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Certain users (like myself) don't buy into the cult personality that you folks at Apple put on your products. I don't use a colorful IPod, so I'm not a sophisticated, free-spirited person who likes innovation. If anything, Mac users come off as infinitely insecure as they constantly compare themselves to Microsoft products while Windows users don't really care. All the small perks and sexy little features Mac gives it's users are irrelevant to people who just want an operating PC that is compatible with all the software out there.

That being said, I wouldn't compare the Apple brand to Ferrari or Porsche. I'm thinking more of a Volkswagen Beetle. Small, exclusive community of users who want everyone to know how cute and artsy they really are!

 

That's a good point, 'fanboys' would be more accurate.

I think on average, Mac fanboys are less computer savvy. And Mac marketing is glitzy and underhanded.

But ask the people who really know their stuff- the hackers and coders out there- they despise Microsoft and Windows.

There's nothing for a Windows fanboy to love about Microsoft, because they don't innovate or do anything to be proud of. Microsoft fanboys are identified by their hatred of Mac fanboys, that's about it.

 

Case in point.

 

I wish I could've taped it, but they had a point vs. point debate on CNBC about Apple's iPhone. I don't know who the lady on the "pro Apple" side was, but the guy saying the iPhone was ridiculously overpriced and getting hype for stuff that had already been invented and used (the touchscreen phone) was none other than John C. Dvorak of PC Magazine/ziff-davis, etc. fame. Dvorak came on the set prepared with a European(?) phone that had a touch screen and was on the market, and took apart the iPhone's advertising and marketing mumbo jumbo. The lady (who arrived on the set late) basically could not come up with anything to counter what Dvorak was saying other than something like "people will buy it because it's better than anything out there". Dvorak's only response was "wow". lol. In my time watching CNBC and their point-counterpoint segments, I've never seen anyone so incompetent at defending a product/position. Dvorak just had the look of "why the hell am I here again?" on his face. Classic stuff.

Let's face it - Apple is marketing. Apple has a very good operating system. The problem is - so did IBM with OS/2. A lot of #2's had a lot of good things. The final say-so belongs to the consumer. I bought a G4 and may buy a MacBook in the near future. I just could not pull myself away from my PC. Nothing to me on OS X is worth making the switch over - nada, zip, zilch. My work, my hobbies, etc. all require or prefer my PC's. Sure I can dual boot with a Mac... but umm... why? If one has everything I need, then I don't need the other. I'm sure a lot of Apple's fans feel the same way, so more power to them.

 

I remember when Vista came out like 5-6 years ago...

Oh wait..it was called OSX.

 

Why not? What if the cheaper computer is all I need? If a cheaper computer isn't all you need, then the iMac would have never been brought out. The MacBook wouldn't have been brought out. Those models are there because there is a segment (a large segment) that don't want to spend $2500-$3000 on a computer.

 

While the Windows isn't perfect, it does things most adequately. Where windows really shines is there development tools. They make it easy to write business applications so companies have no choice but to use Windows. Since most people have to use windows at work, they buy windows machines at home. Its as simple as that.

The MacOS is terrible in a business environment. Trust me, I used to work in an all Mac Shop in the 90's. We had to use POP for corporate email because there wasn't any other alternative. Systems management was non existent and there wasn't even any network based authentication. All security was done peer to peer. What a freaking joke. Even with OS X, the tools aren't much better and there still isn't any corporate app support.

People can claim OS X is better and choose to use it at home, but they will still have to learn a new operating at work because no IT shop in their right mind will support a MAC.

 

If it's a software glitch, then it's the software-maker's responsibility to see that it works with the OS. If it's a hardware problem, then it varies.

Is this issue a hardware glitch or software glitch? I seem to remember seeing the issue is with iTunes software. I don't own an iPod or use iTunes, so I honestly don't know.

 

The hardware company that made their hardware just different enough that OS X could only run on it and not any other. Remember Apple was the company that decided that wanted to build a non standard Intel box.

 

This is a little bit off the subject but I'm currently at a technical conference with about one thousand Z/OS developers. Talk about geeks!!!!

 

hahaha, awesome!

I use macs and will never see myself going back to PC again. I do find it pretty funny how people are so defensive when it comes to their computers. If someone wants to rag on my macbook...by all means go ahead. I don't ever have to worry about viruses, I can run windows if I ever want to (never a need to), it holds its resale value very well (sold my 2.5 year old ibook for $700 when i bought it for $1050), and it is easy to use. In fact, I feel that is easier to use than a PC.

 

Let's be clear here: Windows is dominant not because of underhanded tactics and mega-hyper-awesome marketing, but because Microsoft had the foresight many years ago to execute an interoperability strategy and license the OS to anybody and everybody (while IBM and Apple wanted to maintain a closed environment). As more and more people gravitated to Windows (and DOS), the ensuing mass influx of programmers, vendors, and compatible accessories resulted in a network effect. Then, as everyone got accustomed to using Microsoft crap, and the barriers to switch to another OS became high, the company achieved lock-in. Flash forward to today, and it's still the same. Microsoft used a similar strategy with its Office suite to annihilate Lotus. (Now, Internet Explorer is a different story...)

