Is it just me, or is EVERYONE college-aged getting a mac nowadays?

Student Lounge College Life
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<p>I’m not sure I understand your point on marketshare. By your logic, Microsoft wouldn’t have a dedicated department of Mac developers creating a custom version of Office for 7% of the market.</p>

<p>Gruber isn’t arguing that, if OS X were no more secure than Windows, that 7% of viruses should be for the Mac. He’s saying that having effectively zero Mac viruses is far more disproportionate than would be expected. Shouldn’t, say, 1% of all viruses be for the Mac? Half a percent?</p>

<p>I don’t know if you had a chance to read the rest of the article, but I recommend it. He describes a non-technical basis for the relative security of OS X compared to Windows.</p>

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<p>Do you know how a virus spreads? From a machine to a machine to a machine. How successful is a virus that relies on transmitting from a mac to a mac? It has virtually no chance of reaching a large audience considering how fragmented the population is.</p>

<p>Porting office over to Macs is relatively easy, considering the vast majority of the work is already done and there are numerous tools to port pc to mac. Do you think Microsoft would’ve wrote office from scratch to capture 7% of the market? Because malware needs to to tailored to every os, and needs to be written from scratch. Somehow you believe that writing malware for PC and Mac take equal time. Come on. Ever written software? Ever tried writing software without being able to reuse old code and without any community support whatsoever? Who the hell would do this and rely on the rare chance that you can spread malware to a passing mac machine? Why do this when you can just go rely on the stupidity of 90% of the people in the world? </p>

<p>And of course, I’d love to see any support for the notion that macs are inherently more secure than windows.</p>

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<p>They are overhyped and overpriced.</p>

<p>[I&lt;/a&gt; need professional advice, please help! - College Confidential](<a href=“http://■■■■■■/9jEmvO]I”>http://■■■■■■/9jEmvO)</p>

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<p>@Ray192</p>

<p>You’re right. There aren’t any Mac-only developers. The Omni Group, Panic, Cultured Code, Bohemian Coding, and Bare Bones just port their Windows software to OS X.</p>

<p>Is OS X inherently more secure than Windows? That depends on what you mean by “more secure.” Recently there have been some very public holes in OS X exposed that question the conventional wisdom that they are. OS X certainly has some security advantages, like requiring an administrator password to install software, but the publicized proof-of-concept hacks question OS X’s security. </p>

<p>Gruber makes a good point, I think, when he compares OS X and Windows to different neighborhoods. Windows might be viewed as a bad neighborhood, with criminals roaming the streets, occupying 90% of the city. As a result, the Windows neighborhood has installed bars on their windows, biometric security, etc. In that sense Windows is more secure, since there is more security. </p>

<p>OS X is the small, good neighborhood. Since there is a vigilant neighborhood watch, none of the houses have bars on the windows, because they aren’t necessary. Any nefarious intruders are immediately publicized and excoriated, because they’re so uncommon. Since the OS X neighborhood doesn’t have the invasive security Windows has, its “less secure.” However, I think it’s safe to say that OS X is safer, at least right now.</p>

<p>That said, I do still suspect that OS X is inherently more secure than Windows. Imagine the fame that the first malware author to develop a massive OS X virus would garner, yet we haven’t had one. But theres no way for either of us to prove that point. Maybe it really is just the smaller marketshare, but honestly, the difference is irrelevant. OS X is safer, and will remain safer so long as it has a small segment of the market.</p>

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<p>[Mac</a> OS X security myth exposed - Techworld.com](<a href=“http://news.techworld.com/security/1798/mac-os-x-security-myth-exposed/]Mac”>http://news.techworld.com/security/1798/mac-os-x-security-myth-exposed/)</p>

<p>[Apple</a> Sneaks in Malware Protection in Mac OS X 10.6.4](<a href=“http://technologizer.com/2010/06/18/apple-sneaks-in-malware-protection-in-mac-os-x-10-6-4/]Apple”>Apple Sneaks in Malware Protection in Mac OS X 10.6.4)</p>

