"Why on earth do you use a MAC" [Archive]

zelmo

Oct 8, 2004, 11:02 AM

I use a Mac (not a MAC) because I want a simple, elegant solution to computing.
It has the best GUI on the planet.
I don't have to worry about virii.
It is powerful yet easy to use.
It is based on UNIX, but you don't have to be a propellerhead to use it.
When I look in the corner at my iMac, or see my PB on the table, I appreciate the clean design.
It actually adds to the ambience of the space it inhabits, as opposed to being an eyesore that I want to hide away somewhere.
The real question is, "Why aren't you using a Mac?"

SilentPanda

Oct 8, 2004, 11:08 AM

What is the proper reesponse to this questions?

A blank stare works best. Something like this -->> :eek:

I just don't bother responding.... maybe just tell them because you're better than them... :p

dross

Oct 8, 2004, 11:10 AM

A blank stare works best. Something like this -->> :eek:

I just don't bother responding.... maybe just tell them because you're better than them... :p

I like the blank stare aproch - it is simple yet eliquent.

virividox

Oct 8, 2004, 11:27 AM

i normally ignore comments and smirk when they get hit by viruses

Mr. Anderson

Oct 8, 2004, 11:27 AM

Why even try and justify your choice with a response. Ask them what kind of car they drive....and let that hang in the air. If they don't get it, well, move on with your meeting :D

Its all personal preference and by putting them to a question you avoid having to deal with someone who might be trying to goad you into an argument....

D

yellow

Oct 8, 2004, 11:28 AM

My response: "Knowing all that you know about Microsoft and Windows, why on earth would you continue to use Windows?"

munkle

Oct 8, 2004, 11:32 AM

I just don't bother responding.... maybe just tell them because you're better than them... :p

I too like the condescending approach, maybe throw in a 'one day you'll understand' as you walk away ;)

King Cobra

Oct 8, 2004, 11:35 AM

"Why on earth do you use a [Mac]..."
By force of habit, I say. And since I've adopted enough to know my way around Macs, I suppose I got lucky.

yellow

Oct 8, 2004, 11:37 AM

I too like the condescending approach, maybe throw in a 'one day you'll understand' as you walk away ;)

Heh.
"If you can snatch this pebble from my hand, grasshopper, maybe I will tell you."

SiliconAddict

Oct 8, 2004, 12:05 PM

I don't...well not yet at any rate. :rolleyes:

My response would be: Why do you care what computer I use?

If they response I was just interest:

Then go off on the reasons YOU purchased it. (You shouldn't need to have some speech written for an excuse and certainly you shouldn't need other Mac users to make up reasons.

Mine would be simple.

I've used Windows since mid 90's. I've admined 3.11, 95, 95C, 98, 98SE, NT, 2000, XP, Server 2003. While Windows has gotten a lot better in every facet of its operation I'm sick of dealing with its inconstancies, (You want an example? Go into the Font manager and select add new fonts. Notice anything? Its still using the GUI from Windows 3.11 in Windows XP!?!?!) I'm sick of dealing with its patches, I'm sick of dealing with compatibility issues, I'm sick of dealing with MS slimeball tactics to try and coerce users to upgrade. Frankly I am just sick of it. I got a Mac for one simple reason.
Not to stick it to the man. Not to be the rebel in the crowd. No I got a Mac because I wanted to try the other side of the fence to see if its true about the grass over there. That and I deal with Widows issues at work day in and day out. When I come home I don't want to check for new patches. I don't want to upgrade my antivirus software defs. I just want to run my computer without needing to baby it. Period. End of store. You think I'm a Mac zealot for using a Mac? Buddy. I use a Mac because Windows hasn't gotten to the point where I'm happy with it yet. When it does then we can talk. Until then you enjoy your computer and I'll continue to enjoy mine.

It'll prob go something like that. :cool: Now if only Apple would release a G5 POwerBook to go along with that little rant I would be set. :rolleyes:

munkle

Oct 8, 2004, 12:07 PM

Heh.
"If you can snatch this pebble from my hand, grasshopper, maybe I will tell you."

:D
"Much to learn you have, young Jedi, much to learn..." cue comments about the Dark Side...

yellow

Oct 8, 2004, 12:10 PM

:D
"Much to learn you have, young Jedi, much to learn..." cue comments about the Dark Side...

Oh yeah! Nice!

