Why Not Just be Happy?

[eljanitor]

Theres something called' "Keeping up with the Jonses" and I'm not so sure why people do this. It's a status thing and I've noticed it plenty when it comes to computers, especially Mac's.

It goes something like this:"Debbie went and bought a Dell, I feel badly for her because I bought a Mac." or "I ordered my Mac with The bigger hard drive and .............." It's actually kind of sad when you start defining yourself by all the stuff you buy and own, because it doesn't make you a better person to have a nicer computer then someone else.

So why do people do this so much? I mean look you already have a really nice looking computer that costs 7- 9 percent more then any PC. Shouldn't YOU be happy with it? YOU're the one that uses it, not your friend, or co worker. What does it matter if you bought the Mac Mini with Lion Server for your own personal home computer? So YOU spent $200.00 more than anybody else.

Why should YOU care if someone else bout the 17" Mac Book and you bought the 15"? I can see buying something to suit the purpose, like buying a Mac Pro because you need something for digital Video editing, and want something expandable, or buying the high end iMac because it has the video processor YOU need to play your games. But buying the more expensive computer does not make YOU a better person.Theres other things that make a good person, not how much money you spend. So why not just be happy with what you have, no need to impress anyone else, its' your stuff not theirs.

 

[*LTD*]

This is an Apple fan site.

Stuff like this is normal and is just part of the debate/ebb and flow of the conversation.

I'm very happy, thanks for your concern.

 

[blueroom]

I never knew how much better a MacBook Pro was compared to a Dell until I bough my MBP.

 

[TheSideshow]

I never knew how much better a MacBook Pro was compared to a Dell until I bough my MBP.

What he's saying is be happy with your MBP and dont care if someone else gets a Dell. Dont think you're better than someone because you got your Mac and they got a Dell.

I read a report once that stated Apple buyers are more often overdrawn on their bank accounts than others. How should that make sense?

I know people who "can't afford" a $10 difference in rent per month, but buy Macs.

 

[Shrink]

Theres something called' "Keeping up with the Jonses" and I'm not so sure why people do this. It's a status thing and I've noticed it plenty when it comes to computers, especially Mac's.

It goes something like this:"Debbie went and bought a Dell, I feel badly for her because I bought a Mac." or "I ordered my Mac with The bigger hard drive and .............." It's actually kind of sad when you start defining yourself by all the stuff you buy and own, because it doesn't make you a better person to have a nicer computer then someone else.

So why do people do this so much? I mean look you already have a really nice looking computer that costs 7- 9 percent more then any PC. Shouldn't YOU be happy with it? YOU're the one that uses it, not your friend, or co worker. What does it matter if you bought the Mac Mini with Lion Server for your own personal home computer? So YOU spent $200.00 more than anybody else.

Why should YOU care if someone else bout the 17" Mac Book and you bought the 15"? I can see buying something to suit the purpose, like buying a Mac Pro because you need something for digital Video editing, and want something expandable, or buying the high end iMac because it has the video processor YOU need to play your games. But buying the more expensive computer does not make YOU a better person.Theres other things that make a good person, not how much money you spend. So why not just be happy with what you have, no need to impress anyone else, its' your stuff not theirs.

This sounds like a cross between a religious tract and a Tony Roberts seminar.

While I would agree with the simple assertion the keeping up with the Jonses is kind of silly, the presentation is, IMO, a little creepy.

No offense, just an issue of style - I think

 

[Heilage]

I don't necessarily think Macs are better computers, they're just the right ones for me.

 

[KingCrimson]

This is an Apple fan site.

Stuff like this is normal and is just part of the debate/ebb and flow of the conversation.

I'm very happy, thanks for your concern.

You are all into the d*** measuring contest of who has the bigger, badder rig.

 

[Abstract]

I just sold my 15" i5 MBP from 2010 and got a cheaper, smaller 11" MBA. This must be a sign of self-hatred.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hfYJsQAhl0

 

[roadbloc]

This is an Apple fan site.

How many times must I tell you that this is not an Apple fan site.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

I have a Dell Vostro 3450. The integration with my Windows Phone 7 is amazing, and the hardware just rocks. Windows 7 works flawlessly on it, and I couldn't be happier!

(plus I got the specs of a 15" MBP + Applecare for under $1000 )

 

[KingCrimson]

I have a Dell Vostro 3450. The integration with my Windows Phone 7 is amazing, and the hardware just rocks. Windows 7 works flawlessly on it, and I couldn't be happier!

(plus I got the specs of a 15" MBP + Applecare for under $1000 )

Looks like a piece of junk with a junky trackpad. Why wouldn't you get an Air instead?

 

[ChazUK]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (compatible; MSIE 9.0; Windows Phone OS 7.5; Trident/5.0; IEMobile/9.0; SAMSUNG; OMNIA7))

I'll always buy what I want. Sod the Jonses!