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<p>TECHNICALLY, CONSIDER YOUR LOGIC.</p>

<p>I got lost in this argument… lmao</p>

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<p>@Moksha</p>

<p>I know. See my second paragraph, sentences 1-3. Those articles essentially argue that OS X doesn’t have bars on the windows or fingerprint scanner-controlled locks on the doors. But security is not the same as safety. Until OS X triples it’s market share—and maybe not even then—it will continue to be the safer operating system, whatever the reason.</p>

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<p>Back to the original post.</p>

<p>“Is it just me, or is EVERYONE college-aged getting a mac nowadays?”</p>

<p>Not EVERYONE college-aged is getting a mac nowadays, but more and more are getting macs. The reasons for doing so differ from person to person. Some people have grown up with Macs and are happy continuing with Macs. Some people are sick and tired of dealing with configuration issues and/or Windows in general and want to try something new. Some people like the look. Some people like the design. Some people get them as gifts. Whatever—it doesn’t really matter why more people seem to be choosing to buy Macs. It’s their choice.</p>

<p>If you despise Macs for whatever rational or irrational reason, that’s your choice.<br>
Usually, it’s the computer techy people who love playing around with configurations and the guts of the machine that prefer Window’s based laptops. Others choose Window’s based computers because it’s what they know and aren’t comfortable trying something different. That’s fine—it’s their choice. </p>

<p>We’ve had Window’s based computers and laptops for longer than many of you have been on this planet. In the past 5 years, we have seen the build quality and shelf-life deteriorate. Personally, I’ve had more than enough hassles with them. Unlike many of those posting on this thread, I consider a laptop nothing more than a tool to help me get my work completed. I don’t care how it works, why it works, or what it looks like. All I want is a tool that’s reliable and works.</p>

<p>About 3 years ago, I decided to buy my first MacBook. It was (is) an older model White Plastic MacBook. After the initial transition (when I questioned whether or not I made the right decision for me), I’ve been very happy with my decision. Since purchasing my MacBook, I’ve spent literally no time maintaining the machine (other than the occasional OSX/Safari update). I turn it on and it works. It has outlived 2 expensive Dells that were bought afterward. It’s working as smoothly today and it did when I purchased it (3 years ago).</p>

<p>We still have 2 Window’s based laptops in our possession (Husband hasn’t tried using a Mac because he is set in his ways and doesn’t like learning new technological things). In the meantime, because our kids have seen the reliability and ease of use of my MacBook, they have converted over to MacBooks. Actually, our youngest son bought a Black MacBook when he went off to college and recently upgraded to a high end 15 inch MacBook Pro.
Our oldest son (who is not as technologically savy as younger son) resisted the idea of buying a MacBook until this summer. After spending months dealing with his NEW DELL STUDIO 15 that had nothing but issue after issue, he called it quits with Window’s based laptops. He bought a 13 inch MacBook Pro. I was shocked how easily he (as a non-techy) transitioned to the MacBook Pro. He’s very happy with his decision. He turns it on and he can get to work right away. Like me, he doesn’t want to know (or care) how it works. All he cares about it is the ease of use, reliability, battery life, and ability to get his work done.</p>

<p>If one prefers to tinker with machines, I can understand why he/she prefers Windows based machines. If one prefers simplicity and ease of use, IMO–MacBook is the way to go. Then again, this is my opinion.</p>

<p>Honestly, it’s laughable to read how opinionated some of the posters are and how they absolutely detest the idea of something other than what they prefer. If you don’t like the idea of Macs, then don’t buy one. It’s your choice. I have a Mac but I don’t go around with an attitude that Macs are the end all be all of computers. For me, it’s the best choice. For someone else, it may not be. </p>

