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I'm trying my best to like the iMac but... I JUST DON'T GET IT

I find your original post all over the place.
Ultimately, I'm looking for a single summary sentence of your post, and I think you're trying to argue that iMac is not worth price premium over a windows system.

Towards the end of the article you go off on Flash and how it's not allowed in the iOS. How is this relevant to the iMac not being cool? Flash on iOS vs Flash on OSX - that's entirely a different discussion. For the sake of your original argument, this is as relevant as saying that there is no Facebook app for your Symbian Nokia phone.

Have you taken a look at the App Store on OSX? How many useful apps can you find under $10? Tons. How many useful apps under $10 could you find for Windows at a major retail chain back in the day when software was distributed on disks? Are you saying that all the companies that sold useful 'Print shop' software in boxes for $50 and higher were not in it for profit?

You claim that you're a 'techie' - but in your professional career, have you done any development on UNIX (scripting in ksh, bash, perl)? If you did, you'd know how easy it is to develop a 5 to 10 line ksh script that serves as a backup tool, 'listening' for file to be 'touched' and backing it up as soon as it is? This is just one example how you could not bypass TimeMachine, which you seem to hate. Can you tell me how you'd do that on a Windows machine out of the box, without installing any extra software? If you did any development on UNIX, you'd feel right at home on OSX.

Your question: "Can you give me some examples of how the iMac better served you, coming from a PC background"

Can you give me an example where a windows solution can act as a file server to a streaming device like Apple TV, where you can mirror the output of an OSX system on your TV with configuration step that can be done by a 5 year old? This is where OSX/iOS on Apple TV/iOS on iDevices is just implemented to a degree I have never seen with a Windows based solution.
Have you used any of the software that came with your iMac? How does iMovie compare to Windows Movie Maker? Have you tried it? Again, I'm not brining up that Adobe Premiere is available for Windows and OSX, I'm just stating that with OSX you get USEFUL software that you don't get with Windows 8. But if you bought your Mac to browse the web, you will not find it much different than a Windows PC, as you can install Chrome on Windows and bypass the horrible Internet Explorer (although a windows system with a 27" IPS screen will cost you about the same as that iMac and have a lot lower resale value than an iMac -- FYI resale value is unheard of when you're dealing with a 3 year old PC).
 
I agree

I use a macbook pro because it is the best mobile platform I can find. been able flip between multiple virtual screens is great when working with a smaller screen. However on the desktop Apple simply don't make anything that I want to buy. I definitely don't want a glossy all-in-one.

I built a PC as a stop-gap intending to buy a Mac Pro at a later date. However when Apple announced the new product I've decided to stick with the PC for my desktop. It's fast, cheap, reliable, runs VMware, Photoshop, and any other App I need really well. It also plays games in a way a Mac or a console never will.

Sorry, but Apple just don't make anything that competes with a DIY PC as an all rounder. Apple make the best mobile products but their desktops aren't so great.
 
excommie said:
I find your original post all over the place..
Click to expand...


You have this OP pegged very well. At first I did not recognize I was indeed taking the bait of someone just playing with emotions and not being logical, sincere, or rational. Plato way back in time warned us of this type of skullduggery with his statement "Arguments, like men are often pretenders".......jumping into conversations and subject matter like this one is as I have stated. It's like wrestling with a pig, the pig will love every bit of it, and we just get all muddy.

Choctaw
 
30+ year Windows user.

The mid-2011 Desktop I inherited in May is now showing the dreaded "blocked plug-in"

A super glitch in only 4 months. That's a record I can't remember with my recent PC's.

When I received this Mac, I wiped it out, reinstalled the OS and then upgraded to Mountain Lion. A fresh start.

I thought I would have a trouble-free machine for at least a year.

Now I can't watch videos.

BTW - The only thing I have installed on this machine is PSE11. I haven't installed any apps. I haven't downloaded things from the internet.

Wanted to get to "know" my Mac first.

So much for the superiority of Mac over my evil PC's.

Yes, it is pretty.


And, yes, from all I've read - I just have to uninstall Flash and reinstall it to fix the glitch - but geez...

Sure would like to have one of those silly, useless uninstall programs right now. I can't figure out where to find Flash to uninstall it.
 
cats4jan said:
30+ year Windows user.

The mid-2011 Desktop I inherited in May is now showing the dreaded "blocked plug-in"

A super glitch in only 4 months. That's a record I can't remember with my recent PC's.

When I received this Mac, I wiped it out, reinstalled the OS and then upgraded to Mountain Lion. A fresh start.

