What is it about some Mac users?

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Injury

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: SZLiao214
Fanboyism.

That's exactly it. It's just like an AMD or ATi fanboy, nothing different. Personally I am a Mac nut; I love them, I love the design, I love the OS, I even love getting sucked into their marketing. But just because I love Macs doesn't mean I have to go around snobbishly pushing my newfound joy into everyone's faces. Yes, they are great machines; yes, they are more stable than Windows; and yes, they're neato. But they're not for everyone.

After living with a Mac for nearly a year now, I would not recommend one to a normal user. There are 3 groups of people that I see: basic users, normal users, and power users. Basic users are the technophobe grandparents, moms, and dads of the world who just use a computer for email, Word, and the Internet. Normal users are those who do that plus use more apps like games, business apps, and so on. Power users are your standard AT geek who understands how the Windows structure works and is comfortable installing operating systems and programs on a regular basis. I would recommend a Mac to a basic user because you can get Microsoft Office for Mac to be compatible with the rest of the world and still use email and the Internet like normal. I would also recommend a Mac to power users who know how to use google to search for replacement applications and don't mind being bothered learning new installation techniques, operating system shortcuts, and so on. I would not recommend one to a normal user because it is just so much easier for them to coast on Windows. They don't have to learn anything new or find replacement software, which could potentially be a struggle for them. If they had a Mac person in the house, it would be fine, but otherwise, no.

I think that's where the problem with overzealous Mac users happens. Most people fall into the "normal user" category and don't really have a want/need to switch. Therefore, most people that Mac zealots talk to don't really have a want/need to switch. Thus Mac users bug most people.

I see your point, but at the same time I'd have to say that even the "basic users" should be wary of choosing the mac... for one... the macs are way too expensive for a person that uses the computer only a couple hours a week. Two, those are the people that are most likely to have to pay someone for support, and they are the least likely to understand why the people at your average computer store can't service their computer, or why their nephew/grandson/neighbor kid can't show them how to do thisAndThat or whatHaveYou.

For the most part, I agree with your statements.

I work in the design department of a large-scale printing company... the design people work entirely on mac and the other people work on PC. I'm a PC person, but I'm versed enough in mac to be an advanced user.

I don't mind working on an OSX machine, but they are really akward about some things.

I see both sides, but I definately don't see ANY purpose for an entire office to go mac. It's just not cost-efficient, and finding someone to do your tech support that knows mac in and out is going to be an issue. Contrary to popular belief, I think the learning curve for macs is actually pretty steep.

That's definitely true. I should re-assess my basic user group - those who want a tiny (Mac Mini) or all-in-one (iMac) computer on their desktop, or want to make a fashion statement with one of the neato laptops. I've tried recommending them to people, but when they say "Why should I pay $599 for a Mac Mini when I can get the same-spec Dell with a 17" CRT for $299?" - I don't really have an answer other than "it's small and cool".

I think it would be neat to use them in a business, along with a good Linux or Unix server, but there's no way it could happen realistically - you wouldn't be compatible with the rest of the world.

 

[SampSon]

Overt mac users == mormons

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: SampSon
Overt mac users == mormons

You caught all one of me :laugh:

 

[marulee]

:laugh:

 

[rikadik]

I think people at either extreme of the Mac v PC debate are daft. It's pretty obvious that Macs suit some people better, others prefer PCs, many happily use both (like myself). They're both just computers with different operating systems.

 

[kmrivers]

I didn't know this was still a discussion. Virus software for Macs exist because it is possible for a Mac to have a file with a Windows virus which could infect other machines. Security through obscurity is a semi-valid argument. But you would think with all the smug Mac users out there, Virus makers would be trying very hard to make every Mac in the world crash.

Regardless, some people like Macs and others don't, big whoop. There are those who go around spreading the 'gospel' but everyone is a fanboy for something.

 

[OrganizedChaos]

i don't understand what the big deal is,

MAC
runs *nix
runs OS X
runs windows

PC
runs *nix
runs OS X
runs windows

 

[silent tone]

Originally posted by: kmrivers
I didn't know this was still a discussion. Virus software for Macs exist because it is possible for a Mac to have a file with a Windows virus which could infect other machines.

Unfortunately Apple doesn't pre-install anti-virus software on ipods.

Regardless, some people like Macs and others don't, big whoop. There are those who go around spreading the 'gospel' but everyone is a fanboy for something.

Which is why we have threads on :
"What is it about some Ford users?"
"What is it about some Coca-Cola users?"
"What is it about some PS2 users?"

Personally, half the mac-users I know proselytize and have a sample of the kool-aid at the ready for every person they meet.

