After years of countless problems with Windows (and the current clusterf*%k with Windows 10), I'm seriously considering switching to a Mac. But I need to know how Poser Pro 2014 works and if all my existing Runtime files will still work. So... let the Mac/PC lovers vent! ;)

I went from mac poser 6 to win7 poser pro 2014 no problems reading the older mac runtime .you should be ok except for some Win only python a scripts.

Nothing like paying twice as much and getting half the machine. Been using a home built PC Win machine for poser for over 8 years with no problems.

Poser runs fine on a mac, as stated there's some windows only content creation tools but there's workarounds. I've been vaguely hearing about issues with game dev and mac os though I'm not certain of specifics.

I'm considering switching to Linux and running its Windows simulator. I hate Apple and MS.

With Linux you will be stuck with 32-bit Poser, which isn't a problem if you have Poser 10.

I ran Poser on Linux for a few years, and then built a Windows machine with a KVM switch for Poser. The only downside is the cost of Windows 7 Pro, which was almost as much as my 6-core CPU....

works o.k. on mac. make sure you get nvidia card >= 1 GB for PP2016. skip the 5K mac for now. regular ones go to 2560 X1440, which may suffice.

Poser works on a Mac as it does on a Windows PC.

Just remember that most add-ons are Windows only.

You get the same Poser but the hardware costs twice as much, and you have too use tips and tricks to get your add-ons to work.

Didn't realize that WandW. Thanks.

I'm running Win 7 Pro x64 on my workstation now and I will definitely avoid upgrading my OS for as long as I can.

Poser Pro 2014 has been working fine on Macs, but be aware that Apple have done something in the latest release, El Capitan (OS X V10.11), which seems to have affected Python. If you use Reality and/or the DSON importer, make sure you get the previous OS version, Yosemite (OS X V 10.10), or Poser won't start with those plug-ins. Maybe others too - just be aware. There is plenty of info on the forums about this issue, so do check if this is still the current situation.

'Most add-ons are PC only' - even if true, it's irrelevant if you don't use 'most add-ons'. You just need to check the add-ons that YOU use, to make sure the author has built Mac compatibility in.

'... paying twice as much and getting half the machine.' Yup, millions of gullible people with too much spare cash fall into this well-hidden trap. They just get on with their creative stuff and never, ever find out how stupid they were to buy a Mac. Funny, that.

tonyvilters posted at 9:12PM Thu, 15 October 2015 - #4233395

Poser works on a Mac as it does on a Windows PC.

Just remember that most add-ons are Windows only.

You get the same Poser but the hardware costs twice as much, and you have too use tips and tricks to get your add-ons to work.

Ssshhhhh......... Don't tell my MacPro that most of the "add-ons" are Windows only.

My workstation is priced about the same as a Windows workstation.

Thanks for all the feedback! I understand that the iMac costs significantly more, but after using a MacBook at work (but not for my Poser work) for the last couple of years, I'd really like to extend that immediate start-up, lack of semi-nightly updates, and many other more aesthetic improvements to my home computer.

IsaoShi posted at 5:13PM Fri, 06 November 2015 - #4233598

Poser Pro 2014 has been working fine on Macs, but be aware that Apple have done something in the latest release, El Capitan (OS X V10.11), which seems to have affected Python. If you use Reality and/or the DSON importer, make sure you get the previous OS version, Yosemite (OS X V 10.10), or Poser won't start with those plug-ins. Maybe others too - just be aware. There is plenty of info on the forums about this issue, so do check if this is still the current situation.

'Most add-ons are PC only' - even if true, it's irrelevant if you don't use 'most add-ons'. You just need to check the add-ons that YOU use, to make sure the author has built Mac compatibility in.

'... paying twice as much and getting half the machine.' Yup, millions of gullible people with too much spare cash fall into this well-hidden trap. They just get on with their creative stuff and never, ever find out how stupid they were to buy a Mac. Funny, that.

El Capitan has been fixed to address the Python problem. Poser Pro 2014 running great on 2-year old iMac with 8GB of RAM with latest system update.

Good to know, Rob! Thanks!

