[vet-mm] Mac vs PC. for video

[Michael Rosenbrock]

Hi all,

My thoughts below, in a bit of a rambling form!

Macs are undeniably a different machine, however their ability to work
effectively on a network, even a Windows dominant/managed/centric one, has
continued to improve over time. A technician that does not have anything
against Macs should be able to work through any issues given time. Indeed,
many Mac users simply work these things out themselves if not supported by
technicians.

Windows, to some extent increasingly so, is a complex beast to manage in
many respects also. I know many staff and students who are increasingly
frustrated by Windows (if it forces me into one more update without asking
when I've had to restart in the middle of a lesson!!).

May be worth pointing out that the Macs can also run Windows, so you can
have both platforms in one lab.

If 80% of your students have Mac laptops, then they're going to be more
comfortable with the Mac. That would also suggest that your technicians
have sorted through most possible conflicts or configuration issues to have
Macs working comfortably on the network.

Also, from my observation, a lab of Macs will have an ongoing 'halo' effect
on your subject. I'm not saying that makes sense, but students will notice,
and it can improve enrolments/interest.

Most students will have access to a PC or have used one in the past. Some
will have never used a Mac. Having some experience with a different
platform is very beneficial for developing stronger ICT skills and can be
an important selling point with perspective employers. If the 20% of your
students that don't have a Mac, simply can't afford one, then allowing them
to use one in a lab as part of your class will enhance their
skills/employability.

Also, worth noting that the difference between a Mac and a PC in multimedia
is nowdays not about the branded/expensive software from Adobe/etc, but the
other Apps and built in functionality that students can access, learn about
and use. System features such as the excellent video/screen capture
capabilities of quicktime, or the very easy to use screenshot feature, and
really nice Apps such as Textwrangler, Cyberduck and Handbrake (yes there
are Windows alternatives, but it certainly seems easier on the Mac).

Cheers,
Michael







On 24 November 2015 at 21:50, Katie Pinder <katiepinder at hotmail.com> wrote:

> Yes,
> 80% of my students have mac laptops and we are a BYOD school, so they
> really need to be supported anyway.
>
> is there a mac networking option  that we should be looking at?
>
>
> > From: myannaka at bigpond.net.au
> > To: vet-mm at edulists.com.au
> > Date: Tue, 24 Nov 2015 21:38:28 +1100
> > Subject: Re: [vet-mm] Mac vs PC. for video
> >
> > Hi vet-mm list,
> >
> > I would just like to chime in again.
> >
> > Even though Macs may seem to cost more initially, the reliability and
> > longevity of a Mac certainly outweighs any advantage price point that a
> pc
> > may have unless you custom build your pc and you are willing to spend
> > serious money on it. I have spent big bucks on a pc for my 3d exploits
> and I
> > really don't regret it because my pc has lasted for three years without a
> > hitch and it still works like a gem.
> >
> > But I also have a mac laptop which I have had for eight years and its
> still
> > going strong.There was one hitch and that was the battery overheating
> which
> > I replaced with a purchase through the internet for a lot cheaper than a
> mac
> > apple store.
> >
> > At the end of the day its what suits the IT tech dept of your particular
> > college but I suppose it should be left up to the user to decide what
> > computer they want to use and ofcoarse the winner would obviously be
> mac. As
> > everyone in the whole world of IT , Video, Multimedia and Design knows
> now
> > its up to the user to tell the college what computer they would
> prefer...has
> > anyone done a user experience survey for preference of computer desktops
> at
> > secondary college for the students...mmm...i wonder what the results
> would
> > be?
> >
> >
> > Yours truly,
> > Mario Yannakakis
> > Sessional Lecturer at Billy Blue College of Design.
> > (Motion Design and Animation)
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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