First, read this thread:
http://www.animemusicvideos.org/phpBB/v ... hp?t=44889
Macs are definitely the best at editing, but I would recommend a PowerMac G5. I haven't tried a powerbook, but editing is intensive and laptops tend to have heat problems.
Also, Final Cut does NOT come with it, so do not purchase it under that assumption. It comes with iMovie, or you can get Final Cut Express for about $99.
A guide to Final Cut is far too extensive for me to write in this forum, but there are plenty of tutorials. But rest assured, with a Mac, you will be able to do anything you need to do. But consider looking at the PowerMacs(read the thread I linked).
The best editing program you can get on any platform(and it runs best on Mac) is Avid Xpress Pro. It is by far the most popular program among professional editors, and it's nearly impossible to get a job if you aren't skilled in it. You can get it with a student discount for $300. Pricey, but worth it if you want top of the line. But Final Cut, or even iMovie will be fine. Final Cut is great, it's just a more kiddy version of Avid.
First of all, are there really any games that are popular out there that work for Macs? *Shrugs* I can't name any. Second, That thing in the upper right VS. the Taskbar: Taskbar is faster for me and quite effective when I need to change between AIM windows, projects and other things. I multi-task alot and I don't feel Macs do that for me.
Yes, but that wasn't his question. He wants something for editing, which Mac is superior to. If you want something for games, go PC.
As for the upper-right thing, we have the same thing in Windows. The only difference is that Apples is attached to the desktop, while Window's is attached to Windows. The dock menu isn't all that different from the task bar(though I do wish Macs would give you something more like the taskbar).
there are less people running a Mac computer than a Windows computer, so software and hardware companies generaly won't manufacture and spend time and resources to add Mac compadibility unless there's a strong reason.
But this is balanced by the fact that the maker of the OS also makes the computers. So everything is compatible, unlike a lot of PCs. Macs strong point is that they work great right out of the box, while PCs vary in quality.
Finaly I personaly like to say from my background with computer repair that troubleshooting with Macs takes longer and is generaly more confusing than a Win32 or even WinNT based.
Well, that's true. Troubleshooting on PCs is a lot easier. After all, us Windows users have had a TON of practice...
But yeah, I am pretty even in this whole thing. For everyday use, I love PCs. But when it comes to editing, Macs just have more to offer.
I also plan to use Instant messanger, watch DVDs, listen to music (and mp3 files), surf Internet Explorer, and open up directories in "my Computer".
Not at all. There is no "my computer", though. All the drives appear on your desktop. So it's just as easy. And yes, Mac has AIM, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and just about anything else you have become used to. Probably the most annoying thing is that the close button is in the left side on the window in Mac. This can take some getting used to. Also, Macs only ship with a mouse with one button and no wheel. But you can always get another. Also, control is not the same thing on Mac. As a rule of thumb, just use the command key in place of everything you used the control key for on Windows(command is where the Alt key is on a Windows keyboard.) Example: Command+S=Control+S=Save. Same goes for copy, paste, etc.
As for the option button, it's kind of like a shift key, but not quite. It's very useful, but you would need to use Mac OS to understand. It's not really better, just different.
...Hmm, I've been writing this as I read through the thread, and I see now that you have already made your purchase. I will keep everything here for reference for other people(plus I don't feel like deleting it).
Let me know if you notice any heating problems. I've been curious about how a PoweBook would hold up for a while.