OSX 10.1... the true competitor to Windows XP?

[TegSkywalker]

I know there's always the heated Mac vs PC debate that exists in the corporate and personal worlds.. and that Linux is trying to get beyond the hardcore niche market.. but if anybody has seen a really cool new OS lately, it has to be the Mac OSX 10.1. I dunno.. just has a "hip" feel to it. Not "hip" like how Apple percives on their website, but the overall flow.

I have used OSX in the past. It's fast stable, and has a really sleek look. I also like the fact that even though its based off of the sturdy UNIX core, I don't have to fumble around and run into the inconsistencies that the average or learning Linux/BSD user has to run into. And at $129 for each copy of the OS, sure beats paying $300+ for Win2k or WinXP PRO. I mean.. both are based on high performance and security kernels (NT is still skeptical in that category) so OSX looks like the better deal.

Heck, the OSX Server isnt that bad either. It takes 15-20 minutes to easily setup Apache, mail, and other web services on top of access to the system Terminal. You want to add PHP? Grab the latest tarball from php.net. How about MySQL? same thing. Yes its that simple.

If you want my true beliefs, I am glad I did not buy and will not buy Windows XP. I mean... sure it is a big leap with the kernal change and "pretty" interface but it isnt THAT big of a leap from Windows 2000. On the other hand, the difference between OSX and OS 9.2 on the Mac side is like night and day. In alot of ways, I think that Microsoft is downright pathetic by their business practices with Windows XP by adding useless crap and hurting our industry when Apple is making all the right steps.

I mean.. OSX is based on UNIX.. and UNIX is cool right?

 

[FOBSIDE]

OSX is a cool OS. I plan to run it on my Ti PowerBook. The problem is, it runs on Apple hardware and most people are not going to go out of their way to purchase Apple computers just to run the OS. XP imho is a ripoff of the Mac OSX interface. They tried to make everything rounded and shiny. They did it but, again, imho it only looks good when you have huge icons. XP is too close to Win2k for me to shell out more cash. I think OSX and XP are on two different markets. There's hardcore Mac users that will use Mac OS's, but there are a few Wintel users wanting to try out Mac OSX. For the most part, they're on two different playing fields.

 

[Shudder]

I won't buy a machine I can't build.. Plain and simple.

Till OSX or anything else from mac-land works on a x86, or you can start building Mac components from scratch, forget it.

 

[FOBSIDE]

<< I won't buy a machine I can't build.. Plain and simple.

Till OSX or anything else from mac-land works on a x86, or you can start building Mac components from scratch, forget it. >>



see? two different markets. i was right.

 

[TegSkywalker]

<< I won't buy a machine I can't build.. Plain and simple.

Till OSX or anything else from mac-land works on a x86, or you can start building Mac components from scratch, forget it. >>



Well if Apple let you customize your Mac if you had one, would you consider buying it? I agree with you on that too. I hate how the only way to update your Mac is thru Apple and thru their stuff watering down your customization options.

But in another way, that can be a good thing if you want to get a standard, workable laptop (running OSX) for a family member who isnt goin to be tweaking around with hardware that has been authorized and tested and is known to work.

But you also must realize the way the public is. The "average joe" just goes out and buys a computer at CompUSA or via Dell to get their computer.. new hardware and all. This is the exact same case with Mac and their OSX machines.

You got to remember that the normal user isnt a big techie and changes hardware frequently, updates bios, or even update drivers for their video and sound card.

 

[Sephy]

I think OSX is really neat. I've played with it a few times, and its pretty cool. I'd use a Mac and OSX if it had the software selection of a PC. I don't want to wait for an app or game to come out on a Mac, or not at all.
I like building PCs and the satisfaction that gives. But I'd get a Mac as well...I've been considering a Apple laptop with OSX anyway.

 

[avx]

I bought a 500mhz iMac JUST for the ability to run OS-X.... I've always been a hardware guy and i love PC's for that reason. My 1.2ghz Athlon will still be my hotrod, my gamebox, my beast.... OS-X and the iMac are just another addition to my collection

YellowDog Linux iz good too, no?!


avx

 

[Go3iverson]

Hey all

Ahhh delicious Mac OS X......

Anyway, I'm a huge supporter of the OS. I've used Win2k, I've used Linux, I've used a whole assortment of Mac and Windows platforms, but I really believe this is the best I've experienced. The system just feels so incredibly strong and smooth now. My 867 G4 seems to not even break a sweat....nor does my 533. Even my iMacs seem to take well to the OS.

I don't think that software is as huge of an issue right now. I was reading the other day that Microsoft claimed that 90% of Windows software would run in XP......in small print listed that it's 90% of what they consider their top 1200 apps. OS X right now is shipping in the 1400 range. And I really suspect that number is going to sky rocket in the next 3 months. A lot of developers were waiting for 10.1 to be completed to introduce their support to it (like Microsoft Office v.X, for example), so I really believe we're going to see some fast and furious app launches in the near future.

If you haven't had the chance to *really* use 10.1 yet, I highly recommend it. People that I personally know, life long PC users who swore they would never touch an Apple have purchased G4 towers, iMacs, iBooks, and TiBooks for this OS and are more than pleased with it. Some of these people I really didn't think would ever allow an Apple into their homes, let alone purchase one as their primary computer.

It's something to feel good about...

Mike D

 

[TegSkywalker]

<<
If you haven't had the chance to *really* use 10.1 yet, I highly recommend it. People that I personally know, life long PC users who swore they would never touch an Apple have purchased G4 towers, iMacs, iBooks, and TiBooks for this OS and are more than pleased with it. Some of these people I really didn't think would ever allow an Apple into their homes, let alone purchase one as their primary computer. >>



I was one of those EXACT same guys. I hated Macs way back from the AppleIIGS to the G3 and now the G4 when it was running pre-OSX operatiing systems. Now that OSX has been pretty much in gold code and is really stable and fast, I am going to buy a Mac. Yup.. OSX is that cool.

