Why do you buy Apple products?

[odoe]

I bought a 13" MBP not too long ago, because I wanted solid build quality and decent performance. I was going to go Lenovo, because my old Thinkpad was a great machine, damn tank that sucker. Dell I had, sucked.
The MBP was a natural choice for a few reasons. Xcode for one. Can't do native iOS dev without it. Ruby for another. Ruby dev on Windows in cygwin or something is just such a pain to set up. Ruby on Windows will work, but just, ugh.

I really like the MBP, build is solid, size great. OSX is great except for Finder. I don't what anyone says, Finder just blows. The one thing of OSX I can't stand.

With that said, I like the Mac enough, I think I'm going to get an iMac when the refresh rolls around.

 

[heatlesssun]

I agree. Part of the reason I went MBP was because the small form made it more functional for me to carry around all day at school. I'm on the train 6 times a week and going to a couple classes and the library 5 days a week. Anything bigger in form than a 13" MBP would not be functional.

You're taking a simple point, throwing in a value judgment I never made and making it too difficult. If a pound or two of weight makes the MBP more functional for you great. No amount of weight difference becomes a Wacom digitizer. No amount of color accuracy or great viewing angles from an IPS panel currently provides a 120 Hz refresh rate and stereoscopic 3D.

To me, form is just that, weight, thickness, looks, etc. PHYSICAL characteristics. I never said or even implied that form wasn't important and had no value, however physical characteristics can often be worked around if one it is willing. Functional characteristics are things that typically can't be worked around. You can't really work around not having a Wacom digitizer, either it's there or it's not. You could just you pen and paper sure but then you're using something else altogether. But if you don't need or want the function it doesn't matter to you and you don't care anyway.

I simply pointed out the concept of compromise and trade offs, something that we ALL do in our lives daily, we pick this over that constantly and I wasn't trying to make any value judgments. Just pointing out the inescapable truths in this thing called life.

 

[shawnmramsey]

I guess what I meant because I am ignorant (not so much after reading the thread) of Apple products is that it seems very difficult to upgrade a Mac so I thought the average course of action for the most part is purchasing a new machine. It seems that was an assumption that I took to far, again because all I knew about them was what a lot of haters had to say. I'm going to try out a nice MBP. I really need a reliable machine, and I do like the look and feel of them, I just really need to bite the bullet and figure out which one I would like to purchase. Does anyone have any thoughts on a good used MBP?

Thanks

 

[mrgstiffler]

Does anyone have any thoughts on a good used MBP?

Thanks

Absolutely. Apple has a refurbished section on their website. The products have a decent discount and come with the same warranty as new ones.

 

[Chibo]

Absolutely. Apple has a refurbished section on their website. The products have a decent discount and come with the same warranty as new ones.

Yes, and to add to this adding ram or a bigger hdd/ssd is very easy so don't pay extra for them. Also, if you buy refurb do some research on wiki as to the different release dates and make sure you know what you are getting.

 

[ryken]

You're taking a simple point, throwing in a value judgment I never made and making it too difficult. If a pound or two of weight makes the MBP more functional for you great. No amount of weight difference becomes a Wacom digitizer. No amount of color accuracy or great viewing angles from an IPS panel currently provides a 120 Hz refresh rate and stereoscopic 3D.

To me, form is just that, weight, thickness, looks, etc. PHYSICAL characteristics. I never said or even implied that form wasn't important and had no value, however physical characteristics can often be worked around if one it is willing. Functional characteristics are things that typically can't be worked around. You can't really work around not having a Wacom digitizer, either it's there or it's not. You could just you pen and paper sure but then you're using something else altogether. But if you don't need or want the function it doesn't matter to you and you don't care anyway.

I simply pointed out the concept of compromise and trade offs, something that we ALL do in our lives daily, we pick this over that constantly and I wasn't trying to make any value judgments. Just pointing out the inescapable truths in this thing called life.

Sorry, I hadn't even read your post, I was just agreeing in general with what Serpico was saying.

I agree with you in part. My general point is that form can be just as important and hard to work around as function. I think we both agree that whether a certain function or form is necessary is completely a personal issue. I, personally, know I paid at bit of a premium for my MPB. But given the amount of time carrying my laptop around, those 1-2 pounds were easily worth it.

I know you love tablets, and that form is well worth the premium you pay over a run of the mill laptop with the same components.

You obviously can work around a 1lb. weight difference easier than an absent, yet necessary Wacom, but the thing is, most people don't need a Wacom. Most people are just browsing the web, writing emails, and doing Office work, and every laptop does that. Specialized needs are a specialized case.

