Computer Quest

Well I finally sucked it up and bought a new computer today. It is in the process of getting set up and I can pick it up in the morning. Then I got to thinking; I know lots of artists who use a Mac, and I always swore my nect confuser would be a Mac. Trouble is that my house it networked as a land devoted to PCs, my software is all PC and one of the writing contracts I has (which pays for my groceries) is all PC. I know that there is a hub you can buy that sort of translates PC land to Mac land, but I figured I would not go that route yet.

So, my question is, what are you folks writing on these days? Are you a devoted Mac user, or a confirmed PC (not the political kind of PC, but asking people prefs about equipment could be political of me, couldn't it)?

I've never had a MAC. However, I know the new Macs have Intel processors and it's available to set them up with a dual boot with one of the partitions booting up into a Windows environment. Seems you can have the best of both worlds with a Mac now.

Hi Pam,

I have a PC - Athlon processor rather than Intel, which I prefer. It was a custom build so there is no manufacturers name. I've just bought a new laptop and ASUS which I think from memory is a make available on your side of the Pond. That has an Intel processor and I'm impressed - its really quick. I would also recommend the ASUS build.

Shelagh, I know, uses a MAC so I'm sure she will give you some advice on it.

Hey thanks guys! I agree the Intel duo is really key. I did not know about the dual boot George; this stuff has sure come a long way. I do like the way that the Macs look/behave as far as platform goes, but really hesitate with all the PC software that I have plus the network in the house.

Got a phone call and the new confuser is ready to pick up so I'm heading over shortly. Wee hee!!

Pam,
I use a PC. I know people who have Macs, but they use them for graphic designs and stuff. I love Word (most of the time) and have always used it. Except when I first wrote Luthor, seventeen years ago, I started it on a type writer.

Sometimes I miss a typewriter. The clickety clackety. My first stuff I typed was on a manual typewriter than belonged to my mom. It's not the same with sound effects, and when I refer to writing, I think of it in terms of clickety clacking. I have to admit though that I do love the ability to backspace and revise whenever the needs arises.

I've heard nothing but great things about Macs, but I'm a PC user and I don't really want to try something new.

Well folks, it would appear that the PCs have won, game set and match. I am having lots of fun with mine, and also really like the changes that have been made with Word 2007.
Zoom zoom clickey clack.

Pam,

I hate Word 2007 - I was able to purchase Office Enterprise Home User version from the National Health Service for the princely sum of £17.10 (about $34.00). I have the tabs so much and the way Microsoft have changed the layout, that I've uninstalled it and gone back to Office 2003. Nearly everyone I've talked too has said the same thing "Why did Microsoft have to go and change software that worked perfectly!"

You know Jenny I do think that they update just to make a ton of money, which I hate. It's like the way that kids look forward to a new game getting released and then have to buy an entire game system in order to play it! I like the tab features personally, and that it coordinates with One Note. Then again, I am also a stationary junkie and have way more post it notes and pens than I can probably ever use, so getting similar stuff in an E version is really no different.
Software for that price is amazing. I liked the discounts when I was officially in university because it made everything so much more appealing. Perhaps we should spread the word about your good find and give Bill Gates some competition. That sounds like some wickedly good fun!

Every computer I've owned since my Kaypro has been a Mac, and from my limited experience with PCs (my wife has to use a PC), I wouldn't have it any other way. I love the ease of use, the very infrequent necessary repairs, the intuitive approach, and just about everything else about it. All 30...umm, lost count again, somewhere around 35+...of my published novels have been written on Macs.

Jeff

Hi Jeff, Thanks for this. That is some recommendation, and clearly with that many books you have great success with the Mac.

I'm on a Mac; always have been. We've got 4 or 5 of them and one pc. I've written, designed and laid out both my books on the Macs; we do all my podcasts on the Macs. Can't beat them for ease. Also, currently, very little concern about viruses.

As on person here says, Mac has come out with a dual pc/Mac. I've got that ~ never used the pc side.

Revvell
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Revvell that just too funny - I was considering buying a dual too, but went back to the familiar PC which so far I am really liking (until my accountant has a look at my books that is) and wants to know what I was thinking!

If you want a laptop small enough to put in your purse check out the ASUS EEE. It comes with a variety of hard drives, admittedly 8 gigabytes is the largest, but there are plenty of USB ports for memory sticks. A lot of writers I know swear by them. Great for taking on the train, plane etc, The only drawback is that they don't have a CD or DVD drive, but do you really need one if you're only going to using for writing? At round about £250 for the 8 gigabyte version I think they are good value for money and much better than trying to type on a Blackberry.