Raid

Oct 8, 2004, 12:11 PM

I travel and see clients almost every week and it never fails in airports and boardrooms I get asked every day "Why on earth do you use a MAC..."

What is the proper reesponse to this questions?

Well if they are your clients, I'd look them in the eye and respond "Because computer crashes cost you money, and I'm trying to come in on budget."

salmon

Oct 8, 2004, 12:20 PM

An excellent question - here are my reasons (not necessarily in order of importance):

Mac OS X - definitely the main reason. Fantastic, based on Unix. Awesome. Can't say enough how much I like this.
Apple isn't afraid of open source - they have embraced it like this (http://www.apple.com/ca/macosx/newfeatures/opensourceandunix.html). They understand that open source is the way of the future, and a superior way, and that their real value-add is the integration, polish and awesome end-user experience.
Apple's focus on design - it permeates everything they make, from their software through to their hardware and the integration of the two. I love the attention to detail. When I had my first iMac G3, and it went to sleep, I was deeply impressed with the power light "snoozing".
Apple has a small, but significant, market share. Because of this, they are forced to behave themselves somewhat, and adhere to standards. They also receive less attention from virus writers (and of course a superior OS helps as well - see the first point).
I HATE Microsoft, for so many reasons - crappy, closed, entrapping software mostly. There are very few Microsoft products I like - they just suck at building software.
Linux is too much of a pain for me to use. I love it for work, but when I'm at home, I don't want to mess around too much, I just want to be able to use it.
I'm not a big gamer, I only play an occasional game here and there.
I like to think that I DO "Think Different".

I have no doubt that if Apple controlled the market the way Microsoft does, they would be just as bad or worse. But until something changes for the worse, I'll be an Apple buyer.

(I just ordered my new iMac a couple of days ago - 3-4 weeks or more to go. *sigh*)

mischief

Oct 8, 2004, 12:22 PM

"I find your lack of Faith disturbing."

I too often use the car reference. As in:

" Don't you drive a BMW?"

(Yes)

" They're a bit too expensive for me and you really just use it to get from point a to point b so what's the difference? A car's a car right? Personally I just walk everywhere. Sure I get mugged, I'm never on time and shopping's a nightmare but hey... Why spend all that money on something my feet do anyway?" :D

yellow

Oct 8, 2004, 12:24 PM

"I find your lack of Faith disturbing."

Equally awesome.

dross

Oct 8, 2004, 12:34 PM

Heh.
"If you can snatch this pebble from my hand, grasshopper, maybe I will tell you."

Now that I like.

Doctor Q

Oct 8, 2004, 01:35 PM

I'd say "I use the best tool for the job". That's the bottom line for a businessperson. If they want to know more, they'll ask and you can tell them.

rueyeet

Oct 8, 2004, 02:09 PM

My number one reason, personally, would be: Because you can't run OS X on x86 processors without emulation. It's really OS X I'm after...the hardware's just gravy (and some tasty gravy it is!).

But I think that in your situation, I might get a little snarky and ask them what the latest Windows worm/virus scare was, listen to their answer, then say something like, "Huh. I haven't really had to pay attention to that stuff." Then go on with my day.

A lot depends on whether they're asking as a challenge, or just because they're that thrown out of their comfortable reality by seeing a Mac in a boardroom. :)

bigcreek

Oct 8, 2004, 03:48 PM

Because the world is bigger than Microsoft.

(for the world is hollow, and I have touched the sky)

bdomz

Oct 8, 2004, 03:52 PM

I'd just tell them that you can still use microsoft office on your mac and they'll probably shut up.

Sun Baked

Oct 8, 2004, 04:06 PM

AmigoMac

Oct 8, 2004, 04:24 PM

Because I want to spend the free time, listening music, admiring my family photos, editing videos and burning DVD's ... no patching my PC daily and formatting it monthly...

-Depending on the accent people have when asking Why I use a Mac...

I look : :) , :p , ;) , :D (When they get virus or the PC crashes), :eek: (For the wannabe PC user), :mad: (When they talk about how Win XP is a far better experience than the one they had in middle 90's with a Mac), :cool: (When I note how stupid the people are when they want to complain about macs and don't ask a single question about the system, worst, the only thing they know about macs is that TV add with "those PC's in different colors") ...

and :rolleyes: when I meet these kind of people again

munkle

Oct 8, 2004, 04:46 PM

Award for most gratuitious use of smilies in one post goes to...drumroll...:

Because I want to spend the free time, listening music, admiring my family photos, editing videos and burning DVD's ... no patching my PC daily and formatting it monthly...

