40% of College Students Plan to Buy Macs, Survey Says

Derangel said:
See you're talking about a desktop. Laptops are FAR more useful to college students and you don't have that kind of customization on a laptop either. Sure you can sort of build your own, but you are still insanely limited.
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I'd get one of those Falcon NW Fragbooks over any Mac laptop any day, but they're more of a desktop replacement. And they are quite customizable.
 
bucket said:
I'd get one of those Falcon NW Fragbooks over any Mac laptop any day, but they're more of a desktop replacement. And they are quite customizable.
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To a point, but not the level of a desktop. When I go back to college I'm going to get a Mac. Its included with tuition anyway and its either that or a Gateway tablet. The Mac will give me something to play around with and a chance to learn something different and new to me. I have my complaints about the way Apple themselves operate and about their CEO, but its not going to stop me from using the product.
 
Nemesis999 said:
Currently a student.

Walk into the Engineering library, not a Macbook in sight. Math Library, Science, same thing. Walk into the humanities (liberal arts) library and they're everywhere. Their audience is exactly what you'd expect, those philosophy students taking the extra few years of babysitting before they have to become adults.
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lulz, thats pretty stereotypical but true. The artsy types MUST OWN A MAC. ;)
 
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Well, that's nice. Wake me when the BS is over.

I'm no Mac hater but their entire market strategy has nothing to do with competing with the Windows PC. Mac stays in their holier-than-thou trendy position by only selling expensive units with massive warranties. That's all well and good, but when will these academics with their touchy feely bleeding hearts figure out that they are driving the SUV of computers? Mac isn't going to be leading the charge for OLPCs... why? No profit. They have no desire at this point to compete in the mass production low end space.

It's a bunch of out of touch young adults whos parents pay for everything. They act like Mac should be on every desk... when they are too stupid to figure out that a Mac isn't on every desk for the same reason a new BMW isn't in every driveway. That price structure doesn't fit more than a niche market.

PC isn't going anywhere. And Vista, or its successor, will succeed. It just depends on when this trendy Vista hate-fest finally wears off and something else takes its place. Then everyone will quietly eat crow and get a new Windows OS.

This idiocy is hurting the PC industry. Vista works quite well. The sooner folks point their guns somewhere else the better. All I hear every day... "my friend said..." "people say..." "I heard that..." Vista sucks. Specifically WHAT? The average user has no idea what! That's because it doesn't suck. It's just a little different.
 
bucket said:
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LMAO, well can't say that Acer is much better than a Macbook, at least it runs Windows :p Seriously, seen so many problems with them, and the 3000 series, RUN! Always the same problem, bad battery or bad AC.

Well, I too am a Mac hater, I guess if you want to call me that. Yes, I have used it extensively, and it's just plain hard to use in Windows environments and for our clients, doesn't meet the needs. I can see the use for a Mac for general word processing or email, stuff like that, but for businesses...nuh uh. And yes, they are good for video editing, I will admit that. You just don't get what you pay for when you buy a Mac, hardwarewise. True, I am a Windows fan, but I'll be the first to say that it has it's problems, primarily Vista, and yes I don't like Vista either. Server 2003? Can't beat that OS in terms of speed, stability, and reliability. Server 2008, haven't used it enough to say for sure, but expect very good things outta it. Windows is perfectly stable and fine as long as you properly take care of it, (stay off the pr0n sites :D) and keep maintenance with it. The reason there are few viruses for Macs? Simple, programmers hate Macs :p, but seriously think about it, how many programmers would really want to use a Mac for programming viruses and crap? Mac being more secure and all this crap, my foot, the only reason there is less is because fewer people use it = less people affected and secondly, the OS is different from Windows = different programming. As for Safari for Windows, BS to the whole default when you update iTunes, that is a ball-less act on Apple's part, and frankly, that really pisses me off. People just hit next next next accept next finish. They don't read all the stuff, and they are taking advantage of that. Almost as bad as Google Toolbar, yuck! Macs are not at all worth the price you pay for them, not even in the slightest. Proprietary (to some degree) overpriced, constantly bashing Windows in their ads and really making idiots out of themselves at the same time, just a real pain in the ass to try and fix make it just not worth my time in my books. Maybe if it would run on less proprietary hardware, I might just take another look at it, but not till then. That being said, Microsoft does have it's faults and sneaky tactics, I'm not denying that at all, I will be the first to admit that.
 
