# Mac users - why do you like so few choices? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 7, 2011, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949 "2011-10-07T22:57:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![tumbleddown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tumbleddown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tumbleddown)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/121 "2011-10-11T01:40:54Z")
> [@obbn](#): > > I read an article recently that a app developer made an app that gave the 3G video capability and was going to market it for .99 cents. Of course Apple would not let the app to be sold in the app store. They wouldn’t? Huh, so what’s this Qik video app installed on my (soon to be replaced) iPhone 3G, the one I paid 99 cents for, last updated about 2 weeks ago, and used on Thursday morning to video two squirrels playing chase-me-chase-me up a tree? ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/122 "2011-10-11T01:45:31Z")
> [@typoink](#): > > When I read the thread title, I thought the OP was asking about the lack of choices within the OS: Macs are built, roughly, around a “there’s ONE correct way to do it” philosophy. It’s elegant, but frequently grating to Windows users. I think I said in the thread when Lion came out that I upgraded pretty much for the ability to finally resize a window from any edge or corner. That only took, what, 27 years? ---
**Author:** ![Mighty\_Girl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7bcc69/32.png) [@Mighty\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Girl)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/123 "2011-10-11T02:15:21Z")
> [@JRDelirious](#): > > My first chice for anything involving imaging hardware (cameras, photo printers, scanners) is Canon Heresy! While I sometimes think of a switch to Cannon (cheaper lenses!) the amount of Nikon crap I own makes that impossible. > [@brittekland](#): > > I want to retain as many of my brain cells as I can. Seconded. If you work in a graphic environment (I do) nothing beats Macs. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/124 "2011-10-11T02:15:54Z")
> [@tumbleddown](#): > > They wouldn’t? Huh, so what’s this Qik video app installed on my (soon to be replaced) iPhone 3G, the one I paid 99 cents for, last updated about 2 weeks ago, and used on Thursday morning to video two squirrels playing chase-me-chase-me up a tree? Maybe you didn’t hear what he said. He _read an article_. An ARTICLE. ---
**Author:** ![Sparky\_the\_Wonder\_Spirit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@Sparky\_the\_Wonder\_Spirit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sparky_the_Wonder_Spirit)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/125 "2011-10-11T02:25:37Z")
> [@obbn](#): > > As a whole it isn’t Apple products that I don’t care for. It is the Apple users. The smug factor is beyond belief. If I went to the Apple store tonight I don’t think that they would sell me anything, I don’t possess enough smug. That’s pretty hilarious, considering that in this thread, it’s the PC aficionados who are making out like Mac users are some kind of intellectually inferior sheeple. ---
**Author:** ![Unintentionally\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unintentionally_blank/32/5418_2.png) [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/126 "2011-10-11T03:13:53Z")
Baah. The overwhelming thing I’ve noticed is that I’d be sitting somewhere minding my own business and somebody’d say something like ‘Dur-hurr, you bought a fucking fruit.’ So it’s now camouflaged with linux Penguins and an ‘Im a PC’ sticker. Alas, the people I was getting that from were the folks you think would know better…you know…geeks. So I went back to compiling nmap using GCC and looking at packet dumps from our IDS using Wireshark in X11, while running Cain in a VM and watching A/D hashes float across the wire. ---
**Author:** ![Unintentionally\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unintentionally_blank/32/5418_2.png) [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/127 "2011-10-11T03:22:52Z")
Oh how appropo: > [@Merlin Mann via Twitter](#): > > The technologies you choose to use say a lot about you. But raging about the technologies others choose to use says way WAY more about you. ---
**Author:** ![ladyfoxfyre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ad7895/32.png) [@ladyfoxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladyfoxfyre)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/128 "2011-10-11T03:30:37Z")
> [@obbn](#): > > I have nothing against Apple as a whole, but I do have some thoughts about them that make me question why someone would choose to spend their money on that product: Confusing, consider you later go on to say: > [@obbn](#): > > As a whole it isn’t Apple products that I don’t care for. It is the Apple users. The smug factor is beyond belief. If I went to the Apple store tonight I don’t think that they would sell me anything, I don’t possess enough smug. So which is it? You either have legitimate grievances against their products, fine, don’t buy them. Or you hate the people who buy them, while simultaneously accusing them of all having a smug superiority. > [@](#): > > 1: Look at the iPhone. I have one now because my Android died after 2 years and my sister gave me her old one. There are some very good things about the iPhone, but it is offset by some very very stupid things that would prevent me from actually paying money for one. > > Just