Christmas 2006, before I had ever become interested in things such as iPhones, Macs, and Apple, I was very excited to receive a very basic entry-level toshiba laptop. That laptop died in May (God help his soul) and ever since I have been on the lookout for a laptop, but really never gave any other company thought, besides Apple. Rather than make a mistake I did a lot of reading up on Apple, Dell, Sony, and HP. But I still found Apple to be the winner. My parents aren't very computer literate and have only ever used Windows machines, so when I told them about Apple and how great macs were, they immediately put it way up on a pedistol and felt that they were only suitable for computer gods. They insist that I buy a Dell and have zero intentions of changing their minds. I told them that I would prefer to spend my own money so that I can get what I want, but they also insist that they buy it which gives them more influence over the decision and to make matters worse they have been listening to a quack job computer repairman who despises apple because he is not licensed to work on them. I told my parents that if I got an apple it probably wouldn't need to be wrked on but they persist. So other than telling them about compatibility with Windows in Mac OSX which I constantly tell them about (they don't understand) and hide the dell sales papers that come in the newspaper, what do I do???
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My Parents Hate Apple
- Thread starter drs68
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Explain how there aren't any viruses for Macs. Macs might cost a little bit more but when you factor in the quality of the product and the various apps that come on it and 3rd party apps you can get for free it quickly evens out - plus Macs tend to last quite a while
Consider yourself privileged that they are buying you a computer at all?
Most people don't have that luxury. (I certainly didn't.)
My first laptop was a Dell, which I had likes and dislikes with. I did a lot of research myself, and when I found the macbook I wanted, I saved seemingly endlessly for months and months, finally when I had enough to cover the extra cost after selling my Dell laptop, I made the switch and have not looked back.
If it's that important to you, just save your own money- tell your parents you want to make your own mistakes this time (my parents seemed to like that, intsead of just saying "I don't need your help!")
Good luck.
Most people don't have that luxury. (I certainly didn't.)
My first laptop was a Dell, which I had likes and dislikes with. I did a lot of research myself, and when I found the macbook I wanted, I saved seemingly endlessly for months and months, finally when I had enough to cover the extra cost after selling my Dell laptop, I made the switch and have not looked back.
If it's that important to you, just save your own money- tell your parents you want to make your own mistakes this time (my parents seemed to like that, intsead of just saying "I don't need your help!")
Good luck.
You may let them know that the new Macs can run Windows AND OSX. The Dell is technically Windows only. It may be very difficult to change their minds but as suggested in a previous post, take them to an Apple store and let them see for themselves.
tell them Apple was the fastest Vista laptop PC in 2007.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/136649-3/in_pictures_the_most_notable_notebooks_of_2007.html
http://www.pcworld.com/article/136649-3/in_pictures_the_most_notable_notebooks_of_2007.html
Definitely, stay your ground especially since you can put together your own money to buy your laptop. You'll be the one using the laptop and if you get the wrong one, it would only cause issues in the future for yourself and possibly resentment towards your parents.
Be nice, but persistent in saying that it would mean a lot to you to buy it yourself (growing up and all that) and to have their support. It sounds like they don't understand computers so it may be futile to convince them that way.
Hopefully, you'll get a Mac and when you do, make a family album from iPhoto. Sometimes, it's seeing an end product that gets people to understand.
Be nice, but persistent in saying that it would mean a lot to you to buy it yourself (growing up and all that) and to have their support. It sounds like they don't understand computers so it may be futile to convince them that way.
Hopefully, you'll get a Mac and when you do, make a family album from iPhoto. Sometimes, it's seeing an end product that gets people to understand.
I would use Vista as an argument against the Dell. (They don't know you can still get XP on them, do they?)
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I tried to explain to them about stuff like that. See my high school has IBM computers running Windows XP and they were worried that OSX wouldn't be as compatible as Vista. I explained that iWork was compatible with the new Microsoft Office for Windows and that there was even Office for Mac. I also explained that Bootcamp and Parallels Desktop allow you to run Vista on your Mac but they don't understand (like I said) and they believe that such things would cost an ungodly amount of more money. And, btw, I also explained about the no viruses thing, and my mom said that the computer guy (the quack I was talking about) said some nonsense about Microsoft helping build things for Apple and that they would be getting viruses soon enough. And yeah I know that that is completely retarded and untrue...which I told her. Thanks for the help! Keep it coming.
I tried to explain to them about stuff like that. See my high school has IBM computers running Windows XP and they were worried that OSX wouldn't be as compatible as Vista. I explained that iWork was compatible with the new Microsoft Office for Windows and that there was even Office for Mac. I also explained that Bootcamp and Parallels Desktop allow you to run Vista on your Mac but they don't understand (like I said) and they believe that such things would cost an ungodly amount of more money. And, btw, I also explained about the no viruses thing, and my mom said that the computer guy (the quack I was talking about) said some nonsense about Microsoft helping build things for Apple and that they would be getting viruses soon enough. And yeah I know that that is completely retarded and untrue...which I told her.
