Why Linux People Buy Macs and A Business Opportunity
After many of the Linux expos/conventions/meetings/whatever people point out that there seem to be a lot of Macs. So the first question is why do Linux people buy Macs? While, I think few people would dispute that Apples is really good at design. When you look at a standard Dell computer and a MacBook, the MacBook looks way, way better. There are a few other small reasons a Linux geek might use a Mac, such as already owning one, but I doubt that sort of thing is really the explanation for all the Macs.
This reasoning might seem a little counterinuitive at first. Who would think that Linux geeks would care about having their laptops look pretty? Really, though, this is not anything new. Compiz Fusion is, while also in some ways being useful, largely about looking cool. When openSuse came out with a pretty installer, it made news. Ubuntu’s new theme for 8.04 (now cancelled) got a lot of attention. All this points to one thing: Linux geeks really do care about how their computers look.
This still leaves the question of why Macs? Surely there are other companies that make cool looking laptops right? While… I guess there is Alienware, but they are on a fine line between “cool” and “just wierd,” so who makes laptops to rival the design of the MacBook and MacBook Pro? As far as I know of, not really anyone. I am sure there are companies out there trying to compete with Apple’s designs, but they don’t seem to be doing so well since Apple is still considered the king of design.
We already have companies like System76 and ZaReason making Linux-based computers, but why doesn’t one of these companies try more for style. Sure it might require more initial investment, but don’t you think a laptop designed to rival Apple’s designs would attract customers?
February 12th, 2008 at 6:58 am
You’re missing three important things besides style. First of all, a mac can run OS/X.. and even if you’re a pretty much full time linux user, it’s a valuable capability to be able to switch from linux to different OS that’s NOT windows… Second, a lot of linux users see Apple as either good or just a lot less evil, and want to support them. And third, there’s just not been that much choice in a laptop with no OS. Or rather, a laptop where your purchase isn’t funding the purchase of Windows licenses.. whether you get one or not.
February 12th, 2008 at 7:29 am
A lot (maybe even most) of these “Linux geeks” with Macs actually run MacOS on the things. So it runs deeper than just hardware design.
I think it’s more about having a (unix-like) desktop system where there aren’t hardware issues or installation woes and things “just work” as people say. Which isn’t Windows. And they don’t have to reinstall every 12-18-24 months - which is how long non-enterprise Linux distros are supported.
February 12th, 2008 at 8:23 am
There’s another reason to why Linux people buy Macs; they don’t have Windows installed.
February 12th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Obviously, you misunderstood the term “linux geeks” !
February 12th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Owning a Mac is more about fashion and trendiness than a technological choice. Even the assumption that a Mac “looks better” is arguable and highly subjective. It’s one of the most accomplished urban myths Steve Jobs has managed to sell out. Actually, this guy could bottle his farts in design containers and i’m sure that quite many maccies would eagerly buy them.
February 12th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Not a chance, the reason why Linux users are so fond of Mac’s are because they’re built on top of FreeBSD! Not only does it have the pretty factor, but it’s got the power factor as well, and ability to run any of your favorite linux programs on the Mac. Duh.
February 12th, 2008 at 11:18 am
I think that they just simply like the design or already own a Mac. Macs are truly a waste of money if you rub Linux because Linux can run on old crappy hardware.
February 12th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
The hardware is indeed good, but it’s really the entire package that attracts people to the platform (the operating system, the applications that come bundled with it, and the way everything works together to create a better computing experience). Anyone who has used a Mac for any length of time will tell you there is much much more to a Mac than just the hardware.
February 12th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Uh. There is a huge elephant in the room that you are ignoring. It is called OS X. Macs are preferred because of the OS, not just the looks.
February 12th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
I think he’s referring to people running linux on apple hardware.
February 13th, 2008 at 12:43 am
I’m a long time computer person who played with buying S-100 bus systems, almost bought an Exidy Sorceror, was raised on Apple product, went through the religious wars of Apple versus DOS and then Macintosh versus DOS and then Macintosh versus Windows and the rise of Linux against everyone.
I’ve used a lot of stuff out there and I’m just installing a specific POS with integrated accounting software that runs on Windows because I liked the functionality of this POS versus the other POS’s I looked at. I prefer my Macs just because they are a lot less of a pain than the few machines I do run Windows on, but either way, I choose the machine based upon the application software that will be run on it.
The OS is there to support the application and if I have a choice I can pick and choose which OS I can run it on, otherwise I pick the software and to hell with the OS, for the most part.
The problem as I see it with Linux, is that the geeks are trying to get everyone to be geeks, to play in the software, to contribute to the pool and make Linux better. The argument that you can fix it yourself is fine if you want to fix it yourself, but I’m of an age where I just want something that works and I don’t want to spend the rest of my days tinkering on the tool to make a better tool, I want to use the tool to do something.
I personally don’t have a problem getting my hands dirty doing whatever, but sometimes I don’t want to.
While Apple makes certain guidelines and “enforces” them through the HIG, Microsoft makes suggestions on interface and lets the developers do as they please. Linux on the other hand gets the developers to fight over which which way is better and you almost get armed rebellions and riots over whether this interface module is better than that module and whether this software can work with that particular interface.
Linux is way too complicated for its own good sometimes. Linux is getting better all the time, but it is still not there for the majority of people who have no interest in programming, no interest in piecing together old computer parts to create their working computer and no desire to become a backyard tech to keep their computer running.
This is personal opinion and observation on my part, not a declaration of war or a put down of anyone who thinks theirs is the only way. Pick your equipment and software and have at it.
February 13th, 2008 at 6:57 am
could also be the fact that apple sticks to similar hardware config so there is less of a hassle with trying to dig drivers and getting things to work properly!
February 13th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Most of the ‘Linux Geeks’ I know tend to use Macs as laptops and rooms full of aging hardware running Linux at home. Or those who get into it as a job still use a Mac laptop but administer their racks and racks of Linux blades from it.
A Linux Laptop, designed with Apple’s Cues? Sure. That’ll sell.
February 13th, 2008 at 11:21 am
I know some of GNU/Linux users who have Apple laptops, myself included (MacBook Pro + Kubuntu) and the majority bought it because the good hardware.
February 13th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
“I think he’s referring to people running linux on apple hardware.”
Exactly. Thank you.
February 14th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
on February 12th, 2008 at 10:14 am, manchine wrote:
> Owning a Mac is more about fashion and trendiness than a technological
> choice. Even the assumption that a Mac “looks better” is arguable and
> highly subjective. It’s one of the most accomplished urban myths Steve
> Jobs has managed to sell out. Actually, this guy could bottle his farts
> in design containers and i’m sure that quite many maccies would eagerly
> buy them.
You have revealed yourself as the true ignoramus you are. Good work…
February 18th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
I will rip out my spleen with a spork before I buy and Apple product. They deserve to be boycotted for the hideous nightmare known as OS X.