Reply by Stoli on 4/27/11 6:34pm
Msg #381527
Glenn is the Mac expert. Seems to be a problem with PDF
It seems that it isn't possible to select to auto-select the paper size. Here are his comments:
I am probably not going to tell you what you want to hear.
I would now be considered to be an ex Apple user. I first bought a Mac in the 80s, and bought a couple of more ending with a PowerMac G4 that is 10 years old now, but I do still use it to edit video, burn videos to DVD and such.
My business computers had been Windows machines since the mid 90s, for many of the same reasons you are pondering now. Due to the nature of my job then, I quickly saw that Windows machines would be dominate in the business world, so I just adjusted. Work was challenging enough without having to worry about compatibility of the operating systems. I just want the thing to work, so that limited my options. I do keep up with Apple a little, though as my son-in-law uses Apple, and I have helped him out of a few system problems. Contrary to popular myth, Apple has many of the same issues the other guys have even the viruses and spyware, although to a much lesser extent. You notice those commercials with the Apple guy and PC guy claiming that Apple is spyware free have disappeared. Since those commercials aired, several types of viruses and spyware have been written for Apple. I guess someone wanted to put them in their place. You see, writing a virus is as much work as writing a program, so if you do all that work, would you write it for 5% of the computers or 90% of the computers? That's why Microsoft was targeted. The biggest always is.
I don't do many loans any longer, but I assume most all documents are pdf these days. I can't remember when I have had to use Switftview or something else. While Acrobat reader makes a program for Apple, the box that says "Choose tray by pdf page size" doesn't exist. So even if you have a dual tray printer, it won't separate by page size. Adobe probably won't fix this anytime soon because they are at war with Apple over the use of Flash on the iPhone. The other document printers such as Swiftview will not work with Apple at all.
I am not exactly clear on why you want to move to Apple. Since Apple went to the Intel chips, most of the parts are made by the same manufacturers that make the parts for the PC makers such as Dell, HP etc. Even the motherboards are the same. They just cost more. And while the computers do have some cute little designs that can charm a person into buying them, Apple has not payed as much attention to it's computer line as it should, targeting almost all it's R&D money into iPhones and iPads. Get this, they are introducing an iPad with a "cover with hinges". I think we call those "laptops". The new Apples are not anywhere near the quality of my old G4. They have fallen behind many of the PC makers in that department.
As far as the operating system, Window 7 is a good system and works just as well, if not better than Apple's operating system. Yes, it does need spyware and virus protection, but keep it updated, and you won' have any issues, plus all the drivers for all your other hardware will be compatible. I can't same the same for the Apple, but if your printers are just a few years old and a major brand, they should have Apple compatible drivers on their website. Also, you should not have any issues learning to use the Apple system if you are not already using it. It's a Unix based system. So is Linux.
If you insist on Apple, then buy the largest hard drive you can afford, have someone partition it and install Windows 7 on the other partition. That way, you will have a dual boot. When you start up, it will ask you what operating system you want to boot. I run a dual boot on the laptop I am using right now. I use windows when needed, and Linux to surf the Internet. My main desktop is also a PC. One difference for me is I am using AMD processors in both the laptop and the desktop. I feel you get more for your money with them.
I always thought Apple was the best system when PCs first took hold. Unfortunately for Jobs, Gates was a better marketer. Personally I still like to play on my G4, but I just need the business computer to work and be compatible. Good luck with your choice. Sorry I could not help you more.
Glenn,
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Reply by barkaroni on 4/28/11 8:14am
Msg #381571
Re: Glenn is the Mac expert. Seems to be a problem with PDF
I have been an Apple user since I was a teacher for many years and Apple was used throughout our school system. When I started in 1997, to do signings, my Mac was fine. But, as this business began to change to e-docs and we had to print documents, the problems started. I was looking to buy a duel tray printer. Thankfully Glenn explained that the Mac books do not have the ability to print choose tray by pdf page size. To print mixed letter an legal size in a package, I have to preview and first print letter, then legal size. This, of course, takes more time. This has been my experience with the Apple system. Seems like an easy fix for Apple but as of yet it hasn't happened.
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