracle's Virtualbox on it and install Windows into it, so you can run both OS's from the one desktop?I use Virtualbox on the Win7 (64bit) machine to run a copy of WinXP (32 bit) on it for certain non-compatible applications. Also run a copy of Fedora on it.

author: Storeinfinity
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2011, 09:42:58 am
content: Quote from: PStevenson on October 21, 2011, 07:16:34 amDon't forget people can install mac OS into a £600 powerful PC with a Monster-sized plasma TV. Blueteeth everything so you can use similar mouse and keyboard.I use Macbook-pro which to me not worth the money considering it is the same price of iMac the 27 inch one.He has a Mac air and why does not he stick to that skinny mac and try a PC with latest Ubuntu or sth.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2011, 10:01:48 am
content: Quote from: amspire on October 21, 2011, 07:38:20 amfull size keyboard... a decent mouse... large enough screen. is a must for me. if i have to find a real note/netbook, thats the minimum spec. and i wish they all can be folded together like normal notebook. i cannot deny IMac is a sexy machine and is the future, butcan we install WinXP in it?no, i dont want the emulator, virtual reality or WINK stuff, you can say anything while my ear's shut...

author: Achilles
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2011, 11:10:43 am
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on October 21, 2011, 10:01:48 amOK, you are allowed to shut your ears....... just one word BootcampNothing virtual, a Bootlader like Grub and Windows Driver Package. So you can install Windows on a Mac and lots of people prefer that way due to Performance reasons.At least you get a nice looking PC then

author: SuperMiguel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2011, 01:23:10 pm
content: Lol it does look good

author: ToBeFrank
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2011, 05:57:30 pm
content: Quote from: PStevenson on October 21, 2011, 07:16:34 amConsidering you can't even order a hex core cpu in an iMac, I call shenanigans. I'd like to see the "exact same specs" you compared. There's no doubt you pay a premium for Apple stuff, but I doubt this one is realistic.

author: Achilles
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2011, 06:11:18 pm
content: Oh well, this one is going to be a Mac Windows discussion ?! Please notBoth are machines.......both work.@SuperMiguel:Did you like the mac workflow and are you willing to spend some money for a brand? You don't have Software/much Software that is Win only.You want the design and you want sth. trendy?Buy a Mac.You need a Tool with a lot of supported software and don't want to struggle with compiling sourcecode or so? Maybe you want to upgrade the Computer from time to time. It should be cheap and there should be cheap components...PC with WindowsIt's up to your point what you prefer. I bought my MacBook Pro mainly because I got it quite cheap (1200Euro for 15,4" new) and I want a rugged case....that means no Plastic but sth. to grab on and don't worry to get cracks or so. And well, a Notebook wirth partial Aluminium or Magnesium isn't really much cheaper. So I stepped to Mac and at least I can live very well with that

author: PStevenson
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2011, 09:58:01 am
content: Quote from: ToBeFrank on October 21, 2011, 05:57:30 pmof course you can

author: _Sin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2011, 04:03:29 pm
content: That would be a Mac Pro, not an iMac.Also, the only 6-core option on the Mac Pro, is the Intel Xeon Westmere, at 3.33GHz. That chip alone costs something in the region of double your 600 quid budget.And if you're buying a Mac Pro, they're user upgradable (unlike the rest of the Apple line-up), and you'd be insane to buy Apple's SSDs and RAM.Macs are expensive, but they're not *that* expensive if you compare like with like...

author: westfw
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2011, 09:21:33 pm
content: If you're happy with a MacBook Air, you'll probably be happy with an iMac.My wife is on her 2nd iMac, and I find it's lack of upgradability a bit annoying. Running short on disk space? Count on a major effort to install a new disk (and only one.) More RAM means throwing away the old DIMMs and replacing them with larger ones. (The first iMac was replaced because the 3G max RAM wasn't cutting it any more, AND the disk was running low, AND it was a particularly difficult-to-take-apart version.)My Mac-pro, OTOH, is up to 5.6TB on 4 drives, only one of which came from Apple.

