I have been using Mac computers for over 10 years. I purchased my first desktop computer in 1998, it was a PowerPC G3, one with the translucent blue and white plastic inserts. I believe that was the first time a computer would "dare" to come in such a bright and unusual look, and one of the first Apple featuring the new FireWire ports also. Over the years I have changed various computers but remained faithful to Apple and never regretted my choice. I went from a tower desktop computer to a series of different laptops. I also owned and used Ipods and Iphones. As a proud and satisfied Apple-customer Mackintosh-user I have witnessed and experienced first person how the Apple interface has changed and how it kept improving, remaining fresh and ahead of the times, with a constant stream/escalation of new features and technologies added to it at every new system update, which I could not experience and find with any other computer.
Every new operating system introduces new slick behaviors, smoother animations and pleasant and customizable sounds which, while improving the functionality and enabling a more dynamic usability and of the device, they also make the entire user-experience of computing more fun and enjoyable. One thing that I find very smart is how the interface doesn't radically change from one operating system to the next, but instead "gradually evolves", perfecting old features and combining them with newer ones. Moreover I appreciate Apple interface consistency across its entire line of products. I find this to be an extremely important factor which increases a sense of familiarity in the user in front of a new product, and facilitates their learning process without requiring too much explanation. Last but not least Apple products are renown for their refined visual appearance which not only please the eye but also distinguishes them from any other in the market and makes them desirable and trendy objects. Their good design is just another reason why I personally, as a designer and a rather visual person, I like them. Overall I find the entire line of Apple products and their interface to be well-thought, made-and-designed-easy and definitely user-oriented. They are pleasant tools to work with very innovative, cutting down on any unnecessary operations. They are also great for creative applications so they work best for me and my professional needs, but don't think they are for everybody. I am aware some business applications along with other professional fields requires other competence which PCs may be more keen on. I am confident Apple will keep creating great computers and developing amazing interfaces.
Opposed to Mac I find PCs and their interface to be overly complicated and every time I have to use one, the experience turns out to be frustrating as I seem not to be able to freely use the machine as I wish. Every operations seem harder, and not logic even the very basic ones. For instance if I insert an external hard drive in a PC, I immediately feel unnecessarily disoriented and annoyed as I have to go and look for it in some menus or sub-menu somewhere where the external devices are listed in the computer directory. On a Mac instead while a sound alerts me that the external volume has been successfully mounted and it's ready to be used, the icon simply appears on the desktop in front of me. No need to spend time looking for it, it's right there, and right here I think lies the discriminant and decisive difference between the two systems and interfaces and how they operate. As a result one seem to be overly intricate, the other instead more straight forward. I can't think of a reason why PCs were conceived and developed the way they are. They definitely look and feel older, still connected to a conventional ideal and conception of an old and boring calculator machine, serious and complex to understand. Macs do feel younger, modern, fun, and informal, and really are the new generation of intuitive computer. I always smile when I see one of Apple witty commercials on TV, simply comparing two person with different age, attitude and personality to the two different systems. Mac is represented by a young, confident smart and easy-going guy, PC instead by an older, with no sense of humour, a bit awkward and old-fashioned looking business type of person. They are so different, just like the two systems.
I am sure PCs do have their pros and glories and might be best for some people, but to me I just find them more problematic to use, requiring more attention to navigate and efforts to learn them.
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