MacResource
Does the look and design of a Mac affect you? - Printable Version

+- MacResource (https://forums.macresource.com)
+-- Forum: My Category (https://forums.macresource.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=1)
+--- Forum: Tips and Deals (https://forums.macresource.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=3)
+--- Thread: Does the look and design of a Mac affect you? (/showthread.php?tid=179008)

Pages: 1 2 3 4


Does the look and design of a Mac affect you? - pRICE cUBE - 05-06-2015

Had a recent discussion with some friends who are Windows pc users. His family likes to purchase a low end laptop such as an HP laptop for around $300-400 and replace it every 3-4 years. He says he doesn't care about aesthetics of the machine. He then asked me if it matter what the machine looks like and if I care that the premium I pay for the Mac is worth part of that.

My answer: Yes, part of the premium is the design and it is worth it to me. Why? Because the tool that I use to shape my images is made by people who care about the design of the tool I am using. I was given an HP laptop and while it is functional for web browsing and busy work, I do not get a hint of inspiration when I pick it up. When I open up my MBP or sit down at my Mac Pro, the aesthetics of the machine help me transition from the cluttered busy world mindset into a more artistic mindset. Does it make or break a project for me? No, I have completed projects on Windows before, it just feels different.

Does Mac styling make a difference to you and why?


Re: Does the look and design of a Mac affect you? - Mike Johnson - 05-06-2015

I never look at my Mac Pro unless I'm plugging in a USB cable, so no. I'm happy to leave the beast somewhat hidden. If I had the latest version I'd probably rather tuck it away than take up valuable desktop real estate.

But a laptop, that's a whole different thing. I love touching my wife's MacBook Air. Ever since the Air came out to a whole lot of poohpoohing I've staunchly defended the design approach. No, it doesn't replace a mac pro or even an MBP. But very few laptops are so exquisite and inviting. A tool at hand should sing to you.


Re: Does the look and design of a Mac affect you? - The Grim Ninja - 05-06-2015

I run a Hackintosh. Although my system is on my desk, I'd rather stash it off somewhere out of sight (working on that). I don't need to see the computer, I need to see the screen. The interface is what matters to me.

That said, I'm kinda getting tired of the Apple experience. I'm currently on 10.9 and no longer want to update. 10.6 seemed so much more usable to me. Seems like every new release strips away a few features that were extremely useful.

I refuse to update to iTunes 12, even iTunes 11 is constantly annoying me. I miss the old search so much. Why can't I type letters in and see results in a window where I can interact with all results? Ugh...


Re: Does the look and design of a Mac affect you? - davester - 05-06-2015

I switched over to macs when they were beige boxes. The look has always been irrelevant. Now that they've become thin aluminum coated slivers I like the look a little more but that doesn't mean a whole lot to me. It's how they work and the lack of IT support needed that is most important.


Re: Does the look and design of a Mac affect you? - silvarios - 05-06-2015

I agree with davester. I started using Macs with a pizza box LC II, so I've been more attached to systems that work properly, whatever the design. However, I don't mind a nice looking device, I simply won't prioritize looks first or pay a premium for the prettiest device. Design is a deeper idea and should include proper functionality. E.g. The pulsating sleep light might seem frivolous to some, but is a truly useful design touch. Doesn't hurt it looks nice too.

I think the Quicksilver G4 was the nicest looking Power Mac, but it was far from my favorite model. I actually think the Beige G3 with AV ports was one of the better designs, even though it was not the prettiest Power Mac. In fact, the G3 AIO was a better system in most ways than the later G3 iMac and the focus on pretty is what crippled those early iMacs. Although, I did appreciate the reduction in weight.


Re: Does the look and design of a Mac affect you? - Kraniac - 05-06-2015

The only thing i care about is the look of the desktop or OS and of course..the OS.

My first machine was quadra 700 and then a beige G3..............

Im actually am getting very tired of the Mac image and the whole Mac cult feel in the stores. Pretentious has arrived for Mac., big time. My last store visit felt sort of strange.


I've had more problems with these later machines than ever..in fact I've never had a single hardware issue in my history as a Mac buyer. until the last few years when i've jumped into post unibody intels.


Re: Does the look and design of a Mac affect you? - D. Lawson - 05-06-2015

It does only in the sense that I want the peripherals (especially additional monitors) to match reasonably well, but that also applies to the Windows machines I own. I won't go to the extent or expense of pairing an Apple display with an iMac, however.


Re: Does the look and design of a Mac affect you? - Robert M - 05-06-2015

pRICE,

Yes but not in the inspirational sense. It affects me when the beautiful look and design of the machine comes at the price of basic functionality.

Take the iMac. Nice looking machine. Horrid design choices. Even a more technically inclined person like me finds it unnecessarily difficult to replace its internal hard disk drive.

Take the new Macbook. Beautiful machine! But, at what price? A single USB-C port for charging and peripherals. This in itself is a flaw in the design and takes away significantly from its usability. All Apple had to do to avoid the design flaw was to include 2 USB-C ports on the machine.

Some moron(s) decided a single port was sufficient. Now, those who buy this machine have to choose between charging the machine and/or backing it up to a hardwire external drive. Ridiculous. Charging and using an external peripheral simultaneously is basic functionality. You shouldn't have to buy a dongle to allow it.

I know if i was in the market for a Mac, I won't buy an iMac. I won't buy one of the new Macbooks. I won't buy a Mac Mini. Why? Apple has removed some of the basic functionality of the machines, despite the beautiful designs. That's a serious, potentially insurmountable issue.

You get the idea.

Robert


Re: Does the look and design of a Mac affect you? - OWC Jamie - 05-06-2015

They should make the Macbook thicker and heavier so a plethora of ports can be implemented circumnavigating its perimeter.


Re: Does the look and design of a Mac affect you? - modelamac - 05-06-2015

No, the look (appearance) does not affect me.

Design (shape) does not affect me. Design (number and type of ports) does affect me, negatively.