#chromebook is an awful choice for artists

[13mary-gold]

Alright. My dumb Chromebook doesn’t let me save the animation from Krita

The version I posted here is just a screen recording

But I found a way and just imported the frames into an animation app, so here’s the result

[tomheidiusa]

Should I Buy a Mac or Windows Laptop for Work?

It can be daunting having to choose laptops for an entire office or team of workers. Particularly as everyone seems to have their own personal viewpoint. To help you out though, we have put together an easy-to-follow guide to the options open to you. It is worth noting that while we have presented the facts and thoughts here as a side-by-side comparison with a view to the choice being either/or, there are many businesses that choose to use a variety of Mac and PCs and users get the type of computer that best suits their department.

For example, employees in creative roles would get Macs, with other staff getting PCs or laptops. Further to this, there are some small businesses that leave the choice up to the staff themselves. This is good because it gives the employees the chance to choose the one, they work with best, but it can be a more expensive way to do things.

Check out our helpful guide that aims to point you in the right direction if you are scratching your head trying to decide which way to go.

Handling Employee Preferences for PC and Mac

The biggest difference between PCs and Macs is the OS or operating system. There are major differences in the menu configuration, while the interfaces, in general, are very different too and you will often find that shortcuts on the keyboard are different from both systems.

While it’s true that the PC and Mac hardcore fans are attached to their favorite style because of the interface the actual exterior is often a major selling point too.

While Macs tend to be more consistent in how they look and work, PCs vary considerably in terms of design from brand to brand and model to model. However, if you think that your employees prefer Macs because of their appearance and design, you could try and entice them to the Windows range of best work laptops side of things with something like a Microsoft Surface Pro or HP EliteBook.

If it is down to the ease of use or efficiency of one or there other, you will have a more difficult time convincing them to change.

Further to this, if you have workers who need to use special analytics, visualization, design software or extensive keyboard shortcuts may be more familiar with using a particular type of laptop.

While it’s possible to change from using PC to Mac or vice versa, it may be important to keep employees happy.

Pros of Windows Laptops & PC’s

Business Standard

Out with the design world, PCs are considered the business standard. PCs are used widespread and employees are likely to be comfortable and familiar with using PC laptops at work.

Many Options for Designs

As there are numerous different computer manufacturing companies, there are various options for designs. You are able to purchase hybrids, portable ultrabooks, powerful and heavy workstation laptops etc.

Better Customization

PCs and laptops can be easily customized, both in terms of their hardware and their software. Various manufacturers, such as HP, Lenovo and Dell, offer upgrades such as GPUs, CPUs, extra ports and other accessories. This is a big advantage if you’re looking to provide a workforce with differing needs.

Various Price Points

When it comes to prices, PCs are better than Macs in providing for different budgets.

Cons of PCs

Not as Stylish

While PCs are becoming more stylish slowly, there are various manufacturers that do not pay much attention to the aesthetics.

Security Software

When you purchase PCs, you need to purchase additional anti-virus security software. Although this is not a massive expense, but something you’ll need.

Some OS Updates Are Awful

Macs may not release updates regularly, but when they do it to add power or features. However, OS updates for Windows often are just minor upgrades, but often Windows will do things that are terrible, such as Windows 8 or Vista.

Quality Can Vary

As there are so many different manufacturers, the quality of PCs varies from computer to computer.

Pros of Macs

Luxurious Design

Compared to Windows PCs and laptops, Macs often operate and feel like luxury machinery. Apple is known as a company that produces colorful and bright displays, highly sensitive track pads and responsive keyboards. For various people, the quality of the aluminum chassis of MacBook is enough to invest in one.

Design Industry Standard

If you’ve got creative professionals or designers on your payroll, investing in Macs will keep them satisfied. Macs were really where graphic design started and the system is still a leader within the artistic community. Photoshop even started on Macs.

As a result, various designers honed their skills on Macs.

High Status

Although it’s not easy to admit, how we are perceived by others and status are many of the reasons people prefer to use Apple products. If your job involves impressing investors or clients, it could be worth investing in some fancy Macbooks for your staff.

Less Maintenance

Macs could be a good option if you are not comfortable with basic maintenance or can’t afford tech support. They are not often targeted by hackers and are known to require less maintenance.

Cons of Macs

Office for Mac

While in the past, you couldn’t get Microsoft Office for the Mac, that has all changed. However, if your workers are more familiar with using Office on a PC, they will find it harder to adjust to Office for Mac.

No Hybrids or Touchscreens

There are no Mac computers that have stylus capabilities, touchscreens or 360-degree hinges. Although there are tablets that do.

Limited Choice

Only Apple make Mac products. Therefore, when you buy a desktop or MacBook computer, you have limited options regarding configuration and design. When something breaks, you have to either pay the full Apple price or run the risk that comes from using third-party accessories.

Expensive

Mac products, by default, are expensive. This is because, in part, the high-status perception and luxury designs. There are no budget options.

Alternatives

Perhaps you want to consider an alternative to PCs or Macs. There are some OS that can be run on any machine, and a number of great Chromebook options for business too.

Alternatives OS

One way to give your staff some flexibility is to give them the option to install their own preferred OS. Ubuntu, the Linux-based OS is popular with those who don’t like Macs or Windows. It works similarly to another OS, but not quite as user-friendly and intuitive. While many don’t come with it pre-installed, it is fairly easy to install yourself.

Chromebooks

Chromebooks have come a long way in the past few years. The Pixelbook and its flexible touchscreen, stylus and high-quality chassis was what sealed its popularity. There’s even talk of Google including a dual-boot option that will allow users to switch between Google’s own OS and a third-party one. Even without it, Chromebooks are still a great option for small businesses.

from https://serenemedia.co.uk/mac-or-windows-for-work/

from Serene Media - Blog http://serenemediaco.weebly.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-mac-or-windows-laptop-for-work