'Don't Get Ripped Off - Buy a Windows PC'


We love the occasional rant about how people should buy a PC. It just reminds us that Apple is doing far too well for some people's liking.

What caught our eye was Adam Steinberg's Fusion column in Wayne State University's South End.

"You're paying for the image" when you buy a Mac, Steinberg writes. " The fact of the matter is, if you're doing any serious (or obscure) computing, you need to be on a Windows PC."

Don't fall for the temptation of Mac, the author warns. It's proprietary. You're limited on both the software and hardware fronts.

The arguments are also sometimes self-defeating: "In the end, the PCs might often lack the polish of a shiny new Mac." And the Mac as "slower computer" charge is sure to have you winding up in an argument.

Notably, Steinberg does advocate FireFox instead of IE. In a more balanced way, he does acknowledge the security issues are far fewer for Macs.

The conclusion is nice too - if somewhat green with envy: "So Windows users, do not any longer feel shame at your neighborhood wi-fi spot when the Mackies flaunt their big "ol' 17" titanium PowerBooks. For you'll know that in the computing world, they've got the shorter end of the iStick."

Analysis: As well all know, Macs are all about getting the task done - and PCs are about solving PCs' problems. We don't buy his numbers on the Mac Mini + x + y + z though: last time we looked, most low-end PCs come without a monitor. And if you want an LCD, you pay dollars: the same as you'll pay for an LCD for a Mac Mini, in fact.