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What do you say to combat this long standing Mac myth?

J

jc0481

macrumors regular
Original poster
Mar 16, 2005
228
0
I was talking with a neighbor of mine about getting an iMac. He asks why? But he doesn't let me answer. He goes on to say "are you a graphics artist or work with video a lot"? That's all the Mac is good for.

I really didn't know what to say. I still couldn't believe what I was hearing. I thought in this day & age we would be more informed consumers on technology.

So let's hear your best reply back to this long standing Mac myth.
 
jc0481 said:
I was talking with a neighbor of mine about getting an iMac. He asks why? But he doesn't let me answer. He goes on to say "are you a graphics artist or work with video a lot"? That's all the Mac is good for.

I really didn't know what to say. I still couldn't believe what I was hearing. I thought in this day & age we would be more informed consumers on technology.

So let's hear your best reply back to this long standing Mac myth.
Click to expand...


I usually say I enjoy using a computer that can't run Microsoft Office or connect to the Internet.
 
If or when someone wants to debate why I use a Mac I either tune them out or walk away. There is no point in me wasting time on anyone who feels the need to convert me. Likewise, I don't bother converting others unless they approach me and want to understand why I believe a Mac is a better option.
 
jc0481 said:
I was talking with a neighbor of mine about getting an iMac. He asks why? But he doesn't let me answer. He goes on to say "are you a graphics artist or work with video a lot"? That's all the Mac is good for.

I really didn't know what to say. I still couldn't believe what I was hearing. I thought in this day & age we would be more informed consumers on technology.

So let's hear your best reply back to this long standing Mac myth.
Click to expand...

At this point I usually say, "Yes I am." ;)
 
Happybunny said:
At this point I usually say, "Yes I am." ;)
Click to expand...

I would never say that. My brother IS a graphics artist and when folks around him find out, they try to bum free work off him. "Can you help me with this." "Can you photoshop me into this picture" and so on. Nightmare scenario, bro.

I always answer, "No, but I play one on TV.":D
 
I avoid religious debates, political debates and computer/phone debates equally
I have found them all to be rather pointless with no minds changed, especially mine

I respect the opinions of others and don't try to change them
Which gives me the freedom to request they do the same for me :)
 
MacDawg said:
I avoid religious debates, political debates and computer/phone debates equally
I have found them all to be rather pointless with no minds changed, especially mine

I respect the opinions of others and don't try to change them
Which gives me the freedom to request they do the same for me :)
Click to expand...

Perfect reply, I agree 100% with this.
 
I understand that it isn't about having a heated debate with a stubborn anti-Mac dummy, but rather just educating/informing someone who doesn't know any better.

I usually tell people that yes, while it is great for graphics and A/V, it can do basically anything else a PC can do. I'll ask them what type of programs they use and I point to the Mac compatible or Mac equivalent versions. I point out the fact that Macs (in my experience) have proven to be more stable, faster, and far less prone to virsuses and general "slow down" that PC's (that aren't adequately taken care of) suffer over time. Then I usually finish with something like, "and, if you NEEEEED to run Windows, you can install that on a Mac too."
 
GoCubsGo said:
If or when someone wants to debate why I use a Mac I either tune them out or walk away. There is no point in me wasting time on anyone who feels the need to convert me. Likewise, I don't bother converting others unless they approach me and want to understand why I believe a Mac is a better option.
Click to expand...

Best answer yet. Don't waste time on closed minds.
 
My real preference would be a Linux distro, but using a Mac is the next closet thing and it comes with a good range of software available and decent hardware build quality.

I just remind them of the Windows woes and niggles they have to tolerate. They understand when I say I do not want to have to put up with Windows.
 
I can't quite remember the quote, but it was something like
Macs are for the creative
Linux is for the programers
and windows is for solitaire.
People who don't get Macs have never used them. Why would you want to think different? I sometimes defend my corner, sometimes walk away. Depends on my mood!
 
In any discussion I have with anyone about anything debatable (computers, automobiles, services, etc.) I try to stick to talking only from my personal perspective. In other words I'm happy to share why I believe something to be the best choice for me. Whether it's the best choice for them is only a decision they can make for themselves. With stuff that ultimately comes down to personal preference it's not up to me to tell someone else what they should do.

So, if someone asks me about computers then I'll gladly tell them I'm an Apple person and that I make this choice because of the positive experiences I've had with Apple products.
 
mscriv said:
In any discussion I have with anyone about anything debatable (computers, automobiles, services, etc.) I try to stick to talking only from my personal perspective. In other words I'm happy to share why I believe something to be the best choice for me. Whether it's the best choice for them is only a decision they can make for themselves. With stuff that ultimately comes down to personal preference it's not up to me to tell someone else what they should do.

So, if someone asks me about computers then I'll gladly tell them I'm an Apple person and that I make this choice because of the positive experiences I've had with Apple products.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty much the same. If someone wants to have a debate/argument and tell me why their Windows machine is amazing and why Macs suck, I just tune them out and walk away.

But if someone is interested in knowing why they should consider a Mac over a PC, are open to hearing how a Mac might be comparable or better than a PC, or want to know why I personally use a Mac, I tell them based on my personal experiences.

If it is a hypernerd looking for an argument...no thanks. But if it's my 45 year old average-Joe computer user who isn't in tune with computers, has always used whatever Windows box was cheapest and readily available, and doesn't know any better but also doesn't have an agenda and is open to listening, then I'm cool with having the discussion.
 
I tell them that they are only good for saying stupid things.
 
I will tell them that a Mac works for my needs and when it does not then I will have to look at what other option will work for me. I never try to convert or debate anyone on the subject as it will usually end up a waste of each others time.
 
jc0481 said:
I was talking with a neighbor of mine about getting an iMac. He asks why? But he doesn't let me answer. He goes on to say "are you a graphics artist or work with video a lot"? That's all the Mac is good for.

I really didn't know what to say. I still couldn't believe what I was hearing. I thought in this day & age we would be more informed consumers on technology.

So let's hear your best reply back to this long standing Mac myth.
Click to expand...

Usually, my conversations with my neighbors are along the lines of:

Neighbor: Hey, how was your vacation?
Me: Oh, it was good. Lots of fun. I took tons of pics and even made a short movie.
Neighbor: Oh, send me a link.

A week later...

Neighbor: Nice pics and movie. How did you do that?
Me: I used iMovie and iPhoto.
Neighbor: Cool.​

I have never had a conversation with a neighbor that went like:

Me: Thinking about getting a Mac. Can you give me you blessing so I don't feel stupid later?
Neighbor: No blessing for you. Macs are for idiots who want to waste their money.​
 
The Windows registry is a disaster waiting to happen, the MacOS is more stable and much less susceptible to the clean install syndrome. I've never had to perform a Mac clean install ever since OSX. In contrast I've had to do it several times on every version of Windows I've ever owned.
 
I normally say that it works for me but that I'm happy with whatever choices anyone else makes for themselves. I stay calm and friendly. I don't identify with my tech. If someone doesn't like my choices, fair dos. They can make all of the choices they want for themselves and I will continue to make my choices. If they continue to ask I just say that I enjoy the fact that it just works and is very consistent across different software. I also say that I have had great customer service from Apple and that in my experience my laptops last longer if they are made by Apple. I also say that I am running the latest OS on a four year old machine and it is working just fine.
 
I go with what ever floats their boat. They don't like Macs or have the wrong impression. I'll mention their strengths, but I'll not be drawn into any sort of debate.

Computers are a tool, not a religion, I don't need to evangelize the neighborhood on the church of apple. Different people have different needs, and those needs may be better dealt with using a windows machine.
 
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