 

[Dr Kevorkian94]

Pc < Mac (you<me). Lol

 

[KnightWRX]

So why do people do this so much? I mean look you already have a really nice looking computer that costs 7- 9 percent more then any PC.

Who is this "you" you are referring to ? My computer did not cost 7-9 percent more than any PC.

 

[seamuskrat]

I have to agree with the others that the style of this thread is a bit unorthodox. Your message that we are generally materialistic is mostly accurate. In developed nations, in general, people are rather materialistic, vain and often overly concerned with image.

You could write BOOKS about why and how to fix it. There is no single answer.

I will add that when you are combareded by a culture of marketed messages that convey the self worth of power, money, and stuff, it starts to affect you. I am guilty of wanting stuff. Take America, we have a lot of stuff. Does every houshold need what it has? I don't need an HDTV to survive but I have one. The same applies for my Mac. I don't need 2010 iMac but I wanted one and I bought one.

In itself materialism is neither bad nor good. If your purchase puts you into debt, or causes a negatuive impact toothers, then it becomes negative. You are also a slave to your stuff. Now American (anf global) companies know this and they constantly market to you. Your stuff you bought yesterday is not as good as today's stuff. So buy today's stuff. Lather Rinse Repeat.

There is a lot of poverty and suffering in the world. To some it can be hard to justfy pricey computers, iPhones, cars and TVs. But that is also what drives capitalism. You work hard for your money and buy what you need and with the left over buy what you desire. The catch is that lately a lot of the world has grown accustmed tomore stuff and buy it on credit and expect stuff to be given to them.

A small part of our global economic crisis is the overabundance of stuff and our willingness to go into debt to buy more of it. Just some of the many impacts are a high debt load, massive resoruce issues and recycling issues (eWaste), health and nutrition and lifestyle (Obesity, stress).

By no means am I saying we all give up our stuff. I like mine . But we should be conscious that we are priveledge and should not go into debt to get the latest Mac or iPhone if we cannot afford it. We should be aware that even though the marketing ads say otherwise, we will be OK without the next generation Lexus, iPad, etc.

Check out the web site www/thestoryofstuff.com It is very informative and has a short descriptive video about stuff.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

Looks like a piece of junk with a junky trackpad. Why wouldn't you get an Air instead?

Because I want to be able to run Visual Studio. I need Windows 7 for that. I want to run video games at max settings at >1fps. The 6630m that I have isn't an option in the air. I want to type in the dark. The backlit keyboard wasn't an option on the air. I want to watch blu-ray's on my computer. That option will never be available on the air. I want to use Zune, I can't unless I boot up into Windows. I also didn't want to waste money, so instead of spending $2,548.00 to equip a MBP with the specs I wanted (which technically doesn't exist because I wanted USB 3.0 too, but I digress), I just got a Dell for 2/5th the price.

And I'm very happy with it.

And seriously, is it really that ugly?

 

[thejadedmonkey]

In itself materialism is neither bad nor good. If your purchase puts you into debt, or causes a negatuive impact toothers, then it becomes negative. You are also a slave to your stuff. Now American (anf global) companies know this and they constantly market to you. Your stuff you bought yesterday is not as good as today's stuff. So buy today's stuff. Lather Rinse Repeat.

Yes, a million times. That's how marketing works.

Someone was complaining about how un-innovative Palm was in another thread, and I did a little research. The Palm IIIc has a battery that will last you about 2 weeks under normal usage.

11 years later, Apple markets their screen as the selling point, but not the battery life. Because they need to make the "new" thing seem "better" than the "old" thing, even though the "old" thing is subjectively better in some areas.

 

[KingCrimson]

Because I want to be able to run Visual Studio. I need Windows 7 for that. I want to run video games at max settings at >1fps. The 6630m that I have isn't an option in the air. I want to type in the dark. The backlit keyboard wasn't an option on the air. I want to watch blu-ray's on my computer. That option will never be available on the air. I want to use Zune, I can't unless I boot up into Windows. I also didn't want to waste money, so instead of spending $2,548.00 to equip a MBP with the specs I wanted (which technically doesn't exist because I wanted USB 3.0 too, but I digress), I just got a Dell for 2/5th the price.

And I'm very happy with it.

And seriously, is it really that ugly?

You can't be serious. MSFT technologies = junk. Just get on OS X and learn XCode with Objective C. The best graphics library on earth.

 

[KnightWRX]

You can't be serious. MSFT technologies = junk. Just get on OS X and learn XCode with Objective C. The best graphics library on earth.

What are you on about ? Which do you consider the "best graphics library on earth" ? Quartz ? The API exposed through NSImage and NSImageView ? OpenGL ?

How is that related to Xcode and Objective-C anyhow ? He didn't say he was doing graphics programming at all.

