Home > Technobuddy > Archives > 2007 > September > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USApple’s big chance
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I like computers - Mac and PC. But as regular readers know I’ve recommended Macs more often lately. That doesn’t mean I have abandoned PCs … in fact I use both. It just is an acknowledgement that (1) Macs are less likely to have problems with viruses and other malware (2) many readers are fed up with dealing with those problems and (3) Apple has gone a long way to make new machines that do a fine job with programs intended for the Mac and an adequate job with programs intended for the PC.
I’ll probably always be a PC guy at heart - even though I use both machines and, at work, spend most of my time on a Mac. But that’s based on the fact that I like to tinker with hardware and PCs are more, uh, tinkerable. Also, I waste a lot of time playing computer games and PCs are the right choice for gamers. However, my honest opinion is that either machine can do a fine job and that PCs still offer more power for the buck.
But what a great opportunity Apple had to increase its marketshare. The article linked here, you can click to read, goes into great detail.
The introduction of Vista - and the fact that it’s hardware hungry as well as the fact that some older devices just don’t work with it - was a great opportunity for Apple.
But to have a chance of increasing marketshare, Apple needs more retail outlets. The linked article talks about how Apple missed the boat. Whether you’re an Apple fan, or prefer PCs, or are interested in marketing … it’s a fine read.
Comments
By Cindi
September 17, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
Here’s my top gadget grip: automated credit card readers. Why can’t they be standardized? Magnetic strip goes down, up, sideways, backward. Press green for yes, F1 for yes, F2 for yes, don’t press anything. Wait until the cashier is done, slide anytime, uh oh—it’s a debit card. It tilts, it doesn’t tilt, the screen’s above eye level, there’s a glare, And my personal favorite: “sign here.” You can’t read it, we can’t read it, but hey—it’s good enough to tap into your credit!
By Linux4me
September 18, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
And what about Linux? Have you looked at it lately? It had made great strides. Some versions look and work similarly to Windows. Some are for people new to Linux, some are not.
When I first started using Windows, a long time ago, I was lost and it took a while and some reading and asking questions before things started falling into place. The same goes for Linux, but it would be time well spent. Linux is only going to get better.
By OldSchool
September 18, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
Since you’re talking about operating systems and at the risk of totally embarrassing myself, I’ve got a question: What OS do I need to get for my eMac that is currently running OSx version 10.2.8?
I really really love my eMac but need to upgrade so I can upgrade my Safari browser too. Can I go straight to that Tiger OS?
I’d really appreciate any help from any quarter!
By Larry M
September 18, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this
To Old School, yes, you can go straight to OS 10.4 - Tiger. However, if you have waited this long, hang on for another few weeks for the latest Mac OS update! It should be out in October. You may need to bump up the RAM in your trusty eMac, but hey, RAM is cheap and more RAM will do you a world of good!
By Larry M
September 18, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this
To Old School, yes, you can go straight to OS 10.4 - Tiger. However, if you have waited this long, hang on for another few weeks for the latest Mac OS update! It should be out in October. You may need to bump up the RAM in your trusty eMac, but hey, RAM is cheap and more RAM will do you a world of good!
By Borodawg
September 18, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this
Old School, You can get 10.4 right now for about half of what Leopard is gonna cost. Caution: get a ‘retail’ version of the OS; not one specific to a machine; and it’ll be on one DVD. Tiger is a very good OS and I’m sure Leopard will be even better. Check out forums for Macs like apple.com/support/discussions and macfixit.com. And, like Larry says, if you have never added RAM, you need to do that ASAP, even before buying a new OS.
By OldSchool
September 18, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this
Thanks guys! I’m gonna get that ram and flip a coin about Tiger or Leopard. Can more ram be installed in an eMac by a mere drafting teacher like me? I teach with PCs at school (AutoCAD Inventor, Mech Desktop, etc.) and can pop ram into those but I’ve never attempted such on one of my Macs (iMac, eMac, PowerMac, Classic).
By Don
September 18, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
I think MSN 8 is trying to take over my computer. When I try to e-mail photos MSN 8 pops up and wants me to sign up. I do not want MSN 8. How do I get rid of it?
Don
By UGA Grad Teacher
September 18, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
I am excited that Apple Computer is opening a store at Mall of GA this coming Saturday. I heard that UGA would be an Apple School. That is great to hear. I’ve never had anything but Apple since my first computer in 1987.
I love the new updated iLife. People actually send me photos to work on because their program is not able to do much.
Thanks Lenox Apple Store—see you real soon for another One on One. Best $99 I spend per year. All you MAC people with qustions—if you are a One on One member you can get a one hour session per week (sign up in advance on line and it is good at any Apple store in the world) to do anything with your computer. When Leopard comes out, I will have it delivered to me at school; may have it installed at a One on One appointment. Check out this great way to learn about computers.
By Nick W
September 18, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
I was one of the first buyers of IBM PC. Eventually, I even got good at DOS (yes, I have grey hair!). But one day four years ago my PC crashed, taking an hour’s worth of brilliant work with it. I got up out of my chair and bought a Mac immediately. I also converted my entire office to Mac, with much of the staff kicking and screaming the whole way. Today, we are all using 24 inch Macs, and have had only one significant problem among 16 machines in 4 years. Many of the staff now have Macs at home now. My only regret is that I didn’t buy Apple stock at the same time. And I am so, so happy that all my competitors are using PCs (hope they never change, and keep playing those “great” games on PCs!!!!)
By die hard Mac Fan
September 24, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
I tell yall this.. I sure dont missed those ulgy blue fatal exceptions error messages.
It is ironic that I was introduce to the computer experience via an Apple II computer when I was a teen playing Castle Wolfenstein.
Thank to the ipod - I purchased a Powerbook G4 (Mac laptop)off ebay. I don’t understand why the Apple franchise decided to mess with the Intel chips.
After Bill Gates & Co screwed me with the XP. I couldnt give a horse behind about the Vista which is a blantant ripoff of the Mac Tiger OS imo.
Apple Rules! Anyway I love my G4