Macs are Amazon's 'Most Wished For'

I love to read the comments from the Mac users as they try to justify their over-priced purchased by playing up the virus and "weekly maintenance" issues that PCs have. Funny, I've been using several PCs over the last fifteen years and I've never encountered ANY of those issues. A little common sense goes a long way to avoid theses supposedly common problems. It appears as though this level of common sense is absent in the Mac community, so they find it necessary to follow the Apple herd. To each his own, choice should always remain. I, for one, choose to live dangerosuly with my PC. I also refuse to buy extended warranties for anything, and I will swim in the pool right after eating. Steve, I'm sure, would disapprove.

Ed- Thanks for your thoughtful and constructive comments. Let me elaborate on a few points.

"User Account Control (UAC) can be disabled with a few clicks"

Yes, this was just a small example of various intrusions that admittedly exist to greater or lesser extent depending upon the version of Windows.

"That depends on your anti-virus program, not on Windows"

True, I did not mean to attribute all the headaches of "Windows machines" to Windows itself. Nevertheless, the very nature of the plethora of hardware, software, and devices that Windows must orchestrate contributes to its unwieldiness.

"this is no fault of the operating system; it's the fault of the software being (un)installed"

Again, try to buy a mass-market PC (HP, Dell, etc.) that hasn't been loaded with bloatware that requires surgical precision to remove. Actually, I have found that a complete re-install of Windows is the best option, and even then, you can't use the manufacturer-supplied restore disk, because their proprietary software is included.

"I do not, nor have I ever, had to invest hours per week keeping my PCs or Macs running"

Agreed. My wording was imprecise – I intended the "hours" term to apply to the cumulative time spent doing daily "small fixes" over a longer period of time. However, I have spent hours troubleshooting particular issues (virus, malware, etc.) on PCs that are rare or nonexistant on Macs.

"Have you actually used a Windows operating system installed on high-quality hardware in the past fifteen years?"

Yes. I have been using PCs and Macs continuously for the past fifteen years. I use a new Dell (with Windows XP) at work every day. But I own an iMac, MacBook Pro, and iPhone for my personal needs. Additionally, I am experienced with a variety of programming languages and human-computer interface programming (no- I have no connection to Apple other than as a consumer

"millions of people use Windows-based PCs to take care of business"

True, but for many of us in the workplace, we aren't given a choice – we use what the company buys.

"If Windows-based PCs were so truly inferior, then Apple would own a majority of the share in the $1,500+ computing market."

I'm not sure what data you are relying on, or if that is an assumption. $1500+ COMPUTING is much different than $1500+ PERSONAL COMPUTING. When you look at personal computers over $1500 alone, I believe you will find a fair amount of market penetration of Apples, particulatly in research, technology, arts, and entertainment. Also, it's true that Apple has nowhere near a majority share of the installed market, but when you look at current sales, Apple's growth far outpaces PC market growth (16.4% vs. 2.3% for 4Q '09, according to IDC)

"The difference essentially does boil down to personal preference these days, especially now that the hardware is so similar"

Personal preference AND economics. I still maintain that many PC owners don't use a PC because it was their first choice – they use it because they couldn't afford a Mac. That's not meant to insult anyone's financial means, it's just a fact. Apple doesn't compete at the low end, so for buyers looking for the absolute cheapest machine that can do email, surf the net, etc., a Mac is not on their shopping list. I recently talked to a computer programmer at work (who uses LINUX primarily), who loved my MacBook Pro and said she would love to have one, but couldn't afford it, so she bought a PC laptop.

I agree that experienced computer users can operate in the Windows world with few problems (tweak your anti-virus program, disable a few dialogs here and there, don't click any suspicious links, etc). But that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the ease with which a Mac does the same tasks. By tightly integrating the hardware and software, by using a UNIX-based OS, and by developing the iLife suite to keep everything elegantly tied together, Apple has created a user experience that can't even be approached by a Windows PC.

Oh, this is rich.

"They get used to clicking "Cancel" or "Allow" on their Windows box every time their clunky, bloated operating system asks."

Neither XP nor Windows 7 do this, and User Account Control (UAC) can be disabled with a few clicks in Windows Vista. UAC was introduced as a security feature in Vista, and it was an effective one.