I'm going into college next year, and I'm buying myself a Macbook. Why, I love the Unix base of OS X. It gives it a nice flexibility without having to muck around in it if I don't feel like it. It's like a version of Ubuntu that's even more popular and even easier to use. After an educational discount, the Macbook isn't that much more expensive than a comparable laptop from a good manufacturer (such as Lenovo's Think Pad Line). I don't like the arrogance of Apple, but I'm surprised that in a forum where I figured most of the members are rather educated on technology, there can be so much blind Apple hatred. I can also understand disliking the snobs that tend to love Apple, and their stupid arguments to why OS X is better than Windows, but in reality, why judge the product based on the people that use it? A lot of arrogant assholes drive Porsches, but most people still would buy one if they could afford it.
 
Personally I think if people were smarter they'd buy a cheaper windows based laptop then throw any version of Linux/BSD/Unix on it and have basically the same thing. Dual booting Windows and Ubuntu is not hard at all.
 
I find some of these posts so ignorant and idiotic that its just downright hilarious. I build my own computers and mod my own stuff, so I can hardly be called "not tech savvy." I also own a 17" macbook pro and love every part of it. Sure I love my rigs that I have built and of course I love playing games on high with them, that's why I got an Apple notebook. I honestly feel sorry for anyone that plays games on a notebook as there are just so many limitations with that. Anyways, here are somethings I would like to point out.

1. Apple was the first PC built, so learn to be a bit more grateful Windows fanboys. Without Apple in the very beginning, who knows how our PC world would have turned out. Before you choke on Bill Gate's dick.
2. It doesn't matter what processor or components are in an Apple computer, it is still a PC. PC stands for personal computer, a computer for personal use. Windows does not make a PC, OS X does not make a PC, a computer for personal use does. Quit calling Windows computers PC's and OS X computers Mac. They are both PC's, just with different OS.
3. Apple is not catering towards us as a consumer market. Quite honestly, Apple doesn't give a rat's ass about any of us computer enthusiasts. The average consumer cannot write code, does not bitch about not playing Crysis on Very High on their 30" 1.5k Dell LCD monitor (in fact, the average consumer usually does not own anything larger than a 20"), does not know how to install Windows, let alone assemble a computer, and does not overclock (if you ask an average joe to overclock your rig, he will look at you like you're an alien). Apple makes pre-assembled computers that quite honestly, look and work great. It simply works right out of the box fully assembled and without bloatware.
4. Apple computers do not come with bloatware, but rather a collection of fully integrated features and applications that simply work well together. How long did it take Dell to figure out that people hated booting up their computers and looking at 10 different programs that pop up. Heck, with my Macbook Pro and OS X, I can create custom screenshots by pushing 2 keys, create slideshows with 2 keys, double click by tapping with 2 fingers, and boot up in under a minute. Only recently has Windows with Vista been able to come close to some of the things that Apple has been doing for years and how many laptops can boot up into Windows that quickly? I also PERSONALLY find the GUI intuitive and attractive.
5. The premium one pay's for Apple products is only high for people like us, because we know what to when our computer breaks. Unlike the average consume, we actually know how to fix things and since most of us build our own computers, tech support is a moot point anyways. For the average consumer, it means a lot to just simply pick up the phone and talk to someone NOT from India. No racism or disrespect to any Indian people that read this, but aside from the fact that they don't know what the hell they are doing, I simply cannot understand them at all. That leads to the next point, average joes feel comfortable that when their computers break, they can talk to someone who knows what they are talking about, at least for the most part.
6. Apple computers can run Windows fine, so that renders all debates about software compatibility moot.
7. Have you ever considered that some people do NOT want to lug around huge full towers or massive cube cases? Have you ever considered that someone does not enjoy putting pieces of hardware together and not knowing if it will boot up? Have you considered the fact that there are people out there who do not get a hard on looking at a game with AA and AF turned all the way up? Have you considered the fact that some people enjoy that when they buy an iMac, they get an all in one solution (LCD screen, computer, webcam, mic, wifi, ect) instead of having like 5 different parts (monitor, rig, speakers, webcam, mic) and that it takes up no room on your desk? Have you considered there are people out there with other things to do then sitting at home tinkering with computers and masturbating to porn?