I don't think anyone with an Apple computer would recommend an Apple to someone if the Apple didn't have the basic functions required by that person. In fact, I'd hazard a guess that many (if not most) [H]ard Apple Users have a home built gaming desktop and not an iMac or Mac Pro specifically because that machine functions much better for its purpose. I, personally, might someday buy an iMac and relegate it to the family, but I don't ever see myself ditching my gaming PC.

 

[shoota]

OSX is great except for Finder. I don't what anyone says, Finder just blows. The one thing of OSX I can't stand.

I'm really curious as to why you hate Finder so much.
I'm the exact opposite, i think it's great.

 

[odoe]

Finder has been just so unintuitive. My main gripe that I've mentioned before is copying a folder into a directory that has a folder of the same name won't add contents, but overwrite them. This happens to me a lot when unzipping files. Maybe I need even more time with Finder, but I just feel uncomfortable using it.

 

[mrgstiffler]

I'm really curious as to why you hate Finder so much.
I'm the exact opposite, i think it's great.

Yeah, I don't think Finder is great, but it is better than Explorer. The biggest downside is you have to customize a lot of the options before it becomes usable for an enthusiast.

 

[shoota]

Yeah, I don't think Finder is great, but it is better than Explorer. The biggest downside is you have to customize a lot of the options before it becomes usable for an enthusiast.

Finder has been just so unintuitive. My main gripe that I've mentioned before is copying a folder into a directory that has a folder of the same name won't add contents, but overwrite them. This happens to me a lot when unzipping files. Maybe I need even more time with Finder, but I just feel uncomfortable using it.

I haven't seen this behavior (not saying it doesn't happen, just that i haven't seen it).
What kind of tweaks have you done, I haven't done any as far as i know.

 

[Chibo]

My main gripe that I've mentioned before is copying a folder into a directory that has a folder of the same name won't add contents, but overwrite them

I raged so hard the first time this happened to me, I immediately realized what it had done but it was too late - ended up losing hundreds of pictures from highschool because I was migrating from a Macbook Pro to an iMac and had already formatted my time machine drive figuring I was set to start clean. I don't know why Apple made this design call, it's one of the worst I've ever encountered.

 

[KENNYB]

I guess what I meant because I am ignorant (not so much after reading the thread) of Apple products is that it seems very difficult to upgrade a Mac so I thought the average course of action for the most part is purchasing a new machine. It seems that was an assumption that I took to far, again because all I knew about them was what a lot of haters had to say. I'm going to try out a nice MBP. I really need a reliable machine, and I do like the look and feel of them, I just really need to bite the bullet and figure out which one I would like to purchase. Does anyone have any thoughts on a good used MBP?

Thanks

If you intend to run Windows, know that there are a few annoyances that you will have to deal with. Apple isn't likely to fix any of the issues seen in the Boot Camp drivers.

 

[phide]

Yeah, I don't think Finder is great, but it is better than Explorer. The biggest downside is you have to customize a lot of the options before it becomes usable for an enthusiast.

Step 1: Switch to Column view.
Step 2: There is no step 2!

Column view is absolutely glorious, particularly when your Finder window is suitably large.

 

[elvis1]

I'm really curious as to why you hate Finder so much.
I'm the exact opposite, i think it's great.

You buy apple products because you like the show off ( personal joke ).

On topic :I don´t buy apple products because:

a)down here ( Argentina) it costs more than twice than its cost ( see example).

http://macstation.com.ar/producto.php?prodid=1840&catid=38
(thats $5k)

http://www.macmall.com/p/Apple-MacBook-Pro/product~dpno~8300862~pdp.gdchhcf

b) I dont see a reason to :

I) use components Ive not selected ( a 5.4krpm hdd just to mention one)
II) pay extra to have access to be a user of a particular brand
III) pay for software

 

[phide]

When you say "I don't see a reason to pay for software", that means you're a Linux user, right?

 

[wonSR4]

Finder has been just so unintuitive. My main gripe that I've mentioned before is copying a folder into a directory that has a folder of the same name won't add contents, but overwrite them. This happens to me a lot when unzipping files. Maybe I need even more time with Finder, but I just feel uncomfortable using it.

Agreed with this point. Also I kind of miss having cut and paste.

With that said, I like the Mac enough, I think I'm going to get an iMac when the refresh rolls around

Currently have 13" MBA + 27" Cinema Display. Kind of wish I had an iMac now since I don't move my MBA (mostly used hooked up to display) around as much as I thought I would and have an ipad for mobile purposes. Had thoughts about selling both, but what a hassle it would be :/

 

[Zumino Zufeilon]

Agreed with this point. Also I kind of miss having cut and paste.

