posted on November 8, 2005 11:20:39 AM
I am getting an IMac in the next month and have a few questions, particularly if you use Macs to launch auctions. My switch from PC is based on reliability. I've had too many problems and headaches with Windows that I am getting sick of it. Many friends of mine use Macs, and love them. I ask about reliability and they have nothing but glowing reviews.
My understanding is that you cannot use Vendio's Sales Manager (offline software) with Macs. This looks like it would slow me down with doing individual listings since I would have to use the slower online system.
It has been also suggested that I could use a program that mimicks Windows that would enable me to use SMPro. How does that work? Is it something that affects all software on a Mac? Can I still use Mac based software applications for everything else?
posted on November 8, 2005 12:05:20 PM
Good move! I've got an iMac G5 and a Powerbook G4. Great machines they are. Just for good measure, I also have a Pentium 4 and an older Pentium III, but I rarely use them. Granted, the older one with Windows 2000 Professional seems fairly stable, but still, there are millions of viruses and spyware for PCs and virtually none of that for Macs.
I haven't listed too many auctions on Vendio, I used to use a competitor, but haven't listed too many auctions with Vendio since switching (I'm only a part time seller for now). The only problem I ran into was with Vendio Checkout, but I think it was more to do with the catagory not being compatible - eBay Motors. I doubt it had anything to do with the fact I was using a Mac.
Anyways, Macs are pretty easy to get used to, I love them. But there is the odd time when you need a program that will run on IE6 for a Windows PC, so that's why I have one, plus for testing websites I make in my spare time.
posted on November 8, 2005 12:32:25 PMIt has been also suggested that I could use a program that mimicks Windows that would enable me to use SMPro. How does that work?
Very, very slowly. You'd be trading unreliability for slowness AND unreliability.
Before someone starts an argument, here are my credentials:
I now have more than a dozen Macs here of various vintages. However, I do my listing -- on eBay directly -- using a Compaq Presario 2100 laptop running Windows XP Home Edition. This is as trouble-free a computer as we have ever owned. In a house that has over two dozen computers in it (ya gotta love wireless) it is the choice of everyone for browsing because it is fast.
You want to talk headaches, frustration, aggravation? Use an emulator. I never wanted to buy a Windows machine. For YEARS I struggled along using SoftPC on a Mac because Shipping Assistant only runs on Windows. Finally I couldn't stand it any more, bought this laptop for, what, $600 and ran comparative speed tests. The PC generates a label THREE TIMES FASTER than the emulator (SoftPC) on the Mac. And if you think about it, it makes perfect sense. The PC is faster because it doesn't have to translate every action into another language.
I would *never* again use a Windows emulator on a Mac for day-to-day use. Not to mention that the emulation is never perfect. There were lots of devices that could not be used when in SoftPC mode, and invariably one thing or another would wedge the program.
I use Macs for scanning, image manipulation, email (very important) and browsing, but for any application that requires an absolute minimum of latency, the PC is the go-to machine.
I have never understood how people can do any large amount of work on only one computer.
Today's definition:
latency - the time that elapses between initiating an action and receiving a response. Dial-up connections, for example, have long latent periods.
fLufF
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[ edited by fluffythewondercat on Nov 8, 2005 12:34 PM ]
First of all... congratulations! You'll be much happier on an Apple!
Fluffy brings up some excellent points on running Windows emulators... but they may be based on slightly older technology. I never had much luck with the SoftPC emulator... and instead used the VirtualPC emulator. It has gotten MUCH better than its early predecesors. It has much better memory management, so performance is better. However... remember... your computer in essence is running TWO operating systems... so there IS a decrease in performance. But... it won't be the 3x as slow that Fluffy experienced. Here's a link to some info on the program:
Also, keep in mind... that the emulator will be running Windows... so any windows problems you run into now... you'll probably also run into while you're using the emulator.
That said... if you're only interested in using Windows for the Sales manager... you might be best off buying a cheap $300-400 Windows machine... and using it strictly for the Sales Manager stuff. While I'm a die-hard Mac user... I do still occassionaly use the Windows to run the few programs that are not supported on Mac's (like Vendio). Still... it would be nice if Vendio would just come out with Apple support!
posted on November 8, 2005 04:32:46 PM
Rusty - I don't know about Vendio but I know that Maketworks allows you to build listings offline in Excel. Very simple, quick and easy.
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An intelligent deaf-mute is better than an ignorant person who can speak.
posted on November 9, 2005 04:55:57 AM
Another alternative would be a pc with both windows and linux. Linux is as easy to use as windows if you get the right distro. There is so much software that comes with it, comes with openoffice.org and good cd burning software and just about everything else you might need. And it does have a windows emulator. Its very easy to dual boot the pc, you just need to install windows first.
Tony.
In a world without walls or fences who needs Windows and Gates?
First off you need to decide which Apple Mac to choose - basically it comes down to these models:
Mac mini 1.25GHz G4 @ $475,
iBook 14" 1.42GHz G4 @ $1175, or
iMac 17" 1.9GHz G5 @ $1175
(All prices are after rebates.) These models all come with 512mb RAM, Tiger 10.4, ethernet and modems standard except the iMac which has an optional modem if you don't yet have broadband. Cheapest would be the Mac mini which can use your existing PC monitor, and USB keyboard and mouse. Note that Apple is switching to Intel/AMD processors next year so you'll be able to run Windows on those models (should you need to) in addition to the much more secure Mac OS.
If you have a need to run Windows-only software, then after you have backed up all your email, applications and data files from your current Windows PC, I'd do a clean install i.e. reformat the hard drive, do a new install of Windows XP or whatever OS you use. Next install the Windows Service Packs to patch it, install a firewall and FireFox browser, remove any Microsoft email applications like Outlook, and you're done. Do regular scans for spyware and virus to prevent contamination.
I have to agree with fLufF's assessment of the Windows emulators - they all suck, hence have a 'clean' dedicated Windows PC for ebay listings, and use your Mac for all the day-to-day stuff. You can easily share files between your PC and Mac using a simple cross-over Ethernet cable.
posted on November 9, 2005 04:28:49 PM
Welcome to the sunny side of the computer street! Macs may not be perfect but they are so much better than anything Bill ever produced.
I think the Virtual PC is a marvel. I keep it running much of the time for Yahoo Messenger with my sister. I could never get the Mac Yahoo to run for very long. For this I blame Yahoo not the Mac. I don't think it is slower than the Windows machine I used when I was still working.
Except for IM I use it to test web pages and Flash animations and to run the very occasional program that runs only on Windows. I installed it several years ago when I was taking a Cold Fusion course. Can't say it seemed any slower than my work or the school Windows PC.
Enjoy!
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The illiterate of the future will be the person ignorant of the use of the camera as well as of the pen.
Maholy-Nagy, Vision in Motion, 1947
