A Question for Apple Users
A talk with a co-worker of mine left me wondering just what it is about Apple Computers that drives people to love them so much. I’ve always wondered this actually, and since the usual response isn’t too helpful for someone as clueless with macs as me, I’m wondering if anyone can help me figure this out.
I wouldn’t consider myself emotionally attached to my operating system. I use Windows Vista on two computers at home — my desktop runs Vista Ultimate and streams videos and DVDs to my Xbox 360 via MyMovies and my 3 year old laptop runs Home Premium very well, although I don’t do anything to intensive on it. That being said I haven’t stuck with Windows out of necessity or any devotion to Microsoft, but because it had the major features I was looking for — namely a media center server and an OS with decent development tools available for it. Although I’m not looking for a new computer at this time, when my laptop does eventually die I’ll be looking for the best laptop for my needs rather than the best operating system laptop for my needs.
So what it is that makes Mac OS X Leopard more of a draw than Microsoft Windows Vista and keeps people coming back over and over? I’ve heard that the interface on Vista is more cartoony and less uniform than Leopard, which from what I’ve seen I’ll have to agree with, although I go like the look of Vista more than XP. Another difference people note is the helpfulness of keyboard shortcuts on Leopard. This might be a little hard to understand for those of us not using them, but what shortcuts directly in the OS are so effective? Or is this a program specific advantage? As far as Mac only programs, the only one that stands out to me is Textmate. Although I would love to have Textmate on Vista, E Text Editor seems about the same, and even uses Textmate shortcuts and themes. I’m sure there are differences of course, but I’ll have to dig deeper to get there. What else draws you to Macs? Low viruses? Unix based? A default setup that works? The small product line means stronger individual products?
As someone who hasn’t spent any serious amount of time on Mac, is there any way to figure this out without just using one for a few weeks?
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Comments
However, what I find nice are the little things:
* emacs key bindings throughout the system
* the terminal being able to copy and paste without jumping though weird hoops
* a real terminal / shell
* the ability to tag files and make smart folders
* search actually works
* the “workflow” - aka using several apps at the same time instead of one application full screen (that’s a hard one to put into words)
* almost all the unix stuff you’d expect to find is there
* it doesn’t “get tired” - most windows systems I’ve used needed to be rebooted half way though the day because they started to slow down.
* it really does look nicer - it’s easier on the eyes, which is hard to quantify as well. Would you rather look at a nice picture all day or something less nice.
* I’ve used Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X for years, and there really are less problems with Macs.
* the way the hardware is put together. For example, powerbook keyboards cradle your fingers and just feel solid. Thinkpad / Dell keyboards feel like they are about to break at any moment.
Anyway, it’s really subjective. I say try one out. If you like it, you like it, and if you don’t you don’t. (though the majority of people that I know that have tried Macs don’t want to go back to windows)
I love it because it’s such a well-engineered, well thought-out-machine. It does the same things that a Windows machine does, but it does them better and smarter. Something as simple as a back-lit keyboard that lights up in low light situations. The screen darkens or brightens based on how much light is hitting the light sensor. It’s completely unnecessary, but that’s what makes it great: It was put in there simply because it improves the overall user experience.
I like that the OS and the hardware are coupled together. They work together really well together, and I imagine it allows for easier design and building.
I like the keyboard layout and keyboard shortcuts - they feel natural and ergonomic, as if there was a lot of time put into laying out the keyboard and shortcuts.
I’ve noticed that a lot of the free software on the Mac is of higher quality than similar Windows counterparts (can’t speak for Linux). Could be my imagination, but it seems like the software is prettier and more organized.
I love how simple it is to record and edit/mix music right out of the box with Garage Band. That alone is almost worth the price of admission.
The build quality of the hardware feels really solid. The keyboard feels really nice to type on, and it doesn’t feel rickety or shaky like so many Dell laptop keyboards I’ve used.
The touch pads are freaking amazing! You really don’t understand how nice it is to be able to scroll without moving your right hand until you don’t have it anymore.
From a long way away, or a zoomed out view, the experience with a Mac and Windows is the exact same. It’s only when you zoom in and look at the peripherals that don’t really add functionality (but definitely help with it) does it become clear why so many people are so loyal to the Apple.
A little off topic, but what did you mean by this? “When my laptop does eventually die I’ll be looking for the best laptop for my needs rather than the best operating system laptop for my needs.”
