Re: Apple's ways

[wbdesnoy@acs5.acs.ucalgary.ca (Byron Desnoyers Winmill)]

Ralf Quint (Ralf_Quint@hot_mail.com) wrote:
: Well, i must say, that if this would happen, the iMacs would finally
: get the bad reputation they deserve.

The iMac is directed towards a particular market.  They do not deserve a bad
reputation for that.  That would be something akin to giving an Apple II a
bad rap simply because Apple was selling essentially (if you ignore the IIgs)
the same machine for over 10 years.

: They overheat, they are not expandable (only by expensive USB peripherals),
: you're stuck with the small screen (try to do DTP or CAD on them).....

Many, if not all current, iMacs include firewire.  So an alternative
mechanism for expansion is there.  Then again, if you're like me and
don't want the incentive to spend a bundle on new peripherals, it doesn't
matter.  Besides, what self respecting professional would get an iMac for
DTP or CAD?  Engineers can spend $2000+ for a high end CRT displays.  If
you are simply sticking a machine in the home, or classroom, or office, I
don't see why 15" is inadequate.  But an engineer or graphics artist is
liable to use specialized software *and* hardware, just as you are more
likely to find Suns and SGIs in the scientific community.

: If i get a Mac for myself, i will stay way clear of those cubes and
: rather get a real G4 one, though this will require quite a bit more of
: money. And they are (and probably always will be) far more expensive
: than a similar equipped Intel machine.....

The cube is style.  If you don't care about pretty machines, there is not
much sense in getting one.  If you only care about functionality, there is
not much sense in having one either.  But if you're only interested in
function, what is the sense in using an Apple II.  It is quite easy to come
by more powerful machines for a lesser price.  While it may be nostalgia
for some, I think that it is safe to speak for the majority and state that
our interest goes beyond a dusty past.  I guess what I'm saying is, buying
a computer goes beyond dollars/MHz.  Sometimes people look at style.  Others
will look at the OS.  The geeky type will look at the number and type of
processor, expansion busses (AGP and firewire had to start somewhere), or
chipsets (mainboard, video card, etc.).  Others will simply buy whatever a
salesman tells them.  (Ack!  Trying to have an intelligent conversation with
most salesmen is like talking to a parrot.  But it can be quite fun if you
aren't actually planning to buy something.  ;-)

Byron.