Why Mac? Why did you get a Mac? Why are they Better?

[toolbox]

I got a mac because there awesome, i started using macs back in 1994 i think in primary school, i fell in love with the GUI and the design. I was blown away when i first spotted it, i was bought up using a 286 and seeing this, colour screen and menus it was incredible

I fix windows machines for a living so i have the best of both worlds, i stick with apple because i have no viruses, spyware concerns to worry about., and if i want i can run windows on it without having to get a cracked version of the net.

 

[mrmayor92]

no viruses and build quality and the screen.... and the ui

 

[tekio]

Needed a new laptop, macbook was the only 13" laptop I could get locally so I bought one.

 

[Melrose]

*Before I reply to the question, I would like to petition the Mods to shut this thread down the instant it becomes a flame war between fanatics on either side of the issue.*

I chose a Macintosh computer for the OS. I was tired of having to manually shut down Windows, tired of defragging, tired of virii and spyware, and tired of long hesitations or crashes when toggling between apps. The fact that it's in an aluminum case rather than cheesy plastic and it looks cool is just a perk. I'd buy a Mac even if it came in a cheesy plastic case.

 

[sushi]

I started out with Big Iron (mainframes), then mini-computers, then desktop.

So I grew into the desktop experience sort of backwards.

I started using PC's with DOS 1.0 and Macs with the original iMac so I've grown up using both, but for most of that time preferred the Mac (hardware and software) experience.

I've built numerous computers over the years. Done the over clocking game.

To be honest, I like Windows more than I ever did before because I can run Windows using VMware Fusion or Parallels.

In the end, I guess I prefer a Mac because with one laptop computer, I can:
- Boot Tiger
- Boot Leopard
- Boot Windows XP
- Via WMware Fusion, run Win XP, Vista, Ubuntu, Windows 2003 Server, etc.
- Use Unix (via Terminal)

It's convenient and sure beats carrying around multiple laptops (which I did before).

 

[iGuardian]

Because it works just like it's supposed to work. And because the alternative OS's suck.

Why? Have you even used Windows 7, or linux for that matter?

Blue screen of death drove me insane
Re-installing the OS and mountains of software monthly wore me down
Consistently upgrading hardware became a chore
I needed to learn FCP for college/uni/getting a job

Simple.

I've never come across the BSOD in my PC days, and haven't gotten one while using Bootcamp eihter. As far as installing the OS every month, I've never had to do that either...

Windows bugs the crap out of me. And nothing ever worked. And when something went wrong I never knew why because there didn't seem to be a reason. And I could never work out how to do the simplest thing.

I remember my favourite feature when I got my mac was actually the Help application. I typed in a question and it gave me the answer! I LOVED that.

I hated xp with a passion so unlike most people I'm willing to concede that Vista's probably an improvement. I really hated xp. Everything was so hard

But when something goes wrong in Windows, I always liked that it would give you that code (something like "00323453x6565") that you could google to find out what went wrong. On Leopard with my Mac, when something goes wrong essentially I get a message that says "Something went wrong somewhere, sorry."



I see that the OS is a big factor in why a lot of people choose macs, that's why I chose it, but as far as the hardware goes... it just really does feel overpriced. I think my next computer is going to be a hackintosh.

 

[MTI]

Just curious, but are these "Why a Mac" or "Mac vs. Windows" the most frequent threads on Mac forums? I suspect that there's some self confidence issues underlying these.

 

[big_malk]

On example of why I'm glad I use Mac...

My gran recently got a laptop and it's basically the first time she's ever used a computer so she gets stuck easily. I suggested a MacBook so I could easily help her if she got stuck, and added a user account for myself with MobileMe Back to My Mac on it.

I got a call from her this evening, so I shared her screen from my house and sorted it out for her, can you do that on a PC? Probably, but not out the box, and I bet it isn't nearly as simple.

I've only once had to install a driver, and that was for a PVC card printer so hardly a common piece of hardware, all my other printers truly do plug and play.
I recently installed a printer on windows and it confused the hell out of me, and kept popping up to tell me my ink was low and stuff, I KNOW!!

Windows PC always seem to have the US keyboard layout, even here in the UK.

Mac software always seems to be of higher quality than stuff I've used on windows, I think Mac software developers hold themselves to higher standards. Thanks guys

 

[aethelbert]

I had to get one when we started using new software at work in 93 or 94, I forget. But apparently that software will be transitioning over to Linux and Windows as well in the next few years so I won't have to spend so much to upgrade.

 

[iGuardian]

I really hate to be devil's advocate, but a lot of what everyone's mentioned here can be done on a PC. And, sorry to say, on Windows as well.

