austin@bucsf.bu.edu (Magyk, Sorcerer Supreme) (12/22/89)
I've followed lots of articles on this type of thread and I've killed well over seventy (after reading 20 or so). Some people are praising the MAC for its GUI, and others are praising the IBM for its text-based system. I can't claim to have used the MAC to its fullest capability, but I can say that I've come close to using my IBM's capability. I've come to the conclusion that there is *no* one computer that solves everything, at least, not yet. I will give the MAC one point for its ease-of-use. But I will also return the point to IBM for how close *I* can get to the system. But if you want to know the truth, I'll go with an MS-DOS system any day simply because I can afford a very powerful MS-DOS system far before I can afford an equally powerful MAC system. I payed $1300 for my current system--its only an 8086, but it has a 30 Mb hard drive, and EGA. In my book, not even IBM can come close to beating that. You see, the advantage of the IBM world is that it has all of the clone manufacturers that are cheaper than IBM, making the computer more affordable. Your average user won't consider interface when buying. He will consider cost. Until I start seeing some MAC clones that can compete with the prices I can get on my IBM clone, I won't consider a MAC. I far prefer the Motorola chips, but then again, I don't exactly want to lose my IBM software, which totals to several hundred dollars. Thus, I'll probably consider the A3001 when it comes out...it combines the best of both worlds: it has the graphics-based WorkBench, and the option for an IBM board--so I don't lose my software. Each person has to choose their own computer, to fit their needs. However, most people will chose the price before they choose interface. What people need is a cheap computer that they can use. Anyway, enough of the flames. I don't like the MAC because of its price and because I don't think a GUI lets me close enough to the system. I don't like the IBM because it *is* difficult to learn if you are not patient or talented in computers (I consider myself talented...I didn't need the manual for the most part). I don't care for either one of them by the name-brand producers because they charge 3x the computer's value. Stick that in Apple's and IBM's collective pipes and smoke it. Austin Ziegler, austin@bucsf.bu.edu, austin@bucsb.bu.edu, engc8vc@buacca.bu.edu "Fetchez la vache! Fetchez la vache!" -- Monty Python and the Holy Grail I disclaim nothing because I speak for no one but myself. "I don't care if you *do* know 50 computer languages, that still does not make you an expert on all computers!"