 

[RWinOR]

Many people who buy Macs are Windows converts. They are so impressed and happy with the switch over they wish to share there positive experience with friends and family. It does not mean we look down on you. It means we wish to share a positive experience with you.

If you feel badly for your purchase after talking with a Mac user then perhaps you are the one looking down on yourself, and are suffering from Mac Envy. Your affliction is quite curable. Go buy a Mac and you will understand.

 

[roadbloc]

You can't be serious. MSFT technologies = junk. Just get on OS X and learn XCode with Objective C. The best graphics library on earth.

Ha. You clearly have no idea what you are on about.

 

[chrono1081]

Many people who buy Macs are Windows converts. They are so impressed and happy with the switch over they wish to share there positive experience with friends and family. It does not mean we look down on you. It means we wish to share a positive experience with you.

If you feel badly for your purchase after talking with a Mac user then perhaps you are the one looking down on yourself, and are suffering from Mac Envy. Your affliction is quite curable. Go buy a Mac and you will understand.

This.

I have a friend who just switched and he said "This is great! I can't believe I didn't do this sooner! I want to tell everyone at work how awesome Mac is!"

I warned him not to....but he did anyway...

Later that day he said "Now I see why you told me not to say anything. I got called a fanboy, a steve jobs worshiper and a slew of other things simply because I wanted to tell people how great Macs are".

People just don't understand until they own one.

 

[KnightWRX]

When I switched to Macs (from Linux as a desktop), I didn't find any need to go spread the "gospel". There is no "this!" to RWinOR's response. Seriously, it's a laptop/desktop. It performs tasks. Who cares about the OS as long as it works ?

I find that if you don't get in people's face, they don't call you a fanboy. If someone asks my opinion on Macs, he sure won't call me a fanboy after I'm done giving it. There's positive and negative to everything and I always give out a balanced opinion. "Switching" to Macs is not all positive, same as running Linux as a desktop isn't just some big party, just like running Microsoft stuff isn't like a wedding day.

Macs aren't any easier or don't plain "Just Work!" more than anything else. They're different.

 

[tkermit]

Seriously, it's a laptop/desktop. It performs tasks. Who cares about the OS as long as it works ?

Maybe the human being that is forced to interact with the OS and will have a very different experience in the process depending on which system one is using. I don't care what OSs other people are using, but personally I find OS X to be most enjoyable, delightful even. Part of that is surely just a matter of taste though.

A car and bike also just drive you places, a chair just gives you a place to sit, clothes just keep you warm. Who cares about the specifics of any of those as long as they work, right?

 

[KnightWRX]

I find OS X to be most enjoyable, delightful even.

You know you've been too much into electronics when you start to describe them with terms like "delightful" or "gorgeous" or "beautiful". I've heard even "Magic!" is starting to catch on.

I've ajusted my workflow to any OS that lets me perform the tasks I want out of it. OS X has been the most limiting as far as adjustments goes in my experience. Either you do it the Apple way or you get some other OS (or 3rd party hacks to make OS X work like it should from Apple).

It's not like you need to sit there and "use" the OS though, it's the apps. And applications these days are mostly the same from platform to platform, especially when you're talking about webapps. Facebook is facebook, no matter the browser or OS you're using. Same for things like Office, Adobe's stuff, etc.. It's very rare that I sit there and use the "OS" so I can't quite share your sentiment of "delightful".

These things are tools. Once you drop the charade of pretending they are more than that (lifestyle choices!), then you can really objectively compare them and that's when you realise they all have their pros and cons.

A car and bike also just drive you places, a chair just gives you a place to sit, clothes just keep you warm. Who cares about the specifics of any of those as long as they work, right?

Exactly. Except not exactly because those aren't just tools you use.

For someone that uses a car to commute, yes, basically they are all the same with pros and cons. "Boring" or "Exciting" is not something one uses to describe his commuter vehicle. Choices in this realm aren't based on "delightful" experiences at the steering wheel, but on practical decisions based on the type of commute required of it.

Same for clothes. You chose the wrong guy to make this argument. I wear jeans and t-shirts and hoodies. My jeans cost about 20$ each, my T-shirts sub-10$. As long as they don't cause me skin rash and hide my privates, I'm good to go. Warmer clothes for colder days, more breathable for warmer days. Functional is the name of the game for clothing for me, I don't do "styles" that are "delightful!" (really, think about it for a second).

However, I do have a motorbike and that is something I will pick based on how "exciting" and "fun" it is. But you know what ? That's not a friggin tool. That's something I use specifically to use it. Unlike OS X where I don't just sit there clicking through Finder and mucking around Spaces and Expose, I actually just sit on my bike, start it up and ride it just for the heck of it. I actively use the bike, I don't use the OS. That's the difference.

If you can't wrap your head around that, then be happy mucking around Mission Control and marveling at Launchpad, I'll be busy writing code or playing a game or reading something on the Web instead, things that the OS enables me to do.