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Apple/Macintosh to become one name?

Peyton

Peyton

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Feb 2, 2006
1,615
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I have some friends that like Apple stuff but think the two names are confusing. One actually thought that Macintosh made computers while Apple made iPods and software.

Do you think they would ever simplify the name issue? Based on some of my friends (and even some coworkers) I think people would actually switch faster if it didn't confuse them. I think its a petty reason not to switch, but they get gunshy because they do cost more than windows PCs and just assume everything is the same, just pay more for more confusion. Thoughts?
 
Apple does not even use Macintosh anymore

Its Mac

Apple Makes Mac,which is a name of its computer line, iPod is also made by apple
 
Exactly. If you think about it, macintosh is a type of apple. So Apple Computer makes a type of computer called Macintosh (now Mac).
 
Macintosh isn't completely dead...
http://guide.apple.com/
index_title_us.gif
 
zap2 said:
Apple does not even use Macintosh anymore
Click to expand...

Actually, the term Macintosh is sprinkled here and there on Apple.com... here, for instance:

http://guide.apple.com/index.lasso

EDIT: Beaten to it. But I do agree with the main point. I don't think the branding is that confusing. Apple's music players are called iPods, and also have specific names, like Nano and Shuffle. Why is that less confusing than the fact that Apple's computers are called Macs, and have specific names like PowerMac and iMac?
 
You can break it down much like cars. You have the company, the product line, and the model.

Toyota | Sienna | LE

Apple | iMac | Core Duo

Apple | iPod | nano

Apple is the company. Mac is just their computer line. iPod is their music player line.
 
It was a spelling mistake of the real word, McIntosh: This apple was discovered by John McIntosh in Canada in 1811. It is a medium-size red-on-green apple with a sweet flesh that is crisp, juicy and slightly perfumed. McIntosh (or "Macs" as they are commonly known) are excellent to eat fresh in season. Later Macs are best used for applesauce. Available September 22 - Thanksgiving.

I forgot the chap's name who worked for Apple and developed the Mac, but his fave. apple was the McIntosh and he spelled it wrong. So that's where Macintosh derived from.

Someone help me with the chap's name!
 
His name was Jeff Raskin. He spelled it wrong purposefully. There was a high end audio manufacturer back then called McIntosh. He wanted to avoid trademark infringement issues. Sadly, Jeff passed away last February from pancreatic cancer.
 
Steve gave him NO credit for establishing the first Macintosh...

It just says he misspelled the apple's name in the book iCon, no real explanation.
 
It's easy to forget since it's been a few years, but there are still non-Apple Macs out there. Apple may simply want to keep the branding distinct so that their options are open.
 
DZ/015 said:
His name was Jeff Raskin. He spelled it wrong purposefully. There was a high end audio manufacturer back then called McIntosh. He wanted to avoid trademark infringement issues. Sadly, Jeff passed away last February from pancreatic cancer.
Click to expand...

Your level of geek-hood scares me.


Welcome.
 
I know a lot of PC users who talk about people like me who use "Apples", referring to the computers. But I guess it doesn't really matter.
 
I am one of those who still uses an Apple. It's a IIgs. I have also started teaching my kids how to program in BASIC.
I am sick.
 
Doctor Q said:
I know a lot of PC users who talk about people like me who use "Apples", referring to the computers. But I guess it doesn't really matter.
Click to expand...
And an equally large number refer to the company as "Mac"
 
_bnkr612 said:
It was a spelling mistake of the real word, McIntosh: This apple was discovered by John McIntosh in Canada in 1811. It is a medium-size red-on-green apple with a sweet flesh that is crisp, juicy and slightly perfumed. McIntosh (or "Macs" as they are commonly known) are excellent to eat fresh in season. Later Macs are best used for applesauce. Available September 22 - Thanksgiving.

I forgot the chap's name who worked for Apple and developed the Mac, but his fave. apple was the McIntosh and he spelled it wrong. So that's where Macintosh derived from.

Someone help me with the chap's name!
Click to expand...
Close, but no cigar. McIntosh is the abbreviation for MacIntosh. Read any standard dictionary. You will find that Mc is alphabetized as Mac. This means that McIntosh is listed before Mbutu. When the Macintosh was under development, the discussion was not about Macintosh vs. McIntosh. It was about Macintosh vs. MacIntosh. In other words, Apple chose to use a lower case letter i rather than upper case. The letter a was not a part of the controversy.
 
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