The Truth About Windows Alternatives

[MacBytes]

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Category: Opinion/Interviews
Link: The Truth About Windows Alternatives (http://www.macbytes.com/link.php?sid=20050814112131)

Posted on MacBytes.com (http://www.macbytes.com)
Approved by Mudbug

[eva01]

I didn't like the article :/

s/he does know that you can have the arrow buttons on the top and the bottom of a window, right?

[MacDawg]

So... if it doesn't work like Windows, it isn't intuitive :rolleyes:

Woof, Woof - Dawg http://homepage.mac.com/k.j.vinson/pawprint.gif

[greatdevourer]

you won't find Half-Life 2, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, or a lot of other popular PC games on the Mac
Then what's this (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/72202/wo/zQ5qe2cgGipv2GsdfYW1EB5zxXU/4.0.0.11.1.0.6.9.5.19.0.1.22.1.1.0.1.0.1)

[WildCowboy]

What is this "IMac" he speaks of? I'm familiar with the iMac, but what's an IMac?

Noticed that the article was published online on July 27th, one day after the Mac mini update...would have been nice if they could have fixed the 256 MB RAM criticism during final editing...hopefully it will be fixed for the print version.

[nagromme]

She makes some positive points and that's great, but at the same time we all can spot a few holes...

"Conventional Wisdom: The Mac hardware is expensive for what you get.

Reality: Sad but true, especially if you're just comparing hardware specs."

Often repeated, but never demonstrated. Macs aren't the VERY cheapest computers (and why should they have to be THE cheapest? the cheapest PCs are cheap for a reason) but they ARE very competitive with big names like Dell.

Yes, even when just comparing hardware specs... unless you single OUT some specs and willfully ignore others. So the $499 Mac Mini is expensive? Does a $499 Dell have DVI, Firewire and 32 MB VRAM (instead of cutting into your main RAM)? And size, quiet, and internal wireless options are also hardware specs with value.

More important still is the OS and software bundle you get with a Mac. Look at the software bundle on a cheap Dell... start adding software to TRY to match iLife (you can't, but you'll spend a lot trying), then add antivirus and antispyware apps (which cost you again and again for updates).

In the end I find I'm unable to configure a Dell anywhere near as cheap as a Mini, unless I strip it down well below what the Mini comes with. (And yes, I remembered to unbundle the display/mouse/keyboard).

So if you're computer shopping why WOULD you ever be "just comparing hardware specs" (or worse yet, SOME specs and ignoring others)? People don't get anything done with a computer package that's all hardware. Without software, you have nothing.

Re her complaint that she wants to use her pinky (Ctrl), not her thumb (Command), for shortcuts... does'nt Tiger let you switch your modifier keys at well, for people with habits from other OSes?

And re her listing the Mac Mini with half the RAM it really has. Maybe they'll correct that... but they have ALREADY made corrections to change Longhorn to Vista after publication, and the Mini's RAM is still not changed. Hopefully they'll fix that. Be polite when you point it out, please :)

Lastly...

"Microsoft hasn't announced or shown anything like Exposé as part of Longhorn, but the visual enhancements that the company is adding to the OS--see below--certainly would make such a thing possible."

Aside from being a good example of the "stick with Microsoft because someday they'll catch up, honest!" mentality... Well, no. Just because Windows will (late next year?) be adopting a Mac-like graphics system does NOT mean they can steal Apple's intellectual property. Only the Bush DoJ can help them do that ;)

[dornoforpyros]

What is this "IMac" he speaks of? I'm familiar with the iMac, but what's an IMac?


hmm I dunno. I'll ask my mom if it's associated with "The I-Pod" I bought a while back :p

[yojitani]

Hmmm.. I guess this guy never had to set up a network or join a wireless network. Windoze is downright counter-intuitive.

Did anyone find his crit of the keyboard a little strange? When I switched, I loved the keyboard and still hate the standard dell or whatever keyboards (how big and deept do they need to make those keys anyway?!). In fact, most PC users I know WANT a mac keyboard.

YOJ

[OCOTILLO]

I read the article and found it to be mostly positive. Some of the criticisms were due to being new to the system. Regarding not being up to date with the mini's upgrade, this article was more than likely written well before the release. Mac users do not have anything to be defensive about, be happy with what you have knowing it is the best.

