RANT: I am a Mac User. I am not an Idiot.

[slashbinslashbash]

I can't stand all the people on this site and others who seem to think that Mac users are either A) dumb B) too rich C) technically incompetent D) slaves to fashion E) Microsoft haters.

I have a Mac Pro (first gen, purchased used on eBay for ~$1100 after Bing Cashback, upgraded from 2.0GHz to 2.66GHz Xeons using Anand's guide -- and actually made a profit selling the 2.0GHz Xeons for more than I paid for the 2.66GHz ones -- upgraded to a Radeon HD3870 with an Arctic Cooling fanless heatsink) and a MacBook (first gen Core Duo, purchased at great discount when the Core 2 Duos came out, maxed with 2GB RAM and a 500GB HDD). I bought my first PC (a Compaq laptop, Presario 1672, with a 350Mhz AMD K6-2, that I later upgraded to a 450Mhz K6-2+) in 1999 when I entered college and built my first desktop PC in 2001 (PC Chips dual CPU motherboard, started with a Celeron 850Mhz overclocked to 133FSB (1.13GHz) and then later with dual PIII 900's). Before that I used my family's K6 300MHz and before that, a 16MHz 386SX. Since then, I have built probably 20 or more PC's for friends, family, and my jobs. From small form factor ASUS desktop machines to 4U rackmount dual Opteron monsters, I have done it all, from scratch, with my own two hands. A couple of years ago I single-handedly installed a rack of 20-some-odd new Dell PowerEdge 1650's and 2650's in a colo facility. I have installed Windows 98, 98SE, Me, 2000, XP, and Vista from scratch. Oh and before that, DOS 6.22, Windows 3.1 and OS/2 Warp v3. I was editing my CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT when I was 12 years old. Don't tell me that I don't know Microsoft. On the Open Source side, I have installed and used Mandrake Linux 7 through 10, Red Hat 8, and FreeBSD 4.x, 5.x, and 6.x. And on the Mac side (starting with thrown-away Macs I picked up in the halls at college) OS 7, 8.6, 9.1, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, and 10.6.

I have old machines sitting out in my garage that I have picked up cheap on Craigslist just because i wanted a SPARC or an Alpha to play with. In college I had a stack of obsolete Macs stacked in the corner of the kitchen. Right now sitting at my desk I can see 5 computers: 1) Mac Pro 2) MacBook 3) PC in sig 4) HP laptop I'm fixing for my sister 5) SFF Linux machine from my old job that I'm keeping for backup purposes. I've got a stack of about 15 hard drives sitting on various shelves, and had more before I sold some in the FS/FT forums last year. I've got 3 shelves full of O'Reilly and other programming/sysadmin books. I've been reading AnandTech since roughly 2001 and bought some of my first PC components (Nvidia GeForce2 GTS-V from Newegg and my blue Antec "Dragon" SX1080 case, still in use to this day, containing the PC in my sig -- purchased from SVC) from deals on the Hot Deals forum, back when SlickDeals and FatWallet were still upstarts.

In other words... I am not a computing moron. No, I'm not a sysadmin for my day job (although at one point that was included in my job description as one of many hats that I wore) and I've never hacked on the Linux kernel, but I've got a LOT of experience in computing in general.

It's just that I happen to like Macs! I've got UNIX, I've got the nicest-looking GUI I've ever seen, I've got speed, I've got smoothness, all the fonts are brilliantly anti-aliased and the drop shadows on all the windows just make everything so nice to look at. Would I be horribly put out if Mac OS X dropped off the face of the earth tomorrow and I were forced to install Windows or Linux as my main desktop system? No, of course not. I think that innovation has mostly disappeared from the desktop OS scene since... oh, I don't know, 1998 or so? I pretty much see the last decade as refinement, refinement, refinement. First we had to get to where we weren't crashing all the time. Now that's pretty much taken care of, so it's a matter of making everything easier easier easier to use, and prettier prettier prettier to look at. And that's where Mac OS X excels. Really, it just works, and in a way that I generally like. No, I'm not a big fan of the Dock, and I think MS was retarded to copy it in Windows 7, but Exposé and Spotlight work better than anything I've seen anywhere else. I have NEVER had a problem with an OS update from Apple. I have NEVER had a hardware failure outside of a failed hard drive.

