New York Times: "The physical designs of Apple’s desktop and notebook computers are often innovative. The iMac, for example, is a space-saving desktop unit with an all-in-one enclosure that conceals the computer’s components behind the monitor. And the MacBook, a new notebook with a glossy screen, includes a new keyboard layout. This week, the company introduced the Mac Pro, a line of desktops replacing the Power Mac, completing its transition to Intel chips.
But while Apple’s selection covers much ground, it is less diverse than what is available from companies like Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Sony and Lenovo. For example, Apple does not offer ultraportable notebooks, a tablet design or as wide a choice in processor types and speeds. And when it comes to pricing, Apple no longer offers notebooks in the sub-$1,000 range, or desktop units in the sub-$500 range, as do other makers.
Consideration should also be given to the compatibility of any devices like printers, external hard drives and cellphones that may be connected to a computer. In some instances, only Windows may be supported."
The Switching Experience
Danielle Wang, 26, of Austin, Tex., bought her first Mac six weeks ago. She took the advice of a friend and decided to buy a MacBook to replace her Windows-based laptop, a Sony Vaio, which she said had been stolen.
Early in the transition, Ms. Wang said, it took time to get used to the Mac interface; the menus, the location of buttons and other items were different. “It was difficult,” she said. “The first three days, I was constantly thinking about returning it.”
Ms. Wang uses the MacBook mainly for applications like e-mail, Web browsing, digital music, games and instant messaging; so far, she has not encountered problems finding Mac software, and she still maintains access to Windows-based computers for other programs she prefers to use at home.
In comparing the MacBook and the Vaio, she said the graphics were clearer on the Sony.
“The Sony Vaio is more lively,” she said. But she prefers the look and design of the MacBook."
What I find primarily disturbing about this particular case study is that essentially Ms. Wang opted for a Mac for esthetic reasons not because of product functionality. It reminds me of Steve Jobs boast at Mac World several years ago when the I-Mac was introduced with its unusual shape and color combinations. He essentially said it didn't matter how powerful the machine really is but that it looks "cool". I would like to think computer users are not that shallow.
2 comments:
Thanks for the neat site. I also find the switch for "looks" disturbing, and unfortunately harmful for the reputation and/or image of the Mac. When folks such as the person describe do this kind of switch, obtain no good advice, and don't seek more info., it does an amazing disservice.
Then again the NYT review is awful. I would expect much better research from them. I've used a Mac since they came out, owned one since a year after, have worked in technology, both in marketing and MIS, primarily with educating employees, and have also used PCs and Unix workstations. I still prefer a Mac, and just ordered a new iMac with a 24" screen.
The distinctions drawn in the article are awful. I've run a Mac on a mixed network with sharing plenty of peripherals. The problems that cropped up where on the Windows side and included trouble with networking, user screw ups galore, complete ignorance of the basics of the machine on their desktop (for Windows users, not Mac users), a variety of software that facilitated that by not following some standard interface design, viruses, spyware, adblockers, and all sorts of fixes that had to be done if one did something somewhere else, and constant panic attacks from users... you name it. Then again, Windows techs also had plenty of work because there was always enough running around to do to set up a Windows machine. It took much longer to do so, and keep an employee happy *and* productive (if they are not the same) on a Windows machine.
When it came to sharing files, most folks using MS Word on Windows had no trouble with those using it on the Mac. The same for Excel, Powerpoint (Marketing loved this stuff), Filemakers, etc. Hardly anything else was used (although from time to time people wanted that "beautiful picture screen saver" they saw on somebody else's computer.
In terms of hardware... being "less diverse" is not a negative. Diversity is neither a sign of strength, or excellence. It is a sign of market strategy.
Oh, why bother. Awful review by the NYT. Thanks again!
This is a cool site and I find the posts really interesting! Keep them coming and good luck! :)
Post a Comment