Getting my first Mac - PSPX2 & SILKYPIX & MAC??

vievetrick · 03-09-2009, 11:49 AM

So not looking for a why are you getting a MAC and not staying with PC conversation. But do have questions for MAC users here. I am like many others, a creature of habit. My only fear (if you call it that) in switching from a pc is what I use for my photography.

I have been using Silkypix's for years and see it is compatible with a MAC so no big worries there. My big issue is that Corel PSPX2 is not. I have tried a few other things and even had a go at Phototshop but I always go back to what has worked for me. I know how to use it and what results I will get.

I am looking to make a move soon and just thought some of you folks could help as seasoned MAC & Pentax users. I have been to the Apple store a few times and advised I can get something that will run XP and allow for the use of PSPX2, but wont that mean buying a copy of that program and XP to run on the new MAC? Also will if I do that do I than have to repurchase a PSPX2 to run on that machine? I know that may be a dicey loaded question but what the heck.

Thanks in advance.

Jim Royal · 03-09-2009, 12:07 PM

Well as far as repurchasing software, if you're simply transferring from one machine to another, there's no legal need to buy a new license. Just install the app on the new machine.

As for what to do about your workflow...

Myself, I use Lightroom and Photoshop. Used PSP years ago and didn't like it.

Are you going to be happy running PSP in VMWare or some other virtual environment on your Macintosh? I suspect not. The app will run just fine, and running XP concurrently with Mac OS X is pretty smooth, as long as you have plenty of RAM. But you'll be constantly switching between environments, with different shortcuts, different mouse behaviours, and different UI conventions.

I would strongly recommend a Mac-only solution. Switching platform will require some adjustment in your work habits, and the process will be more difficult the longer you spend in Windows. If Lightroom and Photoshop are not your bag, then I'd do a bit more research and see what's available.

*heliphoto* · 03-09-2009, 12:15 PM

When I got my mac, I bought Parallels virtualization software, which let me copy my old laptop's HD, and now my old computer boots and runs in a Parallels virtual machine on my mac, and I can use all my old software that was installed on that computer (which I never do, so I moved the virtual machine to an external HD, so it's available when I need windows XP for something, but doesn't take room on my HD).

I believe VMware Fusion does the same thing but I can't tell you any details as I haven't used it or researched it.

EDIT: I agree with Jim Royal's analysis as well - LR + PS works for me. Silkypix + the GIMP might work too (and the gimp is free).

vievetrick · 03-09-2009, 02:30 PM

Thanks guys. I still have a little research to do and sure I could swtich to another program but just want to know the options.

a a i b · 03-09-2009, 03:20 PM

You can try transferring your windows install to a virtual machine, accessed by VMware or Parallels. I did this once for a Virtual PC install. However, an XP OEM install may not work. Can't hurt to try, of course (both Parallels and VMware fusion are $70 or so).

I have to have access to XP for (CAD) work. I agree with those above that if you can avoid the cognitive dissonance of two different operating systems, do it.

Oh, and while you're at it, give Aperture a try ... I know you're a creature of habit and all, but you might find the way it organizes files refreshing.

*tomypreach* · 03-09-2009, 09:29 PM

Why are you making the swiths ? It seems you got everything worked out on windows.

How much money are you going to spend , and are you going to buy a laptop or desktop ?
If you are getting a laptop , try to look at this model. IBM - ThinkPad W700.

Os's change , what you need is power.

I'v used windows since 3.1, i swithed last year to mac. Im running lightroom and photoshop , on top of that i run windows. Windows is good for something (not alot) I run (on my mac) some music editing porgram on it. I understand the idear of design and how that might help your mindset in many ways. It has in my case, but my Mac is getting slower and , im getting better at doin' the job of editing. Might have to change back......

*Tyama* · 03-12-2009, 09:11 PM

I recently bought a 13.3" Macbook 2.0 aluminum unibody to replace an old HP 15.4 laptop. I still use windows desktop as my main computer and have Lightroom installed. I removed lightroom from the HP and was able to install it on the Macbook, different version of course.

stgmgr · 03-20-2009, 09:46 PM

I'm ALSO considering buying a MAC.
Any thoughts/comments on their APERTURE 2 ?????