<p>Some of the posts on this thread (and others) suggest there are people in society that have a weird personal attachment to their computers. It’s only a machine for crying out loud.</p>

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<p>nysmile, but don’t you think it is also partially the responsibility of a product owner to know how to use the product in a way that isn’t careless and at least have some basic knowledge about it? I just get the feeling that if people do some research into various brands before they purchase and also use common sense instead of treating a computer like something that is indestructible they can avoid a significant amount of hardware issues that occur, whether its on the level of choice of computer (Dell vs. other pc-manufacturers) or personal care. Despite generally a category where people should care more about what to do with it, electronics just tends to be the category where people have different expectations. Anyways, if issues with Dell were experienced, why did you purchase several?</p>

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<p>I can tell you that our past issues with Dells and Windows based computers are not due to not understanding how to use a computer. We run scans, defragment, get rid of spyware, and don’t physically abuse the machines. Stop assuming that people who have issues with their computers are stupid. </p>

<p>We purchased Dells because previously, they met our expectations. Over the past few years however, our experience with their products has not been to our satisfaction. They start out fine, but within a few months, issues and breakdowns occurred. We are not stupid so please don’t imply that we don’t know how to manage our computers. We had an issue with the bad nVidia (burnt out the motherboard). We’ve had issues with wireless connections going in and out. We’ve had a keyboard issue where multiple keys fell off and could not be popped back on (had to get a new one shipped out and install it). We’ve had issues with a bad connection between the laptop and the charger. We’ve had problems with windows updates messing up with drivers. We’ve had one complete hard drive failure (within 10 months of original purchase of laptop). We’ve had a variety of issues–none of which were due to slamming the computer around or bad care on our part.</p>

<p>We currently have one Toshiba (with the i3 processor). My 3 year old white Plastic MacBook runs smoother and faster then the approx. 6 month old Toshiba. We have a Dell XPS 13 inch which is about 2 1/2 or 3 years old. It’s runs fine but tiny trackpad is a pain in the butt-----this is the laptop that needed the motherboard replaced within the first 3 months because of the nVidia problem. Because of this past issue, we don’t use it as our primary laptop because I don’t trust it’s reliability. We have a Dell Studio 15 that son purchased just before the last academic year. It started out fine but within 6 months, all hell broke loose with it. After the frustration with communication with Dell (I can’t understand a word of what their technicians are saying on the phone because of their accents), Dell came to the house and replaced the hard drive and power brick/charger. This is the same laptop that had keys falling off it, wireless issues, freezes, and blue screens. Sure, it works now but there was no way that son wanted to use it as his primary laptop at school with its past of multiple issues.</p>

<p>We stayed away from HP’s because the 3 people we know with HP’s have all had problems with them. We seriously considered buying a SONY but their battery life and heating issues at the time were terrible. </p>

<p>Oh–why did we originally stick with Dells? Because the colleges our kids were attending were certified to repair Dells. </p>

<p>So there you have it. Stop blaming the owners for all of these problems. We are not as stupid as you appear to imply. Of course, issues with computers are not limited to only Dell computers. They cross the board and include all makers–even Apple. However, in our experience, we have found that we spend much less time “fighting” with our Macs.<br>
Does this mean that I’m pushing people to buy Macs and despise all window’s based computers? Of course not. </p>

<p>Buy the laptop that suits your needs. My need is to have a stress free and reliable laptop.
I want to be able to turn it on and do my word processing and internet searches. I want to be able to watch the occasional youtube video, listen to music, and watch a DVD movie.
In short, I want to know that when I press the power button, I will have a stress free experience on my laptop. For 3 years, I’ve had this experience with my current low end MacBook. I turn it on and it works. That’s all I want. </p>

<p>When the average person asks for help on these threads, they’re not looking for a debate on OSX vs linex vs Windows. They want simple answers based on the personal experiences of others. Most of us simply want a machine that will help us complete our tasks with reliability and little stress. That’s it.</p>