"They don't notice how often they have to dismiss dialog boxes from their Anti-virus program."

That depends on your anti-virus program, not on Windows. If the Macintosh platform was as widely utilized as Windows, you'd need to use anti-virus software on it, as well. In any case, my anti-virus software is nearly transparent, as is Windows Firewall.

"Or when they have to go into the Windows registry to fix some piece of errant garbage left by trial software they never used in the first place."

While I've never had to do this on my personal machine, I've had to do it on client machines before. Again, though, this is no fault of the operating system; it's the fault of the software being (un)installed.

"For these people, let them stay in the Windows world – they are blissfully happy, their attention occupied by the mundane drudgery of living with Windows."

I am in both worlds, actually, and I see no major functional problems with either platform. I will repeat what I said earlier: I do not, nor have I ever, had to invest hours per week keeping my PCs or Macs running.

"They will even insist that they DON'T spend hours doing these needless little 'fixes' all day, every day. They really believe that!"

Of course I (and hundreds of millions of other Windows users) believe that: it's because we do not spend "hours each day" (or even each year) performing 'fixes.' Have you actually used a Windows operating system installed on high-quality hardware in the past fifteen years?

"For those of us who want to actually accomplish something with our computer – without the constant frustration of viruses, anti-virus software (almost as bad), crashes, and inelegant design – we will stay comfortably with Mac."

Again, I'll reiterate that I use both platforms regularly, and I fully believe both platforms are perfectly capable. But millions of people use Windows-based PCs to take care of business, and they do an admirable job of it. As far as crashes: I haven't experienced a hard lockup using any of my XP, Vista, or 7-based PCs. The only Windows operating system in recent memory that had genuine (i.e. not related to the hardware running it) stability issues was Windows Millennium Edition.

"There is also a reason that the Mac/Windows "debate" is so heated – those stuck with $500 Windows computers feel a need to rationalize it as a 'choice' when they know they would switch if they could."

Unlikely. Some flavor of Windows can be found on everything ranging from $200 netbooks to $10,000+ servers. If Windows-based PCs were so truly inferior, then Apple would own a majority of the share in the $1,500+ computing market. It doesn't, so this argument doesn't necessarily hold up.

I'm still quite entertained by the need of Mac (and some PC) users to insult the financial means and intellect of those who choose one platform over the other. They're both perfectly capable, functional platforms capable of accomplishing most anything users require. The difference essentially does boil down to personal preference these days, especially now that the hardware is so similar.

"The assumption that PCs require repairs weekly is most definitely a faulty one."

"for someone who uses their machines all the time for both work and play there really is no difference"

Some people are easy to please. They get used to clicking "Cancel" or "Allow" on their Windows box every time their clunky, bloated operating system asks. They don't notice how often they have to dismiss dialog boxes from their Anti-virus program. Or when they have to go into the Windows registry to fix some piece of errant garbage left by trial software they never used in the first place. For these people, let them stay in the Windows world – they are blissfully happy, their attention occupied by the mundane drudgery of living with Windows. They will even insist that they DON'T spend hours doing these needless little "fixes" all day, every day. They really believe that!

For those of us who want to actually accomplish something with our computer – without the constant frustration of viruses, anti-virus software (almost as bad), crashes, and inelegant design – we will stay comfortably with Mac.

Yes, it's more expensive – and Apple reinvests their hefty profit margins in more research and development to continue innovating. There is a reason that those of us who can afford it drive BMWs instead of Camaros. There is also a reason that the Mac/Windows "debate" is so heated – those stuck with $500 Windows computers feel a need to rationalize it as a "choice" when they know they would switch if they could.

Its all in the user. I have owned a PC laptop for almost five years now. Yes it was top of the line when I bought it and its still middle of the line now, but I have never had any problems with it. Although I do know how to use a computer i.e. not watching porn = downloading malware etc… etc…
But I do know that here in NM there is only one Apple shop, so if something which did, to my iphone I had to drive two hours (one way) to have the mac guy tell me that I needed to make an appointment. The next day when I returned for my appointment, they told me they cancelled it because I was late five minutes, which was caused by a traffic jam. I called tech support and they set me up with another app and the mac guy took less than five minutes to repair the problem. So I spent twelve hours for a five minute job.
Unless you live close to these places you better wish you never ever have any problems with a Mac. Or your computer will be down for awhile.