... and added a user account for myself with MobileMe Back to My Mac on it.

I got a call from her this evening, so I shared her screen from my house and sorted it out for her, can you do that on a PC? Probably, but not out the box, and I bet it isn't nearly as simple.

Yes, this can be done on Windows, and yes, it can be done out of the box. Just access the appropriate utility in the start menu, it's name eludes me at the moment, but I'll boot into Windows and check later.

I've only once had to install a driver, and that was for a PVC card printer so hardly a common piece of hardware, all my other printers truly do plug and play.
I recently installed a printer on windows and it confused the hell out of me, and kept popping up to tell me my ink was low and stuff, I KNOW!!

I've never had to install drivers under Windows either, Windows usually takes care of it itself and downloads the appropriate drivers automatically-- without getting the user involved. Plug and play.

Windows PC always seem to have the US keyboard layout, even here in the UK.

I use the US layout so I haven't encountered that problem, but I can see that being annoying.

Mac software always seems to be of higher quality than stuff I've used on windows, I think Mac software developers hold themselves to higher standards.

I think the fact that Windows has more apps gives the impression that they are of a poorer quality. I've come across some fairly crappy Mac apps in my day.


Not trying to start a flame war or anything, just pointing out that all the stuff we appreciate in OS X with a Mac can now be done, most of the time just as easily, in Windows. The versions of Windows that we all dumped to switch to OS X; Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows XP, and Windows Vista (non sp1)-- aren't the Windows of today.

For the first time, it looks like Redmond is innovating, and Apple's falling behind. Windows 7 seems to be a bigger improvement than Snow Leopard, which has disappointed me, at least, and the Zune HD looks like it's going to be good competition to the iPod touch, which hasn't really changed since day one.

With functionality being essentially on par (for the average user) and with PC's being the cheaper option, especially during the economic slump, is it time for people to finally consider Windows?

 

[big_malk]

Yes, this can be done on Windows, and yes, it can be done out of the box. Just access the appropriate utility in the start menu, it's name eludes me at the moment, but I'll boot into Windows and check later.

Is it quite as simple as the other computer showing up in windows explorer (is that what the windows equivelent of the finder is called?) then one click and a password and your on their desktop? I've obviously never used it and can't say it isn't, but i'd be surprised.

I've never had to install drivers under Windows either, Windows usually takes care of it itself and downloads the appropriate drivers automatically-- without getting the user involved. Plug and play.

Ok windows did download the driver automatically, but it wasn't nearly as simple or quick as it was is OS X, and it seemed to come with much more bloat and complication.

I use the US layout so I haven't encountered that problem, but I can see that being annoying.

Actually Apple seems to be the only company that makes British layout keyboards, I think it's more annoying for other people who use my keyboard, I'm used to it but they get confused. It's only a couple of symbols n things that are different though.

 

[NT1440]

Not trying to start a flame war or anything, just pointing out that all the stuff we appreciate in OS X with a Mac can now be done, most of the time just as easily, in Windows. The versions of Windows that we all dumped to switch to OS X; Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows XP, and Windows Vista (non sp1)-- aren't the Windows of today.

For the first time, it looks like Redmond is innovating, and Apple's falling behind. Windows 7 seems to be a bigger improvement than Snow Leopard, which has disappointed me, at least, and the Zune HD looks like it's going to be good competition to the iPod touch, which hasn't really changed since day one.

With functionality being essentially on par (for the average user) and with PC's being the cheaper option, especially during the economic slump, is it time for people to finally consider Windows?

I'm not going to switch back, after finally switching, because Redmond finally managed to fix their crap up.

I don't get what you mean by them innovating, citing 7 as an example, fixing your past mistakes is now seen as innovation?

And yes windows vista to 7 does seem like a bigger improvement only because THERE WAS SO MUCH TO IMPROVE ON.

That being said, I LOVE that ive been able to install windows 7 rc on two friends and family computers that are old and it runs decently.

That being said, the biggest drawback, the feel of windows, is still there

 

[tayshon]

I got a Mac because, my Dell desktop was on it last leg.

The Gateway laptop I brought crash on within the first year (it ran Vista )

Since I've had my Mac I've had no problems what so ever.
Since I've brought my husband a Mac, I've had peace of mind, that one day when I came home that I no longer would find the desktop laying on the lawn because it was getting on his nerves.

 

[EmperorDarius]

Why? Have you even used Windows 7, or linux for that matter?

Yes, I've used Windows 7. If you're a periodical Xp user, it's not really something to be amazed of. Much better than Vista though. They've improved it, but it's still Windows, with all it's security and stability problems. And Aero is horrible too.