[kainjow]

Regarding less games being available for Mac, that is true, but most of the popular games today are available. Take a look at Xfire's (http://www.xfire.com/xf/index.php) top played games web page. Counter-Strike Source, Counter-Strike 1.6 and Guilde Wars are the only ones that aren't available for Mac. So 70% of the top Xfire games (practically every gamer uses Xfire...) are availalbe for Mac. Not bad :)

[winmacguy]

I would actually like to see a PC reviewer do a review on a Mac for a period longer than 2 weeks (to remove some of those PC user habits) and to cover some of the tasks that they performed in Word, Excel, Photoshop, iPhoto, iMovie, maybe Dreamweaver or InDesign and talk a bit more about transfering their files (where relevant) between a Mac and a PC and various functions that point out the normal day to day tasks that ARE possible in the software in a cross platform situation, also using Firefox/Safari to conduct transactions or surf online too. To me that would be a more useful kind of review than comparing functions in Tiger to "potential" functions with "Vista"
(I could do one myself but I would be bias towards Apple ;) )

[me_94501]

I would actually like to see a PC reviewer do a review on a Mac for a period longer than 2 weeks (to remove some of those PC user habits) and to cover some of the tasks that they performed in Word, Excel, Photoshop, iPhoto, iMovie, maybe Dreamweaver or InDesign and talk a bit more about transfering their files (where relevant) between a Mac and a PC and various functions that point out the normal day to day tasks that ARE possible in the software in a cross platform situation, also using Firefox/Safari to conduct transactions or surf online too. To me that would be a more useful kind of review than comparing functions in Tiger to "potential" functions with "Vista"
(I could do one myself but I would be bias towards Apple ;) )
I find AnanTech has some pretty good "Month with a Mac" articles:
http://anandtech.com/mac/showdoc.aspx?i=2232
http://anandtech.com/mac/showdoc.aspx?i=2326

[winmacguy]

I find AnanTech has some pretty good "Month with a Mac" articles:
http://anandtech.com/mac/showdoc.aspx?i=2232
http://anandtech.com/mac/showdoc.aspx?i=2326

Thanks for that.

[dontmatter]

Fact check: Scroll arrows at both ends is in the standard preferences pane.

[nagromme]

Someone should make a page on How to Customize Your Mac to be as Much Like Windows as Possible. Using just the standard prefs (which even let you change keyboard shortcuts), no downloads.

I'd cringe, but it would help some people still that flutter of panic that comes from the little details of an OS change.

Note that Windows Blista will be a change for people too... I wonder if people facing SOME change no matter what might not consider letting OS X be that change?

[dotdotdot]

I thought it was a well-written article, but clearly leaning towards Windows. He was sure to mention all the good Windows has, and all the bad. But he did not mention all the good of Mac OS X, and he made Linux sound horrible.

A newbie reading that would think:

WINDOWS:
-Everything works on it and for it
-Everyone uses it
-Dispite the knowledge I may have, I will always not have viruses
-Windows mice are better than all others
-Windows keyboards are better than all others
-Windows can do everything - Work and Games

MAC:
-The "I" is Capitol, and never lowercase (like in "iMac," where the author kept saying "IMac")
-Games don't work and suck for the Mac
-The Apple mice suck
-The Apple keyboard is poorly designed
-The only thing good about it is the design of the computer
-The design is what sells it
-Viruses are widely available, but not common to get
-Overpriced

LINUX:
-Cheap and fast
-Nothing is available for it
-Can't play games
-A cheap knockoff of Windows
-Doesn't even have tech support!
-Doesn't work with printers
-Doesn't work with monitors
-Can't use my normal software
-Has bugs that can't be fixed
-Not worth it

[the_mole1314]

I thought it was a well-written article, but clearly leaning towards Windows. He was sure to mention all the good Windows has, and all the bad. But he did not mention all the good of Mac OS X, and he made Linux sound horrible.

A newbie reading that would think:

WINDOWS:
-Everything works on it and for it
-Everyone uses it
-Dispite the knowledge I may have, I will always not have viruses
-Windows mice are better than all others
-Windows keyboards are better than all others
-Windows can do everything - Work and Games

MAC:
-The "I" is Capitol, and never lowercase (like in "iMac," where the author kept saying "IMac")
-Games don't work and suck for the Mac
-The Apple mice suck
-The Apple keyboard is poorly designed
-The only thing good about it is the design of the computer
-The design is what sells it
-Viruses are widely available, but not common to get
-Overpriced

LINUX:
-Cheap and fast
-Nothing is available for it
-Can't play games
-A cheap knockoff of Windows
-Doesn't even have tech support!
-Doesn't work with printers
-Doesn't work with monitors
-Can't use my normal software
-Has bugs that can't be fixed
-Not worth it

It boggles the mind to think that someone working at PCWorld Mag dosn't get the fact that mice a cross-platform compatable! If you don't like the one they give you, on Mac or PC, you can buy another! The writer makes it sound that only good mice work with Windows, and if plugged into a Mac, they combust into flames.

