Is there a reason some people see a mac user and think

[Breedlove]

That pretty much sums it up. People (neither Mac nor Windows "normal" guys know a lot about computer technology) buy their macs because they offer great performance in some areas (a friend of mine just bought it because the air had awesome battery life) but then realize that there is so much you can do with a computer without knowing/learning a lot. For him this was garageband

I think that is another problem. People somehow hate, that it is so easy do to/create stuff with macs and their preinstalled software that they think "it's not worth" anything and they hate you for doing it!

They can hate all they want. I'm happy with my machine that worked perfectly out of box.

Working next to people on Windows machines, I just can't help but smirk when they get a BSOD while I'm happily chugging away doing the same things on the same software as them.

 

[TheEnthusiast]

They can hate all they want. I'm happy with my machine that worked perfectly out of box.

Working next to people on Windows machines, I just can't help but smirk when they get a BSOD while I'm happily chugging away doing the same things on the same software as them.

And then there's the Apple user like who contributes to the nonsense. In addition to OS X, I've been using Windows for a long time now and have never received the dreaded BSOD. Part of the reason for that is I am aware of what I am doing.

In the end, it comes down to the personal preferences of the user. Some users don't like the lockdown environment of OS X, other like it due to the security it brings to the OS. There are many other things that I won't bother to mention. It's just ridiculous to even have these kinds of "wars" when both can produce similar results, user experience not withstanding (personal preference). Also, I hope you've at least enabled Firewall.

 

[redkamel]

It usually a combination of stubbornness and insecurity. I work in a mixed environment and have a friend group that varies in usage, so there is a group that likes to "joke" about it. For the record, all the tech savvy people at work are Mac people except for 1 guy who is PC/Android. I am known to use a lot of Apple stuff.

I never tell anyone how great Apple stuff is or brag etc. However, I do get a lot of questions about "how to do stuff" on the computer...which is a Mac or PC.

I have totally forgotten how to use a PC more or less. So what usually ends up happening is I get an email or phone call, with a long story about how someone is frustrated they can't edit a PDF/sign a PDF/presentation is wrong/videos don't work/something doesn't sync etc etc. I then send them a 1-4 step answer for Mac, which is either a free or cheap solution, or involves buying an apple device that does EXACTLY what they want reliably (e.g. the easiest way to backup a laptop is automatic wireless backup, but its a PITA to set up, thus Time Machine.)

They then get mad because "they don't have a mac" or "that program cost money" (keep in mind this is for something that is usually kind of important). So they spend about 3 weeks trying to figure it out, get a fix from the PC guy, it breaks, they can't do it reliably etc etc. You would think after a while the aggravation would be not worth.

So I honestly think they just take it out on the mac user. I mean, I get jokes about how my gear is expensive. Sure, it cost more. But guess who's calendar, email and documents are always up to date and synced? Who edits and signs PDFs professionally in a matter of minute? Who's presentations work and are formatted correctly on the projector? And the video comes with my presentations too. And so on and so forth.

That all being said, there are Apple users who also don't know how to use their computers. But they usually get their stuff figured out much faster and the solutions last longer.

I guess some people are just penny wise and pound foolish.

edit: Its also partly a numbers reason. Most people are not computer savvy. Thus, using poorly designed hardware will lead to problems/confusion. Apple stuff is well designed and made to be easy to use,and there is less of it. Windows stuff is in a broad range of categories. So just by anyone doing it "the Apple way" is more likely to succeed as they just go buy the right thing that is likely to be well made or find the feature built in. As opposed to in Windows, where it is far easier to gunk it up buy buying a poorly made device, something confusing to use, something with bad tech support, etc etc.

 

[Breedlove]

And then there's the Apple user like who contributes to the nonsense. In addition to OS X, I've been using Windows for a long time now and have never received the dreaded BSOD. Part of the reason for that is I am aware of what I am doing.

In the end, it comes down to the personal preferences of the user. Some users don't like the lockdown environment of OS X, other like it due to the security it brings to the OS. There are many other things that I won't bother to mention. It's just ridiculous to even have these kinds of "wars" when both can produce similar results, user experience not withstanding (personal preference). Also, I hope you've at least enabled Firewall.

*ahem*

Sorry, I must have struck a nerve or something to have you respond so scathingly to my post; but in my defense you make a lot of assumptions in your response that nowhere in my own post do I belie.

I will have you know, however, that I'm typing this post from an 8 year old Thinkpad X60 that has never had a BSOD. Does this make me as aware as you with Windows?

