PC Vs Mac - Page 2

Stan4dSteph · 01-10-2005, 03:01 PM

No frustration here, but perhaps I'm not doing what you're trying to do. I'm websurfing, chatting, emailing, listening to music and editing video.

Ghoulish Delight · 01-10-2005, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NirvanaMan

Mac's look really really cool...sitting on a shelf.

Try using one and they are frustrating as all hell. Very cute, but the usability sucks. I think mac enthusiasts ignore the functional quirks cause they really really want to like the mac...even if it is a PIA to deal with. I really wanted to like them. I love the way they look. I love the way the OS does fancy cool wipes and the like, but can't get past the fact that they are more about style over substance..and anytime I want to get anything done, they frustrate the piss out of me.

Meanwhile, back when I was an exclusive Mac user, that's what Windows was like for me. Things didn't make sense. It's just what you're used to. After I spent some time on Windows, I got used to it and the stuff didn't frustrate me any more. It's just different, and your brain gets hardwired with what you're used to. Stuff you think is "common sense" is really just acclimation.

And on the same token, there are some things that are far superior on the Mac side. Program files, for instance. A PC program consists of the executeable and any support files that are usually located in a directory in Program Files. But the there's dll's and registry entries that are beyond cryptic. It's so complex that you basically can't manually install or uninstall. One of those gets screwed up, you're toast. Mac programs, on the other hand, are exactly what they appear to be, a folder with all the files. The only other file is a preference file. Each program has one (sometimes two, but rarely) and it's located in the System Folder under Preferences. AND, even if you lose that file, the program just creates a new one with the default settings. No hidden files, no crazy-ass registry nightmares. Just drag and drop the folder, it's installed. Throw the folder in the trash, it's uninstalled. Heaven.

Kevy Baby · 01-10-2005, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stan4dSteph

I'm loving my new G6 iMac. Very sleek, sexy design. Excellent operation. It's perfect for my needs. I've got a PC at work for all the boring stuff.

pssst... The G6 is still in development. The G5 is the newest available. I have a G5 iMac at work and it is a rockin machine (albeit a bit noisy when the fan kicks on).

NirvanaMan · 01-10-2005, 03:59 PM

Eh I dunno about that. I've been hearing that for the past 6 months. I still hate the 1 button mouse (yes i know you can add aftermarket ones..but with a laptop ur screwed...and its freaking so behind the times) the way you launch multiple instances of programs, the constant lock-ups and crashes, etc....

They just drive me nuts. Which is unfortunate, cause they sure are pretty.

Kevy Baby · 01-10-2005, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

Meanwhile, back when I was an exclusive Mac user, that's what Windows was like for me. Things didn't make sense. It's just what you're used to. After I spent some time on Windows, I got used to it and the stuff didn't frustrate me any more. It's just different, and your brain gets hardwired with what you're used to. Stuff you think is "common sense" is really just acclimation.

Since this thread has turned serious, I will have to agree wholeheartedly with this sentiment of GD's.

I've grown up on Macs (have used them almost exclusively since 1987). Currently I use a PC quite a bit at work and it has been a learning curve for me (I actually have two computers on my desk: a Wintel box from HP and a G5 iMac).

And independant studies consistantly give the usability edge to the Mac operating system. Main factors usually given are intuitiveness and learnability (assuming no previous computer knowledge).

And Macs are and always will be swankier.

mamabot · 01-10-2005, 04:20 PM

I must say that I have had fewer issues with my iMac than with any other computer ever. This things is impervious, save for one bad print driver from HP. My computer has crashed only a couple of times in three years.

Currently, I have eight programs open on my desktop with no evidence of a slow down in my machine. This iMac seriously rocks. And it is a very swanky machine.

Gemini Cricket · 01-10-2005, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NirvanaMan

Mac's are like...totally gay. Or something

My Mac's totally gay. I caught my monitor wearing a woman's hat the other day. I pulled it off and put it in one of my hat boxes. The next day, it was back on his head.
"I'm a faggot Mac," my computer told me.
"Can't you be more PC?" I asked.
"Okay, I'm an alternative lifestyle Mac," he said correcting himself.

Scrooge McSam · 01-10-2005, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NirvanaMan

Try using one and they are frustrating as all hell.

My first network gig was setting up a bunch of macs back in the early 80s. Simple as pie, even then.

I'm a PC man, but I always hear how superior macs are in graphical applications. Since I'm a database guy, I never went to apple.

What do you use them for? Graphics/animation? Or something else?

Kevy Baby · 01-10-2005, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NirvanaMan

Eh I dunno about that. I've been hearing that for the past 6 months.

The G6? It may have been talked about, but there have never been any prognostications of its release by anyone other than pundits.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NirvanaMan

I still hate the 1 button mouse (yes i know you can add aftermarket ones..but with a laptop ur screwed...and its freaking so behind the times)

The single button mouse is about ease of use. Actually ANY mouse is behind the times: a tablet is a much better input device. And I am not sure why one is screwed with a notebook (in regards to a 3rd party mouse): Apple has had USB on their notebooks for several years now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NirvanaMan

...the way you launch multiple instances of programs...

I'm not sure what you mean by this. If a program is open, it is open. The only difference about how things are handled differently than a PC is a program does not automatically quit if you close all the associated document windows - and even some Windows programs act the same way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NirvanaMan

...the constant lock-ups and crashes, etc....

The Mac operating system in place is a flavor of Unix - arguably the most stable OS around. Even before OS-X, stability was no worse than a similar vinatage windows machine.

Other than reboots for the occasional OS update, I have not turned my computer at home off since I bought it. Sure I get an occasional (rare) program hang that I need to force-quit (the equivalent of control-alt-delete), but I experience more on the PC I use at work. Much more. And I think the only product I experience this on are MS products.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NirvanaMan

They just drive me nuts.

I would venture to guess that the single biggest challenge you have is lack of user experience and training on the Mac (mainly to be shown the differences).

Quote:

Originally Posted by NirvanaMan

Which is unfortunate, cause they sure are pretty.

Yes, they are!

Ghoulish Delight · 01-10-2005, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

The G6? It may have been talked about, but there have never been any prognostications of its release by anyone other than pundits.

He's talking about people saying he'd get used to it.

01-10-2005, 03:01 PM	#11
Stan4dSteph Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: East Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,156	No frustration here, but perhaps I'm not doing what you're trying to do. I'm websurfing, chatting, emailing, listening to music and editing video.
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01-10-2005, 03:59 PM	#14
NirvanaMan Making Change Happen Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 990	Eh I dunno about that. I've been hearing that for the past 6 months. I still hate the 1 button mouse (yes i know you can add aftermarket ones..but with a laptop ur screwed...and its freaking so behind the times) the way you launch multiple instances of programs, the constant lock-ups and crashes, etc.... They just drive me nuts. Which is unfortunate, cause they sure are pretty.
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01-10-2005, 04:20 PM	#16
mamabot Beastie Girl Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Been known to let the beat mmmm drop! Posts: 118	I must say that I have had fewer issues with my iMac than with any other computer ever. This things is impervious, save for one bad print driver from HP. My computer has crashed only a couple of times in three years. Currently, I have eight programs open on my desktop with no evidence of a slow down in my machine. This iMac seriously rocks. And it is a very swanky machine.
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