Thanks for the help! Keep it coming.I would use Vista as an argument against the Dell. (They don't know you can still get XP on them, do they?)
That's great! I may have mentioned it a couple times about how nasty vista is, but i'm sure that if i nag about the problems with Vista that will surely help. The want to buy me some cheapo 400 dollar inspiron and it wont happen! I have a stack of dell sales papers under my bed, hidden!
Thanks for the continuous help; i didn't think i would get replies this fast!
If you're paying for it and you save up the money for it, they have no power or say in your decision. Kindly decline their offer to pay for it (maybe suggest something else instead, like a printer or some school supplies). Then when they see how awesome it is and want to use it, only give them a taste so that they have to go get their own.
Have them read this posting by Chris Pirillo -- a (formerly) self-proclaimed mac hater: http://chris.pirillo.com/2008/02/14/50-reasons-to-switch-from-microsoft-windows-to-apples-mac-os-x/
I tried to explain to them about stuff like that. See my high school has IBM computers running Windows XP and they were worried that OSX wouldn't be as compatible as Vista. I explained that iWork was compatible with the new Microsoft Office for Windows and that there was even Office for Mac. I also explained that Bootcamp and Parallels Desktop allow you to run Vista on your Mac but they don't understand (like I said) and they believe that such things would cost an ungodly amount of more money. And, btw, I also explained about the no viruses thing, and my mom said that the computer guy (the quack I was talking about) said some nonsense about Microsoft helping build things for Apple and that they would be getting viruses soon enough. And yeah I know that that is completely retarded and untrue...which I told her.
He was probably saying that because Apple adopted Intel into their computers, that they are just as susceptible to viruses as PCs are.
That's what my PC-loving, Mac-hating computer guy told my parents.
Tell them you've done all the research.
-Tell them you're paying for quality
-Tell them that if theyre only willing to pay so much, that you'll supplement however extra it costs
-Tell them you can make your own mistakes (I liked that one), but that based on your research, it won't be (but of course one can always get a buggy one, which can be easily replaced under warranty)
-Take them to an Apple store and have them talk to one of the employees there. Sure, they glorify Apple to no end, and they might not be telling whole truths, but if you want a Mac, that's a good thing - and I bet your parents would bite.
I know it sounds deceitful, but they must be convinced!
lol. maybe you are adopted!! hahahaha!
but on a serious note: if you want it that badly, perhaps buy one yourself, with your money. I know i could never convince my parents to buy a Mac (heck, they bought a gateway almost 8 years ago, and it's still running. . i doubt there will ever be a computer to run that long. . ever again. unless apple has a mac that could run for 8 years and not suck, they might consider). They think they're too expensive and it's nothing special. So what am i doing? I have been saving for about 10 months or so, and i'm getting one myself. they have jurisdiction over my money. their money? yeah, they have the say in it. your money? don't think so.
but if you really can't wait that long for a mac, i would do what iShater suggested; take them to an apple retailer store and let them experience mac for themselves. First-hand experience is always the best experience.
best of luck!
but on a serious note: if you want it that badly, perhaps buy one yourself, with your money. I know i could never convince my parents to buy a Mac (heck, they bought a gateway almost 8 years ago, and it's still running. . i doubt there will ever be a computer to run that long. . ever again. unless apple has a mac that could run for 8 years and not suck, they might consider). They think they're too expensive and it's nothing special. So what am i doing? I have been saving for about 10 months or so, and i'm getting one myself. they have jurisdiction over my money. their money? yeah, they have the say in it. your money? don't think so.
but if you really can't wait that long for a mac, i would do what iShater suggested; take them to an apple retailer store and let them experience mac for themselves. First-hand experience is always the best experience.
best of luck!
Just my 2 cents worth - you will have more compatibility issues with Vista than you will with Mac.
I have a background in this. I was using Microsoft Expression Web, Office 2007 (Word, Publisher, Excel), Photoshop, all on Windows XP. So when I purchased my Mac, which I've only been a convert for 6 months now, I installed Parallels immediately so that I could continue using all that expensive software.
To make a long story short, I probably use Windows XP once a week, to run Quicken for my finances. (I run a business, and Quicken for Windows is the only software I have not been able to replace with Mac Software.) All the Mac software is actually easier for me to use than the Windows versions.
The only viruses I have to worry about are my friends' Windows machines!
All the peripherals that were running on my Windows PC installed and ran without a hitch the first time.
