On Feb 7, 2004, at 6:29 PM, Michael Angelo Tripp-Russo wrote: >> For the rest of us, Macs are a far more cost-effective way to spend >> computer dollars. > > Yeah, okay great more Mac VS PC stuff. > > Macs *are* PC's which are platform specific to "Macintosh OSes" PC > simply means "Personal Computer" > > What most people call PC's they *mean* X86 or IBM Compatible, etc. > Which for the most part run "MS Windows OSes" but are not limited to > only that. > > <Rant> > Considering 9/10's of consumer software and 7/10's of consumer > hardware is only compatible (as in compiled for) with the open X86 > hardware platform it isn't surprising that most people use that > platform, the fact that there is some debate about which "Platform" is > better is surprising. X86/ IMB Compatible is guaranteed more likely to > be able to do what you want, develop what you want or buy x part for > what you want than the MAC platform. > <snip> > When you say "Macs are a far more cost-effective way to spend computer > dollars" it is a very deceptive statement, because the hardware is > generally more expensive, you have access to far less software, and if > you need any of that *other* hardware or software you can't even use > it. Don't think that if the software is a big enough seller that the > vendor will decide to make a alternate version for Macs just because > there is a potential 10% more of the market to gain, this just isn't > true; vendors will ignore the Mac platform because it is generally > considered irrelevant. > <snip> most people use computers for writing or math or presentations. Most people use MS office. MS office is 100% compatible between Mac and PC, so most people can use either machine for both purposes. There is some highly specialized software (e.g., intellectual property, accounting) that is specific to PCs. Not many people need those. There is only one program that I wish would be available on Mac that is not--MS Project. However, I can use a windows emulator on my Mac when I need it. I have access to Photoshop, Acrobat, Quark, etc., plus a mac-only suite of digital-lifestyle apps that beat anything any of my friends have on their windows machines. And it is very easy to use. While the hardware is slightly more expensive (good entry mac with fast processer at $900, entry laptop at $1100) my personal experience is that it stays out of the shop. At $50-100/hour plus loss of consortium for days or weeks, that is a HUGE saving. A decrease of one repair trip per year covers the cost differential. I follow the software world to a limited degree, and except for Project there is nothing out there that even slightly wish to add to my mac.