Why Should I get A Mac?

[samureye]

I think I want to get a Mac but don't really know why. Tell me why I want a Mac. I was talking to Token about getting one and booting it with Ubuntu and XP. Is this too far-fetched?

[comhcinc]

cause you are a tool with money to burn.

[fred]

because you're an elitist and you desperately want to be cool

[comhcinc]

cause you are lonely and looking for something to belong to.

[tokenuser]

Because you have been wondering why you have had this fetish for turtle neck sweaters.

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

[fred]

join a cult - it's cheaper and less demeaning

[comhcinc]

Here (http://www.unification.org/) go get yourself a wife

[samureye]

Mac haters much? I was thinking for the same money I can get a laptop, probably better and still dual boot Linux (typing this on nUbuntu live CD now)

[tokenuser]

Because you're an adult now, and this is the next best thing to using crayons and eating glue ... but at least you are being "creative".

Mac haters much? I was thinking for the same money I can get a laptop, probably better and still dual boot Linux (typing this on nUbuntu live CD now)

Seriously, if you need to ask why you should get a Mac ... you don't need a Mac.

[comhcinc]

cause you are easily fooled by semi-witty commercials

[samureye]

How are you so sure? I'm asking what the advantages are to having a Mac. Besides, it's be good to learn what's out there, don't want to be an "advanced" user with no experience on the Mac side of things. I say I have none because my only experience was with some old black and white one from long ago.

[masherscf]

Why should you get a Mac? Have you seen Phatty's girlfriend? Do you think he could get with that if he didn't own a Mac? With a mug like his, please...

[samureye]

Sadly, I don't really have that problem :p

[magunwarrior]

Sadly, I don't really have that problem :p

*Resists making comment about prostitutes*

[samureye]

Pay? Puh-leeze!

[phatlip12]

I posted this on Scopetech so I'm just going to copy and paste it here. :)

Apple has the best best customer service I've ever experienced. I took my computer to the Apple store yesterday to get my crack fixed. I made an appointment and when I got there I opened it up and said I had a crack. Before I could go into anymore detail the guys said "No problem, we'll get that fixed for you" without even asking what happened or even mentioning my warranty or Apple Care. When I told him I had Apple Care he told me it wouldn't be necessary. The guy said he had to say it would take 3-5 days to fix but said it would be done much sooner because they had a replacement in stock. When I looked over the receet the reason for the repair was for the crack and discoloration (early Macbooks had discoloration problem due to the oils in your hand changing some areas to a yellowish tent). I didn't even care about the discoloration but that was another reason for the repair.

As I was leaving the mall I got a call on my cell phone from the Apple store because he noticed another problem. I've had a problem where my folder icons weren't showing. I was planning on re-installing OS X when I got my computer back to fix it but he called me on my phone to question me about it (to see if it was intentional) and then asked if he wanted me to fix it. They didn't even have my cell phone number! They called my home phone to talk to me and when my mom told me I wasnt home they asked for my cell phone.

My computer was fixed by noon today. They gave me an entire new plastic case on the inside (new keyboard, trackpad and everything...even the plastic around the screen) and fixed the problem I had with the folder icons not showing up.

Apple support kicks ass!

The support alone IMO makes up for the "expensive hardware" (which it really isn't if you match the specs as closely as possible). I've heard/experienced some horror stories from other companies (cough Dell). You can go to the Genius bar for anything and they will be willing to help you. I saw an old lady there yesterday getting help doing a software update (the easiest thing to do in the world). Do you have any idea how expensive support calls are for Windows?

Your a tech guy so I don't think I need to go into the benefits of OS X (if interested ask).

You can most definitely dual boot XP, Ubuntu and OS X. Just make sure you have a HD that is large enough and have a decent amount of RAM as well (in case you want to emulate).