-Depending on the accent people have when asking Why I use a Mac...

I look : :) , :p , ;) , :D (When they get virus or the PC crashes), :eek: (For the wannabe PC user), :mad: (When they talk about how Win XP is a far better experience than the one they had in middle 90's with a Mac), :cool: (When I note how stupid the people are when they want to complain about macs and don't ask a single question about the system, worst, the only thing they know about macs is that TV add with "those PC's in different colors") ...

and :rolleyes: when I meet these kind of people again

:p ;)

DJY

Oct 8, 2004, 06:14 PM

Mmmm I have been showing off my new toy alot since I got it...
so this is a question that I have been faced with alot already?!!
As a newbie - I was quick to realise I not only had switched - but had become very proud and defensive of my new move! Can't say I ever stood up for any of my Windoze laptops or PC anything like this!!!

I say:
Amazing OS - looks great, feels great, is stable, no viruses, or spyware, very intuitive...
Great hardware and software integration. It all works beautifully well together - no conflicts, no clashes, no problems!

I don't think most people are aware that Microsoft Office works on a Mac, and that you can share files and even plug a Mac into a non Mac network.

Someone even asked me the other day - if I could still email people who use PCs?!?!?!?

Buying a 3G 40GBB iPod was what got me interested again. Great gadget! Amazing design, and it all works!!!

There were the main reasons I switched... oh yeah and they just look so amazing!!!

Ok - I probably need to add that I like the fact that - not everyone uses them.. so that sets me apart a bit as well.

EminenceGrise

Oct 8, 2004, 06:38 PM

"Because I've used Windows, that's why." ;)

dross

Oct 8, 2004, 06:58 PM

"Because I've used Windows, that's why." ;)

I think this is one of the best so far.

5300cs

Oct 9, 2004, 10:24 AM

"Why on earth do you use a MAC..."

What is the proper reesponse to this questions?

For me, it depends on my mood and how I'm asked. If they come off with an attitude I say "Why on earth do you use windows?" If they're polite about it, then I explain the benefits of using a non-beta, non-evil OS :rolleyes:

cluthz

Oct 9, 2004, 10:46 AM

Because I want to!! :p

acceber

Oct 9, 2004, 01:03 PM

It really annoys me when people diss me because I use a Mac. When I first got my iBook, my brother said "Why are you getting a Mac? I hate Macs!"

The thing is, he hasn't even used it and he's saying something like that. It ticks me off so bad especially when I try to use his PC and I get annoyed because it has so many problems.

Also, people seem to be unaware of how great Macs are. I personally didn't have a wonderful experience with them on Mac OS 8/9 back in school but I have no issues now (apart from gaming) and people should use before they diss. :mad:

Hoef

Oct 9, 2004, 02:53 PM

How about .... I have shares of Alcoa and buying aluminum Macs drives up the alumina demand

Mike Teezie

Oct 9, 2004, 04:12 PM

Conversely, when you see someone using a Mac, don't you just feel like they are probably a cool person?

Darwin

Oct 9, 2004, 05:59 PM

Because I want to!! :p

Thats my reply too

pseudobrit

Oct 9, 2004, 06:08 PM

I use mine to get cash from the ATM.

But it's not a MAC, just a VISA cheque card.

iMeowbot

Oct 9, 2004, 06:09 PM

When the Mac is a personal machine, "I like to leave the aggravations at work" is always a good answer.

yellow

Oct 9, 2004, 06:29 PM

"Because I possess a superior intellect, puny mortal."

tdhurst

Oct 9, 2004, 07:49 PM

Without the MAC Addresses, how are we supposed to get online?

Even PC users use them...

Tell me you're being sarcastic...

revenuee

Oct 9, 2004, 08:28 PM

I travel and see clients almost every week and it never fails in airports and boardrooms I get asked every day "Why on earth do you use a MAC..."

What is the proper reesponse to this questions?