Fanboys rarely see past their tiny, intolerant, and enclosed worlds. They only see what they want to see and with ignorance, condemn everything else. Now I admit that I for one do not want everyone to use Apple computers. The reason Apple computers are so secure right now, is because it is a different OS platform and that there is not a lot of incentitive for business people to buy one. Don't knock on an Apple computer until you sit down with it and make a genuine effort to learn about it. Until then, you don't know shit so you shouldn't say shit.
 
I have a couple of friends who insist on buying macs and have since bought themselves mac laptops touting all the cool things you can do on a mac that you can't do on a pc.

What do they end up using them for? Playing solitaire in class, checking e-mail, and surfing the web. However, everyone always complements them on how cool their laptops are. I will stick to the ugly and cheap pc notebook and use the extra money I save on other cool things.
 
i have a million arguments against mac but i know i dont need to make them here. i just dont really see the appeal of the apple.

their market share is growing quite a bit. it is impressive actually but, it still doesn't account for much.

i think once computers are a more integral part of the home having a apple integrated home is going to cost 3-4x as much as a PC integrated home and that is what is going to be deciding factor.

nothing against the apple OS, but i do hate their commercials and the majority of their smug users.
 
yea apple computers are a bit stupid...more intelligent than the dude we got a dell commercial though >.>
 
I really don't care one way or the other, but I'd be willing to guess that those numbers do not correlate to sales. Lots of people say they are going to purchase Macs and then realize that practically speaking a PC is better suited to their needs (be they cost or use related). But I have yet to see Mac's widely used in most business environments, which, while probably a product of familiarity, is still unlikely to change as a result of this.

I say this simply because the familiarity paradigm doesn't work just in the one direction (employee-->business). Business-minded people want to familiarize themselves with the OS they will probably use later on. That means that if you're in CS, you should probably be using linux, and if you're a generic business major, you should probably be using Windows. Your skill set and level of familiarity determines part of your worth as an employee and that won't change.
 
BombermanX said:
I really don't care one way or the other, but I'd be willing to guess that those numbers do not correlate to sales. Lots of people say they are going to purchase Macs and then realize that practically speaking a PC is better suited to their needs (be they cost or use related). But I have yet to see Mac's widely used in most business environments, which, while probably a product of familiarity, is still unlikely to change as a result of this.

I say this simply because the familiarity paradigm doesn't work just in the one direction (employee-->business). Business-minded people want to familiarize themselves with the OS they will probably use later on. That means that if you're in CS, you should probably be using linux, and if you're a generic business major, you should probably be using Windows. Your skill set and level of familiarity determines part of your worth as an employee and that won't change.
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i pretty much agree. i'm going into CS and am dual booting xubuntu and XP. have to at least familiarize myself with linux a little more before i jump in completely. if i was still interested in graphics work like i was last year, i'd prolly be typing this on a mac right now that way its easier for me to use the macs in the labs.
 
The majority of students need a computer for writing emails, writing papers, preparing presentations, listening to music, watching DVDs and using their digital camera or iPod.

An Apple has a good warranty, it's easy to use. You can get the same thing in a PC, but it has momentum going against it because people having long running bad experiences with crappy Dell service and odd problems with XP. Apple controls the entire Apple market, so when people get an Apple they know what they are getting. There are PC makers that offer a better product with the same support at a lower price and Vista, but the average person doesn't know which makers these are. An Apple is a safe bet.
 