Buying a Mac is worth the money, you get what you pay for

[xibalba]

Girls like guys with macs cause they think cause they cost so much the guy must be loaded when In reality there not and the eat ramen noodles breakfast lunch and dinner because they spent all thier money on there mac that won't play alot of games unless ya install XP on it :D

[samureye]

I posted this on Scopetech so I'm just going to copy and paste it here. :)

Apple has the best best customer service I've ever experienced. I took my computer to the Apple store yesterday to get my crack fixed. I made an appointment and when I got there I opened it up and said I had a crack. Before I could go into anymore detail the guys said "No problem, we'll get that fixed for you" without even asking what happened or even mentioning my warranty or Apple Care. When I told him I had Apple Care he told me it wouldn't be necessary. The guy said he had to say it would take 3-5 days to fix but said it would be done much sooner because they had a replacement in stock. When I looked over the receet the reason for the repair was for the crack and discoloration (early Macbooks had discoloration problem due to the oils in your hand changing some areas to a yellowish tent). I didn't even care about the discoloration but that was another reason for the repair.

As I was leaving the mall I got a call on my cell phone from the Apple store because he noticed another problem. I've had a problem where my folder icons weren't showing. I was planning on re-installing OS X when I got my computer back to fix it but he called me on my phone to question me about it (to see if it was intentional) and then asked if he wanted me to fix it. They didn't even have my cell phone number! They called my home phone to talk to me and when my mom told me I wasnt home they asked for my cell phone.

My computer was fixed by noon today. They gave me an entire new plastic case on the inside (new keyboard, trackpad and everything...even the plastic around the screen) and fixed the problem I had with the folder icons not showing up.

Apple support kicks ass!

The support alone IMO makes up for the "expensive hardware" (which it really isn't if you match the specs as closely as possible). I've heard/experienced some horror stories from other companies (cough Dell). You can go to the Genius bar for anything and they will be willing to help you. I saw an old lady there yesterday getting help doing a software update (the easiest thing to do in the world). Do you have any idea how expensive support calls are for Windows?

Your a tech guy so I don't think I need to go into the benefits of OS X (if interested ask).

You can most definitely dual boot XP, Ubuntu and OS X. Just make sure you have a HD that is large enough and have a decent amount of RAM as well (in case you want to emulate).

Buying a Mac is worth the money, you get what you pay for


So, Apple store reps will stalk you to fix things you didn't ask about? Hm, interesting. Also, this does nothing for me since we have no Apple stores here. :-/

[phatlip12]

So, Apple store reps will stalk you to fix things you didn't ask about? Hm, interesting. Also, this does nothing for me since we have no Apple stores here. :-/

Its the fact that they went out of their way to fix my problem. That and the fact that I wasn't interrogated over the crack. Any other company would ask stupid questions :

"Did you slam it shut?"

"Did you drop it in water?"

"Did you hit it with anything?"

[samureye]

Heh, I get you. So, Macs are so fragile that they crack and they discolour easily? Hm, I think I'll pass. Dell for me.

[phatlip12]

Personally, I got a Mac because I liked OS X. Not a fan of Windows, Ubuntu works great but so does OS X (and I like the UI on the Mac better). The computers are fast and look great.

[phatlip12]

Heh, I get you. So, Macs are so fragile that they crack and they discolour easily? Hm, I think I'll pass. Dell for me.

So this thread was pretty much created to poke fun at Apple? Dells have problems as well. The question is, are they going to go out of their way to fix that problem (and for free even if you didn't have a warranty)? Nobody here said Macs will "never break".

My girlfriends Dad bought a Dell laptop that kept overheating and shutting off. He was battling with Dell for over a week to simply return it an get his money back.

I dont know what your expecting, do you want the Mac to turn into Jessica Alba and make out with you? It's a computer! LOL

Ps. Dell along with many other computer manufacturers had a problem with exploding laptop batteries a few months back. Your best bet is to build your own computer going off your logic.

[xibalba]

Heh, I get you. So, Macs are so fragile that they crack and they discolour easily? Hm, I think I'll pass. Dell for me.

I'd rep+ ya for the that but can't since I already did awhile back. :D

[samureye]

So this thread was pretty much created to poke fun at Apple? Dells have problems as well. The question is, are they going to go out of their way to fix that problem (and for free even if you didn't have a warranty)? Nobody here said Macs will "never break".