to mention a few, no replaceable battery? What the hell is that all about? When the battery eventually dies I need to send it into Apple and pay them $80 or so to replace it? When my Android one died a quick scan of Ebay got me a new battery for under $10. I’ve never had a battery die in an iPhone, and I’ve had them since the 3G came out. Have you had to replace the battery? Or are you just complaining about the inevitable eventuality that you’ve so far not had to deal with? > [@](#): > > My sister gave me here old 3g iPhone. The phone has no video capability. I read an article recently that a app developer made an app that gave the 3G video capability and was going to market it for .99 cents. Of course Apple would not let the app to be sold in the app store. Why not? Because the 3Gs has video and why allow your paying customers the ability to upgrade via a simple software enhancement when you can sell them a new phone. Someone has already addressed this for you, mainly that there are apps available that allow this to work. > [@](#): > > The power cord. Now, this is a simple one right? Nope, my sister didn’t have the power cord so I had to go buy one. It was $10, really not that big of deal, but why couldn’t Apple use a USB cord like just about every other smartphone company? Because by choice, they used a proprietary cord that you can get only one place. Guess where? You can buy iPhone compatible chargers at every major retailer, this is false. > [@](#): > > And finally (but not all inclusive) I have noticed that with each new iPhone the new features really appear to be things NOT included on the last phone just to be able to sell you a new one. It is almost like Apple leaves out some minor detail with the intent of including said detail on the next version. And like the above example, even if there is a simple workaround, they won’t allow it in order to force their (willing) customers into dropping a few hundred more dollars. I don’t even understand this statement. You’re pissed that they make upgrades to their products so they can sell more of them? Seriously? This is retarded reasoning. > [@](#): > > The bottom line is the Apple users I have met in real life and those I have observed on the internet all follow a similar pattern. They don’t seem to buy the product some much for what it does, but what it says about themselves. It is almost like a cult, and iCult, but a cult none the same. Being a Mac convert, I have to say I don’t see this at all. Even when I used PCs I didn’t see this at all from people. I’m sure there is a small cohort of people who buy stuff to seem popular, big shocker there. You seem to be operating under the assumption that conspicuous consumption ONLY affects Apple customers, and then later admit that you don’t really hate all the products that much, you just hate the “smugness” of their consumers. How stupid. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/129 "2011-10-11T04:40:33Z")
> [@Sparky\_the\_Wonder\_Spirit](#): > > I know this may come as a surprise to you, but some people **don’t give a shit** about computer games, OR programming! :eek: What’s wrong with them? ---
**Author:** ![amanset](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8dc957/32.png) [@amanset](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amanset)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 9:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/130 "2011-10-11T09:30:47Z")
> [@drewtwo99](#): > > I know that newer macs allow you to install windows on them, If by “newer” you mean released in the last five years. The first version of Boot Camp was released on April 5th 2006, almost five and a half years ago. Even then it could run on macs that were already released. The first Intel Macs came out January 10th 2006, so I’m guessing all Macs since that one were capable of running Boot Camp, although I could be wrong. So yes, newer Macs. _Obviously_. ---
**Author:** ![amanset](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8dc957/32.png) [@amanset](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amanset)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 9:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/131 "2011-10-11T09:51:17Z")
> [@obbn](#): > > The power cord. Now, this is a simple one right? Nope, my sister didn’t have the power cord so I had to go buy one. It was $10, really not that big of deal, but why couldn’t Apple use a USB cord like just about every other smartphone company? Because by choice, they used a proprietary cord that you can get only one place. Guess where? Well, ignoring the error you made in saying that you have to buy an Apple branded one, as that was covered elsewhere: My take on this is a historical thing. It wasn’t that long ago that EVERY mobile phone manufacturer had their own power cord. Hell, the power cord would change between models of the same brand. I remember in Clas Ohlsson, a large electronics/household shop here, that there’d a be a wall covered in different cords for different phones. A whole section for Nokia, another for Sony Ericsson and whatnot. At this time Apple didn’t sell a phone, but they did sell the iPod and that had a proprietary cord, known as the 30 pin dock connector. One of the reasons for this was that Apple supported both USB and Firewire connections to your iPod. Hell, you used to be able to boot a Mac from an iPod! So they had a special connector to support both of these. When you bought an iPod you got (IIRC) two cable but both connected to the same place