Everyone i know loves their HP laptop. I think HP has got itself to a point where its very classy looking and yet reliable and i think that they are gainging marketshare because of it
 
As a kid I had a TI994a (Incredible features, too bad TI hadn't a clue about where the indstry was going), then an Apple II, and a II+, and a IIe. I've used just about every significant PC platform that's been around, including Commodore64, Amiga (once, still not convinced anyone ever actually had one), and once or twice a Mac.

There's a REASON I switched to an IBM PC clone with DOS instead of choosing the Mac 512. From the day that Apple released the IIgs, they began their own demise as the king of personal computers. They were unaffordable and extremely incompatible with legacy hardware and software. By the time the Mac 512 hit the shelves, I had given up and gone with an IBM clone. The operative word there is CLONE. You could choose a manufacturer and price point. You could buy a part or upgrade from a multitude of sources. Even then the average consumer could see that Apple had gone pure proprietary. The vast majority of the market wasn't going to put up with that. At the same time that choices were narrowing with Apple, they expanded explosively with IBM PCs and DOS. Sure, Windows may have been late to the party with the graphical interface but the hardware and software choices were limitless. That's why, to this day, Windows continues to win. Why do people have a love/hate relationship with Windows? Because the reason it's easy to screw it up, is the same reason it's so versatile. By giving users infinite choice in software and hardware. Some would rather be spoon fed computing in a fixed environment. That's Mac. I really have no problem with people who are looking for that but it will NEVER make up the bulk of the market.

And no, I don't really care that I can emulate Windows apps on a Mac. Why would I want to emulate when I get the best versatility running the real thing?

Here I am, for the last year, posting on [H] with my Vista 64bit OS, still pleased as hell with it. And my media server next to me, happily running XP. And my eee pc, happily modded with XP Home. It all works great, together, doing not just everything I need to do, but ANYTHING I decide to do.
 
retrorocketz said:
And a lot of the people in this forum buy their computer components to play games with. Throw stones much?
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I was simply making an observation based on my experiences in the tech design, and tech ed. fields, I fail to see how that is "thrwoing stones".

"I must have hit her pretty close to the mark to get her all riled up like that, huh, kid?"
 
Keep in mind that many schools these days (if not whole districts and boards) have Macs in the classrooms. Were talking elementary schools on up. I always thought that it was poor planning to train kids on Macs in a PC (accepted vernacular for a non Apple product) world, but if kids grow up to become consumers, and consumers tend to stick with what is familiar and brands they already know, then maybe there will be a greater and greater shift toward Macs as these kids enter the real world.
 
I own a powerbook for two reasons.

First, the chem department at my school uses two programs, Chemdraw and Spartan which run, imho (i've tried them on a pc, didn't like it) better on a mac then windows and linux.

Second, my family has a lot of money and I like shiny objects. The same reason why I drive a nice car as opposed to one that just goes places. I can afford to buy things that are shiny. :)
 
Really could care less if Apple takes over, but two things need to happen:

1) Stabilize it. Macs are ridiculously (And almost, unacceptably, considering Apple dictates what goes inside) unstable. It's not like they crash all the time, but they do crash. In this stability system is coming up with a SECURE OS. Like we saw on Friday, the only "security" Apple has going for it right now is security through obscurity... the fact of the matter is if folks try to hack it- they can.

2) Cost. PCs have better hardware for a hell of alot cheaper. Makes more business sense to use them. Cost has to go down.



And in the end you are left with a flashy version of Windows ;)


FWIW, iPods were a pretty major adoption, they took off. Pretty new product.
Macs have been around forever, and well... aren't doing much.
 
djBon2112 said:
They're buying them because they're the "cool" thing, not because they actually need them.
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Yep. It's sad because this general group have no reason to purchase a Mac besides the fact that "everyone else says they're great"; "it's so cool and trendy". Gag me already!
 
Master Blaster said:
Yep. It's sad because this general group have no reason to purchase a Mac besides the fact that "everyone else says they're great"; "it's so cool and trendy". Gag me already!
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I'll level with you- I'd use a Mac for MY personal use.

Never in a business environment- there is just ZERO security stopping viruses and malware (And as proven to the world Friday- which is entirely possible in a big way).

For MY personal use, I'd use it.