I checked all the machines in that top 25 list, all of the non-Macs use a core solo, celeron, pentium dual core or a relatively weak T6600.
I guess Cheap is cheap ..

"the people that tell us all that they own an expensive camaro, should'nt tell people not to define themselves by thier puchases."

Point missed by mile, spelling not too good either…

" Some would argue that those who would rather spend hours every week servicing their computers instead of actually using them to accomplish their ends, that THOSE people are the simpletons."

I do not now, nor have I ever, spent "hours every week servicing my computer." And I've owned MANY computers, including a couple of Macs. The assumption that PCs require repairs weekly is most definitely a faulty one.

I use and abuse my Mac. Yes, I have a Windows machine, but it gets turned on about once a month just to make sure the battery has not died. Also, I've been around Windows since Windows 2.x and still do not see the basic problems with this OS fixed and I don't think that Microsoft will fix them. And the comment about the same quality is spot on. If you want a $300 netbook that will break in a year, then go buy one. I have a Thinkpad that was made in 1998 and refurbished in 2001. It still runs and runs well for what I want to do with it. I don't own a top of the line Mac either. I bought a suitable machine with three years worth of usability and I have a while to go.

Harry probably can't even afford a Ford Focus, so that's probably why he's an angry little man!

@Harry

Camaros are cheap, compared to many other cars.

the people that tell us all that they own an expensive camaro, should'nt tell people not to define themselves by thier puchases.

Ahh, the great PC vs Apple debate rages on. It's so much fun to read and learn just how crazy people are – on both sides of the argument. So much misinformation, so many closed minds.

The Windows clones have no idea what's out there, and I don't think they want to know. They're content with doing the same thing they've done forever. Windows XP is how old now? They just don't like change, so they keep their heads in the sand.

The Apple fanboys are just nuts. They probably only represent 10% (or less) of all Apple users, but their vocal nature causes them to make about 99% of all posts and give everyone else a bad name. They know what they like, what works for them, and they think everyone on Earth should follow suit. Most have probably never even tried a competitor's product. They just assume that the Apple version is better.

I think "choice" should be the way to go. If you like Windows, buy a PC. If you like Apple, buy a Mac. What happened to freedom? Sure, your choice might work for you, but it probably won't work for everyone. Why try limit everyone's options? I wonder how many Zune bashers have actually even laid a finger on a Zune? The ignornace and arrogance needs to stop.

Somehow, the retail price sticker has become equated with quality. Just because brand X costs twice as much doesn't make it a better computer. Sure, I could buy two Audis, but I love my new Camaro so much more, I wouldn't even think about it.

People need to get over themselves and stop defining who they are by their purchases. In the grand scheme of things, your opinion doesn't really matter.

"And whatever child wishes for an iPod and gets a Zune in his Christmas stocking"
Been there done that.
Zune was returned on Jan,2 and iPod was bought instead. As a result I paid twice – once for Zune restocking fee and the second time for iPod.

Macs milled aluminum enclosure feels extremely solid. Screen is brilliant.
The closest notebook on the market –
HP ENVY 15 series has the base price of $1800. 13 series is $1700 – more than a similar MacBook Pro. Tell me that the quality comes cheap.
This is not a competition between Mac/OS and Windows because people who buy cheap notebooks would love to buy Apple but cannot afford a good notebook. Regardless whether it is HP Envy or Sony or Apple. Like many people stick BMW poster in their rooms but can only afford to drive Toyota

Say what you want, but for someone who uses their machines all the time for both work and play there really is no difference – except for price. They both has pluses and minuses, and a $1,000 price difference. Even my old mac was imaged with windows as a lot of things did not work without it. I'm a heavy business user and understand how a computer works and don't need Apple controlling my user experience. Overall for the money and versatility, I would always choose a PC. Also as a side note, Win 7 is fantastic and I could not be happier (I even got rid of my 1 year old mac entirely).