author: joedevola
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2011, 12:11:48 am
content: Mac v PC, they are just tools. Use what is useful and you enjoy using. I have a MacBook Air too. It is great for work, as I travel a lot and the light weight and quick boot up make it much better (for me) than the old PC notebook and the previous MacBook Pro.If the Air is OK as far as speed is concerned (it is for me and my purposes), I second just getting a good external monitor and a bluetooth keyboard and mouse. I use this setup and it works for me. As noted above, you do not then have the hassle of syncing two computers. What I also find useful, is I have a powered USB hub that sits on my desk. I have a large external drive attached to this along with other odd and ends so that when I get back from a trip, I place the MacAir on the desk, plug in the external monitor, the USB and power and I am done. I find having the Air open on the desk next to the external monitor allows me to use two screens, very useful if doing research on one green, writing report on the other etc.As for price, yes you pay a premium for the Mac, but the price difference is reducing. For the money you do get good build quality, which I find important when the machine is going in and out of bags for airport security etc. Others may not agree, that is fine, like I said above, use what you find useful and enjoyable and represents good value foryou.Cheers,Chris

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2011, 12:41:53 am
content: I wasn't sure if the Mac Air worked well as a desktop, but if it does, then just using the Air would be my solution.I have been using my dual core Dell XPS16 notebook for ages for almost all my work. At home I have a Dell Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and I plug it into a 24inch monitor. Just works brilliantly a a desktop.Now the significance of this is I also currently, for various reasons, have over 10PC's including about five near new 6 core desktops - really good machines. I hardly use a desktop.There is a lot of rubbish about how fast enough PC has to be. Just about all modern PC's are fast enough.Computers 10 years ago were fast enough, and they are even better now.Richard

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2011, 01:59:31 am
content: Quote from: westfw on October 22, 2011, 09:21:33 pmyou confirmed what i always thought. usually, a sexy and hot thing... is no doubt pleasurable from one side, but... less usefull from another side.

author: Armin_Balija
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2011, 06:00:36 am
content: Buying a Mac only to put windows on it is a complete paradox to me and completely stupid in my honest opinion.You're paying MORE for the software and the name then installing windows on it? It doesn't make sense to me. If you're going to use windows get a PC, pay less, and have better compatibility.If you're going to be using windows AT ALL on a mac, it makes no sense to buy a mac. It offers nothing and you already know it once you throw that Windows install disc in.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2011, 08:25:20 am
content: well. PC got no style like IMAC, ie all the MB,CPU,RAM,HD inside the monitor housing. i wish i only plug the keyboard,mouse,printer,speaker etc. i just want to get rid of the big CPU housing. i was looking for that kind of machine sometime ago. N/A locally, and i've found in ebay, but cant recall the brand name, it was far away (US i think). the machine cost + shipping was... fabulous (esp the shipping), so i just forget about it.

author: elliott
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2011, 08:42:37 am
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on October 23, 2011, 08:25:20 amHP makes those big touch screen computers with everything inside.

author: Achilles
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2011, 09:24:33 am
content: I think there is/was also a Sony Vaio in this iMac Concept.Otherwise....if you want to save some space, maybe a micro tower would be nice. If I would use a Desktop any more it ay be one of these. You can upgrade them (not as good as a Big Tower), they are fast and they are small if you have to move them and have less space on your Workspace.I agree with Armin_Balija. If you definetely want to put Win on it don't get it, but the Thread Opener never mentioned sth. about working on Windows...... that came here in the discussionWell, the Thread Opener is not commenting any more. So maybe he is on vacation or we pushed him away with this old MAC vs. PC thing.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2011, 10:49:29 am
content: Quote from: Achilles on October 23, 2011, 09:24:33 amyes i think it was sony, but i remember the model name is another fancy name, not vaio. or maybe its vaio, not sure, its been a long time. i will search again another decade, this time i got no time for it. but i agree with you guys, use whatever machine you think/already comfortable with, machine is just a tool. for me, i'm doomed to Windows. learning back all what i know in imac will take a lifetime, so no imac for me

author: shadewind
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2011, 11:29:14 am
content: I'm rather proud of you guys over the fact that this discussion hasn't spiralled into a meaningless Mac vs. PC flamewar. Sure, there's a discussion but nothing close to the childish kind that usually develops pretty fast on the net.I use a MacBook Pro for my main computer and I also have a Mac Pro in my studio. I'm very satisfied with both and I like the way OS X works. I've used my fair share of other operating systems including several Linux distributions since I was 11 years old, Windows from 3.1 through to Windows 8 beta.If the only purpose of this computer is electronics work, then I see no reason to get a Mac since almost all of the software you'll use is Windows only. You'll save some money since you probably won't have any use of that Apple magic (you know the one I'm talking about) when doing electronics.I you like OS X and plan to use the computer for other stuff as well, then by all means get a Mac and use Parallels; that's what I do. It has USB passthrough support so you can use all the Win-only USB devices as well. Altium, for example, works a charm in Parallels as does EAGLE. Or you can just use Boot Camp and have a true Windows installation.

