Read your response. Sorry. Still enjoying my virus-free experience on the Mac.

I'm well aware that no computer system is immune from viruses. Virus-free doesn't mean virus-proof. Yes, viruses can be written for any platform, including the mac. Yes, there may be a day when enough viruses exist for the Mac that they spread and become a threat.

That day has not yet arrived. The practical matter is that I do not need to run antivirus software at this time. There are no credible threats out there in the wild for OS X, sensationalist journalism (and antivirus company PR departments) notwithstanding. And that makes me happy.

I'm sorry that seems to make so many other people upset.

Despite what is a blatant display of trolling, I will respond with some facts as compared to generalities.

My mistake, the Acer Canada website was not updated with the latest product.

How Acer achieves up to 8 hours battery life.

http://us.acer.com/acer-v2/productv.do?LanguageISOCtxParam=en&kcond61e.c2att101=62288&sp=page16e&ctx2.c2att1=25&link=ln438e&CountryISOCtxParam=US&ctx1g.c2att92=447&ctx1.att21k=1&CRC=2595810646

Ultra Low Voltage Processors

SU9400 – Dual Core 1.4 GHz/800 MHz FSB

SU3500 – Single Core 1.4 GHz/800 MHz FSB

Integrated GMA 4500MHD Video

6-Cell Battery (estimated 53 WHr)

Standard caveats for manufacturer claimed "up to" figures. No WiFi, low screen brightness, no optical or HD access. Basically it's "on" but not in use.

There is no innovation in battery technology, and has not been shown in testing to achieve anywhere close to the quoted figure under typical use.

Compare against the 15" Macbook Pro

Dual Core 2.53 GHz/1066 MHz FSB

nVidia 9400M Video

73 WHr Battery

Nominally the same size and weight for the two.

Last nit to pick, according the the ATSC standard 720p is considered HD. Commonly though, 1366×768 is not considered to be an HD display. Think 1080p.

"Macs are great for video editing and graphics design. If you need a computer for something different, the cost/benefit analysis is very heavily skewed in favor of PCs."

That is SO 20th century! You need to upgrade your knowledge base.

Thanks for validating my "IT fears the unknown" comment.

Is it the Mac that is "dumbed down", or are you just too afraid to dig beneath the surface? How familiar are you with UNIX? And were you sleeping during the whole "Macs can run ANY x86 software" statement?

There have been numerous TCO and productivity studies done over the years that override your cost/benefit conclusions. Unless the "costs" are your IT budget and the "benefits" are your employment. In that case, you are absolutely correct, PCs will definitely come out ahead in that case.

Sadly, neither side is going to argue the other into submission. Excuse me, I have an image to polish and a coffee that is getting cold.

Double check your quotes next time.

But using that mentality why not just buy OSX and create a Hackintosh? Best of both worlds as you say and still much CHEAPER.

Because honestly name one piece of software outside of Final Cut (amazing program) that is actually better then a Windows variant.

I don't have a problem with Macs or Apple. I just hate their prices. I love the new battery tech. It will force all vendors to rethink and competition is a good thing. I love my iPhone.

The Apple Tax (yes it exists) is just something I can't swallow. Underneath the hardware is all the same. But Apple slaps a pretty body on it and jacks the price through the roof.

Well, that's not entirely true. Macs are dumbed down quite a bit, so I guess if you can't follow the tried and true rule of "If you don't know what it does, don't mess with it," Macs will be more to your liking.

Additionally, you won't have to worry about your wallet getting too bloated.

You were managing a reasonable argument until you got the part about Starbucks.

Is it SO inconceivable for you to consider that perhaps some people just like to use a Mac? That it might not be about the image? Also, what are you doing in Starbucks, if not promoting some image of your own?

Simple fact is, there are no viruses or worms (self replicating malicious software) in the wild that affect Mac OS X. There are Trojans, but they require user input and authorization to deliver their payloads. And the user would have to engage in dubious software acquisition practices to be at risk. Security is the responsibility of the end user, no matter the platform. Security through obscurity is a facetious argument on both sides.

Your 20% argument is convoluted and makes no sense. All the Macs in my home can run ANY software that is written for x86, in any number of ways I choose. But hankering back to a previous statement, what is the point of all the software choice on Windows when you are still forced to choose amongst pieces of trash? That is not to say that there are not easy to use, best of breed software available to Windows users, there are. But the chances of finding, and choosing those software are diminished by all the noise.

As for the "governor" I infer that you mean Mac OS X? Have you even used it? I use both Windows and OS X proficiently, on modern hardware, everyday. Unless you do as well, you are unqualified to make such statements. Otherwise you are speaking from ignorance. I spend far more time waiting on Windows to get out of my way so that I may conduct my business, than I do actually getting work done on my Macs. This may all be anecdotal, but it is my everyday experience.

BTW, I own a KIA.

Jim: “Why buy a Mac only to install Windows?”

Jason: “I do not consider dual booting…as a valid form of access to software. The only thing you are doing is adding costs….”

(sigh) I’ll try to put this in terms even you might be able to understand:

It’s worth it because you get the best of both worlds. You can use those Mac programs which are superior to PC programs AND use those PC programs which are superior to Mac programs. Or are you going to try to convince us that ALL Mac programs are inferior? If so, then you really are a hopeless PC fanatic – or a paid troll.