 

[glenthompson]

This is purely anecdotal, but most of the people I know who have Macs are not really that tech-savvy. Don't get me wrong, I'm pretty tech-savvy and I just bought a 13" rMBP, but when I think of the typical Mac user I think of my sister, who was constantly getting viruses and malware on her Windows computer until she got an 11" MacBook Air, or my mother, who barely understands how to use email, or my ex-girlfriend, who doesn't know what RAM is.

All of these people are firmly in the Apple ecosystem (owning iPhones, iPads, Macs), and none of them really understand technology.

Of course that doesn't mean that every Mac user is like that - I'm living proof that Mac users can be tech geeks too - but I can definitely understand where the stereotype comes from.

My family is the exact opposite. My wife & I are both retired IT professionals and the only Mac users in our families. Everybody else uses Windows. Their phones are Android or flip phones. My brother is the only one using any Apple device because we gave him my wife's old iPad.

 

[Acronyc]

Since I switched to Macs in late 2010, I've come across a few people who think I must know nothing about computers because I use a Mac. That attitude always amazed me as a DOS/Windows user for over 25 years, with lots of experience building my own PCs and troubleshooting for friends, family, and colleagues.

As others have said, who cares what other people think. I use Macs because I just don't have the time to tinker anymore, and I find OS X works a lot better for my personal use than Windows or other operating systems. I've found that the people who haven't actually used Macs or OS X are usually more prone to hate than those that have used both.

Even though I love Macs, I recognize they aren't for everyone and find no reason to criticize the choices of others. There are many great computers out there running many great operating systems.

 

[SomeGuyDude]

That they are stupid? It's not like I'm sitting here in a bright blue apple t-shirt with a gold chain bragging about my money lol.

It's like carrying one of these things is a big "hate on me" sign.

Apple products are very expensive, and unfortunately a lot of people use them as a status symbol over a useful device. I love my MBPr but I roll my eyes whenever I see someone with an Apple sticker on their car.

 

[TheEnthusiast]

*ahem*

Sorry, I must have struck a nerve or something to have you respond so scathingly to my post; but in my defense you make a lot of assumptions in your response that nowhere in my own post do I belie.

I will have you know, however, that I'm typing this post from an 8 year old Thinkpad X60 that has never had a BSOD. Does this make me as aware as you with Windows?

Wasn't scathing, I don't think, although tone can be so subjective over the Internet. I just hate the fact the people always give the impression that Windows will just give the BSOD multiple times per day, when it rarely happens and most of the times it's down to the user. Why you've never received a BSOD? Could be luck; I don't care regardless. And no, that doesn't make you as knowledgeable about Windows as I am.

 

[sjinsjca]

OP needs to fly more. Mac laptops outnumber Windows laptops handily nowadays. Frequent flyers value their reliability, portability and battery efficiency, plus the availability of local service and support at Apple Stores pretty much wherever they go.

Anyone who hates on Macs is simply revealing their ignorance and questionable taste.

Mostly, though, I'd bet it's just ignorance. Like folks who hate on BMWs... until they drive one.

 

[Asuriyan]

I think people tend to emphasize the form of a Mac over its function, despite the fact that they are designed to encompass both.

Personally speaking, the longevity of a Mac is the main selling point. I have three 2006-era Macs in my house that still see daily use. It's a combination of reliability and long-term usefulness.

Of course, with any brand that inspires a lot of loyalty you'll have people who buy just for the brand. I have a pair of Oakley sunglasses that I've had for going on 6 years now. They've survived a fairly serious car accident as well as the breaking of my nose by my 11-year-old nephew. I will certainly buy another pair of Oakleys if these get lost or broken. I like to think I'm a bit different than the type of person who buys them just for the O on the side. Did I overpay for sunglasses? $150 for 6 years of eye protection doesn't seem all that bad to me. Neither does $2000 for a laptop that gives me an almost-guaranteed 5 years of use.

 

[SomeGuyDude]

OP needs to fly more. Mac laptops outnumber Windows laptops handily nowadays. Frequent flyers value their reliability, portability and battery efficiency, plus the availability of local service and support at Apple Stores pretty much wherever they go.

Anyone who hates on Macs is simply revealing their ignorance and questionable taste.

Mostly, though, I'd bet it's just ignorance. Like folks who hate on BMWs... until they drive one.

It's worth saying that Macs outnumber Windows on airplanes likely because the people who can afford plane tickets can also afford to splurge on computers. Right now it feels as though PC manufacturers aren't really aiming at the "luxury" notebook market. Dell, Alienware, and a few "gaming" companies do, but now it's like a rush to see who can cram the most features into a $500 package.