And no, I don't hate Microsoft. I have used Microsoft input devices (keyboards and mice) exclusively since 2000 or so. (I also have 2 Dell monitors hooked up to my Mac Pro.) I have an Xbox 360 (and an Xbox before that), and I think it's pretty much the best gaming console available today. I don't have a damn thing against Microsoft. Ok, they let MSIE languish for a few too many years after kicking the crap out of Netscape, and Windows Me really sucked, but hey. That's just execution. I don't have a philosophical problem with them. I think that in the final analysis, Microsoft and Bill Gates did a great service to humanity by essentially creating the computing environment that we now live in. In retrospect, it was actually kind of crucial for the "Wintel" monopoly to take place for a few years and contribute to the democratizing of computing, the cheapness of CPU's, the commoditizing of PC's. We wouldn't be here without Microsoft. And I have to admit that MS is basically fighting the current OS wars with one hand tied behind its back -- the hand of backwards compatibility. Apple made fairly clean breaks in moving to OS X, and again in the move to Intel CPU's; they could do that because their market share was pretty minimal and their brand loyalty was pretty high. Microsoft has never had the luxury of being able to come out with a new Windows and saying "Sorry, a lot of your old programs simply won't work on the new version."

On the "fashionable" issue.... geeze. I have been using (and coveting) Macs since I was in grade school. I always liked them but could never afford them. But I used them at school and at friends' houses. The first Mac that I scrounged in college and actually used regularly was a PowerMac 8100 with an 80MHz PPC CPU. Then I managed to repair an 8600 with a 300MHz CPU, then traded that plus some cash for a Blue and White G3 with a 400MHz Sonnet G4 upgrade. (I promptly spray-painted the blue bits black, because "Bondi Blue" is just WRONG.) I still have that G3/G4 and still have 9.1 and all the best Classic apps installed (I still boot up PageMaker when I want to make a spiffy-looking resumé.) In other words: I have been a Mac Nerd since before Macs were cool. (Well, at least, this iteration of cool.) I have two iPod Nano's (1st gen and 4th gen) but I have NEVER worn the goddamned white earbuds. (I have been a loyal Sony earbud user since the early 90's. They just fit my ears really well.) I am actually somewhat self-conscious about using my MacBook in public, and I have several bumper stickers on the lid to detract from its shiny white trendiness (although stickers on a laptop show a different kind of trendiness... can't win 'em all).

A couple of minor points to all the Mac Hataz out there: We'll blow yo' planet up! Oops, I meant: STFU about the one button mouse, those were gone years ago! And it's "Mac" not "MAC" -- it's not an acronym! "MAC" stands for "Media Access Control" which you would know if you were a REAL computer geek!

 

[Kaido]

There's no point in getting uptight about it, since you're not going to change anyone's opinions on the matter. It's not like they're going to suddenly sit up and say, gee you're right! Mac users AREN'T simpletons! People are going to believe what they're going to believe, so don't sweat it - just enjoy using your computer and ignore the peanut gallery

 

[TheWart]

There's no point in getting uptight about it, since you're not going to change anyone's opinions on the matter. It's not like they're going to suddenly sit up and say, gee you're right! Mac users AREN'T simpletons! People are going to believe what they're going to believe, so don't sweat it - just enjoy using your computer and ignore the peanut gallery

But think how boring (and informative haha) forums would be if everyone took your advice! We wouldn't have all the great flamewars...

 

[Fear No Evil]

It took you nearly 1400 words to express why you aren't a douchebag? I think you just proved otherwise..

 

[Kaido]

But think how boring (and informative haha) forums would be if everyone took your advice! We wouldn't have all the great flamewars...

haha true

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Haha, well this has been building up for a good long time now. Probably a year or more. There are just so many PC fanboys out there that it really gets to me. I just don't understand fanboyism at all, really. So I've got an Xbox 360... doesn't mean your PS3 sucks. I drive a Chevy... doesn't mean Fords suck. Different strokes, folks. But when it gets to the point that people are jumping all over Anand Lal effin' Shimpi -- who if ANYBODY in this world has credibility with Windows PC's, it's him -- for posting too many Apple-related articles, ON HIS OWN WEBSITE.... geeze I just want to kill somebody.