I've used Linux too. It's a solid OS, but with the hardware and software incompatibility issues, it's still not ready to be a Desktop OS.

For the first time, it looks like Redmond is innovating, and Apple's falling behind.

Don't worry, it's just an impression.

Windows 7 seems to be a bigger improvement than Snow Leopard, which has disappointed me

That's because Leopard is already ahead of Windows 7. Snow Leopard might be little improvement over Leopard (though I don't think so), but it's still much better than Windows 7.

With functionality being essentially on par (for the average user) and with PC's being the cheaper option, especially during the economic slump, is it time for people to finally consider Windows?

The average user is the one who'll have problems with malware, registry corruption etc. and won't know what to do.

 

[djellison]

registry corruption etc. and won't know what to do.

Wait while I just rebuild permissions to see if it fixes Safari.

Meanwhile - I've never had to touch the registry on my Xp workstations.

 

[iGuardian]

I don't get what you mean by them innovating, citing 7 as an example, fixing your past mistakes is now seen as innovation?

Well I guess I didn't word that properly. I meant innovation in general-- Zune HD in particular.

And yes windows vista to 7 does seem like a bigger improvement only because THERE WAS SO MUCH TO IMPROVE ON.

Some would say that SP1 fixed up most of that

That being said, the biggest drawback, the feel of windows, is still there

In my opinion the feel of Windows has changed.. something I don't like. The old Vista/Xp format was nostalgic for me, but not necessarily better haha

Aero is horrible too.

I like areo

Don't worry, it's just an impression.

I hope so!

The average user is the one who'll have problems with malware, registry corruption etc. and won't know what to do.

I hear that Windows will be bundling their own, free, anti-malware etc etc software from now on. Still, it won't block everything.


To be honest I find myself just opening and closing windows in windows the little animations when you close a window or open one amuse me the same way a parrot is amused when it sees itself in the mirror. It's sad, but it's true; I keep going back to see the little animations and glass effects

 

[neiltc13]

I bought my last Mac a few months ago (2009 Mac Pro) as a gift to myself to celebrate leaving University. I used my education discount one last time and got the free three year warranty that all University students are entitled to and I intend to keep this machine for a long time.

The main reason I bought it was that it depreciates much more slowly than comparable machines from other manufacturers, especially when you consider the huge ~17% discount that all University students get. When I come to sell it I should get a much better return than the other machines I looked at.

I don't believe the machine itself is superior though. I mean, the case design is great (and it's one of only two machines Apple makes these days that actually looks good IMO) but that alone isn't worth the extra investment. Previously I bought Macs because OS X was so far ahead, but Apple shot themselves in the foot with Leopard (which really is a pile of garbage compared to Tiger) and are looking for me to pay the equivalent of $29 to fix the issues they created.

All while this is happening, Microsoft is about to release a new version of Windows which is easily the best yet. I've been using it a lot over the past few months and I am very impressed. It's not quite as good as Tiger, but it's miles ahead of Leopard in terms of both stability and speed. I'm really excited to get my pre-ordered copy, and way more excited than I am for Snow Leopard.

I haven't been running anti-virus software on any of my computers for many years. I don't run AV on OS X and I don't run it on Windows XP, Vista or 7. It's massively expensive (both financially and in terms of resources) and in my experience creates way more problems than it solves. The newest revisions of Windows are also much more secure and have been for a long time.

My point really is that this may be my last Mac. In a few years when I can no longer get the big discounts and free warranties and with Microsoft looking in better shape than Apple, there won't be a reason for me to buy from Apple again.

 

[-Ryan-]

For me, it's installation. That drove me absolutely wild on Windows. Some programs took an unearthly amount of time to install, and left residue everywhere on the operating system when removed. Horrid.

 

[neiltc13]

For me, it's installation. That drove me absolutely wild on Windows. Some programs took an unearthly amount of time to install, and left residue everywhere on the operating system when removed. Horrid.

Dunno if you realise that many OS X applications do exactly the same thing. Simply dragging them to the trash doesn't delete everything - have a look in /Library and you'll see what I mean!

 

[-Ryan-]

Dunno if you realise that many OS X applications do exactly the same thing. Simply dragging them to the trash doesn't delete everything - have a look in /Library and you'll see what I mean!

I know, I know, but it's much easier to clear out than on Windows. Don't have to tinker with the registry or look in the many hidden folders information could be dumped.

 

[iGuardian]

I know, I know, but it's much easier to clear out than on Windows. Don't have to tinker with the registry or look in the many hidden folders information could be dumped.

AppCleaner, a free program that works like Appzapper, gets rid of all the other library files. From my experience there's one or two other Library references with any given program, nothing major. Unlike Windows it isn't enough to slow down the operating system.