I really do not think Macs or PCs are inherently better than one another. I am in the process of selling my Samsung devices for iOS ones and I'm on a MBPr but that's just because, at this point, they suit my needs. I don't like this notion that Macs are "high end" and Windows machines aren't like as a blanket statement. Beefy Windows desktop machines are outrageous. Top-end laptops are incredibly powerful. I just prefer Apple.

 

[Zeov]

Theres always the people who just hate Apple for whatever reason, it's not really the price they hate, because if they hate everything thats more expensive than the same spec (on the paper).. they would have a very busy life harrasing everything from coca cola consumers to ray ban wearers.


my argument is usually "I like the product, it works for me, and i can sell it at a really great price again, making it not that expensive compared to lets say a Lenovo laptop"

 

[zI INFINITY Iz]

What the .. While reading this thread it all came back to me: 2 years ago I was still one of these Apple haters

It's hard to remember exactly why I hated so much, since I'm now loving Apple products. Don't ask me how I suddenly changed my mind this drastically (it didn't happen in a few days).

For me the main reason for hating was that everybody (mainstream people with no tech-knowledge) around me were loving iPhone's and they really looked down on the first generations of Android phones (HTC Desire, Galaxy S2). I've actually never had an iPhone, only an iPod touch. Stubborn as I am, I went HTC Desire, S2, S3 and now HTC One. Down the road, more and more people around me started switching to Android. Now in 2013, Samsung's Galaxy line seems to have gotten more popular then the iPhone in the Netherlands ... and also now, I'm considering an iPhone 6 if it comes with a slightly larger screen, lol

I guess my smartphone (and general tech) needs/wants have changed though. I spend much less time tweaking my devices, flashing custom ROMs, kernels, etc. I'm just bored of it, don't have the time for it anymore and prefer stability, consistency and simplicity more then ever. These new needs have developed over the past 2 years, which is probably one of the main reasons my love for Apple has grown a lot.

Though I have to say that a big part of my Apple love came when I started looking into laptops again before the summer. Laptop wise, the MacBook's just appeal to me many times more then any Windows laptop. Same can be said about tablets: since the first iPad came out, there hasn't been a moment I thought an Android/Windows tablet is nicer then an iPad. Though tablets in general haven't convinced me yet.. but that's another thing. At this moment, I still prefer my HTC One over an iPhone 5S, but just a little. If the next iPhone has a larger screen, I might get my first iPhone ever.

Long story short: I think most of my hate towards Apple was a reaction to the ignorant iPhone users around me, bashing anything that wasn't made by Apple. I completely appreciate Apple products now, but I don't bash other products myself. At the end of October/November, I was preparing to buy a new 15" rMBP, while at the same time 2 other colleagues from work kept asking me for advice about a new laptop for themselves. I directly accepted that they don't want a Mac and understood why, didn't push that direction anymore and helped them find good Windows laptops. If I would get an iPhone, I wouldn't start hating on Android users.

Sorry to say, but it seems my hate towards Apple was caused by Apple users themselves years ago.

 

[Ccrew]

And then there's the Apple user like who contributes to the nonsense. In addition to OS X, I've been using Windows for a long time now and have never received the dreaded BSOD. Part of the reason for that is I am aware of what I am doing.

And another part of the issue is a closed ecosystem. Microsoft has come a long way with stability since they required drivers be signed, and frankly the newer versions of the OS's, especially on the server side are infinitely more stable. There's a lot of difference when you think of it with a OS manufacturer that is still supporting a 14yo OS (Windows XP) even on current gen hardware that really wasn't made ti run it. versus Apple who has killed off hardware much newer. Microsoft gets lambasted for things they do, but frankly Apple is a lot more onerous.

There's also a certain resignation to Windows users to accept a level of instability if you've used it for years through the fiascos that were Windows ME and to a certain extent Vista for examples - although Vista was cut off at the knees by drivers more than anything else.

Walking into an Apple store and listening to people's complaints though OSX is nothing more than a light up typewriter to most and I'll also say that working as an enterprise admin by far some of my most clueless user base are on Mac's.

I like Apple, I own Apple gear - lots of it, but by far I'm totally agnostic and also own and manage Windows and there are positives and negatives to any platform.

 

[Quu]

Only online have I been mocked for owning an Apple product. Sometimes when I say I have an iPhone, iPad or MacBook Pro I'll get a response like "Apple is overpriced junk" or something to that effect.

But I take no notice. I own lots of products from lots of different companies and all have their pros and cons. Blind advocacy or hate towards a brand is stupid. Apple has had some awesome products and they've had some terrible ones.

I'm a person, so treat me like a person.

 

[Abazigal]

IMO, whether I an tech savvy or not has no relation to my choice of platform or device.

