Mac Vs IBM

[Megan McGuire <mmcguire@MADISON.K12.WI.US>]

>Date: Wed, 17 Jul 1996 12:16:15 -0500
>To:Sharronmc@aol.com
>From:mmcguire@madison.k12.wi.us (Megan McGuire)
>Subject:Mac Vs IBM
>
>Hi,
>        I'm responding to a request for advice on whether to purchase a PC
>or a Mac.  I'm posting it to the entire list, because I want to hear other
>people's opinions on this issue.
>        Well, it's a tough call.  MacIntoshes are soooo much easier to use
>and flexible in terms of using multiple programs at the same time
>(multi-tasking).  One can do most of the same things on an IBM, but even
>when you're really good at it, it is still a more cumbersome process.  For
>instance,  I author the web page for my school and  I often import
>graphics from Print Shop Delux and preview my work on Netscape while
>working.  With the Mac I can easily switch applications, while with the
>IBM I can still do it, but it takes a longer amount of time (more steps).
>The difference is probably not significantly longer, but enough to
>frustrate me.  Mac's also tend to be easier to use multimedia stuff on and
>to create original graphics on.
>        The reason Macs are so easy to use is also the reason that they
>are so expensive and you don't tend to get a lot of memory for your $.
>It's the operating system.  Mac operating system does many things for you
>- eliminating many of the steps I mentioned above - which saves time and
>is easier to learn but the trade off is that the Mac OS takes up ALOT of
>memory.
>        I always like to compare Macs and IBMs to taking the bus somewhere
>as opposed to driving in a car.  Both will get you there.  The bus has the
>advantage of not having to have any great knowledge of the topography of a
>place or the ability to drive a vehicle.  As long as you know where you
>are, where you want to go and you can locate the right bus line to hop on
>- the bus driver does the rest.  Of course we all know that buses don't
>tend to take the most direct route to where you might be trying to go, but
>you will eventually get there.  Cars (IBM's) require the ability to use a
>map and navigate your own way through a city's streets in order to reach
>your destination.  The advantage is that, once you become proficient at
>driving and navigating your way around a particular city, it's much more
>efficient to drive yourself.  IBM's don't save you time as the car does,
>but they do save hard drive memory.  I realize this analogy doesn't take
>the ecological advantages of public transportation into account, but it is
>the best real life comparison I can think of.
>        Frankly, I hate IBM compatibles, but I also believe that they are
>the better purchase if considering a new computer because they dominate
>the non-art/design/ education world and Gateway 2000 has the best
>reputation in the business.
>        Let me know if you think that my points are incorrect or not quite
>right in anyway.
>                Megan
>