Posted on 06/17/2004 6:35:42 PM PDT by Swordmaker
Earlier this week, I got an e-mail from a reader that said: "As a PC user who juggles multiple applications to complete multimedia projects, I'm jealous of the integrated approach" of Apple's iLife programs. "Is there any product on the PC that comes close to the integrated solution you've discussed so many times for the Mac platform?" . . .
. . . I have been testing the first program that claims to bring iLife-type simplicity, integration and power to the Windows PC. It's called Easy Media Creator 7, and it's from Roxio.
The new suite wraps together the company's CD- and DVD-burning software, its PhotoSuite photo software and its VideoWave home-video software with some new cross-program tools and a new user interface. It also includes the software for using Napster, Roxio's online music service. A Roxio official describes Media Creator as "iLife on steroids." . . .
. . . Overall, I found Media Creator to be significantly inferior to the Apple suite. It's harder to use, less consistent in the way it works, less well integrated, and it fails to display the same delicate balance between power and simplicity that is the real strength of the Apple software.
(Excerpt) Read more at ptech.wsj.com ...
Sounds like Roxio has a good "first try" to meet Apple's iLife Suite but they have a ways to go. I wish them good luck.
In the Red Trunks, Apple's iLife Suite
versus
In the Blue Trunks, Roxio's Easy Media Creator 7.
Shake, go back to your corners and come out swinging!
PS, if you want to be included or excluded from the Mac Ping List, please Freepmail me!
It's got to be better than the XP Media Center crap that I've got.
Wait a second here... When Microsoft started integrating its products a few years ago, a lot of people went into a fury of condemnation.
Now, the lack of integration is somehow bad? When Apple offers all these integrated products it is good? Where are anti-trust lawsuits?
A huge Mac bump! I don't use the iLife Suite very often, but its power and features is quite impressive. I was at MacWorld when they unvieled the upgraded suite. Very nice. My favorite feature is Expose. Now that I'm used to it, I couldn't live without it.
Apple is 100% a genuine monopoly, much moreso than Microsoft ever dreamt of! Fortunately, the Federal government doesn't feel threatened by a "monopoly" that accounts for < 4% of the total PC sales market...
Count me in as a fan of Roxio's software. I have been using them for years to convert my LPs and cassette tapes to CD. It has done a remarkable job. I like the Apple software too but I can't play iTunes music on my MP3 player which is really a drag.
the differences are that Apple does not build the integration into the OS or make it impossible to remove what you do not wish to use.
Apple also does not force 3rd-party software companies to write these integrated products into every product that runs on the OS.
The iLife Suite can be purchased as a whole, or in individual pieces.
Most of the good software didn't pop up overnight. As you probably already know, it's an evolutionary effort. These apps are nothing if not complex. So we wait for the next couple of gens. Whomever posted it, thanks for the review!
I'm typing on a $1600.00 T.V. set.
Roxio is garbage.
I do as well. I've got friends who have seen some of the DVDs I've put together with iDVD and iMovie and they were blown away. For $50, it can't be beat.
It was disturbing, we looked for a similar setup on the PC and could not find a cheap one that was as capable, especially in regards to the DVD/Menu system. Surprised Adobe hasn't come out with an "express" or "Elements" version of their DVD authoring software.
It's funny, after using iDVD, you began to realize what a bunch of cheapskates a lot of movie companies really are. Many have poor/crappy menus that look like they were made by some admin/secretary type somewhere.
I hear you there! I have "Expose" activated by running my mouse to the lower RH corner of the screen. It's nice when things get cluttered. :)
The iLife suite is something I don't use much, although I'm building a 'slide show" for my parents 50th wedding anniversary and was blown away by the new features, especially the "Ken Burns" effect and the integration with iPhoto.
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