Why are there so many Mac users here? - Page 2

gbrandwood · 07-03-2009, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSagal

Why are there so many Mac users here?

In the "real" world, there of lots of people who use Macs and even more who use PCs. What makes you think the balance is different to the norm on Segwaychat? I'd expect the distribution to be similar. Only once we know what the distribution is should we pose such a question.

wwhopper · 07-03-2009, 07:03 PM

A poll would tell you what you want to know

How many SC members are PC

And how many are MAC

And how many are both!

Bob.Kerns · 07-03-2009, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbrandwood

In the "real" world, there of lots of people who use Macs and even more who use PCs. What makes you think the balance is different to the norm on Segwaychat? I'd expect the distribution to be similar. Only once we know what the distribution is should we pose such a question.

Naw, we can pose the question. But without any evidence it differs here from the world at large, we're just asking about the world at large AND about whether SegwayChat differs from the world at large.

But there's another factor -- Mac users are more likely to talk about owning a Mac. Some are fans, and some just because Macs are less ubiquitous, it's more worth mentioning.

And, likewise, on the reader's side, we're more likely to notice a Mac mention than a PC mention.

So anywhere you go, I suspect you'll find that Mac mentions appear to be over-represented.

Bob.Kerns · 07-03-2009, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by budsiskos

another issue is that most pc users are probably a little intimidated by the macs os and how it runs rather differently than a pc's.

since pc's were at one time better than macs they gained a larger following but now that macs are equal if not better, they fear the transition and so decide to stick with the familiar os

Which is entirely reasonable. The cost of switching in relearning time is considerable, and you'll end up giving up a lot of familiar tools, and purchasing a lot of software for purposes for which you already own software.

KSagal · 07-03-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by budsiskos

pc's are generally the cheaper more average joe choice. they do what you tell them and get the work done.

but macs on the other hand truly are superior. they are virtually virus proof, have roughly a 30 second boot time, and generally have far more user friendly programing than your everyday pc.

but to be honest, macs are aimed at a different goal than pc's are. pc's are for office work and records while macs are for more artistic and creative things like architecture and computer graphics and such.
the only reason windows got the huge gamer rep is because pc's have more users simply because there cheaper and therefor will have more gamers.

but most people will agree that once you try a mac, youll never go bac.

i suppose this is similar to how anyone who tries a segway is instantly addicted becouse it is such a natural way to move

Okay, 'Cheaper, more average Joe choice, but macs are truly superior'... I do not begrudge your own opinions at all, but these are opinions, not facts, and I tend to disagree.

Quote:

Originally Posted by budsiskos

another issue is that most pc users are probably a little intimidated by the macs os and how it runs rather differently than a pc's.

since pc's were at one time better than macs they gained a larger following but now that macs are equal if not better, they fear the transition and so decide to stick with the familiar os

I cannot say if this is accurate or not, and I don't think you have much evidence to support it either, but it is another valid opinion... And an opinion that I find a bit arrogant, and clearly not what I believe to be accurate for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbrandwood

In the "real" world, there of lots of people who use Macs and even more who use PCs. What makes you think the balance is different to the norm on Segwaychat? I'd expect the distribution to be similar. Only once we know what the distribution is should we pose such a question.

The title of the thread is a bit misleading, if you feel I was saying that there are more mac users than PC users here... I was not. I was saying that there is a level of fanaticism that Macs attract, and I was postulating that segways do as well... I do not know if there are more mac users here or not, I do know that those I know here and other places are quite full of themselves when it comes to Macs, and their choice to use them, and that their choice is beyond a personal one, to where they prostilitise the use of Macs all the time...

The comments that they are for the 'average joe' and that he is likely to be intimidated by macs just prove this point... While I am using one person's posts as examples, this is by no means about that one person. I find those posts to be exactly what I was talking about, and very much representative of the topic of this thread, and was not intended as a personal criticism at all... I surely hope that no offense is taken, as none is intended.