My girlfriends Dad bought a Dell laptop that kept overheating and shutting off. He was battling with Dell for over a week to simply return it an get his money back.

I dont know what your expecting, do you want the Mac to turn into Jessica Alba and make out with you? It's a computer! LOL

Why would I make fun of the Macs? They're obviously inferior thanks to the research. There are all these recalls and they mention it on the front page of the site, people's white Macbooks are discoloured and now it seems they crack easily. I'm not saying it has to be perfect but wow, I have 2 Dell machines, no problems there. I know many people with Dells, no problems there. Macs must have something wrong with them.

[samureye]

I'd rep+ ya for the that but can't since I already did awhile back. :D

Haha, thank you.

[xibalba]

I have a dell desktop had it for about 2 and half - 3 years and it hasn't had any problems. Well one time I lost everything on my HD but that was my fault for screwing around with pirated software. :D

[phatlip12]

Why would I make fun of the Macs? They're obviously inferior thanks to the research. There are all these recalls and they mention it on the front page of the site, people's white Macbooks are discoloured and now it seems they crack easily. I'm not saying it has to be perfect but wow, I have 2 Dell machines, no problems there. I know many people with Dells, no problems there. Macs must have something wrong with them.

I think its funny how people complain about "Apple fanboys". Threads like this are why fanboys are created. You asked what I thought was a legit question, I took the time to try to help you only to find you were obviously doing this to poke fun of the Mac.

[xibalba]

Windows devolopment team and OSX team and a team of Linux experts should join forces and create the Ultimate OS make everyone happy.

[masherscf]

Windows devolopment team and OSX team and a team of Linux experts should join forces and create the Ultimate OS make everyone happy.

The only problem with that logic is that when you set out to please everyone, you usually won't please anyone. Three different operating systems isn't enough to please everyone. Just one is never gonna do it.

[rabidbadger]

Been a Mac user since day one. When people say "it just works" it is 95 percent true. Love them. No virus/spyware issues, no bluescreen, no "window in a window" crap, smart, well designed interface, does what you want, when you want.

I use windows at work and it literally makes me nuts...(when I save something, why does it always change it to a save as? And why doesn't it save it where it is, instead of making me navigate from the delightfully named C drive to where it already is. Fuggin Nuts, I tell you.)

[electricalburn]

Been a Mac user since day one. When people say "it just works" it is 95 percent true. Love them. No virus/spyware issues, no bluescreen, no "window in a window" crap, smart, well designed interface, does what you want, when you want.

I use windows at work and it literally makes me nuts...(when I save something, why does it always change it to a save as? And why doesn't it save it where it is, instead of making me navigate from the delightfully named C drive to where it already is. Fuggin Nuts, I tell you.)

i agree 'it just works'

[ArmpitOfDeath]

Get a Mac if you (one or more reasons may apply):

Are Dev interested. Macs have inbuilt dev tools, and many cool pseudo-to-full-blown programming features. True, there are Windows versions of all of this and many can be a lot better in the scope of what they offer you but nowhere else is it so integrated, and nowhere else do apps you just threw together look as immediately nice.

Are actually quite clueless about computers, but don't want to admit it. If Subnet Masks have you scratching your head and you find you're forever screwing up driver installs, and if you think that the malware that the computer 'just got' is due to the OS/computer being crappy and not you being an common-sense deprived idiot, then it's Mac all the way.

Are holier than thou and superficial. If it has to be shinier and flashier than anything else out there, the Mac has the stuck-up elitist school of design sewn up. You'll be polishing your kit all day long with Apple's attention to detail.

Love communing with other computer owners and boring each other senseless. Apple has the most rabid fanbase out there by a mile. I didn't know there were fangirls out there who're just as obnoxious as the fanboys until I walked through the doors of the Church of Apple. Slightly unreliable, occasionally issue-plagued hardware will also have you visiting the Geniuses on a regular level... but because the overall experience is made so, well, Appley, as long as you believe in the cult you'll be going there with a smile on your face every time your computer craps out.

