I am routinely having the Mac vs Linux conversation with crystallographers and new students, especially given the price of Macs.
Generally I think that the extra money spent on a Mac pays for less time spent messing around installing software, sorting out dependencies, swearing at the less than effective office software etc. that plagues Linux which is more of a "computer experts" platform. I'd say if your interest is in solving structures with the least hassle get a Mac, but if you want to develop software get Linux. Meanwhile I think windows is slowly improving as a crystallography platform - and Microsoft is perhaps no longer hated in principle - however the one student in our lab who opted to go the windows route seems very limited in the software he can run. Of course getting the highest spec machine one can afford at the time applies to all platforms. Mind you I've been using mid range MacBook Pro's for the last few years which work fine, with the added bonus that you can keep your coffee warm by placing it near the processor during MR! Simon On 29 Sep 2011, at 01:26, Jacqueline Vitali wrote: > Dear colleagues, > > I need some advice for a new computer. > > (1) I have the option of an HP Z210 8 GB with a low end Quadro Nvidia 400 > 512 MB. > > --How does Coot run with this card? > > --I am happy with any Linux. However, the system needs updates for security > purposes (the University requires it). Do I have to remake the NVidia driver > every time there is a kernel update or is there a way around it for this > NVidia card? Do you suggest another NVidia card (inexpensive) that is good > for coot and automatically updates when the kernel is updated? > > (2) Second option is an IMAC 4 GB 2.5 GHz with AMD Radeon HD 6750M 512 MB > GDDRS. > > --How does Coot work with this graphics card? > > --Should I get more memory for Lion? > > --Is this platform advisable for crystallographic software for the next four > years? > > Thank you in advance for any advice. > > Jackie Vitali > Cleveland State University > > > >