I thought I would have a trouble-free machine for at least a year.

Now I can't watch videos.

BTW - The only thing I have installed on this machine is PSE11. I haven't installed any apps. I haven't downloaded things from the internet.

Wanted to get to "know" my Mac first.

So much for the superiority of Mac over my evil PC's.

Yes, it is pretty.


And, yes, from all I've read - I just have to uninstall Flash and reinstall it to fix the glitch - but geez...

Sure would like to have one of those silly, useless uninstall programs right now. I can't figure out where to find Flash to uninstall it.
Click to expand...

So, you've been a Windows user since before it was developed? Impressive. And, did you intend for your post to appear as Haiku? LOL.

Ok, seriously, it took all of 5 seconds for me to Bing this information:

http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/uninstall-flash-player-mac-os.html

Personally, if Flash wasn't required for YouTube I would have never installed it in the first place. Good luck and I hope this fixes your Mac problem.
 
March 1987 - windows 2.03 came out. Still remember getting it in June of that year, golly gosh using a mouse! It was lots easier than learning all those function keys for WordPerfect on those Wang computers.

IIRC correctly Windows 1.0 came out somewhere in 1985, never had it. I also remember OS/2 version 2.0, what was it 92? About the same time as Windows 3.1. Briefly had one CAD application under OS/2 and then when NT 3.1 came out OS/2 faded away. Had Windows 3.1 running on a monochrome laptop in 95 (DX475, 20Mb memory, 400 Mb HDD). 4 to 5 minutes to boot up....
 
MJL said:
March 1987 - windows 2.03 came out. Still remember getting it in June of that year, golly gosh using a mouse! It was lots easier than learning all those function keys for WordPerfect on those Wang computers.

IIRC correctly Windows 1.0 came out somewhere in 1985, never had it. I also remember OS/2 version 2.0, what was it 92? About the same time as Windows 3.1. Briefly had one CAD application under OS/2 and then when NT 3.1 came out OS/2 faded away. Had Windows 3.1 running on a monochrome laptop in 95 (DX475, 20Mb memory, 400 Mb HDD). 4 to 5 minutes to boot up....
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure that Windows 1 came out in '83. That's when I remember demonstrating it to customers on an Apricot Xen computer, I think.
 
So, you've been a Windows user since before it was developed? Impressive. And, did you intend for your post to appear as Haiku? LOL.
Click to expand...

Richard 13

I kinda think I know what Haiku is - but I don't see the rhythm you are talking about - but if it sounds like Haiku - I'm impressed with myself.

You got me :eek: - I mis-spoke. I have been a PC user for 30+ years - it all started with my IBM back in the "old days" - 1982 or 1983 - when I had to load DOS to get the old boy moving. I have no clue when my PC's started using Windows. Maybe I had Windows when I got a new computer in 1985. Heck, I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday and you are asking me to remember when PC's started using Windows????

BTW - thanks for that link. That info is better than the stuff I found when I googled for info on how to fix my problem. Maybe my problem is I should've binged instead of googling.

But it looks like you missed my point.

The Mac is a nice machine - but it's no better or worse than a PC. I like it - I'll get used to it - I'm glad I got a free machine - but some users are so blinded by their Apple-love that they cannot see that there are excellent alternatives out there. And maybe, sometimes, for some of us - price has to enter into the picture and in that regard, Apple is a more difficult choice because of it's price point.

And really, from all I've read and heard over the years - I never expected to need to fix a glitch this early on in my Apple "career." Especially since I have been careful not to add too many changes to the Mac before I fully understood how to fix glitches.

All I'm saying is - I'm disappointed. I like my computer usage to be trouble-free - figured having a Mac would assure that. Oh well.

And yes, I could buy myself a new PC, but who does that when they have good FREE hardware that can be fixed to work well.

My post was in the spirit of the topic:
I'm trying my best to like the iMac but... I JUST DON'T GET IT

Boy, you guys get defensive. Lighten up - it's only a machine - it's not your mother.


What is haiku?

Haiku is a Japanese poetry form. A haiku uses just a few words to capture a moment and create a picture in the reader's mind. It is like a tiny window into a scene much larger than itself.

Traditionally, haiku is written in three lines, with five syllables in the first line, seven syllables in the second line, and five syllables in the third line.

If I managed to do that - I am very, very impressed with myself.

Thanks for noticing.
 