I used to use PP2014 on a new retina IMAC (and a 27 inch iMac before that) and it worked fine. If they've fixed the issue with reality and el capitan, then you should have no trouble with anything that I used. I have switched to DAZ Studio, and wish that I had an nVidia card, but otherwise, I'm fairly happy. The only "Add-ons" that I'm aware of that don't work are some really old python scripts that use TKinter for the interface which apparently is missing on the version of Python that comes on the mac for some reason. But, those are from years ago.

If you use Mac at work, then you'll be much happier not having to switch back and forth from mac to windows. I was a huge window's nerd before I switched (built my own machine, etc), and now I'm completely at a loss when I sit down to try and help folks with their windows machines. Nothing is familiar to me anymore...but, then again, it's probably been over 10 years since I really used one of those machines.

If you are getting an iMac, I recommend getting a wired keyboard if you don't plan to need it far away. My previous imac had a wireless keyboard and it went through batteries like crazy. The wired mouse is horrible, though, so get the wireless one. It's really nice. Also, keep your machine in good shape and you can get a really good trade-in value many years later. With discounts (got it during the thanksgiving sale season last year, so they were offering some extra incentives for trade-ins), I think I got over 1000 off of the price of the new one, and the machine I traded in was 3 or 4 years old.

Thanks Mamba-negra! That's the kind of info I was looking for. It looks like the new wireless keyboards are rechargable by plugging into the computer so I shouldn't have any battery problems from that. As for the mouse, do you have any experience with the trackpad vs the mouse? Just wondering if one is better than the other for Poser/Daz work. Thanks again!

I've never used the trackpad with poser, but I tried one at work and went back to the mouse. I do know some folks that love them, though. I'm not really sure how either would be any better with poser and software like that but maybe someone else can chime in with more experience.

I have a mac and no problems with poser. love it!

I have worked on a Mac for many years and have very few issues with Poser. DAZ Studio, especially the newer DSON plugin on the other hand has problems. At least for me on Yosemite. Yes, you have to check and update the Python scripts and some older stuff no longer works. I use a 3D Connexion 3D mouse and it is awesome for posing, etc. DS does NOT support 3D mice. I also use a Kensington Expert Mouse trackball, which make working very fast once you get used to it.

As for those who like to riff on the cost of a Apple, they do so from basic ignorance. Yes, you can build a nice set-up cheaper if you have the tech know-how. The difference comes into play when you talk about resale, included software and ease of use right out of the box. If you actually compare specs, software included and resale value directly at retail prices, Mac generally is a better deal. Security is also generally better. No, they are not immune, but better and easier to maintain.

If you are an experienced tech or field service engineer who usually uses open source software (free or pirated), then yes, a Windows unit can be built on the cheap. I do not argue that. Those are the actual caveats. Look at the whole picture... ALL of it. The difference really boils down to what one is used to using.

And YES, I understand there are plug-in issues with El Capitan. Same with Adobe CS5 Products - if you rely on an older version of Photoshop, Illustrator or Indesign (as I do), then stop at Yosemite. Mac does not run Corel Paint Shop Pro BTW. By the same token, Windows will not run Artmatic Pro or Voyager. Check all of your software if you want to switch. And yes, Mac updates are free - unlike Windows.

the other thing about mac is processor speeds aren't equivalent. ie the same speed of processor on a mac and a PC means the mac will be faster because of the way the mac works. They aren't comparable. Many people don't realize that.

estherau posted at 8:24PM Fri, 04 March 2016 - #4259313

the other thing about mac is processor speeds aren't equivalent. ie the same speed of processor on a mac and a PC means the mac will be faster because of the way the mac works. They aren't comparable. Many people don't realize that.

I don't know about that - the hardware is the same. And it isn't like OSX is as rock solid as it used to be.

Well I have seen lots of articles in mac magazines that says processor speeds aren't comparable. Actually i don't know if it is the OS or due to the hardware configuration or the combination of both but when you just look at processor speed you aren't comparing apples to apples haha excuse the pun. It's a commonly held belief by PC users that they think the mac processor speed means the same thing when in fact it doesn't. Love esther

estherau posted at 9:23PM Fri, 04 March 2016 - #4259337

Well I have seen lots of articles in mac magazines that says processor speeds aren't comparable. Actually i don't know if it is the OS or due to the hardware configuration or the combination of both but when you just look at processor speed you aren't comparing apples to apples haha excuse the pun. It's a commonly held belief by PC users that they think the mac processor speed means the same thing when in fact it doesn't. Love esther

If they are using the same processors, the speeds are comparable - a westmere is a westmere is a westmere - It is different when comparing architectures - when comparing a 3.0Ghz Cloverleaf against a 2,93Ghz Nehalem they are different - the Nehalem is faster architecture.