I purchased my Mac on eBay and saved a TON of money. I got my Mac for less than I would have paid for a comparable Windows computer. *However, I only recommend that if you are familiar with eBay and feel comfortable shopping there. There are other threads that could help you with that if you want to consider it.
Good luck with your parents; all the info you're getting from this thread should be helping you to hone your salesperson skills!
I also recommend going to the Apple store, it's an impressive place and could really help you to close the sale!
I have a background in this. I was using Microsoft Expression Web, Office 2007 (Word, Publisher, Excel), Photoshop, all on Windows XP. So when I purchased my Mac, which I've only been a convert for 6 months now, I installed Parallels immediately so that I could continue using all that expensive software.
To make a long story short, I probably use Windows XP once a week, to run Quicken for my finances. (I run a business, and Quicken for Windows is the only software I have not been able to replace with Mac Software.) All the Mac software is actually easier for me to use than the Windows versions.
The only viruses I have to worry about are my friends' Windows machines!
All the peripherals that were running on my Windows PC installed and ran without a hitch the first time.
I purchased my Mac on eBay and saved a TON of money. I got my Mac for less than I would have paid for a comparable Windows computer. *However, I only recommend that if you are familiar with eBay and feel comfortable shopping there. There are other threads that could help you with that if you want to consider it.
Good luck with your parents; all the info you're getting from this thread should be helping you to hone your salesperson skills!
I also recommend going to the Apple store, it's an impressive place and could really help you to close the sale!
Your parents sound like my parents...I don't know about you, but I think it has a lot to do with being asian sad to say.
My parents too put apple on a pedestal and are frightened by their flash, prices and compatibility. If your parents are like mine, I wouldn't take them to the apple store - sure it would let them take their first step into an apple world, but they would see the prices and run. Why buy an apple product that *may* have compatibility issues, over a surefire XP machine for half the price? (this is assuming your parents are going for the basic machines).
Anyway, I eventually got through to them: by buying a used apple computer and living off that thing for a while. I told them I got it for $300 (which I did because I fixed a harddisk problem) and they got to see what the build quality and ease of use was like.
Baby steps pretty much.
My parents too put apple on a pedestal and are frightened by their flash, prices and compatibility. If your parents are like mine, I wouldn't take them to the apple store - sure it would let them take their first step into an apple world, but they would see the prices and run. Why buy an apple product that *may* have compatibility issues, over a surefire XP machine for half the price? (this is assuming your parents are going for the basic machines).
Anyway, I eventually got through to them: by buying a used apple computer and living off that thing for a while. I told them I got it for $300 (which I did because I fixed a harddisk problem) and they got to see what the build quality and ease of use was like.
Baby steps pretty much.
peabody has a point, the prices at the store may hurt your case more than helping. We don't know your parents, so you'll have to make that decision on your own.
I think Apples products really appear to us kids (such as me) more than adults. My mom uses my MBP sometimes when she needs to look something up, and she also has a MacMini set up. I got my mom to switch when our eMachine died last year. She loves the mac and how small it is. However, my Dad is not on the bandwagon. He knows all about Apple, has no problem buying them for me and my family, but he cannot leave Windows. He needed to use my MBP on vacation and he was going nuts because he couldnt find "start" and Internet Explorer. I couldnt stop laughing. Then he was flipping out because the keyboard doesnt have the old school delete key. I dont know anybody that uses that anymore! Its really funny. I am trying to make him get rid of his crappy 2003 Averatec (Yeah I know!) laptop with a 1.2GHz AMD processor and 256MB RAM. Its a joke, he keep complaining how slow it is. I think parents dont understand until they actually use one.
Explain to them that the price argument is so played, as described here and here to name a few.
Sure you can order a sub $500 desktop at Dell or others, but when comparing prices of Macs and PCs with similar specifications, Apple is right on par. You get what you pay for.
Plus consider that with a PC, you have to buy virus protection, and if you want anything comparable to iLife, you have to pay for that too. Additionally, I would bank on a Mac lasting longer than a PC.
My girlfriend and her family were the biggest "I hate Apple" group. Then between seeing my MacBook Pro and playing at the Apple store, they all now have Macs and wouldn't go back. In the end, spend your money if they aren't willing to buy your preferred computer. You are the one who has to live with it.
Sure you can order a sub $500 desktop at Dell or others, but when comparing prices of Macs and PCs with similar specifications, Apple is right on par. You get what you pay for.
Plus consider that with a PC, you have to buy virus protection, and if you want anything comparable to iLife, you have to pay for that too. Additionally, I would bank on a Mac lasting longer than a PC.
My girlfriend and her family were the biggest "I hate Apple" group. Then between seeing my MacBook Pro and playing at the Apple store, they all now have Macs and wouldn't go back. In the end, spend your money if they aren't willing to buy your preferred computer. You are the one who has to live with it.
