the MAC interface is a simplified version of the LISA interface (also Apple),
which was a complete copy of Xerox's experimental interface from their Palo Alto
Research Center. Neither organization would want to open that can of worms.
(Although in the suit by Apple Microsoft could always claim prior art, but that
would expose both sets of pirates).
At 01:29 PM 1/11/2003 -0600, you wrote:
>> how hard it is to use a Mac > > This is a classic oxymoron!Cotty, Considering that "Windows" is a blatant rip-off of the Mac interface that Gate's lawyers somehow weaseled him out of paying for, the ease of use of _all_ computers is directly related to the ease of use of Macs. Even though Windows is still inferior in every way. In virtually every creative field, there are true innovators, then there are the often rapacious, often more energetic and less principled imitators that follow on their heels and opportunistically appropriate the market. Windows PCs are second-rate consumer products. The Microsoft OS is third-rate. The real personal computers are Macs. Macs are superior products. They work better, they are more elegant, they are more pleasant to work with, they're designed better. The OS is much more stable and elegant and the interface is far better. Even as objects they are much more aesthetically pleasing to have in the home. Now that so many outside companies are writing software for them and Apple is no longer controlling the compatibility standards, I'm finally experiencing crashes on my Mac. But I worked with a Mac Quadra for _six years_ at the magazine, nine hours a day, five days a week, and guess how many crashes or freezes I ever experienced? None. Zero. It never happened. No downtime, ever, period, except one time when the starter battery on the motherboard ran dry. Try that with a PC. As soon as I go 100% OSX native, I hope to reclaim that. I understand that many people have to use PCs because their work demands it, their computers are provided by their employers or their workplaces are standardized on PCs, they need certain software that is only available for PCs, or simply because they've always used PCs and it's difficult to switch platforms. There are lots of good reasons for being stuck with PCs. But "stuck" is the word. To me, PCs are just appliances. They betray poor taste and a lack of aesthetic sense in their makers, if not their owners. They're crass. I thank my lucky stars I started with Macs and I will never switch unless I am absolutely forced to do so, and then I'll wait until the absolute last possible moment. --Mike P.S. My "Sunday Morning Photographer" column two weeks from now is called "The Best of 2002," in which I name a bunch of products as the best of the year and discuss them--best photography book, best digital camera, best enlarger, that sort of thing. Can you guess what won "Best Digital Photography Computer Workstation"? I'll give you a hint--it's not a dang PC. <g>
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend.
Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read. --Groucho Marx
