Since I am a software engineer, I often get hit up for computer advice. Most of the time, my friends and family are polite enough to only ask for a recommendation of what desktop or laptop to buy. But not always. And while most people have figured out how to send email, use Word and browse the web there still is a regular stream of questions about how to perform specific tasks or fix PC problems. Actually, let me rephrase that, there is a stream of questions on how to isolate and resolve issues with Microsoft Windows. I'd say the vast majority of this type of question is about application/device installation and configuration.
This problem arises partly from misplaced expectations: because of over-optimistic marketing, and possibly self-delusion, by computer companies, most consumers have a higher expectation of ease-of-use than is actually prevalent with today's popular products. This results in frustration, and often embarrassment, when average people can't figure out common technical problems. What's worse is that it's not obvious where to draw the line between what is reasonable and what is not. And that line is a continuum along many different axes including those of age and socio-economic background. Take the automobile in comparison. Most people know that they're expected to pump their own gas and that they should have someone else change their oil. So what's the equivalent for PCs? Is installing an application like pumping gas or like changing the oil? It's a tough call. Unfortunately, it depends on who is doing it. For my mom, it's like changing the oil. But for my wife it's usually like pumping gas.
Since I've started at Apple last year, I've taken a very simple approach to this dilemma. I offer my friends and family free help if they own a Mac. If they don't already own a Mac, I offer to buy them one at a discount from Apple. While this might be self-serving since I work at Apple and own Apple stock, it turns out that this is also a good decision for another reason: people who own Macs generally don't need my help. They might ask the odd question here or there, but I've yet to spend an hour on the phone with a Mac owner walking through configuration wizards. It just doesn't happen. To me at least.
So it is with great enthusiasm that I link to It's About Time You Bought a Mac. It nicely sums up the arguments for owning a Mac. Here's a taste:
Do Us Both a Favor Make both of our lives easier, as well as help me deal with those embarrassing pauses in conversation at family functions and buy yourself a Mac rather than a PC. I guarantee you'll be happier and if you have problems I'll be more willing to help you. You see, what the sales person at Dell, Best Buy, or CompUSA isn't telling you is what you get with that wonderfully less expensive PC. They don't tell you about the mountains of marginally compatible or functioning software. They don't tell you about the flood of Internet spy-ware programs that are out there that will make your PC unstable. They don't tell you about the legion of virus writers out there that want to turn your nice, inexpensive PC into a gateway for unsolicited e-mail. They don't tell you about the bouncing around you'll get from the manufacturer about support.Posted by payam at September 12, 2003 02:36 PM | TrackBack