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I also have a long career in development starting at a time when we programmed in assembler and backed up to tape. I have used a number of OS over the years more as reflective of the existing work environment than for any other reason. But, several years ago Windows became cumbersome for me in many small ways. My turning point was when the simple act of copying some files required multiple steps to complete. Windows treats me as an idiot, OSX does not. We have many choices for OS. Windows is a very robust system, hardware is less expensive, and you may find it more appealing to your style. Go with it. Be happy. And, consider your foray in Apple architecture an exquisite learning experience.
 
What version of Windows did you have in 1983?
Click to expand...

Caustic Puppy

See my response to Richard 13

You got me - I mis-spoke. I have been a PC user for 30+ years - it all started with my IBM back in the "old days" - 1982 or 1983 - when I had to load DOS to get the old boy moving. I have no clue when my PC's started using Windows. Maybe I had Windows when I got a new computer in 1985. Heck, I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday and you are asking me to remember when PC's started using Windows????
Click to expand...

The good old days - grab your DOS floppy - take it out - grab your Word Perfect floppy - and put a blank floppy in the other drive to save the files. Yep, the good old days.

Wow - we've come a long way - more power in our current phones than we ever dreamed about in those beginning years.
 
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You have this OP pegged very well. At first I did not recognize I was indeed taking the bait of someone just playing with emotions and not being logical, sincere, or rational.
Click to expand...

Maybe his post wasn't focused, but he was trying to make a point - same as my point. The Mac is a great computer - but there are great PC's out there, too.

If Apple users have never tried a PC for a long enough period of time to get the real feel for it, they don't have experience to back up their viewpoints.

For those of us who came up in the computer world with PC's - we have the experience to make the comparison. I don't think anyone is trying to bait anyone - it's just that there seems to be an inordinate amount of Apple users who feel incredibly passionate about the product - without actually having any basis for their opinion of one OS over the other.

It's like saying - yellow cake is awful without tasting yellow cake. If all you've eaten all your life is chocolate cake - you cannot say, definitively, that yellow cake is awful.

Sorry - I know it's a really lame analogy, but I couldn't come up with a better one. :eek:

I have only 4 months experience with the Mac. As I'm getting used to the silly little keyboard and very 'magical' mouse - I'm finding I like both. There are many things the Mac does that are easier than with a PC and as I learn more, other functions will get easier, too. But when I read posts where any negative post about the Mac is met with sarcasm and derision - I kinda wonder what the heck is going on. Like I said before - it's just a machine - created to do a function.
 
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cats4jan said:
Richard 13

I kinda think I know what Haiku is - but I don't see the rhythm you are talking about - but if it sounds like Haiku - I'm impressed with myself.

You got me :eek: - I mis-spoke. I have been a PC user for 30+ years - it all started with my IBM back in the "old days" - 1982 or 1983 - when I had to load DOS to get the old boy moving. I have no clue when my PC's started using Windows. Maybe I had Windows when I got a new computer in 1985. Heck, I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday and you are asking me to remember when PC's started using Windows????

BTW - thanks for that link. That info is better than the stuff I found when I googled for info on how to fix my problem. Maybe my problem is I should've binged instead of googling.

But it looks like you missed my point.

The Mac is a nice machine - but it's no better or worse than a PC. I like it - I'll get used to it - I'm glad I got a free machine - but some users are so blinded by their Apple-love that they cannot see that there are excellent alternatives out there. And maybe, sometimes, for some of us - price has to enter into the picture and in that regard, Apple is a more difficult choice because of it's price point.

And really, from all I've read and heard over the years - I never expected to need to fix a glitch this early on in my Apple "career." Especially since I have been careful not to add too many changes to the Mac before I fully understood how to fix glitches.

All I'm saying is - I'm disappointed. I like my computer usage to be trouble-free - figured having a Mac would assure that. Oh well.

And yes, I could buy myself a new PC, but who does that when they have good FREE hardware that can be fixed to work well.

My post was in the spirit of the topic:
I'm trying my best to like the iMac but... I JUST DON'T GET IT

Boy, you guys get defensive. Lighten up - it's only a machine - it's not your mother.


What is haiku?

Haiku is a Japanese poetry form. A haiku uses just a few words to capture a moment and create a picture in the reader's mind. It is like a tiny window into a scene much larger than itself.

Traditionally, haiku is written in three lines, with five syllables in the first line, seven syllables in the second line, and five syllables in the third line.

If I managed to do that - I am very, very impressed with myself.

Thanks for noticing.
Click to expand...

Yea, your post was not exactly Haiku but it seemed to have the same rhythm and it made me smile enough to want to reply. I'm so glad you saw the humor in it and didn't take offense because none was meant.

