Apple Grrl

By now the resignation of a PC World magazine editor this weekend over the censorship of a set of articles on Apple – one “loving” Apple and one “hating” Apple – has become old news. In response, PC World magazine has opted to post the articles today, ending the censorship controversy. Of course, this is like shutting the barn door after the horses are gone, since they are still out one editor, as far as I know.

The “Love Apple” article can be read here. Excerpt:

Most computers look like they were designed by manufacturers of low-end office furniture, but Macs are so beautiful that they’d probably be fixtures in movies and on TV even if product placement didn’t exist.

And Apple is so basically innovative an organization that–to swipe a phrase from our own Full Disclosure columnist Stephen Manes–it essentially serves as the R&D arm of the entire technology industry.

In fact, we often find ourselves asking a question that’s been around almost since Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak started selling computers back in the 1970s: If Apple can do it, why can’t anyone else?

The “Hate Apple” article can be read here. Excerpt:

8. No Good For Gaming

Browse the Apple Store’s games selection–go on, we’ll wait. Oh, back so soon?

That’s understandable, because sorting the store’s games selection by the newest available produces titles that were introduced two or more years ago on Windows. Games have always been scarce on the Mac, and Apple still can’t convince many developers to make their titles compatible with its computers. Apple does equip some of its systems with high-end graphics cards, but with slim pickings to play on them, they’re a waste of money for most people.

My take is one of firm agreement on most of their points both pro and con. I’ve been a Mac user for over 20 years, and I agree that Apple Fanatics need to acknowledge that there is room for improvement, so that the message will reach Apple and changes will get made. Two glaring omissions from the “hate” list are Safari and Mail. I love the way these programs look, but their functionality is useless. I am forced to use FireFox and Thunderbird to handle all of my needs in browsing and multiple, fully-featured email accounts.

All in all, I’m glad PC World magazine finally posted the two articles. It’s good to air out opinions on a company, good and bad. Trust me, Apple Fanboys and Fangrrls, it is ok to acknowledge when your favorite company has issues – it’s how the issues get resolved. I hope Apple resolves the gaming issue and the Safari/Mail issue ASAP. I’d much rather be able to use Apple programs with their beautiful interface than have to rely on third party solutions to be compatible with my clients or do things I need to do online.

Author: Leslie Poston, © 2007, All Rights Reserved

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