I'm a long-time Apple user. I started with them on a II+ with incursions into DOS and Windows, but for almost 10 years now I have been using Apple and editing on FCP. I have been a satisfied Mac user until a couple of years ago when I had various issues with upgrade policies and software glitches caused by upgrades of various Apple programs.
I won't go into my list of issues, but in sum I have been less than satisfied with Apple in both depth and candor. I need a new laptop. My 17" PB G4 needs to be upgraded and replaced. I just priced a new MacBook Pro 17" and it really comes out to about $4,000 with AppleCare, some software I'll need, etc,. I took a look at one yesterday and was impressed. With everything but the price. Up until I no longer trusted Apple, I would have gone for it even at that price. I'm thinking of moving to a PC and using XP Pro and possibly Vegas or even Premiere for all my web editing and production. (Pretty much straight cutting, no FX.) How bad can a PC be? There are a lot of people using them. And there is a broader source of support. But I live in the country, about a 2 hour drive or train from NYC, so it is a pain for me to browse around different computer stores to get a hands on feel for screen quality and software options. I'm wondering if I can get any experience of this group... I've never used Vegas or Avid Express and I'm wondering about the difference between that option and Final Cut Express -- I do not need or intend to shell out for Final Cut Pro. Just exploring the options. I'm finding Apple and its store staff arrogant and obnoxious. Is it something I just have to live with? Or do some of the other companies that actually have to compete with each other provide better products and service? Frustrated in the stix... Stan Hirson http://hestakaup.com