author: shadewind
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2011, 12:52:10 pm
content: I should probably add that for just programming in general, OS X is a much more comfortable platform than Windows because of its Unix heritage.

author: PStevenson
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2011, 02:30:07 pm
content: Quote from: shadewind on October 23, 2011, 11:29:14 amI can start one haha, nah I don't have problems with the MAC OS or indeed the machines (I love all electronics), I have problems with a certain demographic of Apple user but if they were the same price as PCs I would definitely buy one to go alongside my PC and flit between the 2, I have often toyed with the idea of getting a secondhand one just to mess with it's just the price of them that gets me.and to backup my point, I do believe that the iPod classic 120/160Gb is pretty good value for money and it is possibly the cheapest MP3 player for it's storage space out there (in the UK) and I have one (I didn't get a round of applause when I bought it though) so yeah I have absolutely nothing against their products just the price!

author: shadewind
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2011, 02:35:53 pm
content: Quote from: PStevenson on October 23, 2011, 02:30:07 pmYeah, Apple fanboys can be a bitch. On the other hand, Macs do have some advantages, not just being shiny and pretty.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2011, 07:07:10 pm
content: i remember one guy i met who used mac. i asked why, he showed me how when he slide both his finger open on the screen, the windows got maximized. and he slide down his finger the window got minimized, he said its good when in emergency someone coming and we dont want him/her to see what we see. o well, i smiled at him. just one of the memory watching mac machine.

author: Achilles
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2011, 07:55:35 pm
content: Hehe, yeah that multi-gesture trackpad thing. Don't really need it but it's a bit comfortable and you use it when it's there....I find myself quite often on others Win Notebook and try to zoom pictures by my fingers...........not elementary but a nice feature. There are a few of these nice gimmicks. I also like the Widgets where you can have rss feeds and so on, but Win has that, too now (I think after XP they've put it in).Windows is more a plug and play machine. Download a software and click install. In OSX you have compile a lot of freeware which is available as .exe for Windows.

author: jerry507
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2011, 03:14:25 am
content: First post here...I see this a lot it seems. My first job was at an all apple school but I actually worked on the small number of PCs that did exist. Dinosaurs compared to the macs really, old IBM (actual IBM) 386 machines. The history strongly supports the feeling that Macs are "just easier to use" but things have obviously come a long way. Just don't forget the past when you consider peoples opinionsMy personal experience with electronics work on my Macbook Pro and my diy Windows PC strongly supports the idea that... it really doesn't matter. I'm going to order this as a series of points:1. Granted, I don't use Altium but I have to say, if you bought Altium you're REALLY going to complain about a base cost windows license? Really?2. I use Eagle myself and all my projects reside on my Dropbox account. I go seamlessly from my Mac to my PC and continue working on my projects. Obviously not all cad programs just move easily like this but if you're using any other "big" name then the cost of the base windows license (100$ at Newegg for win7) is really a drop in the bucket.3. Personally I don't find that I am installing large volumes of software. There are the programming tools and the like which frankly are just annoying regardless of the OS. I install a text editor, Notepad++ on Windows and TextWrangler on OSX. Are they different? Sure, but they're high performance text editors, they are mostly the same. Other than that, MANY programs do have mac versions including probably the most important: a web browser which leads me to...4. A web browser. This is where 99% of us spend 90% of our time in our personal lives. In our professional lives we often spend a ton of time in one as well. Whether it's on Digikey or looking up datasheets this is the single most important tool we have, and they're all cross platform. It's a non issue.5. Built in apps are often better. Preview is a fantastic PDF viewer, obviously much better than the lowest performing choice: the actual Adobe reader. I use that on my PC and it sucks in comparison. Xcode is a very good IDE, I prefer it to Visual Studio and even programs like Notepad++. Even something like the Stickies app are just downright good. I actually downloaded a complete utter ripoff (admitted by the devs) onto my work PC. These apps are apps we use a ton and even a small streamlining of our workflow produces large time savings. GOOD apps are worth their weight in gold if you're being paid for your time.6. The OS in general feels much cleaner and smoother to me. I feel more productive on my mac and I prefer it in any situation where I'm not looking for the dual monitors of my big rig. It's a feeling thing and you're free to disagree. It's a PREFERENCE. Since the original poster is comfortable and likes OSX I think that is a huge nod to him wanting a mac. To me that says the question is what type of mac he should get.Achilles mentioned the trackpad and more or less said he could do without it. The trackpad on my macbook pro is probably half the reason I come back to use it time after time. It's probably faster or at least as comfortable to use as a regular mouse. I love it. I use the mouse on my mac a TON obviously, probably more than the keyboard (certainly as a % of time) so do I want something easy and comfortable to use? Yes, it's my #1 desire.I compile basically nothing, literally drag and drop my apps (very few installers) and rarely find myself going to my PC to run something I couldn't find a mac alternative for. That's just my point of view obviously. YMMV.

