InType

I’ve been looking into Aptana Studio

I’ve tried Aptana. It has tons of features but is slower then a snail on a turtle with 100 mile per hour head winds. And it is pretty pricey.

@Mirza I have tried InType and it is probably the one I am leaning towards right now but I wanted to see if I was missing any others since it wasn’t until just recently that I finally found InType. I just hope Martin and the team can get 0.3.5 out really soon!

Seems like you’re looking for a lot of Windows replacements for great Mac software. It sounds like you’d prefer to be working on a Mac. Out of curiosity, why not just use a Mac?

#1 Price, #2 User Interface and #3 Testing for IE6 (I know it’s possible through VMware but that is to much of a hassle and additional cost just for testing). I realize OSX is an all around better operating system. I have spent the last few weeks trying to get hyped up for the big switch over to Mac, and even spent a good hour at the Apple store with one of those “Genius” guys trying to get myself to buy one, but for the 3 reasons just listed I just can’t do it. Therefore I am trying to find the best software alternatives possible for web design on Windows.

Once you take a couple sessions getting used to OS X interface it is so much nicer/easier to work with. I made the switch a couple years ago, with no regrets. I use ies4mac to do my IE testing.. (I really do hate IE testing, it burns my retinas).

As for Price?... well What can I say, I’ve have a powerbook g4 and still after what.. .3 years? It’s still a great piece of hardware. I have never seen a dell laptop in a good state after 3 years. So it was worth the initial investment.

For the same price as the 20” iMac I can get a kick-butt Vista system with Intel Quad Core Q6600, 4GB RAM, 320GB HD, An amazing video card, Dual 22” LCD Monitors, a new desk and a comfy office chair. I’m just not sure. I wish this was a little bit easier. Like if the iMac was $500 cheaper it would make this process alot easier.

OS X over Vista MORE than makes up the price difference.

Yeah, there’s always something cheaper out there. If this is something you use for work (sounds like web design/development?), in my opinion it’s definitely worth the extra $$ for a much more pleasant user experience and a much more stable system. Again, in my opinion, I don’t want to get into a Mac/PC religious war.

VMWare is an additional expense, but it’s no hassle at all for me. Having a system that can run either OX X or Windows beats one that can only run Windows for me, hands down.

No question it’s a big change, but I’ve been using Macs for years after using mostly Windows and I’ve certainly never regretted it.

One thing to think about too – if it is for a business you should be able to right part of the expense off.

I am a freelance guy just getting started. Can I still write off expenses?

If you register yourself as a small business. I’m actually about to do the same myself. I think all you do is register a business name, and you’re set. At that point you save any business related expense receipts.. come tax season you can put it against your taxes.

You may need to talk to an accountant to figure out the particulars.

<giant disclaimer>I’m in no way qualified to give tax advice. Please consult with someone who knows the laws.</giant disclaimer>

You should be able to write it off. If you file a Schedule C for profit or loss from a business, you can deduct things you buy to support that business. You don’t have make a profit, but if you report a loss for something like 3 out of any 5 years (not sure about the exact numbers) the IRS no longer considers it a business and classifies it as a hobby, which has different rules.

As far as I know, you don’t have to register anything. There’s no “official” registry of businesses, if you’re doing something and people are paying you for it, you’re a business.

Also depends which country you’re in too – I’m talking Canada

USA