Last Friday, the MacBook Pro arrived. She is, indeed, an impressive machine. Ultra-slim and ultra-fast.
Ultra-fast if your software runs on the Intel Core Duo, that is. Turns out that this machine, because it uses Intel chips, is a little ahead of the curve. Although Apple's Rosetta software allows older Mac applications to run on the MacBook Pro, there is a slight degradation of performance. Software makers are scrambling to get Intel-based versions of their software out, but the fact that Apple managed to ship the new machine months ahead of schedule didn't help.
So, for the moment, I am SOL on certain applications. Pro Tools is a no-go, at least until they release the Intel version this coming May.
More importantly, Virtual PC, which allows you to run Windows apps, doesn't run at all on the Intel-based Mac. It's kind of difficult to read what Microsoft is going to do about creating an Intel-ready version of the software because, in some ways, you don't really need Virtual PC anymore on the new Mac. I was talking with a Mac expert on Saturday and his view is that within a year, you should be able to run Windows applications natively on the Intel-based Mac.
And none too soon. As much as I like the MacBook Pro and admire its speed and sleekness, it seems like 80% of software is PC-only. So lonely on Mac island.
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12 comments:
Dave,
Welcome. As a Mac user you are now the red headed step-child of the binary age.
Sure feels good though, eh?
I must say that the computer is a pleasure to use.
As far as compatibility, my understanding is that a new version of Virtual PC, which essentially creates a virtual x86 processor on your Mac, is not really the future for the Intel-based Macs. You already have an x86 processor. What is needed is less involved, but doesn't exist yet. I have to imagine that somebody is going to take advantage of the situation and provide some kind of bridging software that allows the Intel-based Macs to run PC software without running an emulator or even Windows.
Just do it soon!
The new Pro-Tools for Intel-based Mac will be out soon (May 2006). Then this thing would be pretty sweet because it is fast as shit.
Like I said, Apple threw a curve ball to the software companies because it shipped the MacBook Pro ahead of schedule.
I guess this makes sense for programs that ONLY exist for PC, but to buy a Mac and then have to wait for something that will allow you to run Windows applications as Windows applications just doesn't seem to make sense, if the programs will look and act like Windows programs (aka crappy).
Wouldn't it be easier and more efficient for Microsoft to just port the Windows only apps to Mac OS? Could they really be this stupid?
BTW - don't hold your breath on Digidesign's promises regarding the release dates of their software...
Chrispy -
Windows applications are not crappy at all. There is a difference between the OS and the apps in this case. Windows sucks. It freezes all the time and you need to reboot. That being said, the applications themselves are often excellent.
Face it, it's a PC world, particularly in business (e.g., there is no Bloomberg app for Mac). There's enough compatibility that I can use the Mac for my home office (Mac OS can now link to Windows servers on Cisco VPNs), but it will take a while to get access to some of the Windows apps that just don't exist for Mac.
It is, indeed, a PC world in business. It is also a PC world for most home computing.
It's still a Mac world in Publishing, TV and Film editing, Graphic Arts, Music Production, and Printing. This is a smaller market share but a very real one.
I just don't understand why Microsoft won't make some apps (like Outlook) Mac compatible. I mean, they own part of Apple... it just seems a waste. I suppose it's because they realize it will completely destroy their OS.
As for other companies who won't do it - it's just plain stupid. You should be able to run your apps natively. You certainly don't want to run a Windows emulator, since you'll end up running Windows, and having all the problems inherent, no?
Will your machine, the way it is, run DP? This is something it may be fun to try, since DP will happily use your ProTools Hardware as a front end. With that AND PT on the same machine you'll be able to do some wonderous stuff...
I will have to check out DP. If it integrates into the Digi002 easily, it may be a better way to go.
You can get Entourage for Mac, which is basically the same as Outlook.
Hazmat -
Full disclosure, I only repeat what "experts" tell me on computer issues. You are probably right that it's the software, not Windows. But you also hit the nail on the head - what some Windows apps can do is really great.
There is an excellent flight planning tool offered free on the AOPA web site. Unfortunately, no Mac version and no comparable Mac software that I can find.
The great thing about OSX is it's making more software developers - particularly those outside the mainstream - get into Mac in a bigger way. It's actually a Geek friendly OS, Unix and Linux geeks are right at home (and it doesn't get more serious than that!). So I think the gap in terms of what's available between the two worlds will continue to narrow, and the old "it's a PC world" problem/excuse will fade away. The only difference will be price... but you can get a Mac for under $600 bucks now.
Apple has been very clear about what they expect from developers who are writing for OSX (check out some of the developer resources at Apple.com). They want software that is going to integrate with the system correctly, that's going to match other software functionally and aesthetically, and that is not going to compromise the machine's performance. They are serious about the integrity of this sytem.
It won't always happen, but it's the right way to keep developers in line.
Once again, Dave, you made the right choice. Apple and OSX are no joke.
Hmmmm...
Kenny, I had no idea. How often do you feel pre-op transexuals?
The best part of being a pre-op transexual is never having to say your sorry.
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