OSCON 2008: Microsoft Attends, But Apple Steals the Show

> And that dino is why I won't buy a Mac

Likewise. I have considered buying one for my wife on occasion, but the sticker shock always stops me. Instead, we just buy generic hardware and reload her ancient copy of Windows 2000 on it. At least I've convinced her to move her primary machine to Linux now and keep her Windows machine for games and a couple of specific Windows only apps she needs (we looking at a virtual machine for the apps, but the games look like they'll always be Windows only),

> I would do it, but I have no idea where the closest Apple store is. I'm certain it's at least an 80-minute drive from home.

In other words, way, apple has no leverage, and it's safe to say that they are in no position to impose a general "tax" since they serve a niche market.

Others have said that because OSX can be made to work on other platforms, that proves that apple hardware is overpriced. IMHO a non sequitur - the dots don't connect for me.

As far as overcharging, I can only say that if apple is charging what the market will bear, and are doing well financially, the grim science of economics says their hardware is priced just right.

But herzeleid...

One isn't buying Apple for the "quality" but for the brand name. In other words, it's only the brand that a consumer is buying, and I wish more people would wake up to that reality as well. If they were not out of the price range of a lot of people, more would be switching to Apple-based solutions. However, there is this mantra that since it's Apple, it has to be expensive.... when they utilize the same components that standard OEMs use. I'm just waiting for someone to take FreeBSD and make a competitive OS to Apple's OS. If I had the skill (let alone the patience) I would do it myself.

> I'm just waiting for someone to take FreeBSD and make a competitive OS to Apple's OS.

meh, that's essentially what OSX is - I vote for a version based on linux!

Quoting: meh, that's essentially what OSX is - I vote for a version based on linux!

It's called Mandriva. ;^P

It could be FreeBSD that had a Linux subsystem (so that drivers for the Linux kernel could also be made to work with the OS.... then again.... it may be my ignorance speaking... lol).

I would call the company Orange. As for the computers themselves..... I can't think of a cutsey name for them at the moment.

...long time no see...

I agree with Tuxchick 100%.

I have put Linux on a couple x86 Macs (BlackMacBook and a 20" iMac). It really wasn't worth the effort. OS X is a great OS...if that's your thing. If it's not then I'm really missing something. Their hardware is kinda sexy, but if you are really that attracted to characteristics like that then you probably aren't too involved in your OS environment beyond what would be considered "fashion". Dollar for dollar you can have two (or more) nice machines for the price of one Mac. And Mac hardware is not really all it's cut out to be. It scratches up quite easily ,which really bites into the glassy sex appeal that you bought it for to begin with. With a Mac the feeling of dejection that comes from even putting minor scratches on the machine becomes painfully exacerbated.

I'm not a big fan of Dell but I've had some pretty darn good experiences with their hardware and Linux recently. My 1420n notebook w/1440x900 screen approaches bliss without using any restricted drivers. I've also used their lower-end Inspiron Ubuntu desktops which are very nice and sub-$400.

Besides, if your are really Penguin Kool you use no-label hardware, anyway.

Come on.... there's gotta be a name for a computer that sounds as cute as the "Macintosh." Perhaps shaping it after a plum (and having a digital media player referred to as a banana).

>Come on.... there's gotta be a name for a computer that sounds as cute as the "Macintosh." Perhaps shaping it after a plum (and having a digital media player referred to as a banana).

I'm guessing the "Hemorrhoid" isn't it.

@dino

Thanks for that man. You have no idea how much that cheered me up.... :)

If the "Hemorrhoid" isn't the codename for every Windows release ever, it should be.

Codename?

I thought it was official.

Codename: Hemorrhoid

Official: PITA

Right on both counts.

Quoting:Official: PITA

That's it! Thanks rijelkentaurus! You made my day. Now I have it!

Company: Orange Computers

Product Line: Pitas (as in the food, not the acronym). There would be a normal Pita and the Pita-book! :)

>There would be a normal Pita and the Pita-book! :)

Nah. It would be Pita and Pocketbook.

BAD TASTE WARNING: ( so you can't say I did not warn you )

Like 15 years ago there were this joke going around that was more a jab at Mac users than Macs ...

Definition: Macintosh, n Computer system large enough so it cannot accidentally be inserted into the user's rectum, but with round edges, incase he actually manages to do so.

EDIT: should have included a bad typing warning also

That reminds me of a NZ Radio/TV personality and a jar of Marmite......... no best I don't go there.

I knew this thread was going downhill as soon as nixed mentioned plums and a banana, which may bring something to mind, but it's probably not a computer.

Fruit salad? :)

>Fruit salad? :)

Only in some areas.