Anyway, as I said, this has been building up steam in my head for a long time now. From now on, instead of responding with long posts to idiots on DailyTech or blogs or wherever, I can just point them to this forum posting and say "Stop painting all Mac users with the same brush."

 

[Paperlantern]

There's no point in getting uptight about it, since you're not going to change anyone's opinions on the matter. It's not like they're going to suddenly sit up and say, gee you're right! Mac users AREN'T simpletons! People are going to believe what they're going to believe, so don't sweat it - just enjoy using your computer and ignore the peanut gallery

Good advice...

It took you nearly 1400 words to express why you aren't a douchebag? I think you just proved otherwise..

This made me LOL

I have never had an issue with Mac users, or Apple, I have an iPod nano, and an iPhone, its an amazing phone. We use Macs at the office as well for a couple tasks. I also use Win7 as my main rig at home, Linux Mint 8 on my laptop and on a machine at the office for various tasks you just cant do in windows.

My only problem is Apple's marketing scheme with the Hi I'm a Mac and I'm a PC commercials (even tho they can be entertaining), bashing and making light of any (however insignificant) shortcoming that PCs may have. Also, the terminology always grated my nerves, a Mac IS a PC, PC means Personal Computer, sooooo, are they NOT a personal computer somehow? Additionally, PC's, or rather Microsoft, (since Microsoft represents the MAJORITY of PCs, and is wrongfully the target of Apples commercials, however not ALL of them, Linux PCs are just as secure, crash resistant, virus resistant and 99.99% as hardware compatible as Macs), is a software company that writes an OS for bazillions of combinations of hardware, and not the specialised platforms ONLY manufactured and tested by Apple for their PCs. Of course there's going to be a few additional difficulties in Microsoft's products. (I also realize that Apple is now making strides with the Intel platform and that it CAN be installed on what would be considered by apple as a "PC", which is great, it adds diversity to the OS and hits on more markets).

I have no issue whatsoever with Mac users themselves, UNLESS they make some high horse statement, or elude to the fact that they are in fact better than users of other computer brands, which many do, even on these forums. This is the opposite side of the same coin you are trying to refute in your post. You want to be seen as just another computer user, and hold yourself at the same level as all other computer users, which is fine, I'm glad you do that, as that is how it should be. However, this type of behaviour, even though you don't exhibit it, doesn't help your position in trying to put yourself into the neutral group you desire. The masses will always have this feud, and their opinions will never change in the grand scheme of things. Even if you are able to wake up a few here and there.

All in all I hope you feel better after having gotten that off your chest.

 

[QueBert]

well said OP, I have a Hackintosh I dual boot on. On Win 7 right now, but I spend weeks at a time on OSX. Apple haters are as bad as the Apple fans who blindly buy anything they put out. I love OSX, and since it's on my custom box I don't have that "OMFG YOU PAID 2 MUCH!!!" shit the haters say. I suggest not to worry or listen to the idiots, I tell people on a daily basis I run both OS's and I honestly prefer OSX. I get a lot of blank stares "but Mac's don't have any software!" and all kind of comments. If you like it, who gives a fuck what others say??

 

[zylander]

Cool story bro.

 

[HDs suck]

I dualboot Win 7 and Snow Leopard on an Early '08 Macbook Pro I got for $535.00. I still lean towards Windows-based computers in spite of that, and despite Expose I would have to say Win 7 has better Window management than OSX. Again, let it be known that I've only shared my personal preference. Expose is awesome. but resizing window panes in OSX is a PAIN.

 

[Alex@Nosound]

I would not mind a mac but there just out of my price range.

 

[alfa147x]

Well said dude! I think the same way, I just think ATOT has a anti-Apple stick shoved so far up their asses that it comes out of there finger when they type...