Our older son just switched to a Mac. (we were a generation of Dell PC's going back 15 years. It was easy to buy, a piece of cake to set up and use. They don't get viruses and you don't have to worry about calling India when something goes wrong. Now we're all thinking about switching!! And yes, we feel they're worth the extra money.

just for the record any one who has to service a pc on a weekly basis is a simpleton because they don't know how to use it. to reinforce that statement if that person who has so many problems goes out and buys a mac well enough said! i can't even remeber that last time i had to service my custom built pc.

o wait!!! did i say the "i word"!!! that is pretty unique something apple fans think they are buy overpaying for an intel computer and BSD unix which is free BTW!!
instead by running my custom built pc (BTW this pc is running CentOS Linux and INTEL Core Quad CPU).

Now when you think about it, kind of makes me like the person in the classic Apple super Bowl commercial smashing the giant TV screen. The apple users are watching it and I am smashing it. Why make such an outrageous claim!!! Well I have better quality harware for a lot less and Free Redhat Linux based software
running really smooth.

Still I could never truly understand why people have issues with PC's. I know what your thinking, this guy is contradicting him self because he is running linux. No, I am also running Windows XP Pro on a second monitor off a second pcie graphics card using a custom Xen software still in beta. So no need to reboot or buy a kvmswitch.

what does all this gibberish mean in plain english:

0) you are a really talented engineer or software dev
1) you really know what you are doing when it comes to computers
2) you think you know what your doing
when it comes to computers
3) you are a lay person just like every one else
4) your identity got stolen because you don't know how to read directions and click on every large colorful banner advertisement, open emails with interesting subject names. out of this frustration you bought a Mac.

END OF STORY

@ James
“

Who in their right mind would wish for a MAC? Just another example of the sheepish mentality of the masses. It's sad and pathetic to see people who define themselves solely by their possessions. It's like the people who buy SLR cameras and assume they're now expert photographers. Just because you buy an over-priced computer doesn't make you some sort of computer expert. After all, the MAC was designed for the average simpleton, someone who really can't handle anything more complex. Keep that in mind next time you're clicking away on your one-button mouse!
Posted By James – Detroit, MI: November 29, 2009 2:28 PM”

–
Your argument is very funny.
1- On the one hand you are part of the crowd who brag that 90% of PCs are Win based, then accuse Macers of following the crowd! I see a contradiction here.

2- Your sense of prejudice against anyone who buys a high-end product is clear when you rail against SLR owners. True some buy for status, but most buy because they are seriously interested in photography. Is it just possible that maybe they get what they pay for? I am a serious amateur photographer who gets a great deal of satisfaction out of my work.)

3- “Mac for simpleton” What a silly simplistic answer. Some would argue that those who would rather spend hours every week servicing their computers instead of actually using them to accomplish their ends, that THOSE people are the simpletons. You still don’t get it – people buy the Macs because they feel that they get VALUE out of them. Period.

Look – you may prefer a Win-PC, like I said before: fine I got no prob with that. If you wanna stick your finger in your own eye go ahead – but kindly keep it outa mine.

@Zack
"Seriously a computer is only just a computer. It is how you make use of the computer that is more important.
Posted By Zack, SGP: November 29, 2009 12:50 PM "

Well said!

I only want to add that those of us who have been using Macs feel that we get a lot more done – i.e. are way more productive – than on PCs. This is from experience. Now perhaps this is not real only our imagination, but it is important to us.

If someone else is happy with their Win-box – fine. I got no propblem with that. To each their own.

The past few holiday seasons the folks at the Apple Finance Board had followed the Amazon electronics bestseller lists in electronics to the point of near obsession.

A few trends from anecdotal observations over the years: iPods tend to claim many of the top spots in non-computer electronics as we move closer to Christmas. Navigation aids have become more popular as holiday season items and digital camera also appear to be a perennial favorite.

As for computers on the Amazon sales lists: Apple's distribution channels (online and retail stores) have increasingly taken a bigger percentage of Mac sales during the holiday season. It's expected the Apple retail stores will set new records for store traffic and sales per square foot this holiday. The fact that Macs remain a popular purchase through Amazon may be a bullish sign for Mac sales this quarter. The recently refreshed iMac is one reason for Apple's appearance on the lists and strength of the MacBook Pro line can not be denied

What I find most interesting about the computer wish list and bestseller chart is the lack of interest in products of one PC manufacturer in particular – Dell. Last quarter Acer replaced Dell as the world's #2 PC maker. Acer has experienced a period of explosive growth due to the popularity of netbooks. Not resting on its recent accomplishment of blowing past Dell in the global PC unit shipment rankings, the company is setting its sights on besting HP in PC sales volume. The company is also moving quickly to release Android-based smartphones.