------------------

Somewhat more seriously, I'd say give it a try if you're at all curious about it because that's the only way you'll know for sure. It does things sufficiently differently so that you may like working that way.

My own experience is that I do like the OS and the elegant coherence of the whole, but in the end I found it too limiting. The problem is that as a platform to run applications on and to perform everyday systems tasks, the less you have to be insulated from the workings of the computer, it seems the less the benefit over XP/Vista becomes. It of course never becomes intrinsically inferior as an OS, but with the attendant problems of a lack of choice in many basic work or entertainment applications (iTunes is for example the only major audio-centric library management / media playback software on the Apple platform) it's advantage becomes very unclear. Add to that many of the vaunted advantages of the OS X platform are, well, overstated.

For example there are Mac equivalents of the BSOD. It's not necessarily more reliable. And many people point to perceived deficiencies on 'the other platform' simply because it's different.

I'm more about everyday usability for the things I need to do, as well as attention to design in terms of how usable and practical it is, not just how good it looks. I end up having very in-depth needs for whatever I'm doing, even stuff for fun so invariably tend to go for the most powerful, most flexible machine available. And while at first I thought Apple would be a great choice, the more I became familiar with it the less impressed I was. There are some genuinely 'now that's great' touches, but a lot of this is at the superficial level that doesn't actually improve everyday usability to any meaningful level.

I didn't like the hardware, or to be more accurate I did like the hardware but I don't like how it's put together, especially that Apple's design engineers seem more to be fixated on the presentation than outright function. The design is frequently ambitious but superior choice in materials can't disguise the 'regular' build quality. And there's a good reason why the 'big boys' stuff is more conservatively engineered - because it works better with fewer problems given the build quality they have.

I also didn't like the support. Since I never buy bottom-feeder kit, I'm used to Dell's business / premium home onsite service for example... and Applecare is a desperately poor substitute.

But all of that really depends on what you had before. If you're moving up from a $500 PC for example, it's sexy-time. If you're moving up from a chaotic homebuilt, the elegance - and in fact the experience of just owning a half-decent prebuilt machine which I think many hobbyist users don't experience until they buy a Mac - may seduce.

For me, after a long diet of range-topping Vaio's, Latitudes, Thinkpads et al, top-drawer heavy duty workstations and truly custom builds (i.e. borrowing the services of highly experienced amateur builders to create custom machines for me for specific tasks) as well as knowing exactly what I'm doing on the platforms I occupy... it ended up being something of a 'meh' experience overall once I got past the superficial design elements and I realised that my business and entertainment productivity is still best under the Windows environment. Your mileage may vary.

[magunwarrior]

Are holier than thou and superficial. If it has to be shinier and flashier than anything else out there, the Mac has the stuck-up elitist school of design sewn up. You'll be polishing your kit all day long with Apple's attention to detail.



Got me nailed there *slowly caresses Apple logo*

[alexsk8ca]

I just bought my macbook about two months ago, and at first I didn't really know why I wanted a mac so badly, and I have never used OSX before I bought it other then in the store for like 5 mins, and I love it. I am really pumped to start editing on it as soon as I get my camera in a week or so. I think its good idea to own a mac at least once, and I really don't think you'd regret it.

[samureye]

I can get a Mac mini, maybe that's an option.

[xibalba]

Thought of getting an iMac they any good for editing stuff?

[jaimela]

Do your own leg work.

[electricalburn]

editing stuff how? it comes standard with iMovie for well movies .. but for photo editing i use gimp which is free and i love it. it is just as powerful as photoshop if you ask me..

[magunwarrior]

Do your own leg work.

I'll cut your legs off spamming twat.

[electricalburn]

I'll cut your legs off spamming twat.

aww SNAP..........

[xibalba]

I was wondering how powerful the iMac was since it is basically a screen if it is good for editing audio or video on it or should one go with something more powerful. If I had 15 grand I would buy a macpro maxed out but I don't. :D

[magunwarrior]

Well if you really want to edit something for quality, Final Cut Pro for video, and Audacity for audio. Both you have to buy however.