Back when I had problems with windows (and I had a lot of them), my first course of action is usually to browse the web for a solution. Not at all unlike what I do on my Mac today. It's not like any of us is born naturally knowing how to work a computer. We all have to learn somewhere. If I seem more knowledgeable about windows, it is because I have used it far longer (20 years compared to 2 years on a Mac) and have encountered way more issues.

The main difference is that for me at least, OSX generally gives me far fewer problems compared to windows. Usually, when I do research online, it is more on how to work a certain feature like Automator, rather than troubleshoot a particular issue. In fact, OSX comes with more functionality right out of the box (such as a very capable PDF viewer / annotator), so I an actually able to get more done, with comparable or less effort compared to if I were to perform the same task on windows.

So the crux of the matter here is not that I have less experience solving problems in my Mac, but more that I don't even need to in the first place. Who in their right mind goes around bragging that they have more experience troubleshooting problems on their PC? Isn't that like admitting that their computer gives them more problems than anyone else's?

 

[kazmac]

I still get this from family

but that's okay; one sister rebuilt her PC a good 5x in the last year alone (she's had it for almost a decade now and money is tight.)

I understand the need for both platforms as Windows 7 has made my work PC a bit easier to deal with.

Yeah, I am not as tech savvy with Macs as I sometimes like to think, that's fine. I love the ease of use and as long as Apple continue to provide this, I'll keep using them. If that brings on the haters, works for me. It is what is best for you, not anyone else.

 

[jmoore5196]

It usually a combination of stubbornness and insecurity. I work in a mixed environment and have a friend group that varies in usage, so there is a group that likes to "joke" about it. For the record, all the tech savvy people at work are Mac people except for 1 guy who is PC/Android. I am know to use a lot of Apple stuff.

I never tell anyone how great Apple stuff is or brag etc. However, I do get a lot of questions about "how to do stuff" on the computer...which is a Mac or PC.

I have totally forgotten how to use a PC more or less. So what usually ends up happening is I get an email or phone call, with a long story about how someone is frustrated they can't edit a PDF/sign a PDF/presentation is wrong/videos don't work/something doesn't sync etc etc. I then send them a 1-4 step answer for Mac, which is either a free or cheap solution, or involves buying an apple device that does EXACTLY what they want reliably (wireless backup)

They then get mad because "they don't have a mac" or "that program cost money" (keep in mind this is for something that is usually kind of important). So they spend about 3 weeks trying to figure it out, get a fix from the PC guy, it breaks, they can't do it reliably etc etc. You would think after a while the aggravation would be not worth.

So I honestly think they just take it out on the mac user. I mean, I get jokes about how my gear is expensive. Sure, it cost more. But guess who's calendar, email and documents are always up to date and synced? Who edits and signs PDFs professionally in a matter of minute? Who's presentations work and are formatted correctly on the projector? And the video come with my presentations too. And so on and so forth.

That all being said, there are Apple users who also don't know how to use their computers. But they usually get their stuff figured out much faster and the solutions last longer.

I guess some people are just penny wise and pound foolish.

More to the point: Most people have no clue what their time is really worth ... or, to them, time has no value at all. They can afford to spend hours to find a solution that doesn't "cost money" because they attach no value to the time or effort required to save a few quid.

I learned years ago that everything I do means there's something else I cannot do. In a perfect world, everyone would understand that time is a finite resource. Those who perceive time as worthless and money as a scarce commodity probably deserve what they get. I like to think that these people are Microsoft's lawful prey.

 

[Montymitch]

These little wars are part of what makes life worth living. It would be terribly boring if we all agreed and had the same machines.
On the other hand, it was hilarious to walk into a coffee shop in SLC and see Apple after Apple after Apple with one sad Acer user sheepishly doing work . It's the stuff comic strips are made of.

 

[takeshi74]

Is there a reason some people see a mac user and think

That they are stupid?

As always, consider the source. There are any number of reasons including (but not limited to) ignorance, prejudice, insecurity, etc. That's not unique to those with opinions of Mac users. People make the same ridiculous generalizations about any group(s) of people whether the groups are defined by brand affinity, gender, race, nationality, religion, interests or any other possible method out there for grouping people.

Why does it matter what such people think? It's evident that they don't bother to put much thought into it and leap to judgement instead.

It's like carrying one of these things is a big "hate on me" sign.

I don't see the analogy but I don't worry over what people think of me based solely on my laptop brand. Millions of Macbook users are not all identical. Millions of Windows-based laptop users aren't all identical either.

 

[AppleMacNerd]

OP needs to fly more. Mac laptops outnumber Windows laptops handily nowadays. Frequent flyers value their reliability, portability and battery efficiency, plus the availability of local service and support at Apple Stores pretty much wherever they go.