I only say that because I'm above-average. I won't go to all those iffy websites.
But that in itself is the problem- Mac users are your basic type (generally), as it is marketed as "easy to use".
 
TechieSooner said:
I'll level with you- I'd use a Mac for MY personal use.

Never in a business environment- there is just ZERO security stopping viruses and malware (And as proven to the world Friday- which is entirely possible in a big way).

For MY personal use, I'd use it.

I only say that because I'm above-average. I won't go to all those iffy websites.
But that in itself is the problem- Mac users are your basic type (generally), as it is marketed as "easy to use".
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And this is why they're selling like hot cakes! Compared to the past, there are now lots of kids who don't know how to really use a computer. They just want to type, print, and surf MySpace. It's a shame really, but to each their own I suppose.
 
Master Blaster said:
And this is why they're selling like hot cakes! Compared to the past, there are now lots of kids who don't know how to really use a computer. They just want to type, print, and surf MySpace. It's a shame really, but to each their own I suppose.
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See, and to me, Macs do the basics fairly well.
Windows does advanced stuff (business applications, networking, gaming, etc).

So, why on earth do you pay more money for something that actually does less?
 
TechieSooner said:
See, and to me, Macs do the basics fairly well.
Windows does advanced stuff (business applications, networking, gaming, etc).

So, why on earth do you pay more money for something that actually does less?
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So high level video, audio, and photo editing isn't advanced? How but high level animation like Pixar does? Do you consider that advanced?
 
Derangel said:
So high level video, audio, and photo editing isn't advanced? How but high level animation like Pixar does? Do you consider that advanced?
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Hah pixar didn't even use macs until they switched to PC hardware. Don't even try to play that card.
 
If all you need is internet, word processing and media stuff, there is no reason to buy a mac. I mean, there's an HP over at my BestBuy that has 4g's of ram, 64bit OS, turion tl60, 250g hd etc, and it's $899. That rapes the lowest end Mac for bang for your buck.
Dip down an extra $150 and you can get a Gateway that has only 3gb of ram and a 32bit OS.

At those prices and tech level, why get a mac?
 
amoeba1126 said:
I find some of these posts so ignorant and idiotic that its just downright hilarious. <snip>

1. Apple was the first PC built, so learn to be a bit more grateful Windows fanboys. Without Apple in the very beginning, who knows how our PC world would have turned out. Before you choke on Bill Gate's dick.
2. It doesn't matter what processor or components are in an Apple computer, it is still a PC. PC stands for personal computer, a computer for personal use. Windows does not make a PC, OS X does not make a PC, a computer for personal use does. Quit calling Windows computers PC's and OS X computers Mac. They are both PC's, just with different OS.

<snip again>


Fanboys rarely see past their tiny, intolerant, and enclosed worlds. They only see what they want to see and with ignorance, condemn everything else. Now I admit that I for one do not want everyone to use Apple computers. The reason Apple computers are so secure right now, is because it is a different OS platform and that there is not a lot of incentitive for business people to buy one. Don't knock on an Apple computer until you sit down with it and make a genuine effort to learn about it. Until then, you don't know shit so you shouldn't say shit.
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1. Take a look at Apple's history. MS bailed them out in a big way in the 90s. Plain and simple Apple would not be here without MS, so you can STFU about that.
2. "Hi, I'm a Mac." "And I'm a PC." Need I say more? I will though, since you seem to be blinded my Steve Jobs' aura. Apple has taken the stance that a Mac is not a PC. I will quite making a distinction between a Mac and a Windows (or Linux box) being a PC when Apple does, mKay?

You also make the security argument, did you read the news Friday? You're beloved "secure" OS fell first, so get of your damn high horse.

Now, I will say that Mac's do seem to be very good in some fields, specifically the graphic arts, as well as audio and video editing. When it comes to a business setting though, Macs really don't have any kind of edge.
 
