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How is the popularity of mac's in the US, is it worth investing in one, or could they fade out of business since the loss of Steve? To me it looks more of an image than an actual usage, and with regards to old DOS applications they are not compatible with Mac, one thing which i don't like about it. Means no Alone in the Dark or old favorites of our time.

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The Mac share has doubled in the past X years, although it's now only like 10% or thereabouts. I can't imagine Macs would fade out of business, and certainly Apple won't (it's the most valuable company in the world, you know). It doesn't sound like you actually want a Mac, though.

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I do have a MacBook, 2 ipads and iphones, but for my main computer i have a HP with Windows 7. I just see most of the main companies using them but i wonder if they are following an image or is the Mac actually worth getting. To me is seems to be more of a marketing image than actually useful. That's why i debate myself over getting one, the apple image does seem to have a good effect at sucking you in and that's what they want right?

 

But tell me Larry, if i had the cash to buy a Mac, would it be worth me doing so? Would it make my web development easier and if so in what ways? I think one of the features is more room on your desk?

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It really comes down to whether you the think the Unix system is any good, Edward. Asking whether a system is worth it based on image or trend means you're not looking at and comparing the right information based on your requirements.

 

One thing I know for a fact, you've picked a topic that on the internet almost always turns into a flame-war and to which there is never a definitive answer. You can only ever pick what suits your requirements as an individual user; if those requirements are not really limiting you are free to pick the one you feel most comfortable with.

 

From a development point of view, *nix based systems make a lot of sense, especially as most servers are running on a combination of linux and apache. But, this is perfectly possible on a windows system by running a server within a VM.

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I really don't think many main companies are using Macs let alone that many main companies are switching to Macs. The numbers just don't suggest this is the case. I also think you're very much wrong about Macs being more of a marketing image thing than actually useful. It's a computer. It's useful. If you need to do the kinds of things that one does on computers, then a Mac is useful. As for what Apple wants you to do, they want you to buy their products, just like any other business.

 

I love Macs and the iOS. It's a great interface, has wonderful software, etc. Underneath that, as Rob pointed out, it's Unix, meaning all the server software I'm used to running also runs on my desktop. But at the end of the day, it's just a computer. It's not going to make Web development any easier or any faster.

 

I can't think of any reason why you should buy a Mac. You're used to using Windows (which means you'd lose a lot of time transitioning) and have a current version of Windows. You also already have a Mac. I have no idea why you'd consider buying another when you already have one.

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  • 2 months later...

How much are Mac Desktop going for in the US right now? I have a Mac shop about 5 minutes walk from my house. I think i will get one for Christmas a desktop i mean. It seems to be quite useful if you have the apple laptop also you can take your work out to the internet cafe just to change the atmosphere.

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I love my Apple Air laptop for a couple of reasons. It would really take a lot for me to switch. When it comes to desktop computers, I would not even consider an Apple product at the time being. The reason being bang-for-bucks. I don't really think you get what you pay for with them.

 

Why I love my Air:

- Unmatched touchpad. First laptop where the touchpad actually does what I want. On other laptops, I find my self irritated by the touchpad not working properly. This one just works, and I forget that I use a laptop. On every other laptop I have ever tried, including several of latest generation from Samsung, etc, I find problems with the touchpad. I need an external mouse to not throw those computers into a wall after some hours...

- Keyboard. Low profile, good quality, normal layout (with some apple specifics) and does not make a lot of sound. I have found other laptops with equally good keyboards, but these things are so important I would not consider a laptop with other characteristics. Luckly, a lot of laptops does this right. (for my regard)

- SSD. Quick booting, quick opening of programs. The competition has these as well. I need a SSD in my computer.

- Resolution. Good enough for a 13".

- Enough memory for what I need to do.

- Weight. It's low enough. Some competition does this even better.

- Fans. In most cases, the machine is silent.

- "Media buttons". No other computer can change the volume, turn on mute, switch songs, dim the backlight as easily. This may have something to do with the operation system as well, but I've yet to be convinced by another product to this day.

- OSX. Good operation system. Some important short cuts for my workflow, but I don't really prefer it over Windows. I work good in both. For a desktop machine, this point is gone for me.

 

What I dislike:

- Price. They are expensive. You find really good computers a lot cheaper.

- Temperature. It can get very warm if you run a lot of programs/expensive computation.

- Fans. May sound like crazy if the computer works hard. (sometimes for no apparent reason)

- Shiny screen. Impossible to use outside.

- Cleaning it... The screen gets spotty for no apparent reason, and expect to clean the keyboard and laptop casing a lot. It attracts dust and finger prints like crazy.

 

Conclusion:

All points combined, I've yet to find a laptop I've been equally happy with. My workflow is not affected by using a laptop at all. (and I use a laptop for work on a daily basis) I have a windows custom built desktop too, and I would not even consider switching that for an apple product. The whole package combined, Apple Air beats the competition to the ground for me. The competition may compare on single points, but not for the whole package.

 

My personal points. Feel very free to disagree, as this is very subjective.

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I've had MacBooks for years now and I like them very much. Two years ago I bought an iMac and I just love it. Partly I released that I didn't take my laptop anywhere that often. Partly I wanted more oompf. I spent $1100 on the lowest end iMac and it's just a great computer.

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Thanks for expressing your opinions, here in BKK a top of the range desktop mac is about $6000, that is the highest price I saw on it. You better not say anymore Antonio or you will probably have the ghost of Steve Jobs haunting you. Seems from your answers that i am probably best of with what i have. Thanks guys.

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