author: joelby
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2011, 04:14:38 am
content: Agreed. When I used Windows I spent a lot more time 'fiddling' to get things how I wanted them - whether it was with drivers, hardware, preferences, or themes. Linux was even worse, as I would spend hours (mostly for fun) writing scripts to automate things I did very occasionally, or to activate things that didn't work properly by default in the operating system (such as software suspend, years ago when it was still new).With the Mac, I spend pretty much zero time just playing around because most things just work, or can be solved with a quick Google. I don't remember ever having to compile any applications from source unless they were something terribly obscure, even though I'm very comfortable doing so.Most of the electronics tools I use are Windows only, but it really is completely seamless to use both operating systems simultaneously (or even three, since I sometimes use Windows XP and 7 at the same time).Don't bother with the factory RAM or hard drive upgrades. Just buy the base model and upgrade it yourself.

author: ThePranksta
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2011, 07:40:55 am
content: For a working station nothing beats a Dell Latitude notebook.Three year warranty, comes setup with all the optimized drivers.Very nice adjustable stands that converts it into a desktop with second screen by just clicking your notebook into the stand.Excellent worldwide support, at the beginning of the year they swopped out my D830's motherboard at my place of work at no cost within a week of me phoning them due to a faulty Nvidia GPU. Very impressive since the notebook was 7 months out of its 3 year warranty.May no look as nice as the Apple but is extremely rugged and scratch proof. (A colleague's MacBook Pro's screen was scratch to the point of useability while closed during a 6 hour flight.)

author: shadewind
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2011, 08:13:29 am
content: You rarely has to compile things manually from source on a Mac if you use a package manager. The classic one is MacPorts but I prefer Homebrew since it plays better with included frameworks and other OS X conventions.But as others have stated, if you like the Apple usability philosophy, there aren't many other places where you can get that. If you don't care about it or even dislike it then it's much better to get a PC.My personal reason for getting a Mac was that it has a good terminal environment without the hassle of Linux distributions.

author: SuperMiguel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2011, 05:22:17 pm
content: Quote from: shadewind on October 23, 2011, 12:52:10 pm=)

author: Lawsen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2011, 03:42:10 am
content: There are more electronics stimulator software for the PC than the Macintosh OS 10.x. There are more geology software for the PC than the Macintosh on the professional and educational market. I am a Macintosh OS 10.X owner, too. I have a Mac Book and Mac tower as well a Pentium 4 and Dual Cores, sort of dated computers. PC Splice comes in a Macintosh version, too. National Instruments Lab View comes in a Macintosh version, too. You need to figure out what software titles you like to use and inquiry to the company. Sometimes, the Macintosh version is better than the PC version, because it takes the features of the Macintosh and sometimes worse or the same. Some popular titles like Auto Desk Auto CAD is not available on the Macintosh and never will in the foreseen able future. There are alternative software available on the Macintosh to fulfill the function of Auto CAD and the layers are compatible with Auto CAD like Key CAD for Macintosh. Perl, a programming language is available on the Macintosh, that it comes with it as terminal command function. There are free ware available on the Macintosh like Abi Word for one to down load.