Many us of us expect Apple to report record or near-record Mac unit sales numbers in the December quarter coming off a sensational back-to-school season with more than 3 million Macs sold in the September quarter. Many also expect the iPhone to reach record unit sales of 8 million or more this quarter as well.

But if there's a company to watch other than Apple to gauge where consumer interest is headed, Acer is emerging as a global leader in portable personal technology and may help set the pace for Android-based smartphone adoption while pushing Windows PC prices to new lows. Prices so low that even Dell is challenged to compete on price due to the corresponding reduction in margins.

Wishing for a Mac. Wishing you hit the lottery. Wishing the beautiful girl next door was your date. Wishing you could go on a six month cruise. Those are the things that dreams are made of. Nobody wishes they could buy some cheap Windows PC or shoddily made netbook. Those are the things that nightmares are made of.

And whatever child wishes for an iPod and gets a Zune in his Christmas stocking instead had better get his blood type checked, because he might be adopted. And if he isn't, he'd better try to get a adopted to a family that would understood the hints he'd been dropping all-year long.

I switched from a pc to a MAC 2 months ago. I got tired of pouring money down the Windows rathole. Best decision I ever made and DEFINITELY worth the money. I love my MAC. It's a whole new world now. Once you go MAC you'll never go back.

That 1884 superbowl ad with the mindless minions doing Big Brothers' bidding, is sooooo apropos TODAY!!! Raybo in Sarasota (great town!) dsaid it VERY WELL….I too don't HAVE to try and thwart the EVILS of the Web, with my Mac! What a REFRESHING change….NOT brought by Obama-mama!

Wishing for Apple Mac,

ahhh, as original and special as wishing for errr, an iPod, yes! you will be the only one on the lawns of your university or in the local starbucks. everybody will look at you with envy (you've got the 13" MacPro when everybody else got the 15" white from last year.

ahh the originality!

I suppose the many "Windoze" users who've commented here are waaaay to sofistomacated to actually use a "Windoze" 7 application to say, uh, go to the um, Apple website and find an actual $599 computer that does nearly everything the Apple $4,000 computer can, with the same very, very inexpensive OS as well as the may sites some folk have whipped up, on THIER "Windoze" boxze,s that can turn their poor old computers into Mac boxes, Linux boxes and so on….. you trolls are too funny, I hoping for a quick end to Health care debate because, I can't wait for education reform!

Big difference for the lucky ones with a Mac under the Christmas Tree as opposed to PC users…

Within minutes you are making movies, slide shows, posting them on YouTube and Facebook and loading up that iPod with music.

Merry Christmas!!

I wonder if one of the reasons more people are realizing that buying a mac is a good value goes beyond the fact that, for the price, you get more from Apple. I think it has to do with people realizing just how much time they spend at their computers, day in and year out.

When you add it up, it makes a lot of sense, per hour, to buy the best experience you can afford. Anyone else see it this way?

More Microsoft zombies, I guess they hate Apple because they cant afford one!!

Apple's new Magic Mouse is da bomb. Amazing device that not only double clicks but scrolls and swipes with gestures.

James said "Who in their right mind would wish for a MAC? Just another example of the sheepish mentality of the masses."

That's funny. I always thought that's what is said about PC buyers.

The abbreviation of Macintosh is written "Mac", not MAC.

Anyway, chances are most of those people are not going to receive those beautiful Macs from supposedly loved ones. They'll likely end up with some cheaply-priced Windows PC lump of coal netbook that was picked up in the priced-to-sell-quickly section on Black Friday. Since that cheap netbook was bought out of love, make sure than when you open that present on Christmas morning, put on a big smile even though you're sobbing on the inside.

"Keep that in mind next time you're clicking away on your one-button mouse!"

As usual, the trolls who have no idea what a modern Mac has or how it works are out in force. They continue to be threatened by the fact that anyone could possibly choose to use a different computer than them. Sad, very sad.

