[beb]

I work for a state agency as the only graphic designer. It's an environment in which everyone is a non admin user on Wintel systems. We currently have some grant money in which I would like to purchase a Mac. However, the IT dept has specifically stated that this is not something the IT department will support.

I need concrete reasons for purchasing a Mac. Is there a document list or something somewhere? I've already seen the two guy ad thing Apple has. I need reasons for Graphic Designers. If anyone could help, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

[Chuckit]

For one, Macs have professional color management out of the box. Color management on Windows is spotty at best, from what I've seen.

[production_coordinator]

Do what most of us do... go unsupported.

I throw that in the face of our IT guy all the time. I've also been known to say "if we all used Macs, we wouldn't need an IT guy"

I'm the only Mac guy in the office, and I had to write it all up. The main reason is, it's what other graphics professionals use, font issues (which is becoming less true), and ROI.

[Spliff]

Because designers care about aesthetics. Aesthetics is their job. So they should care about the aesthetics of their computer and their OS.

PCs look like ****. Macs are gorgeous.

'Nuf said.

[Dr Reducto]

Originally Posted by Chuckit

For one, Macs have professional color management out of the box. Color management on Windows is spotty at best, from what I've seen.

Ditto. Being able to soft proof reliably is very important. And not having to expend a considerable amount of effort to do it is a bonus

[Dark Helmet]

Colour accuracy. The gamma on a PC is also darker.

[davesimondotcom]

Color
Efficiency
Beauty
Elegance
Fewer crashes
Support not needed*

And now...

Can run Windows anyway!

*IT guys hate this part...

[Adam Betts]

Biggest reason for me: multitasking

Windows could multitask too but not as good as OS X. You can render something in FCP and use photoshop without much performance impact. Try that on Windows.

[Chuckit]

Different people seem to get different results out of multitasking. I find the same results as you, but I know other people who find that Windows XP's multitasking is superior.

[Dr Reducto]

Originally Posted by Chuckit

Different people seem to get different results out of multitasking. I find the same results as you, but I know other people who find that Windows XP's multitasking is superior.

Part of the problem with XP is the taskbar, which isn't as capable of scaling to lots and lots of open applications (or windows). The Dock shows which programs are running, and has the ability to show feedback on the program's status quickly. Sort of like a combined taskbar and system tray.

Also, Macintosh window management is incredibe with expose. Windows is stuck in that respect, unless you want to run virtual desktops. Additionally, windows encourages programs to take up the entire screen.

I find it hard to do multitasking on Windows as thoroughly as a mac can do it.

[ironknee]

cause one day you might run into a mac designer snob like me

really no need for their support...it's a mac! i hate IT folks

[::maroma::]

Because if other designers find out you use a PC to design on you'll be ridiculed until you cry. Then your moral will be low. And I'm sure your boss doesn't want low moral from his designers.

[Krypton]

...

[davesimondotcom]

Oh, and I know of printers and magazines that charge up to 30% more if the project is laid out on something other than a Mac...

[Salty]

Because designing on a PC is like using a butter knife to sculpt the David!

[Spliffdaddy]

Those are some pretty lame reasons.

I think if it were me, I'd just take the peecee and keep my mouth shut.

[Salty]

Originally Posted by Spliffdaddy

Those are some pretty lame reasons.

I think if it were me, I'd just take the peecee and keep my mouth shut.

Yes but you like Windows, and don't do design now do you?

[Spliffdaddy]

If I had to use those arguments in order to convince my employer to get me a Mac - I'd rather just use a peecee...and *not* have to sound like a mindless zealot.

[- - e r i k - -]

KISS™: It's the right tool for the job.

[olePigeon]

The majority of design studios out there (as well as print shops) use Macintosh. Macintosh, out of the box, has the best support for handling design and photography without additional costs. You will avoid compatibility issues with your clients and save your IT department money by not having to pay yearly Microsoft taxes.

Hey, my bro just came up with a great idea. All the money you get to save every year from CALs and licensing from Microsoft, IT can put that into a pool for upgrading your Mac. By the end of the year, you'll have a few thousand bucks and you can get all sorts of goodies like a light calibration system or a better optical mouse or tablet.

[olePigeon]

Originally Posted by davesimondotcom

Oh, and I know of printers and magazines that charge up to 30% more if the project is laid out on something other than a Mac...

Found that out the hard way. Very true.

[beb]

Thanks for some of the advice. The color management cabability is a good point. I'm just tired of bringing in my iMac from home. I wish there were more definable elements that clearly explained to IT people as to why Macs are better for print work.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by Dark Helmet

Colour accuracy. The gamma on a PC is also darker.

UM gamma can be adjusted.

[subego]

Originally Posted by beb

I work for a state agency as the only graphic designer. It's an environment in which everyone is a non admin user on Wintel systems. We currently have some grant money in which I would like to purchase a Mac. However, the IT dept has specifically stated that this is not something the IT department will support.

I need concrete reasons for purchasing a Mac. Is there a document list or something somewhere? I've already seen the two guy ad thing Apple has. I need reasons for Graphic Designers. If anyone could help, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

Thanks for some of the advice. The color management cabability is a good point. I'm just tired of bringing in my iMac from home. I wish there were more definable elements that clearly explained to IT people as to why Macs are better for print work.

