Hi all,
We are considering moving to Proclaim. Right now we are using ProPresenter on a mac. Since we are thinking of upgrading the media system computer, I was wondering if Proclaim works better on PC or Mac, or does it matter? Thanks!
Peace, David
Definitely Mac. I have a Windows 10 system that was intended to serve as a backup to the Mac, but have just about given up on it. It takes an endless amount of time to start up due to constant and mandatory Microsoft updates. Then it is a constant never ending battle to keep the video drivers up-to-date so Proclaim can run videos correctly.
While I can't say the Mac has been flawless, most of the issues end up being mine and not anything to do with Proclaim. Problems with using Apple TV with AirPlay for instance.
But whatever decision you make, you can expect the Proclaim team to bend over backwards when you need help of any kind.
In general, given the current state of machines, I prefer Windows. I have a macbook pro and a lenovo x1 carbon both sitting on my desk, and I use both almost daily. I've had both on my desk since around 2000 (before that, my primary desktop was a Sun Workstation, a Xerox Star, and a CP/M system). In my experience, things have flipped flopped over the years, but the Windows machine is much more stable and usable right now. The main mistake people make is to fail to remove most of the junk vendors put on the machine, and then blame the problems on MS.
OTOH, the mac ecosystem is beset with people who will believe os/x is better no matter what happens. The staff at Logos appears to be among them at this point. So, for Logos originated products, you're better off going to a mac, even though you're going to pay 2x or 3x times more to get less hardware capability and an older/less useable user interface and operating system. Given the total dedication of Logos to the apple ecosystem, I'm actually surprised Logos hasn't pulled the plug on the Windows versions of Logos entirely.
:-)
Russ
Hi, David, and welcome to the Proclaim community! The hardware configurations of Macs tend to lend themselves better for software like Proclaim, especially when it comes to motion backgrounds and other video files. There is no functional difference between the two platforms as far as your interaction with the app, so whichever OS you are most comfortable with is usually the best.
The hardware configurations of Macs tend to lend themselves better for software like Proclaim, especially when it comes to motion backgrounds and other video files.
I hear this all the time -- and yet, when just looking for a new laptop, I found that both the Mac and the Lenovo have i7 processors of about the same speed and about the same graphics hardware. Both, from what I recall, had about the same options in hard drives, and both had about the same options in main memory. The Lenovo has a touch screen, which is really, really useful for presentations, and the Apple box doesn't.
I really don't understand why people still think the Mac is a "better" hardware platform any longer. Once Apple moved to standard Intel processors and other components there's really no difference in hardware at all. The idea that the Mac has "better hardware," needs to be put to rest, because it hasn't been true in years. But it certainly boosts Apple's bottom line.
The software platform is different -- nothing more, and nothing less. The two operating systems go through cycles where one is better, and then the other, etc.
Use what runs the software you need, is the easiest for you to use, and fits in your budget. It's that simple.
Russ, I think a benefit of Mac, and what Peter was trying to get at, is that there are far fewer hardware configurations for the Mac. Apple controls the graphics cards, updates drivers, push people to upgrade their OS more often, etc. This makes it easy for us to say which Macs will run Proclaim well.
On Windows, we have customers with outdated video drivers, old operating systems, bad video cards.. the list goes on. It's a lot harder since the amount of options in the PC world is so large.
I agree 100% ( But only if it is from Apple )
Back to the original poster, the awesome thing about Proclaim is that both platforms are updated at the same time with the same features. A good rule of thumb is to have dedicated graphics, 64-bit processor, and plenty of RAM
- Jordan
^ oops posted from my other account
Thanks for all the comments. I've used Proclaim in a different church, but we used Windows machine and at my new congregation the Tech person prefers macs. I suggested Proclaim for a variety of reasons and he has looked at it and believes it could be a good option.
At the same time, we are looking at possibly getting new hardware. He would prefer Macs. Most of those running the media are better at Windows (as am I). I'm open to either though. I thought it might be good to see if Proclaim, itself, generally ran better on one platform over the others.
I use Logos a lot...on Windows. I forgot that most of the Logos folks are Apple folks. That should probably weigh into our decision as well. Also, I too hate the MS updates on our Media System because if you aren't intentional, you'll forget and end up updating Sunday morning (which can create problems).
Thanks again for all the great guidance! I wonder if someone from Logos (Faithlife) has any thoughts about platform preference.
Peace, - David.
Which is a good thing rather than a bad one. If this is an issue for tech support, then they should provide a short list of acceptable systems/video cards/etc., or have a list of recommended configurations. Cable operators do this all the time, as do network operators. IMHO, this is a lame excuse for pushing people to Apple hardware (you spend more so we don't have to).
In other words, "it's okay if you use a 1990 Apple Macbook, because it's cheap, and it's still better than a current generation Windows machine." You might as well put "apple fan boy" on your profile picture, and get it over with.
Sorry -- but IMHO, the Christian community shouldn't be so attached to one platform, and faithlife shouldn't be pushing one platform.
I agree 100% ( But only if it is from Apple ) Back to the original poster, the awesome thing about Proclaim is that both platforms are updated at the same time with the same features. A good rule of thumb is to have dedicated graphics, 64-bit processor, and plenty of RAM - Jordan
Guess I didn't look close enough to see that you have the Faithlife logo on your profile pic. Thanks for the information. I'll probably share this with my tech guy.