I am so very confused . . .

Command+C = Copy
Command+V = Paste
Command+X = Cut


I'm not sure what you're talking about

 

[phide]

Cut doesn't work in the Finder. You can get around this limitation with a little Automator trickery.

 

[Orddie]

i buy em simply b/c as the add says... it just works. I have found so many things that apple does more simply over Windows... That's why i love it. I still use windows every day though...

 

[Epona]

They look sleek, they are user friendly, obviously the features that they left out in the earlier editions...

 

[shoota]

You buy apple products because you like the show off ( personal joke ).

On topic :I don´t buy apple products because:

a)down here ( Argentina) it costs more than twice than its cost ( see example).

http://macstation.com.ar/producto.php?prodid=1840&catid=38
(thats $5k)

http://www.macmall.com/p/Apple-MacBook-Pro/product~dpno~8300862~pdp.gdchhcf

b) I dont see a reason to :

I) use components Ive not selected ( a 5.4krpm hdd just to mention one)
II) pay extra to have access to be a user of a particular brand
III) pay for software

When you say "I don't see a reason to pay for software", that means you're a Linux user, right?

He's just jealous lol

 

[shawnmramsey]

Well guys... simple is true, I'm thinking it's to simple. I have been catching myself thinking very hard to get around this OS, sure thats great for a novice, but I love the complexity of applications and Windows. Will keep trying and see if it grows on me.

 

[Vyedmic]

One answer - Logic Studio. I've been using it since the version 5.5.1 made by emagic that run on Windows but Apple then bought them.....

Besides im feeling, navigating around, unix architecture of the system a little bit more than NT based Windows.

 

[dslrjunky]

mostly im buying in for the service and convenience of a reliable and portable powerful laptop...

 

[Chibo]

Well guys... simple is true, I'm thinking it's to simple. I have been catching myself thinking very hard to get around this OS, sure thats great for a novice, but I love the complexity of applications and Windows. Will keep trying and see if it grows on me.

 

[Shambler]

Macbook = $999
Core 2 Duo
2gigs o ram
250 HDD

Dell = $899-999
Core i5
6-8 gigs
500 HDD

Lenovo = $919-999
Core i7
6-8 gigs
500-750 HDD

Holy crap Lenovo has some great options!


So, the info listed above, pulled as of 15 minutes ago, steers me away from an Apple laptop.

 

[Chibo]

Interesting to note, the new iMacs have z68 in them already.

 

[UnknownSouljer]

Macbook = $999
Core 2 Duo
2gigs o ram
250 HDD

Dell = $899-999
Core i5
6-8 gigs
500 HDD

Lenovo = $919-999
Core i7
6-8 gigs
500-750 HDD

Holy crap Lenovo has some great options!


So, the info listed above, pulled as of 15 minutes ago, steers me away from an Apple laptop.

Well in with full disclosure, the Sandy Bridge Macbook is forthcoming. However for $200 additional..

13-inch: 2.3 GHz

2.3GHz dual-core
Intel Core i5
4GB 1333MHz
320GB 5400-rpm1
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Built-in battery (7 hours)2


Ships: Within 24hrs
Free Shipping
$1,199.00

 

[Chibo]

Well in with full disclosure, the Sandy Bridge Macbook is forthcoming. However for $200 additional..

13-inch: 2.3 GHz

2.3GHz dual-core
Intel Core i5
4GB 1333MHz
320GB 5400-rpm1
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Built-in battery (7 hours)2


Ships: Within 24hrs
Free Shipping
$1,199.00

And if you have a local microcenter, that drops to $999.

 

[Shambler]

Built in battery? However, 7 hours is pretty nice.

Note: There were a few cheaper options on Dell's site that had the same or very similar specs to the current MacBook.

Why can't they just price their stuff a tiny bit lower? I would actually give them money.

 

[phide]

...I love the complexity of applications and Windows.

Why is complexity desirable?

 

[Zumino Zufeilon]

Why is complexity desirable?

Not to mention, if you want to get into complexity, there's this spiffy thing called "terminal", which puts you in a unix commandline interface of complexity (and ULTIMATE COSMIC POWA!, Okay, maybe not).

 

[KENNYB]

Why is complexity desirable?

I don't know if total menu access using shortcut keys falls under complexity. In some areas, keyboard navigation isn't as nice as it is on Windows.

