Thursday, December 6,2007 @ 4:10pm
Macs recommended to holiday PC buyers
Apple is gaining a lot of new customers through iPods, the "Get a Mac" ad campaign, and the iPhone, some former Mac users and others who have never used a Mac at all. With Christmas drawing closer, and users looking to treat themselves with a new computer, USA TODAY's Edward C. Baig offers his point of view on why people should make the switch from Windows to Mac OS. He says that while Windows users tend to tolerate their PC's bad behavior while they work, Apple users generally have a pleasant experience, regardless of what task they do.
Baig explains that while Macs aren't completely trouble-free he has experienced occasional software freezes his experience on Mac computers is many times over more reliable than on Windows. He couples this with Apple's notoriously cutting edge industrial design, and lack of malware and viruses that are a constant thorn for Windows users.
He notes that there is a learning curve, but that it mainly revolves around having to learn a new vocabulary Trash versus Recycle Bin, and Application instead of Program, for example. Baig says that users who prefer to learn from a professional can purchase a year's worth of training from the Apple retail stores for $100.
Baig admits that he does prefer some applications for the PC, like Quicken, and that gamers will see less titles than they would for Windows, but he says that the gap between the two platforms is narrowing with platform-agnostic versions of major software, such as Microsoft Office.
Some price-driven consumers that are looking for sub-$400 bargains will be dissuaded, since Apple's least expensive computer is $600 the Mac Mini but he notes that the quality and longevity of the hardware and software, combined with the ability to use Windows as well as Mac OS X, make the price worthwhile.
Baig ends the article on a pleasant note, saying that "Apple owners heap lavish praise on Macs for good reason. These are solid and elegant computers that are well worth your consideration."