*emr* · 03-21-2009, 02:20 AM

If the OP decides to go all Mac and not also use Windows either by Bootcamp or a Parallels-like solution, one image processing software worth taking a look at is PhotoLine. It's a very capable shareware software, which you can try before deciding whether it's worth the money. It's also available as a 64 bit version nowadays.

WRT Aperture in the post above. It's a fairly capable software for organizing photographs and doing basic image processing, RAW conversion etc. Some people tend to prefer it while some other find for example Lingtroom better. Aperture's quite a bit cheaper than Lightroom IIRC.

ftpaddict · 03-21-2009, 03:01 AM

I got my first Mac when I was 10. It was delicious.

davemdsn · 03-21-2009, 05:13 PM

One of the things I like most about my Mac is the OS and software so I purposely avoided putting virtualization software on it and went with an all Mac workflow. Makes life easier.

If you use Lightroom and are moving to the Mac you can download the Mac version and use the same serial number. It is a cross platform license.

Some time after moving to Mac I decided to drop Lightroom and move to Aperture 2. No regrets. I far prefer the workflow in Aperture and the previews are available to almost every application on my Mac, even the 3rd party software, without needing to export first.

WRB · 03-21-2009, 07:36 PM

I made the switch to upgrade for photography. My only regret is that I waited so long. I ran Lightroom and Aperture for awhile. The workflow and seamless process of Aperture won me over. I have used only Aperture after the first 1-2 months. Upgrade the ram to at least 4 gig and you will be very happy. I added a laptop a new White MacBook a month ago and it runs Aperture without much of a problem.

*indytax* · 03-22-2009, 12:15 PM

OP: I switched to a Mac last January and have been very pleased with VMWare Fusion. I also bought Parallels (it was free after rebate), but I never installed it because the general consensus among the tech blogs I follow was that Fusion was the superior product. Both products have released new versions since that time, so I don't know how they compare currently. Both Fusion and Parallels allow you to run Windows programs much like you do Mac apps (in their own windows, they even keep the Windows shortcuts). Of course, if you want to run XP outside of OS X, you can install XP using BootCamp and just reboot when you want to switch.

As for installing XP, you need a full version and can't install an OEM version of XP under any of these options. You'll have to determine what license your copy of XP is. Otherwise, you'll have to buy a full license (which would have to be Vista now because XP is only available in OEM machines). If you have to also buy Windows, I don't think it makes sense just to keep PSPX2, but only you can know that. Also, you can only run one license of each of these programs on one machine, so you're right that if you want to keep one machine running Windows & PSPX2, then you'll have to buy new copies for your Mac to be legal. If you uninstall those programs on your old machine, you can move them to the Mac, though. Also, you don't need a seperate licence for each instance of Windows you run on the Mac (i.e., one for Fusion/Parallels, one for BootCamp). Just one license is fine.

I should mention, though, that I hardly fire up Windows on my Mac anymore. I use Mac native programs as much as possible; it's just easier & more enjoyable.

As for PSPX replacements, Heliphoto recommended the GIMP as an option, but the versions of the GIMP for OS X are outdated, poorly supported, and harder to install/maintain than their Linux & Windows counterparts. I didn't want to invest in Aperture or Lightroom yet, so I purchased PS Elements 6 for Mac and have found it pretty robust. YMMV, of course. Look at Bibble, too. I played around with its demo a bit a really liked it (but I had already purchased PSE). Perhaps Bibble + Mac users can comment? ACDSee just released a Mac version, too.

I really like the Mac experience far better than the Windows one. And I still use Windows computers (I'm writing this on an XP laptop and I built my previous Windows computers from "scratch"). I just wish I could afford a MacBook, too!

vievetrick · 03-23-2009, 08:46 PM

Thanks all for the info. I did get the new imac. Still setting everything up and have not decided what to do. I still have the pc running so not big deal. I plan on running tests with free trials of a few programs including the ones mentioned. Any other tips or suggestions are welcomed.

PS. this has also been the reason i have been MIA from here for a few weeks.

*graphicgr8s* · 03-24-2009, 09:42 PM

Originally Posted by ftpaddict

I got my first Mac when I was 10. It was delicious.

That's just gross. Macs are just grease bur... can't even call it a burger. Go for the Whopper. Least that hasflavor other than grease

Flame broiling is always better than frying