I have found that the average segway enthusiast is very defensive of people questioning their choice. They have a tendency to tout the fact that they are superior to any comparison that another may offer up. I have found a similar perspective with Mac users... For that matter, I have felt the same vibe from those who own a corvette as well.

Just for the record, I have also felt that vibe in other places as well, but to differing degrees. To a degree, skydivers have a touch, as well as many enthusiasts for many out of the mainstream sports, like hardcore mountain climbers, hangliders, skuba diving shark fishermen, and most of the folks that would add nitro to their 60's muscle cars...

So, has anyone else detected a commonality amongst those who like macs and segways?

budsiskos · 07-04-2009, 01:59 AM

[QUOTE=KSagal;195639]Okay, 'Cheaper, more average Joe choice, but macs are truly superior'... I do not begrudge your own opinions at all, but these are opinions, not facts, and I tend to disagree.[/COLOR]

I cannot say if this is accurate or not, and I don't think you have much evidence to support it either, but it is another valid opinion... And an opinion that I find a bit arrogant, and clearly not what I believe to be accurate for me.

well i am a converted mac user and do find them superior by all accounts so forgive me for being a little prejudice.

gbrandwood · 07-04-2009, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob.Kerns

That is not the Macintosh of today.

I wonder if the kids of today are even aware that their trendy Mac is actually a Macintosh... not quite the trendy heritage they may expect.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob.Kerns

Microsoft has a horrible problem with drivers, because they, by comparison, exercise so little control over their hardware and software ecosystem. They've tightened things up, and it's gotten better, but I think it's also created a lot of Mac users.

You have hit on the big difference for me between the two systems. Macs limit what you can install in the box - and previously not let you put anything in the box. Windows will let you put pretty much any hardware in the box and will work - if you have the drivers (and a lot of times you don't even need them). So, Macs restrict your options and this tighter controlled environment makes it more reliable. A "PC" approach means you want graphics card x and sound card y - because they suit your needs - then great - just buy a motherboard that supports them - most will. But if you are talking off-the-shelf products, then these decisions have already been made for you, and you shouldn't have any hardware reliability issues. I have several Dell machines in work which are left on for weeks on end - they are not servers as such, but will regularly dip into power save/hibernation etc., and they come back and work well. No reboots required. Bob - your mileage will vary - and because the chances are your kit is so different to my kit, I'm not sure the comparison is worth while. It's all anecdotal. But, they say variety is the spice of life. And I don't just mean different colours...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob.Kerns

Naw, we can pose the question. But without any evidence it differs here from the world at large, we're just asking about the world at large AND about whether SegwayChat differs from the world at large.

Karl has stated the topic title was misleading. I just saw the topic and quickly replied. My bad. If I'd have taken the time to read the thread in full, I would have realised what it was really about. But I'm not fond of supposition.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob.Kerns

But there's another factor -- Mac users are more likely to talk about owning a Mac. Some are fans, and some just because Macs are less ubiquitous, it's more worth mentioning.

Bingo! When was the last time I proudly announced I use as PC and they are better? When was the last time we heard from a Mac user stating they are better than PC... for some reason, Mac users are "mac and proud"

That's fine. Whatever floats your boat.

I use Windows because it works for me and my way of life. My skill sets are in this area, most employers seem to use the technology, I go where the work is. I'm sure Macs are good and all but there is no compelling reason to make the switch. And for people to tell me Macs are better... well, I'll be the judge of what is best for me.

I don't see that there is any link between Segway users and Mac users. I don't tell cyclists that using a Segway is better because... x y or z. Using a Segway is just different in many ways - ways which work for me. It is not inherently better. It does not link to my choice in computer hardware. PCs are for some and not others. Are the bicycle forums full of PC users? Apple has great marketing (it needs it - it's cool status is a result of it's own marketing puff) - Segways don't have any cool status. Why would they be linked? I don't get it. But that would not be the first time...