My next computer will most likely be a Mac, now that I can dual-boot.

I am drool-worthy!

 

They both do the same ****.

The differences all come down to the user. Are you more into games, more of a 'take it apart yourself' type who doesn't mind dealing with the tasks that come with not having completely proprietary hardware? Go PC.

Do you not care about upgrading/adding/removing here and there? Just want the thing to do your email, internet, word processing, etc? Rather not bother with security issues? Go Mac.

Beyond that, they do the same thing. Not only do they do the same thing, they do a lot of the same things with the exact same programs.

I will say that, just in my rather standard/basic use of video editing programs and photoshopping, the Mac does seem to perform better. So I'd have to give that the nod. Other than that it really doesn't matter much either way.

I've been PC all my life. Only started using Macs in the last year or so.

I have to say I'm impressed with it.

That doesn't mean I don't like PCs anymore. As in most things, I find fanboys ****ing idiotic.

 

I used to frequent Mac message boards. I use a PC, but my next computer purchase willl be a Mac. But I no longer check them out except for maybe a minute to see any rumors on upcoming hardware upgrades. The talk on there is ridiculous. Talk about die-hard homer sports fans? They've got nothing on Mac people. Any slightest talk on something you would prefer to see on a Mac and they will go ape-crap on you, tell you why you're wrong, and then tell you why the way it is now is superior. Either that or they say 'then why don't you go buy something else?' God forbid you have an opinion on anything Apple.

It's funny, a few years ago they were all ragging on Intel and AMD. Now that Apple has gone the Intel route they are all raging about Intel and putting down AMD. It's a freaking product you purchase to accomplish a task. We're not talking about some OSU-Michigan rivalry. If there is a legitamate problem w/ your Mac, they usually tell you that it's your fault, not Apple's, if you can believe that. Many people would defend Apple to no end on the overheating and the case discoloration problems on Macbooks for example.

 

As an aside...I think the ads are hilarious! Almost as funny as the spoofs.

And I used to be a mac guy...until the software I needed was no longer available. Windows works. So it's what I use.

 

Funny, the closest model I could find on HPs site was this:

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/s...ight&v1=Under+6lbs&series_name=dv2000t_series

price $1,229.99
instant savings − $100.00
price after rebate $1,129.99

Operating System Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo T7200 (2.0GHz/4MB L2Cache)
Display 14.1" WXGA Widescreen (1280x800)
Graphics Card Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Personalization HP Imprint Finish + Microphone
Memory 1024MB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Hard Drive 80GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Primary CD/DVD Drive Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support
Networking 802.11b/g WLAN
TV & Entertainment Experience No TV Tuner w/remote control
Primary Battery 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Productivity Software Microsoft(R) Works 8.0

This machine has a larger screen, and notebooks smaller than 14.1" screens usually fetch a premium. The machine also comes with Windows Vista Home, while every Mac comes with a full version of OS X. The Macbook also has a webcam built in, the mag-safe plug, and firewire. The Mac retails for $1299. Without the HP rebate, you're talking an 70 dollar difference.

Maybe you got a really good deal. But I'm betting not. Mac puts premium parts in there machine, and with similar parts, they are ALWAYS price competitive. Don't compare a Mustang with a Corvette.

 

I think you're missing my argument. The cheapest machine Apple sells new is the 600 dollar Mac Mini. It's a damn nice machine, given its size. You can't buy a PC that small for that little money.

Apple doesn't compete on price. They don't make the cheapest toaster, they make stylish computers. They sell them for a premium, but there in exchange you get value. You can buy a PC for less than 600 dollars, but you'd probably have a better experience with the Mac Mini. It's silent, tiny, and it looks cool. That costs more, but for lots of people it's worth it.

You can buy cheaper laptops than a Macbook. But your laptop won't be as nice. To meet the features, you have to spend close to the same amount of money. Why not just buy the Mac?

There's nothing wrong with quality computers sold at a premium. Microsoft and Dell make their money on volume. Apple is in a different market.

Look at coffee. Old school gas station brew wakes you up just as well as Starbucks coffee, but Starbucks offers a more premium product. For a little more, Starbucks customers line up around the block to buy their special premium coffee, customized to their every desire. Now gas stations are copying Starbucks. There's a market for premium computers just as much as there is a market for cheap computers. And when it comes to Macs, I think the extra quality is worth it.

 

Amen. It's like listening to people argue that their Sunbeam toaster is soooooo superior to the KitchenAid.

It's a freaking appliance. Just like a computer.

 

I always thought Mac's were ridiculuously stupid.

Then i tried one out and now its like the perfect computer for me.

It all depends on the persons needs in their computer.