on the iPod. However, over the years Apple decided to drop Firewire support but instead of fragmenting things they decided to stick with the 30 pin dock connector. And that connector supports iPhones, iPod and iPads. I’ve got all three (although the iPod is generally unused now) and use just the one cable. But yes, the world has moved on and (finally) mobile devices manufacturers have decided to go with USB (although there are two types of small USB port - the mini and micro - and it can be hit or miss which of those your device will take). There’s a very good argument that Apple should also move on, but there is still the burning issue of all those millions of iPods, iPhones and iPads on the old connector. Like it or not, Apple cares about how many cables you have hanging off your computer and wants that reduced. So they’ve stuck it out. Incorrectly, in my opinion, but stuck it out they have. BY the way, this may all change because of the EU. There is a directive within the EU that mobile phones should use the same connector and to comply with this Apple will have to provide some way of doing it, although there has been rumours that they will simply provide and adapter for mini (or micro) USB to the 30 pin dock connector. I hope they don’t. So there you go. There once was a very, very good reason for the 30 pin dock connector, but that reason isn’t quite valid so much anymore. But change is difficult when there’s a LOT of devices out there and you really care about ports and cables (and seriously they do, for example Apple are weirdly proud of how all the ports on a MacBook Pro are on one side of the machine. Nothing on the back and just the DVD drive on the right). ---
**Author:** ![Unintentionally\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unintentionally_blank/32/5418_2.png) [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 11:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/132 "2011-10-11T11:21:57Z")
> [@amanset](#): > > BY the way, this may all change because of the EU. There is a directive within the EU that mobile phones should use the same connector and to comply with this Apple will have to provide some way of doing it, although there has been rumours that they will simply provide and adapter for mini (or micro) USB to the 30 pin dock connector. I hope they don’t. They permitted Apple to come out with a dongle: [http://www.google.com/reader/view/#search/Apple%20iPhone%20usb/4](http://www.google.com/reader/view/#search/Apple%20iPhone%20usb/4) The 30 pin dock connector ALSO carries video out and Command and Control, letting you do things like leave the device in the glove box of your car, and have _one_ cable that does everything, rather than a cable that charges, another that syncs, and a third to plug into your boom box. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/133 "2011-10-11T12:33:31Z")
> [@Sparky\_the\_Wonder\_Spirit](#): > > I know this may come as a surprise to you, but some people **don’t give a shit** about computer games, OR programming! :eek: > [@Miller](#): > > What’s wrong with them? Nothing, I just gave my oldest laptop away to one of them. It didn’t have enough RAM for WoW (which btw runs on Macs) or for CivIV, but it’s perfectly fine for what he needs. I haven’t bought a Mac because I do tend to buy computers with alarming frequency - it’s my one large, reocurring, not-staying-alive-related expenses; I use them for work, but not every computer I buy is for work and what I’d need for work is less than what I like to have for gaming. But they’re very nice machines, if I wasn’t a computashopaholic I’d love me one. ---
**Author:** ![Hippy\_Hollow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hippy_hollow/32/4841_2.png) [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/134 "2011-10-11T18:15:57Z")
> [@obbn](#): > > Well, after re-reading this thread one thing is obvious. Debating this is no different than debating religion, abortion or politics. No one is going to change anyone’s mind and neither side is going to see the other’s side. > > With that said I will leave with one other observation. As a whole it isn’t Apple products that I don’t care for. It is the Apple users. The smug factor is beyond belief. If I went to the Apple store tonight I don’t think that they would sell me anything, I don’t possess enough smug. This is such a surreal post. I mean, it looks like it’s from 1987 or something. Apple users are kids in inner city schools, like the one I taught in about 15 years ago (granted it was mostly Apple IIe’s but I had a bunch of Performa 5200s), grandparents, teachers, graphic designers, and yes, hipsters who wear skinny jeans, drink soy lattes, and smoke Lucky Strikes. I saw a complete douchebag driving a car just like mine the other day. I guess I’ll need to buy another car so I don’t catch any of the smug. :rolleyes: I run Windows using VMWare on my Mac, and I even have a PowerMac 7300 that was PC compatible. I think most users want a stable, usable OS, to hell with the stereotype of what the users might be. ---