I think you should narrow your focus. Instead of trying to come up with a rock-solid quantifiable set of reasons of how you need IT to spend the extra time just to support you in their exclusively PC environment, you should anticipate your potential support issues (an effort IT will appreciate), and come up with a list of how providing said support will take minimal effort.

Except perhaps for the fact that you want to use a Mac to do design for the same reason IT wants PCs to run Excel (i.e. it's the standard), there really isn't a reason that's good enough to persuade people who have already shown they care more about making their life easier than the quality of your tools or final product.

My 2/100ths of a cent.

[Kr0nos]

Originally Posted by Spliff

Because designers care about aesthetics. Aesthetics is their job. So they should care about the aesthetics of their computer and their OS.

PCs look like ****. Macs are gorgeous.

'Nuf said.

Indeed!

At first this might sound like a 'shallow' argument to go with Macs, but over time I have come to believe that this is the key factor.

[Hal06]

What about windows UI being a joke?, sadly enough they are unable to do it any better than the win98 UI… horrid if you ask me.

Definitely, multitasking under windows is also a joke.

[subego]

Originally Posted by Kr0nos

Indeed!

At first this might sound like a 'shallow' argument to go with Macs, but over time I have come to believe that this is the key factor.

Yup.

I make pretty things for a living. Part of my talent comes from the queasy feeling I get in my gut when looking at something ugly, and how it forces me to rearrange things until they no longer make me nauseous.

If the tool I'm using is making me nauseous even before I hit "New File"...

[Chuckit]

I don't think an inflexible IT department is going to be moved by ideas of artistic inspiration. If they actually cared about the human element, they would have tried to accommodate the Mac as soon as he asked.

[greenamp]

Originally Posted by Adam Betts

Biggest reason for me: multitasking

Windows could multitask too but not as good as OS X. You can render something in FCP and use photoshop without much performance impact. Try that on Windows.

Totally agree. Also, the way windows minimizes things is a major PITA when you have browsers open, and all your design apps open. Multitasking is just a headache on Windows.

[besson3c]

I think debating the multitasking on Windows vs. Mac is a moot point when you have to deal with the Windows task bar. It seems easier just to keep a few things running so that one doesn't have to content with a god-awful cluttered task bar mess.

[scottiB]

Originally Posted by beb

I work for a state agency as the only graphic designer. It's an environment in which everyone is a non admin user on Wintel systems. We currently have some grant money in which I would like to purchase a Mac. However, the IT dept has specifically stated that this is not something the IT department will support.

I need concrete reasons for purchasing a Mac. Is there a document list or something somewhere? I've already seen the two guy ad thing Apple has. I need reasons for Graphic Designers. If anyone could help, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

Qs:

What are you using now? Will the grant cover Mac versions of your design software? Microsoft Office for the Mac? Will you be able to purchase future upgrades when the grant money is used? Does the lack of IT support mean you can't buy a Mac (is that what they're implying)?

I agree with Spliffdaddy--few of these arguments give valid reasons for design. The most valid is the increased printing costs (and I know a few printers who do the same thing).

Unfortunately, this question, at its heart, is insulting. Not many other professions must defend their selected tools to people who have no clue of the tools or how the tools are used.

My best reply: the graphics design/print industry is based on Macs. It is the same reason that IT departments use when justifying Windows (it's the industry standard). If they can use it, so can you.

[Chuckit]

Originally Posted by Spliffdaddy

Those are some pretty lame reasons.

I think if it were me, I'd just take the peecee and keep my mouth shut.

That's because you like PCs and clearly don't know much about design if you think color accuracy is unimportant.

[beb]

Originally Posted by scottiB

My best reply: the graphics design/print industry is based on Macs. It is the same reason that IT departments use when justifying Windows (it's the industry standard). If they can use it, so can you.

That works. Thanks! And the grant covers software also.

[Scotttheking]

Originally Posted by ironknee

i hate IT folks

We hate you too.

[scottiB]

Originally Posted by Scotttheking

We hate you too.

[olePigeon]

Here are a number of reasons why you should use Macintosh for design:

1. More efficient, integrated workflow when it comes to design applications and the OS.
2. Higher productivity as a result of point 1.
3. More comfortable interface and medium, the result is higher quality end product.
4. Cheaper. No MS CAL licenses. No extra fees with printers when dealing with PC documents.
5. There is no difference in licensing costs between Macintosh and Windows Adobe products.
6. File compatibility with printers, clients, and coworkers.
7. Runs both Macintosh and Windows specific applications and documents, see point 6.
8. Integrates into ActiveDirectory networks and policies for when you are at Work.
9. Allows roaming profiles for when you are away.
10. Can assure file integrity for clients by scanning for Windows viruses on a secure Macintosh platform.

Oh, and as ScottiB mentioned, "Everyone uses Macs."

[ironknee]

Originally Posted by Scotttheking

We hate you too.

not surprised...since every IT guy thinks they are creative.

[Chuckit]

They have to be to solve the problems graphic designers manage to create.

[olePigeon]

Originally Posted by Chuckit

They have to be to solve the problems graphic designers manage to create.

If they were managing Macintoshes in the first place, they wouldn't have 3/4 of those problems.