[phatlip12]

I was wondering how powerful the iMac was since it is basically a screen if it is good for editing audio or video on it or should one go with something more powerful. If I had 15 grand I would buy a macpro maxed out but I don't. :D

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=browse&mco=CFF34D5F&node=home/desktop/imac

[magunwarrior]

I almost got an iMac over a Macbook, I'm now glad I went with the Macbook.

And I almost got a macbook pro, but felt it would have been wasted on me, and it pretty much would have been.

But my Macbook has really screwed up my typing skills, I find it really hard to type on a regular keyboard now, curse you flat keys!

[electricalburn]

the iMacs are powerful computers, but like anything else the more money you spend the better it is. go to apple.com and look at the specs and decide for yourself. oh and dont let the size(just a screen) fool you, i think they design the inside like a laptop. i will say this you would definatly love the graphics on a Mac. did i mention i am not an apple sales man, i got to stop

[electricalburn]

I almost got an iMac over a Macbook, I'm now glad I went with the Macbook.

And I almost got a macbook pro, but felt it would have been wasted on me, and it pretty much would have been.

But my Macbook has really screwed up my typing skills, I find it really hard to type on a regular keyboard now, curse you flat keys!

i got a pro and well like you said, kindive a waste on me :-( i wish i was more active on this thing with video editing and such.. and damn these flat fvckin keys haha

[magunwarrior]

Oh and I do a bit of video stuff, I have some Guitar Hero videos on youtube, but iMovie suits me just fine.

[xibalba]

If I could find another friends site to put my google search bar (the site it's on basically is dead now) on I would make some money and would buy a mac book and a iMac.

[electricalburn]

Oh and I do a bit of video stuff, I have some Guitar Hero videos on youtube, but iMovie suits me just fine.

i am nowhere near good enough to go beyond imovie, but i also got screwed bc my minidv camera wont hook up to my mac, the stills will, but damn my jvc

[electricalburn]

If I could find another friends site to put my google search bar (the site it's on basically is dead now) on I would make some money and would buy a mac book and a iMac.

you also have to take into consideration before buying a mac is compatablility with sharing things from your old windows computer. yes you can share alot of stuff but the programs you bought and stuff, well.... keep your windows box around. i started fresh with no microsoft box.. just keep that in mind

[xibalba]

I plan on keeping my computer here just move it to another room. So I still can play games and stuff like that.

[electricalburn]

I plan on keeping my computer here just move it to another room. So I still can play games and stuff like that.

yeah mac has a little way to go for games, but give it some hard thought and only consider if you think it is truely for you bc like you seen, its pricey

[phatlip12]

Hey Sammy, have you considered going the OSx86 route? It would be a good way for you to become more familiar with the Mac OS without having to actually buy a Mac. Using OS X in this manner will give you the chance to find out if you like or dislike the Mac OS. In using OS X in this manner you may find that you would like to buy a Mac (or not).

[samureye]

Hey Sammy, have you considered going the OSx86 route? It would be a good way for you to become more familiar with the Mac OS without having to actually buy a Mac. Using OS X in this manner will give you the chance to find out if you like or dislike the Mac OS. In using OS X in this manner you may find that you would like to buy a Mac (or not).

So I can download the MacOS and run it on a PC? Gimme!

[phatlip12]

So I can download the MacOS and run it on a PC? Gimme!

http://wiki.osx86project.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

I wouldn't go doing this on the family PC though. If your mom is afraid of you screwing up the computer dual booting Ubuntu and XP then I would steer clear of installing this. I've read its really easy to delete your Windows partition (I think it used to be a necessary step but I think there are ways around this now).

[phatlip12]

There are also ways to emulate OS X on a PC (if you're only interested in toying around with it). One of my classmates emulated OS X on an external HD last semester using Pear PC. Just make note that it's emulation, so things are going to be a bit sluggish.

http://pearpc.sourceforge.net/

[phatlip12]

Sorry for the triple post...

If you REALLY don't want to do an OSx86 installation or emulate you can always skin Ubuntu to look as much like OS X as possible. It's not OS X, but it's better then nothing.