Oh and btw.. XP looks like a crippled child compared to OSX 10.1

 

[CQuinn]

Why is it no-one can seem to argue the merits of the OS of their choice without bashing the competition?

If it is really that good, just tell me how and why you think it is really that good. Trying to convince me that
what I am running now is crap, when it works just fine for me, only makes me think of you as a crackpot.

If you said "I know that Windows whatever works for you, but here are ways that OSX 10.1 works better
for me"... then I could find more merit in what you have to say.

 

[TegSkywalker]

<< Why is it no-one can seem to argue the merits of the OS of their choice without bashing the competition?

If it is really that good, just tell me how and why you think it is really that good. Trying to convince me that
what I am running now is crap, when it works just fine for me, only makes me think of you as a crackpot.

If you said "I know that Windows whatever works for you, but here are ways that OSX 10.1 works better
for me"... then I could find more merit in what you have to say. >>




Well if you want more proof:
Mac OSX 10.1 Review
Windows 2000 vs Mac OSX 10.0

 

[MonkeyButler]

Wow, thats pretty good. I got in before a mac basher did.

Anyway, i switched out of mac once i heard they confirmed they going to port it to PC's. Its really too bad because i love macs but in todays world then they really can only serve a small market that i no longer fit in. My ideal setup would be a dual boot between win2k and OSX but since thats not possible then im very happy with WinXP.

But that OS they created is beautiful. I know "real" computer folks hate animations or anything that simplifies operation but for everyone else (95% of the market) then a cool OS can really make life easier.

 

[Go3iverson]

Wow, some of the OS X haters on the CNet posts really hate this OS, huh? :Q

I don't know if you were referring to me, or not, but I don't believe I bashed anyone else's OS of choice, I was just trying to say that I have used a wide variety of platforms and this is the one that suits me best. No offense was intended, I assure you!

I don't get some posts I've read all over the internet. People talking about how they don't consider OS X a "real" OS with its interface and animations, yet they then say they can't wait until Windows XP crushes all. I never liked the Luna interface. I always thought it looked like a rip off of Aqua. I'm not OS bashing here, I'm just trying to figure some people out. Of course, no one on this board wrote it......showing the superior intelligence of our members!

I agree with what was said earlier, all these bells and whistles aren't necessary, but they do sell! Unix, to a novice user can be very cold. I see how people even responded when we deployed 3 Linux machines into a computer lab on campus. OS X has this very warm feeling to it. The interface will sell it to a lot of people, and that's important....especially with the way the PC market's been going.

The pre-X.1 bashing I've read bothers me as well. Steve Jobs didn't try to insult the consumers....he even said that buying X on March 24th was for the early adapters. It stated on the box that there wasn't CD-RW and DVD capabilities to begin with. Some of these other posters on other boards seem to turn a deaf ear to that as well.

I, personally, felt March 24th was my time for X. I knew it wouldn't be perfect, but anyone who expected perfection was nuts! Now, 6 months later, when a ton of new users are struggling to start adapting to the new style of the OS, I'm flying through like I've been using it for years.

Just a couple rants from some posts I've been reading....elsewhere, of course!

Good to see no Mac bashing in here as well! I agree!

Mike D

 

[n0cmonkey]

I purchased an IceBook just to play with OS X. I will not go back to using another desktop OS (other than OpenBSD for compatibility reasons)!

It is fast, it is stable, it has a functional command line. And when I say functional, I mean full featured and powerful. Microsoft is trying to phase out the command line as much as possible and has never had this powerful of a command line.

Another benefit is that it is compatible with most of the software I use. The real question should be: Is WinXP a competitor to OS X.1? Hardware issues aside, my answer is no.

 

[FOBSIDE]

<< I purchased an IceBook just to play with OS X. I will not go back to using another desktop OS (other than OpenBSD for compatibility reasons)!

It is fast, it is stable, it has a functional command line. And when I say functional, I mean full featured and powerful. Microsoft is trying to phase out the command line as much as possible and has never had this powerful of a command line.

Another benefit is that it is compatible with most of the software I use. The real question should be: Is WinXP a competitor to OS X.1? Hardware issues aside, my answer is no. >>



hardware issues aside? n0c, as much as i love my PowerBook, most people are not like us. i bought my laptop knowing that someday i would be running OSX on it. hardare issues aside is a big thing to say. its what makes the two OS's cater to two different markets. just the fact that Apple is able to get a few non Apple users to try out Apple hardware because of the OS...thats good marketing, but to say that XP has to compete with OSX in any way...im afraid thats not true.

 

[n0cmonkey]

<<

<< I purchased an IceBook just to play with OS X. I will not go back to using another desktop OS (other than OpenBSD for compatibility reasons)!

It is fast, it is stable, it has a functional command line. And when I say functional, I mean full featured and powerful. Microsoft is trying to phase out the command line as much as possible and has never had this powerful of a command line.

Another benefit is that it is compatible with most of the software I use. The real question should be: Is WinXP a competitor to OS X.1? Hardware issues aside, my answer is no. >>



hardware issues aside? n0c, as much as i love my PowerBook, most people are not like us. i bought my laptop knowing that someday i would be running OSX on it. hardare issues aside is a big thing to say. its what makes the two OS's cater to two different markets. just the fact that Apple is able to get a few non Apple users to try out Apple hardware because of the OS...thats good marketing, but to say that XP has to compete with OSX in any way...im afraid thats not true. >>



If hardware were nto an issue it would have to try to c ompete with OS X. That is what I meant