author: SuperMiguel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2011, 04:32:17 am
content: Quote from: Lawsen on October 30, 2011, 03:42:10 amhttp://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?id=17326753&siteID=123112

author: Achilles
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2011, 09:15:40 am
content: Yes, Autocad for Mac is quite nice. After modifying the Win Version for the Mac Intel Platform they started developing for OSX directly. I think it's the third Version for Mac on the market now. You also get Maya for 3D work. I think Solid Edge isn't available fo Mac right now, but at least they work on it.I had been missing some stuff like ERDAS Imagine or ArcGIS on MAC, but for that I can run Parallels with Win XP. Software had been my biggest concern before, but it works (at least I hadn't Problems yet).Even the Microsoft stuff is available for OSX (Office, Messenger).....and there are a lot of companies working on OSX releases of Windows Software.

author: ciccio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2011, 01:46:52 pm
content: A friend of mine, who runs a small consultancy company and works more than 10 hours a day using Autocad and various CAD tools for schematic and PCB design, about an year ago bought an I-mac (the model with everything inside), unistalled MAC OS and installed Windows 7. After some initial troubles with the video drivers, now he has what he defines "the most stable PC I ever had".I must admit that what I see when I'm in his office is a really fast PC, and it's a long time I do not hear his rants..He paid his machine (don't know the details, but it has an I7 processor and 8 gigabytes) about 2000 Euros.

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2011, 01:23:09 pm
content: Quote from: jerry507 on October 24, 2011, 03:14:25 amRight on the money. Also, it feels more organized. Text looks great, LCD smoothing is so good you can't distinguish individual pixels. The PDF reader is the simplest yet the most useful PDF reader. Loads quickly, text looks good, renders fast and has all the functionality of a PDF reader. No app tries to install a toolbar. I have found PC's where web browser toolbars, menu bars and all that stuff take like 40% of the screen's space. On a widescreen! OK, I am getting a bit ranty.For electronics stuff you will need Windows at some point, but storing your projects on Dropbox is a good way to keep them everywhere (and it's safer than just leaving them in your hard drive).

author: aard3
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 31, 2011, 04:15:14 pm
content: I use an iMac daily for work... for Windows only programs I use Parallels... works great, just make sure you have a lot of RAM (I have 16Gigs). I usually run Win7 in "full screen with Dual Monitor Mode", and parallels makes it one of my OSX "desktops"... so it's really easy to switch back and forth between the two OS's.I run Altium, Visual Studio, and a few other Windows only tools that way with no problem.Aaron

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2011, 04:30:46 pm
content: Quote from: ciccio on October 30, 2011, 01:46:52 pmok thats fair, really fair.

author: shadewind
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2011, 06:47:40 pm
content: A little summary:If you like Macs, get a Mac. If you don't like Macs, get a PC. If you're fond of OS X, there is no problem coming up with solutions (both Parallels and Boot Camp for fine) for running Windows apps.It all comes down to taste really. If you like the Apple way, its probably worth the extra money you have to shell out for Apple products. If not, be happy to know that there's more electronics software for Windows.

author: joedevola
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2011, 04:44:43 am
content: Or, if you like Mac, keep what you have and use that, cheapest option of all! External monitor, keyboard and mouse make it more useful. If this setup does not work, you can still use the keyboard, mouse and monitor for a PC so that money is not wasted.

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2011, 12:05:01 am
content: Quote from: joedevola on November 02, 2011, 04:44:43 amDo you mean getting a Mac Mini and keeping your old peripherals?

author: joedevola
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2011, 10:30:49 am
content: No, the origin poster has a Macbook Air. The Air is a great portable computer, I am typing this response on it now in a hotel room in Perth, while I should be studying for my uni exams (external student with other full time job). While there are probably better and cheaper solutions if starting from scratch, but using what you have at the moment is cheaper than buying a whole new system. I plug my Air in to an external monitor and USB hub when I get home and use a bluetooth mouse and keyboard. I can place the Air next to the monitor at the back of my desk, giving me two screens. If that solution is not good, then the monitor, mouse and keyboard can be plugged in to any desktop computer (PC or Mac), so the money is not wasted.We are not talking about playing Battlefield 3 at max resolution and high screen rates, I imagine just running some spice program and PCB design. Ultimate question is "is there software available for the platform". I am at that stage too, learning electronics and looking to see what is out there for Mac. This might be helpfulhttp://www.mccad.com/FREEMACSTUFF.htmlJust updating post... I have just installed Eagle for mac on my MacBook Air and it appears to work OKhttp://www.cadsoftusa.com/downloads/Hope that helps.Cheers