That's what you would intuitively think but apparently it is not so.

which probably explains this result http://www.cnet.com/news/macbook-pro-declared-best-performing-windows-laptop/ although pc people said it might be that the windows was loaded cleanly onto the mac and didn't have all the crapware. Anyway the mac was faster at running windows. and i've seen lots of other similar stuff around the place too. just can't find it right now as I'm busy. But anyway PC and Mac processor speeds don't mean the same thing. They are not comparable. and the bottom line for the original poster is that poser works fine on macs, and obviously the faster a computer one can afford the better. Macs are lovely to use. I use both regularly so I know. Love esther

Hi there

Really depends,you can make from yours laptop Hackintosh Macbook,done that with my brother and done that with my PC...Its really easy and really you are need to do bit of research as with everything

Regarding Macbook or Mac,been tried and reverted back to Windows machine,which has running OSX although...

Regarding speeds and regarding comparing the Mac or Windows machine,Apple always claims their own and MS claiming their own,truth is somewhere in middle,some programs you can run on OSX and some programs you can't run on Windows machine,I'm still on Windows 7 and I'm not looking to upgrade anytime soon,because is not worth it for me..

If you game then OSX is not for you,most of games which are ported on OSX run lot slower than on Windows this is main thing for many people,there is still not resolved issue with OpenCL if you render with Reality,CUDA drivers are how to say mildly poor,some apps like Final Cut have poor performance with NVIDIA cards if you are want to use that

Regarding Poser 2014 this again depends,last time when I tried to install on friend MacPro(trash can model) we are run to issues with Libraries,not sure if this sorted and plus we are run to issues with runtimes which has been located not on main SSD/HDD

I would say,try before you buy,if yours friend have Macbook then please try if this is for you or not,but I wouldn't never buy Mac pro or Macbook,when I can build comparable or faster machine for lot less,but that's me

Hope this helps and good luck there

Thanks,Jura

I don't use Apple's wireless mouse or keyboard; got a 2nd hand wired keyboard off ebay and bought an wired Amazon mouse (their own brand). Have used Macs ever since I started and Poser since version 4. The only problem I had was way back with Poser 8, which ran badly on my Mac. Quite happy with PP2014 on new iMac and Yosemite. (Can't recommend El Capitan yet).

I use the magic mouse and really love it. It looks like it is all one button but it swipes horizontally as well as vertically and one side is left click and one right. It is the best mouse I've ever used. I can't understand why other types of mice don't have horizontal swipe. it is soooo useful. Love esther

I have been running both side by side, for years, Ignoring the lack of adequate graphics cards available for the Mac (Which affects Octane, Luxcore, Iray and Superfly/Cycles), the Mac is significantly slower than a Windows machine. You simply can't get the same processors, the graphics cards are the mobile variety, and generally the Mac is normally, about a year, or more, behind the hardware available for Windows. Further the fastest Intel processors, simply are not available for the Mac due to cooling concerns.

You are right. there is a problem with video cards. I would love a faster card or more than the two I already have. eGPU is coming soon and then one can connect external graphics cards to the thunderbolt port. macvidcards

I have 64 GB of RAM in my cylinder macpro which helps of course.

estherau posted at 3:36PM Sun, 06 March 2016 - #4259579

I use the magic mouse and really love it. It looks like it is all one button but it swipes horizontally as well as vertically and one side is left click and one right. It is the best mouse I've ever used. I can't understand why other types of mice don't have horizontal swipe. it is soooo useful. Love esther

The first Mac I got had a Magic Mouse. I guess it depends on what you are used to, but I couldn't stand it. I went into Best Buy and asked what my better choices were for the Mac. He immediately grabbed a Magic Mouse. I said that is what I have, and it stutters, lags and can't hit a precise point on the screen. We went to the fastest Mac he had in the store, and cranked up the settings and watched it stagger, lag and not be capable of hitting a precise point. He asked what I used on Windows. I answered a Logitech, G-9X. His response? "But that's a gaming mouse!"

