First off, everyone has DIFFERENT needs when it comes to a computer so few of us can say someone is WRONG to use a certain computer or configuration.
I have been a Mac user and lover for over a decade and as the owner of a graphics firm I have probably purchased more Macs in that time than most individuals. So it is not without a great familiarity and a large investment that I say the Mac has a number of hurdles to get past before it can get back to where is needs to be.
You can argue the sky is not blue if you like, but it does not get you anywhere. The Mac has slow and expensive hardware and is trying to make its way from an old OS to a new one. A NEW one....I repeat for clarity..ah-hem! I have every belief and hope and wish that OSX becomes everything promised of it, but to say it is there now is just not dealing with reality. As all of you know OS's take a long time to mature, and as it does we should treat it like the high potential project it is, and not the child to protect from verbal arrows many Mac addicts treat it like.
My concern from a professional point of view is that the hardware is truly not as reliable as it used to be. Our shop and many others have had dead mobo's and other items. This is in large part due to Apple's continuous technology shifting, so just when they get something working it is trashed for something new. At the same time the "other guys" have finally been showing a really good track record with their hardware after a few too many flaky years.
An OS not ready for prime time (debatable), and certainly not time tested (not debatable), hardware that needs a lot of work, and of course all of this for 150 to 200% price tag of the other guys. Hmmmm...hard sell, but I was still hanging in there until this past MacWorld SF...
I sat very expectantly waiting for Mr. Jobs to tell we professionals what he has in store for us. But it never came. I heard his vision for the consumer, but it has been almost two years since I have seen any effort on Apples part for the professional. I have friends with 1.5 yr old dual machines still waiting to see them become what was promised, others with 2 year old machines that are no longer supported for OSX (they were promised it would be at the purchase time), others that can't put a second HD in their "workstation G3s" (Rev A SCSI chips that Apple refused to remedy), others...you get the idea. This would all be bearable IF you did not have to pay such a premium for something that is right now as I write this--not a finished and reliable system. PC boxes have their problems, but the competition keeps the players in line and if something breaks it is often better supported today. And if you have to replace it yourself, gee, even a top of the line motherboard is only $175.
I will continue to love my G4 and to use it for some time to come. I am not however reaching down into the company pockets to buy 6 new Mac (we just bought 6 new PC's however) until I see a usable OS, reasonably competitive speed hardware, and the notion that further spending on the Mac platform is warranted for a professional outfit.
All of that said and done, when I want to buy a computer for surfing the web at my vacation house as a CONSUMER, there is no question I will enjoy the Mac experience. But how many US citizens are ready to plop down $1300+ on a family iMac computer today when so much can be had for less? We will see. A shame they couldn't keep at least one config under $1,000.
Regards :-)
