Buying a new router at Best Buy,the salesman asked if I needed one for Mac or PC......Haven't been back to a Best Buy or FutureShop since.
Logical question.
If you are using it with a Mac, you might prefer using one that comes with Mac configuration software.
If using it with a PC, he can pretty much be assured that you won't care if it is easy to set-up from a Mac.
Most Routers assume that you'll be using it with Windows. And, the configuration utility is Windows only. But, they do offer a web-based interface to configure it with as well. So, they can still work if you are using a Mac.
The problem comes-in with users who are not really all that technical, and then adding the additional element of working through a web interface. It does work, but it has it's limitations.
For example, I have a couple of Linksys Routers. One can be configured just fine through the web-based utility using Safari.
The other one's utility only works properly with Internet Explorer. But, it can be made to work in FireFox on the Mac. And, once you have configured it the first time, you can then make changes using Safari. But, the initial setup will fail if you try doing it with Safari.
And, neither of them will complete a Firmware update successfully from a Mac (regardless of the web browser you use).
So, I have to use my PC to update the firmware.
Now, there are special 3rd-party utilities that will allow me to flash the firmware from a Mac. But, explaining how to use those utilities successfully (without turning the router into a useless pile of garbage), is beyond the comprehension of your average user.
So, asking you if you wanted one for use with a Mac or a PC might have been useful in determining which way your preferences might go. Perhaps you'd want one that is easier to configure from a Mac (such as an Airport Base Station). Or, if you are a PC user, perhaps you don't care if it can be configured outside of Windows anyway.
It's a reasonable question. Failing to understand why he might ask that question is probably a greater error than him asking it.
If you had been a relatively inexperienced computer user, and wanted something simple enough to just plug-in and work, then you would probably have appreciated his concern about which machine you might use it with. I know the local Apple store will even configure the Airport base stations and your other computer equipment in the store for you before you leave so that you don't have to do anything at all.
Simply put, they should assume you know little about it unless you inform them that you are more experienced and are looking for specific features in the product.
If the store clerk assumes too much, you might get home and find that your router is as useful to you as a block of wood.