<p>If you’ve had a reliable and positive past with a brand, then by all means, pass on the info to others.
If you’ve had problems with a brand, pass this info on as well.
And please, stop assuming that the majority of problems are due to careless and stupid owners.</p>

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<p>My issue raising understanding was directed at people in general. In general if these people are tired of having issues, they should take it upon themselves to actually find something that isn’t going to have all the issues they have dealt with, not what some advertising campaign/store clerk suggests. I recognize you did do the proper research. However, in general, many people don’t. So, with that re-stated, do you at least agree with that?</p>

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<p>Why do you think that many people don’t research before they purchase a laptop?
Many people do and they know what they’re looking for regarding:
–processor
–graphics card
–HD memory
–RAM
–wifi
–ability to play DVD’s
–screen
–keyboard and trackpad
–speakers
–cost</p>

<p>The problem is the quality control and reliability in the products. You can pick the laptop with the perfect specs for your needs but that doesn’t mean that the quality of a laptop in one production batch will be the same as the quality of the same model in another batch. One person can have great results from let’s say, an HP Model ***, while someone else may have a disastrous experience with the same model. You can’t blame this on the consumer. </p>

<p>In my experience, (based on my personal laptop purchases and usage), I’ve found that there is better quality control regarding Macbook laptops. My experience and my opinion only. Does this mean I hate all things unMac? ------Of course not and for me to sit here and bash every other computer is ridiculous. This is what I find so strange about some of the posters who continuously bash Macs. Why such an emotional response to a machine?</p>

<p>If you prefer HP, Dell, Toshiba, Asus, Samsung, etc. then by all means create a post describing your experience with the laptop. If you’ve had terrible experience with a brand or model, post that information too. To bash someone and imply that they’re stupid or not informed for choosing something other than your preference is not the responsible way to answer someone’s question.</p>

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<p>@nick_sheu</p>

<p>I skimmed the topic so I apologize if I didn’t full read what you posted.</p>

<p>@nysmile
I spend no time maintaining my machine either.
Why did you RMA the whole laptop?
I have never seen people in my life that had as many issues as you did. If anything, I haven’t seen the Blue Screen of Death since Windows 95.
Moving on, you’re implying Windows Based PCs are stressful and unreliable. The things you stated you wanted to do are also easily done on PCs.</p>

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<p>Add to the list of computer-ignorant fools who were duped by Apple’s public relations machine into paying too much for a shiny status symbol:</p>

<p>Consumer Reports, in their September Issue, ranked the Apple MacBook and MacBook Pro in the top 3 places for 11-13 inch laptops. They also ranked MacBook Pros in the top 3 places for 15-inch laptops. And, they ranked the iMac in the top 4 places for all-in-one computers.</p>

<p>It’s not like they actually tested them, right?</p>

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<p>I could build 2 PCs and buy 2 netbooks for the price of a macbook pro. They’re nice, but way too expensive for what they can do. You could make a monstrous computer if you dumped $2400 on one machine.</p>

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<p>Alf, as far as I can tell you are cherry picking what you post. What criteria do they base it on? if it is subjective, then the rating is more or less unimportant. Also, they may not factor in cost (a HUGE aspect of this mac vs. PC debate)</p>

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<p>Hey Alf, let’s quote Tom’s Hardware discussing these consumer reports(From 2009) :</p>

<p>**the MacBooks that topped the charts (and price points) also came with stronger specifications than its closest competitors in screen resolution, GPU, bundled software
, just to name a few. **</p>

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<p>@Moksha
Which is exactly why I don’t find consumer reports credible. Product comparison is very subjective.</p>

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<p>

Amen. Overpriced.</p>

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<p>^Ridiculously. </p>

<p><a href=“http://thenextweb.com/apple/files/2010/09/mac01.jpg[/url]”>http://thenextweb.com/apple/files/2010/09/mac01.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;