 

[Virtus]

I have an iPhone. I got it because I had two choices. Our firm only authorizes two kinds of devices to access the exchange server remotely - iPhone 4's and anything Blackberry (RIM). Thanks a lot google for fragmenting your platform.

First, I've used smart phones for a long time (Treo's, windows mobile, and androids). Phones are tools and I use whatever tool gets the job done. So I have a pretty unbiased point of view.

The iPhone is a nice phone and its build quality is better than anything out there. The OS is smooth and stable. However, I am experiencing 3 annoyances. Maybe I'm just new and haven't figured these things out yet, but here's what I miss:

• Notification LED - Someone please explain why I have to turn the phone on and unlock it to see if I have any missed messages/emails?!?! Am I missing a setting somewhere?
• Integrated Navigation - I bought a nav app for my iPhone, but it's not integrated into the OS. On my old phone (android), I could click on any address (in a calender event, text msg, email, webpage, etc...) and it would navigate me. That's very helpful when I'm traveling. My assistant would just text the address, I would click it, and boom - navigation begins. Now I have to type everything in. Also, I could say "Navigate to St.Pat's hospital in Missoula Montana" and it would take me there.
• Widgets - I'm used to turning on my phone and instantly seeing stock market info (sp500, djia), weather, and my schedule for the day. On my iphone I have to click on 3 different apps to get this information.

So I feel like the iOS experience isn't as integrated as the android experience, but it is light years ahead of RIM. I hope Apple revamps the pop-up notification system soon. It's outdated. I think that even my old windows mobile phone had always-visible icons that told me if I had new email or messages.

Don't get me wrong, I like my iPhone. I guess it seems like my old android was more usable and convenient and that kind of surprised me when I switched.

 

[mope54]

notifications on iOS blow, for sure. no notifiation led that I know of. you probably can't jailbreak your phone given your company's restrictions, but there are tweaks that would resolve your navigation issue. hopefully something comes along in an update that resolves that, too.

 

[KENNYB]

Don't get me wrong, I like my iPhone. I guess it seems like my old android was more usable and convenient and that kind of surprised me when I switched.

Somethings are better, some things are worse. Yeah, the notification system is limited and it sucks. I wish I had an app that I could use to toggle Wi-fi or airplane mode. I hate having to jump through multiple hoops just to turn wi-fi on/off.

 

[NotJay]

i feel the same Virtus hopefully apple address those issues with up coming IOS 5

 

[shawnmramsey]

Why is complexity desirable?

I should have clarified, I like to use many applications that have numerous options so I can manipulate the application the way I would like to use it. Also I love apps that provide a lot of behind the scenes info (like the element inspector in chrome, or the about:memory page for example) And the variety of application for Windows far surpasses that of OSX.

Can anyone suggest some really cool apps for osx that a nerd would hate to miss out on?

 

[CKMorpheus]

I should have clarified, I like to use many applications that have numerous options so I can manipulate the application the way I would like to use it. Also I love apps that provide a lot of behind the scenes info (like the element inspector in chrome, or the about:memory page for example) And the variety of application for Windows far surpasses that of OSX.

Can you give us any examples of Mac applications that don't have numerous options, or are you just assuming? And Mac has tons and tons of various applications for any niche.

Can anyone suggest some really cool apps for osx that a nerd would hate to miss out on?

Any application from Panic, AgileBits, or Bjango for starters.

 

[jrdonnaruma]

I buy Apple products for a couple of reasons:

Unix core - I can compile most *Nix applications for OS X. Plus there is MacPorts that maintains an apt-get like repository of OS X compiled *Nix apps.

The OS X development environment is tightly controlled, so native apps all have similar look and feel, which makes the system feel cohesive, something I really like.

The ability to run any OS natively or in VM. I work for multiple, cross platform companies in their Marketing, IT and security departments, so this sort of ability is crucial for me.

The web development applications Coda and Espresso are unbeatable by anything on the Windows side for me (I hate Dreamweaver, and while it is much better than most, Expression Studio is 'Okay'.)

And for when I want to get a site up quickly, iWeb and RapidWeaver are significantly better than any WYSIWYG editor on Windows.

The only application on Windows that I miss on OS X is a VM with the power of VMWare Workstation. Fusion and Parallels just don't really cut it. But thats why I still maintain and ESXi server in my house.

And with the launch of the new iMac, I can run Eyefinity in Windows for games.. :-D Means I no longer need a gaming machine in my house. Cant exactly run at native resolutions... but thats ok, I can sacrifice a little res for quality, or quality for res, depending on the game.

Not comperhensive by any means, but it is a decently list of why I use OS X.