Android Mac Users: Are You One? [POLL]

I’m a little embarrassed to admit it… but I just bought my first Mac. Before I explain how this occurred and why I’m somewhat ashamed, I’m curious to ask how many of you are Android-loving Mac users.

[polldaddy poll=4944354]

I’ve disliked Macs for the same reason I disliked Dave Matthews Band: I refused to be part of a trendy bandwagon jumping “movement” whose characteristics seemed defined by how unapologetically obsessed and irritating their fans are rather than by the merits of the product itself. Can I admit that DMB has an amazing amount of talent and has some great songs? Absolutely. Do I ever plan to get drunk and run around like an idiot in the middle of a field singing “Tripping Billies”? Won’t happen. And thus is also why I never wanted to own or use a Mac.

I’m not denying that this approach could be considered short-sighted, stubborn, and stereo-typical, but explained another way: how many sports fans who hate the Yankees, Patriots, or Lakers with a passion would suddenly start rooting for those teams because they like a rookie or two?

I’ve never used anything but a PC. I grew up with Windows. It’s my hometown team in the league of computers. No matter how hard you tried to convince me that Macs are superior and no matter how valid your arguments, nothing could change my mind. Several key intangible factors made PCs infinitely more valuable in my opinion, but most of all, habit and familiarity. There are plenty of other reasons one might suggest a Mac or PC is better or worse, but one extremely valuable asset was that for me, PCs had no learning curve.

If you’ve ever tried to learn something new as an adult – such as riding a bike or skiing – you’d know that it’s much easier to learn as a child. Why is that? I’d say muscle memory and habit. Children have a clean slate while adults come to the table with many different preconceptions, ideas and experiences. So while using a PC isn’t a sport or daring physical activity, I very much feel like using a PC is like the old adage of learning how to ride a bike. My day-to-day life is so busy as it is, I don’t want to have to learn a complete new system when the old system works just fine. Actually, learning the new system is only half the battle, the other half is unlearning the old system.

Game Over?

My opinion can’t be defeated. I’m familiar with PCs and even if Macs are better, I don’t want to learn a new system and don’t really care what you say – PCs work just fine for me. I’m sure you’re wondering, “but you said you bought a Mac?”

New Game

My PC broke and the stars aligned. After it took a pummeling in airport security, I mourned the loss of my computer at the hotel bar. Knowing I had a bundle of work to do the next morning, I plotted my trip to Best Buy after drinking 1 beer over the course of exactly 1 hour because I am the safest driver in the universe. But who was at the bar surrounding me? Apple fans.

The Apple fans insisted (as they always do) that a Mac was the way to go, only this time they had offered an intangible of their own: the Apple store was half a block away while the only place to purchase a PC was at a Best Buy 15 miles away. They each bought me a beer and demanded I buy a Mac. I obliged. What can I say… the stars aligned.

Once I decided I would buy a Mac I instantly filled with excitement. It wasn’t excitement centered around Mac being the greatest thing in the universe, but instead I realized that after years and years of deferring on any discussion of Mac and being ideologically disgusted at the brand in general, I didn’t really know anything about the product itself.  As a tech journalist, the opportunity to explore the unknown is exciting and owning a Mac is like suddenly finding out I’m not allergic to peanuts. By the way, I’m allergic to peanuts, but I don’t know why anyone would eat them on purpose… they’re repulsive.

Android vs. Mac

Because Google and Apple are such bitter rivals and “Android vs. iOS” steals the limelight on the Mobile Tech Stage, the concept of a Mac-toting Android enthusiast seems a bit awkward. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how and why the public does feel and should feel when sorting out opinions on Google, Microsoft, Apple, Android, Windows, iOS and Macs.


[Image via LaiHiu]

The whole thing started with Microsoft vs. Apple which of course is fueled by Windows vs. Mac. Now, many think Android is becoming the “Windows” of the Mobile world (pour some out for WinMo) and Google is becoming the next Microsoft. But if Google were Microsoft then wouldn’t most Android Fans dislike Macs? Afterall, many of them dislike iPhones – isn’t it practically the same?

And thus begins the circular tail-chasing debate.

In my opinion, Google straddles the line drawn between Microsoft and Apple. Yes, (like Microsoft) Android was built for mass consumption and from a market share standpoint is already becoming the most influential player in the mobile world based sheerly on numbers. Yes, (like Microsoft) Google leverages their current success to launch new products and services that attract the watchful eye of federal regulators and privacy concerned citizens.

But Google isn’t Microsoft. Google, (like Apple) was the underdog not too long ago. Android, (like Mac) had a “cool factor” associated with prioritizing differently – Apple focusing on build quality and style, Google demanding openness, simplicity, and functionality. Both fueled an intense sense of community lasting long after they shed the underdog image.

I know for a fact there are a legion of Android fans who wouldn’t dare buy an iPhone but who swear by their Mac – I talk to them every day. It presents an interesting and off-balance discussion about the brands we support, what they say about us, and if any of it makes sense or matters. Hopefully you’ll continue that conversation below… feel free to provide tips and tricks on learning the curve and/or Android-friendly Mac suggestions!

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