Nerve Endings Firing Away

Just to be clear, I haven’t refrained from buying Apple over the years because I blog about Microsoft. Many of my Microsoft-watching colleagues consider it imperative and even enjoyable to use Apple’s wares. But I never wanted to be part of the Apple community because I have had so many negative, hostile and condescending interactions with not just Apple fanboys, but regular Apple users. If that’s what “thinking different” was, I wanted no parts.

[Source: I confess: I bought an iPad (and so far I love it)] So she hadn’t bought a Mac because the “Apple community” was negative and hostile? By that logic, as the MacUser assumes, she has perhaps never used the subway either.

But in her defense, I can understand her predicament. Switching platforms is not easy especially if you have gotten used to the one you started out on. Apple fanboys and avid Windows users are just as likely to refuse to consider the other option; probably because change can be difficult. I’m a recent convert to Mac (talking about hostile and negative, I’ve been already labeled a Mactard) but still continue using Windows at work. Most of my statistics programs like SAS and ArcGIS work best on Windows. Although Windows 7 is said to be the best thing that came out of Microsoft in a while, I’m content with XP. But if I were to recommend a computer to a new user (mostly family or close friends), I would recommend a Mac even if it was for the simple reason of avoiding potential future tech support that I have to provide.

But if it helps, I won’t be ‘negative and hostile’. Honestly, I’ve never met a negative or hostile geek, PC or Mac. They are always only too willing to help out so I suggest Mary Jo Foley change her geeky friends. And don’t feel too guilty about buying the only tablet that is available in the market right now. Not using Apple products just for the sake for not using them doesn’t make sense to someone who believes in openess, right? Unless you mean openness of the platform and not the mind. Sheesh! There I go again being all negative and hostile. I’m sorry.