Anyone who hates on Macs is simply revealing their ignorance and questionable taste.

Mostly, though, I'd bet it's just ignorance. Like folks who hate on BMWs... until they drive one.

This is a VERY good point if you was a frequent flyer with really good reliability & battery life neither the less you can get the same spec etc in a windows laptop just to be fair to both users on this forum. I have my custom gaming PC at home running Windows 7 and it's great on the other hand I've got a MBA that's amazing for portability & power elsewhere which over previous windows laptops I have had is much better although that could of been my decision on the laptops I've chosen in the past I guess I will never know.

Although in college in the United Kingdom and a Student who studies both ICT & Computer Science. Lets say some very long debates have happened between Apple & Windows and the big question I ask to most of them is 'Have you ever used a mac' the answer most of the time 'no' followed by a lengthy paragraph about price & spec proving your point sjinsjca of pure ignorance.

And back to your point sjinsjca if you were travelling countries a lot having an apple store every where you go and been able to use them for your product if needed is very handy indeed! Bought mine in the UK went to see family in USA laptop broke yet the US stores are just as happy to help you as much as they are in the UK and yes the problem got solved in a different country that the mac was bought from!

 

[redkamel]

More to the point: Most people have no clue what their time is really worth ... or, to them, time has no value at all. They can afford to spend hours to find a solution that doesn't "cost money" because they attach no value to the time or effort required to save a few quid.

I learned years ago that everything I do means there's something else I cannot do. In a perfect world, everyone would understand that time is a finite resource. Those who perceive time as worthless and money as a scarce commodity probably deserve what they get. I like to think that these people are Microsoft's lawful prey.

Exactly. I liked windows when I used it. I switched to Apple because I needed a new laptop and they made the best ones at the time (and still do IMO, but back then it was much more clear).

The time I saved in setting things up and making things work/sync, was much better used keeping my data organized, backed up, and doing other things. I understand how people love to tinker though. It was fun building PCs in colleges and getting new graphics cards. Now I never rebuild my computer, never do a OS re-install, never troubleshoot. I just get just get a new laptop every 2-4 years depending on my needs, clean install OS, and transfer over everything. All my stuff works how I want it to and it rarely has a breakdown.

 

[jerrykur]

Thinking that Windows or Macs are superior is silly to me. They are different. I use both every day (and Linux systems) and each system has they own issues and strengths.

 

[sjinsjca]

Thinking that Windows or Macs are superior is silly to me. They are different. I use both every day (and Linux systems) and each system has they own issues and strengths.

Well, some of us come to the Mac world having sampled everything else. Within cat-swinging distance of me as I type are several Linux machines, a Sun workstation and several Windows machines.

The Windows machines cause me way more than their share of problems and annoyances. So, yes, I'd say they are inferior. The Sun's basically a pretty boat-anchor, supplanted by superior open-source stuff that is more cost-efficient. The Linux machines do serving of various functionalities, at which they excel-- but I used Linux as my desktop for a couple years and just found it less than fully productive due to lousy font management, crappy software and geektastic support adventures. So when I want to get stuff done, I turn to my rMBP. It's the least troublesome, most functional, fastest to accomplish tasks, and its screen the easiest on the eyes. And when I travel, I know I'm able to get it serviced or pick up a charger or something if i need one, because there are friendly Apple stores in every metropolis now.

Superior is in the eye of the beholder, and for my usage the Mac is the superior desktop choice by a long mile. And Linux is the best choice for a server. Poor Sun. Poor Windows.

 

[Justinhub2003]

I used to be a Mac Hater.

4 years ago I hated everything Apple. Now everything I own is Apple.

My number 1 reason for hating Mac (at least thinking back now) is ignorance. I grew up on Windows and its all I knew. My Lack of familiarity made me misunderstand OS X and thus hate it.

Number 2: I couldn't afford a Mac, so bashing it to make my self feel better about my PC purchases was easy to do. As a 21 year old i could never justify a computer so expensive, but obviously the older you get the more money you make and the more you value experience and time over raw upfront money. Im 29 now and consider Macs to be the cheap option when it comes to piece of mind.

I'd literally argue with OS X users about petty things like App selection, form over function and price but now as a full blown OS X user at both work and home (and All Apple ecosystem as well) I have found that the apps on OS X are far better than anything on Windows. They are well built, and also well functional. When I first switched to OS X I kept a bootcamp partition because I was told I would miss windows so much. I deleted that partition just 6 months after being a Mac user. Same goes for form over function, I was dead wrong. Why did I once believe that if something was beautiful it had to be dumbed down or vice versa. They can be both.