I'm still amazed by the Windows 7 folks who hate Mac. I purchased Mac because their new OS which is a full 64-bit version cost me $30 to purchase. It didn't require any license key and will do a an upgrade or new install from the SAME disc. To buy an UPGRADE from Vista to Windows 7 will cost me $120 and that is just for the HOME upgrade. MS Windows still has the windows registry and DLL isssues that have been there since Windows 286 back in the 80's. I'm more than willing to pay MORE to a company who REALLY changes their OS instead of using their OS as a cash cow to fund other markets. Until MS makes a BETTER OS than OS X I'm done giving them my money. Maybe MS will stop pouring money into XBOX and really fix their OS. OS X is a 64-bit Unix kernel that is loaded up with Open Source software and great programming tools.

MS is such a clone company it is pathetic. In the 80's they tried to be like Lotus/IBM and in the 90's they tried to be like Compuserve and Netscape. Now they are trying to be like Apple and Google. Does MS even know who they are and what they do as a company besides make 3rd rate products to compete in industries that have nothing to do with a PC Operating System? You folks that hate Apple keep hating them. Your religious rant makes me wonder if you work for MS are just afraid of change. Nobody cares about a PC OS as long as it WORKS. Until MS fixes the Windows registry design in Windows 7 the OS is so frail that after installation and removal of software over a one year period it will slow to a crawl. By the way I've been using computers since the 80's and use to love MS and hate IBM. I never thought I would by a Mac but they make the best computer PERIOD. I have a degree in computer science so maybe I'm more spoiled. MS can't even compete against Apple at a software level they have to do it on hardware cost AND software cost. Ironically on the cheapest hardware MS software is very crappy and it counts for OVER 50% of the total purchase price. I'll take the Ferrari and enjoy my purchase that doesn't get thrown away in three years. Keep giving MS your money. MS will use it to pursue yet another market to grow their Wal-Mart style business. I don't like throw away. I like quality and I'm willing to pay for it.

PC users, what's with the hatin' words ie. moron, simpleton, pathetic etc.? If you like your system, use it. Mac users like their system for a variety of completely valid reasons. Same as you. Are you angry because . . . well, I can only guess, but millions of other PC users know why urmad@mac.

Ordered the 21.5" iMac for the 7th grader from Amazon on BF, got a great deal on a great all-in-one. Great HD screen, built-in mic and camera, innovative new Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, lots of built-in software – what's so bad about that deal? And – no virus software, no Ad-Aware, no Spyware software constantly slowing things down…

"Who in their right mind would wish for a MAC? Just another example of the sheepish mentality of the masses. It's sad and pathetic to see people who define themselves solely by their possessions. It's like the people who buy SLR cameras and assume they're now expert photographers. Just because you buy an over-priced computer doesn't make you some sort of computer expert. After all, the MAC was designed for the average simpleton, someone who really can't handle anything more complex. Keep that in mind next time you're clicking away on your one-button mouse!"

Another pathetic misinformed Windows zealot joins the conversation. Use what you want…but with 90% of the population using windows with it's cheap OSX knock off interface, I wonder if you gave the sheep moniker to the right people. Windows waterboys always the first to spout off & open their ignorant mouths. One button mouse? This tells everyone what they need to know…you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. I guess UNIX is for the average simpleton…you are ignorant now get out of mommy's basement & find a place of your own.

Lot's of conservative, wrongly-informed minds in here. Everyone has a computer these days and I really mean everyone. Sometimes it occurs that after a few bluescreens, slowing down,… some people want a Mac to get rid of their problems. At that point they really don't want a PC, believe me!! I have both so my opinion is probably worth more than James'. A Mac isn't only designed for photographers and musicians. It just happens to be that the best programs for it are Mac-only. A Mac, especially the 13" Macbooks and iMacs, are absolutely awesome for the regular home user. Browsing the web, listening to your music, organizing your pictures, receiving mail and chatting with your friends… all these things are just so much easier and fun than on a PC. I only boot up my PC every now and then to run a program I rarely use.

