For some people, computers need to match the color of the curtains. My problem with iMacs and ALL
read that ALL
ALL ALL ALL
Golly-gee Dad, does all mean PC's too?
Yes it does son.

computers which are built:
  • So you cannot replace any parts on your own.
  • So when you replace one part you have to replace many (i.e. Want new RAM? It's soldered to the motherboard, you get to buy a new motherboard, video card, etc...)
  • In which the parts can ONLY be replaced by the manufacturer giving the public no right to choose and monopolizing the sub-market.
  • Machines which cannot even be repaired and must be replaced. (If we are not there already, we are getting close.)
As far as proof, how about the fact that iMacs are pretty close to un-modifiable, anything breaks and you have to ship it back to the company. No upgrades, no nothing. Lets do the math kids.

"iMacs are real cheap!"

Want a new monitor? you get to spend 1000 bucks+ and deal with a data transfer nightmare. I spend say 400 bucks and plug it in.
Want a new processor? you get to spend 1000 bucks+ and deal with a data transfer nightmare. I spend 600 bucks and plug it in.
Want a new ANYTHING? You get to spend 1000 bucks+ and deal with a data transfer nightmare. I'm going to spend a whole lot less and plug it in.

What if I never upgrade ever?
Than you: And you can "lose all respect" for me till the cows come home, it doesn't change the fact that I am, in my own mind, trying to offer counterpoint to what I feel could end up a dire and costly mistake for an undecided would-be computer owner. If you are going to buy a Mac, get a real one. If you are going to buy a PC, get a real one. If you want tech support nightmares, head aches and the joy of spending thousands of dollars on what is really second rate machinery only to do it all over again in 9 months, feel free to buy an all-in-one computer.

Modularization of technology was revolutionary and made our lives easier, now computer companies and yes, Apple in particular, are trying to shovel shit into a box, encase it in cute see-through plastic and sell it to you like its better than sex. It's a lie. If you want to buy the lie, make sure to get an extended service contract for the lie; Mac, PC or otherwise.

As far as an SGI being the best for graphics (which I implied), they are recognized as the worlds best graphics machines hands down and are made for that purpose specifically. They made SGI Indigo workstations that are now 4 years old, that are faster than any Mac or PC and still sell for 2000-4000 used. A New SGI O2 Graphics workstation (which looks a HELL of a lot cooler than an iMac) is going to run you upwards of $11,500. Its the industry standard of the elite, it runs IRIX. I feel it's safe to make some assumptions here.

And, for the last time. I do not like Macs. Compared to PC's, on a technical level, in my mind they are no better nor worse, as I said probably 4 or 5 times before.
I do not like Macs.
That is called an "opinion".
If you do not agree with having opinions, I have no idea what the hell to say to you.
If you just don't think that I should have opinions, I know exactly what to say to you, so let me know.


re:
eMachines are the work of SATAN.
(Unless you own one, at which point I respect your purchase, I also respect your future purchases of eMachines, iMac's or any modularized computer by any company running any operating system. I do not in any way wish to infer that you are bad, evil or satanic for owning such products nor do I wish to make you feel stupid for doing so. Led Zeppelin was a work of Satan too, I love them. -- The Mngmt.)



Re:Re:
A lot of what you say is true.
Components: All I have ever seen is clear power adapters to match the case, Zip drives and things like that. I was under the impression that Apple stopped letting other companies produce and sell hardware unregulated by Apple. I could be wrong.

Lame Proof: Again we get to make moJoe get even more in depth on the subject...
Most PC manufacturers suck ass. There are different levels of componentization, the best of which, in my humble humble opinion is buying the parts and building it yourself, or, having a small computer shop build it. You get warrenty on individual parts that way and can replace them withot voiding anything. Also, chances are nothing with be glued to your motherboard.

Slightly less appealing are factory built computers. There are numerous reasons why these are not as good to own. I already got into them a bit. if you want to know more, look it up. If you really really want me to write my 46 page Politically correct rant on why I think pre-made PC's suck, I can do that too but I think I was fairly clear on my stance on this already. The positive side to these are: They are easier to buy and require no thought what-so-ever to purchase. Set-up is identical to House made computers, so no help here.

And then the other end of the spectrum are all-in-one computers. I already went into them. Up-side is that they require no thought to purchase or set up. I am of the mind that we should eliminate the "magic smoke" from computer usage and that everyone learn to use them to a certain basic level. If you absolutly refuse to learn anything about what you just spent thousands of dollars on, thats your choice. If I own a car, I will know how to change my oil and tires at least. I'm just that sort of person. To me, and I am going out on a limb here, the limitations are not worth the money you save to make it a bit simpler for you.

SGI: All true. Nothing to do with which machines are better, but true. The reason I brought it up was due to the fact that it is what I hear most often from people who don't appear to know their ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to graphic design. If I had a cookie for every time I have heard the words "Macs are the worlds best computers for making graphics" I wouldn't be able to eat them all. SGI's are the best, they are also complete and utter overkill in most instances. Situationally, Macs can indeed be cheaper and equally effective. Why they are better than PC's has still not been explained to me.