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Re: computer talk! -
24 March 2009, at 13:15
It is not the overall grunt that Apple computers are prized for, its how they use their internals to the max, and run everything without the flaws and poor utilization that the Windows OS does.
You could put 4 GB of memory into your Windows machine, but it will never use it. Windows puts a cap at 4GB of "total system Memory". This means if you have a 512MB video card, and 4 GB of RAM, you are only going to be using 3584 MB in your system. If you look at your computer details, it will show you (once you have put in, or gone over 4GB) "Installed memory". This changes in the OS once you have gone over the OS handling limit, and basically says you have installed so much, but you cant use it.
In OSX, you have a ceiling of 32GB of RAM that is usable, not to mention how it handles the RAM architect. If you quit a program, you get that RAM back. Windows does not perform this operation however, and thus why you have to restart Windows so often in a work environment.
Not to mention a true 64bit architecture that utilizes the Core 2 Duo's processors to the highest performance numbers they can put out.
Easiest way to see this is to take both machines into a studio situation. Run protools on each system, and start loading a good amount of multi-track recordings, VST's effects and the like. The Windows machines start to bog down very quickly compared to the Macs.
This is the main reason why Apple computers are used in the fields.
So you may not be able to upgrade a iMac by yourself, but its not due to Apple proprietary hardware, its due to the design of the machine. I highly doubt you would want to delve into the machine to upgrade the HD. Main reason why they come with such big HD's stock. you have the choice between a 320, 640 or 1TB drive. This should keep the end user happy for a long time.
If you want a computer that is user serviceable, and is the dogs bollox for a studio, then get a Mac Pro. This machine is ridiculous, and is user upgradeable. Remove the side panel with the movement of a switch, and you have 4 HD's that you just pull out and push in. There is also user replaceable RAM, up to 32GB. you also have 3 PCI express 2.0 slots that you can ad your own cards too. You might not be able to upgrade the processor, but I think a 8 core 2.9Ghz Intel Xeon 5500 is fine for many years to come. Not to mention the casing is made from solid aluminum, like all of the machines, not silly plastic parts. So it can be moved and used without fear of severely damaging it.
Even the X-Serve has removable and user replaceable / upgradeable hard drives in it.
This is the reason why the machines are prized in the music / video / animation industry.
This is the reason why I suggest them. They are for serious professionals who are serious about their work. the iMac is a great place to get started, and stock configured will last for years to come.