"chicks dig it" ... then laugh hysterically

usually i respond with another question "why don't YOU use a MAC (LOL)"

the one "because 'i have computer problems' is not an acceptable excuse for not having a project done in this line of work" -- this one usually shuts them right up

7on

Oct 9, 2004, 09:32 PM

I use a Mac because graphic designers are practically required to.

the one "because 'i have computer problems' is not an acceptable excuse for not having a project done in this line of work" -- this one usually shuts them right up
bingo - granted some of my fellow [Senior] Publications Campus co-workers seem to want to do everything in Photoshop. That usually causes output problems - which I usually reply, "Aren't you suppose to be a Senior?" [me=Sophomore, btw]

Also the Viscom lab was upgraded recently so the Distiller prefs were messed up - but even then there's a plethora of backup options. Output to PDF; Output to PS then open in Preview - which sorta distills; or Output to PS then open in Acrobat Pro which also sorta distills. Awesome to the Max. I also like the default Mac gamma seems to complement Print better than a PC (so even if all the Macs are off line - you can still just go to any on-campus computer lab and still get something decent). Tried that with a PC and some (read NOT all) of the blues appeared purple. I tried printing anyway and I just got Unicode text. Pitiful.

Plus the Mac lab computers can read thumbdrives but the PCs can't.

Oh, and I can network my B&W with PCs better than the extra PC I had last year could.

Nermal

Oct 9, 2004, 10:59 PM

It really annoys me when people diss me because I use a Mac. When I first got my iBook, my brother said "Why are you getting a Mac? I hate Macs!"

My brother says the same thing. He is now on his third Mac but still claims that he hates them :confused:

revenuee

Oct 9, 2004, 11:40 PM

My brother says the same thing. He is now on his third Mac but still claims that he hates them :confused:

that is weird

i dated a girl that when she asked me to help her get a new computer i suggested a Mac -- she got the thing, but problems arose in our personal lives and we had a huge fight and didn't talk for a month, i asked her after we made up about what how the thing was working out for her, she replied that she absolutely loves it, she hasn't run into an issue where she needed to do something that her computer couldn't do.

this is what she said to me:
"everybody else hates it cause with the exception of you, know one knows how to use the thing. I love it, after you set everything up for me (printer scanner, internet) i have been able to do everything myself, took me 15 minutes to figure out how to get on the internet, send email, download music and listen to music, and scan pictures --- plus the little apple glows and thats sooo cool"

talk about a happy user :)

mymemory

Oct 10, 2004, 01:35 AM

Because I want to have a work done, not spending time fixing the computer/OS.

I want to navigate in the internet without closing all those pop ups.

I want to download files without worry about viruses.

I want to plug and play and may be download the driver.

I want to have 5 options not 300 cheap ones.

Well, still Final Cut Pro freezes on me yesterday and that was so lame. I hate OSX because the interface is more a gay parade rather than a serious functional interface like OS9 was.

But at list the system is reliable and standarized, a Mac is a Mac here and there even Apple uses the lates in technology in the market, the lowed drives (in general) as well as the processor and mother boards, still a reliable system and it looks good.

pseudobrit

Oct 10, 2004, 01:54 AM

the interface is more a [phrase omitted]...

You may want to edit that phrase. I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that was just a poorly translated idea.

patrick0brien

Oct 10, 2004, 02:09 AM

Because I can trust it.

acceber

Oct 10, 2004, 02:43 AM

My brother says the same thing. He is now on his third Mac but still claims that he hates them :confused:

Yeah, this is kinda weird. If he hates them so much, why the monkey is he still using them?? Lol.

Chip NoVaMac

Oct 10, 2004, 10:48 AM

No viruses, no spyware, no crashes, no hassles, why on earth would I use anything else?
Amen to that, and add that Mac's have a longer life than their PC counterparts.

bviz2

Oct 10, 2004, 11:15 AM

Simple... "It allows me to get my work done more reliably and efficiently than any others I've found."

When they start singing the praises of XP, I show them VirtualPC and the reasons I think it is cumbersom and less than intuitive. (I occasionally have to use Microsoft Project at work. YUK !!!!)

dsharits

Oct 10, 2004, 11:35 AM

Because it is not a PC. Personally, I take it as a compliment when someone criticizes the fact that I use Macs. I deal with people and their PC problems all the time in my consultant business. I have only one Mac customer, and all of her issues are simply upgrades she wants or user errors. I love going to her house, because I know that the problem is easily fixable. Everyone else gets me in a bad mood. :p THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE, STEVE AND APPLE COMPUTER!!!!

Daniel