I have personally been a Mac user for close to 10 years since I was introduced to them in college. My family was all in the same boat you are, not really sure what the big deal is anyways. My policy has always been to let them experience it for themselves as opposed to preaching the Mac Life and how dumb they are for being a PC user or whatever. My older brother was the first to buy a Mac because of how easily he could handle the movies and pictures and stuff of his newborn son. After that, every other member of my family has discovered Macs and have switched. I have one brother left to get a Mac simply because he wasn’t in the market for a new computer yet. He will be on a Mac within the next two months though. None of it was because of me preaching the virtues of them, but simply because they got to experience one for themselves and decided they like it better.
The only advice I would give is to switch your question around. Instead of wondering what is so much better about a Mac when compared to a PC, ask yourself what it is about your PC that you don’t like. What do you wish you could eliminate without giving up the things you love? For a lot of people it would be viruses, spyware, down time, IT cost, peripherals causing problems, waiting forever in between new operating systems. You can answer that however it best fits yours. That look to see if these are still issues with a Mac. The good stuff is that much better and the bad stuff isn’t as apparent. That was the difference for me.
A designer computer means a better computer, one that’s more fun to use, has a cleaner look and feel, and was designed from the ground up to give the customers a superior experience. When people look at that, and compare it to the frequent awkwardness of Vista, they start to love their computers.
How many Windows Vista or even XP users love their computers?
Whatever the concrete reasons for that love, it’s quite impressive. If you want to love your computer, buy Apple. If you don’t care, buy Windows. I think it’s a pretty simple decision.
I can’t really end this without noting the lack of viruses and spyware. I suspect this is because people who use Macs like them and don’t want to harm the platform by writing these programs.
Isn’t it interesting that the first cracks we have seen in the Mac operating system come from people with the goal of adding software to iPhone? These are not people who want to crack open iPhone maliciously, they love iPhone and just want to add software to it!
Aside from that, there are no known holes in the OS that allow for automatic code execution as there are in Windows. When automatic code execution is possible, the viruses and spyware are easy to transmit. When that is not so, they are almost impossible to transmit. So the very rare malware is stuff that says you’re missing a codec for this Britney Spears video, why not install it? So watch out for stuff like that, but otherwise you’re pretty safe.
I have never seen a Windows computer owned by a non-professional that doesn’t have oodles of this bad software on it. I have a friend’s ThinkPad over here, and for the last couple of hours I have been fighting with a stubborn piece of spyware. It is almost impossible to avoid this.
You can easily save the price difference between Macs and PCs with just one painful spyware outbreak, so I’d consider them great value if you consider the cost of ownership and not just the retail price.
So you can consider a Mac because it’s a sleek designer computer you’ll love, or because its long-term ownership cost is much lower thanks to the shortage of viruses and spyware. Your choice.
D
This is because comparing Macs to Windows PCs by simply looking at their features and interface is like comparing an the Palm Treo to the iPhone just based on a bullet-point feature list. You’re not going to understand what everyone’s so excited about until someone actually puts an iPhone in your hand and you say, “Oh my god, I get it now.”
The same thing happens with prolonged exposure to the Mac 
I’ve been a Mac user for close to 20 years now and only use Windows when forced to by work. I’ve used most versions of Mac OS since System 6 and every version of Windows since 3.1. At every stage, Mac OS has just been “nicer” to use than Windows in a nebulous, warm’n'fuzzy kinda way.
I know that’s not really a very helpful answer but it’s honest
Many functions are built into the OS rather than application specific, things like spell check, the ability to print to a PDF file, and drivers for many hardware devices. I bought a color laser printer because it supported all the OSs plus networks. Vista offered to download a driver, after which it printed text well adn pictures badly. OS X recognized it without me doing anything.
Spotlight - a very fast search, better than Vista’s and WAY better than XPs. The same box also will do calculations if you type them in, do a dictionary lookup if you type in a word, and is a GREAT application launcher if you type in the first few characrers of an app.
Quick Look - highlight a file and hit the space bar and you see the file withoug opening ab app, even paging through multiple pages, watching video, etc.
Preview - can view almost any file and has PDF editing and photo retouching features.
Spaces - very easy to use virtual desktop feature
Time Machine - idiot-proof backup
The ability to dual boot Windows is built in to Leopard (you need to buy Windows) and there are good virtualization optons available.
in addition to the usual stuff - great apps for podcasts, photos, movies, web sites, etc., no spyware/viruses, much more reliable.