I've used computers since the early 80s, starting with an old Tandy :p I've owned three notebooks; an ASUS, a Dell XPS, and (now) a macbook. I work in IT, and use Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Server 2003, and OS X (10.4 and 10.5) on a very regular basis. I've built far too many computers that I'd like, and have to mess around with their hardware and software configurations on an unfortunately common basis. In other words: I'm not techno-stupid. On the whole I think that Macs are fine for individuals with relatively simple day-to-day demands, or for particular speciality tasks. Windows often works, and you can't play games on OS X, but that isn't to say that there aren't little features in OS X that are handy.

-Hot corners are nice and improve workflow - sure, you can do it linux, but you're not going to convince a non-tech savvy individual to move to linux and compiz fusion for this.
-Generally, basic software is interoperable and MS Office (really the core program a lot of users/college students need) is available for OS X
-the integration of iTunes, for many college students, is great. They already have iPods, and like having their software installed for them. Yes, they can do it (and tons do) in windows, but the less 'work' involved in setting up your computer, the better.
-No serial codes! If you need to reinstall OS X, just toss in the disks (wait a fucking age or two), and it's reinstalled and your user account is still intact. Not needing to keep track of serials and the relatively nice reinstallation methods in OS X are nice.
-Time Machine - this is a super easy backup system that most users can use without needing to think about their backup cycle. Yes, you can do it on a PC, and yes, you can find problems with Time Machine if you look. That said, it's convenient, it's simple, and it's something that should have been incorporated into Vista. Users keep hearing (from IT, the news, and their colleagues) that regular data backups are essential, and Time Machine lets them assuage their fears of data loss.
-Reputation for good tech support. People are willing to pay a premium for what they believe will be decent tech support. Don't underestimate the reputation that apple has built for itself here, or the ability to book an appointment at an Apple store to get assistance with a computer problem or just some advice on how to do something. The ability to talk to a person either in person, or that you can simply understand, is not something to be underestimated!
-Aesthetics matter. Dell is starting to get this, as is HP. Consumers like beautiful products, and Apple has valued aesthetics for a long time now. This doesn't mean that beauty = better in performance terms, but it does tap into core facets of the human psyche.

I can certainly think of other reasons why apple systems may be appealing to some consumers, but I think I've tapped the 'major' ones. The thing that blows me away, however, is that I see students arrive on campus every year with Apple products only to discover that their university programs use Windows-based software in their day-to-day business, and that the students will similarly need a Windows environment to run that software. Universities and colleges (and their particular departments!) need to be more explicit about the operating system environments that are appropriate for study, or else students will keep buying equipment that is absolutely unsuited to their actual needs once they arrive on campus.
 
Hurdler said:
1. Take a look at Apple's history. MS bailed them out in a big way in the 90s. Plain and simple Apple would not be here without MS, so you can STFU about that.
2. "Hi, I'm a Mac." "And I'm a PC." Need I say more? I will though, since you seem to be blinded my Steve Jobs' aura. Apple has taken the stance that a Mac is not a PC. I will quite making a distinction between a Mac and a Windows (or Linux box) being a PC when Apple does, mKay?

You also make the security argument, did you read the news Friday? You're beloved "secure" OS fell first, so get of your damn high horse.

Now, I will say that Mac's do seem to be very good in some fields, specifically the graphic arts, as well as audio and video editing. When it comes to a business setting though, Macs really don't have any kind of edge.
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OSX itself is secure, its Safari that is like a mountain of swiss cheese. They used Safari and a web page to hack in. Of course no one bothers with direct hacks any more anyway so I guess my point is moot.
 
Derangel said:
OSX itself is secure, its Safari that is like a mountain of swiss cheese. They used Safari and a web page to hack in. Of course no one bothers with direct hacks any more anyway so I guess my point is moot.
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And not to mention that Linux, Windows and OSX all come with a browser preinstalled.
Thus that browser's security is directly tied to the OS's
 
Modred189 said:
Being a member, no one uses Macs in the biological sciences. Not enough international support or compatibility.
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Sorry but I have to prove you wrong. I attend a UC campus and worked at the bookstore selling computers. One day I had a researcher come buy 2 Mac Pros and 2 30" Cinema Displays.

Not to mention, my own lab PI uses Macs exclusively. He has a Mac Pro and a Macbook Pro. He's quite a famous researcher in his field as well.
 
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