While bluetooth has gotten faster, it still can't match a good gaming mouse. Fortunately both Logitech and Razer now offer Mac drivers for their mice.

Don't bother with a Mac Mouse. Get what feels good in your hand and what gives you the level of precision you are comfortable with. Also note the wireless Mac Keyboards eat batteries in a hurry.

actually there are mouse preferences which you can adjust and I actually use some sort of magic mouse preferences software that makes the magic mouse not do that thing you said. don't know if it is still a problem in the latest OS or not as I still use the same software for making my magic mouse smoother and faster.
I love my magic mouse because i could not manage without the horizontal scrolling. I keep accidentally doing that with other mice at my work and of course they don't actually have it so it is just silly but it's a habit now for me to try and horizontally scroll.

estherau posted at 5:14PM Sun, 06 March 2016 - #4259587

actually there are mouse preferences which you can adjust and I actually use some sort of magic mouse preferences software that makes the magic mouse not do that thing you said. don't know if it is still a problem in the latest OS or not as I still use the same software for making my magic mouse smoother and faster.
I love my magic mouse because i could not manage without the horizontal scrolling. I keep accidentally doing that with other mice at my work and of course they don't actually have it so it is just silly but it's a habit now for me to try and horizontally scroll.

I did adjust the preferences for the Mouse. And I recently had to move the Razer Mouse to a Laptop temporarily, while I used the Magic Mouse on the Mac. It is better but still there.

Note the problem is not just a problem with the Mac, but with Bluetooth mice in the first place. Compared to a USB wireless mouse or a wired mouse, bluetooth just doesn't have the bandwidth.

By the way, turning the mouse all the way up, on the Mac, for the same level of accuracy and the same level of responsiveness, I find I generally have to turn a gaming mouse up a level of sensitivity. (I used to run a Mac Pro on the same AB Switch box as a Windows machine.)

this is free and makes my magic mouse work perfectly. http://magicprefs.com/

estherau posted at 5:22PM Sun, 06 March 2016 - #4259581

You are right. there is a problem with video cards. I would love a faster card or more than the two I already have. eGPU is coming soon and then one can connect external graphics cards to the thunderbolt port. macvidcards

External GPU's have been around for a while. They lack the proper bandwidth. (Typically being limited to one lane at x4 (At best) for the entire external box on Thunderbolt 3 and the latest iMac and Mac Pro is limited to Thunderbolt 2. .)

And the trashcan Mac Pros are limited to AMD cards, which while OK cards, will not help with Iray, Octane, or Superfly.

estherau posted at 5:35PM Sun, 06 March 2016 - #4259582

I have 64 GB of RAM in my cylinder macpro which helps of course.

Not when it comes to Superfly, Iray, or Octane. Funny, I have never used 32 GB of Ram yet.

Look, let me be fair. I have been using Macs, professionally in this particular field for 7 years. I have to for work, it is part of my job.

Having said that I use it side by side with multiple windows machines, and combined the two Windows Desktop machines on my desk cost less, than the iMac that I am currently using. (It is faster than my Dual processor Mac Pro I retired.) Given my experience with both, I would never recommend a Mac for graphics work in this field. They just are not cost effective and lack the hardware to do the job right. If you are just going to use Photoshop, and don't mind spending the difference? Sure, no problem, you won't see a real difference. Rendering? That is a whole different story.

Well i've never tried poser on a PC, so I can't compare, but I have seen people post about plenty of problems that I don't see on my mac when I use poser. And the mac experience seems so smooth too. However I don't use octane and one would need a CUDA card for octane that macs don't have. Love esther

Remember, the iMac is a "laptop on a stick" - with the exception of the screen (which can be fairly hit or miss) most of the components are laptop components.

I have one of the good mac pros (4,1), I can whip my AMD out and replace it with an Nvidia card, if I was willing to spend the money - however, for the price of a 970, I can drop another 48 Gb in my box which would be more useful than a better video card than what I am currently running.

To the OP, get the latest WINE and most (if not all) of those add-ons will run just fine. The only one that I know of that is a bit balky is Xdresser - for that I have a copy of Parallels.

I use crossdressor in crossover with no problem. Crossover is a commercial software that is not very expensive that is based on wine. It runs windows software without needing windows installed. It doesn't run all windows software. It won't run 3D studio max for example. It seems to run a lot of poser utilities fine though.