Leopard gives you full access to the Unix terminal, a good scripting language, and the Automator front end for automating actions without having to write code.
Leopard does all of this while requiring far less powerful hardware than Vista, it will run well on five year old Macs. I know that this may be hard for Windows users to believe, but Macs generally run faster after an OS upgrade.
Linux is evem more flexible, but IMO still not there in terms of east of use (it’s getting close, but you still have to bring up a terminal session to get some pretty basic things done too often for my taste).
I move small offices from a PC workflow to a Mac workflow. In the end, I’m usually regarded as a hero/wizard. In reality, I’m a pretty typical user.
The really fun part of being a Mac user right now, is that you end up knowing everything is moving very fast and Leopard is a very agile OS. Makes me think of Jack be nimble, Jack be quick.
Apple can strike in a variety directions and they lead with vision. For me, it is the vision that is exciting. The MacBook Air is vision. It may not be practical by the current definition of a laptop. But if you watch their product introductions, they usuallyt point to an unrealized potential. There will be complimentary products in the near future that will help us bring this current product into focus. The critique being leveraged is only valid when we bring to bear yesterday’s check boxes. New check boxes are on the way.
The MacBook Air is a laptop like the iPod was an MP3 player. Or like the iPhone was a cell phone. (not) Their products defy the comparison because their vision alters everything. The iPhone doesn’t exist independent of the iPod and the iPod doesn’t exist independent of iTunes.
Apple products are not set adrift as a unique stand alone personality. They are members of a family.
Note the lack of a CD DVD player. Believe me, this is a feature, not an omission. We just haven’t seen the rest of the family yet.
The excitement is the orchestration of well designed complimentary products. HP and Dell and the rest of the field cannot put into the market place a coherent family of products of this breadth. Mainly because they are not in control of this much software and hardware. They have no real expertise at this level of product development. It is not that they are incompetent or untalented. But the PC world is fractured. The PC side of the house is an assembly line of multiple corporate interests. And it has worked well for the most part. Apple is a different animal.
If you are old enough, perhaps you can appreciate the difference between a component level stereo system and the Bose sound systems of today. One can sound really good if you dedicate the time and educate yourself on a variety of component level products. The other just sounds really good right out of the box.
Microsoft protects their interests. Dell protects their interests. Sometimes a product needs some part of the equation to take a back seat. Think about it. How does Dell compete in the iPhone category. The iPod category, or the software integration, or the creative content area. Without intimate cooperation from Microsoft and variety of other players.
Who is the tie breaker on software features, hardware price points, etc. Who makes a commitment to an iTunes like backbone. And why would they do it? Who has the complete license to compete with Apple on their playing field in these product areas. ??
The world is trying to assemble a team. Apple is the team.
I still like the Nursery Rhyme - Jack be nimble, Jack be quick.
Having endured the emotional horrors of the various incarnations of System 7, however bad, I still managed to get work done and done on time. Some time after it was introduced, I got a job where I had to use Windows 95. I gritted my teeth and cringed every time I had to use it. Not because it was different to what I was used to, but because every time I had to use a program, I could never be sure where to find anything I needed. Every developer seemed to think that he knew best what the user needed, and even Microsoft seemed to take delight in hiding stuff in a different place for each program.
In contrast, my Mac always has the menu bar at the top of the screen, whatever application I use. The menus that are arranged there almost always have their choices arrange in the same order. This means that I don’t have to think how to use the computer, I can focus all of my creative energy on the task facing me. This gives me satisfaction instead of frustration.
As others have said, these are things that only some dedicated time using the interface can reveal to a user.
There are some programs that are only available on the Windows platform and Apple has answered this argument by offering Boot Camp for these rarities. For all else, a Mac will give pleasure and satisfaction whilst getting the job done efficiently.
There are many who denigrate Apple and the Mac as being more expensive, but as in all things you get what you pay for.
If you are a dedicated game player then, build a PC that will meet your needs.
But for most, a WII, Xbox or Sony Playstation will serve these needs better and cheaper than a dedicated PC.
Last but not least, I have had Macs for over 15 years, I have never, repeat never had a virus or any sort of malware. I have a firewall and run an anti viral application to protect my PC owning friends, should I accidentally attempt to pass on something harmful to them.
To state that I love my Mac would perhaps be and overstatement, but I am not embarrassed to say that I do have an attachment to it, because of the care and attention to my needs that were put into creating it.
