upgrading to intelmac

[juancedeno]

Hi all, I would like to upgrade my machine but, what about all my software? I'm looking at a Mac Pro but I need my FCP and Adobe's CS2. Any thoughts?
Thanks.

 

[EndlessMac]

All your PowerPC software can run under Rosetta but you will probably notice a performance penalty. They will run faster if they work natively in Intel. This will give you time to upgrade your software if it doesn't perform fast enough for you but you can still use them with Intel Macs.

Some of your software will have both a PowerPC and Intel version so those you don't have to update. You will know which is running under Rosetta when you open up Activity Monitor and see if it's is listed as PowerPC or Intel.

The bigger problem for you, since you are using Tiger, might be that your software might not work in Leopard or Snow Leopard. You can go to http://snowleopard.wikidot.com/ to see if your software is compatible with Snow Leopard. I don't have a site for Leopard.

 

[juancedeno]

Hi EndlessMac,
thank you for the input, you gave me a little of hope with my investment, (I know, they are tools).
I will look at the info you suggested me. Thanks again.

 

[EndlessMac]

I'm glad I could help. I made the PowerPC to Intel switch awhile back. It wasn't painful but then again I was using Leopard and most Leopard software works in Snow Leopard.

 

[chas_m]

FWIW I use the CS3 suite every day on my Intel Mac. Works fine.

I skipped CS4 but will eventually get CS5 when I replace this machine.

As for FCP, depending on what machine you get I would encourage an upgrade. Final Cut Studio is a MAJOR step up.

 

[juancedeno]

Hi chas_m,
thanks for the response. definitevely I will look for a Mac Pro because of the expansion capability.
EndlessMac,
any idea if I'll benefit of upgrading to Leopard, if so, where can I find the disks?
Thank you both.

 

[EndlessMac]

EndlessMac,
any idea if I'll benefit of upgrading to Leopard, if so, where can I find the disks?
Thank you both.

I don't know if you will gain much by going to Leopard since Tiger is a good OS but Snow Leopard is a worthy upgrade. Although like I said earlier you have to watch out for software that isn't compatible with Snow Leopard. Those you will have to upgrade.

If you are buying a recent used Mac Pro then it should already have either Leopard or Snow Leopard installed. Just make sure the person you are buying it from includes the OS discs.

FYI there are still some internet stores that are selling Leopard discs, you can buy them used, or you can try calling Apple for one. Just make sure to get the retail version and not the gray colored disc because those only work on the same computers they came with. People are asking a very high price for them so it might be cheaper to go with Snow Leopard.

 

[juancedeno]

Thank you!