**Author:** ![Hennessy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a9a28c/32.png) [@Hennessy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hennessy)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/135 "2011-10-11T18:43:14Z")
I’ll say, people tend to make more mistakes when given more freedom. Most Windows problems come from user error and they didn’t even know it. I’m guessing Macs are set up to give users only what they need and also in a smooth (OS) way. Even then, you can still get deep into Snow Leopard and what not. I’m sure some spokesperson for Mac has revealed why they are successful. Obviously Macs aren’t for the hardcore computer users but even the hardcore users would like to own a Mac… And using ratios, how many hardcore users are there to casual users? Also, Mac is a brand as Dell & Toshiba is a brand. A better question would be to compare the operating systems which there are millions of comparisons the web. On the hardware end, what can’t be upgraded? Macs are the Corvettes as Dells are the Cavaliers. Swapping the motors may be easier in the Cavalier but the Corvette was built to reduce the need to have to replace the motor. Something like that anyway… ---
**Author:** ![Unintentionally\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unintentionally_blank/32/5418_2.png) [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/136 "2011-10-11T19:38:01Z")
The problem is that folks are debating two entirely different things. Person A is debating how they like an experience. Person B is debating how they save so much money by buying different hardware. This has always been the case, it will always BE the case. The debate will never end. The very statement “Obviously Macs aren’t for the hardcore computer users but even the hardcore users would like to own a Mac” shows a level of ignorance. I AM a Hardcore user. I compile code, I run VM’s, I interpret data on the wire, I ‘grep’ GIGS of logs for security anomalies. I have a FLEET of machines at my disposal, of all flavors. When I’m sitting in front of a keyboard, working interactively, I prefer Mac. It is IDENTICAL in nature to Snap-On tools. You can buy a socket set for $6.99 at Harbor freight, you can pay $40 for a Sears Craftsman set, or you can drop $300 for Snap-on. Do they all turn a socket? Yup (until the cheapie breaks). Do the have a lifetime warrantee? Yup. (Ever the HF tool!). Are there people that find value in using Snap-On tools? Absolutely. Might they have Craftsman tools at home? (Heresy…but yup.) ---
**Author:** ![sachertorte](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sachertorte/32/3727_2.png) [@sachertorte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sachertorte)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/137 "2011-10-11T19:46:03Z")
More choice has its advantages and disadvantages. I recently bought a GPS unit for driving. There are TOO MANY CHOICES! It was crazy the number of choices there are and difficult to discern what the differences are between the models. I found the experience frustrating and needlessly complex. With a mac there are fewer choices but the idea is to have the choices hit the target audience without ambiguity. “dumbing it down” is actually a good thing in my opinion. ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/138 "2011-10-11T22:13:26Z")
> [@amanset](#): > > At this time Apple didn’t sell a phone, but they did sell the iPod and that had a proprietary cord, known as the 30 pin dock connector. One of the reasons for this was that Apple supported both USB and Firewire connections to your iPod. Hell, you used to be able to boot a Mac from an iPod! So they had a special connector to support both of these. When you bought an iPod you got (IIRC) two cable but both connected to the same place on the iPod. > > However, over the years Apple decided to drop Firewire support but instead of fragmenting things they decided to stick with the 30 pin dock connector. And that connector supports iPhones, iPod and iPads. I’ve got all three (although the iPod is generally unused now) and use just the one cable. You indeed recall correctly. You could sync with USB starting with the 3rd generation but could only charge by FireWire. The 4th generation (which I believe is the first one to really take off with iTunes becoming available on Windows) came with both a FireWire and a USB cord (and a AC adapter for the FireWire) and could sync and charge off either. It was better to use FireWire and I actually installed a FireWire card in my Dell just for the iPod. You can still charge an iPod Classic off FireWire and I still use the adapter and FireWire cable I got seven years ago. ---
**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/139 "2011-10-11T22:27:04Z")
> [@Hennessy](#): > > I’m guessing Macs are set up to give users only what they need and also in a smooth (OS) way. I just tried it on the iMac in front of me. It took exactly one click to get to a UNIX prompt. Look, here’s a directory listing (the “l” and “s” keys were two more finger movements): Last login: Sun Oct 2 19:18:01 on console Cetus:~ napier$ ls Desktop Downloads Movies Pictures Sites Documents Library Music Public Cetus:~ napier$ ---
