As you may have gathered by now, I am a Windows user. I am okay with that. I don’t need to apologize, and I shouldn’t. It’s not that I’ve never used a Mac before. I used a Mac before I ever tried Windows. Of course, this was back when I was just a little kid and the most exciting software I could find was the AfterDark screensaver with its flying toasters and such. But then I tried a DOS PC and loved the extra control I had and all of the games I could get for it. Not only that, but I was able to make my own programs in BASIC, which caught my attention right away. Since then I have had quite a bias against Apple; however, I have watched them come a long way since. I have used Mac OS X for several projects at work. Even so, I am by no means willing to switch over anytime soon.
So, in order to be fair, I have come up with two lists: what I hate and what I somewhat like about Mac computers and their OS.
Hate:
- Can’t build my own! I am big on customizing my own computers. I have built my last several and I won’t give that up anytime soon. I can get them for cheap and put in exactly what I want. Apple strictly controls what hardware goes into their machines, and I am not interested in what they decide to put in. Some may argue that a viable solution is to get a hold of OSx86 and run it on a custom-built PC. However, the legality of that is currently in question and it’s not a *real* solution. Only a workaround.
- Can’t easily upgrade. Let’s face it…Mac computers are just not meant to be upgraded. They are so proprietary that you just have to go out and purchase the latest machine when you want something new (good for Apple, bad for me). I’m used to ripping apart my PC, keeping the things I want and replacing the things I don’t.
- Apple Fanboyism. Apple fanboys just don’t give up. Steve Jobs is like a prophet to them and they anxiously await to hear the latest and greatest news at the next Macworld conference. And that is all they ever talk about, usually with a tone of voice as if I need to join them. I am sick of them trying to convert me! I don’t like to hear how die-hard Apple fans have been persecuted by evil Windows users who don’t know any better. I have made my choice, thank you very much, and I am not quite ready for the commitment it requires to join the cult.
- “Easier” is not always better. Ease of use in many instances sacrifices control. This is one of the areas that seems to have improved over the years, however, as Apple has begun to cater to the power-hungry user.
- “Pretty design” is not the purpose for owning a computer. One of the main selling points of Apple is their slick design. I have heard this many times as an argument for buying one. However, this by no means indicates how good a computer is. When using computers, we look at the screen. That’s it. I don’t care about fashion statements. Also, prettier design = more costs = higher prices.
- The mouse. Apple has consistently driven me crazy with their choice of mice. One button just does not cut it (see #4 and #5). Yes, I am aware that two-button mice can be used instead. But you’d think something useful would be included in the package. It all started with the square, ugly mice with one button. Then it evolved into the jelly bean-shaped atrosity where there is no button, but when you click, the bottom stays put and the whole top part of the mouse moves. This is a complete drag (no pun intended) when you are dragging something and have to lift your mouse when you hit the edge of your mousepad, as you have to locate the tiny tabs on either side and make sure you firmly hold on to them. Otherwise your dragging will end and you will screw up and be frustrated. I will stick to using mice where I can get as many buttons as possible, as this offers me more control in the long run. Their latest and greatest mouse touts multiple “buttons” and a scroll ball; however, the scroll ball is quirky and cheap and the buttons are not really buttons. You cannot right-click without lifting your other finger from the mouse; it’s very unnatural, if you ask me.
- The myth of perfection. No technology is perfect. There is no getting around that. Anyone who makes the claim that their product is unhackable is lying. Hackers are very smart these days. Loopholes will be found. Exploits will be available sooner than you might think. One of the major claims of Apple and their fanboys is that Mac OS X is incredibly secure, there are no viruses, and their OS is the most stable thing you could ever imagine. Even if that were completely true, they only have 6% of the market share. Hackers and virus makers have no interest in putting all their effort into only 6% of the pool. Hence the viruses and exploits that have been created for Windows. If Apple controlled the majority of the market, I guarantee you that in a heartbeat there would be just as many viruses for Mac OS X as there ever were in Windows. And, as far as stability is concerned, I don’t believe their argument one bit. I used an Apple G4 Mac at work for several years for a major project. I had the latest version of OS X installed. And I’ve never used a more unstable, unreliable computer in my life. I could not run Safari, attempt to shutdown, or do many other tasks without a crash. The only way I could get online was to use Netscape Communicator under the Classic environment. It was ridiculous. So much for stability.