 

[theeedude]

I think if a computer can access the internet, run vpn, vnc, bittorrent client, skype, and play all my content and not limit me or slow me down, I really don't care if it's running Mac OS, Android, Chrome, WinWhatever, etc. I just use the web browser for 99% of my usage, so OS is just there to run the web browser. Basically all hardware/OS that is less than 5 years old is fine as far as I am concerned. I don't know why you are all defensive about using a Mac. It's just as good as anything else out there, and it looks nice. If you want someone to validate your OS choice, you need to grow up.

 

[thescreensavers]

tl;dr

 

[MJinZ]

/Wall of Text. Did not read.

Don't use yourself as an example, look around at everyone else who uses macs, Iphones, etc.

Yup, there's your answer.

For people like you and me however, I have spent thousands on Mac products, well we get it. But I also understand fully the benefits of having a Mac, and most of them are about build quality and prettiness. For instance... for most people, there is nothing about OSX that is particularly better than Windows, you'll realize it looks prettier and that's really about it.

Now that I'm over it, I find Macs too feature sparse and too damn slow. Top Macbook pros are slow as hell compared to an Alienware or something.

So all that's left is the sexy thin body.

 

[zylander]

I love how easy it is to get mac users riled up...oh boo hoo, other people dont like macs, who gives a shit? Why do you care that other people dont like the computer you use?

 

[Zaap]

While Mac users that aren't 'fashion slaves/computing idiots' get a bum rap being lumped in, it is true there are many that fit that bill, thus, the stereotype.

Those of us who've been using Macs for decades have seen this come about. Look at the Macs that came out prior to the iMac. Nothing about owning a Mac had a thing to do with it being some lame fashion statement, or being only about what the outside of the hardware looks like. The whole idea is silly if you go back and look at a PowerMac 9600, to name one of many possible examples.

NO ONE ever bought computers like that, or most any other Mac as a fashion statement. Most were owned by professionals who used them for real work: advertising, movie production, publishing, etc. Consequently, a stereotypical Mac user was seen as a professional, and very computer literate. Fashion, based on the freakin' machine itself, had nothing to do with anything.

Now fast-forward to the first iMac. Seriously, go look at one, and compare it to the PowerMacs released before it. Green/Orange/Purple/Paisley (!!) *where's the barf smiley?* plastic. Fisher Price details. A look and shape that's right at home in your 13 year old kid sister's pink bedroom.

Clearly, while not shedding the old guard of Pro-users, Apple started courting a different type of user, and ever since, yes VA, there's been a lot of users who've become Mac users not based on what they do with the machine, but what they think is the 'fashion statement' of the machine itself. Many of these people are just as computer ignorant as the average PC-platform zealot, just on the Mac side. We've all encountered a few of them from time to time- they'll insist their Mac is the greatest thing ever invented, made from magic parts sprinkled with the anointed sweat of Steve Job's brow, while dissing every PC as 'Windoze junk!' not based on any knowledge of what's under the hood, or what it's user is capable of doing with it, but merely that it doesn't look like it was designed by a fashionista from Apple.

Just realize there was a time when this element of the Mac community simply didn't exist in the same numbers they do today. Macs too were once just beige boxes like everything else, it was what you DID with that box that mattered more than what the box itself looked like. The same is still true today, just now the Mac community is more diverse, with pro users AND fashonistas mixed in as well.

 

[TheWart]

I love how easy it is to get mac users riled up...oh boo hoo, other people dont like macs, who gives a shit? Why do you care that other people dont like the computer you use?

I think his entire point is that while one is completely valid to say that they don't like macs, macs don't fit their needs, etc, it is not valid to lump all mac users into some "pfft, they dont know anything about computers and bought a mac just to hang out at starbucks" bin.