**Author:** ![obbn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/d6d6ee/32.png) [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2011, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949/140 "2011-10-11T22:36:11Z")
> [@ladyfoxfyre](#): > > Confusing, consider you later go on to say: > So which is it? You either have legitimate grievances against their products, fine, don’t buy them. Or you hate the people who buy them, while simultaneously accusing them of all having a smug superiority. > > \*\*I do have some minor grievances with their products, however I have concided that there are some features present on Apple products that are a great idea. With that said Apple screws its users by forcing them to purchase proprietary replacement parts and that is stupid as hell. They also have a habit of holding back features on products only to include those features on the next generation 6 months later. The problem isn’t the new item has a new feature, the problem is it certainly appears that the feature was left out by intent to sucker users into upgrading. The features that are included in the new model aren’t earth shattering new discoveries, but things that shouldn’t have been left out in the first place \*\* > I’ve never had a battery die in an iPhone, and I’ve had them since the 3G came out. Have you had to replace the battery? Or are you just complaining about the inevitable eventuality that you’ve so far not had to deal with? > > **Well, it is great to hear that your battery is still working well. But do you mean to tell me that an Apple battery WILL never stop charging and will last forever? If so then Apple needs to leave the computer industry and concentrate on solely making these ever lasting batteries. Fact is the battery will eventually fail and need to be replaced and it is insane that you are forced to pay huge dollars to replace a $10 to $20 item. I suppose you wouldn’t have a problem with your car maker putting a battery in your car that can only be changed by them and in doing so it will cost 7 to 8 times more than a standard off the shelf battery, plus you have to pay them to do it. Because most car batteries last 5 years, this shouldn’t be a problem for you.** \*\* > Someone has already addressed this for you, mainly that there are apps available that allow this to work. > > **No, no one has addressed this. Please share, because I haven’t seen it in the app store. But, the article I read was discussing about an app available prior to the release of the 3GS. Once you have sold the upgraded phone to the masses and discontinued the upgraded phone I guess you would have no problem allowing this now.** > You can buy iPhone compatible chargers at every major retailer, this is false. > > \*\*Okay, I will concede this one as I saw a charger for sale at Target last night. But it sure was a lot more expensive than a standard USB cord. You know, the one that we all probably have extras of lying around. My point is why make a proprietary cable when the industry standard is a common cable that is available for cheap? Because it is more profitable to make a cable that you MUST have to use your phone that can only be purchased either from you OR from a company that has to pay YOU a license to make it. \*\* > > I don’t even understand this statement. You’re pissed that they make upgrades to their products so they can sell more of them? Seriously? This is retarded reasoning. > > **No, I think that their policy stinks in not incorporating technology for the sole purpose of selling upgrades. There is a difference between including NEW technology in your latest product and holding back existing technology so you can sell an upgraded product in 6 months or a year. It is called taking advantage of your customer, yet the customer in this case is a willing participant.** > > Being a Mac convert, I have to say I don’t see this at all. Even when I used PCs I didn’t see this at all from people. I’m sure there is a small cohort of people who buy stuff to seem popular, big shocker there. You seem to be operating under the assumption that conspicuous consumption ONLY affects Apple customers, and then later admit that you don’t really hate all the products that much, you just hate the “smugness” of their consumers. How stupid. **You really haven’t seen this? Blind these days? To give you an example, look at the cases for sale for the iPhone. Almost everyone has a opening in the back of the case to “show off” the Apple logo. Look at cars while in traffic, notice any with a Apple sticker on the back. Why in the world does anyone find it necessary to advertise the computer they use on their car? Because buying an Apple for many isn’t about the hardware, it is about the image. Have you ever seen an Apple commercial? The Apple is represented as a hip young person, while the PC is represented as a stuffy suit wearing middle aged man. (marketing genius btw), but it does demonstrate style is what many Apple users find important.** I couldn’t care less what computer you want to use. However I have experienced many times the smugness of Apple users telling me how much better their piece of fruit is than my PC. This happens in real life, if you say it doesn’t you need to get out more. I see it on internet forums, the smugness is real and rears its head anytime this debate comes up. No, I don’t particularly care for Apple users. I find them a unique group that values style of substance. I see them as willing to spend tons more money for a product that will do nothing more than the one costing $100’s if not thousands of dollars less. When you point it out, you get the typical responses the main one being how Macs are so much better at graphic work, only to find out that 99 out of 100 don’t do the very work they claim their computer is superior at. I can tell from your response that you are die hard Apple user and no amount of reasoning on my part will change your opinion. We will have to agree to dis-agree. I will go back to browsing the SD on my $600 PC laptop and smile knowing that the $1200 or so dollars I saved by buying a PC over a Mac is still in my bank account and my internet experience is as good as yours is, even though you are on the “superior” machine. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-users-why-do-you-like-so-few-choices/598949.md?page=8)