Linux -> Mac?

[Evan Leibovitch]

William Park wrote:
> Just a question for those of you with Mac...
>   
I don't. But my son works at the Yorkdale Apple store and I know some
friends that like both Linux and Macs.

> - Why do you (supposedly Linux guys) have Mac?
>   
At a lot of fundamental things, it's both easier to use (ie, one-button
mouse) and has really nice eye candy. There's no comparison between the
way Macs handle things like photo and music collections compared to the
way Linux and Windows handles these same tasks.

For more complex stuff, now Macs have a console window with a shell and
many of the same underlying tools as a Linux/Unix system. But if you
want simple, Apple definitely wins on the UI.
It's not a compelling reason for _me_ to switch, but understand the
attraction.

My quick summary is that:
- Lintel is the best choice for people who love computers
- Mac is the best choice for people who hate computers

> - How does Mac help you in a way that Linux doesn't?
>   
In a very subjective way I'd just suggest that it's "friendlier" at a
lot of mundane tasks that non-geeks would do. The Mac OS can't do
anything that a Linux box can't do, but it's more novice-friendly (IMO)
and it has better available software if you're in the creative arts.

(Sorry, but if you're doing graphics for printed media, Gimp doesn't cut
it. While Linux is increasing its presence in the field of movie
animation, don't even think about it for architecture. And you just
don't hear about too many musicians making Linux-based synthesizers or
sampling systems.)


> - Do you use Mac for your Linux/Unix related tasks?  
> - After using them both, have you given up on Mac?  Or, Linux?
>   
Neither. They both have their place, which is better depends heavily on
the intended user.

Of course, all else equal I'd surely prefer the option that relied on
non-proprietary software, but all else +isn't_ equal here. Linux may be
good _enough_ in some areas for computing newcomers, but Apple does
really well in this part.

- Evan

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