It's about the Average User

Today's Editors' Notes Weblog at MacWorld really highlights how technical writers and power users are often out of touch with the average user. Dell's site has probably picked up 5% in the past week with all the technical folks comparing the Mac mini stats to a low end Dell. Let's look at the facts. On the average, a bottom of the line Dell 2400 is less expensive that the entry level Mac mini. If price were the only factor for purchasing a lower priced Dell or Apple then the conversation would be over, but there's more to the story.

Software: From my experience, average users purchasing a low end desktop typically don't ask questions about software they'll need after their purchase. iLife '05, Mail, iCal and other Apple apps are 1) integrated 2) included and 3) excellent. Once a typical user buys an Apple most of their software needs are fulfilled. Windows users are subjected to a below average Outlook Express for mail and there's no Calendar application (better get your wallet open for Office). While the Windows Media Player has worthwhile features, the Microsoft/Dell software bundle experience is dull and lackluster. Try adding up all the money you would spend on the software extras included with a Dell and you'll see how expensive things get. When an average user buys the Mini mac there's little extra software needed. Average users like that.

Genius Bars: If you're close to an Apple store you can take advantage of the Apple Genius Bar. Face-to-face, the Genius' will review any problems or questions you have with an Apple product. You can't do that with Dell or Microsoft. How much is that worth to the average user? Average users like that. (granted you need to have an Apple store near you, but there's always US based phone support)

Virus/Spyware/OS bugs: I've been part of IT long enough to experience the endless nightmare of keeping up-to-date with Windows viruses, spyware and OS bugs. Those don't go away with a Mini mac, but users can feel much more at ease. The frequency and urgency of these issues is minimal. Average users like that.

journalist, power users and technical pundits seem to get so lost in the technology they forget that sometimes there's more to a computer than just dollar value. To help articulate an Apple perspective you must get to know it and in the PC dominated world we live in that's unlikely. Average user: I'm thinking about you.