Sure, there are some lame mac owners, and some of them undoubtedly bought a mac because they happen to be popular in some circles...but then again, I bet those people don't outnumber those who have never owned anything by Apple yet have sworn them off simply because some of their products have mass market appeal. That is the height of ignorance, lol. Don't think there are people like this? Go take a look at that "Companies I hate thread" in ATOT....hilarious to see all the people saying "OMG I would NEVER own anything by apple"......just because they think it will make them a "hipster" or something hahaha

 

[dighn]

the thing about stereotypes is that they are only generally true and don't apply to everyone. some of the best software engineers at my workplace love mac, but that doesn't change the fact that the mac userbase is full of rabid, irrational and clueless fanboys. the PC side has its own fair share of them of course but two wrongs don't make a right, and usually they are not as clueless.

 

[zylander]

I think his entire point is that while one is completely valid to say that they don't like macs, macs don't fit their needs, etc, it is not valid to lump all mac users into some "pfft, they dont know anything about computers and bought a mac just to hang out at starbucks" bin.

I know what his point was and my point still stands. Why get so riled up about what some people on the internet think of you and your computer choice?

Sure, there are some lame mac owners, and some of them undoubtedly bought a mac because they happen to be popular in some circles...but then again, I bet those people don't outnumber those who have never owned anything by Apple yet have sworn them off simply because some of their products have mass market appeal. That is the height of ignorance, lol. Don't think there are people like this? Go take a look at that "Companies I hate thread" in ATOT....hilarious to see all the people saying "OMG I would NEVER own anything by apple"......just because they think it will make them a "hipster" or something hahaha

People swearing off Apple and never buying any of their products is a legitimate practice. Steve Jobs has some pretty outrageous business policies. He thinks he knows what his customers need better than they do and that turns a lot of people off. Steve Jobs is a very smart, successful businessman but I do not like him because he thinks he knows what I need and what I dont need.

 

[alfa147x]

Some people don't buy computers just on performance...

 

[zacharace]

I know what his point was and my point still stands. Why get so riled up about what some people on the internet think of you and your computer choice?



People swearing off Apple and never buying any of their products is a legitimate practice. Steve Jobs has some pretty outrageous business policies. He thinks he knows what his customers need better than they do and that turns a lot of people off. Steve Jobs is a very smart, successful businessman but I do not like him because he thinks he knows what I need and what I dont need.

Good point. Simply attempting to keep up--the fanboy element--can annoy one. While once-a-year OS updates are, for example, "cutting edge" and "innovative," I don't really appreciate spending $130 or whatever (Snow Leopard doesn't count) for a must-have upgrade.

Steve simply leaves too many people behind too quickly--a non-issue for people with enough expendable cash, but certainly an issue for the cash-strapped.

 

[Kaido]

Good point. Simply attempting to keep up--the fanboy element--can annoy one. While once-a-year OS updates are, for example, "cutting edge" and "innovative," I don't really appreciate spending $130 or whatever (Snow Leopard doesn't count) for a must-have upgrade.

Steve simply leaves too many people behind too quickly--a non-issue for people with enough expendable cash, but certainly an issue for the cash-strapped.

What's ridiculous is the iPhone situation - the 2G/3G are starting to get phased out. I don't even know if the 2G *is* getting OS 4.0. It's a 3-year-old phone. Computers, I can understand getting phased out quickly. But when you spend that much money on a cell phone and spend that much money a month to maintain it, you don't expect to get left in the dust that quickly. Give me 5 years, at least. But 3 years? Seriously?

But that's part of the game of living in the Apple world. If you want to keep up, you have to be a spender. Sad but true.

 

[TheWart]

What's ridiculous is the iPhone situation - the 2G/3G are starting to get phased out. I don't even know if the 2G *is* getting OS 4.0. It's a 3-year-old phone. Computers, I can understand getting phased out quickly. But when you spend that much money on a cell phone and spend that much money a month to maintain it, you don't expect to get left in the dust that quickly. Give me 5 years, at least. But 3 years? Seriously?

But that's part of the game of living in the Apple world. If you want to keep up, you have to be a spender. Sad but true.

Interesting - I actually have the opposite view and think deprecating cell phones more rapidly than computers is acceptable. After 18 months on most US carriers you can get a subsidized upgrade anyway, so 2-3 years doesn't seem unreasonable to me.

 

[jjmIII]

LOL.....Mac rant...