Switcher article

[FrenchPB]

Hey guys,

I've been asked to contribute to an article in a famous French magazine to talk about the Mac. The journalist basically asked me the following four questions, on which I'd like your input to make the most of this opportunity to defend the Mac

1. Why did you stop using a PC ?
2. Did you have any problem using a Mac for the first time, how hard was it to feel comfortable with it ?
3. What's missing on Mac OS X that you could have on Windows ?
4. Would you go back to a PC in the future ?

Thank you guys for your answers, I'll compile them all and send them back to the journalist.

 

[saltyzoo]

1. Why did you stop using a PC ?

Probably the biggest reason is the "unix" underpinnings of OS X. Stability being a close second.

2. Did you have any problem using a Mac for the first time, how hard was it to feel comfortable with it ?

Once you get over a handful of minor differences you get comfortable quickly.

3. What's missing on Mac OS X that you could have on Windows ?

The only thing I haven't found replacement software for is good GPS routing software (Like DeLorme)

4. Would you go back to a PC in the future ?

Highly unlikely, but 5 years ago I would have said I'd not likely switch to a mac....

 

[AlexisV]

1. Why did you stop using a PC ?

Because of the disappointment of Vista. It was nice at first, but over time it became more and more obvious it was merely Win XP with a new skin. Everything is so complicated and the old navigation methods (start menu, taskbar etc.) are seriously outdated. They've been there for 12 years now - things need to move on.
Not to mention the virus/spyware issue. Instead of making the OS immune, it still relies on antivirus updates every day and silly add ons like 'Windows Defender'. I don't want to know if it's trying to stop viruses or spyware - I just want to forget about things like that and know I'm immune without having to be bothered by such things.

2. Did you have any problem using a Mac for the first time, how hard was it to feel comfortable with it ?

(casting my mind back) - it takes a bit of getting used to if you're used to Windows, but you're unlikely to run into many problems. The best thing the the navigation system, with the dock.

3. What's missing on Mac OS X that you could have on Windows ?

Gaming. But Bootcamp fixes that now.

4. Would you go back to a PC in the future ?

No. There are no PCs out there that I know of that go beyond the loud box next to a monitor philosophy. Macs are so nicely designed that you feel like you own a very special product. It's why the iPod does so well - they're quality products that no other MP3 player seems to be able to match.

 

[FrenchPB]

Thanks for the quick replies... any more stories before I send out the answers ?

 

[CashGap]

1. Why did you stop using a PC ?

After 25 years using Microsoft operating systems, I was ready for something that worked and the Mac promised that.

2. Did you have any problem using a Mac for the first time, how hard was it to feel comfortable with it ?

About an hour to be basically familiar, a week to be comfortable, and a month to be really competent.

3. What's missing on Mac OS X that you could have on Windows ?

Viruses, spyware, reboots, lockups... that's about it.

4. Would you go back to a PC in the future ?

Not based on what I know of the Microsoft OS and Apple OS roadmaps. If they change SIGNIFICANTLY, maybe. But not likely.

 

[eleanorrigby]

1. Why did you stop using a PC ?

My PC, which was only about 3 years old, was running really slowly and crashing regularly, I just got fed up with it. A friend of mine had just bought an iMac and recommended I switch. I took the plunge and have never regretted it.

2. Did you have any problem using a Mac for the first time, how hard was it to feel comfortable with it ?

Not hard. There are a few things you need to get used to but I think overall it's way more intuitive than Windows.

3. What's missing on Mac OS X that you could have on Windows ?

Viruses?

4. Would you go back to a PC in the future ?

Never. I wince every time I have to go into work and load up Windows, it just feels like a step back in time. I my Macs!

BTW which magazine is it? I used to live in France, still have some family over there...

 

[rfrankl]

1. Why did you stop using a PC ?

After 25 years using Microsoft operating systems, I was ready for something that worked and the Mac promised that.

2. Did you have any problem using a Mac for the first time, how hard was it to feel comfortable with it ?

About an hour to be basically familiar, a week to be comfortable, and a month to be really competent.

3. What's missing on Mac OS X that you could have on Windows ?

Viruses, spyware, reboots, lockups... that's about it.

4. Would you go back to a PC in the future ?

Not based on what I know of the Microsoft OS and Apple OS roadmaps. If they change SIGNIFICANTLY, maybe. But not likely.

#3 is great!

 

[Kamera RAWr]

1. I stopped using a PC because I was ready to try something different. Mac had a pretty good reputation with people who knew anything about them. Also they just looked really cool (I was shallow, at first) .

2. I can't remember any specific problems I had learning the OS. There were a few things I had to ask about, but can't remember now. Its pretty intuitive, at least to me.

3. Personally, I'm not missing anything from windows. Mainly because all I did on the old PC was email, internet, iTunes and basic stuff like that. All stuff I can just as easily do on Mac. I appreciate Macs more now though, since I've gotten into photography.

4. I can't say whether I'd go back to PCs or not. No one knows what will be out there in 5 or 10 years. For now though, I'm happy where I'm at with Macs.

 

[FrenchPB]

I love it too, that will make for a great answer Keep it coming guys, I'll post a copy of the article or give you a link as soon as possible.