 

[Paulson]

Macs are fun to tinker with every now and then, and they come in handy with certain things that I can't stand on windows PC's... but aside from that the cost of owning one is too high for me to consider it.

I'll stick with my windows hardware for now.

 

[BladeVenom]

The Apple advertisements are hilariously stupid and backwards. In reality the young hip guy would own a PC and be playing games. The Metafacts study showed that nearly half (46%) of Apple's base is age 55 and older. Apple is the choice of old ladies. All the Apple owners I know are old, gay, or wimps a bunch of momma's boys mostly. I don't know a single young macho male that owns an Apple computer.

 

[The Pentium Guy]

MAC = Moron accessible computer

Only morons use it

 

[thehstrybean]

Originally posted by: rockyct
I just can't imagine myself spending the extra money to buy a mac. They use the same Intel chips, so they don't even have an excuse there anymore. You seriously pay for the "sleakness" of the computer when I just want the most power/$.

I won't buy a mac for this reason. They cost more for the same hardware. I'm getting an IBM or Toshiba tablet this summer. Maybe if Mac made a tablet...Hmm...

 

[QueBert]

Originally posted by: Injury

Originally posted by: Tizyler

Originally posted by: homercles337

Originally posted by: kmrivers
I am a "Mac person". People usually just see me on my computer and are wowed. Then you add in the no virus and spyware factor and lots of people want to switch. I don't go out of my way to tell people they should switch though.

I have been a PC person for years and never have had a virus or spyware. Your point?

His point is that dealing with Virus' and Spyware are an every day thing for many PC users. They are non-existent problems for mac users.

That's not true. If Macs didn't get viruses and spyware, why do they make AV programs for it?

Everytime someone brings up this argument, somehow they also fail to bring up the argument of how software and tech support is not as prevelent for the mac.

tMac's can get viruses, do they? no. Then why is there Mac AV software? $$$ people will buy crap they don't need. Much like 50% of the people I do PC work for have bought just about every damn "fix your PC" program they get on a popup

"your PC is running sl0w! buy0r 0ur s0ftw43r now to fix it!" they click and buy. One guy had bought 3 Spyware programs (I had never heard of any) and 2 "fix it" just because a popup said.

I can buy AV software for my WM5 smartphone. I think people like to have piece of mind (that and just like to spend money)

 

[FilmCamera]

Originally posted by: Parrotheader
I work with a lot of designers and web developers. So I can completely understand why they need Mac systems for their day-to-day duties. But for myself (I work strictly on the marketing and advertising end) there's no real compelling reason or need. Yet, they remain adamant that we need to 'convert' as though it would be a religious awakening.

We lease our systems at my office and our lease will be coming up for renewal next spring. Currently half my department uses Macs, half use PCs. But the constant pressure from all our Mac users have now convinced a couple of the PC folks (including my boss) that we ALL need Macs. It's basically as though we're not cool enough geeks if we don't have a Mac.

I realize with the Mac and Boot Camp I can dual boot into Windows. But again, what do I really need Mac's OS for that I can't do with my PC already? I'm not anti-Mac (had one at the office back in the OS 7/8 days.) But since W2K I've honestly never had any major problems with an MS-based system either.

Has anybody else run into this? Maybe I'm just being too rational, but if there was a real need I could understand it. To me, the push for change seems more concerned with scoring image points.

They don't need macs for their jobs either. I can do web/graphics design just fine on my PC. And I can do all my photo editing just fine on my PC as well.

I've used macs before and there's no reason for me to switch to them to do my work. They offer no benefits whatsoever.

 

[AmigaMan]

All you Windows users suck! Macs suck! Linux sucks! AmigaOS is where it's at

Seriously though, as a Mac user, I don't feel compelled to show off what I have. If someone asks me about it, I'll tell them. But I'm too much of an introvert to be a raving fanboy. Personally I think OS X is better than XP and Linux, but that's just my opinion based on experience.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: AmigaMan
All you Windows users suck! Macs suck! Linux sucks! AmigaOS is where it's at

Seriously though, as a Mac user, I don't feel compelled to show off what I have. If someone asks me about it, I'll tell them. But I'm too much of an introvert to be a raving fanboy. Personally I think OS X is better than XP and Linux, but that's just my opinion based on experience.

At the time and a bit after the Amiga especially the 4000t and beyond was more state of art than anything out there....sad it failed.

Mac users though need to convert people so the games they play online actually have someone else to play with and get upgraded like the PC versions .

I have no problem with mac users, but most have no idea about what's a PC as most PC users have no idea what a Mac is about.