[Stella]

What does it matter if he called it iMac or IMac.

So bloody pedantic!!!

[LethalWolfe]

She makes some positive points and that's great, but at the same time we all can spot a few holes...

"Conventional Wisdom: The Mac hardware is expensive for what you get.

Reality: Sad but true, especially if you're just comparing hardware specs."
...
So if you're computer shopping why WOULD you ever be "just comparing hardware specs" (or worse yet, SOME specs and ignoring others)? People don't get anything done with a computer package that's all hardware. Without software, you have nothing.


Exactly. The "hardware only" comparison is one of my biggest pet peeves. Honestly, it makes sense if you are shopping w/in the same platform (i.e. only wintel or only Mac) to only compare hardware 'cause the software isn't going to change much, if any. But when you are shopping cross platform you HAVE to take software into consideration, and there isn't an off the rack PC that can touch an off the rack Mac in terms of bundled software.


Lethal

[jhu]

Exactly. The "hardware only" comparison is one of my biggest pet peeves. Honestly, it makes sense if you are shopping w/in the same platform (i.e. only wintel or only Mac) to only compare hardware 'cause the software isn't going to change much, if any. But when you are shopping cross platform you HAVE to take software into consideration, and there isn't an off the rack PC that can touch an off the rack Mac in terms of bundled software.


Lethal

if all you want is a computer and you don't care about what software is loaded (or even if there is software loaded) then it is a fair comparison.

[Deepdale]

What does it matter if he called it iMac or IMac.

So bloody pedantic!!!

Within an article that appears in a traditional print publication or online version, all items should be identified properly. When it comes to messages that are posted in forums, the acceptable standard is substantially relaxed.

Like some others, I dislike posts that are strung together with an extended series of bizarre, cryptic abbreviations. Yet if I joined the spelling, punctuation and grammar police, my day job would be in jeopardy. If the essence of the message is understandable, it is better to move on.

[nagromme]

if all you want is a computer and you don't care about what software is loaded (or even if there is software loaded) then it is a fair comparison.
Only if the software you plan to use has no cost, such as if you've already bought everything you'll need. Not the typical situation when shopping for a new computer, however--you're likely buying a computer to DO things you couldn't before.

And so not a good assumption for the article to make.

[WildCowboy]

What does it matter if he called it iMac or IMac.

So bloody pedantic!!!

The point is that a rather mainstream publication such as this should know how to spell the name of the product. To do otherwise demonstrates ignorance on the part of both the author and the editor and lessens their credibility in the rest of the article. Errors like this in a forum post are one thing, but they are simply unacceptable in the world of professional journalism.

[jhu]

Only if the software you plan to use has no cost, such as if you've already bought everything you'll need. Not the typical situation when shopping for a new computer, however--you're likely buying a computer to DO things you couldn't before.

And so not a good assumption for the article to make.

what do most people buy a computer for? web browsing and word processing are what >50% of the people who buy computers use them for. most people don't even touch the other software that's preloaded on their computers. however, in the mac world it's different because people tend to have a specific reason for getting a mac.

[ham_man]

Somehow I found myself reading this in H.E.B. yesterday, laughing at how ignorant this guy was. He makes it seem as though Macs are slightly better, but the "premium" is not worth it. Yea, all that 100 dollar per year virus software is not to be counted. Nor the fact that Office costs 400 dollars regardless of platform. And this quote really ate me in...

Sad but true, especially if you're just comparing hardware specs.
Too almost all users, the hardware of their machine is either non-relevant or they don't care/know. What they do care about is the OS - its dependability and ease of use, areas where OS X takes XP and beats out behind the butcher shed. As for the breaking habits part, well that is just inane. "Why have to turn a key to start my car when I got my trusty [sic] hand crank right here?" Macs are far more intuitive than Windows machines are, any way that you slice it. I think that this guy should try and get out from behind his rose colored window (no pun intended) and see the light.

[irmongoose]

what do most people buy a computer for? web browsing and word processing are what >50% of the people who buy computers use them for. most people don't even touch the other software that's preloaded on their computers. however, in the mac world it's different because people tend to have a specific reason for getting a mac.