@neiltc13: Ever considered Hackint0shing your PC? You'd get the benefits of OS X without being tied down to only using Windows.

 

[MorphingDragon]

Im gonna be the one who has to say this dont I?

Vista... The Early Years... and the latter.

Oh and Linux, no where near as good as OSX. In terms of Polish, attention to detail and a... direction. There is a core venerability of Linux. A lack of direction. Projects keep on splitting up and forking and we have a mess which is GPL software. Availability of Crucial Apps (GIMP is a joke and theres no equivalent for several Apps I need).

 

[MacFanUK]

I'm not sure if I qualify because I currently only have a Hackintosh but I will be buying a MBP next month.

Anyway, I don't do mega video editing or anything so I would class myself as an 'Average user'.

I love OSX. At the end of the day, whatever Microsoft do with Windows, it's because Apple have done it first with OSX. I have used Windows 7 (and I have the full retail Windows 7 Professional edition) and yeah, I like it, and I have it on my PC, but in my opinion Leopard is still better.

I also like the fact that if I have my computer (even if it is a Hackintosh), my iPhone, AppleTV, MBP, etc, they will all sync perfectly and when I'm at uni on my hackintosh, I can connect to my hackintosh back home. Yeah, you can do this with Windows, but it is painfully slow most of the time.

I also think the design of Macs is 2nd to none. I have not yet found a PC laptop that looks half as good as the MBP's and the same goes for the desktops.

I' d also add as well, and it has been said before, the brick and mortar Apple stores are great for if things go wrong. I had a problem with a Macbook once and took it to my local Apple Store and had it back, fixed within 2 days...for FREE. Can't say that about any PC shop - you always get told 'your warranty is with the manufacturer of that part, not us'.

 

[Schtumple]

I've never come across the BSOD in my PC days, and haven't gotten one while using Bootcamp eihter. As far as installing the OS every month, I've never had to do that either...

XP upgrade discs are made by the devil I swear, my installations would BSOD several times daily, eventually corrupting themselves to a point of non-bootable, which happened roughly every month. I just kept being told my PC was sh*t by several "knowledgeable" people, which is hardly an excuse after paying almost £1200 total (£600 at first, then £600 in steady upgrading...)

I've had a few BSODs in Parallels, but I think that was more to do with driver issues in earlier builds. I've had one BSOD in Vista on my iMac, it severely disappointed me, upon removing windows, it corrupted my HD, I now can't run bootcamp on it anymore, I guess it was a farewell gift...

 

[No1451]

I got mine because it was a much nicer laptop(appearance) than those of any other makers I could find, Dells in particular are fugly. The only reason I still run OS X on it is because of the shoddy trackpad support in Windows(Apple's fault but I don't blame them for not wanting it to rock).


That being said all personal opinions aside there ARE a few reasons why Macs are technically, better.

1) Hardware conflicts. These happen all the time not by the fault of MS but by the manufacturer of the product. Example being the EVGA Classified, an enthusiast motherboard has trouble with some power supplies. With Mac hardware you limit the interactions and reduce compatibility issues.

2) Stability. I hear this thrown around. A LOT. Check some crash log stats some time, most crashes are driver crashes, ie: 3rd party is to blame. These also happen, some of the old Catalyst drivers for me were causing 2-3 crashes a day, I haven't had a single BSOD in nearly 2 months since I upgraded to some more stable drivers.

3) Maintenance. Refer to both the prior issues, these are fairly simple to solve issues that would still elude a lot of computer users, now I can diagnose and solve these issues but I have a working knowledge of computers. This is again a win and a big deal, people like to not have to know technical things, which is why plumbers, electricians and mechanics tend to get some fairly good and repeat business.

4) Customer support. The Apple Store is good, very good in my, albeit limited, experience. I went in for a 1:30 appointment for an issue with my iPhone and they took me early and had it done by 1:38. Since there are, as yet, few centralized support locations for Windows this can be a big deal for some and is definitely a plus in my books.


Now none of this is to say that OS X is perfect and Windows is hopelessly flawed, both have issues and both have room for improvement just as both have their place in the home and office as each is suited for different tasks. Of course I use both, my laptop for the looks and my desktop(Vista) for the brute gaming/F@H power and even if you DO get a Mac I will always suggest that you learn how to deal with some of these issues because most are very simple to solve and would not have cropped up if people did their damn research. I feel this is a task which is taken out of the loop with most Mac purchases since there won't be as great a chance of shoddy drivers and hardware conflicts, the closed environment takes care of that.



Anyway, long story short: if you do the proper research before you buy and you find the product you want it can and will work just fine for you so long as it is MAINTAINED!