Yes, I agree with Rob and Bill. Though I think Macs are definitely unique. Ever been to an Apple store? I genuinely felt like I was in the recruitment center of a cult. I expected at any minute someone to offer me a free stress test. :)
Rob's comparison of the magazine reader vs. the Starbucks guy is spot-on. There's nothing special nowadays about owning a PC. I do see a certain amount of brand loyalty for the consoles, though even that seems pretty forced to me (unless you're dirt poor, why not just own both?) The computers were different because they required a more substantial investment, and you really had to be have considerable disposable time and income to own more than one computer (i.e., an Amiga AND an Atari ST, for instance). I'm assuming more than just superficial use, of course.
Yes, I agree with Rob and Bill. Though I think Macs are definitely unique. Ever been to an Apple store? I genuinely felt like I was in the recruitment center of a cult. I expected at any minute someone to offer me a free stress test. :)
Rob's comparison of the magazine reader vs. the Starbucks guy is spot-on. There's nothing special nowadays about owning a PC. I do see a certain amount of brand loyalty for the consoles, though even that seems pretty forced to me (unless you're dirt poor, why not just own both?) The computers were different because they required a more substantial investment, and you really had to be have considerable disposable time and income to own more than one computer (i.e., an Amiga AND an Atari ST, for instance). I'm assuming more than just superficial use, of course.
Matt Barton, Managing Editor
Location: St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA
Email: matt@armchairarcade.com