 

[91TTZ]

You have to understand that Macs are the PC of choice for the extremely liberal metro/homosexual crowd. These people tend to be extreme advocates. You'll find that Macs will be more popular among artists/political protesters/peta-type people. Also, have you noticed how the Volkswagen crowd and the Mac crowd are very similar? Look at their advertizing. It's almost identical and goes after the same audience. It's called demographics.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Originally posted by: kmrivers My OS is free as well. It comes with my Mac

No, it's not free. You paid through the nose for it when you bought the Mac.

I have nothing against Macs....but they cost far more and they don't do anything a PC can't do for far less.

I think maybe in the distant past Macs were better for graphics, so the graphics folks used them.

Now they aren't better, but the graphics folks probably aren't going to change now, after this long....besides, it's cool to hate Microsoft, right?

 

[QueBert]

Originally posted by: BlameCanada

Originally posted by: kmrivers
I am a "Mac person". People usually just see me on my computer and are wowed. Then you add in the no virus and spyware factor and lots of people want to switch. I don't go out of my way to tell people they should switch though.

If you think your Mac turns heads, you should see the reaction I get from people when they see my laptop running Ubuntu/Edgy with Beryl WM. The cube never fails to impress. Then you add in the it's free factor.....

daam saw a video of Beryl in action, looks like I gotta dust off my *nix skills and install this. I always liked messing around in Unix, and uhh I'm a huge sucker for animated windows with crazy effects. Vista really let me down with the AreoGlass, this Beryl is bad ass, hope installing it on my system isn't a chore. I know most distros are simple to install, but my last brush with installing was it was ages before they made it user friendly to install

 

[AmigaMan]

Originally posted by: 91TTZ
You have to understand that Macs are the PC of choice for the extremely liberal metro/homosexual crowd. These people tend to be extreme advocates. You'll find that Macs will be more popular among artists/political protesters/peta-type people. Also, have you noticed how the Volkswagen crowd and the Mac crowd are very similar? Look at their advertizing. It's almost identical and goes after the same audience. It's called demographics.

wow, just wow. I sure hope my sarcasm meter is broken, otherwise that'd mean you're an ass and an idiot.

 

[91TTZ]

Originally posted by: AmigaMan

Originally posted by: 91TTZ
You have to understand that Macs are the PC of choice for the extremely liberal metro/homosexual crowd. These people tend to be extreme advocates. You'll find that Macs will be more popular among artists/political protesters/peta-type people. Also, have you noticed how the Volkswagen crowd and the Mac crowd are very similar? Look at their advertizing. It's almost identical and goes after the same audience. It's called demographics.

wow, just wow. I sure hope my sarcasm meter is broken, otherwise that'd mean you're an ass and an idiot.

No, I'm just aware of reality.

They share the same demographics. Read up on it. If you'd like to challenge me on a particular point, go ahead, and I'll tear you a new one.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: BladeVenom
The Apple advertisements are hilariously stupid and backwards. In reality the young hip guy would own a PC and be playing games. The Metafacts study showed that nearly half (46%) of Apple's base is age 55 and older. Apple is the choice of old ladies. All the Apple owners I know are old, gay, or wimps a bunch of momma's boys mostly. I don't know a single young macho male that owns an Apple computer.

Allow me to introduce myself :laugh:

 

[QueBert]

Originally posted by: 91TTZ

Originally posted by: AmigaMan

Originally posted by: 91TTZ
You have to understand that Macs are the PC of choice for the extremely liberal metro/homosexual crowd. These people tend to be extreme advocates. You'll find that Macs will be more popular among artists/political protesters/peta-type people. Also, have you noticed how the Volkswagen crowd and the Mac crowd are very similar? Look at their advertizing. It's almost identical and goes after the same audience. It's called demographics.

wow, just wow. I sure hope my sarcasm meter is broken, otherwise that'd mean you're an ass and an idiot.

No, I'm just aware of reality.

They share the same demographics. Read up on it. If you'd like to challenge me on a particular point, go ahead, and I'll tear you a new one.

maybe I'm tired, but I found it funny as hell you would refer to Mac users as "homosexuals" then boast to a man who called you an idiot how you'd

"tear him a new one"

that is pretty homosexual sounding, so I take it you own a Mac? *note I have nothing against gay people*

 

[91TTZ]

Originally posted by: QueBert


maybe I'm tired, but I found it funny as hell you would refer to Mac users as "homosexuals" then boast to a man who called you an idiot how you'd

"tear him a new one"

that is pretty homosexual sounding, so I take it you own a Mac? *note I have nothing against gay people*

lol, that was pretty funny.

 

[CraigRT]

I'm just not a fan of how they operate myself. I have some G5's at work, and the people complain all the time that they are running slow, I really dont have the guts to just tell them its because they SUCK! overpriced crap with a Lian-Li tower case.

I love how my PC runs and handles everything.. whatever!