Windows is an operating system designed by a committee and it’s feature list is often a poorly designed bullet list required by the marketing department, who often take their queues from OSX. Vista is a good example of trying to be like OSX while failing in execution.
Microsoft is hamstrung by preserving backwards compatibility with previous versions of the OS, while Apple was able to produce a modern UNIX OS by breaking from the past with OSX.
I’m not a blind Apple zealot, I have an IBM Thinkpad running Windows 2000 Pro and a Panasonic Toughbook running Windows XP Pro. Both of those systems were given to me by previous employers and I know Windows well (perhaps too well). I used to do support for Windows dating back to Windows 3.11 (for workgroups).
While I made my living from using and supporting Microsoft products for many years (too many) With the announcement of OSX and the constant hassles of keeping my own and many others Window installations running well, I made the jump to OSX by buying an Apple Cube in 1999.
Using OSX, even in it’s first iterations, restored the joy of computing to me I had not seen since my first compute,r (a KayPro CPM machine). I was able to extract myself from the morass of keeping Windows running for mostly clueless users.
I still use the Cube as a desktop iPod for serving up music in my home office attached to a LCD TV. I also have recently added a Mac Mini which I bought to make a home theater for my HDTV. It works wonderfully and is silent (unlike your Xbox), it has also fully functions as a desktop Mac (with a giant screen).
I use an older Powermac (2000 digital audio) as a server (packed with 5 hard drives) and a PPC PowerBook (1.25Ghz AU model) which is my main computer. All the Macs are running 24/7 and have been for years. The only machine that I shut off after use is the Toughbook, as like most Windows machines, it becomes slower and unstable if left on.
Do yourself a favor and find a way to experience the Macintosh first hand, you won’t regret it.
@Sammy
A little off topic, but what did you mean by this? “When my laptop does eventually die I’ll be looking for the best laptop for my needs rather than the best operating system laptop for my needs.”
I expect my laptop to eventually degrade, or I’ll just drop it one too many times and it’ll fail. So far there’s only a few problems with it, but that could always change.
All my PCs slowed down over a year and I would call myself a freak for clean systems, and Windows gave me no chance to get the system back to the speed it had after original software installation.
So, I decided to buy an iMac with those shiny Intel Core 2 Duo processors, and guess what? Since then I never had any downtimes for maintenance, system boot time still is the same as on the day I first booted up, and everything just works.
Meanwhile I added a Powerbook Pro to my hardware storage and this left me with the same satisfaction. I just can use both machines, without bothering for keeping things working.
Honestly, I do not even know what all about it I love, but here is a couple simple things I like about it:
1. Design is stunning on all their products, they add to your house (if your house has a look)
2. They feel extremely solid. Every button, part, plug, feels constructed well.
3. I can easily use the OS without having to take a class. It just does things intuitively. Like drag and drop. You can rarely drag and drop in Windows.
4. It syncs wonderfully with my iPhone (which I might add everyone should have)
5. I don’t have to send my normal $49.99 a year on McAfee!
6. Built in camera keeps me connected to all my people instantly.
I just really love it. I never thought I would have a Mac in a million years until a friend convinced me to try it. I am buying him dinner this weekend. I will never switch back. In fact, I hate that I have to use Windows at work. But oh well, you can only win the battle sometimes, right?
I don’t quite understand why so many people trash it: http://www.maconair.com/wozniak_trashes_iphone_and_macbook_air
I never went back to Windows other than when forced to for my job. I’ve messed around with Windows and Linux on a laptop on and off post the “switch” but now I’m 100% Mac and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My point with all this is that it really is hard to see the pros and cons on a spreadsheet and really “get” what the differences are, because they’re numerous and range from overt to subtle, but they all contribute to making the Mac a joy to work with. So in short, I don’t think you can really understand without taking the plunge (or borrowing a machine for a while) and just using one.
When I started my new job I was (thankfully) given the choice of machines, so I went with a Mac Pro and a MacBook Pro. I was the only one using a Mac at that point. Our team has since all switched to having at least one Mac if not two, and even the most die-hard Windows users on my team are practically giddy over how much they love their machines now.
So I could cite the usual stuff, “it just works,” more secure, fewer crashes, etc. etc. but it sounds like you’ve heard all that stuff, so my best recommendation would be to take the plunge and give it a real shot. You’ll probably find yourself in the situation of so many others who’ve made the switch and you won’t want to go back to Windows.