[tomroseuk]

I'm looking to get a new computer in the next couple of months. I do like the look of macs, but have the old issue needing to be able to run windows programs including STO. Does anyone have any experience of dual boot macs. Are they any good?

[Grace Pryde]

If I recall correctly, Mikester has a mac?

[Mikester92]

Indeed - I do have a Mac Grace.

I currently play Star Trek: Online, Elite Force, and many other windows-exclusive games on my Mac, without any hassle, via Window's Bootcamp. You'll notice no difference between Windows on Mac and Windows on a normal PC - they are virtually the same, and so you can play windows-compatible games the same way anyone else can.

The only handicap you'll experience with Bootcamp is having to restart into windows each time you want to play a game - other than that though it's totally worth it if you're getting a Mac.

[tomroseuk]

Isn't there an emulator too? What about graphics etc?

[ClearyMonkey]

Mac's look very pretty, but are limited in the sense of being able to upgrade it throughout the years (hardware wise), unless you customize your order online for a tower. Depending on what you want to get out of the system over the next 3-5 years your options are widely open. If you are planning to keep upgrading your computer over the years, I would say, lean more towards a custom PC tower. Get something that you can add and modify parts too with lower costs then having to purchase components that are labeled as "mac". Best thing to do though is think of all the programs and features that you want at your fingertips and then go from there and check out all your options. Have fun!

[tomroseuk]

I guess part of it ease of sync with iPad which I use a lot. And use of upcoming icloud. I always think I'm going to upgrade computers but then never do so I don't know if there's any use in me getting a computer on that basis.

In terms of what I use, most office, firefox etc which is available on mac. Only major windows only is back catalogue of games.

[tomroseuk]

Since my Pc seems to be giving up the ghost, I'm going to have to take the plunge sooner rather then later.

Anyone know of any particularly good Pc suppliers, uk based?

[John Hathaway]

Are you looking to build your own PC, or purchase a complete set up?

[tomroseuk]

Well initally I was thinking of getting a prebuilt system, for ease and possible cheaper. Also I have replaced stuff before but never done a complete build. But having looked into it a bit more, it doesn't seem as difficult or as expensive to self build as I thought.

[Christopher Halsey]

www.overclockers.co.uk

You can build yourself a nice spec PC a damn sight cheaper than you will be able to get a comparable Mac system.

[Soundwave]

I got my PC from www.novatech.co.uk and I've been really happy with it so far. I have no idea if it's good value for money or not though since it's not my area. I'm just pleased with my purchase

[Terrell]

I bought my windows PC from overclockers and it works great. Got a great spec for the money I paid for it. Would recommend them if that's what your looking for.

I would however like to say if your willing to try new things and take a leap of faith, Mac's are brilliant machines. I got my Macbook Pro about 6 months ago. I can honestly say if it wasn't for the fact games are windows based I would give up on windows myself. I can get STO to run on my mac, through the unofficial wrapper available online. It has a few bugs, but mainly it's my computer spec that's holding it back. Very quick start up times and minimal fuss when using it.

I know it's an old cliché but things just work without all the fuss you can get with windows. For example my dad got a new printer and him and my mum were having trouble setting up the drivers, especially my mum who owns a netbook with no optical drive. My dad installed the drivers off the CD and mum had to download them... me.. I just plugged it in and it was recognised right away!

The fact that you get iLife preinstalled is great, if you like music garageband is great fun to mix things up. iWork is much cheaper than MS Office and I think slightly better if your looking for a basic office product. Not to mention you can buy them individually on the app store for about £12.99 each! Unlike Word which I think is nearly £40 online?

I'm just scratching the surface on what Mac's do differently. At the end of the day, it all comes down to what YOU want from a computer. I'm not going to flame if you prefer windows as it's your choice . Everyone has their preferences! Have a look around, go ask questions on mac rumours and other fan sites like that and then go away and make a decision. If you have any questions just PM me and I'll try to help as best I can.

Hope this helps

P.S - Get a Mac! lol

[Mora]

Well initally I was thinking of getting a prebuilt system, for ease and possible cheaper. Also I have replaced stuff before but never done a complete build. But having looked into it a bit more, it doesn't seem as difficult or as expensive to self build as I thought.

That's the truth. I like Macs when possible, but for gaming, building your own is still the way to go. That being said it does depend some on budget, though if you were considering a Mac I don't think that's so much of an issue. My rule of thumb is if you want to spend less then $1,000 then pre-built is much more economical, but if you're looking at $1,000 or more, then you get much more bang for your buck building yourself.

I live at www.pcmech.com when I'm doing hardware work. The guys at the forum over there are awesome about helping new builders if you decide to go that route.

[Terrell]

I agree. Personally I'm using my Mac for gaming when I can because I have to! I'm at university and don't have space to put a huge tower, keyboard and monitor etc. So I use my Mac primarily for work and a little to play games.

[Twisted]

http://www.arbico.co.uk/

I got my custom built PC from here and my pc is awesome takes up to bout 5 days for them to build and deliver.