Well, actually the current Apple mouse does not have a single button. =)

@ james. Masses? Masses buy Windows, shop at wal-mart and belly-ache why no one buys "made in Anerica" anymore as they look for the most cheapest thing possible. Macs were not made for people like you just like a BMW or Mercedes was not made for you. Your Chevy like Window gets you from point A to B, which is great, but some people can afford to buy a better made car or computer and not have to worry about it breaking down, i.e. us simpletons.

As someone who recently switched from a PC to a Mac, you simply couldn't pay me enough to return to the Windows OS. Me thinks the Mac haters here are posting out of a sense of jealousy or insecurity, as you just don't find Mac users returning to the PC. The additional price for the Mac is unquestionably worth it, IMHO.

I agree that the entitlement mentality some people feel when it comes to gifts is unfortunate. You shouldn't think you are "entitled" to a Mac considering its significantly higher price for an entry-level model.

This is not to say that I would give anyone a Windows computer for Christmas. Perish the thought!

D

Who in their right mind would wish for a MAC? Just another example of the sheepish mentality of the masses. It's sad and pathetic to see people who define themselves solely by their possessions. It's like the people who buy SLR cameras and assume they're now expert photographers. Just because you buy an over-priced computer doesn't make you some sort of computer expert. After all, the MAC was designed for the average simpleton, someone who really can't handle anything more complex. Keep that in mind next time you're clicking away on your one-button mouse!

"cheap"?! uh, I don't expect my family and friends to shell out over a grand for my christmas! Or even $500… I'm grateful for what I get and for having those people around who care about me. THAT is the point of Christmas, not the dollar amount. If I wanted a Mac that badly, I'd save up and buy one.

Next time, get Mom and Dad into an Apple Store. You have to see, feel and use a Mac to understand why they're worth more money. That PC will, of course, get you through college. Hopefully, someday you'll become successful enough to buy the computer everybody wishes for.

Mac is an overpriced operating system. It had a slight advantage with Windows, which is gone now with Windows 7. I love my new Windows 7 laptop. Why would any moron pay $$$$ for a Mac, which is pretty much the same (or in many cases of flexibility) inferior to Windows 7? I don't get it. Anyway, I am not buying a Mac or letting anybody in my family get a Mac.

Think Margins, think tiers to Iphones…

"You wish for a Mac and get a Windoze box, Bummer"–I was thinking the exact same thing. Anybody who doesn't understand what a let down that would be obviously uses a PC. And trying to compare Windows to a Lexus is rich–more like getting a Ford Focus.

@Jason

There's one shred of truth in your diatribe.

You don't deserve a Mac. Glad you realize that.

Seriously a computer is only just a computer. It is how you make use of the computer that is more important.

"You wish for a Mac and get a windows box. Bummer" – wow your a tool, I'd be glad if anyone bought me a computer regardless of what it was, I wouldn't wine and complain like some spoiled brat because my parents realized how retarded it is to buy someone a Mac who probably doesn't deserve it….I guess its like those sweet 16 girls who ask for a mercedes and only get a lexus…what a clown

Great to hear for Apple. The profits (for example) of the MacBook Pro in the No. 3 spot probably exceeds what Toshiba and Acer are getting combined for the top two spots. Then they also have three of the top four spots for "Most Gifted" desktops and four of the top 10 "Bestsellers" for laptops and desktops?

I know this is data from one source (however, thinking of the demographic buying from Amazon may appeal most to – this sample becomes more interesting). For Apple, a company that has such a small percentage of multiple markets (as well as proving it can maintain the lead once it has it in others) – I wonder if I am the only one who sees this as at least a good start to the holiday season? What does this say about the halo from 2001 that got a new shine to it in 2007? What will it mean for earnings in January and future quarters?

Please enjoy your holidays!

The Mac is well worth the price! I've had a Mac now for about 6 months. I've had no PC switchover problems! Sooo much more to do On a Mac. Buy one NOW!!!

You wish for a Mac, and get a Windows box. Bummer – you have cheap friends and/or family.

It could be worse. You wish for an iPod and get a Zune!

Wow, imagine asking for a Mac for Christmas and getting some cheap, crummy HP laptop instead.

That's like asking for a G.I. Joe and getting socks.

Let's see which laptops fall into the "Most Returned" list after the holidays.

I bet it won't be MacBook pros, but the junky, cheap boxes put out by Acer, Dell, HP and the like.