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Non Switchers

Entry 624, on 2007-10-12 at 20:30:51 (Rating 2, Computers)

Today I read an article which listed the reasons people don't switch from the Windows to the Mac platform. There was some reasonably valid discussion on the topic and I think a lot of the reasons were realistic, so I thought I would list and discuss some of them here.

The first reason was that most Windows users are ignorant. I think this is true. Many times when I discuss switching with the latest person who is having endless problems with Windows I hear all sorts of irrelevant and simply untrue reasons why Macs aren't practical. Some examples are: I won't be able to use my Office documents on a Mac, or I won't be able to swap files with my friends who use PCs; I won't be able to use my printer, scanner, digital camera, etc on a Mac; or there are no games or other programs available for Mac.

The awkward thing is that there is a small element of truth in all of these. Sometimes Office documents don't work correctly between Macs and PCs (and sometimes they don't work between one PC and another too). While most peripherals can be used with Macs there are exceptions and its impossible to guarantee that a device which works on a PC will also work on a Mac. And there are less programs (especially games) for Macs than PCs, although there are a lot more programs available for Macs than PC users think (and many of them are better than their PC counterparts).

Another reason is standards. Many organisations establish standards which they require people to follow. These standards usually specify that a large PC hardware manufacturer (such as HP) supply the computer and that it runs Microsoft Windows and Office. There are good reasons to establish standards, but there are good reasons to allow flexibility as well. In my experience most standards arise from ignorance and personal bias rather than a real drive for efficiency.

Price is another issue often cited. Its true that Macs are a more expensive than the cheapest PCs, but those PCs do tend to be compromised in some ways. They might use cheap, unreliable components; they might be missing useful features; or they might have poor backup and servicing. Compared with the better quality PCs the price of a Mac is quite competitive (often cheaper) especially when bundled software and useful hardware features are considered.

There were other issues discussed but the one which was left out (apart from in the discussion area) was apathy. Most people just don't care. They have used a PC before and know that it has many problems, but they really don't care enough to try to make their experience with computers any better. People who use computers a lot (like myself) often don't account for this phenomenon, but I think it is probably the most important of them all. Just about any genuine issue can be dealt with, but apathy is something which is almost impossible to counter!

Comment 1 (921) by sbfl on 2007-10-15 at 02:46:55:

Not a bad post, but just like the religions topics, you like to insult those who don't agree with you "The first reason was that most Windows users are ignorant. I think this is true". If you don't give respect, how can you expect it back? Wouldn't you prefer respect from your opponent, than some muppet who already agrees with everything you say? It much harder to obtain!

Anyway, probably getting a bit to serious for the old Windows vs Mac debate. I am a Windows user and the reasons you give above are correct. Especially the apathy one. I have heard Mac is loved by its core users, but this is more a underdog passion sort of thing I suspect. However I will probably never change because why learn a whole new OS, when you know one already? How much value in changing... is it worth it? I also have the impression that Windows is more robust (Mac OS is too rigid?) and that upgrades and new things will appear on Windows first because that is by far and away the more popular OS.

Anyway, Apple need to look for a new strategy, rather than playing this tired old "our computer is better than yours" argument. I wonder if they can capitalize on their gains with iPod, iPhone and TV box thing to get their PCs a bigger market share, and not necessarily in the traditional form.

Comment 2 (933) by OJB on 2007-10-15 at 12:02:15:

This blog isn't about respect! :) its about saying things the way they really are! I should have been a bit more specific though. I meant Windows users tend to be ignorant about the alternative platforms (Mac especially, but also Linux) rather than that they are ignorant about everything!

So you are theorising that Mac users love their Macs because they are the underdog. So the fact that we get practically zero viruses, have an easier to use OS, have a more stable system, have a lot less hardware and driver conflicts, have more and better bundled software, have more useful hardware built-in, etc is irrelevant?

Windows is more robust and Mac is more rigid? Not sure exactly what you mean by those words in this context but I suspect I would disagree with that too!

Apple need to stop saying their machines are better? Well I guess you could have a point there. Advertising rarely seems to be about what is good or bad and more about what sort of subtle branding tricks can be inflicted on the poor consumer. On the other hand, I always thought that Apple were one of the worst at that sort of thing!

Comment 3 (939) by sbfl on 2007-10-17 at 05:50:48:

Fair enough, it's your blog. I do rate bloggers who make an effort to reach out though, rather than those who rant and rave in their comfort zone. Farrar is a good example who will agree with his opponents if they have a solid point.

Not irrelevant, but it's your opinion and you're sounding like one of those inferior types so I guess you're proving my point... ;-)

Okay, fine. Though I did state 'I also have the impression that..."

You're/they're catching on...

Comment 4 (950) by OJB on 2007-10-17 at 08:21:04:

I will certainly agree with anyone who disagrees with me if they have a solid point. I have moderated and clarified some of my opinions as a result of points you have made, for example. I do have areas of my web site which are a bit more formal and are backed up with references - my skepticism section, for example. I just prefer to leave the blog as a less formal area.

Comment 5 (952) by sbfl on 2007-10-17 at 09:11:46:

Okay, not familiar with the skeptics section, but as for the blog, like I said, it's your blog and I visit knowing the form you wish it to take.

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