Why is it that Mac users are always asking: what Mac should I buy, what Mac programming resources are available, is the Mac G5 right for me, etc., etc., etc.? If Mac’s were any good at all, these PC questions would be self evident as with all all other mainstream PC’s …
It’s self-evident with Windows PCs because you only have one choice. 
Seriously, if you’ve never heard Windows folks discuss the merits of Sony vs. Dell vs. Gateway vs. HP, then you must move in very sheltered circles.
No; actually, nobody asks questions about PCs. Ever. :rolleyes:
Obviously, real computer geeks would only ever program using their Sinclair C5
Because Mac users are intelligent, sexy and virile whilst peecee users are stupid, ugly, impotent sheep?
Or maybe it’s just a matter of personal preference.
Trying to take the OP a bit more seriously here, I offer one theory and it’s that Macs are often marketed toward the computer newbies (or the heavy graphics animator, but they know what they’re doing). Example: when the iMac came out, the allure was that you took the one-piece machine, plugged it into the electrical & phone outlets and voila, instant computer! Plus with so many different models of Macs staring at you in the stores, it can be a bit overwhelming.
PCs, however, are pretty much marketed the same way. Sure, the chips often have different names, but the casing is the same and a lot of people would be hard pressed to tell you the difference.
As for programs, most of the world runs off PCs (a damn shame, IMHO) so perhaps the questions re: programs or resources reflect a more limited availability of information.
Kind of ironic, but as I post my reply
is just above the OP.
Most Mac users I know are professionals who are using the machines to the full extent of their capabilities–for things like animation, music production, etc. And they upgrade their machines relatively frequently. So not having the right computer can mean not being able to accept work, or not being able to produce the highest quality product. Therefore, they spend a lot of time and energy thinking about their computers.
Me, I mostly use MSWord and Excel, and a browser (obviously). The only game I play is Nethack. My computer is over 5 years old, and I’ve hardly given it a thought all this time. I have a fast DSL line and a little laser printer, and I’m quite satisfied. I’m thinking that it might be time to upgrade soon (as in maybe in the next year or two), and unless I decide that I want a laptop (or a Mac!), my choice will be “self-evident,” as the OP suggests. I’ll get whatever deal of the month that Dell or whoever is offering. A flat-screen monitor would be nice. Otherwise, just about any PC out there will be as much as I need.
So, maybe Mac users talk about it more because Mac users tend to be different kinds of users.
You mean, we actually get things done instead of posting snarky OPs on message boards?
(I’m writing this on a Dell running Windows 2000, so nonproductive snarkiness is required 
)
GASP
Blasthemer! You shall be reported!
(Ooops, I’m writing this on a Dell too. IMHO is up on my Dell and MPSIMS is up on my cube. I won’t tell if you won’t.)
Methinks the OP shouldn’t have taken that job at the Apple Store.
:rolleyes:
and I see you are banned already… nice job…
Oh, please – those stores have standards. 
As many PC users are inclined to point out, Macs are more expensive. They are not more expensive than premium-level specialty PCs, but they do tend to occupy the upper niche rather than the cut-rate shelf.
That means the purchase of a Mac is less the purchase of a standard appliance and more the purchase of a fine tool.
If you just want a pair of scissors or a paring knife, you just buy one at a grocery store or a deli or a 711 or something, and you probably don’t care about brand. When you’re in that mode, you aren’t likely to come home with a pair of Fiskars or a Wusthof. Reciprocally, people about to go out and buy their first Fiskars or Wusthof are likely to post here, sure enough: “What kind of stone to sharpen with? Is this size and model a good one if I have to cut a lot of stuff muslin?”
This post brought to you courtesy of a 1998-vintage “WallStreet” PowerBook, original specs* 300 MHz G3 / DVD / 8 / 10baseT / 14.1" @ 1024x768 / S-video out / 2 CardBus slots / S-Video out / SCSI / stereo in and out / Mac serial / Mac ADB / aux VGA out, original list price ~ $5000. (I paid $2500, I shop around and I timed it for when the next models were just coming out). When you’re buying a piece of equipment that’s going to last you 4, 5, or even 6 years as your main computer, and pay rather solidly for it, you’re going to contemplate it more seriously than if you were snagging a $400 - $600 box that you’d most likely hate to be stuck with 2 years later.
[* one of the things I was paying for was upgradeability & expandability, not something you take for granted in a laptop. Current specs: Sonnet G4/500, 512, 60 gig 7400 HD, second 60 as external FireWire w/FireWire and USB supplied via PC-card, auxiliary digital and analog hi-resolution video via PC-card, CD-RW drive, Zip drive, and low-end video digitizing via PC-card (have to remove one of the others for that, obviously) ]
Some wing on a swing must have swung back in.
and the Sun has set, og ennå, Dr. Dømm enda lurer seg og alltid vilje! Pluss Epler suger.
One of the many reasons I bought my G4 was price. I looked at Sony, Alienware and the other usual suspects but once I spec’ed out a decent machine for my purposes I was up around $2,400 - $2,800. Macs range from about $800 to over $3,000. I spent $1,800, (and got better multimedia performance and better apps). Most folks I know do a little research before spending that kind of money.