- Software-only eject for CD-ROMs. There’s got to be an eject button on a CD-ROM drive. Period. If the computer hangs (which it does occasionally, even on a Mac…see #7), you cannot eject it until you reboot. Furthermore, I hate dragging a CD icon to the trash. I think it’s ridiculous. Just push the eject button…oh, wait, it doesn’t exist.
- The fact that all media companies swear by them. With the switch to Intel, it is no longer a viable argument that all graphics software runs faster on a Mac. Even if it were true several years ago (which I won’t agree to or deny), the underlying architecture on a Mac is exactly the same as a PC.
- False stereotypes. I don’t like the stereotypes that all the new Mac ads present about Mac and Windows users. I am a Windows user. I don’t find spreadsheets entertaining, believe me. I don’t find that Windows is terrible at everything but nerdy math stuff. In fact, I can do tons more on a Windows PC than on any Mac because of the vast amount of software available to me. I do it in my own way with the software I choose.
- Macs on the big screen. I am sick of seeing a Mac being used in every single movie made within the last 5 years. It is just not true that so many people use them. You know every one of the movies that distinctly show a Mac computer brought in a boatload of ad revenues directly from Apple. Movie companies do not do free advertising. Despite my negativity about this, however, I found it amusing that a Macbook was used in Legally Blonde, as it seemed very fitting of the character.
- Closing a window does not close the application. I, along with several other Windows users, believe this is an annoyance. Apple will contend that it’s great to leave an application open; that way you won’t have to load the application again when you’re ready to view another document, and so forth. But when I close an application, I want it to be closed. I don’t want to have to go to File->Exit. If I want to keep it open, then great, I will. For instance, I can keep Word open even if there are no documents open. It’s that simple. (Yes I know what shortcut keys are, and yes, I am aware of 3rd party software that will tweak this. But this is a matter of default configuration and the experience of an average user).
Now, in order to prove that I’m not a total MS fanboy, I will also include the good things about Mac computers. Most of the items in this list have been added to the lineup recently, and therefore are good moves by Steve Jobs in creating a better product.
(Somewhat) Like:
- Unix-based OS. I like Unix. It is better than DOS, in my opinion. And for those already familiar with Unix, Mac OS X offers a familiar solution for tasks that require a command window. However, with the development of Cygwin and even VMWare, I can enjoy the benefits of Unix/Linux on my Windows machine as well.
- Graphical quality. I am a fan of visually-pleasing graphics. This argument is different than slick hardware design (see above) because it deals with what you actually look at most often. Props to Apple for perfecting larger, shiny icons and themes.
- Built-in Bluetooth. Bluetooth is a useful technology for wireless communication between mobile devices. Nice to have this capability by default in newer Mac models. Plus, the bluetooth keyboard and mouse are a nice touch (except for slow response time in gaming).
- Inexpensive OS as compared to Vista. Vista’s pricetag is almost unbearable for many people. Plus, their EULA (end user license agreement) is very limiting. Apple seems to be less restrictive in this area as well.
- Bundled software. Software like iMovie, so I’ve heard, seems to be better than its Windows counterpart.
- Intel Macs can run Windows. This is definitely a plus for Mac users, as they can take advantage of software intended for both operating systems. However, it does not come without digging into your wallet. Parallels desktop (the software which makes this possible) costs $80, plus you need to have a licensed copy of Windows. It’s a bit steep for the casual user.
- Take up less space than typical desktop PCs. To counter my own attack on the design of Mac computers, I must admit that there is some benefit to a compact design. I sacrifice that ability by building my own PCs.
- Loyalty of user base. I understand that I am again countering my own attack. But I do this for the purpose of presenting both sides. A loyal user base means satisfaction, which means that Apple must be doing something right (but please stop trying to convert me!).
I’m sorry, I’m all out of ideas. I gave it my best effort. If you have more ideas, for either argument, please leave them in the comments below. And arguments such as “Apple rules!!!” or “iPods are awesome!!!” have no value and I, along with every other Windows user, will ignore them. I will include the good points in a follow-up post.
