(Help) Should I get a Mac? - Access 2003 and running Virtual PC.

Firstly, I love Macs!!

I was wondering if someone could give me some advice.

I am thinking of buying a new laptop and have shorlisted two:

1. The Sony VAIO BX series

2. An Apple 17" Powerbook

Although I know that I can get most of the software I need for OS X, there are currently no versions of Access 2003 for the Mac operating system. Something about it not being feasible for Microsoft to port it for OS X.

Now I would really like to get a Mac but is there any way I can run an Access database on a Mac. The reason this is really important to me is because my companie's order management software uses Access and it is a major consideration for me to be able to run it.

1. Is Virtual PC any good? or does it hog up too much system resources and not worth it?

2. Should I just get a Mac and be happy?

3. Should I make the sensible choice and go for a PC?

Any help would be much appreciated.

cheers

#327749

Apple Works and File Maker are database software. I think they are compatible with access' files.

The latest Virtual PC definately manages database works without using much resources. I can even play some nice games on it with my Powerbook 15". Don't under estimate the power of your Powerbook! It's even faster than my Athlon 64 3200: 2,4 ghz!!

However, you should definately get a 17" Powerbook! It's a godess to me! You don't have to worry about infesting your work's network with viruses. Mac = No virus!

#327753

Thank you for that.

#327756

wow. 17" PowerBook.

---drool

Seriously - you'll find ways to do things with the Mac. Just don't sacrifice slight increase in convenience for the utter superiority of the Apple design, look, feel, etc. The 17" PowerBook is the current pinnacle of achievement in the laptop world.

*still drooling*

#327779

wow. 17" PowerBook.

---drool

Seriously - you'll find ways to do things with the Mac. Just don't sacrifice slight increase in convenience for the utter superiority of the Apple design, look, feel, etc. The 17" PowerBook is the current pinnacle of achievement in the laptop world.

*still drooling*

You got a second vote on that 17" inch Power Book G4, and as for the pc laptop I'll go for Toshiba Qosmio G25 but stick with the PowerBook G4 all the way baby. By the way I'm also looking for a New Mac Computer, PowerMac Quad or a Intel PowerMac?

#327833

Well the quad is fast!!!

...it all depends on how quickly you need one really. The first Intel Macs are going to be launched Mid 2006 and Apple will be phasing out the lower end macs after that. They say that the first to go will be the Minis.

You will get good use from your quad befoe it gets obsolete as it is a professional highhhhh end mac and the software developers know that as well. Adobe, Macromedia, etc. are not going to stop support for their core customers so quickly.

Lastly, the intel macs are going to have tons of problems that will only be sorted once the end users start using the new hardware. So there might be a bumpy road for the first few months after its launch.

I would go for the quad :cool:

#327866

One thing you may want to consider is networking through VPC is flakey when using various ports. You won't find a vialbe alternative which is OSX native due to most company database's use a VBA font end which cannot be used with Apple Works or File Maker. That and the possibility of data corruption is high.

Also, no way is a 1.67Ghz 15" PowerBook (I have one + 1.5GB RAM) anywhere near as fast as an Athlon 64. My PB can't compare even with my 3.4EE/2mbCache Pentium4.

If the Access stuff is vital to your productivity then the Mac may not be the best bet. Can work buy/subsidise you a cheap XP laptop and you get yourself a PB?

#327871

Also, no way is a 1.67Ghz 15" PowerBook (I have one + 1.5GB RAM) anywhere near as fast as an Athlon 64. My PB can't compare even with my 3.4EE/2mbCache Pentium4.

Dude... I was just figuratively speaking! In some aspects PB can be a lot faster than Athlon 64, but not gaming.

#327882

Originally Posted by Septimus

One thing you may want to consider is networking through VPC is flakey when using various ports. You won't find a vialbe alternative which is OSX native due to most company database's use a VBA font end which cannot be used with Apple Works or File Maker. That and the possibility of data corruption is high.

Thanks for the advice Septimu.

Guess your right with about the VBA compatability with OS X.

I have been looking into it and it doesnt look like its possible.

Looks like I am going to have to get me a PC and then add then "aquasize" it with the regular visual tweaks - windows blinds, object dock, knofabulator etc.

Think its going to be too expensive to get both a PC and a PB.

#327950