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32 Rebuffed Mac Myths (Reply to: PC PRO’s 32 reasons why PC’s are better than Macs)

Alex — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 18:10:38 +0000

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Part 2 of: 32 Rebuffed Mac Myths

Sensible Support Costs
PCPRO have made a valid point here; the support plans available for Macs is far less than a PC. However, Apple products have almost always placed in the top 5 for fewest product returns. Also, where they state that most computer shops only service PC’s- they are only counting the PC worlds anti-mac bias. It’s possible to find a shop to service your apple gear.
Microsoft’s on your team. No they’re not. With activation and Windows Genuine Are You A Thief? Microsoft are clearly not on your team.
Black’s still the new black
In making this point, PCPRO are implying that Macs are quick to go out of fashion. Then how come older macs can still sell for very respectable prices (far more than equally old PCs).
The CD-ROM has an eject button.
I suppose it does, but then again which is best is entirely a matter of preference. And it’s notable to say that most Macs nowadays use slot-loading drives, which are naturally more convenient to eject via software.
No Confusing Version Numbers.
Apple only sell one version of OSX, and for PCPROs claim that updating it breaks that; well, that’s ridiculous. For those confused: here it is. 10.x.y x= the version of OSX, there’s a new version every 1-3 years. y= “service pack” there are 10 of these between two versions and usually bring new features to OSX.
What the hell was that?/The Apple start up tone irritates the PCPRO editor?
Then hold mute as you boot. Apple have used sampled sounds since the Apple II- and the current start up sound is about 16 years old. Also, Windows has an equally jarring sound to a mac user.
Cheap OEM Versions
This is covered in point 6. Because you cannot build a mac from scratch, then you do not qualify for OEM. The closest you’ll see to an OEM copy is pre-installed on every new macintosh. There’s no arbitrary be a geek and buy a mouse discount.
Far Better Media Capability
Currently MCE is superior to Front Row at acting like a £1000 video recorder. For one, I’m happy that my dedicated DVR unit does this without making toast and catching virii. Also when you buy a Mac TV-Tuner it is likely to be from Elgato who offer very good software to do just that. (Apart from the virii.)
IT Support Expertise
For a magazine which has always seemed to be for professionals in the IT industry, the idea of becoming the ‘gold dust’ of support professionals must be enthralling. Same goes for programmers, you also need less support on the mac.
Not So Insecure.
PCPRO argues that a PC with latest service packs and antivirus is unlikely to get a virus. This may be true, but Windows insistence on patching is very annoying to a power user like myself. I want the only update traffic to be the update list and update files, not the entire UI. Also, the antivirus software is not infallible and requires constant updates to be this secure. Also, MAC OSX is more secure by design- not additional measures.

Core Animation In Leopard

Alex — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 00:02:35 +0000

Since the leak of the Leopard beta, quite a few interesting videos detailing the powers of core animation. Although I wonder why it was not shown at WWDC keynote, although I might think that Apple isn’t best pleased at this leak.

Seems that support is reliant on Core Image, so yay for my iBook and nay for the mini

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Windows Vista

Alex — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 20:56:14 +0000

Vista on the whole is a nice change from XP and seems to have a lot going for it, although it’s insane hard drive useage is quite worrying. In my opinion the changes made are too major to be considered as in any way small and the residue from XP is all to much for a new OS.

Glass
I’m sure glass is absolutely incredible, but I wouldn’t know- nor would anyone who’s machine is enterprise class. Without it the outer borders are consistantly horrid, as well as the different varying shades of blue they’ve used for the new almost-but-not-quite menus that litter the screen. It’s like they tried to emulate the Apple no menus window without the menu bar at the top.

Oh no are you attempting to execute a possibly untrustworthy executible which may or equally may not be mallicious!
The need for security is great in times like these. But asking the user repeatedly is confusing for newer users and pointless, those at danger will click yes, and there will eventually be a bypass mechanism- ruling the feature useless.

But first- count the dialouge boxes:

That’s not to say that they should all go, 4 is just clearly over-zealous. Asking the user for confirmation all the time will tire soon and alienate people new to computers, and irritate those that already have experience.

The big three. [CMD, Notepad, and Paint]

The command prompt is something that must look amazing on Aero Glass, it better- it’s horrendous without it.

Notepad, and indeed it’s slightly larger brother wordpad have received little love from Vista, also paint has nothing new to offer.

Conclusions:
Vista beta 2 has a lot of new innovations but does have some gross UI inconsistancies with parts that are entirely new and others which are directly from XP. Also it offers the sincerest form of flattery to Apple- It would be unwise to compare it to OSX as the latest version has yet to be released even any official news. There’s also far too much in the UI that is to be found by accident, such as the alt key showing the menus. Although on the other hand Office 2007 is very nice, with a user inteface that is more consistant with the Vista look and feel than most of Vista.

-Update:
Lifehacker has a nice set of screenshots which nicely summarizes the UI changes for those unable to install it.