Wow my parents weren't hard at all my mom bought my brother a iMac g5 and bought it for my brother for like photoshop and such and she used it and was amazed what it could do now she says only buy a mac :O Pcs are crap. So the moral of the story is make ur parents try out a mac and see what its like...And well my dad just uses a pc and sometimes my macbook he doesnt care as long as he can get on the internet but prefers my macbook since its so much faster then this 2001 pc we have which takes a min to open firefox 2... As mentioned by others Show them a mac and make them try it out.
Holy ****.... why are so many parents like this!? My parent's never bought me a computer at all, but damn....
As a related story, both of my parents have PC's and they are constantly having problems with ****, and they are really confused by Windows. They've gone through 3-4 PC's each while I've own the same Mac G5 desktop, and whenever they actually need **** done, they have me do it on my Mac. But for some reason, they are really not interested in getting a mac themselves. Every time they are about to buy a new computer, they ask for my advice, because I 'know what I'm talking about'. I tell 'em to go with Apple, but they always come home with some ********, low end PC.
And then they say "Oh, I don't have to worry about viruses, 'cause this one came with free norton!"
EYES ROLL!
Take whatever computer they give you - DON'T open it - SELL IT - and then put it towards the Apple. Grow some balls and tell them that you are sick of them making decisions for you that they are not qualified to make. Tell 'em that you appreciate the help, but you are a grown man, and if they wanna help, they can help you YOUR way!
Seriously, try taking a stand. It sounds like it might be good for your relationship overall honestly!
halcyo
As a related story, both of my parents have PC's and they are constantly having problems with ****, and they are really confused by Windows. They've gone through 3-4 PC's each while I've own the same Mac G5 desktop, and whenever they actually need **** done, they have me do it on my Mac. But for some reason, they are really not interested in getting a mac themselves. Every time they are about to buy a new computer, they ask for my advice, because I 'know what I'm talking about'. I tell 'em to go with Apple, but they always come home with some ********, low end PC.
And then they say "Oh, I don't have to worry about viruses, 'cause this one came with free norton!"
EYES ROLL!
Take whatever computer they give you - DON'T open it - SELL IT - and then put it towards the Apple. Grow some balls and tell them that you are sick of them making decisions for you that they are not qualified to make. Tell 'em that you appreciate the help, but you are a grown man, and if they wanna help, they can help you YOUR way!
Seriously, try taking a stand. It sounds like it might be good for your relationship overall honestly!
halcyo
Recent convert myself, my parents allowed me £500 to buy a new PC With, but i tried and tried to allow me to stretch to a Macbook, as that is what i really wanted, whilst they were against Apple, knowing it was more expensive, and different software etc. (And my dads PC knowledge peak being the 90's :S) it wasnt easy, so i decided to save up for the Macbook myself, and also use the £500 they allowed me to buy a computer. As i grew, i found myself with an Acer Desktop, which i used the £500 for, this was 2 Novembers ago. Happy with my new machine, but still wanting apple, i got an iPod Video, then early this year, an iPod touch, all the while saving the money i wanted. Truth be told i started saving last november, when my PC started to fell slow. and in 7 months i managed to scrounge and save, and sell to get the £900 i needed, but having seen my struggle to afford the macbook i wanted, they said i could have another £500 towards it, and get the base MBP, but seeing the extra power, and my growing need for power, i saved the final £100, making my saving £1000 in 7 months, and i finally went and purchased my 15" Top Spec MBP, and i absolutely love it! My parents have warmed to it aswell, and having pulled out the bootcamp trick, i may know what my dads next laptop will be...
find a dell laptop thats very expensive,a lot more then a macbook/macbookpro and say you want that. Then when they say no, keep saying you want it. Then suggest to get the macbook or pro since its cheaper...
My dad was like that. He wanted me to take his current laptop. its a nice one.. not that old. but i wanted a macbook. He wasnt thrilled about it but he said that he wont be able to fix it or anything cause he only knows dells. He isnt a repairman or anything he just is good at some of it... but i didnt get it yet and hes fine with me getting it. Im using my graduation money and they are contributing to as a gift.... I know he isnt thrilled with me getting it, but i know once i do, he will say " let me see it" then 10min later be very impressed and say "Great choice"
My dad was like that. He wanted me to take his current laptop. its a nice one.. not that old. but i wanted a macbook. He wasnt thrilled about it but he said that he wont be able to fix it or anything cause he only knows dells. He isnt a repairman or anything he just is good at some of it... but i didnt get it yet and hes fine with me getting it. Im using my graduation money and they are contributing to as a gift.... I know he isnt thrilled with me getting it, but i know once i do, he will say " let me see it" then 10min later be very impressed and say "Great choice"
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