Anyway, yea, believe it or not I do see what you and the OP are saying. Macs are not a panacea. There are some things that they do way better than Windows and some things not. As others have said, and I agree, these are computers and operating systems, they do more or less the same thing just differently. I find that most of the time whenever I get frustrated because I don't understand something on the Mac side that it's merely because it's been implemented differently (often better IMO).

I am a very long time PC user and a Mac user since 2008 (although I have some experience previously). I like them both for different reasons. I work with Windows all day at work and then use OSX at home. I'm very happy and feel more knowledgable for having been exposed to both.
 
cats4jan said:
Sure would like to have one of those silly, useless uninstall programs right now. I can't figure out where to find Flash to uninstall it.
Click to expand...

Have you tried adobe's site maybe? At least that is where I found it.

Flash problems are not Apple's fault. As annoying as they are (I have movies not work in firefox often) it is THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE. Flash is also known to have problems, security issues among them.

That is exactly like me getting the blame because another developer's program was buggy. A big 'huh'.
 
Richard has provided an answer that will probably work - I just haven't had the patience to try it just yet.

Flash problems are not Apple's fault.
Click to expand...

Buggy software - buggy plug-ins

Apple is a part of the problem. I know it's not Apple's plug-in, but some of the responsibility has to fall on their shoulder to fix. It's not as if Flash is some brand new, unknown, seldom used program.

It was working fine - I didn't install any Flash updates - and then it wasn't working. The only thing that changed was updates from Apple.

You are right - ultimately, Adobe has to fix the glitch that conflicts with Apple.

But really - Flash?

It isn't like I wanted to use some program created by the kid next door.

Over and over again, I see a community that defends a company as if they own part of it. I've never seen such loyalty in my life. It's not that you don't have a valid point, but really - Apple could try harder to help us have a good experience.

I like Apple products - I have an Ipod and Ipad and Apple gets my full credit for this innovative technology. But they have to be careful not to become complacent. They need to help us work out some of these glitches - it's for the good of their customer.

BTW - is there another video player I should be using - if Flash is a security risk and doesn't "play well" with Safari?
 
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sigol said:
Hi,

This post is not flamebait, and neither am I looking to get a cheap rise out of the Mac community.

I think Apple's claim that it is the "World's Most Advanced Operating System" is a bit rich, to be honest. It doesn't even have a built-in software uninstaller! (e.g. Windows Add/Remove programs) That's not particularly advanced, is it?


Like I said at the start, I WANT to love my iMac - that's where all the apparently cool kids are these days. But I JUST DON'T GET IT.

So, please convince me. What is it I'm missing?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

You post demonstrates the leet nature of computer "techies", who are more like Harley riders, hot rodders, and rebels. Computers' sole purpose in life is to make life easier for people, not become a hobby. If you don't understand that, then you don't truly understand computers.

I'll just run through some of your points.

You don't need an "uninstaller" in OS X because programs don't leave little fragments of files and useless .dll libraries all over the file system. That was why Windows' "uninstaller" was invented. On a Mac (UNIX).... you just delete the program.

As for the world's most advanced OS, while it may not be the THE most advanced, it's on a much higher level than Windows. Windows is a very, very complex machine where all the big bugs (blue screens, incompatibilities, stability issues) have finally been worked out after 4 versions.

Mac OS X just added new features with every new version. It's always worked well. The applications programmed for it are EASY to make work well. They are also easy to program, with a true object-oriented language. That's why it was based on UNIX. Unix is actually the most advanced OS ever built.
 
I have a 2011 base imac I like a lot. I just run windows 7 all the time on it.
 
You compare Apples and Pears. The Mac is a computer, Windows an OS.
They mate very well. A mac can be a great Windows machine.
The iMac I agree, I don't get it. It is mainly a phallus and status symbol. The new Pro takes it even more literally with it's Kenyan Cock appearance.
But a Mini for example has no match. It is a fantastic fast and cheap (Mac OS, Windows, Linux) computer for almost anybody with a TCO that is unbeatable.
 
BenTrovato said:
If you are a techie as you are described, you'll understand that to "get it" you'll need to own it and spend some time with the product. Then you will see There's absolutely no difference between Windows, OS x, and Linux. They are all different and can accomplish more or less the same thing. I have been using all 3 for quite a while. There's nothing to get, same pig with different lipstick. My laptop is a Mac because I like how it looks, feels, and types. For a desktop I have no need to pay the premium.

Seriously, a techie? Come on. You should know they are all the same. There is nothing drastic between the different software, at least not in today's marketplace.

A techie wouldn't make posts like this.
Click to expand...
 
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