No. In addition to that, there is email, music players, chatting, DVD players, and photo managing software. Out of those five , Apple makes the best of four of them.





irmongoose

[nagromme]

True, however... Windows PCs outshine the Mac in the HIGHLY important field of bundled Solitaire.

Look at the success of the iPod among Windows users. Solitaire is clearly key.

You think I'm joking, but imagine if Tiger came bundled with a really flashy Solitaire game that played a dozen different kinds. A certain segment of Windows users would flock :o

[kalisphoenix]

Hey! Heeeey!!! Where the hell is BeOS?

[Nermal]

In someone's basement.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

True, however... Windows PCs outshine the Mac in the HIGHLY important field of bundled Solitaire.

Look at the success of the iPod among Windows users. Solitaire is clearly key.

You think I'm joking, but imagine if Tiger came bundled with a really flashy Solitaire game that played a dozen different kinds. A certain segment of Windows users would flock :o:D :D

Just install Solitaire XL (http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/games/cards_puzzle/solitairexl.html), and you will blow away the minds of any old Windows user. This was the first app we installed for my father in law when we switched him to a Mac mini, and apart form the initial "oooh, that looks good", the only comment he's had about that is "I don't even have to turn the cards myself..." :D

Maybe Solitaire XL should be bundled with OS X... :cool:

[dubbz]

Hey! Heeeey!!! Where the hell is BeOS?

The OS Graveyard.

[Stella]

The point is that a rather mainstream publication such as this should know how to spell the name of the product. To do otherwise demonstrates ignorance on the part of both the author and the editor and lessens their credibility in the rest of the article. Errors like this in a forum post are one thing, but they are simply unacceptable in the world of professional journalism.

Point taken.

This article itself was less than good, particularly when it came to intuitiveness.

[Fender2112]

Fact check: Scroll arrows at both ends is in the standard preferences pane.

What I'd like is an Up and Down arrow at BOTH ends of the scroll bar. I had a control panel that did this in OS 9. If anyone has a link to such a thing, please post.

[irmongoose]

What I'd like is an Up and Down arrow at BOTH ends of the scroll bar. I had a control panel that did this in OS 9. If anyone has a link to such a thing, please post.

TinkerTool (http://www.bresink.com/osx/TinkerTool.html) will do it.




irmongoose

[jhu]

No. In addition to that, there is email, music players, chatting, DVD players, and photo managing software. Out of those five , Apple makes the best of four of them.





irmongoose

while that may be true (although its certainly a matter of opinion), most people don't care as long as it works. it's kind of like buying a toyota corolla vs. a mercedes c230. why pay more for a c230 when a corolla still gets you from point "a" to point "b" just the same?

[outerspaceapple]

Somehow I found myself reading this in H.E.B. yesterday, laughing at how ignorant this guy was. He makes it seem as though Macs are slightly better, but the "premium" is not worth it. Yea, all that 100 dollar per year virus software is not to be counted. Nor the fact that Office costs 400 dollars regardless of platform. And this quote really ate me in...


Too almost all users, the hardware of their machine is either non-relevant or they don't care/know. What they do care about is the OS - its dependability and ease of use, areas where OS X takes XP and beats out behind the butcher shed. As for the breaking habits part, well that is just inane. "Why have to turn a key to start my car when I got my trusty [sic] hand crank right here?" Macs are far more intuitive than Windows machines are, any way that you slice it. I think that this guy should try and get out from behind his rose colored window (no pun intended) and see the light.

Couldn't've said it better myself. The ONLY reason i buy a mac is because of the software. If it were up to me I'd buy PC hardware and load up Mac OS x86 on it (which actually isn't that hard). That way i could have all the hardware specs i wanted, but still maintain the awesomeness of the Mac OS.

Call me a traitor if you want, but unless i'm running a business that needs professional looking computers (aka salon, kiosk, etc) i'd rather build my own for a fraction of the price. Heck, my dad's laptop has 1400 x 1050 resolution on a 128MB gfx card. The thing's running some flavor of a 3GHz intel chip. To run Mac OS on it would be a dream! Games wouldn't lag, resolution would be beautiful, etc etc.

But this brings me to another point. If i could get the same performance on a 1.67GHz chip, or a lower-spec video card, i really wouldn't care. You buy hardware to run your software at a certain speed. So if i bought a $499 dell (without screen of course), and a $499 Mac mini, the mac would run the software way, way faster regardless of the "tech specs."

Take a shot of that with your coffee M r/s. article person.